Hey there! If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you or someone you know might be on the ADHD and/or autism spectrum. I’m writing this to share a bit of my own experience living with both ADHD and autism—two conditions that love to hang out together, even though they are often to polar opposite of one another.
The ADHD Rollercoaster
First, let’s talk ADHD. You know that feeling when you’re juggling ten things at once, and somehow, they all end up crashing down around you? Yeah, that’s ADHD in a nutshell. My brain is like a TV with too many channels, constantly flipping from one to another without warning. I could be hyper-focused on something I love—like writing this blog, for instance—one minute, and the next, I’m distracted by the tiniest thing, like my phone pinging on the other side of the room.
ADHD can make life feel chaotic. There’s a constant buzz in my brain that never quite settles. It’s like my thoughts are racing in a never-ending marathon, and I’m just trying to keep up. On good days, this energy is a superpower. I’m creative, I’m enthusiastic, and I can get a ton done (if I can stay on task). But on bad days, it feels like I’m drowning in a sea of unfinished projects and forgotten commitments.
Autism: the other side of the coin
Now, when you throw autism into the mix, things get even more interesting. Autism, for me, is like having a super-sensitive radar that picks up on everything. It’s like my brain is tuned into a different frequency, one that makes the world feel just a bit more intense than it does for most people.
While ADHD makes my brain race, autism is what makes me crave order amidst the chaos. I like routines, I like predictability, and I struggle when things don’t go as planned. Social interactions can be tricky, too. Small talk? It’s like trying to decode a foreign language. I’ve had to learn the “rules” of conversation that others seem to just get. I don’t always pick up on subtle cues, and I can get overwhelmed in noisy, crowded places.
The dance between ADHD and Autism
Living with both ADHD and autism can feel like an ongoing dance between two very different partners. ADHD pushes me to be spontaneous, while autism pulls me toward routine and structure. Some days, these two work together harmoniously. Other days, they’re at odds, and I’m left feeling like I’m constantly fighting myself.
Take social interactions, for example. My ADHD loves the thrill of meeting new people and diving into conversations. But my autism? Not so much. It prefers to keep things predictable and can get stressed out by social situations that feel too chaotic or unstructured. It’s like wanting to join the party but also needing to escape it at the same time.
The struggles and strengths
This dual diagnosis isn’t without its challenges. The sensory overload, the struggle to stay organised, the difficulty in managing emotions—these are all part of my daily reality. But it’s not all doom and gloom. There are strengths that come with this combination, too.
For one, my ADHD gives me an endless curiosity and a drive to learn about the things I’m passionate about. When something catches my interest, I dive in headfirst, soaking up every bit of information I can find. And thanks to my autism, I can notice details that others might miss. For example, I got really into photography for a period of time, threw everything into it, got really good at it (if I do say so myself) and whilst this is not something I actively pursue anymore (thanks ADHD), it is a really helpful skill to have now that I am a business owner that has a hand in the marketing.
I’ve also learned to appreciate the way these two conditions complement each other. My ADHD helps me to think outside the box, while my autism ensures that I stay grounded and focused. It’s a balancing act, for sure, but one that I’ve gotten better at with time.
Finding support and understanding
If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s the importance of finding support and understanding—both from others and from myself. It’s okay to need accommodations, whether that’s taking breaks in overwhelming situations, using tools to stay organised, or simply asking for help when I need it.
I’ve also learned to be kinder to myself. Living with ADHD and autism means that my brain works differently, and that’s not something to be ashamed of. It’s taken time, but I’ve come to embrace my neurodiversity as a part of who I am. Sure, there are challenges, but there are also strengths that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
So, that’s a bit of my story. Life with ADHD and autism can be a wild ride, full of highs and lows, challenges and triumphs. But it’s my ride, and I’m learning to navigate it the best I can. If you’re on a similar journey, know that you’re not alone. There’s a whole community of us out here, each finding our own way, and each with our own unique strengths and struggles.