Do I Have ADHD or Autism? A Journey You Might Need

Ever found yourself Googling, “Do I have ADHD or Autism, or just too much caffeine?” Maybe you’re here because someone mentioned “neurodivergence” over brunch, or perhaps you’ve had a string of “a-ha!” moments about your quirks. Either way, welcome to the rabbit hole of self-diagnosis. Let’s dive in and help you figure out whether you’re dealing with ADHD, Autism, or simply a vibrant personality that’s tired of being labelled “too much.”

The Subtle Signs You Might Be Neurodivergent

ADHD: The Brain That’s Always on Holiday

• You Can’t Focus, Except When You’re Obsessed
  One moment you’re daydreaming about llamas (no judgement), and the next, you’ve spent eight hours researching their breeding habits. ADHD brains love hyperfocus, but only when it’s something you care about. Taxes? Not so much.
• You’re a Serial Hobbyist
  One week it’s pottery, the next it’s ukulele lessons. Your brain craves novelty like TikTok craves viral dance trends.
• Impulsivity, Thy Name is You
  Ordered sushi, got tacos instead. Thought of a funny joke, interrupted your boss mid-presentation. Sound familiar?

Autism: The Brain That’s Quietly Brilliant

• Social Gatherings Feel Like the Olympics
  Small talk? Exhausting. Remembering everyone’s names? Impossible. Pretending to enjoy it? Gold medal-worthy effort.
• Sensory Overload is Real
  If loud noises, certain fabrics, or strong smells make you want to scream, you’re not just “sensitive”, you might be dealing with sensory processing challenges.
• Rules, Routines, and Rigid Thinking
  Do you get irritated when someone rearranges the dishwasher or, heaven forbid, skips a step in your sacred morning routine? Autism loves a good system.

Do I Have ADHD or Autism? The Beautiful Chaos of AuDHD

Some of us win the neurodivergence jackpot with traits from both ADHD and Autism. That’s AuDHD, and yes, it’s as gloriously complex as it sounds. Imagine being hyper-organised but never finishing a task, or loving deep conversations but needing a day to recover from them. Sound relatable? Let’s explore further.

How to Start Unpacking Your Brain

Step 1: Take Self-Tests (No, They’re Not Just Clickbait!)

While self-tests aren’t a replacement for professional diagnosis, they’re a great starting point. Here are a couple of reputable ones:

• Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). This is a simple, research-backed tool to spot ADHD symptoms.
• Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). A widely used screening test for Autism.

Step 2: Reflect on Your Past

• Childhood Clues
  Were you the kid who couldn’t sit still, loved hyper-specific topics, or had trouble making friends? Neurodivergence often shows up in early life.
• Adult Realisations
  Not everyone struggles with time management or focus, but if you’re often accused of being “too much” or needing systems to stay grounded, these traits could still point to ADHD or Autism.

Step 3: Learn from Lived Experiences

There’s no better resource than people who’ve walked this path. Join online communities (like our very own Herbal Biohacker forums!) to share stories, swap tips, and feel less alone.

What You Can Do to Improve Some of These Issues

Supplements for ADHD and Autism

Support your brain naturally with supplements like:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids for focus and mood. If you’ve read our other blogs, you’re probably aware we go on about omega-3‘s a lot.
• Magnesium Glycinate for calming overstimulation. We also go on a lot about magnesium. For good reason.
• L-Tyrosine for dopamine support. Check out these highly effective supplements here.

Exercise for Focus and Calm

Movement can make a world of difference for both body and mind. Start with small steps and gradually increase:

• Try yoga for its calming and centring effects (we talk about mindfulness and movement a lot on this site).
• Build a simple home workout routine, like light cardio or stretching can go a long way.
• Outdoor walks or hikes can also help reset your mind and lift your spirits.

Mindfulness and Journaling Tools

Incorporating mindfulness and journaling into your daily routine can work wonders for self-awareness and emotional balance:

• Practice mindfulness with breathing exercises or meditation techniques.
• Keep a journal to reflect on your day, track your progress, and express gratitude.
• Explore different mindfulness practices. We cover these extensively on our site to help you get started.

What if You’re Neurodivergent?

First off, congratulations! You’re officially a member of the neurospicy club! ADHD, Autism, or both aren’t just challenges; they can also become superpowers. When you understand how your brain works, you can use it to your advantage. Whether it’s hyperfocus, unique problem-solving skills, or an unwavering commitment to justice (and dishwasher organisation), neurodivergence is a gift.

Final Thoughts: Welcome to Your Superpower

Discovering you’re neurodivergent isn’t the end! It’s the beginning. The quirks you once felt self-conscious about are now tools you can embrace. And the best part? You’re not alone. Join the conversation, learn from others, and remember: every great superhero started by understanding their unique powers. Yours are no different.

Now go forth, embrace your neurospicy brilliance, and if you’ve got questions, our Herbal Biohacker community is here to help. Let’s hack our brains, together.

Join Our Community

Ready to connect with like-minded neurodivergents? Join the Herbal Biohacker forums and start sharing your journey.

Disclaimer

This post is for informational purposes only. If you’re exploring neurodivergence, consider consulting a licensed professional for an official diagnosis and tailored support.