Shafniya Kanagaratnam

Age: 25
Occupation: Practical nursing student, Seneca College

WHAT ARE YOU STUDYING AND/OR WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL AMBITIONS?

I’m studying Practical Nursing at Seneca College.

WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS, INTERESTS, AND HOBBIES?

My hobbies are crocheting, gardening, and photography. During my spare time, I like to play with my dog and volunteer. I’m passionate about youth mental health and learning more about the potential impacts of receiving a late diagnosis of ADHD and other brain-based developmental disabilities.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH BRAIN-BASED DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES?

I was 22 years old when I was diagnosed with ADHD. I struggled to navigate school and social settings, but I didn’t know why until I received my diagnosis. Afterwards, I started to realize the implications of being diagnosed late: I had to figure out accommodations and learn how to actively pick up on social cues. Initially, I viewed my ADHD experience from a medical point of view, but over time, I’ve started to approach it from an intersectional framework. I’ve realized that my race, gender, and social class may have contributed to my late diagnosis.