For the first time, AFAB people and members of marginalized communities are being included in research and diagnostic measures. Just in the past decade, our view of ASD has changed significantly.

This is how autistic people are depicted in TV shows and dramatic ads where autism is portrayed as a terrible and life-ruining disease that needs to be cured. But these days most people still picture folks with higher support needs when they think of autism. We’ve all heard of Autism and Asperger Syndrome (which has since been removed from the DSM and now falls under the umbrella of “Autism Spectrum Disorder”). There were some symptoms that didn’t fit into the ADHD diagnosis and others that contradicted it.Ģ9th birthday camping trip, just a few weeks after receiving my ADHD diagnosis Autism: perception vs. This diagnosis was extremely validating, but I felt like it didn’t cover everything. He provided a referral to a counselor to verify his findings, and she did. I scored extremely high for ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). The diagnostic journey started with my primary care doctor, who had me fill out an assessment that consisted of one piece of paper, front and back. I quickly ended up on the mental health side, and realized how I felt was not normal! So I sought professional help. For me, TikTok was the first place where I regularly saw perspectives from people I don’t know. Think about it: most other major social media platforms show you content that you choose to see for the most part. Just hear me out! For the first time, I was hearing stories from people outside my social circle. I thought this way my entire adult life until I found TikTok.

My last day on the PCT, heading up Kearsarge Pass

Hello counselor guest list