#adhd and asd questionable

[maidieye]

Well... now there's a whole story....

PLEASE READ AND AND SHARE.

hipolink.net/maidieye/tips

[titan-god-helios]

simply existing as neurodivergent is tiring.

no matter which it is, every neurodivergence comes with its own set of symptoms and traits that makes even sitting and trying to relax something that takes energy.

for me, my adhd makes it so that i have a CONSTANT inner monologue. and that "monologue" consists of SO much. it feels like there's a main monologue of my most prominent thoughts, another monologue in the background and another after that too, with music playing off in the distance, mental images flashing in and out and also having to stay present in the real world so i don't fuck everything up in real life. my brain is always on high speed and when it isn't there's still mental noise regardless from the monologue. and its fucking tiring. it makes my social battery lower than ever and means that i never truly get a moments' peace unless i superengineer my surroundings to force it. which again, takes energy.

if you add the fact that my autism connotes sensory issues, a baseline of anxiety for pretty much everything due to yk. uncertainty of situations, having to mask and be hypervigilant to keep up my masking etc, it becomes even more tiring. masking whilst being distracted in a conversation is even harder.

then my npd dogpiles essentially and makes it so there's a subsection of my inner monologue dedicated to screaming at me and mocking me or others all the time. that's fucking tiring.

i get intrusive thoughts. i disassociate a lot. my mood can change very quickly due to the emotional dysregulation that comes with my everything. that's tiring.

it feels like my brain is constantly doing its best to fuck with me at all times. and its doing a pretty damn good job at it.

that's not to mention other neurodivergences that other people may have such as did/osdd, schizospec disorders, cluster a, b and c personality disorders, down syndrome, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, bipolar disorder, synaesthesia, intellectual disabilities, auditory processing disorders, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, tourettes' syndrome, tic disorders, cerebral palsy, parkinsons', alexithymia (which i have and makes it exhausting to just. figure out how you feel at any given time and makes things such as giving consent much harder and lengthier) and so on

if you happen to have physical disabilities alongside neurodivergence, it's even fucking harder.

it's fucking hard. it's not a bed of roses, or doesn't only affect us when we're doing stuff. us sitting on the couch and trying to relax may take enormous amounts of effort that you simply do not see.

please be patient with us. we're trying our best.

[actuallyadhd]

Hi, I have a question about adhd and autism. I have an autism diagnosis and was assessed for adhd a few years ago, but I was found to not have symptoms during childhood and so I wasn't diagnosed. (The psychologist also seemed to think I was too smart to have adhd so I don't really trust her assessment.) I'm wondering if my autism could have masked my adhd as a child, and if so, if you have any tips on how to go about getting assessed again.

Thank you!

Sent April 12, 2025

Okay, so ADHD and autism can sometimes be misdiagnosed as each other. Then there's this weird thing where if you have one you may well also have the other, but you're also more likely to be just ADHD than just autistic. (I hope that makes sense. Basically, since you're autistic you're more likely to also have ADHD but it's not for sure.)

Depending on how your autism affects you, it could certainly have masked your ADHD (and vice versa!).

There's a lot of discussion going on right now about what exactly is the nature of autism vs the nature of ADHD. There's a lot of overlap between the two, and the best way I've had to explain the difference between autistic executive dysfunction vs ADHD executive dysfunction is that the base reason for the issue is different. So someone with just ADHD might struggle with being on time for a completely different base reason than someone who is just autistic. ("Just" here meaning "only the one thing" not "not a big deal".) Meanwhile, someone who has both (AuDHD) might struggle with being on time for different base reasons on different days or at different points in the same day.

Good for you for understanding that whether or not you have ADHD or autism has nothing to do with how "smart" you are! I am fed up with that idea and really wish people would realize that intellectual disability can, indeed, come along with autism and ADHD, but it's not a given. (One of the reasons IQ tests are not great for neurodivergent people is that they don't typically have adaptations allowed for different methods of communication. You just do the tasks and if you can't talk or you have a meandering way of getting to the actual answer, you lose points. That makes literally no sense to me. And yes, I know my number, and it's useless and silly.)

In order to get reassessed, you will need to get a referral to a different clinician. If you live in or near a college town that has a good psych program, there may be someone on staff who specializes in autism/ADHD. Go to your doctor and ask for a new referral. Be clear that you want to see someone different from last time, just to get a second opinion.

If the second opinion is that you're only autistic, no ADHD present, you may still find that ADHD tricks can help you, just as I found a lot of autistic tricks helped me before I was diagnosed with ADHD (whether or not I'm actually AuDHD is still up in the air, and at nearly 50 I don't see the point in pursuing a diagnosis). In addition, some autistic people who don't have an ADHD diagnosis do find that stimulant medications help them with their executive dysfunction, so that is always something you can discuss with your doctor. Do be careful if you decide to try that, because if you have an anxiety disorder or deal with high levels of anxiety, stimulants can often make your anxiety worse. In that case, something like guanfacine (blood pressure medication) or atomoxetine (brand name Strattera, non-stimulant) might be a better choice.

Followers, how many of you are AuDHD? Have you found that being diagnosed with both has helped you manage life better, or does it matter?

-J

[wanderingmind867]

I feel like I should revisit one of my old 3DS Pokemon games. I feel like Pokemon X is the easiest one to revisit, but I have crippling indecision. So let me try to talk about my decision, so you can either tell me if it's sensible or if I should go for a different game first.

Beyond Pokemon X, I own Pokemon Alpha Sapphire, Pokemon White, Pokemon Black 2, Pokemon Heartgold, Pokemon Soulsilver, Pokemon Moon, Pokemon Ultra Moon, Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield. I have a few other things too, but that's all the important stuff.

Anyways, Heartgold is out. It was my first pokemon game as a kid (I bought it because of a playthrough I saw online), and it's got too much precious memories saved onto it to reuse it. Unless I can find a way to make two face files, or to buy a second copy of the game. Pokemon White is probably out, because I don't own White 2. Same with Black 2 and my lack of owning Pokemon Black. I want to buy Omega Ruby to accompany Alpha Sapphire someday, but that can wait. And I don't know if I want to play one while missing the other. Pokemon Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon have a lot of references to other games. And Sword and Shield are for the Switch (while I still have Lego DC Supervillains in there).

So Pokemon X feels easiest on short notice. I still feel like i'm gonna suffer deep indecision, though. Because I also keep wondering about Pokemon White. I don't know if that one has any ties to past games, and I don't know if I ever finished it. So maybe I should try it? I don't know! Indecision is a hell. I understand characters like Two-Face even better than just because of his anger issues, because I also have the crippling indecision. What to do? If I even do anything at all. I don't know, and I hate not knowing.

[iamshmolphrog]

you know the spoons theory? like, everyone has a certain amount of spoons per day, (spoons being the energy/ability to do tasks) but disabled people tend to have much less spoons than the average person? is it just for people with physical disabilities or like, chronic illness, or does it go for things like autism and adhd as well? for example, everyone has a certain amount of spoons until they have a meltdown but autistic people generally have really few spoons compared to a nt person?

!! THIS IS A GENUINE QUESTION !! THIS IS NOT MEANT TO BE OFFENSIVE BUT IF IT IS PLEASE TELL ME !! THANK YOU !!

[m-for-now]

When you start to think about getting tested for adhd and autism and go "huh... I should do my own research first, lemme make a list of everything" and then do months of research and end up seeing that in your kindergarden observation notes you can literally see when you started masking, and that They Have A Picture Of You Having A Meltdown and saying that you're "stoic" and "angry" in some moments, while being a calm-ish kid otherwise.... you start to realize that maybe Not everyone had the same experience and maybe you are Not normal and just being difficult....

[francisjohnpatrickmulcahy]

If you read any ideas for fanfics from me just now, you didn't

[electoons]

my psychiatrist was trying to explain that a lot of my depression and anxiety probably stems from my trying to force myself into a (neurotypical/allistic) mold that i wasn't made for and that it's nothing to be ashamed of and she listed elon musk and bill gates as my fellow autists and that made me cry harder

[maidieye]

Some personal stories.... for Disability Pride Month.

(Copied whole text from my Bluesky)

t's Disability Pride Month… and i'm only now understood that i might include me to this. Might… but in fact… I'm not feeling "enough" for it…. And i want to tell a story….

Read it whole before judging, ok? Long one, sorry.

And…. very personal for me.

"You have all limbs, you're not disabled. So why you want pity to you?" - I don't want pity. I want support and understanding. 'Cause even have "all limbs", my life isn't easy. Yes, i have only one "lazy eye" with high myopia, anisometropia and smth else, don't remember…. But it's still gives me struggles.

And even with this struggles… i'm an artist. Which struggling all the time with his disabilities even having one "normal" eye (which already have not 100% site as before). But no one knows about my struggles….. Or can't understand them.

'Cause of my eye problem, i have chances not to receive a driving licence. I still don't know, maybe i'll get it, but i have not small chances for rejection. I just can't check it right now to say something clearly. But in rules for medical examination there's a chance, yeah…

"Why you sad? Just smile. Or go for a walk. Or do sports. It' will fix your problem". - no, it wouldn't. I had three episodes of depression treatment course. Thanks to my parents, they understood me and helped to get to doctor. But for first time they was sure that i don't need it and i just need some exercices and walks on fresh air….

Good that they understood my ask for help before something terrible happened. Now after my last course fo treatment i'm okay without my meds for few years in row…. But i still feeling not good sometimes. And now i'm suspecting why….

"Why you can't do this? Seems like you just don't want it" "You're just lazy and feeling comfortable in your bubble. Get out of it!" "Girl is smart' but lazy/uninitiative" "Why you just can't clean the flat/cooking/wash head/etc. It's simple! You're just lazy to do it. Go and do". Feeling already what it is? Seems like ADHD. Which, i suspect, was a good ground for my depression. I'm still undiagnosed and waiting for my appointment in August, so i'm struggling to tell correctly that it that thing. But it seems more like ADHD…. And there's chance that somewhere lurking ASD…. This thing is ruining my life.... I can't be "visible" artist, 'cause i can't be stable in my activity. I can't draw "more diverse" even if i want. I can't doing commissions 'cause of high chance of failing in completing the task. I already was in a big trouble 'cause of this..... I can't even have "normal" work 'cause most of it "working with people". Or i don't have qualifications for it. Or it's too hard for me. And me personally fear failing tasks and can't do an actual portfolio. I'm feeling... awful 'cause of it. I can't do even my personal projects. You know what? I've failed being hired even in retail and... bookshop! They rejected me with words "you will not cope with it. you're too introverted". Yes, i knew it... And now i really know that it was a mistake for me in trying to apply for such vacancies. That's not for me, I really will struggle there. But hearing such a thing was hurtful... Now i'm waiting for an appointment and i want to be diagnosed and i want to get proper treatment, 'cause my life is awful... But i'm afraid of diagnose at the same time. 'Cause for me it's another sign that i'm not "alright". "Broken". But at the same time - "you're not disabled". When i said to my relatives that in a few countries there's supporting programs for people with ADHD, they sounded not very pleased.... 'Cause in their mind "being disabled" = "losing pride, being pity and unable to do something". They saying, that they're don't have shame over me 'cause of my problems and they support me.... But why i still feeling that's not?

They told me not to tell anyone that i have amblyopia. I don't remember to whom, maybe to all or just to other kids. But i told again and again even so..... Some kids bullied me for that fact. 'Cause my eye problem, 'cause i'm "other".... 'Cause all of it, i'm afraid of receiving other diagnoses. I can't cope with thoughts that i'm "more broken" then already was. 'Cause all my life i was treated as "normal", but with restrictions (and i sensed anxiety for me from parents even when they allowed me to try some of "restrictions"). I know they love me and take care of me. But i'm tired.... I'm tired of being "normal, but not normal". I hate myself for having this things from birth. I want help and support, but i'm afraid. I want to inform others about my struggles so they will understand me better.... But i don't want to look like i'm begging for pity or "pretending". That's why I`m not feeling "enough" for it.... And i'm feeling very lonely..... At least i can say, this situation might be worse without my husband's support....

But the feeling of loneliness is still here even if i have someone near me. 'Cause it's more complicated and has other source. I feel like.... i don't have my place in this world. I’m trying to fight this feeling..... But it's very hard. This story isn't about anyone else. It's about me.... I'm happy that others are accepting themselves. But it's still a long road for me.... And it's another "invisible overcoming". And i'm already tired, 'cause it's my whole life....

(If you want to support me - link in pinned post. I really apreciate it, 'cause i have struggles with working. And we still need to move to better place asap :c)

[villainessbian]

AuDHD mind feels like this IMO. But I'm a scientist if nothing else. Other autists who also have ADHD do you agree?

[sygneth]

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[narcissisticpdcultureis]

Questioning NPD + questioning AuDHD culture is getting extremely upset/defensive when someone criticizes whatever you're interested in at the moment, but then not saying anything either because we're both in public and I need to maintain my image or because keeping up with online fights is just too much commitment when you could just block them

-🔏

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[wanderingmind867]

Of the original five X-Men, I'm probably most similar to Beast and Cyclops. But since I tend to write so much, let's just focus on Cyclops for now. Cyclops really is just me as a student (I may be generalizing, but it's mostly true). I've always been cripplingly shy and antisocial at school (or around anyone that isn't my dad), and I naturally gravitate towards liking the teachers. I tend to treat school like a place of learning, and not a place for socializing or goofing off. That's just not who I am, I guess (even now I have this problem, but I might be working on the crippling antisocial stuff. Idk).

Anyways, I haven't read the original X-Men stories in a while, but I'm pretty sure Scott embodied a lot of those same traits. He was the team's leader (or field leader if we're counting Professor X) and he was very much considered a stick in the mud, I think. He was closer to the professor than some of the others, and stuff. It's pretty relatable (if I'm remembering it all right, of course). So yeah, I'd say I'm pretty similar to Scott.

[assignedchaosatbirth]

Imma be a psychiatrist when I'm older. But not like all the ones I've met. A nice one who's going to validate you and not one who's going to say "There's no way you have autism. You have great social skills." and expect me to take it as a compliment. Like, were you there in grades 1-5 when I had no friends, when I was bullied for no reason (that actually went up to grade 8), when I would sit on the ground during recess "painting" the walls with my fingers and avoiding social interaction so I could observe people and mimic their behaviour? No you weren't. So stop checking if I can make eye contact, and start asking more in depth questions.

[xyztrio721]

I don’t know if I should talk about any of this, but… here we go…

So… for anyone who’s stuck with me for the past year or two (which I doubt anyone did, but if you did… thank you), you’ll know that I had been going through a lot of therapy and filled out self-report forums to figure out if I have ADHD or not.

To recap, here was the first post I made in December of 2021, when I first began to suspect that I had ADHD.

Here is the second post I made in June of 2022, when I first went to therapy and filled out the self-report for ADHD. My dad also filled out a report based on his observations on my behavior when I was young.

And here is the final post I made in July of 2022, when I first began to suspect that I might have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). You’ll have to look in the tags to see what I said when I first began to suspect ASD as well as ADHD.

Well… it’s been over a year since I last provided an update on the ADHD/ASD situation. To make a long story short, after seeing my therapist for two years and seeing a psychiatrist for almost a year, I finally underwent a neuropsychological evaluation in July of this year to get a definitive diagnosis on any mental health or neurodevelopmental disorder I might have had.

Today, I got the results.

And I was right.

As of today, I’ve been officially diagnosed with ASD and ADHD. This revelation, despite the fact that I knew it was coming, still shocked me to my core.

What do I do now that I know the truth? Where do I go from here? Will my life change in any way now that I’ve been diagnosed with ASD and ADHD?

If anyone has any answers, feel free to tell me in the replies or in reblogs. As relieving as this diagnosis is, I will still need some time to process this information and figure out what I should do next.