Hi everyone, introducing myself :)

AngAuDHD said:

After a lifetime of struggle I finally received my Autism & ADHD diagnosis this year. I also have RSD, OCD, PTSD, anxiety & depression to name but a few.

Autism & ADHD are different neurodiverse conditions that are related to how your brain has developed, all seemingly caused by a combination of factors which are not fully understood yet but have a high probability of being genetic (80% of cases are inherited).

These are both spectrum conditions which mean there are a range of typical traits that are caused by the different brain development. Everyone has a number of these traits and everyone has these to different intensities, so you will have a scattergun effect of them and it seems no 2 autists are the same.

Anxiety is a common autistic trait rather than a condition in its own right, as is RSD (rejection sensitive dysphoria) while depression and PTSD are symptoms of your experiences of the world that isn't accommodating for your traits.

This helps keep the jargon in context.

I will suggest a range of books and you can decide which are relevant to your needs:


Very Late Diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome - Wylie, Philip_ Beardon, Luke_ Heath, Sara  (2014)
ISBN 9781849054331

This will help you understand more about what you are going through at the moment. It isn't a guide but shared experiences and explaining how others feel and some tips on dealing with it.


Asperger Syndrome and Anxiety - A Guide to Successful Stress Management - Nick Dubin (2009)
ISBN 9781843108955

Anxiety is a big issue with many serious impacts for us so I would recommend this to learn techniques to control it better.

From Anxiety to Meltdown - How Individuals on the Autism Spectrum Deal with Anxiety, Experience Meltdowns, Manifest Tantrums, and How You Can Intervene Effectively - Deborah Lipsky (2011)
ISBN 9781849058438

Meltdowns are our nuclear response when things build up and are incredibly difficult to control, but this book is worth reading to know more about them, to share with your partner so they know what to do when they happen and to remind yourself to get your anxiety under better management.


Autism in heels -  the untold story of a female life on the spectrum - O'Toole, Jennifer Cook (2018)
ISBN 9781510732841

Not a guide but a story of another womans experiences growing up autistic which will help you see you are much less alone than you may think. Maybe for bedtime reading to help you relax.


Managing ADHD Workbook for Women, Exercises and Strategies to Improve Focus, Motivation, and Confidence - Duan MD, Christy (2022)
eISBN: 9781638782452

A good guide for dealing with ADHD as a woman.

Lots and lots to take in here so pick and chose what you want to spend your energy and money on, but I think all will be of use to you.

For specific questions this site is the best place you will find outside of an experienceed therapists meeting, so don't be afraid to ask away.

It's good to have you in the club.

Hi Iain, I really appreciate you taking the time to give me all the above info & the recommended books, I will certainly have a look & buy some!

I will be sure to ask some questions when I have them. I have always avoided forums in the past because I struggle with interactions, notifications & keeping up with them but recently I have been using them & find them very useful!

Thanks again :)

Hi Iain, I really appreciate you taking the time to give me all the above info & the recommended books, I will certainly have a look & buy some!

I will be sure to ask some questions when I have them. I have always avoided forums in the past because I struggle with interactions, notifications & keeping up with them but recently I have been using them & find them very useful!

Thanks again :)