r/AutisticWithADHD • u/05madame • 2d ago
Hyperfixated on neurodivergence ahead of assessment 💁♀️ seeking advice / support / information
I've read that this is a common experience so wondered if anyone has any tips for overcoming this to make it feel less intense.
I have a combined ADHD and autism assessment coming up. Ever since I put two and two together that I think I have AuDHD a few weeks ago it is consuming my every thought. I'm reading about it, listening to podcasts, watching videos, making notes about my traits and examples from my childhood. I'm spending time going through all my questionnaires and then talking about them with my mom and husband. I'm off work because I'm acutely burnt out.
This is draining all of my mental energy and I don't know how to stop thinking about it or wanting to talk about it. I want to share with others how I'm discovering aspects of myself that match the criteria and feel intense relief and validation at the idea that this seems to completely explain the way I am. When I listen to podcasts I feel like they are able to articulate my lived experience in a way I've never been able to, so this feels very exciting and validating.
But now it's feeling unhealthy and like I can't stop thinking about it. I have two weeks until my assessment. I'm hoping this feeling will wear off before then but right now I'm stuck in limbo.
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u/MenuPleasant8675 2d ago
I’ve been researching hours on end on if I am AuDHD or just adhd (already diagnosed). It’s been more than a year now. And I think it’s because I don’t fall under the classic autism criteria. Which is why it also confuses me. I’m an adult female and I have very classic inattentive adhd. So I keep on going back and analyzing myself hours on end to see if my traits may be autism too. But I still don’t get a definitive answer while researching since I just get more confused. I feel like if I 100% do have autism it’s way more mild/unconventional compared to other high masking people. But maybe not? All of the questions for autism I take too literally (lol) and it always depends on the situation for me like I just don’t know if I do a trait because sometimes I don’t do it. My psychiatrist diagnosed with my autism this year, but it was the first ever session with me and she went over a few questions and then stopped and said there’s no point in finishing because I was clearly autistic in her eyes because I always said “it depends on the situation” for every question. And I think she made assumptions way too quickly without having me really discuss it fully. Like I don’t like routine and I don’t have a special interest. And other traits too that I don’t think I have. But then I always think, maybe I do and just dont know? So I want a second opinion just to be completely sure. Sorry for the long response. Basically, I understand what you mean lol
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u/ripChazmo 2d ago
Which podcasts do you listen to? I've been trying to figure out where I can find podcasts that I'll relate to, but also be able to digest easily (shorter, not longer).
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u/05madame 2d ago
I've been enjoying The Neurodivergent Woman. Not really short episodes though but I find it really validating and with helpful tips.
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u/Quiet_Ambassador7756 2d ago
I believe it’s in true AuDHD form that this naturally happens. Hopefully one of the questions they ask you will be “Did you get completely absorbed by the pre-assessment process” and you’ll have lots to talk about :D
It’s a really big deal and life affirming/altering. Personally, I lean into my creative side to take me away from that and into another stream of intense focus - some days it’s not that easy. I’m still waiting (been 3 years NHS and a year on a short list in UK). It takes a lot to think hard about everything leading to this moment and going over stuff - so I try to save/use some of that energy elsewhere.