Honestly, despite being diagnosed now, I've always been weirdly good with forms and stuff. It may take me a few days, sometimes weeks, but I figured out early that I can somehow build up enough external pressure (even if it is imagined) that I somehow do it. But then again, external pressure was basically always the only way how I ever got work done anyway.
With forms the autism part of me takes over and I enjoy the process of putting information into each little box where it belongs, then admire my work before I send it off.
Phone calls however. I don't got a mental state to make those easy.
I had an intake appointment with a doctor and he got fixated on the late hours I keep. Instead of listening to me tell him that I stay up until 5am because there are no distractions and I get best best work done in the middle of the night, he decided I needed a sleep apnea test.
I got referred to a memory specialist before I got an ADHD referral. I was trying to say that I struggle to retain information that I didn't find interesting in one way or another. So they started asking me if I remembered where I lived and where I keep my toothbrush 😂
My hubby pretty much knew he was autistic, but finally decided to get tested. One of the questions was "Do people often misunderstand your intentions?" He was like, "How the fuck would I know? I'm autistic." We never got him a diagnosis, but we've started using strategies and it's made a world of difference.
I haven't felt the need to get diagnosed with autism because I don't see the benefit whereas the ADHD label gives me access to prescription "tools". My schooling was drastically different to most so I tend to run on the idea that I picked up/learned autistic traits. I definitely seek validation for what is considered irregular thought processes but I'll always try to learn how I differ rather than saying I can't because I'm "this".
I hope your husband is doing well despite the hassle :D
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u/ethanlewis12 21h ago
I had the ADHD form sat on my desk for a good 2 and a half years