How did you realise you had ADHD / ADD and is it worth getting an assessment?
I'm 27 and my son has recently been diagnosed with ASD and ADHD. I know it is often genetic, so it has started me wondering about myself.
- I have always marched to the beat of my own drum. As a child, no hobbies were consistent because I wanted to 'do my own thing'.
- I was very hyperactive, skipping, jumping, leaping but this stopped around the age of 11. Due to this, people did suggest to my mum that I may have ADHD.
- I was very clever and could easily past tests in school with minimal effort. This lead to conflict when I was in secondary school, as if I didn't see the point in doing homework or something in class, I would be defiant.
- I had friends, but I definitely dominated friendships in primary school, I can distinctly remember most games being 'mine'. I had friends in secondary school, but there were lots of issues throughout. I don't really have many friends as an adult, but I don't really care.
- My long term memory is brilliant, but short term not so good. I often forget what I am doing in the moment. Most days I will go out of the house, lock it up, get in the car, then realise I've forgotten something.
- I work for myself because I don't like following rules I find pointless or other people telling me what to do.
- I am late to things, all the time. I don't factor in certain things, for instance, I will need to pack a bag, or have breakfast. To be on time, it requires a lot of effort and planning. Even in situations where I am on time, I am arriving at the last minute. To truly be on time, I would need to get up hours and hours before the event.
- Distraction is also an issue. For example, I've got guests arriving in a couple of hours and have lots to do, but instead I am writing this Mumsnet post!
- In social situations I tend to 'latch on to' the other person who needs to have neurodiverse tendencies, I don't like small talk, and much prefer someone I can have full on debates with.
- My common sense is not so good. Jokes often go over my head or I will take things quite literally.
- I've noticed I've got some sensory sensitivities, I hate restrictive clothing or items, like coats or tight boots or goggles. I would rather freeze in the winter rather than wear a coat as I hate the fact I can't move my arms properly.
Does this sound within the realms of 'normal'? Or do you think something else is going on?