chiffonyroof

[chiffonyroof]

Hi, I’m 13 and in 8th grade, and lately I’ve been wondering if I might have something like ADHD or autism. Some people have said it, but I don’t want to assume. I just want to be honest and ask for advice. When I was around 3 years old, I was diagnosed as needing speech therapy because I had a problem with my ears, something like water buildup. I had surgery to fix it, but before and after that, I was really quiet. My parents described me as a very shy and quiet kid who didn’t talk much. I was also late in learning English and had to catch up with the other kids.

Now, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed a lot of things that make me wonder if something else might be going on. I’ve always had strong reactions to sensory things. I hate how jeans, leather, or certain costume textures feel, and loud talking makes me overwhelmed. Once, in biology class, everyone was talking and I couldn’t focus. My brain felt like it was burning and I cried in front of the class. Eye contact makes me uncomfortable, and when I accidentally look someone in the eyes, I panic and look away. I like being alone, often talk to myself, and sometimes jump into conversations and regret it.

I get deeply interested in things like history and true crime. I’ll spend hours focused and never get bored. I struggle with focus during class, daydream a lot, and feel like my thoughts are everywhere. I also have trouble explaining myself or getting words out right, and people often misunderstand me. I get overwhelmed emotionally, especially when I feel embarrassed, overstimulated, or pressured. I laugh around others but feel numb or sad later, like I’m masking or using it to distract myself. I prefer writing over reading because it helps me express thoughts more clearly. I also hate routines and organizing my space, even in my free time. It just drains me.

On the other hand, I didn’t have obvious problems when I was younger other than speech. Sometimes I can focus just fine, and I can be social even if I feel weird after. Some people say it’s just teen stuff, but I’ve had teachers, friends, and even classmates suggest I might have ADHD or autism, while others like my mom think I’m just weird or dramatic. I don’t know what to think. I’m not asking for a diagnosis, but should I try to get evaluated next year? Does any of this sound familiar to anyone?