This is just a post to validate anyone who doesn’t feel seen. If you think you might be autistic or have ADHD (or both), your feelings are valid, and I understand.
I do not know for sure I have either, but years ago (96) my mom sent me to see a “head shrink” (her boomer words) and he said he was fairly certain I had adhd and wanted to spend more time with me. As soon as she heard this she forbade me from talking to him again. Unsure why I listened as I was 19 by that point already. Sometimes I feel like since I do not have an official diagnosis I do not have a right to say I have adhd (I think I am on the spectrum too).
This happened to me! Except I was in primary school and it was my paediatrician. I specifically remember her joking to her friends ’ MY child isn’t [r-word]’
Ouch! I’m sorry you had to go through that. =(
I’m almost certain that one of my parents has ADHD (if not both) and I somehow made it all the way through the school system being the kid that “is a smart kid, he just needs to apply himself more”.
Only having watch what some might consider a large number of YouTube videos have I felt … better, but still not 100% comfortable with my self diagnosis. I think this comes from my HUGE sense of imposter syndrome (which I have learned is very common). I have also learned another common theme is the feeling of claiming something that isn’t yours, like you would be depriving someone else who needs it more.
In the end though, if this community makes things click for you, welcome! Do not let anyone tell you they know you better than you. =)
