A new Neurodiversity support thread for those with suspected or diagnosed ASD, ADHD and other NDs

[PigPigTrotters]

Yet another thread for neurodivergent mumsnetters.

Lots of links in old threads.

Anyone is welcome, it's not just about autism.

Oh BDH
I think whatever is going on with me definitely comes from my mum. My dad did the aq questionnaire nd came back as NT. Me and my mum on the other hand....

Grr. I missed the a off and.

Nice one Polter! Productivity backslaps :)

The boys are outside and happy for now (though, I did have to go and swap a huge stone DS2 found for a smaller one less likely to break all the bones in his foot if he dropped it) so that's something.

I think both my parents are on the spectrum (though, my mum is such a master at masking I'm not completely certain). My grandma on my mum's side certainly was (or is...she has Alzheimer's so isn't really the same person anymore) but it was almost certainly my granddad on my dad's side.

As for DH - I always thought his autism came from his dad but the more time I spend with the ILs the more I suspect his mum is actually more likely to be on the spectrum. When we went to the beach with them she said he mum used to have to take all MIL's swimming costumes when they went to the beach because as soon as one got even slightly wet MIL insisted on getting changed. That struck me as very autistic!

Oh, and well done, Polter!

Yay Polter! Well done!

I think my ASD has come from my father, whose parents were decidedly neurodivergent. I suspect the PDA element in my boys has come from FIL who I'm sure has PDA, plus every single one of his grandchildren (plus the one we're not supposed to know about) have issues with anxiety and ASD.

After a few busy-ish days I think I have some sort of social hangover, I'm knackered! I think DH is annoyed with me for,having a crap day.

Hello everyone - I've come here having had an epiphany of sorts - but I'm still meeting with a lot of 'of course you don't have ASD!' And doubting myself...

I met a woman at work today who sort of described exactly how I feel but who nobody would ever suspect ASD, she was just diagnosed aged 39. I was diagnosed with BPD but I never felt it really fitted, and I'm really good at the 'performance' of life generally.

I found one of those lists of ASD traits in adult women and I relate to all of them. Thing is though, if I ask anyone who knows me they'll say I don't exhibit any of them.

I can't shake it though somehow.

I had a BPD diagnosis too, Albadross, and like you never felt that it fitted me - mine is ASD now. Interestingly, I have a friend at college with a BPD diagnosis and a son with ASD, and have two or three other friends with BPD diagnoses who also have close male relatives with ASD. Hmmmmm.

I have no idea where ASD comes in in my family. We do have all sorts of alcoholics and unmentionable things.

I'm completely overwhelmed. Had to go to the garage yesterday for the car which cost a lot and then got told I needed some new parts to cost 2500 euros. Was a really long day so slept terribly and not for very long. Then today was really busy at work. Then got stopped by police while driving for something I felt was very unfair. I'd left my handbag at home so didn't have my licence on me and turned out my MOT was out of date by a few days (I hadn't realised) so got a right telling off (that part was fair of course), then still had patients to see, running really late. And finished work late. Sort of barely managed to keep it together at work and while waiting for the police to write me up. Collapsed in tears at home though. Haven't cried in ages. I really don't want to go to work tomorrow, but I'll have to.

This after I had a first appointment on Monday evening with a new psychologist in which I had a really hard time speaking and I really just want to sleep for the rest of the week please.

Oh God. And I was just coming on to come plain about being sore. My physio had to sort my hip out, it wasn't I'm place properly. Probably from my fall down the stairs. My physio is lovely. She knows my entire life story and that I'm waiting for a diagnosis. I also know a hell of a lot about her! And her 7 year old son who she thinks has ASD.

rivierliedje sounds like you've had a much worse time I hope you can rest

Thanks polter and HSF. I've not been sleeping well lately. Actually I've not been doing well at anything lately.

I also heard I'll have to speak at a hearing tomorrow. I thought I was just going along for moral support. I hate public speaking. Managed to avoid doing it quite successfully since I finished school (avoided almost every instance of it at university) and now I've gone and landed myself in it because I didn't ask about the details properly.

Sorry I'm taking over this thread with ranting. It's been a horrible few days.

I hope the physio helps hsf.

I've been in therapy since I was 14 and still I consider myself to be 'broken' or at least different. It's reassuring to read things here that make total sense to me. I sent my DF the list of things I found at help4aspergers.com/pb/wp_a58d4f6a/wp_a58d4f6a.html expecting him to say 'I've never noticed' and instead he responded: 'Oh I can relate that to both me and your DM!"

It's so difficult to describe when I've become so good at masking though

Evening all. I've had a busy few days with work and I have barely kept up.

Good news! My new job is confirmed and I have a start date. Starting after Christmas. The whole process has been nothing but stress and my current manager has been less than helpful! Fortunately my new manager seems very nice, quick to respond to emails for examples. I'm nervous but optimistic about the move.

rivier try watching this TED talk it might help.

Hello all. I found you via a search for weighted blankets.

I'm in my early 60s. Aged 60, I convinced my psychiatrist to refer me for assessment for ASD. The assessors decided I was NT - but I think I've just managed to learn to pass for NT. Actually, lots of different patterns of behaviour which acquire labels seem to fit me - ADD, sensory processing problems, executive dysfunction... Even my bipolar diagnosis - which arises from the few hypomanic episodes I've had - I suspect may stem from stress overload. (The depression part went when I got divorced 4 years ago!)

My life is a continuous process of work-around and outwitting myself to get anything done. ATM I'm in mild burn out and a long phase of obsessional MNing

Just nice to find people who will understand.

Thanks Polter! It just seemed easier with the timing to start at NY. I'm negotiating if I can have a week off between Christmas and NY (unpaid) without too much faff because of ending one contract and starting another. Even if I don't I'm only working 23rd and 24th then I'm off til NY. Good for you Polter!

Welcome silver. I agree, you'll fit in here!

Have you all done AQ tests - any recommendations? I just found one and was well up into the 'many ASD traits' category, but I realise this doesn't mean I have it.

Is there any point in asking my GP to refer? I have private medical but I don't know if things like that are covered.

It's fascinating reading the thread and identifying with so many things you're all saying.

Morning.

Hi, Pussycat.

Glad you finally have a definitive answer, Faith, and congratulations on the new job even if it's a little way off yet.

It's nice your dad wasn't dismissive, Albadross.

The boys are booked in for a 'spooky stay and play' at the children's centre, which they've been looking forward to. Unfortunately, I don't think DS2 can go. He does seem a bit better today but since he was being sick the day before yesterday it's not technically been 48 hours yet so I shouldn't take him for the sake of the other kids.

DH is working from home today so I can take DS1 (he would have a huge meltdown if he didn't get to go - he's been desperate to do something at the children's centre because he knows DS2 goes there sometimes when he's at school) but I have no idea how DS2 will react. It's hard to know how much he understands.