Do I have ADHD as well as autism?

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Hello,

I am posting here because, having been diagnosed with autism for a while, I am now suspecting I have ADHD as well. I am, however, confused about this and I would like to clarify my mind.

It is mainly my constant restlessness and fidgeting/stimming (is there a difference between fidgeting and stimming?) that make me suspect I have ADHD as well as autism. Restlessness and fidgeting/stimming have been said to be traits of autism as well as ADHD, but it seems to me that the degree to which I am constantly restless and fidget/stim goes beyond what is explainable by my autism alone. That is making me suspect that I have ADHD as well. I can't be sure however. I also know that I suffer from chronic levels of high anxiety, so could that explain the restlessness and the fidgeting/stimming without the need to bring ADHD into the picture? I am confused...

In addition, as I have been researching ADHD, I have come across other traits of ADHD that I have but that could also be explained by something other than ADHD. For instance, I constantly feel the tension between, on the one hand, my need for predictability and routine which is an autistic trait and, on the other hand, my desire to seek novelty which doesn't fit well with my autism. Novelty-seeking has been said to be an ADHD trait, but it has also been said to be a characteristic of people with high intelligence. I know I am eligible for Mensa, so what is causing my novelty-seeking trait? ADHD, high intelligence, or both?

Something else that my research has revealed is that, if I have ADHD, it will be closer to the hyperactive/impulsive type - although I mask it a lot - than to the inattentive type - although I have some traits of that type as well.

OK, I have probably confused some of you already, so let's wrap up this post and ask my questions.

- Can anybody point me to reliable resources that would help me to figure out whether I have ADHD or not? In particular, I am looking for resources that are meaningful specifically for autistic people seeking to find whether they have ADHD. ADHD must present differently in autistic people than it does in the general population, plus we autistic people take in information differently than the norm too, so I think that resources specifically aimed at autistic people would be a lot more helpful than those aimed at the general population.

- Is it worth seeking a diagnosis of ADHD?

One of the main reasons why I would like to find out whether I have ADHD is that I suspect ADHD may be affecting my sleep. I am constantly restless in bed and I suffer from chronic insomnia. I know that autism and anxiety are linked to insomnia and, so far, I had attributed my insomnia to these. However, I have now come across information that ADHD can cause insomnia too and that some medications for ADHD can help with the insomnia, so if my insomnia is caused by ADHD, I would like to try these medications. Will I need an official diagnosis for this?

Here in England where I live, there is a 2+ year-waiting list to get an adult ADHD assessment on the National Health Service, and there is not even a guarantee that the person I would eventually see for the assessment would actually be competent. So, is it worth seeking a private diagnosis? Would a private diagnosis be accepted by the NHS and enable me to get ADHD medications on the NHS afterwards? Or can I get ADHD medications on the NHS now, without an ADHD diagnosis? Are these medications even worth trying? And what about if I get an ADHD assessment and the result is negative or inconclusive? What evidence would I need to bring to such an assessment?

One good aspect of the situation is that my current GP is helpful, which cannot be said of all GPs, so at least I don't have to worry about unhelpful GPs. It may, however, be difficult to obtain an appointment with him.

So, can anybody point me to the resources I need or help me to clarify my mind?

Hello,

If you feel that being assessed for ADHD would help then make an appointment with your GP. As someone who is waiting to enter being assessed herself it doesn't hurt to raise this question.

I'll tell you about the symptoms that are present for me -

- I have trouble organising and cleaning. This is because I find myself getting overwhelmed with where to start.
- Problems prioritising things
- Time blindness - sometimes buit not a lot of the time
- Lack of focus while reading or watching TV
- Hyperfocus (contradictory huh
- Difficulty maintaining a schedule
- Mood Swings - (not sure this is 100% to do with ADHD but I know I have them)
- Increased anger -
- Executive Dysfunction - This is when you know you should be being productive but paralysis takes over. For me it's when I'm on my phone scrolling endlessly instead of finishing other tasks.
- Rejection Sensitivity Disdorder - being sensitive to rejection

I know it is sometimes common for Body Dysmorphia to accomopany ADHD, but I know this can also show in Autism in some cases.

These are the main reasons why I'm seeking an assessment.

If you recognise three or more symptoms (you can include fidgeting as one too) then make the call to start the process.

Good luck!

Ok for the record i dont claim to have any answers, but I can connect to what you're saying. I'm seeking formal diagnosis for both. It was recently suggested that I may have adhd by my therapist. I have a terrible time sleeping and even itching. I have degrees, certificates, etc, but I'm a totally mess when it comes to operating with the knowledge learned. So I resort to stimming and doing whatever keeps my attention. A great YouTube channel that might give you insight is "neurodivergentmagic" hope you find the answers you are looking for. Prayers!

ADHD is a common co-morbid of Autistic Spectrum Disorder(s).

So there's a reasonable chance you have it if you are presenting with symptoms of ADHD.