AuDHD?

[Redvine5]

Hello all,

New to this space. Late diagnosed ADHD four months ago. Starting to wonder if I have autism as well, hard to know since seems to be a lot of crossover. My main reason for wondering is overwhelm meltdowns which I’ve only recently realized that they are just that and not just me not being upset with a particular situation or person. Also, as far as I understand what selective mutism is, I believe I have that as well, especially when meltdown is coming on and after. When I was about to go for my ADHD evaluation, I asked the doctor if this assessment would pick ip on autism as well, and she said “yes.” The result was that she can see some traits but, “doesn’t believe she sees an autistic brain.” I’m not sure if I should just leave it at that or pursue a full assessment.

I’d appreciate any replies about anything I’ve mentioned or just share your experience please.

[Knitting20projects]

Hi, I am no expert but have been through 2 autism evaluations with my children. An ADHD evaluation is not typically the same as an autism evaluation. If you’re wondering about possible autism, I recommend definitely trying to schedule with a psychologist or psychiatrist, and not a family doctor. You will need someone skilled in autism recognition, because especially in women autism has historically been overlooked. I don’t know about insurance coverage for a full autism diagnostic evaluation. Typically it involves an interview, plus some additional data collection from friends or family if possible, plus the ADOS (standardized autism diagnostic testing), which people need training on. For example, a PCP can’t just take a few hour class and get trained. Typically it’s a psychologist who does the ADOS. I hope this helps!

[Redvine5 in reply to Knitting20projects]

Thanks for the info 😊

[STEM_Dad]

It's certainly possible to have autism, as well as ADHD. Like the first reply said, getting assessed by a professional familiar with assessing autism is best.

ADHD does have it's own emotional dysfunction traits (ranging from very mild to very severe), which can appear similar to autistic emotional traits.

There are some free tests online which might help you get a better idea about whether you seem like you have autism or not. These cannot give you a clear diagnosis, but might help you decide whether or not you ought to be seen by a specialist for a full autism evaluation.

additudemag.com/screener-au...

verywellhealth.com/online-t...

[Redvine5 in reply to STEM_Dad]

I got 91 out of 240 on RAADS, 28 out of 50 on AQ, and 40 out of 68 on ASSQ.

Thank you for your reply 😊

[STEM_Dad in reply to Redvine5]

If I'm understanding those scores well, then they indicate that it's probable that you have ASD.

Of course, getting an evaluation from a qualified mental health professional who is familiar with Autism testing would give you a more certain outcome. And an official diagnosis might help you get access to assistance which could help you.

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I've done a couple of only autism tests, and I scored very low (unlikely to have autism).

[Redvine5 in reply to STEM_Dad]

Thanks so much for all your replies 🙂

[wontonsoup]

Hi. I was diagnosed as having ADHD in my late 30s. Upon treatment it became apparent to not only me but family members that there was also something else there. It was put to me that it might be autism by a younger cousin. This started a snowball effect that resulted in being tested for autism and subsequently being diagnosed as having both. So it is possible and it is the how I came about to be diagnosed with both (ADHD diagnosis, treatment, then autism diagnosis).

[trillium42]

I'd say it is worth an additional eval if you are able to do that. We had neuropsych testing for my then 12yo and went into it not telling them anything, but having our suspicions, and they diagnosed moderate ADHD/inattentive and level 1 ASD, plus some other issues. It fits our experiences well. I have been listening to this, which says how there is a large overlap beteen those things. podcasts.apple.com/ca/podca...

[Knitting20projects]

I would also add that, for our family, getting our 12 year old son’s autism diagnosis has helped us be better, more loving & compassionate parents to him (we hope). We have also shared the diagnosis with him & believe the more he understands himself and his needs, the happier he can be. I’m very pleased to see a growing autism self advocacy community where he can choose to ally if he wants, as he gets older. Best wishes to you.

[trade74]

I think its the same thing, just ADHD gives you access to the meds, which work for a while, but tend to increase the Au traits.. The key for me was to slow the thought PROCESS down. The frustration comes in waves, one day super frustrated and the next super calm. I have started this therapy approach of only working on problems on the calm days, and just riding out the frustration days.. over time the frustrated days become obvious and you learn not to affect your family as much. I wish you luck, Its not all bad either,😜 I love learning about myself and how my brain works.. then sharing my learnings.. 👍

[Redvine5 in reply to trade74]

I love learning about all this as well thank you for your reply.

[Fayerweather]

I'm in the same place. I didn't talk to a professional about it yet, but I have many symptoms of autism. I feel like there's a lot of overlap between Autism and ADHD, but the reasoning behind it is different. I think the mutism is definitely tied to Autism (I'm no doctor, but my cousin was recently diagnosed with both and they had serious issues with inability to speak in their youth).

I am pretty sure I have Elhers-Danlo Syndrome, lots of social anxiety, meltdowns when there are sudden changes to my routines. issues with intimate touch. I have a lot going on that feels like I might be on the spectrum. I'd also recommend an autism eval separate from ADHD. Best of luck, and you are definitely not alone!