Autism/ADHD Support Thread 🌈

[Dim]

It's weird, but sometimes I don't feel like I'm really autistic because I don't fit certain stereotypical depictions of autism. Not to mention I was also diagnosed with autism at an early age (I was four), which is unusual for black afab folks like myself. Because of this, I often find myself questioning as to whether or not I even qualify as having ASD.

Some struggle with symptoms more than others, from what I've heard. I myself have been diagnosed "high functioning autism" Though I wasn't properly diagnosed when I was 8 and had to get tested again when I was 25 or 26. Maybe when you have the chance, get yourself tested again if you feel you've been misdiagnosed.

 

[chocovelvetcake]

Some struggle with symptoms more than others, from what I've heard. I myself have been diagnosed "high functioning autism" Though I wasn't properly diagnosed when I was 8 and had to get tested again when I was 25 or 26. Maybe when you have the chance, get yourself tested again if you feel you've been misdiagnosed.

Oh no, don't worry. I don't think I was misdiagnosed or anything. I just simply don't "feel" autistic enough. I didn't even know what autism was or that I had it until I was 12 years old.

 

[Seastar]

I was diagnosed autistic in the 2000s, back when surely there was less research.
Since a month ago I have been suspecting I also have ADHD. I'm actually a bit confused because I know I used to be taking a medication that's normally for that... Like, wow, it was there all along, wasn't it? It wasn't obvious to anybody somehow.

 

[Chris]

It's weird, but sometimes I don't feel like I'm really autistic because I don't fit certain stereotypical depictions of autism. Not to mention I was also diagnosed with autism at an early age (I was four), which is unusual for black afab folks like myself. Because of this, I often find myself questioning as to whether or not I even qualify as having ASD.

When it is your normal, it can be hard to see how your experience is different from a neurotypical persons.

I didn't find out I had ADHD until I was 31. I thought the way I experienced life was the same way everyone did. Speaking to a psychiatrist made me realise I didn't.

 

[TN4U]

I've developed a bad case of OCD stemming from my ASD, and it's only gotten worse over the past four years or so. I've lately been commenting about how certain negative world events that consistently get talked about affect my anxiety, and the OCD is causing my brain to stick it in my mind and drag down my overall mood. It's even caused me to tense up and become angry on occasions. I'm probably going to give in and talk to my doctor about getting me on anxiety medications. It's getting out of hand at this point and preventing me from gaining the motivation I need to restart my social life.

I will quickly mention that I'm glad that TBT allows me to reveal a bit of my personal issues without getting made fun of by others, even if I don't get a response sometimes. The Animal Crossing community as a whole is full of caring and sympathetic users, and I'm so thankful for that. I just wish I could find people like that in real life.

 

[Midoriya]

there's something I've been thinking about lately, and I want to see if my fellow ASD/ADHD folk can relate.

I read somewhere that autistic people struggle to eat/drink properly because they often struggle to recognize hunger/thirst. and it makes sense, because sometimes I don't actually feel hungry, and I forget to eat, so I end up going 8+ hours without eating anything. likewise, if I'm not, like, actively dehydrating then I'm not thinking about drinking water.

I've considered finding an app that will let me set recurring timers throughout the day (say, in 30 minute intervals) to remind myself to drink water. and I probably also need to set alarms to remind myself to eat, so I don't forget. I almost wonder if I'm malnourished because of my sporadic eating schedule (and also poor appetite).

I have ASD and I don't really struggle with the hunger part, HOWEVER, I was always pretty bad until a year or two ago about not drinking enough water... the trick I used to solve this was to only get water and chocolate milk from the grocery store as my drinks of choice, and absolutely nothing else (besides coffee pods). Now I basically drink a good amount of water every day because it's easy and it's one of the only things I have here, lmao.

 

[xSuperMario64x]

I will quickly mention that I'm glad that TBT allows me to reveal a bit of my personal issues without getting made fun of by others, even if I don't get a response sometimes. The Animal Crossing community as a whole is full of caring and sympathetic users, and I'm so thankful for that. I just wish I could find people like that in real life.

I know this is technically a public forum, but I really do feel like TBT is a safe space. and it's so important for everyone to have a space where they can get their frustrations out of their head and written down. I think that journaling helps so much with processing thoughts and behaviours, and recognizing whether they help or hinder us. and if writing down your vents here helps you, then that's great

 

[mocha.]

I have an appointment for my ASD assessment. I’m shocked at how quickly I got through the process/forms considering I only asked for a referral in October. I’m feeling really nervous about the actual appointment because I don’t know what to expect. It’s also virtual which has pros/cons. If anybody has gone through something similar and wouldn’t mind sharing their experience I’d be very grateful.

 

[Midoriya]

I have an appointment for my ASD assessment. I’m shocked at how quickly I got through the process/forms considering I only asked for a referral in October. I’m feeling really nervous about the actual appointment because I don’t know what to expect. It’s also virtual which has pros/cons. If anybody has gone through something similar and wouldn’t mind sharing their experience I’d be very grateful.

I don't really have any advice to share because I was diagnosed in-person when I was a kid, but just wanted to say good luck with the appointment. If anything just be 100% honest about your answers and as transparent as possible, because it could determine what your final result ends up being.

 

[lilsac]

I have an appointment for my ASD assessment. I’m shocked at how quickly I got through the process/forms considering I only asked for a referral in October. I’m feeling really nervous about the actual appointment because I don’t know what to expect. It’s also virtual which has pros/cons. If anybody has gone through something similar and wouldn’t mind sharing their experience I’d be very grateful.

I've been through this before, and I promise you it's not as scary as it sounds. While obviously everyone’s experience is different, for me my assessment was really simple and not difficult at all. although I was around 13 when I got diagnosed with ASD so I'm not sure about specifics, it didn't take long at all, and I was very suprised with how nice everybody was. People who work in those fields are usually very understanding and I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine <3.

Also, if you're assessment is virtual, you’ve probably went for a private route, which should be a breeze. The only negative experiences I've heard from people are all from the public healthcare system, which is usually horrible, but private practices are usually very nice, and quick. Good luck on your assessment, and remember there are no wrong answers to anything they ask. You will be okay! <33

 

[Doo]

I have an appointment for my ASD assessment. I’m shocked at how quickly I got through the process/forms considering I only asked for a referral in October. I’m feeling really nervous about the actual appointment because I don’t know what to expect. It’s also virtual which has pros/cons. If anybody has gone through something similar and wouldn’t mind sharing their experience I’d be very grateful.

As someone who was diagnosed in my late teens, it really isn’t as bad as you expect!! I was worried about it but it was all fine. It was kind of just a discussion about the information I’d already given, as far as I remember. Mine was in person and I had to take this facial expressions test. They showed me a photo of some eyes and I had to pick from 4 different emotions. They didn’t tell me if I was getting it right or not
A lot of the things they asked were about my childhood development and stuff - I don’t know if yours will be like that because mine was under children’s services. But I didn’t have to share like emotionally personal things.

You’ll be ok. Try not to worry about getting things wrong. If they’re not sure afterwards then they’ll probably just ask for further information.

 

[-Raven-]

Whenever I hyperfixate on characters I just have daydreams about them all the time and when I get yanked to responsibilities I feel REMARKABLY worse that I can’t even get to focus on that imaginary thing of being around them, does anyone else here relate?

I guess it’s not even just characters. It’s just hard it feels like irl so many people are non curious because of how my brain makes me so sensitive to things, I just like to imagine life being different. I stay up at night a lot to do these daydreams tbh. Pretend I actually own my own house and imagine the bath is fancier than it is.

I don’t even think this is a neurodiverse sounding thing on paper because everyone imagines fancy things but I mean I feel like fixate on these ideas and come back to them compulsively.

Idk where the line even is between my sleep deprivation and my thinking patterns anymore. : /

 

[mocha.]

@Midoriya @lilsac @Doo

Thank you so much! I think I’m just nervous because I’m seeking a diagnosis as an adult and I’m female too. My appointment is in a few weeks so I will update here with how it went!

 

[-Mars-]

Just wanted to come here and say that Inch the worm is Autism/ADHD creature, Neurodivergent people love Inch hehehe

there's something I've been thinking about lately, and I want to see if my fellow ASD/ADHD folk can relate.

I read somewhere that autistic people struggle to eat/drink properly because they often struggle to recognize hunger/thirst. and it makes sense, because sometimes I don't actually feel hungry, and I forget to eat, so I end up going 8+ hours without eating anything. likewise, if I'm not, like, actively dehydrating then I'm not thinking about drinking water.

I've considered finding an app that will let me set recurring timers throughout the day (say, in 30 minute intervals) to remind myself to drink water. and I probably also need to set alarms to remind myself to eat, so I don't forget. I almost wonder if I'm malnourished because of my sporadic eating schedule (and also poor appetite).

Yes I really struggle with this a lot, I frequently unintentionally ignore my body's cues and I have difficulties figuring out what my body needs to make it feel better when I feel bad, for instance I am most likely anemic and I have problems figuring out why I feel really weak and light-headed until I eat my pinto bean burritos or I will start feeling really depressed and start having crying spells and I will figure out it is because I feel really depressed when I do not eat, drink, sleep or exercise when my body needs to.

Whenever I hyperfixate on characters I just have daydreams about them all the time and when I get yanked to responsibilities I feel REMARKABLY worse that I can’t even get to focus on that imaginary thing of being around them, does anyone else here relate?

I guess it’s not even just characters. It’s just hard it feels like irl so many people are non curious because of how my brain makes me so sensitive to things, I just like to imagine life being different. I stay up at night a lot to do these daydreams tbh. Pretend I actually own my own house and imagine the bath is fancier than it is.

I don’t even think this is a neurodiverse sounding thing on paper because everyone imagines fancy things but I mean I feel like fixate on these ideas and come back to them compulsively.

Idk where the line even is between my sleep deprivation and my thinking patterns anymore. : /

Basically sums up my entire life, and I'm sorry you are struggling with sleep deprivation that really sucks, I wish good health upon you and I hope you will eventually feel better. I know mental health is a challenging thing that can not easily be solved but I do hope your quality of life improves.

 

[xSuperMario64x]

Just wanted to come here and say that Inch the worm is Autism/ADHD creature, Neurodivergent people love Inch hehehe
View attachment 607393

I am obsessed w Inch lol, I'm hoping to get a sewing machine soon so I can start making plushies and you bet I'm gonna bring Inch 2XL to fruition

also here are some pics I found on Pinterest, which ofc I saved to my ️AESTHETIC️ board hehehe

 

[Suguri]

Just wanted to come here and say that Inch the worm is Autism/ADHD creature, Neurodivergent people love Inch hehehe
View attachment 607393

crochet idea??

 

[Captain Jigglypuff]

I am obsessed w Inch lol, I'm hoping to get a sewing machine soon so I can start making plushies and you bet I'm gonna bring Inch 2XL to fruition

also here are some pics I found on Pinterest, which ofc I saved to my ️AESTHETIC️ board hehehe
View attachment 607396
View attachment 607397

That’s the perfect mascot for Pride Month!

 

[mocha.]

I had my appointment yesterday and received my official diagnosis. It’s strange because I thought I’d immediately feel different, but if anything I just feel like an imposter now. It’s the answer I wanted but my head is telling me it’s just confirmation bias
I’ve decided to order some loop earplugs to help me with sensory issues at work/when I’m out. I’m looking forward to having a breakdown of the assessment in a couple of weeks and see what the doctor has written in the diagnosis. I think that should hopefully alleviate some of the imposter syndrome I’m feeling.

 

[sleepey]

It’s strange because I thought I’d immediately feel different, but if anything I just feel like an imposter now. It’s the answer I wanted but my head is telling me it’s just confirmation bias

i felt the same way when i got my diagnosis last year! still feeling that way tbh. it’s totally normal

 

[-Lumi-]

I’ve decided to order some loop earplugs to help me with sensory issues at work/when I’m out.

I love my loop earplugs!! I bought a pair of the Experience ones before attending a concert with Grace last year and I use them so much. I'll pop them in in the grocery store or when we go to in person workshops and it's really loud and busy. I hope they help make you feel more comfortable out and about