‹ BackHN Continuity

Thread

ADHD, autism or complex trauma? [pdf]

228 points · 265 comments · skeptical1884

  1. jghn · · focus · HN ↗
    > A diagnosis of ADHD or autism in adulthood often leads to incredible relief and grief in processing all the moments of being blamed and shamed for what was assumed to be a lack of effort, laziness and/or defiance.

    I never understood this sentiment. It's just who I am and always have been. And I learned to deal with the circumstances. I don't understand why it makes people feel better to have a diagnosis they can blame.

    Perhaps it's a generational thing? I know as a manager it's pretty common for reports to cite them having ADHD as why they can't do this or that. Meanwhile I mentally roll my eyes thinking, "no shit, me too, but I manage to get this done"

    1. richardlblair · · focus · HN ↗
      Think of growing up feeling inadequate. Even in the eyes of your parents. Then learning that you don't suck and were completely undeserving of being mistreated as a child.

      (No child is deserving of being mistreated but that's a whole other bag of worms)

      1. jghn · · focus · HN ↗
        A diagnosis did not alter my thinking in this regard whatsoever. That's part of what I was saying I don't understand.
        1. glenpierce · · focus · HN ↗
          Other humans brains work differently than yours. What didn’t work for you did work for them.
Open on Hacker News to reply ↗

Unofficial Hacker News client; not affiliated with Y Combinator.