I am a person, 31, I have at times had the thought that 'I must be Autistic' and other times I have had the complete opposite thought. Currently, after taking a few online batteries and reading a bit more Im quite sure I am not.
Reasons I think I am not revolve around 3 symptoms/ criteria - repetitive gestures and routines.
I do; however, highly suspect I have ADHD.
I suppose my question 'boils down' to this, probably naaive idea thst autism is the exact opposite of ADHD, where I struggle entirely with keeping my apartment clean, getting taxes done, and enjoying my hobbies (increasing knowledge of topics I like, collecting thinks revolving around the topics, engaging in regularl, habitual activities with structure-structured engagement). It seems that Autism would he a silver bullet if I could somehow catch it.
I know this is ignorant, naaive and maybe even disrespectful or hurtful. I also am aware that there is a significant percentage of people who have both. I'd like to say that I do not mean to hurtful in this today's impulsive quest.
Questions for real this time--
*If you are Autism/ADHD, which did your doctor notice/diagnose first?
Which did you notice might be apparent first, if you weren't diagnosed by guidance of parents?
Do you feel a constant friction between these two sorts of things? *
I suppose I really have quite a number of questions if you (individuals whom are AuDHD or either or and are also reading this post on this phenomenon)feel like fielding them.
Apologies for the poor structure. And I hope to hear your inputs.
As an adult I think it would be rare for your doctor to diagnose you with either, especially out of the blue.
After seeing a therapist for years I finally said "I think I have ADHD" and she said that she agreed it was likely. I'm not sure if she mentioned autism before or after this convo but I was like lol there is no way I'm autistic. I apparently had no idea what autism was.
So I told my doctor I wanted a referral for a psychiatrist he just gave me a prescription for stimulants and made a referral. Like so many other people the meds let the autism shine ๐
The mental healthcare system here is in the shitter so a few years later I shelled out for a diagnosis at a clinic. I indicated I wanted an assessment for ADHD and autism and was found to have both. One of the clinicians was like, "you're medicated???" so ended up getting my meds increased too lol.
ADHD is a lot more socially acceptable so maybe it happens first for so many people because it's easier to accept? I'm still not there with my autism diagnosis.
If you think you have it, it might be helpful to take some self assessment quizzes. I like this website: https://embrace-autism.com/autism-tests/
I also like the Adult ADHD UK podcast. I listened to it in order and thought "oh wow I'm really like Sam" and then she gets diagnosed with ADHD...and then Autism. So that helped me see it too.
Is there friction? Yup. Allow me to communicate via memes
(I'll move the furniture and then cry because nothing is how it should be and everything is going to be impossible.)
Ah this was a thorough reply.
The memes are fairly relatable.
No one has diagnosed me. I am speaking to a psychologist whom I specifically asked for an autism and ADHD diagnoses. Im awaiting the actual assessment after filling out a bunch of papers.
A lot his questions like: do you often not hear your name? Do you find a particular texture uncomfortable? I am find myselfing answering no. It has happened, I believe several times, but its hard to recall these things. The only stimulation I find quite irritable is like a club atmosphere and large crowds in grocery stores or other brightly lit clinical settings eith crowds. Clubs make me feel immediately irritable and tired amd stressed
Autism ๐
Sure, but you asked which one a doctor would notice first. I am saying they wouldn't notice either unless you brought it up to them. It's presumed that if you made it to adulthood you are normal now or something.
They are also evaluating how you answer the questions. As an aside, if you have to have a system, or tags on your shirts don't bother you because you would never buy a shirt with tags, then they do bother you lol