[GoldHeart]

Originally Posted by Garfie

He was only diagnosed recently, which is not unusual. Many adults, who have spent their whole lives either being or feeling not quite able to fit into society’s norms, are diagnosed as either autistic, ADHD or both in adulthood. This is because understanding and testing were not very widely available when they were younger, especially as these conditions tend to be part of a spectrum, so vary widely in terms of symptoms and severity.

People who were, in the past, seen as ‘odd’ might well have had either of these issues. It’s similar to dyslexia which was often seen as lack of ability or intelligence back in the day, but is now understood and identified more easily.

As humans, we make advances in our understanding of how the brain functions all the time, and this is surely a good thing. If it helps us to be less dismissive and judgemental of others, surely this is positive progress.

There is a certain amount we can address and control in our personalities, behaviours and in our thinking, but if the brain functions differently, it really isn’t a simple case of mind over matter. It’s similar to dementia - you cannot just think yourself better, as it is beyond your control.

I'm well aware of people getting diagnosed later in life as being on the spectrum.

But it's like with tourettes, I watched a documentary where some people were accused of faking/ exaggerating their tourettes to get away with offensive language/ behaviour.

Because once you say someone is autistic or ADHD or has tourettes ,then they get a pass automatically.

And no I'm not downplaying people's difficulties with these conditions .