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Hello, ADHD ASD newbie

shinkansen

shinkansen

Well-Known Member
Hello everyone,

Last November 2014, I was diagnosed with ADHD. The assessment and diagnosis took place at the ADHD specialist unit at an NHS hospital in London, UK. For those outside the UK, the NHS (National Health Service), is our health care system which is generally free at the point of use.

While being assessed, the specialist ADHD doctor decided to refer me to an NHS autism spectral disorder (ASD) unit. In his opinion, he was "pretty sure" I'm on the ASD. There is a waiting list, and my ASD assessment will be in February 2016.

Some life long friends and my brother have suggested that I might have "aspergers syndrome". Recurring issues are: lack of empathy, obsessional behaviour and fixed way of doing things. Anywa, this is what others say to me.

I've struggled with the ADHD medication. Things got to the stage where my GP intervened. So now I see him most weeks. And my GP arranged for me to see a psychologist.

I've had my first meeting with the psychologist. We talked a lot about what makes me anxious. Much of it is changes in routine and uncertainty.

I really want to chat to those with diagnosed aspergers / ASD. An aspergers diagnosis would explain a lot about my behaviour and anxiety. But we shall have to see what happens at the ASD assessment, however anxious the wait is !

Thanks and look forward to getting to know others.

Regards - Shinkansen
 
Hi, and welcome to the forum :) Good luck with your assessment. You've come to the right place if you want to share experiences with others with ASD.
 
Thank you. Since the ADHD specialist decided to refer me for the ASD assessment, I have been doing lots of research on ASD. All interesting.

My personal experiences include relationship and employment issues. And some life long obsessions. Some of the obsessions seem to normal to be me.

The other day, I did the Sally Anne empathy test on YouTube. That was a revelation.
 
Welcome aboard :)
You have found a friendly and helpful Community here.
Best wishes
image.webp
 
hi & welcome,
hope you get things sorted out quickly. if its asd this is a good place to converse.
 
Welcome.

What you say does sound like ASD. I am self diagnosed only and have a strong aversion to medical professionals of any kind so, will likely never seek a formal diagnosis but, I have two major obsession, one has been life long and is also my career - music. The other is food and cooking, a welcome obsession to most people, thankfully.

I have been accused of lack of empathy, that isn't really true, but I can't express it well, and I couldn't at all until I was in my 30's. I do remain distanced form people, even my husband. I don't get emotionally attached to anyone. Animals and musical equipment are another story. I do get attached to those and, don't you dare hurt my favorite kitchen knives and pans - there will be war and, I will win.

A joke with my husband, because I am Native American, when I get angry, he warns people that "The squaw is on the warpath again. Stay away from her if you don't want to be scalped." LOL
 
shinkansen said:
Hello everyone,

Last November 2014, I was diagnosed with ADHD. The assessment and diagnosis took place at the ADHD specialist unit at an NHS hospital in London, UK. For those outside the UK, the NHS (National Health Service), is our health care system which is generally free at the point of use.

While being assessed, the specialist ADHD doctor decided to refer me to an NHS autism spectral disorder (ASD) unit. In his opinion, he was "pretty sure" I'm on the ASD. There is a waiting list, and my ASD assessment will be in February 2016.

Some life long friends and my brother have suggested that I might have "aspergers syndrome". Recurring issues are: lack of empathy, obsessional behaviour and fixed way of doing things. Anywa, this is what others say to me.

I've struggled with the ADHD medication. Things got to the stage where my GP intervened. So now I see him most weeks. And my GP arranged for me to see a psychologist.

I've had my first meeting with the psychologist. We talked a lot about what makes me anxious. Much of it is changes in routine and uncertainty.

I really want to chat to those with diagnosed aspergers / ASD. An aspergers diagnosis would explain a lot about my behaviour and anxiety. But we shall have to see what happens at the ASD assessment, however anxious the wait is !

Thanks and look forward to getting to know others.

Regards - Shinkansen
Click to expand...

Welcome to AC!

Got both of those you mention, and found out the same way; ADHD visit and comment by the doctor that I probably have the other.

The "lack of empathy" thing was a washout, turns out that many aspies suffer from too much empathy and wind up boxing it up in the Bonehouse (ie, so deep in our skulls that it doesn't get out, and we don't get credit for what we do feel).

It's a ticklish point--sociopaths actually do lack empathy, but aspies don't show empathy. I've often wondered if the two are mutually exclusive or if there's a neurologism that really does admit both.

OCD is its own thing as well. Often comorbid, though.

I hope your docs walk you through this, and that you find here the helping hands and hearts for walking the road.
Welcome!
 
Aspergirl4hire said:
Welcome to AC!

Got both of those you mention, and found out the same way; ADHD visit and comment by the doctor that I probably have the other.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your welcome and comment. Do you take medication for the ADHD ? If so, how do you get on with it ?

When the ADHD specialist suggested the ASD assessment, I responded by saying 'what difference would a diagnosis make ?'. He said 'wouldn't you like to know ?'

Since then, many things have happened. Including a visit to a hospital following an episode of self harm. By openly admitting this, it's helping me come to terms.

Getting an ASD diagnosis is important. To find out what makes a person tick. And for me, I really want to be able to manage myself better.

And I've also learned a new word "combordity' !

Look forward to chatting with others.
 
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