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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

  • Hey ,

    You sound just like me in many ways. I think the difference between this is that you use lots of strategies to remember things. I have recently been diagnosed adhd and I'm on the wait list for autism assessment but its highly likely for me to have confirmation. I've done lots of research into both adhd and autism. How they show as a combination is different to singularly. There's often a clash of symptoms some being 'cancelled out'. The adhd helps with finding your own strategies to help and the autism giving routine and great attention to detail. I'm not a professional by any means but my advice would be to research adhd and their behaviours. Are you reflective and analytical? 

Reply

  • Hey ,

    You sound just like me in many ways. I think the difference between this is that you use lots of strategies to remember things. I have recently been diagnosed adhd and I'm on the wait list for autism assessment but its highly likely for me to have confirmation. I've done lots of research into both adhd and autism. How they show as a combination is different to singularly. There's often a clash of symptoms some being 'cancelled out'. The adhd helps with finding your own strategies to help and the autism giving routine and great attention to detail. I'm not a professional by any means but my advice would be to research adhd and their behaviours. Are you reflective and analytical? 

Children