Recently diagnosed with both Autism & ADHD at 28

[felixparkin]

Hi guys,

Recently got diagnosed with both ADHD and Autism. I always suspected I was autistic but I only bothered looking into the consequences i.e. burnout last year after a pretty overwhelming experience in a relationship. From there, I sought an official diagnosis so that I might get help with burnouts. During my initial triage, the clinician felt that I was more ADHD than autistic so I was heavily advised to seek that as well.

I am not particularly happy with realising that I have ADHD-PI and how those symptoms present. I had that confirmed as a diagnosis in February. As I understand is common, I have essentially self-medicated through vaping and I am also very impulsive and emotional when it comes to dating.

Last week, I was also officially diagnosed with autism. It took three sessions before they could decide, due to my "excellent communication skills" but it was concluded (correctly in my opinion) that I am an extremely high masker and learn exceptionally quickly off other people. Right now, I am in a stage of serious burnout, not helped by being in a pretty demanding job energy-wise.

 

[Chill-E]

Hi @felixparkin - good that you now have your diagnoses - support unless paid or covered by health insurance (in my case) is pretty thin on the ground.

There's a book "autistic burnout workbook" by Dr Megan Neff (who is also AuDHD herself - and she is writing an AUDHD book which I'm sure will be good) that I have and other recommend on this forum. There are 4 or 5 stages to burnout - and its good to understand and be aware of the earlier stages. The book may be a good start