Thread by @atsymbolanna

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)