I know that a few others have posted threads here regarding autism, but since I myself (and a few others on here whom I know) am autistic, and also in honor of Autism Acceptance Month, I would like to create a support thread which will serve as the main thread for discussing autism as well as ADHD!
to my autistic/ADHD folk, feel free to share your experiences here! and for my neurotypical folk, feel free to ask questions and allow our voices to be heard. I would really like to create some solidarity here since there is still a lot of confusion/bias surrounding autism, especially with the way it's portrayed in media.
keep in mind that there is language that some of us are okay with, and others aren't. for instance, most people still use "functioning labels" and phrases like "aspergers" but I don't like to refer to myself this way because I don't like functioning labels. I simply tell people I'm autistic, but if others still use "aspergers" then that's fine. most people also prefer identity-first language, as in saying "autistic person" instead of "person with autism." but don't feel bad if you say something different or wrong, we're all here to learn!
anyways, I'm one of the rare cases where I have ADHD and I'm autistic, life is quite a wild ride for me
there is a lot of overlap between the two, but there are also some key differences and I just seem to get the short end of the stick with both of them. I'm very organized but I also have a few things lying around because many ADHDers have issues with object permanence (aka if I can see it, it doesn't exist). I have an excellent long-term memory and a horrendous short-term memory. I'm very punctual but I'm also terrible at managing and keeping track of my time. I crave a routine but I also hate being told what to do, even by myself. I definitely understand all the struggles, and I know that everyone's struggles are different but I always like understanding, listening to, and helping my fellow neurodivergent friends
also a quick fun fact: many people try to claim that autistic people have no empathy, but it's usually the case that we don't express empathy the same way as others do. in fact, many autistic people are hyper-empathetic and feel things very deeply. I'm highly empathetic, and when I see others get upset I can physically feel myself becoming upset as well. but I don't express my empathy in words so people might not recognize it.
to my autistic/ADHD folk, feel free to share your experiences here! and for my neurotypical folk, feel free to ask questions and allow our voices to be heard. I would really like to create some solidarity here since there is still a lot of confusion/bias surrounding autism, especially with the way it's portrayed in media.
keep in mind that there is language that some of us are okay with, and others aren't. for instance, most people still use "functioning labels" and phrases like "aspergers" but I don't like to refer to myself this way because I don't like functioning labels. I simply tell people I'm autistic, but if others still use "aspergers" then that's fine. most people also prefer identity-first language, as in saying "autistic person" instead of "person with autism." but don't feel bad if you say something different or wrong, we're all here to learn!
anyways, I'm one of the rare cases where I have ADHD and I'm autistic, life is quite a wild ride for me
there is a lot of overlap between the two, but there are also some key differences and I just seem to get the short end of the stick with both of them. I'm very organized but I also have a few things lying around because many ADHDers have issues with object permanence (aka if I can see it, it doesn't exist). I have an excellent long-term memory and a horrendous short-term memory. I'm very punctual but I'm also terrible at managing and keeping track of my time. I crave a routine but I also hate being told what to do, even by myself. I definitely understand all the struggles, and I know that everyone's struggles are different but I always like understanding, listening to, and helping my fellow neurodivergent friends
also a quick fun fact: many people try to claim that autistic people have no empathy, but it's usually the case that we don't express empathy the same way as others do. in fact, many autistic people are hyper-empathetic and feel things very deeply. I'm highly empathetic, and when I see others get upset I can physically feel myself becoming upset as well. but I don't express my empathy in words so people might not recognize it.