Jools Oliver, wife of TV chef Jamie Oliver, has spoken about receiving two life-changing diagnoses after what she describes as having “45 years of her life ruined”. The 51-year-old mother of five said she was left “drained” after a decades-long struggle with autism, a condition her children also have, and was additionally diagnosed with ADHD.
Diagnosis after children's autism discovery
Explaining on the Lessons from Our Mothers podcast, Jools said: “[My ADHD diagnosis] was about four years ago. And I’ve got the medication, but I don’t want to take it because I’m scared – due to health anxiety – that something will happen; it’s just an ongoing situation. But I found out the children had autism. So, then I thought, ‘my God, that sounds like me’. So, I went for that and I’ve got that as well.”
Jools is mother to Poppy, 24, Daisy, 23, Petal, 17, Buddy, 16, and River, 10.
'It's no superpower'
She went on to describe the impact of her diagnoses: “It’s a little bit overwhelming to know what I actually have and what’s actually wrong with me. For me, I think it’s quite draining. I think it’s tiring. And I think it’s actually ruined, well I’m 51, so far 45 years of my life thinking it’s something else. It’s no superpower, it’s just drain and it’s really hard work.”
Jools said she is unsure whether her stress was exacerbated by the menopause or is simply the result of her ADHD and autism diagnoses.
Previous fertility struggle
She previously opened up about her fertility struggle, admitting she was secretly longing to hit menopause so she could stop feeling broody and wanting to have a sixth child. In 2021, when she was 46, Jools thought the time could be right to get pregnant again.
Speaking on the Life & Soul podcast at the time, she said: “I have thought about IVF because having researched it and spoken to some amazing people, it seems like the right option for my age. But you know, it's hard because also I've got a partner, you know, I've got to think about him; I'm not so sure he's that keen to do it that way. So I don't want to push anything, because I'm very lucky. I presume when I get to an age when I'm in the menopause. I will think actually, 'thank God.' I will feel relieved that it's not possible and I can just carry on with my life and you know, relax, because it's always in the back of your head, that's the problem.”
