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Earl Spencer Believes Princess Diana Had Undiagnosed ADHD During Her Lifetime
Earl Spencer says his sister showed signs of severe ADHD and dyslexia, citing her school struggles and sensitivity to rejection.
Earl Charles Spencer asserts in his memoir, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, releasing tomorrow, that Princess Diana likely had undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia based on personal memories and historical school records.
Teachers' reports from Riddlesworth Hall noted Diana had "great difficulty in concentrating for any length of time" and described her "flibbertigibbet" mind and struggles with "impenetrable" subjects like French and maths.
Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, Spencer recognizes parallels in his sister's behavior. Diana found "spelling and word orders" tricky but was never tested for the condition during her lifetime.
Understanding this condition helps clarify Diana's emotional sensitivity and relationship struggles, Spencer argues. He suggests her tendency to "turn on a pin" and perceived paranoia were responses to rejection, which she felt "very deeply."
Spencer reflects on the toll of public life on Diana, who often felt "drained" by her duties and went to bed by 9:00 when alone at Kensington Palace. Her son Harry has also discussed his own attention difficulties.