This chart was especially helpful for me - for sorting my traits into categories, because I don't fit well into any single one. It explains how I was able to fly under the radar for over 30 years: by compensating each with the other two, at the cost of permanent stress and anxiety.
The extremely short version of my story is: Too good grades to be considered ADHD. Too much executive dysfunction to fulfill the expectations placed upon me for scoring high on intelligence tests. Too impulsive and thrillseeking to be considered Autistic.
Sounds similar to my approach when I began researching about autism. But back then I was already in therapy. And all they really did was nod and agree with my analysis. 😅
Good luck in finding a competent specialist. Because I know a few people that didn't go down the wrong rabbit hole by themselves - they were thrown in by "experts".
Thanks!
Yeah, my wife was initially diagnosed with depression instead of ADHD so I’ve seen that up close. Over a year of antidepressants that in the end just gave her non-stop panic attacks. Proper diagnosis and medication really helped her, as well as a group therapy thing.
I’ve got my eye on a clinical psychology center that focuses on giftedness, and has experts in various fields, like ADHD and ASD on staff. I figure that’s a solid start compared to random psychologists.