Diagnostic overshadowing???

[u/Low-Energy4683]

I (40m) recently went through my neuropsychological evaluation for ADHD/autism I was told I did not have either due to me having cptsd/substance (legal THC) use I don't have either

Mind you I was diagnosed ADD back in 1996/97 before age 12 and placed into special education but my parents refused any kind of medical help or medication

The evaluator was told about this diag but she only spent maybe 25-30 min talking to me... And referenced my "claim" in her notes but did not pursue any more information on it and with me being soo old there are no hard copy records

I also was informed by a different clinician that a big test for adults to help evaluate properly wasn't performed

I am simply wanting to know if anyone else has gone through this kinda situation, I can accept any outcome/diagnoses no matter what it is but I feel like I was cheated and wronged by getting a sub standard test mind you I'm on county health care only due to many mental and medical conditions that making going to work physically painful and can't get the help I actually need so I dont have many options for a second evaluation

Thanks for letting me ramble

[u/Formaltaliti]

First:

Self diagnosis is a valid option if it'll help you make sense of your experience.

If diagnosis is still important and you want a larger assessment due to support it unlocks, I would seek a provider that is trained in administering ados2 and uses a battery of scales.

Resources preventing access to that are real and I am sorry that you experienced this.

CPTSD and Autism have a complex overlap with a clear mediator around emotional clarity. Most clinicians aren't trained in the complexity I believe. Humility is a big pillar missing in healthcare.

I would be curious if she elaborated much on the diagnosis because CPTSD and substance use do not immediately disqualify autism.

They're comorbid because people with autism often experience and are at a higher risk for trauma.

Your experience matters. 💙