Highlighting the struggles of ADHD and Autism

 

I now realize these were classic signs of both Autism and ADHD, but at the time, I didn’t have the words for what I was experiencing. I just thought I was broken, or not as good as everyone else

School was always confusing and stressful for me, but back then, I didn’t understand why. I knew I wasn’t “naughty,” but I kept getting told off for things I couldn’t help—fidgeting, losing focus, forgetting homework, talking too much, or not talking at all. It felt like I was always getting something wrong, even when I was trying my best.

I remember one lesson where the teacher asked us to copy something off the board. Everyone else seemed to just get on with it, but I found it nearly impossible to keep my eyes on the board and my hand moving at the same time. I’d write two words and then lose my place. My heart would race with frustration, and sometimes I’d just give up and pretend to be finished. The teacher thought I was being lazy or defiant, but really, my brain just couldn’t keep up in the way others expected it to.

Group work was another nightmare. The noise, the pressure to speak at the right time, the feeling of being judged if I said something “weird”—it was exhausting. I didn’t understand the rules of social interaction the way others seemed to. If I was too quiet, I was ignored. If I tried to join in, I was sometimes laughed at. That made me anxious about even trying. No one ever asked me why I was struggling. They just assumed I wasn’t trying hard enough.

I now realise these were classic signs of both Autism and ADHD, but at the time, I didn’t have the words for what I was experiencing. I just thought I was broken or not as good as everyone else.

 

You're making an important point about how individuals with Autism and ADHD can be especially sensitive to changes and stressors due to how their brains and nervous systems process information and emotions. Here’s a clearer and more polished version of what you're trying to express:

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Revised version:

Certain situations—such as unexpected changes in routine, negative experiences that may eventually lead to positive outcomes, or pressures related to time management and organization—can significantly affect the brains and nervous systems of people with Autism or ADHD.

For autistic individuals, sudden changes like a route alteration can cause stress or sensory overload due to a strong reliance on predictability and structure. Similarly, for those with ADHD, challenges like organizing tasks or fears of not completing things on time can trigger anxiety and dysregulation, as their brains struggle with executive functioning and time perception.

Certain situations can have a deeper impact on people with Autism and ADHD because of how our brains and nervous systems respond to change, pressure, and uncertainty. For autistic individuals, even something that seems small, like a sudden change in routine, a detour on a familiar route, or a new face in a familiar environment, can feel overwhelming. These unexpected changes disrupt the sense of safety and predictability many autistic people rely on to feel grounded. Although some of these situations might eventually lead to something positive, the initial disruption can trigger stress, anxiety, or sensory overload.

For those of us with ADHD, the challenges can be different but just as intense. Situations involving time limits, disorganization, or pressure to complete tasks can easily lead to worry and panic. Our brains often struggle with executive functioning—things like planning, prioritizing, and managing time—which can make it feel like everything is slipping through our fingers. When other people don’t understand this, it adds even more pressure. Sometimes they think we’re lazy or careless, when in reality, we’re overwhelmed and trying our best to cope.

These everyday stressors might not seem like a big deal to others, but for people with learning disabilities or neurodiverse conditions, they can build up quickly. That’s why understanding, patience, and flexibility from others can make such a big difference—not just in getting through the day, but in how we feel about ourselves and the world around us.

Certain situations can have a deeper impact on people with Autism and ADHD because of how our brains and nervous systems respond to change, pressure, and uncertainty. For autistic individuals, even something that seems small—like a sudden change in routine, a detour on a familiar route, or a new face in a familiar environment—can feel overwhelming. These unexpected changes disrupt the sense of safety and predictability many autistic people rely on to feel grounded. Although some of these situations might eventually lead to something positive, the initial disruption can trigger stress, anxiety, or sensory overload.

For those of us with ADHD, the challenges can be different but just as intense. Situations involving time limits, disorganization, or pressure to complete tasks can easily lead to worry and panic. Our brains often struggle with executive functioning—things like planning, prioritizing, and managing time—which can make it feel like everything is slipping through our fingers. When other people don’t understand this, it adds even more pressure. Sometimes they think we’re lazy or careless, when in reality, we’re overwhelmed and trying our best to cope.

I remember one time when I was meant to go to a familiar group meeting, but the support worker who was supposed to take me had changed at the last minute. They didn’t tell me until they arrived, and the new person was someone I’d never met before. That one change was enough to send me into a panic. My routine had been interrupted, and the trust I had built with the other worker wasn’t there anymore. I felt anxious, trapped, and couldn’t concentrate for the rest of the day. People around me didn’t understand why it was such a big deal, but for me, it was like my whole day had been turned upside down.

Another example is when I used to volunteer or work on small projects. I often felt panicked about meeting deadlines or keeping track of everything. I’d make lists, try to get organized, but my mind would still race. I worried I’d forget something important or disappoint someone. That pressure often led to shutdowns or burnout, even when I was passionate about what I was doing. The fear of failure, especially when you’ve had past experiences of being misunderstood, can make every little task feel like a mountain.

These everyday stressors might not seem like a big deal to others, but for people with learning disabilities or neurodiverse conditions, they can build up quickly. That’s why understanding, patience, and flexibility from others can make such a big difference—not just in getting through the day, but in how we feel about ourselves and the world around us.

You're very welcome! Including personal examples is a powerful way to help readers understand your experience and connect emotionally with your story.

Here are a few topic ideas where you might want to add more personal stories. Let me know which ones you'd like to focus on next, or suggest your own:

1.                    School Life and Diagnosis Journey – A story about a time you struggled in school before knowing you had ADHD or Autism. – How it felt to be misunderstood by teachers or peers.

2.                    Medication and Mental Health – An experience with trying medication for ADHD or mental health, and how it affected you emotionally or physically. – A time when your needs weren’t taken seriously by a doctor or mental health professional.

3.                    Social Situations and Friendships – A moment when social interaction felt overwhelming or confusing. – A story about a friendship that was hard to maintain because of misunderstandings.

4.                    Advocacy and Finding Your Voice – A breakthrough moment in your advocacy work where you felt heard. – Speaking at an event or writing a blog post that had an impact.

5.                    Daily Living and Independence – A story about navigating public transport, appointments, or cooking for yourself. – A time when a small success felt like a big achievement.