Does this sound like autism?

[cantbloodythinkofausername]

I'm in the process of getting an ADHD diagnosis, I score almost 100% on the ASRS questionnaire for inattentive traits. But I'm starting to wonder about autism too. I've just half heartedly filled in the AQ50 and scored 35/50 which apparently is high, and my mind is kind of blown...

I've always been called naive, dumb blonde, airhead, lacking common sense. But I feel like this side of me isn't quite answered by inattentive ADHD traits. I've always just felt like a kid inside, spontaneous but in the way a child would be spontaneous, I feel like a 'free spirit' and just want to play pretend, but only within very strict safe boundaries. I get very easily overwhelmed (but that's ADHD right??). Huge sense of relief when my calendar is empty and I can just stay home alone. I really like socialising but in small doses. Struggle with understanding the social rules, eye contact, how close to stand to people etc, I've always got very angry with people that won't just say what they mean. I don't really have any friends, I've never met anyone that I don't find manipulative and fake deep down eventually.

The other side to it is that I feel like an 'old soul', a philosopher, poet, I'm an INFP-T (Mediator) personality type apparently. I've often been told I'm too serious and to 'just take a joke for once!'. I used to write poetry and entire novels as a kid. I was told they're really good actually. I'm a good public speaker and debater which people are always surprised by. I question and analyse everything, I thought maybe this was ADHD hyperactive brain, but it doesn't feel chaotic exactly. I can't abide injustice or not fully understanding something.

I don't identify at all though (I think!) with sensory issues or special interests or other cliché autistic traits I would first think of if that makes sense... I do hyperfocus but it's not usually on the same interest over time.

Am I just an inattentive-ADHD introvert? Or does this sound like autism to you?

Honestly, yes. You sounds like one of my autistic daughters. You say no sensory issues - do you have strong preferences for socks? Fabrics? Cutlery? Spicy or bland foods?

Thanks for replying.

Not really... The only thing I can think of is that I don't like to wear any jewellery or a watch I get so annoyed with them after a few minutes, the feel of something sitting on my skin (that isn't fabric) somehow. I've given up trying now and just don't buy them.

Yes. You don't have to have every trait to be autistic, it's a spectrum. I, for example, don't have special interest, and find the concept of special interested insulting and infantilazing. I also don't relate to not having empathy.

ohhh I keep noticing sensory things since making this post! We haven't had a ticking clock in the house for years because the noise drive me nuts. I struggle with bright sunlight, it was a joke as a kid I'm squinting on so many photos and often would hold my hands over my eyes until the person said 'now!' and I'd open my eyes for 2 seconds for the photo lol. I've hidden in the car and cried on a day out before because I'd forgotten my sunglasses (as a teenager. I now have a pair of sunglasses in my car, my husbands car, my everyday bag, and 2 spares 😂.) Sometimes when my babies cried I'd just start crying too because the noise is so awful, I always knew that was a bit odd but hadn't really given it much thought. Have to sleep in absolute dark, sometimes my husbands like 'it IS dark' but eventually I'll track down a tiny glow like a charging light on something thats annoying me. Lots more.....

Im finding as I put strategies in place to manage the ADHD Im noticing more and more autistic traits.

Oh boy its an interesting journey