ADHD and autism meeting: a revelation

[shinkansen]

As some of you may know that last November 2014, I was diagnosed with ADHD and immediately prescribed medication: Concerta XL. The ADHD specialist also decided to refer me for an ASD (autism spectrum disorder) assessment as he was "pretty sure" I was on the spectrum. My brother and a special needs teacher have been saying for years that I might have aspergers.

Anyway...

Once or twice a month, I go to an ADHD support group meeting. I really like this because you find out how others cope at work, diagnosis with taking their pills, as well private and NHS health care experiences. I'm in the UK, where the NHS (National Health Service) provides a nationwide health care system, which is free at the point of use. My own experience of the NHS has been good.

At the last ADHD meeting, I also met someone diagnosed with autism. This is the first time, I'd knowingly spoken to another adult diagnosed with autism/aspergers. It was a revelation for me. He made an insightful comment about me, he asked some really interesting questions about my circumstances and about how I think. I told him about how I "film" what I do and can play back video on demand in my head. Now I've always assumed everyone else does this.

We're keeping in contact because his emails are exactly "in tune" with mine.

Quite an experience. I'm really glad I met him.

 

[Nitro]

As some of you may know that last November 2014, I was diagnosed with ADHD and immediately prescribed medication: Concerta XL. The ADHD specialist also decided to refer me for an ASD (autism spectrum disorder) assessment as he was "pretty sure" I was on the spectrum. My brother and a special needs teacher have been saying for years that I might have aspergers.

Anyway...

Once or twice a month, I go to an ADHD support group meeting. I really like this because you find out how others cope at work, diagnosis with taking their pills, as well private and NHS health care experiences. I'm in the UK, where the NHS (National Health Service) provides a nationwide health care system, which is free at the point of use. My own experience of the NHS has been good.

At the last ADHD meeting, I also met someone diagnosed with autism. This is the first time, I'd knowingly spoken to another adult diagnosed with autism/aspergers. It was a revelation for me. He made an insightful comment about me, he asked some really interesting questions about my circumstances and about how I think. I told him about how I "film" what I do and can play back video on demand in my head. Now I've always assumed everyone else does this.

We're keeping in contact because his emails are exactly "in tune" with mine.

Quite an experience. I'm really glad I met him.

Welcome to the world of visual/spatial thinking

We should compare some notes

 

[Slithytoves]

Hi, Shinkansen. Belated welcome to AC.

That's awesome that you have met someone else in real life who shares your ASD, can appreciate your experience, and that you clicked with so well. Many of us only know other autistics virtually. I wonder if there may be a group for Aspies/HFAs in your area as well as the ADHD circle you're currently in....

I know what you mean about assuming everyone thinks and processes like you do. I use an elaborate "visual" filing system that does include film clips like what you describe. I always thought real-life tools like library card catalogues and rolodexes existed as an external reflection of how everyone thought, like me, and was shocked to find this isn't the case after my diagnosis, when I started asking the NTs in my life more specific questions. That's the stuff that just doesn't come up in regular conversation: "How do you collect and store information in your head?" It's so weird to find out that we not only do things very differently than most people, but that most NTs can't actually explain what they do instead.

Makes you feel kinda special, doesn't it? Even better when you meet others who work more or less the same way you do.

Best wishes for your new friendship. Being truly understood by a friend is priceless.

 

[shinkansen]

Hi, Shinkansen. Belated welcome to AC.

It's so weird to find out that we not only do things very differently than most people, but that most NTs can't actually explain what they do instead.

Makes you feel kinda special, doesn't it? Even better when you meet others who work more or less the same way you do.

Best wishes for your new friendship. Being truly understood by a friend is priceless.

Thank you for the welcome,

Yes, it was weird to find out that you/we do things and thinking, which is different. Don't feel alone now, which makes me feel happier. It was also good to know that when you have those bad moments, that these 'moments' are to be expected for those with aspergers. Think you know what I mean.

Your are absolutely right about the new friendship. I can communicate with him using language with which I'm more comfortable. I so prefer schedules and technology, than all this feelings and emotions stuff.

 

[Epicurean Pariah]

Welcome to our forum. I am certain you will find others here that experience, perceive, learn and imagine just as you.
In general we Aspers seem to "think" differently than normal folks. The differences within the group seem to hinge on our social competence. The spectrum is from uncomfortable but competent to churlish curmudgeonly ineptitude, as I.
I welcome you, post often.

 

[Beverly]

As a group, those of us on the spectrum are as diverse as any other group of people but, we all seem to prefer facts, logic, technology and defined steps to emotion and gut instinct to tackle our challenges.

We also seem to do best socializing with others on the spectrum but, that doesn't mean we can't learn the facades we need to succeed in the NT world too.

You'll find a variety of amazing people here, keep posting, keep learning and, teach us all something now and again too.

 

[shinkansen]

Thanks for your comments. Been an interesting 12 months. Went to the doctors saying that I might have some ADHD symptoms. And then ended up being referred for autism assessment, meeting someone with autism and joining this group.