Just spent the last few hours with a clinical psychologist talking neurodiversity from an adult AFAB point of view. She was able to confidently diagnose me as Autistic w/ combined ADHD. It's a lot to process. She really helped me parse the difference between PTSD and Autism (1/5)
and the way they manifest both separately and comorbidly, and the differences between making a call for ADHD, Autism, and/or AuDHD. Her diagnostic method was more conversational and anecdotal but was structured around the ADOS-2 and ADI-R for adults. (2/5)
I'm in a bit of shock, but also not. It is crazy to finally have an official diagnosis from a licensed PhD specializing in adult autism. But it was mostly affirming of what I already knew. We, as self-ID'd Autistics and ADHDers, know ourselves better than anything. (3/5)
We HAVE the tools and knowledge at our fingertips to unlock and self-evaluate who we are. It was money well spent, and I'm grateful I invested the money to do it (and could do that), but it brought me to a place I'd figured out a long time ago. (4/5)
So I guess my takeaway is that... if you self-ID'd or are self-diagnosed as Autistic and/or ADHD, OWN THAT. Own that with every part of you. Trust yourself. Trust your instincts. You know yourself better than anyone. All Autistics are #ActuallyAutistic. (5/5)
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Sidebar, I hemmed and hawed over whether or not I should tweet about my diagnosis. If an unstructured diagnostic process was valid or held as much weight as a full neuropsych analysis. And ultimately, I decided it was, because I am who I am. (1/4)
I have answers to the questions I've always had. I feel affirmed in who I am, and I have a slip of paper and confirmation from a psychologist, should I ever need or embark on any official accommodations. (2/4)
I've also heard a myriad of horror stories from folks that have gone the traditional neuropsych route, and have walked out feeling undermined by the same old bullshit the allistic psychological community has been tossing back and forth for decades. (3/4)