Contemplating a diagnosis
Hello,
I'm thinking about getting a diagnosis for autism when my exams end but I'm really worried that I'm just making it up/definitely don't have it and don't want to go through the hassle if it isn't worth it.
For some context I am 18 (F) and was diagnosed privately in 2018 at 10. I was diagnosed with 'very severe' ADHD and they told my parents I align closely with the criteria for autism/ present significant autistic traits too, but nothing was diagnosed. I took medication for a very short period of time (<6 months) and only got back on it last year. I'm on 60mg elvanse, idk if that's relevant but yeah.
The main reason I'm looking to see if I may have autism is out of curiosity and also the fact that some issues I faced still remain very present with medication so I'm more curious than anything else.
When I was little I struggled a lot with making eye contact, 'talking back', social ques, knowing when to speak ect. Even now I don't know how to conduct a conversation past small talk. I know how to socialise better now but before there was something I really struggled to understand haha.
I have always had things I'm very focused on but that may be explained by ADHD hyperfocus. Also I do have significant time blindness and disorganisation and lack of routine but certainly don't choose this. I also hate when things I intend to do/ expect aren't net and tend to spiral. I'm also the sort of person to repeat a story over and over and over and over again or keep bringing up the same thing I'm interested in and interrupt like that.
I know sensory issues are a big thing and I can't say I get them with food often, however with clothes ect there are certain things I can't sleep in or can only wear for certain things out of comfort. I also hate silk bedsheets but that may just be me. I also experience requirements that need to be met in a way, i.e.having everything I need to sleep properly and having everything a certain way, even down to stuffed animals.
The only other major thing worth mentioning (so I don't keep waffling) is I find noise very very overstimulating, like from someone walking near my room in the corridor. If the atmosphere isn't right I can genuinely start crying and I hate anything sudden or not produced by me. Can't stand the dinner table sometimes haha.
Of course none of these things mean I have autism and it may all be down to personal quirks or ADHD so I'm not trying to self-diagnose, I'm also sorry if this isn't very clearly explained. I would appreciate some help deciding on whether a diagnosis is worth my investment or on the contrary, a waste of time as the accommodations aren't worth it/ I don't seem to meet the criteria.
Thank you so much!!