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Autism / ADHD contradictions?

Seejai

Hi All,

In researching about autism (I've been referred for assessment and what I've read is eerily like my life story) but I've come across stuff that doesn't "fit" in terms of being impulsive and craving novelty.

I'm an obsessive planner and hate being late (my time keeping is good), but I'm impulsive and easily distracted so rarely follow through on all my plans although i need the deadlines to motivate. I do better in a routine, but get bored easily if something doesn't interest me. I have certain things that I have to do (music, exercise) but I need the novelty and challenge of doing different sports/types of music to maintain interest. I don't have restricted food interests - I like variety and binge (diagnosed eating disorder) when I'm bored or emotional. I can focus and do high quality work, but I procrastinate, get distracted and overwhelmed and have to use techniques to keep me on track. I'm good at detail, but too much detail on the wrong thing bores me.

I really don't meet the full criteria for adhd as I'm not disorganised or forgetful on a day to day basis and I did well at school. I do seem to meet most of the criteria for autism with the exception of the above.

What does this all mean?? Am I just going mad? My family are all very much routine people (I recognise more "typical" autistic traits if that's not a contradiction in terms) but I'm the weird one that craves change while also struggling with the social/emotional sides. Does this mean I'm not autistic?

Parents

  • I can relate to a lot of that, including some family members appearing to be much more 'typically' autistic and me being the odd one out who craves the novelty. I am forgetful and disorganised on a day to day basis though and I'm well known for not always being on time (which I do hate but giving myself a break from beating myself up about it for now).

    The social and emotional difficulties are I think the biggest part of my ASD although it's only 10 days since diagnosis. The nurse who assessed me said my hesitancy when asked about change 'sealed the deal' diagnosis wise. I just couldn't articulate at the time that if I'm blindsided by change it is sometimes a problem but on the other hand I do crave new things an awful lot. I'm still on the waiting list for ADHD assessment.

    In short...I'm no expert at the moment but maybe social/emotional difficulties are enough for a diagnosis and someone once told me that if you think you're going mad it's usually a good sign that you aren't. I hope some of that at least helps and good luck with it all.

Reply

  • I can relate to a lot of that, including some family members appearing to be much more 'typically' autistic and me being the odd one out who craves the novelty. I am forgetful and disorganised on a day to day basis though and I'm well known for not always being on time (which I do hate but giving myself a break from beating myself up about it for now).

    The social and emotional difficulties are I think the biggest part of my ASD although it's only 10 days since diagnosis. The nurse who assessed me said my hesitancy when asked about change 'sealed the deal' diagnosis wise. I just couldn't articulate at the time that if I'm blindsided by change it is sometimes a problem but on the other hand I do crave new things an awful lot. I'm still on the waiting list for ADHD assessment.

    In short...I'm no expert at the moment but maybe social/emotional difficulties are enough for a diagnosis and someone once told me that if you think you're going mad it's usually a good sign that you aren't. I hope some of that at least helps and good luck with it all.

Children