Autism and ADHD: Important Things for My Younger Self to Know

A longer answer to a question on Twitter

Me as a child, wearing a red t-shirt, on a small ship, with text that says "important things for my younger self to know"
A picture that my dad took of me, when we were on holiday in the 1970s.

Recently, I was tagged on Twitter, and asked: “what would be important for your younger self to know?”

Here is my attempt at a fairly short and quick answer.

Sorry if it seems a bit muddled, but here goes…

As a child, talk to your parents and make them understand just how difficult you find some situations. They need to speak to your doctor with you, and seek a diagnosis — rather than leaving it for you to do when you’re over 40 years old.

Don’t tolerate bullying at school, college and work.

Recognise anxiety and stress in yourself. It’s not good for you to feel like that over long periods of time.

Some people are horrible, but try not to take it to heart. Don’t waste time trying to change yourself for them. And if they are like that from the beginning, they have actually saved you time by identifying themselves as someone to avoid!

The way you perceive the world might be different to the way others perceive it. Everyone has their own unique set of motivations.

When you’re at work and struggle to take telephone messages, it’s not because you are stupid. It’s because you have difficulties with auditory processing. Your employer should take that into account, instead of laughing at mistakes in the messages you take.

It’s ok to be different. You don’t have to copy everything that others are doing.

Realise that being different is not all about bad things, shortcomings and limitations. You have the ability to focus on details which others overlook, and spot seemingly minor but important problems.

Although it’s often necessary to adapt your behaviour to suit the situation, try not to hide your true self, especially to those closest to you.

It becomes exhausting to put on an act, in the hope of making people like you. Don’t put yourself through that, it’s not good for your long-term health.

You will find people who love you as you are.

Thank You

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