Not knowing how to be a ‘real’ adult

[Aquafresh]

I do have ADHD and possibly ASD too, wanted to open with that as it may be relevant.

I just feel like I don’t know HOW to do things that other ‘grown-ups’ do, particularly parents.

I wrote a message last night to my 5 year old DS’s teacher about something that was concerning me, after I’d written and sent it, I read it back and it sounded so ridiculous. How I had worded it, it just made me cringe.

Also, if a teacher or member of staff ever says they want to speak to me, I just feel like I’m going to cry. I also find it very difficult to talk to them face to face, I’ve been the same in previous jobs I’ve had (currently unemployed due to my ND and inability to cope with employment).

some of the most common symptoms of ADHD are hypersensitivity and rejection sensitive dysphoria - it makes you worry a huge amount about how others perceive you, and makes you terrified of rejection.

I’m certain the message you sent was absolutely fine in reality, but I’m very sympathetic to how you feel. I have ADHD too and it is very hard to overcome the intense anxiety about your own behaviour that it comes with.