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Confused and need clarity.

Latediagnosedandlost

Hi all. I've not been on for a while as have been quite introspective about my diagnosis and something is eating away at me. In my after interview conversation with the consultant/specialist, he said i am indeed Autistic with ADHD running co currently. When I got my piece of paper making it official, all it said was Having ASD, along with what to do next, workplace reasonable adjustments etc. And no sign of ADHD. Now, being autistic I naturally require clarity and feel adrift that I now don't know exactly what I am? What can I do about this as its eating away at me. It sounds silly but I don't feel validated or authentic. 

Thanks for reading.

Parents

  • I understand this.

    It might be worth looking at your wider medical records if you have access to them - particularly the notes from that consultation. If your consultant has written that you have ADHD as well then that's official, even it if isn't included in your ASD assessment results.

    It's only relatively recently that the diagnostic criteria have allowed for ASD and ADHD concurrently (AuDHD), they used to be considered mutually exclusive. But importantly there are no combined diagnostic criteria for AuDHD; you are either being tested for ASD or ADHD, there's not yet a combined assessment that checks for AuDHD. That's why your ASD assessment won't say you also have ADHD.

    I'm really hoping the next versions of the diagnostic criteria (there are multiple, and they can give different results depending which set of criteria a person is being assessed against!!) recognises AuDHD as something distinct from ASD and ADHD, with its own set of diagnostic criteria.

Reply

  • I understand this.

    It might be worth looking at your wider medical records if you have access to them - particularly the notes from that consultation. If your consultant has written that you have ADHD as well then that's official, even it if isn't included in your ASD assessment results.

    It's only relatively recently that the diagnostic criteria have allowed for ASD and ADHD concurrently (AuDHD), they used to be considered mutually exclusive. But importantly there are no combined diagnostic criteria for AuDHD; you are either being tested for ASD or ADHD, there's not yet a combined assessment that checks for AuDHD. That's why your ASD assessment won't say you also have ADHD.

    I'm really hoping the next versions of the diagnostic criteria (there are multiple, and they can give different results depending which set of criteria a person is being assessed against!!) recognises AuDHD as something distinct from ASD and ADHD, with its own set of diagnostic criteria.

Children
  • in reply to Waggers

    I have also been diagnosed with AuDHD.  Yes, the DSM doesn't include AuDHD at present, but improvements in understanding through research suggests strongly that there is a comorbidity between Autism and ADHD.  There are difficulties in having a dual diagnosis in that Autism manifests in a way that 'contradicts' ADHD.  It's a paradox:

    "The traits of one condition often hide or "mask" the traits of the other, which regularly leads to delayed diagnoses or missed support—especially in adults and women.

    The Internal "Tug-of-War" (Contrasting Traits)

    Living with AuDHD involves managing opposing neurological impulses at the same time:

    • Routine vs. Novelty: Autism craves predictable structure, safety, and fixed routines, while ADHD constantly seeks dopamine, novelty, and spontaneity. This can result in feeling paralyzed by boredom yet overwhelmed when a routine changes.
    • Hyperfocus vs. Distractibility: An AuDHD brain might lock into intense, deep hyperfocus on a special interest (an autistic trait), only to be pulled away or derailed by sudden ADHD distractibility.
    • Social Push-Pull: There can be an impulsive, hyperactive desire to talk or connect (ADHD) clashing with social anxiety, sensory exhaustion, or difficulty reading nonverbal cues (autism).
    • Sensory Overload: Both conditions involve sensory processing differences, making bright lights, loud noises, and crowded environments much more intense and physically draining."  I found this, I've asked whether it's okay to post links, but think it helps in trying to understand the complexities we face:

    Autistic and ADHD life as a paradox: a personal perspective

  • in reply to Waggers

    I have checked and does just say ASD. Why say that in the interview and then not put it to paper? For someone like me, that clarity is important. So what am I? I'm going to try and contact PsychUK and drill down and find out if this can be checked and amended. 

  • in reply to Waggers

    Thank you for replying. I will check and find out.