Tomorrow morning is part 2 (of 2) of my diagnosis. I am 42 now. I am pretty sure myself that I am autistic, I have not found a better explanation for my life being the “shape” that it is.

I would be gutted if a professional decided that I do not belong here though. Fingers crossed that I have guessed right, and that the doc see me as I am, not just my mask.

Edit: just to follow up on this. I have just been diagnosed with Autism. I am extremely relieved. He was very casual about it, and very supportive. We also talked a lot about PDA, he said that describes a lot of my work and life challenges. I’m seeing him again in about 10 days where hopefully he can give me a bit of advice about what to do with this info. Thanks to all of you that commented.

  • cashmaggot@piefed.social
    3·
    2 months ago

    There is a lot of cross-over between the two. AuDHD.

    This is going to sound absolutely awful. Personal opinion, but I think ADHD feels like a great diagnosis to explain why you feel like you’ve spent a majority of your life “fucking up” as compared to others. Autism is a great diagnosis to explain why you have always been “weird” and “just can’t be normal.” As so much of life has taught us that if we can’t just fit the box expected of us (which differs via gender, race, and socioeconomic status) we’re broken individuals with little merit. I think a perfect example of this could even be seen in you having to be in your 40s before you actually might be able to setup some support systems for things you’ve needed your entire life.

    Meh.

    But also you know, nothing is perfect. Neurotypical people intrinsically find neurodivergent people off-putting in some manner (read a study on it a hundred years ago). This world is not setup for us in any way shape or form. Regardless of what your doctor tells you, you are already against the grain if you’re diagnosed ADHD. If you want to challenge the diagnosis, there’s always more money you can throw at the situation. But seemingly, nothing will ever be handed to you regardless of the label. And it seems to be more of an internal wound-healing device than something the world as a whole gives a plop about =/!

    Sorry this sounds so awful, I just have a chip on my shoulder because I always assumed getting diagnosed (which was also later in life for me) would make things so much better. But outside of internet spaces (and by this I mean spaces directly tied to being neurodivergent as a whole) it’s been a detriment to speak on. And I have just put it in my back-pocket. Outside of having some joy in seeing others who may be similar in media from time to time (I don’t really diagnose people in front of me because I am not an asshole). It seems something that should be celebrated as a joy of self, just ended up being another reason for people in everyday life to put a “broken” label on me and treat me differently than they would if I were of a certain way instead.

    But that’s on me, that’s my bitter. So I suppose - don’t let me ruin your party. Make your own decisions and form your own opinions around the situation =)