Attention problems (not ADHD)

Hi, I am newly as well as late diagnosed and since diagnosis I struggle from imposter syndrome. One the reasons is that I don’t have a special interest nor the ability to deep dive due to attention issues. I find it hard to stay focussed on one thing, and that’s even when I do something I like. I also switch routines and obsessions/ short-term interests. So I thought it could be ADHD/ AuDHD, but was found to definitely not have ADHD (went for an assessment). I feel a bit lost because when I google attention problems in autism, AuDHD comes up all the time which seemingly I don’t have, and in most forums people who say they have problems with attention, seem to be able to focus on things they have a special interest in. I am not sure what to do now? Any advice?

Parents
  • AuDHDer here. You can have ADHD and Autism and not be able to focus on special interests. I do have some special interests, like greyhounds, and I get anxiety talking about them because everyone expects the Autistic guy to know EVERYTHING about his special interest lol. I don’t know everything, and for some things I don’t want to know everything yet. It’s also very common to have short bursts of interest that fly from one thing to another. I recently obsessed over the Seattle Sounders soccer team and quickly switched interest again to something else. It happens.

    It’s not a bad idea to consider a second opinion.

  • Thanks  I think that’s really helpful and reassuring!

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