Why ADHD and autism diagnoses matter
I thought I was autistic for a year or so before I was formally diagnosed. And as far as ADHD goes, I was pretty sure I had it for several years before I was evaluated. So, imagine my lack of surprise when I was dual evaluated for both and it was determined that I am indeed AuDHD.
But something I never, ever expected, was the amount of validation that came from having a professional look at me and say, "you are autistic. And you also have ADHD." It changed my outlook in so many ways, namely in how I perceive myself as a person.
I no longer shrink myself to fit the needs of everyone else. I am confident in myself and the choices that I make. I accommodate myself and give daily reminders that accommodations are not cheating: they are simply leveling the playing field. I remind myself that any "flaws" I see are not fundamentally my own, but exist because of the way my brain works.
Newly DXd crew, chime in: What made you seek a diagnosis, or what is preventing you from getting one?
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Before my diagnosis, I often felt like a puzzle piece that just didn't quite fit anywhere. I was often quiet and reserved, trying so hard to blend in, but inside, my mind was a whirlwind. It wasn't until I truly understood what AuDHD meant that everything clicked, offering a profound sense of validation I never knew I needed. Many adults, especially those who might be considered 'high-functioning,' often go years, even decades, without realizing they're navigating the world with both autism and ADHD. So, what exactly is AuDHD? It's the co-occurrence of both Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Imagine having two operating systems running simultaneously in your brain, sometimes complementing each other, and other times creating a unique set of challenges. For some, the traits of one condition might even mask the other, making diagnosis tricky. For example, ADHD might make someone seem more socially engaged, while autistic traits might make ADHD impulsivity appear more calculated. For adults with 'high-functioning' AuDHD, the internal struggle is immense. We've often developed sophisticated coping mechanisms to navigate neurotypical society, frequently involving intense masking – suppressing natural behaviors to appear 'normal.' I remember constantly second-guessing myself and feeling an overwhelming sense of poor self-worth because I couldn't quite grasp why certain things were so draining. The lack of accommodations in daily life often led to burnout, pushing myself to conform, which only exacerbated my internal turmoil. It's easy to confuse ADHD and autism, or to see them as completely separate. However, there's a significant overlap, particularly in executive function challenges, sensory sensitivities, and social communication differences. Both can lead to difficulties with organization, time management, and emotional regulation. Where they diverge, ADHD often brings impulsivity and a need for novelty, while autism is typically characterized by a preference for routine, intense interests, and challenges with social reciprocity. With AuDHD, you experience a dynamic interplay; my ADHD might crave new experiences, but my autistic brain thrives on predictability. Understanding these nuances helps explain why an initial diagnosis might have focused on one, or why many felt 'almost' autistic or 'almost' ADHD for so long before the dual diagnosis. The profound shift that comes with a formal diagnosis is truly life-changing. It's not about being 'broken'; it's about gaining a lens through which to understand your entire life experience. Suddenly, those 'flaws' were reframed as characteristics of a unique neurotype. I started speaking my truth, being authentically myself, and confidently standing behind my choices. This led to an incredible boost in self-love. I realized that accommodations are not cheating; they're essential tools for leveling the playing field. Whether it's noise-canceling headphones, a visual schedule, or simply allowing for extra processing time, these steps are crucial for well-being. It's about prioritizing needs and building a life that truly supports how a neurodivergent brain works. This journey empowers us to move from a place of poor self-worth to one of confidence, embracing our authentic neurodivergent identities.
What made me want to get a diagnosis was thinking about my childhood and asking my dad and others how I was as a kid. When I saw that I have Autism and ADHD, I felt better. I’m still learning to rebuild my life after finding out.