5 Signs You’re A High-Masking Autistic With ADHD

Summary

In this video, Chris, a late-diagnosed individual with both autism and ADHD, shares five signs that may indicate the presence of both conditions. These signs include challenges with social interactions, intense focus on special interests, sensitivity to sensory stimuli, adherence to routines, and executive functioning challenges. Chris explains how these signs manifest differently with ADHD and ASD, and how they can be even more complex when experienced together, often leading to exhaustion. The video aims to raise awareness and provide support for those who might be navigating similar experiences.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Chris shares personal experiences of having both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
• 🤝 Difficulty with social interactions is a common challenge, with ADHD leading to interruptions and ASD causing challenges in reading non-verbal cues.
• 🔍 The combination of ADHD and ASD can result in an intense focus on special interests, leading to starting many projects but potentially not completing them.
• 🌟 Sensitivity to sensory stimuli is heightened with both conditions, causing discomfort in crowded or noisy environments and strong reactions to certain smells or textures.
• 🔄 Adherence to routines is a coping mechanism for ASD, while ADHD craves spontaneity, leading to internal conflict when both conditions are present.
• 🤯 Executive functioning challenges are prevalent, with difficulties in starting tasks, prioritizing, and completing projects due to the impulsive nature of ADHD and the focused nature of ASD.
• 🤔 The script emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own brain and finding personalized strategies to manage the unique challenges of having both ASD and ADHD.
• 💡 Chris encourages viewers to share their own experiences and strategies in the comments to foster a community of support and learning.
• 📈 The video aims to raise awareness and understanding of the co-occurrence of ASD and ADHD, highlighting the need for tailored support and accommodations.
• 📋 Chris's narrative provides insight into the daily struggles and triumphs of living with both conditions, offering a relatable perspective for those who may share similar experiences.

Q & A

What are the five signs that someone might have both ASD and ADHD?

The five signs discussed in the script are: 1) Difficulty with social interactions, 2) Intense focus on special interests, 3) Sensitivity to sensory stimuli, 4) Adherence to routines, and 5) Executive functioning challenges.

How does difficulty with social interactions manifest differently between ADHD and ASD?

For ADHD, individuals may interrupt often, have trouble focusing, and miss body language cues due to distractions. For ASD, they might focus on specific details, have challenges interpreting conversation tempo, and may come across as blunt or disengaged.

What is the difference between how ADHD and ASD affect a person's focus on special interests?

ADHD individuals tend to hyperfocus on a new interest often but may not see projects through to completion. ASD individuals maintain long-term special interests, deep dive into topics, and may become experts, often completing projects they are passionate about.

How does sensitivity to sensory stimuli differ between ADHD and ASD?

ADHD individuals can be overwhelmed by general stimuli like crowds and noise, while ASD individuals have more specific and intense sensitivities, avoiding certain stimuli and being strongly drawn to others.

What challenges does the combination of ADHD and ASD present when it comes to routines?

Combining ADHD's need for spontaneity and ASD's preference for structure can lead to a messy situation. The ADHD brain may crave change and exploration, while the ASD brain seeks comfort in routine and predictability.

How does executive functioning manifest in someone with both ASD and ADHD?

Executive functioning challenges in this combination include difficulties with time management, prioritizing tasks, and breaking projects into manageable parts. There's also a struggle with impulse control and the tendency to start many projects without finishing them.

What coping strategies does Chris suggest for managing the challenges of having both ASD and ADHD?

Chris suggests getting to know one's brain well, understanding personal strengths and weaknesses, and finding what works best for the individual, as everyone's experience with ASD and ADHD can be different.

How does Chris describe the internal conflict between the ADHD and ASD parts of their brain?

Chris describes an internal battle where the ADHD part seeks new projects and ideas, while the ASD part wants to complete tasks and can become overwhelmed and frustrated by interruptions or the need to switch between tasks.

What is the significance of the phrase 'I was born ready' in the context of the script?

The phrase 'I was born ready' is used humorously by Chris to express enthusiasm and readiness to discuss the signs of having both ASD and ADHD.

How does Chris explain the impact of sensory sensitivities on their daily life?

Chris explains that sensory sensitivities can cause physical discomfort and nausea, especially in crowded, noisy, or smelly environments. They also mention that certain smells can be calming, providing a stark contrast to the overwhelming ones.

What advice does Chris give to those who might be experiencing both ASD and ADHD?

Chris advises those who might have both conditions to understand their unique combination of symptoms, seek support, and find strategies that work for them, acknowledging that the experience can be exhausting due to the constant pull from both conditions.