I am a person, 31, I have at times had the thought that ‘I must be Autistic’ and other times I have had the complete opposite thought. Currently, after taking a few online batteries and reading a bit more Im quite sure I am not.
Reasons I think I am not revolve around 3 symptoms/ criteria - repetitive gestures and routines.
I do; however, highly suspect I have ADHD.
I suppose my question ‘boils down’ to this, probably naaive idea thst autism is the exact opposite of ADHD, where I struggle entirely with keeping my apartment clean, getting taxes done, and enjoying my hobbies (increasing knowledge of topics I like, collecting thinks revolving around the topics, engaging in regularl, habitual activities with structure-structured engagement). It seems that Autism would he a silver bullet if I could somehow catch it.
I know this is ignorant, naaive and maybe even disrespectful or hurtful. I also am aware that there is a significant percentage of people who have both. I’d like to say that I do not mean to hurtful in this today’s impulsive quest.
Questions for real this time–
*If you are Autism/ADHD, which did your doctor notice/diagnose first?
Which did you notice might be apparent first, if you weren’t diagnosed by guidance of parents?
Do you feel a constant friction between these two sorts of things? *
I suppose I really have quite a number of questions if you (individuals whom are AuDHD or either or and are also reading this post on this phenomenon)feel like fielding them.
Apologies for the poor structure. And I hope to hear your inputs.
I find taxes, for example, to be inconsequential, immediately. I also find taxes to be…I cannot start until I get every iota of paperwork needed and not needed but deemed important by myself for unknown reasons. And then I dont get those papers, or I do but I dont actually get the papers I need only the accessory things I felt very important. Somewhat overwhelming when combined with other tasks. “Gotta do taxes” “but i NEED to so laundry” “gotta fold clothes, BUT I dont really” so on and so fourth.
Thank you for your reply. I suppose what I need to do is be more mindful of symptoms and ‘watch myself more closely’ until the assessment.
I do find moving my toes up and down is comforting, sometimes rocking my upper torso (when i know im not being observed) is also comforting. But it feels natural like probably everyone does that a little bit. Especially when very stressed.
The social criteria is the main mover or primary motivation for seeking diagnoses. I dont know if it this or that disorder but I have always felt different amd been described in various ways as being different. I find it bery hard to imagine how one can meet friends, maintain friends, let alone have a long term romantic partner who lives in the same household. I never make eye contact as it makes it me lose my train of thought.Eye contact seems like a thing that is directly opposed to meaningful conversation, how can anyone focus and fully flesh out a thought when staring at a goblet of eye. I do feel as though I have higher than average knowledge of how others feel or what their emotions are when speaking to them. I believe this to be an adaptation based on my life.
A mannerism I’ve been called out on is that my vocal volume is so low thst people cannot hear me and then I will begin to shout a few randomly. This is because I randomly remember that I am prone to speaking too quietly. This has resulted in comedic situations, and people being genuinely upset (angry) thst I was yelling at them.
Thanks foe the reply