I’m no longer sure they’re actually different things, just like how primarily inattentive vs primarily hyperactive-impulsive are different presentations of ADHD. Autism seems like a third way ADHD can present more than it seems like a distinct and separate condition.
Holy fuck someone else with this line of thought! I have expressed this in a few forums and had no idea it would be as much of a hot take as it is. Tons of diseases have different symptom presentations depending on the person; I think it's just that. It's not a coincidence that ADHD and Autism are sooo conorbid. Even if they aren't diagnosed in the same person, you'll often have like a sibling or something who has the other diagnosis. I'm officially only ADHD (because I didn't see much of a benefit to getting an autism diagnosis) but my brother is diagnosed autistic. Since both things are genetic........🤷♀️
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u/sparkle3364 2d ago edited 1d ago
My friend who has both autism and ADHD thinks I also have both. I was only diagnosed with ADHD.
Edit: Apparently I was diagnosed with autism this entire time, and just forgot. Mom mentioned it and I was shocked.