Bored of Autism, ADHD, etc

Hi all, 

Strange title, I know, especially given where I have chosen to publish this. But does anybody else feel the same? It may be that my late diagnosis contributes to how I am feeling or that I have only had my diagnosis for seven years. Still, I constantly have the feeling reinforced by my interactions with the "support structure" that runs parallel to the neurodiverse community.

I suppose I suffered from a certain amount of naivety as I trudged along the diagnostic path. I often considered what life would entail (It is nothing like I thought it would be) from a post-neurotypical perspective. Would I become a maestro on the piano? Would I develop savant-level maths skills? I kid, obviously, but it highlights a significant point as to how Autism and ADHD are perceived in broader society and how there is far more grandstanding than tangible services and support; indeed, knowledgeable services anyhow. It baffles me how influential neurotypical people are within the system. Not that I am suggesting it is wrong, as such, as I find it odd, there is a particular paradox to it, if you will. 

Don't get me wrong, I am fortunate in certain aspects, primarily economically; I don't have to worry about housing, bills, etc. However, there is a certain finality in receiving the benefits. It is like giving children treats as a trade-off for some peace. It never occurred to me that retirement would come so soon. As I previously said, I had a late diagnosis and worked for two decades prior. If I am honest, it was never really successfully, often obsessively and massively aided by the industry I was in (Gordon Ramsey, anyone?). For two-thirds of that time, I was the boss, so I was perhaps lucky not to have gone through some of the challenges faced by the small number of neurodiverse individuals in the workplace; I was miserable, and it was accepted. 

So yeah, there is some context and justification for my opinion. I'm tired of going to see 'specialists' who know less about the subject than I do, tired of treading water in life and close to breaking point on hearing the endless parade of businesses who are "embracing equality, diversity, and inclusivity" in the media (an obvious marketing ploy) yet couldn't identify the basics. How do others feel? Am I alone in feeling like this? It occurs to me that the solution often is worse than the cure or doing nothing at all in some cases. I want to contribute, I want to be busy, and I want to use all the skills and strategies that I have been taught to combat the negativity of neurodiverse behaviours. Yet every avenue I've explored is a dead-end or comes with normative restrictions that mock the rehabilitation process (if that is the correct word). 

As the saying goes, "No (insert relevant) is an island", so I open the floor to your feedback and thank everybody for taking the time in advance. 

 

Parents
  • I wouldnt say im bored with it, more like shocked. Shocked at the lack of knowledge and understanding by the nedical proffessionals in general. Its not like autism is a new diagnosis. Where has everyone been? They avoid talking about the diagnosis, because they dont understand it. 

    Please this has to be a priority. Lives are ruined as a result of the lack of knowledge and understanding.

  • Hi Tulip, 

    Thank you for your input.

    I don't think your opinion is in the minority. Certainly one of the main factors of my wanting to go back to work in some capacity is motivated by frustration and over a decade of experiences similar to many others within the neurodiverse community. My personal favourite was there wasn't such a thing as Adult ADHD until 2008. Where's the logic in that? Though on the positive side, it does give hope for everybody labelled 'different' under negative connotations. I mean how much worse could it possibly be? Surely we have earned a chance? 

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  • Hi Tulip, 

    Thank you for your input.

    I don't think your opinion is in the minority. Certainly one of the main factors of my wanting to go back to work in some capacity is motivated by frustration and over a decade of experiences similar to many others within the neurodiverse community. My personal favourite was there wasn't such a thing as Adult ADHD until 2008. Where's the logic in that? Though on the positive side, it does give hope for everybody labelled 'different' under negative connotations. I mean how much worse could it possibly be? Surely we have earned a chance? 

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