Autism questions
Hello!!
I was diagnosed with adhd recently and my doctor asked further if she thought I was on the spectrum. I wasn’t really sure what to say because I feel like I don’t exhibit some of the stereotypical behaviors (I don’t really crave routine and I’m more sensory seeking than sensory avoidant). I feel like I understand social cues but socializing and stuff isn’t really easy for me, I have a hard time relating to people and making friends. There’s also been some other things I’ve had as a child, like being really interested in people’s mannerisms (the detailed ways they walk, talk, hold things, move, etc). I feel like I’ve always noticed those things and then subconsciously copied them myself. I would really like to talk to people about this (I know that none of you can give me a diagnosis obviously but talking with others perhaps with shared experiences might help me understand myself at least a little bit better)!
Those things are very relatable to me esp paying close attention and being interested in others mannerisms. Happy to have you here in the community and keep us updated on your self discovery. Where do you notice sensory seeking in yourself if comfortable answering?
Thank you so much for replying! I’m excited to discuss more! As for sensory seeking behaviors, i pick at the skin on my lips and face a lot, I used to twirl my hair in knots to the point where I had to cut it off sometimes, when I was a kid I remember playing with my toys and really liking the sounds of dolls and like figurines walking around in dollhouses like the clicky noise was super satisfying, AC noise or some white noise is also really nice sometimes, or the sounds of flowing water or waves crashing.
Thanks for sharing ^^
I love the sound of waves crashing too 🌊
I relate to those stims. It's important that we allow ourselves safe stimming to regulate and feel well. So glad you're here and id love to learn more! If you want to tell me some of your special interests or participate in the special interest thread I'd be very grateful
Wishing you a beautiful day! 🏖️ 🪸
Hi! It's incredibly brave of you to share all of this in the forum. It really makes me reflect on how complex it can be to figure out your own behavior, especially when your day-to-day experiences—like specific sensory seeking or unconsciously mimicking other people's mannerisms—don't quite line up with traditional stereotypes. What you are going through and feeling is completely real and valid.
If I could offer a bit of advice, I'd say take the pressure off yourself to fit perfectly into a label right away. Focus first on figuring out what tools make you feel good and what environments overwhelm you, giving yourself permission to navigate this process at your own pace.
I'm no expert by any means, but I want you to know that if you ever need help, feel overwhelmed, or just want someone to talk to, vent, or swap stories with, I'm right here and always happy to listen. Wishing you the absolute best on this journey of self-discovery!
Thank you so much!! So sorry it took me so long to reply! If you don’t mind, I would love to take you up on your offer! I’m fairly new to this app how do you direct message?
