Introducing......Me!

Hi everyone, 

I thought I'd introduce myself as I plan to hang around here very much and get to know you! 

I'm Joy and I'm a listener here. I'm AuDHD (ADHD and Autistic) and like in the UK. I was diagnosed with ADHD around 2019 and again in 2023 but have yet to get a formal diagnosis of autism. 

It's taken me a long time to get used to having a neurodivergent brain and I've spent many years not knowing why I was struggling so much. Since finding out I'm AuDHD it's been easier to be kinder to myself when I'm finding things difficult and find my community. 

ADHD shows up for me in many ways including:

1) Time blindness - I don't have a good grasp of how long it takes to complete a task and something is happening now or at some other time in future. There is no difference between a day, a week, a month, a year. Time feels slippery. 

2) Fast brain - I don't experience quiet in my mind, ever. It's always got several thoughts running through it and is often accompanied by background music at all times. As soon as I've opened my eyes, it's off!

3) I feel at my best when I'm moving - I like swaying from side to side, tapping things, stretching, twirling my hair and pacing

4) Working memory troubles - holding new information in my head whilst doing something else is nearly impossible. It helps if I can attach the information to something else like an image, memory or emotion. 

5) I am silly - I delight in whimsical things, look for the humour in everything and enjoy quick wit and childish things

6) The Hobby Graveyard - I've tried many many hobbies and stuck to 2 of them. It can be very frustrating (and expensive!) but on the plus side it makes it easy to connect with others. 

I hope that helps you get to know me a little better! 

🌟 Joy 🌟

p.s I really enjoy bird watching, cosy video games, movie nights and reading