I am prepared to get flamed for this and will try and make it as short as possible.
Since my child has been little I have had some people question (including myself) whether she may be autistic or ADHD.
I sometimes hate labels and think way too many times they’re thrown at kids just because they don’t fit into a box and it can be more harmful than helpful in some cases.
My DD is an absolute angel and I could not wish for a better child, which is probably why I have never felt the need to diagnose her.
But I struggle with guilt of whether I have made her life more difficult.
She is 17 now and so I am wondering if I have left it too late.
Some examples of her traits:
Very sensitive to certain textures - can’t wear certain clothes.
Very sensitive hearing - can hear sounds that I can’t which can be difficult for her.
Suffered with anxiety.
Used to be hyper - almost uncontrollably so but now is almost the opposite.
Struggles with changes - has regularly led to meltdowns, crying and self harming.
Can be impulsive and sensitive.
Loses everything.
Accidentally breaks things.
Disorganised and ‘away with the fairies’
Has never slept a full night.
Has never been to a hairdressers as can’t cope.
And more.
But she does not do:
Hand flapping, stimming, intense focus on interests etc which are regularly seen in autistic individuals.
She also doesn’t interrupt people talking or has difficulty waiting her turn as seen in ADHD individuals.
Inattentive ADHD sounds very similar but that doesn’t account for the struggles with change and sensory difficulties.
It is also odd because how can you go from being so hyper (to the point several people have commented saying she’s ADHD) to late primary school and being the opposite to not being hyper.
AIBU?
YABU - to not get a diagnosis. Go and get one.
YANBU - do not go and get a diagnosis. She does not have traits that fully align with any ND.