[Sila]

Bear with me as I try to put thoughts to words here..

I've been wondering how to tell the difference between the secondary ADHD symptoms (such as difficulty with social cues because of attention span/memory) and ASD symptoms. To an outsider they can look quite similar, and it's just confusing me more.

I've had a few therapists basically agree that I'm "likely to be on the autism spectrum" but they weren't able to officially diagnose me because they weren't qualified to evaluate/diagnose. So I've identified as "Autistic" in reference to my disabilities in a general sense. I'm working on getting a referral to a psychiatrist to get an official evaluation for ADHD and Aspergers just to have it concrete and official.

But the more I read about ADHD the more I'm wondering where the line ends for ADHD and where Autism starts. The DSM itself is confusing because technically isn't it saying that ADHD can't be diagnosed alongside a PDD diagnosis? Unless I misread the last criteria.

My main symptoms: Inability to effectively read social cues/body language or express body language correctly/effectively
Sensory processing issues
emotional regulation
Executive functioning
Repetitive movements (aka stims)
Need routines and order to function decently enough...
"Obsessive" interests that consume most casual conversations..

and there were more, but my mind has blanked out...

I think in myself, I'm able to differentiate between what is likely ADHD and what is likely due to autism instead, but it's a muddy line and I'm curious if anyone else has any experience in the two together.

For me, eye contact is threatening, intimidating, and unnatural- more of a PDD related issue.
My inability to effectively read and understand social cues is also more of a PDD issue, because I have trouble emulating them in response too. I'll mistake anger for sadness, sarcasm for anger, etc. I'll laugh in response to something I thought was funny, but wasn't meant to be funny.
I think the ADHD plays a major part in the executive functioning area of it all. My mind is disorganized, my train of thought is all over the place, and so I have a hard time getting started on tasks without a detailed step by step direction.
The sensory issues I'm still of the belief that they're a separate, yet often comorbid and closely related disorder - Sensory Processing (or integration) disorder/dysfunction.

Personally I think it'd be neat to go in depth and figure out which symptom is related to what... But that's me x3 I get obsessively interested in topics like this and it'll be hard for me to "shush".

I'm also very nervous about getting the psychiatrist eval. I'm not sure what to say or bring, I've heard they don't like being told what to look for, but I know that being an adult female traits don't necessarily show typically in comparison to males, for example.

What do you guys think?

Many psychiatrists will include an ADD diagnosis if it explains what is going on. Usually this is added to documentation for education or work accommodations. ADD symptoms in AS don't usually respond to stimulants as well as ADD/ADHD.

I mentioned my suspicions to my psychiatrist. She considered it and did an ASD evaluation. Some doctors are open to suggestions, especially since a lot of people research their (suspected) condition(s) online.

You can mention you are concerned about ADHD, sensory processing disorder and AS. It indicates open mindedness. If you went to the appointment stating you have these conditions it may not work out.

Maybe you can make a list of your symptoms to help you describe how they impact your life.

[thefootezach]

i am a autism supporter. i have experience in researching / evaluating the autistic spectrum disorder in-depth since 5th grade. i am in 9th grade. in second grade i knew the definition and the spelling of the english word solitary. my special education educator and individualized educational plan have said i am autistic. i also in conjuntion with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. I have AS( aspergers syndrome) with all my in depth knowledge of the autistic individual's fluctuatating and unique personality and genetically inspirational cranium. i can ensure you that both of these complexing disorders are relativitly similar in systematical functioning.

[-jimi-]

I have no idea where one starts and one ends. Executive functioning issues go with both diagnoses. Creating chaos too, despite the myth that all with AS are neat and orderly. I'm a little bit of AS and a little bit of ADD. Not sure how artificial a line drawing would be in my case.

With me, I think the social issues got milder just because I am ADD as well. Despite having issues initiating action, I'm quite open and speak before I think. Why I do that is probably a combination, but the drive to actually interact and make mistakes have probably trained my social skills, and without ADD I would probably not be as open. And maybe even AS helped me analyze my errors with socialization, so they go well hand in hand.

I have strong interests, or had more when I was feeling better. My mind is always going in a 1000 directions and I'm a daydreamer. Ritalin helps me focus. When I was a kid I was always bored with school. And oddly interested in my own stuff which I could hyperfocus on.

My ex doc says I'm typical ADD without AS traits, my psych says I'm typical AS with no ADD traits.

LOL.