Anyone a girl who was diagnosed in childhood?

[Limerentchick]

I was diagnosed at age 5 with combined adhd and Learning disorder not otherwise specified, then at age 6 with language disorders, adhd, PDDNOS/Level 2 Autism (they used both dsm 4 and dsm 5 in the evaluation) I tested 74 on a Standford Binet IQ test telling my mom "Expect she'll never be on grade level." If I recall that correctly, throughout most of elementary school I was in a self contained special ed class with combined severities, no one really expected me to be independent.

I'm doing well now though for the most part and have my drivers license. I'm in all general ed classes with a 504, my mom even told me she never thought I could do it but here I am! I know that most girls go undiagnosed, there was this one girl I was in the same behavioral class with say she was diagnosed at 2 years old. I do well in English and History but struggle badly with math, do okay in science.

Anyone with a similar background? Growing up I only really knew of people who were nonverbal or in mostly full time special ed with an aide (NOT THAT THERES ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT) everyone around me used autism or sped as a joke. I never really felt seen if that makes sense? Also I've never understood the difference between high functioning autism and aspergers, everyone told me it was different but when I'd ask how they'd say well it's complicated.

 

[FayetheAspie]

They have combined them now, but my understanding was that the difference between Asperger's vs High Functioning Autism was that there was no language delay in Asperger's.

 

[Rodafina]

Welcome @Limerentchick.

I am a girl, but not diagnosed in childhood. What you described sounds pretty tough in a lot of ways. Seems like you had the experience of not quite fitting, maybe.

Even though your experience was unique, I think you will definitely find others here who never felt seen. I was one of them. Sometimes the idea of never being seen was comforting, but it also became very painful over time. This forum was the first place that I actually felt seen. It took me over 40 years to find that feeling.

 

[Crossbreed]

Also I've never understood the difference between high functioning autism and aspergers, everyone told me it was different but when I'd ask how they'd say well it's complicated.

I am not a girl, but here is a practical distinction (in the USA),...

Post in thread 'ASD severity levels explained (hopefully)'

Dec 18, 2023

Pragmatically speaking (in the US),

• ASD3 requires a court-appointed Guardian of Person as an adult.
• ASD2 requires a Conservator of Estate, a representative payee or similar (but no guardian) as an adult.
• ASD1 requires neither as an adult.

• Crossbreed

 

[Judge]

The distinction between a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder is largely an issue for Americans as opposed to those outside our borders. That it was the DSM-V who formally revised Asperger's Syndrome to ASD (levels 1,2 & 3).

The DSM-V is the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition". A recognized medical protocol, but for the United States that implemented this change in 2013.

Outside the US you can find medical professionals relying on other protocols such as the ICD-11, and occasionally finding doctors who for whatever reasons more of less"freelance" their own diagnostic process. And then there's always the confusion of those originally diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome who continue to use the term even though it's considered outdated in the US.

Here you'll likely many members who may still cling to the term "Asperger's Syndrome" simply because their nation's medical systems may still recognize it. Or that for whatever reason they tend to relate to it more than ASD levels one, two and three.

To me such concerns are largely academic, given you're always at the caprice of whatever medical professional is treating or diagnosing you.