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Undiagnosed AuDHD

Terencemon

Hello, 

I feel like a fraud coming on here as I don't have a diagnosis, so I hope it's OK. 

I spoke to a doctor for general adivce as i feel i've been unravelling more lately as im not able to use my coping mechanisms properly lately. The doctor referred me for an assessment for autism and ADHD. The stimming, the social issues, spending the whole day reviewing a conversation in my head examining the small things to make sure i said the right things in the correct way, i interpreted them the right way, the feeling when eye contact is made, the lack of it and being touched, the fixations, the struggling with light and sounds, the breakdowns with routine change, the mind shut downs to name just a few as there are more.

Ive always felt normal and that these are normal issues that everyone has day to day, like I said I feel like a fraud at the minute. I'm 35 and have been like this since I can remember. Its not like I'm searching for something but it all makes sense. 

Has anyone ever felt like this? Should or could I ask for advice here? 

Thank you

  • You dont have to be diagnosed to seek support or identify. I identified as autistic 3 years before my diagnosis, and currently only self identify with ADHD. If it feels like it  makes sense, it probably does. My advice would be to connect on here, listen to autistic/adhd advocates and inform yourself as much as you can. It can be really validating. Wish you the best :)

  • Welcome   and yes, you are not alone. Many of the experiences you list seem familiar to me as a fellow AuDHDer. All of us started undiagnosed and some still are. Self-identification is absolutely fine. Being here to learn and share is good. I have found my exploration of autistic life to be more successful when upheld and guided by fellow neurodivergents. Hope you find the same here.

  • An antonym for fraud is truth (you are trusting us here; with your truth).

    You are safe and welcome here - equally - with, or without, a diagnosis.

    Many of us who have come to realise / understand our Autism as adults will likely have felt similarly to that which you have described (it can be a confusing experience).

    Please do:

    • ask your questions,
    • share your passions and
    • explore your aspirations
    • (both "good" days and "less good" days are equally valid for each of us here).

  • It's funny how you can go your life just coping, and suddenly find there is this condition called Autism and it describes the way you live you life. You are in the right place, it really helps to suddenly not feel so alone in your struggles!

  • in reply to profdanger

    For example, you could check out this recent thread in which someone is asking about whether they could be Autistic after a lifetime of identifying as ADHD only. It’s a long one, but you may find that they have similarities to you!

  • Good morning from America, Terencemon!

    You certainly can ask for advice here! There are some that frequent the site that have “self-identified,” or they have accepted that they are Autistic and identify as such even without an official diagnosis. You are not a fraud for using this forum.

    I’d say look around and check out some of the threads. Definitely look up threads that align with some of your interests or worries (ex. struggling with lights and sounds) with the search bar. You’ll find that there are plenty of others with similar traits to yours!