Hey everyone,
I’m 13 and I was recently diagnosed with both autism and ADHD. I found out last week, and I’ve been trying to process it ever since. I guess part of me feels relieved because a lot of things about me finally make sense—like why I get overwhelmed so easily, why I have a hard time focusing unless it’s something I really enjoy, and why I’ve always felt kind of different from everyone else.
At the same time, I’m also confused and a little nervous. What does this actually mean for me? Will people start treating me differently? Should I tell my friends? I don’t want to be looked at like I’m “less than” or like there’s something wrong with me—because I don’t feel broken. Just different.
My parents say this diagnosis can help me get more support, especially at school, and that it doesn’t change who I am. I believe them, but it’s still a lot to take in. I was wondering if anyone else here has gone through something similar—getting diagnosed as a teen or even younger—and if you have any advice or things that helped you understand yourself better.
I’d really appreciate hearing from someone who gets it. Thanks for reading. 🙂
– Isla ⭐️💗
No way the way I’m got my parents to look into a diagnosis was a kind of spark thanks for the kind words I hope you feel comfortable to tell your parents
hi! so I'm self diagnosed autistic and self diagnosed ADHD I have brought up how I feel that I have ADHD to my mom and she thought I was kidding and said I was fine. but I have not brought up me having autism with them yet. I have told my friends and a few of them said I was fine and that they knew autistic people and one of them even said that "everyone's a little autistic". but I have another friend that I talked to about it and they also have autism and they agree I do too. I definitely have autism and ADHD and when I discuss it it with some people they are mean or just don't understand and some people are supportive and relate to me. everyone is going to react differently and that's okay. just because you got diagnosed with something it does not mean your a different person. yes some things might change but if the people you know and love cant accept that they are not true friends. you should tell people about it when your ready. have an awesome rest of your day I hope you find this helpful🧃
I totally get it. I didn't know much about autism until I watched a kind of spark in 2023 and I really saw myself in Addie. I started doing research and realised I am most likely autistic. Recently i also discovered im adhd.I haven't told many of my friends as I know they will either disagree or treat me as a different person altogether. Its hard and lonely but I am so close to telling my parents. What I would suggest is telling your friends if you feel comfortable but its not your responsibility to tell everyone. You're not broken or less than others, your just different, that's all. If you need support then you can get it but don't let others treat you like 2 diagnosisis change everything and that you're suddenly incapable to not do anything.
Hope this helps and sorry, I ramble.
Isla:)