Questioning autism diagnosis?

[Busybody2022]

DS is 6. Diagnosed global delay at 2. Has a speech disorder. Very very clear ADHD.

Took him for a neurodevlopment assessment. Received outcome this week of ADHD and autism. The autism has blindsided me. I always assumed it would just be adhd.

Is it possible autism can be misdiagnosed?

It is always possible.

Autism is a dimensional condition - no-one's autism is the same. I think most parents and children go on a long journey post-diagnosis to understand their own autism, with plenty of surprises and learning along the way. My own reflection would be that not fitting the media stereotype is not the same as not meeting the diagnostic criteria - I thought I understood what autism was. I didn't, and I am still learning about it from my child.

To also note that ADHD can mask autism. I think quite a lot of families have the experience of a child going onto ADHD meds, and suddenly autistic traits become much more visible. (Think 20-50% of people with ADHD are also autistic? So there is a big overlap).

Ask questions, or ask for a second opinion if you are worried? Are there particular reasons why you think this diagnosis isn't a good fit with DC?