The Autism, the ADHD & the Pandemic. A personal insight.

(24/06/21)

Changes, transitions & uncertainty bring a sense of impending doom for many Autistic people and so knowing clearly what is to be expected is essential at times like this.

I am Autistic ADHD’er and after 42 years of honing the art of camouflaging in an attempt to survive & fit in, my ability to mask my anxiety is extensive. I can be stood still and have a heart rate of 172bpm in response to my anxiety & no- one, not even my mother or husband is able to pick up on it. This is great for going under the radar but catastrophic for my mental well-being & physical health. I’m basically in a state of fight or flight most of the time.

The events that occurred as a result of the pandemic has for me & my son (we are both Autistic with combined ADHD) been positive in many ways. Places like school & supermarkets have had fewer people and social distancing has given relief of people getting too close to us.

All in all it’s been an interesting experience that’s given us a rare insight into how much better life can be for Autistic people.

I don’t see myself or my son as having a deficit, we are neurologically wired differently to the Predominant Neuro Type (PNT- not Autistic or Neuro Diverse).

Society is not designed with our needs in mind but with the minds of the PNT. We don’t actually know what Autism without trauma looks like & unfortunately that’s what many believe Autism to be- a person in distress exhibiting behaviours that challenge the comforts of the inexperienced audiences.

If you’re able to contain the distress you’re seen to be not suffering/mildly autistic. Openly exhibit said distress & you’re deemed severely autistic; when actually you’re both equally Autistic Human beings.

There are many non Autistic Human beings who are adept at hiding their emotions and others who feel no need or are unable to hide them- so surely it’s only natural that Autistic humans display this difference too. Autism + Environment = Outcome. This formula and the term PNT was coined by Dr Luke Beardon, 2017.

added (24/06/21)

When I was medicated for ADHD it meant that the volume for the ADHD was lowered so the Autism could be heard for once. I ended up being on the meds temporarily while my Autism took the opportunity to create a routine without the distraction of the ADHD that became second nature and now I no longer need the adhd meds because I have a routine finally. I am 42. Was dx for both age 40.

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