Hester Report post Posted March 29, 2016 Hello! I'm a recently(ish) diagnosed adult with ASD and ADHD. I mostly came here for medication information but thought I should be polite and introduce myself. I am a thirty-five year old woman, based in the UK. I was diagnosed with ADHD following a nervous breakdown about eighteen months ago. At that diagnostic appointment I was also referred to her colleague because I was apparently "complicated" and she diagnosed me with ASD (specifically the Asperger's end of things) as well, which was quite a curve ball. It's still quite hard to deal with as I came from the sort of family who had the "mental illness doesn't exist in THIS house!" attitude, and actually, one of my two brothers still doesn't believe me, which hurts like hell. I should note that my other brother is now also going through the diagnostic process for ASD however! Prior to these diagnoses I had been in and out of my GPs for about fifteen years, constantly being told that I was just anxious or depressed. It was a relief to finally find out that actually there was something more going on. I'd known I was different from the age of eight! It was a bit of a double-edged sword though, realising that when all of the bullies said I was "deeply weird" they actually had a point. Lots of bad things happened over the years but I've made it through! I am happily married; my husband is also a late diagnosis ADHD sufferer - he was diagnosed the year before me. We have a gorgeous NT four year old - I sometimes feel sorry for him, being the only NT in the house. I worry so much about being a good Mum, especially since my diagnosis and all the over thinking that has led to. I feel guilty that I can't take him to busy places because of the sensory overwhelm (and now I know that's what it is! Not just "agrophobia" or "panic attacks"!) and worry that I'm too stressy sometimes, but honestly he's a godsend. As much as I worry, I also acknowledge that he's becoming such a thoughtful little boy and so generous. He doesn't even think twice when he meets other kids with special needs because he's used to us. He understands that sometimes I just need to sit very still and quietly to get myself under control after being in a strssful environment, and will politely say "Mummy, you are getting distracted!" when ADHD brain leaves me staring into space. He is like my tiny personal organiser, reminding me of all the things I forget to do! All in all, despite everything that's happened I feel lucky. I'm hoping that the new understanding from these diagnoses will finally let me get a handle on things. Onwards and upwards! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Salvador Report post Posted April 5, 2016 Well welcome and hello awakened soul! You are in the right place! I am 36 and recently diagnosed and akso have 4yr old NT child. I worry for her too as she noticed daddy cant do the pretend games ages ago! She teaches me though, and learnt a lot from her about social interaction. .. from 4yr old haha Bless them eh I feel my diagnosis lifted a massive weight off my mind about what the hell is going on uo there! Now I am awakened I know myself so much better and the anxiety is less This can be a great place for reassurance if needed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trekster Report post Posted April 16, 2016 Welcome your child is a credit to you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cj77 Report post Posted May 5, 2016 Hi I'm 38 and have been diagnosed with aspergers this year. Although not a surprise I'm still getting used to the diagnosis and it's raised some questions. Fortunately family are supportive but I worry about the implications for my sons (1 & 3) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
