What exactly is different about me? A journey into finding one's autism type

Hello people. I joined here in the summer sometime and it's been great to check in most days with you. It's been a lot better/easier/more comfortable than social media places like Twitter and Facebook that seem much harder work.

I feel like posting an update from my side as, well, my brain/spirit has decided I shall.

For about 6 months I've been trying to figure what -exactly- is different (you could say special) about me compared to most people at least.

I've looked at Asperger's - but felt more similar to the female Aspies.

I looked at a genetic condition called fragile X syndrome but ... the NHS refuse to do a test because they don't regard me as having an intellectual disability. I think that's a bit short-sighted as that way they set up their own confirmation bias, but oh well.

I found out about PDA thanks to people on here - this one I had quite a lot of crossover with, more than Asperger's I reckon.

Now, I'm starting to research ADHD - so far, there's a pretty good fit with what I'm good at and what I struggle with.

I'm going to keep reading before I venture at seeking a diagnosis.

I've heard PDA is pretty tough to get a diagnosis for in some parts of the country. Plus, from what I've seen, adult diagnosis seems maybe harder? I don't know fully on this but a lot of my more obvious childhood 'wild child' symptoms have calmed down and I'm now just really sensitive and struggle on a lot of tasks that supposedly 'should be' really easy.

And that last point goes neatly into ADHD as a possible as it seems that quite a lot of people with ADHD really struggle in a similar way.

Another thing is, there's quite a lot of PDA/ADHD overlap and ... ADHD seems to be easier/better diagnosed than PDA.

So, that's where I'm at. It'd be quite cool to hear of anyone else with quite a long search to find their type of autism.

Parents
  • 'ello Slight smile ....I think I'm doing the same as you, researching and finding a fit, then doubting, then researching a bit more! 

    I think my special interest is figuring myself out!! Anyway, like you I find this a safe space to be and I've enjoyed your thoughtful contributions.

    It would be nice to be your unique self without a label, but I agree that giving that uniqueness a label - or many - can make things easier to deal with.

    One day I think I'm aspie, another just anxiety and another day sensory processing disorder. Maybe I'm all, maybe none. I enjoy sleuthing it out to be honest.

    I hope you find an answer or at least relish the search x

  • It's kind of funny some of the emotional experiences one can go through in the search.

    For me, I like the idea of finding a group who really seem to understand and get me. It would be nice to be 'normal' within a group as being so 'different' a lot of the time can feel tiring.

    I personally quite like labels. I liked categorising my music when younger. And I quite like picking up new labels. ...and yet, we are indeed all really quite unique.

    I'm finding I kind of 'want' to be in the ADHD/ADD group. Possibly it's because I feel quite similar to/at home to that group, possibly it's because ADHD people seem to cope better at life than the folks with PDA (so more hope in life) and possibly because there seems to be better tools for dealing with the struggles in life for the ADHD people.

    I'm just typing my thoughts as they come into my head in this message.

Reply
  • It's kind of funny some of the emotional experiences one can go through in the search.

    For me, I like the idea of finding a group who really seem to understand and get me. It would be nice to be 'normal' within a group as being so 'different' a lot of the time can feel tiring.

    I personally quite like labels. I liked categorising my music when younger. And I quite like picking up new labels. ...and yet, we are indeed all really quite unique.

    I'm finding I kind of 'want' to be in the ADHD/ADD group. Possibly it's because I feel quite similar to/at home to that group, possibly it's because ADHD people seem to cope better at life than the folks with PDA (so more hope in life) and possibly because there seems to be better tools for dealing with the struggles in life for the ADHD people.

    I'm just typing my thoughts as they come into my head in this message.

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