Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi,
Does anyone have any advice on Autism and ADHD.
I am a female and was diagnosed at the grand old age of 45 with Autism but lately I am wondering if I also have ADHD. I have a son who is 9 and has been diagnosed with ADHD but is in the process of seeing if he has Autism.
I read up on lots of information and it is sending me loopy as autism and ADHD have many symptoms that cross over.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Additionally, building a support network, engaging in regular physical activity, practicing mindfulness, and exploring hobbies can help. Taking these steps can foster a sense of connection and improve overall well-being.
Thank you everyone for your replies, it means alot. I will defo look at all the links ppl have suggested. I am also going to make an appointment with the doctor...armed with why I think I have ADHD and thanks for the suggested wait time of a year, I know it's a long wait time.....but I'm worth it !!!!
I completely agree with the psychology today article - that what we call ADHD and Autism are simply a mismatch with the current human environment in Western Capitalism (not everywhere globally).
But some of those ticktocks I can't watch
While yes, that can be both the ADHD brain and the Autistic, the key to understanding the difference is the more an autistic individual is allowed, encouraged and supported to finish one thing at a time, the more grounded they become. In my experience, my friends with ADHD somewhat thrive with a million things happening at once. Autistics are accident prone with more than one process and with things perpetually left unresolved.
When I was recovering from depression and battling with anxieties and lost agoraphobia and basically was in the transition state, where old "Aspergers" label was not explanatory to me anymore(but worked very well in depressed state) and more and more ADHD was more applicable, I found this article, with thought provoking title:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shouldstorm/202008/what-if-some-mental-disorders-arent-actually-disorders-all
I've also found very relatable(to me) tiktokker videos:
True ADHD stories:
PT7:
https://www.tiktok.com/@tim_ahern_art/video/7002226443560226054
Video on research about ADHD(taking into account pandemic period, it is still very fresh):
www.youtube.com/watch
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.837424/full
In terms of advice - if you have ASD, you have to apply for ADHD as a separate diagnosis, regardless of how high % of ASD and ADHD comorbidity is. Do it as soon as possible, as that is ~1 year long process. Also, this combination will make perhaps major changes on perception on what your ASD is and some explanations would make more sense.
The additudemag.com has some screeners for adults I think.
My daughter has both. She struggles with the ADHD more as it affects her focus and executive function badly.
i got a diagnoses of combined adhd and add with a big dollop of autism It was explained to me that if you have one you more than likely have the other it hasn't changed my life much apart from the meds have completely shifted my mindset and everything seems so easy now which is nice
Both Autistic and ADHD individuals are characterised by the amount of information and connexions they're making in their thought processing. ADHD is marked by an impulsivity and Autism by more precise and pre-warned transitions. ADHD'ers are great with what seems like multi-taking, Autistics by being highly focused on one-thing-at-a-time. An autistic individual will find they are more accident prone when forced into an unfocused state, ADHD live and function much better at what appears to be a faster pace. Autistic individuals may do well with Judo or Yoga as sport, ADHD with marathons. The thing I find unique is that ADHD individuals seem to be able to bridge a communication gap between NeuroTypical or Non-Autistic and Autistic.
With communication and a seemingly lack of organisation we appear similar, but ADHD seem to float between all forms of understandings while Autistic individuals have a more analytical and depth of thinking approach.
The amount going on in our brain all at once and the ability to hyper-focus is a marked similarity. However, many Autistics can, over time, learn their depth of thinking and pace of transition facilitates an ability to use hyper-focus for many things they may not necessarily be interested in. This does not include executive functioning as tying a shoe or organising a folder is not a matter of 'interest'. Autistics may thrive in a very organised, uncluttered space where everything has an exact place - for life. ADHD may not mind the mess, changing things up often.
This chap has a good explanation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNgLrPkp2y4
Due to funding, these things are still under research. But we are all talking with one another on these matters, which is how research happens anyway. Another good one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dEjCGvKmEA