I was finally diagnosed with Autism at 25

[@carpetstick]

I was assessed at like 12-13 for both autism and ADHD, and they told me I was neurotypical. A year later, my mental health got so bad that I was put in mental hospital at 14, and the first things the two professionals working with me closely there thought was "this guy's autistic" and a bit after, diagnosed me with that along with mental health issues. Autism isn't a mental health issue, just needed to make it clear that I don't think that lol. I've recently been assessed for ADHD again, and tomorrow actually, I'm having a meeting with the person who assessed me and the autism specific professionals that work with me, and hopefully I'll get some answers there. If I remember, I might reply to this comment letting you know how that goes!

[@thethoughtspot222]

Good luck on finding your answers!

[@carpetstick]

@@thethoughtspot222 Thank you! Just got done with the meeting, and yeah I have ADHD as well as autism. Gonna get put back into mental hospital for a few weeks, but this time just to monitor when I’m starting medication, to see what works best. Now I’ve got a definitive answer, things are hopefully gonna look up and I’ll get better support and help from the people around me.

[@francescogorbechov4192]

Same thing happened to me. Was assessed for Autism when I was 10 and the school psychological said I was “absolutely not” autistic, despite my being a textbook case of Asperger’s. Got re-assessed on my own as an adult just recently and got an official ASD diagnosis.

[@Heyu7her3]

​@@carpetstickhow was the hospital? I'm intrigued.

[@rahbeeuh]

​@@carpetstickhow're things now? Hopefully things are working out for you.

[@Gengarisspooky]

my adhd and autism level 2 diagnosis story is similar to yours. i love your videos. they are very informative and cool.

[@colorofcrazy]

Received my autism and adhd diagnosis at 29. It was only because I got interested watching autistic women advocates and creators that I found how deeply I resonated with how autism presents in women to then seek a professional diagnosis. As a high masker, I felt that I needed a professional diagnosis for myself and others in my life.

[@oyasumaya]

Hello! I am also an autistic Asian adult woman with undiagnosed ADHD and autism. I resonated with your experiences and also worked in ABA for a bit LOL. It brings me peace to hear about your journey and feel represented (‘: thank you so much

[@zeraphynx6629]

I'm in the same diagnosis journey right now at 27. I got my ADHD diagnosis almost two years ago, had my first appointment with an endometriosis specialist in june of this year and had my first appointment with a psychologist specialised in adult autism last week. Finding out I have ADHD already changed my life, I can't wait for answers on endometriosis and autism as well. Thank you for sharing your experiences, it really helps to not feel alone.

[@notoriousnitram3996]

I still am undiagnosed because, even though we have "free health care" in Canada, the budgets for psychiatric assistance are a joke from people stealing from the budget. I am also 25, looking back on my life I am so sad and upset that nobody listened. I've been diagnosed with adhd FINALLY 1 YEAR AGO, cptsd, anxiety, depression, etc. But the medical "professionals" are not willing to explore autism with me, but won't give reasons other than "you mask rly well :) " and "you don't have the thousands of dollars for that ok bye!". I'm sad that this is as common as it is.

[@eroane84]

When I was 6 years old my mother knew I was autistic but didn’t get an official diagnosis until I was 17…You are a brave soul for informing us about your autistic life..❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Much love to you, Irene!!!❤❤❤

[@Loljustsomewoter]

I’m currently working on finding out if I’m autistic (I’m like 80% sure I am) and your videos are really helping. Seeing all of our similarities AND differences, knowing that I don’t have to have the exact same symptoms as a diagnosed person, it really helps.

[@nancedesigns1030]

Thank you for this video I feel like I am autistic as well and need to get diagnosed. I have lost so many jobs because of my inability to connect with people and to socialize and social settings because I’m just awkward and I get nervous and I don’t know what to say and I always feel like I’m being left out of the conversation and I’m just an outsider observing in and I can relate to so many of the topics that you mentioned in your videos and I never thought that I would even be close to be diagnosed to autism, or I never thought that I could ever have had autism but videos like this one and your story and your content is very relatable to my story and my experience and my upbringing and I never knew that I was masking and that I was burnt out for masking so thank you so much for your videos and for the knowledge that you’re spreading out.❤

[@EclecticECD]

I'm glad you mentioned your experience with your psychiatrist. Currently, my therapist and psychiatrist (at the same clinic) are disagreeing whether or not I should be assessed with ASD, with my therapist heavily advocating that I should.

[@michaezell4607]

You should definitely get a diagnosis as doing so can help you to better understand and manage your specific symptoms. I got diagnosed in my mid 30s and while I find myself still struggling at times it has greatly helped me to be able to understand just why this is happening to me.

[@GlitteryPegasus]

I'm a little jealous at your self-acceptance. I'm 47, and in the process of getting diagnosed. When you're older, the self-hatred can be worse. I am glad you have so much of your life to be happy.

[@danssaddimple9133]

thank you for this video! i was also almost misdiagnosed with bpd when i actually had undiagnosed autism. it's probably quite common in women to get misdiagnosed with a personality disorder instead of asd.

[@thethoughtspot222]

Yes! And my Psychologist said that as well. He warned that I be cautious about which medical professionals I talk to about Autism because if they're not well-versed in autism then they can do more harm than good. Especially when it comes to women with autism, since we tend to mask more! Autistic meltdowns/ burnouts can also seem like BPD but emotional expressions should not be direct indicators of personality/mood disorders.

[@Heyu7her3]

I think the huge difference is *unaliving ideation* _(which could also be neurodivergence + depression)._

[@TheINFP_Diary]

Would you be able to do a video on how your parents reacted when you first brought it up or they listened to your diagnosis?

[@sweetlolitaChii]

I really think being a young girl prevented professionals from thinking I could be autistic. Instead, they just said I had bipolar with OCD, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and depression and teachers put me in the "gifted" program. I still might have some of those, but I was outwardly stimming and not understanding social cues and they still didn't even bring up the possibility of thinking about taking an assessment.

[@erinw4935]

I've already been diagnosed as having ADHD, so I know I'm definitively neurodiverse. But, I've really started to suspect autism as well over the past few years, really settling on it over these past few months. When I received my ADHD diagnosis, the psychologist who had diagnosed me had previously worked with my brother, who had also been diagnosed as ADHD. He asked me what it was like in my head, and I remember what I told him, "It's like, for other people, they have one tv in their mind, and they have a remote, so they can focus on one channel at a time and change the channel when they want. I have a single tv for each and every channel all mounted all over this gigantic wall in front of me, all playing at this same, loud volume. So, if I want to watch a certain channel, I have to work extra hard to focus on one of the tvs, without being able to turn any of the other tvs off." He asked me if he could borrow that analogy for a book he was writing and diagnosed me on the spot. Lol. But, as I think back on that self-assessment, it sounds more and more like an AuDHD person, instead of purely ADHD. First of all, I don't think neurotypical people have just one tv. I do think they have a remote, unlike me, but they can't turn the tvs off, either. They're just able to turn the volume and brightness down a little, and can focus on the tv they want just fine. I think, instead, the autisitic side of me really wanted just one tv with one channel and a remote (monotropic thinking.) Meanwhile, I'm like everyone else, having to experience all the world at once at not always controllable volumes, and I HATE IT. Lol! Everything's too loud, no one will give me the space or the time to understand what they're asking me to do, and I'm sitting there in my big, loud tv room wishing I just had a single tv set, which simply isn't how the world works, unfortunately. Other sounds and distractions are always going to happen, and it really, really sucks. 😂

[@crybaby-jen]

I've had the nicest psychiatrist who also diagnosed me with bpd though. She said I am not ASD. I felt like it was the typical "you don't look autistic" response. I'm 39 and I have masked to survive. I am currently being tested for adhd. However they told me they will need 3 sessions with me instead of only 2 after my 1st session. They kept asking me to tell them more when asking me verbal questions and I kept repeating their questions outloud and I srsly wasn't able to stop a lot of my behaviors from coming out because I was overwhelmed and my head was hurting from all of the executive function exercises that I did terrible on. It was like, I have to tell this stranger things then do tests... overwhelmed. Fail. Blue screen of death. I'm hoping I will have answers in a few weeks and won't feel invalidated.

[@manicxpeach]

Hi Irene. I stumbled upon your channel not too long ago and have been binge watching them ever since. I feel I relate so deeply on this channel that idk how it makes me feel- but it’s a good feeling! It pushes me to want to present your channel to my psychiatrist and say “this is how it feels!” Because she has dismissed the possible autism. Her reasoning is that OCD (my diagnosis) just has closely related symptoms that those with ASD have. Oh well- I’ll keep supporting your channel though!!

[@mariecait]

i’m on disability diagnosed adhd / panic disorder/asd and it makes sense because of my meltdowns anxiety and inability to work. if there wasn’t such a negative stigma with bpd i feel women wouldn’t be so sad when they receive it. no one likes borderlines and avoids them and everyone has empathy for autism in our society. it’s interesting how many are using autism when they may be bpd it’s just so hard to know. i’m glad you got the right help .. thanks for your content i will show my mom this.

[@thethoughtspot222]

Honestly any diagnosis associated with “uncontrollable emotions” are looked down upon. Whether that’s BPD, ASD, bipolar, etc. Unfortunately that’s how ableist and misogynistic our society is. And that’s why seeking & receiving a diagnosis can be so bittersweet and conflicting for so many women out there!

[@mariecait]

@@thethoughtspot222 thank you.. i’m scared whenever i read stuff anymore about borderlines being monsters because they’re not. when other diagnosis i feel isn’t given so much punishment. it’s sad. but i’m glad you finally saw the right doctor. that really hurts to think about how many girls would’ve stopped trying at that point but you knew. please keep making content so i can share with everyone i know .. it’s much needed .

[@maxbladel]

So glad I found your channel! I am on such a similar journey, the way you explain things is so on point. 🙏

[@thefaerieprincessfromhell666]

I was diagnosed as autistic at age 16 and misdiagnosed with bipolar in December of 2023 at age 23 in the psych ward when it was actually ADHD and Intermittent Explosive Disorder.

[@lizrrdmama0392]

It's me hyperfocusing and watching your AuDHD videos and deeply relating. I just emailed a psychiatrist to inquire about being evaluated for ASD. I was already diagnosed with ADHD this year. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@mrsonix20th]

For me it was about 6 months ago that I considered it I’m 25 now but I do research constantly and I’m burning out. It’s confusing because I don’t want to self diagnose but I don’t know where to start as a 25 year old adult would it even matter now? I was out on anti depressants and it only made my situation worse. I told the therapists I was depressed and they just gave it to me like candy. I thought about being bi polar and having major depressive disorder but again started researching autism. I thought I was just some introverted shy quiet weird kid that didn’t fit in I’m afraid I’m high masking because of the environment I grew up in where mental health was not priority.

[@janelmarie7571]

Thank you for this video and all your videos. It's helped me so much. One thing that is blowing my mind though, is that I never heard the background music before music before. I actually can not handle it. Total sensory overload. I don't think your more recent videos have it. So thanks also for stopping the background music!

[@sarahnoke]

Thank you for your informative videos. I, too, am a Asian woman who is on the journey of getting diagnosed...currently in the process of ADHD diagnosis but feel I should pursue autism as well. I also have Endometriosis! I'd be curious to see some scientific research connecting neurodiveristy in women and Endometriosis. I've had incredible results in the progress of my endo pain with the use of Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. As an Chinese Medicine practioner myself , I'm focusing on helping women who suffer with gynecological issues. Western Medicine really fails us in this area of health with gaslighting and very limited interventions. Thanks for your content

[@Heyu7her3]

I'm one of those who will use a pill for whatever if it exists, so I use low-dose birth control as hormonal control. Was so relieved when my cycle _(and the pain from my evil blocked fallopian tube)_ went almost bye-bye lol But I do have a cousin who started accupuncture when medicine didn't address whatever her body was telling her. They'd told her that she was likely having somatic responses to childhood trauma, which was deep for me to hear.

[@jenthejen]

Love your channel

[@thethoughtspot222]

much love to you💛

[@derekbaker6926]

Hi! I love all the videos you posted that I have watched. In a previous video you mentioned you live in Cali so I'm wondering where this psychologist you found that diagnosed you? I'm in the process of finding assessment needs in the SoCal area. Keep up with these videos! You're helping so many people with this. ☺️

[@jenniebeez]

I'm so glad I found you 💗 thank you

[@lynncotto371]

Loved the video, thank you so much 😊👍💓

[@CraftyVegan]

I was informally assessed (not a good idea for me to be officially assessed rn. Long story) after having 3 autistic kids and finding myself in situations where my entire found family is ND. Prior to this, I was pretty sure I wasn’t autistic, just “eccentric”. Turns out it isn’t normal to keep track of which direction your bread faces so your grilled cheese isn’t crooked or misaligned 😂 Also turns out it isn’t normal to be able to accurately pinpoint why an autistic child is having a hard time… and somehow most allistics can’t tell the difference between the ice dispenser noise and the ice grinder noise 🤨

[@Heyu7her3]

Interesting! I'm on the other side _(not dating, no children)_ and it's hard for me to even see myself in a relationship or having neurodivergent kids. 😮 I've been diagnosed ADHD for only a year so it's been fascinating to come across other neurodivergent people that have typical relationships.

[@Confuqued]

I know this video is very old and that you may not see this, but the woman who misdiagnosed you what was her title? Was she a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner ?

[@author589goonit2]

I have a new Psychologist that I am getting ready to see if I diagnose as ASD and INFJ personality types. I am putting together documentation about what I learn about them from KZbin. 😮😊😂

[@chooseaname1423]

Are you able to share the name of the professional that did your assessment? If not, can you share anything about it that helps us find someone similar such as the titles of the evaluations he used for your assessment? Is there a reputable website with a directory of safe/recommended professionals for help with autism? Before realizing I have autism, I have been going on a 4+ year journey with Dysautanomia and an autoimmune disorder and omg I have medical PTSD from all the crap I got from doctors that didn’t know about how these ailments present. Most dismissed me and said it was anxiety and I saw how getting a mental health label, even as benign as anxiety can prevent people from getting the care they deserve so I’m scared to even whisper autism in their direction. I want to find a private professional that takes insurance who specializes in this. The only one I have found in my state is private pay only and thousands of dollars just for the assessment which does not seem right. Thats why I wiuld like to know the names of the assessments he used for you and the cost so I can be more confident in having found someone legitimate that is not trying to take advantage of a vulnerable population. I think the assessment titles might be in your report if you requested your records. ***btw, I would absolutely LOVE to see you collab with your assesor for like an interview on a topic like this. Especially about the safety piece of being careful who you share an autism diagnosis with. I’m new to this so I’m still trying to figure out who should know and who doesn’t need to know.

[@thatcrazyhindu]

Can we also talk about guys who display their symptoms exactly the way girls more often display them. I don’t understand what I feel about it, but it just puts me off

[@Nobody-Nowhere]

There might be something to that BPD assessment. You don't come off as autistic, your speech patterns don't seem autistic. Instead this demandingness and anger and wanting to speak to the supervisor instantly, and basically shopping for a diagnosis kinda points more to BPD. Would an autistic person demand to speak with the supervisor? probably not, they are not exactly social like that. They also tend to follow the rules.

[@lovelyxrosez6589]

Remember, it's a spectrum. This is my fear about asking to get tested about being autistic or neurodivergent, that I don't seem like I check every single box. Her diagnosis is valid and not every autistic person has the same set of symptoms and defining experiences.

[@ma11221]

autistic person: *successfully advocates for herself in a high pressure situation* anonymous internet commenter: not autistic enough for me 😏

[@dreamysol]

Autism is a spectrum and every autistic person presents differently. You don’t get to say that she isn’t autistic because she doesn’t “come off as autistic” to you. She successfully advocated for herself because she knew she didn’t have bpd, she did the research and knew she didn’t have it. Also how can you say that autistic people aren’t social? You’re making assumptions, while autistic people may struggle with social situations, it doesn’t mean they are incapable of standing up for themselves. This is such an ignorant comment.

[@thefaerieprincessfromhell666]

This is such a stupid and offensive comment.