Postpartum ASD

[somethingdifferent1]

Trying to keep my query as simple as possible... is it possible that postpartum can 'bring out'/exacerbate usually mild/underlying ASD/ADHD/symptoms of? Just wondering if anyone who has experience with these conditions can shed some light. Not trying to minimise these disorders with the question. Thank you

I was only diagnosed with ADHD after my postpartum experience. Symptoms were always there in hindsight but pregnancy/postpartum made it impossible to mask. Support has been great though so not necessarily a negative thing.

Yes this is exactly what I feel like I can relate to. I don't know a great deal about masking so I'm not sure if there are things I used to do that with hindsight are quite obvious, but postpartum I've really noticed some traits that DP and I keep arguing about.

It was my postpartum perinatal psychiatrist who suggested and referred me for an ASD assessment. I didn't know much about it at the time but have since done some reading that indicates there is significant evidence that major life stages like puberty, pregnancy, postpartum period, menopause etc can all bring existing ND traits to the fore.

I just didn't know if it was realistic to even contemplate whether postpartum could have anything to do with traits becoming more obvious.

Babies take the nutrients they need from their mother - during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
I have adhd and had PND after both babies and also dreadful PMS.
I notice if I eat better - protein/veg etc. Less sugar my ADD symptoms are reduced/not as bad. It’s also definitely hormone related eg at certain points in my cycle I will be more forgetful, clumsy, inattentive.
So yes I think it’s possible. Unlikely any studies on it though so doctors probably won’t confirm it.

To add to pps, sleep deprivation exacerbates ADHD symptoms.

I then reflected back on both of my pregnancylies and my first postpartum period, and I can now with hindsight see that my MH crises were forms of autistic meltdowns (in my opinion currently). I also am discussing PMDD with my GP.

@somethingdifferent1 definitely realistic, in my opinion. Please be kind to yourself

*pregnancies not pregnancy lies!! How strange!

@somethingdifferent1 definitely realistic. It's worth considering it. I was never consciously aware of masking, but I had definite 'coping strategies' which are mostly around reducing sensory overload - like going to bed for a day! - which clearly is completely impossible with a child. It is easier to manage again now she's a bit older but the newborn bit was hard.

My husband has found my diagnosis helpful and it has stopped the arguing. We talk more now about how our brains work/don't work, rather than 'won't'. We also now try to notice the common disagreements and do something about them - e.g. constantly mouldy bread in bread bin because my brain forgets it is there? Bread is now on the side and bread bin is in the garage!