autism adhd Hashimoto’s thyroiditis I am 65 yrs old and am really struggling with the above conditions. I am very isolated and feel very depressed. I know this is a parents forum but I came across it. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2006 and Autism in 2012. I have just been diagnosed with Hashimotos Thyroiditis. Can anyone relate to this and offer me any help please.
autism adhd Hashimotos Thyroiditis - CHADD's ADHD Pare...
autism adhd Hashimotos Thyroiditis
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Meerkat1234
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Except for thyroid I do not have the rest. Are there organizations that have support groups near you?I see a counselor for support. It helps to vent to someone who is impartial. Hope you find help.
Hello anirush thanks for replying to me. I have an autism support group but really need a adhd support group and we don’t have any. What sort of counsellor do you see. I need someone outside the family to talk to on a one to one basis. Thanks 😊 for advice.
I have ADHD and Hashimotos as well. I find the ADHD stimulant medication helps with the extreme fatigue I feel from the Hashimotos in the morning. I set an alarm 30 minutes before I’m to get up and take all my medications at that time. Store pills next to your bedside table in a 7-day labeled pill organizer.
You can get straight to the coffee or tea since you’ve taken your thyroid medication 30 minutes before it’s time to wake. If you’re not a morning person a pre made breakfast the night before can help with the fog, overwhelm or lack of motivation.
Having kids forces me to get up and get moving in the morning. Perhaps scheduling appointments or meetups earlier in the day to get you out the door and encourage movement. Sometimes once you start moving forward the mood has an opportunity to lift. Therapy is a must. Prebook appointments with your endocrinologist. Prebook appointments at the gym and schedule at least one or two social meetups each week.
Volunteering and having a place to give back in a regular and scheduled way, such as teaching children who are Neurodiverse at a nonprofit, cultural center or after school program, can help with finding positive meaning in these multiple diagnoses. In the short term perhaps volunteer to help walk the dogs, put up holiday decorations, bake etc for elderly or disabled neighbors.
Hashimotos like ADHD and ASD is often genetic and runs in families. Hashimotos onset is often triggered by hormones after childbirth or post menopause. It’s quite common and manageable but the initial diagnosis can feel very overwhelming. But there’s hope!
Wishing you all the best!
Hello NYCmom2 thanks for your reply to my message. I have been struggling with autism/adhd my whole life and now Hashimotos. Thank you 😊 for the advice and encouragement. Have you had all the covid injections. I am due for my fourth and had a bad reaction to the last one which was phizer. My first two were Astra Zenica,this one will be Phizer
Thankfully not too bad of a reaction. In general any illness takes me a little longer to recover than it used to.
I had a pounding heart for about six days after the last injection so I am worried about the booster. I feel very weak because with Hashimotos I have low stomach acid and can only eat carbohydrates and no protein and it’s been like that for seven years. I tell the doctor but he doesn’t do anything. Thanks for replying. 😊
Perhaps your endocrinologist’s office has a nutritionist? Some do. For thyroid conditions it’s typically recommended a protein rich diet ( fish, beans, nuts etc), complex grains with a high glycemic index (as opposed to simple carbs that convert quickly to sugar), green leafy vegetables and a range of fruits like berries. I personally have a dairy sensitivity so I use plant based “dairy” products.
I have never seen a Endocrinologist. I have seen a dietitian but I didn’t know then about my thyroid problems. My problems are no or low stomach acid. I can’t digest protein. I need to take Betaine HCL but I can’t take any supplements because of digestive issues. I am low on Vitamin D and have tried loads of different supplements but I get chronic diarrhoea. I am just eating carbohydrates which as you say are no good. I have lots of food sensitivities, gluten dairy soy eggs nuts and many more I expect. I’m weak with not eating protein, I have been like it for seven years. I just told my doctor about my problems with eating and he tested me for heart failure which frightened me but was thank God normal. He also tested my cortisol which was normal. It is a nightmare as I don’t know how to solve it. Thanks for replying. 😊
Hi! I have ADHD and Hashimotos. I don’t have autism but my son does. I’m here if you want to talk.
Ericka
Hello eaw49. I really struggle with autism/adhd and now Hashimotos. I know you know all about it with your son being neurodiverse. These things are all connected I have read in Autism Parenting magazine in America. It said three quarters of people with autism had a low thyroid and the doctors are not making the connection. Thanks 🙏 for replying to me.
Hi Meerkat1234
Wow! That’s really interesting about Hashimotos/autism/adhd connection . I’m going to research that more.
My oldest daughter really struggles with ADHD. I’m pretty sure it runs in my family. She has a very difficult time keeping a regular job so most of her income comes from independent contract work with social media. She is absolutely brilliant at social media and struggles doing the business side of things like taking out the correct amount of taxes or budgeting. She turned 30 this year and has decided to try meditation. She refused to take any before. She told me that she wished she had done it years ago. She thinks she would have been so much further ahead financially if she had. It’s really made a difference.
Also, there is a great magazine called Additude magazine. It’s for people with autism and also ADHD. I wonder if you can subscribe to it where you live? They also have a great podcast by the same name that is even better.
How has ADHD, autism and Hashimotos effected you? Have you tried medication for ADHD or Hashimotos?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Ericka 
Hi eau49. It is a interesting thing to find out after all theses years of struggling. I am 65 and was only diagnosed with adhd in 2006 and autism in 2012. I probably had a low thyroid all my life and gluten sensitivity and dairy sensitivity and many other food sensitivities. Your daughter sounds like she is doing really well with social media. I lost many jobs too along the way.I did childminding as I could do that from home. I have a grown daughter and son. I tried Ritalin for my ADHD but couldn’t take as it gave me angina like attacks so that was disappointing. I have been on many antidepressants with varying results. I take a low dose of diazepam as I have crippling anxiety which has been made worse by Hashimotos. I take levothyroxine for it. ADHD definitely runs in families. I inherited from my father who inherited it from his father. I also other relatives who are ADHD. I have seen the Attitude magazine online, it is very good. Say hello to your daughter, I hope she keeps well and thanks 🙏 for your reply. 😊
Hi Meerkat1234,
That’s a bummer that the medication causes angina pain. I wonder if they can prescribe a non stimulant medication instead?
Have you heard of Temple Grandin? She is a woman on the spectrum that struggles with terrible anxiety. She has written a lot of books about being on the spectrum and also about cattle. She is an expert in cattle and is the reason why they are treated better in the United States. She did a presentation at my son’s school and I was able to attend. She is a fascinating person. You can also find some videos on Youtube. Check her out if you have a chance.
I hope you have a wonderful day and do something that you love. 😊
Take care,
Ericka
Hi eaw49. I was upset that I couldn’t take the Ritalin. I don’t know about a non stimulant. I have seen Temple Grandin on YouTube. She is very good and enjoyable to listen to. That was great you got to see her at your sons school. Thanks for replying. I hope your son is doing ok. 😊
If your insurance covers it see an endocrinologist and ask them if they have a nutritionist as well.
Thank you. I will do that. 😊
I also have Hashimotos and have found that Armour Thyroid really has made me feel much better than the synthetic forms of thyroid medication.
Hello BVBV. I am taking levothyroxine. I have been taking it since March at 25mcgs a day. I am feeling stronger but I am under GP and haven’t seen anybody else. How long have you been taking thyroid medicine?
I’ve taken Armour for about 15 years. I did have to add Levo in during my pregnancies but was able to drop it after giving birth. I suggest seeing an endocrinologist if you want further testing or treatment options. I’m glad you are feeling better!
Hi BVBV I am just taking levothyroxine. I am low on Vitamin D. Do you know of a vegan one. The dr says I need 1000 a day. The daily intake for my age is 600. Tried lots of brands even from the drs give me chronic gut issues fast heart rate and keep me awake. I asked dr to see an endocrinologist. He said they would only up the levothyroxine as if it shouldn’t be upped. I’m really confused as only just found out about low thyroid, Thanks for replying. 😊
please ask your doctor if they can give you an injection of vitamin D. My father had his thyroid irradiated in the Air Force in his 20’s and has been on thyroid medication since the late 1960’s. He gets a large vitamin d shot once a month.
Hi WickNeo I will mention that to my doctor, Thanks for your reply I am pleased this helps your father.
I don’t, I think one of the reasons Armour works better for me is because it’s from an animal. I hope you start feeling better soon!
Thanks for your reply. I don’t know anything about Armour
Can you change your GP? The general practitioner/pcp should be the center point for all the specialists - not trying to manage every condition himself. Psychiatrist for ADHD, endocrinologist for thyroid, nutritionist for eating etc. Your current doc doesn’t seem very understanding or helpful. His not knowing that there are non-stimulant meds for ADHD is a red flag. And this is a lot to manage on your own. Do you have access to a therapist or coach? Someone who is on your team who could help you sort through your thoughts. One of the hospitals near me has an autism clinic with group therapy and that kind of thing. We found out about it through our daughter’s psychiatrist. If you can start seeing some specialists, hopefully they will have suggestions.
Hi MaudQ. My family doctor retired and I don’t know the doctors at the practice now. I am going to try to see the head doctor. I was diagnosed ADHD in 2006 when I tried Ritalin and it gave me angina like pain. I haven’t mentioned my ADHD to theses new doctors. Are you in America having coaches. I do need to see specialists like you say. I was waiting to see ADHD specialist and kept ringing specialist hospital but never got an appointment. Therapy for ADHD is available but is ridiculously expensive. I was supposed to see a psychiatrist for a medication review but he said it was not necessary. I live in an area in UK where the mental health services are abysmal. I will discuss the specialists with the doctor when I can get to see him. My eating problems are the worst as I am so weak. The last doctor took no notice of this. I was waiting to see a gastroenterologist but he rang and said he couldn’t see me due to Covid but that was quite a long time ago now. I am pleased your daughter is getting help. Thanks for your reply. 🙂
I’ve been listening to a podcast that’s based in the UK. It’s called The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing podcast. I like the host and the episodes are usually helpful. Each episode also lists further resources in the show notes. I wonder if that could be helpful for you podcasts.apple.com/us/podca...
That sounds helpful thank you. I will listen to it.
The advice from everyone here is spot of for their situations. I discovered a couple years ago that some of the larger hospitals in the US have specialty departments for Women’s Health, Endocrinology, Allergy, Pulmonary, Fibroids, Chronic Pain, Pelvic Pain, Scoliosis, Gerontology, Autism, Children’s behavioral Health etc.
My former general practitioner was awful. My PCP is a nurse practitioner who knows more about women’s health and MY health, than my male gp. He even gave me medication (steroids) that turned off my psyche meds. You have to believe in yourself (fake it till you make it) then ask for a second opinion and a referral to a specialist for every condition you are dealing with. A gerontologist will/should look at all your medications and try to manage/reduce and talk to the doctors on your team. An older/experienced pharmacist should also be able to review meds with you and suggest bad drug interactions as well as alternatives with different side effects.
I hope this helps. I hope you find some relief or predictability to your conditions. I’m in year three of searching for more specialists in a new region (grad school) while maintaining specialists that I drive home for (an hour away).
A therapist and psychiatrist are paramount to my care. I have a new case manager from my psychiatrist’s office. I have telephone access to my therapist.
Good luck and never give up! Taking care of yourself is more exhausting than taking care of children, in my opinion. You are important and you deserve competent care!!!
-a fellow traveler on the path to wellness.
The doctors will certainly fob you if they can. I am glad you are getting help with all of your health. I agree that taking care of yourself is more exhausting than taking care of children. I had a boy and a girl and childminded for many years and that was a breeze than this battle. Good luck with your battle for your health and thank you for saying that I am important and deserve competent care. That is very caring 😊
That’s what we’re here for. 
Support for others because we’re bad at supporting ourselves. I’m learning that at 52, my body is fragile and I have to fight my university to get closer handicapped parking, better accessibility and a ground floor studio. I’m looking for a disability advocate to help me fight the many powers that be so I can live expending less energy trying to get from point A to point B. You will figure out how to live through this. When I was 12-18, I had a “nervous stomach”; I was also a bed wetter. Later, I developed a peptic ulcer. Then I discovered psychotherapy. No more ulcers. Occasionally, when I eat the wrong thing I poop my pants. So, absolutely No Dairy for me, ever. There’s still more wrong with me, but I try to handle one medical thing per week. Otherwise, it’s a full time job in addition to school.
We all need someone to remind us of how much we’re worth! We’re usually so in the thick of it we forget to congratulate ourselves for making it to an appointment on time, early or just not forgetting.
You can do it. I believe in you!
Your reply is so encouraging to me. I feel so down and depressed with my health. Thank you for sharing part of your health journey with me. I was offered psychotherapy years ago but I would have to go for three years. I couldn’t face that with my Autism/ADHD but I do think I need psychotherapy now. I would like one to one therapy. My doctor is looking into help for my Autism and ADHD right now and me having an eating disorder was discussed.He is also referring me to a dietitian. I hope you get all the help you deserve at university. Dairy and Gluten both cause severe diarrhoea for me now. Thank you for believing in me and we can both do it.Take care.
Psychotherapy can be for brief periods to help you during a crisis, or for the rest of your life. I’m a lifer. 😂 I have a major depression disorder, anxiety, ptsd, adhd and now brain fog. Sometimes I have phone therapy twice a week, usually it’s once a week. Some people are together enough to go every other week or once a month. It’s also helpful to shop around for a therapist that fits you. The first three may not work. My psychiatrist also does psychotherapy. My needs are severe.
You sound like you’re going through a health transition that might need psychiatric therapy as you adjust to your diagnoses.
Some pills/tablets have a lactose base causing stomach distress. I try to find capsules that are supplements. I’m just starting a plant based protein shake that I hope will keep me eating on a regular basis.
Searching the internet for your specific needs is helpful if your remote location makes visits problematic. Telehealth, and video visits can be intimidating at first, but one on one is bearable until you get used to it.
I believe in you. You will find what you need. It just takes time and energy that is precious and sparse. I’m trying to write down what I do. Seeing your achievements is great when it’s in your own handwriting.
I’m sorry my reply was so slow, but take things one day at a time. Last week was the first week of graduate school this semester, so I had to pivot my focus to my classes and getting help for my daughter who is struggling with her teacher because of her adhd. Public school teachers who don’t understand sensory processing disorders, adhd and dyslexia are a big problem.
Once again, I believe in you. Keep moving even if the pace seems slow. Any movement is progress!
Thank you WickNeo for your caring reply. I have major depressive disorder, Autism ADHD, crippling anxiety and now this thyroid problem. I have reached crisis point and I am waiting for the urgent mental health team to ring me. My doctor still hasn’t done anything about my blood test for my thyroid. I think the only way I could get psychotherapy is to pay for it which I think is going to be the same with a private endocrinologist which will probably be a waste of money because most of them don’t test for FT3. I am taking four medications with lactose in. I still am not able to eat and I can’t take supplements as they cause severe diarrhoea.My husband is autistic and he is at his wits end and my two grown up children think it is all imagined. I am so weak with not eating but what I do eat goes straight through with no absorption. I ordered some plant based protein shakes but they had soy in them which is no good for your thyroid I have read. Oh dear what a sorry tale of woe this is, I feel so mentally and physically ill and exhausted with no nutrition. My best friend and daughters godmother has breast cancer too so that has been a terrible shock, we went to school together and are really close. What are you able to eat and is your daughter able to eat because ADHD gives gut problems. The thyroid gives low stomach acid so I don’t know why I can’t eat but it is my biggest problem but the doctor wasn’t interested. I weigh 12 stone so they don’t worry. You are right I definitely need to see a psychiatrist but last time I was in crisis I just saw a psychiatrist nurse which was no good. She asked the psychiatrist if he wanted to see me and he said there was no need. He just gave me another tablet to help me sleep. I have been up all night tonight. My ADHD has been made worse by the levothyroxine because it increases my hyperactivity and causes insomnia because my brain won’t switch off. I am sure you and your daughter know all about this. I am pleased you have started back at graduate school and I can definitely relate as I expect you can, your daughter struggling with the teachers at school. I have chronic sensory problems and it makes going outside really tough with things like dogs barking, sirens and all sorts of things. Don’t worry about your reply being slow. One day at a time is the right way to go. At the moment I am taking one second at a time. Thanking for saying that you believe in me and I will keep moving like you say. These mental health conditions are extremely difficult to live with without your thyroid going wrong. Hope your daughters teachers are kinder. That is the most important thing that I always want with my ADHD. Hope graduate school goes well and it is really good to hear from you. It makes me feel less alone. Take care of yourself and your daughter.🙂
Dear Meercat,
I have many friends who travel around with headphones on. It looks like they’re listening to music, but they’re just noise canceling headphones to block out external stimuli.
Yesterday was a rough day. I had to call a specialist education lawyer and retell my whole experience with my older children(now) adults and my 9 year old daughter. I think all this stuff is wreaking havoc with my ptsd. Then, I had to go to my glass class 1:00-5:40pm and give a presentation. Ha ha ha ha (hysterical laughter). I actually got the presentation done and completed. The presentation went well, because I took a second anti anxiety pill and there were only five students there.
I don’t think I actually ate yesterday until the evening. My presence was requested at a gallery opening. My daughter loves going to those. I dread them so I hang out with the gallery desk attendant. My daughter is a social butterfly??? She loves talking to artists about their work. They had an interactive project in the middle of the room and the kids there loved it. When most of the people cleared out of the small gallery, I met the architecture professor who came up with the project and spent most of the time talking to him about community art projects. There’s a method to my madness. Most artists at openings are just as uncomfortable as I am, so I tend to look for the most awkward looking person in the room and stick with them until the end.
I eat a lot of grain soups, vegetable, fruit and chicken or bacon salads and fruit smoothies. I’m supposed to drink more water, but I forget. Most of the time. ADHD meds make it impossible to slow down to remember to eat. So, I asked for a lower dose of adhd meds so I can sleep.
Anytime there’s a change in hormones (peri menopause,) I have vision changes, mood changes, and intense anxiety/panic attacks. Our bodies don’t work the way our brains want us to. Lol. I believe I had to see a gastroenterologist at multiple points in my life. You will figure this out. Your meds have to work together not against each other. Trying to get a team of doctors is hard, but with time and a lot of teeth clenching (sometimes I sleep with a mouth guard) you can do this! I believe in you getting what you need. Stay hydrated if you can. I use Pedialyte to keep me from complete dehydration. My doctors say I have eczema pretty badly.
Keep in touch a let me know how it all goes.
Wishing you, smart empathetic doctors and better pharmacist to get you better soon.
Dear WickNeo. Do you live in the United States. The headphones sound a good idea. I think they are called ear defenders. They would help with all the noise. Sorry you have been having such a rough time with the special education lawyer for your daughter. It is so hard when you have PTSD. I probably have PTSD after my past. Sounds like you did a good presentation, well done. The gallery opening sounds good. My daughter always was a social butterfly (now 43 and still is😂). It was always hard for me as she wanted to party and I couldn’t socialise.My son was easier ( now 35) as he was quiet. Thanks for telling me what you eat. Would you mind telling me what ADHD medication you take as I probably need my ADHD medicated. The menopause is a difficult time. What did the gastroenterologists say to you over the years. They just don’t know what to do with me. I have had all the tests and they say it is normal so I don’t understand it. I don’t even think my brain and body talk to each other lol 😂. I will stay in touch and let you know how I am. Thank you 😊 for all your encouragement. Take care.
Dear Meerkat,
My gastroenterologist told me that talk therapy and stress reduction would get rid of the stomach acid that caused my peptic ulcer. That advice was good for me because prior to that I just quietly pushed on, going to high school, feeling terrified of the hallways, the bathrooms and the lunchroom. I wish I had known about adhd, sensory processing disorders, anxiety and depression back then. My mom was too busy working 2 jobs to notice how her quiet, good student, activity participating, non behavior problem daughter was doing emotionally. My father worked nights so he was always asleep or in the bathroom.
On weekends and holidays, my parents fought. Verbally, emotionally and physically. Then one of us would have to call the police.
I take Adderall XR. I had to have the dose lowered so I could sleep.
Yes, I live in the United States, in rural Ohio. I moved from a rural town to an even more rural town closer to Toledo.
I had a therapist who kept asking me to get screened for Crohn’s Disease. I don’t have it, cutting out dairy stop all of my digestive issues.
One day at a time, we’ll get to a stable place in our physical and mental health. I believe it. Last school year, I had blood work done and they discovered I have a high clotting number, so they were worried about aneurysm or pulmonary embolism. They gave me a ct scan and discovered 3 nodules on my thyroid. Three months later, I had a biopsy and the results were benign. Six months later, they found another growing nodule. So, I get ultrasounds of my enlarged thyroid (goiter) once a year from now on. I’m trying not to think of it as cancer. I’m going to think of it like a mammogram screening for my dense breasts. This body has a sense of humor.
Here’s an article about goiters from Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/heal...
If you can’t read about these conditions due to anxiety, then have a friend read the article or print them out then give them to your doctor as you ask for a referral to an endocrinologist.
I found this article on Hashimoto’s disease from Cleveland Clinic. I’m sure you already know all this information. my.clevelandclinic.org/heal...
You’ve got this!
Hi WickNeo. Thank you for answering my questions about ADHD meds and the gastroenterologist. My doctor is referring me to a dietitian and for ADHD. Your childhood sounds like mine. My dad gave me Autism and ADHD . He was 48 when he had me and the chances of passing it on rise with age. My mum too worked all the time and had no idea what was going on with me . School was a nightmare and I so wished like you I knew that I was neurodivergent. The teachers thought I was just lazy and not trying. Fortunately the conditions haven’t been passed to my children because it usually comes from the father. I think I might have a goitre growing. My neck looks like it’s changing and I am coughing especially when I eat. This all frightens the life out of me and I am really struggling. I have a real phobia of hospitals as a lot of my relatives had serious illnesses when I was a child. Thanks for the links. I will read them as I have to face up to the physical health issues I have. It isn’t easy as you know when you have had a traumatic childhood and you have ADHD and major mental health issues. Thyroid problems can cause mental health issues. Dr Izabella Wentz said her parents took her to a psychiatrist before she was diagnosed with Hashimotos and she said she thought she was going crazy. That is how I feel right now so I don’t know what is physical mental or emotional. I am so pleased your nodules were benign and you are thinking the right way about your checks. You are right one day at a time, at bedtime which is 10 p.m. I feel like I have been through a war zone but it is so lovely to hear from you as you are dealing with the same conditions as me and you make me feel so less alone. Thank you for caring. I will keep in touch. Take care. ☺️
Welcome to the Thunderdome! That’s a MadMax movie quote. I think that’s life right now. One cage match to another cage match, physically, emotionally, socially… Lol.
Specialists are a little more empathetic to patients with the mental illnesses that accompany some medical conditions. Ehler’s Danlos syndrome is suspected due to my tall height, slender build and perpetually loose muscles. That’s on my medical to do list. I need to find a local specialist for a screening and genetic test.
I’m just so tired, so maybe I’ll start researching that in February.
Keep up your positivity,
It works wonders. Take care,
WickNeo
Hi WickNeo. Good to hear from you. I will keep up my positivity and you take care.
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