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of some of the signs from my childhood that I was neurodivergent.
Theyâre coming from an #ActuallyAutistic and #ADHD person unlike âofficialâ lists of traits.
(I say ND not just autistic because Iâve recently been diagnosed with ADHD as well).
of some of the signs from my childhood that I was neurodivergent.Theyâre coming from an #ActuallyAutistic and #ADHD person unlike âofficialâ lists of traits.
(I say ND not just autistic because Iâve recently been diagnosed with ADHD as well).
1. Didnât sleep
As a baby I always seemed too alert and stimulated to sleep, even with the recommended routine. As a child I remember thinking of any excuse to go downstairs to see my parents.
As a baby I always seemed too alert and stimulated to sleep, even with the recommended routine. As a child I remember thinking of any excuse to go downstairs to see my parents.
2. âPickyâ eater
The health visitor came round because she didnât believe a baby would spit out purĂ©ed carrot and when I did she was like... Iâve never seen this before. Obviously I now know itâs sensory rather than just âpickinessâ.
The health visitor came round because she didnât believe a baby would spit out purĂ©ed carrot and when I did she was like... Iâve never seen this before. Obviously I now know itâs sensory rather than just âpickinessâ.
3. Hyper alert
Everyone commented on how alert I was as a baby. I know the stereotype is the opposite for autism, but I seemed to be always taking everything in.
Everyone commented on how alert I was as a baby. I know the stereotype is the opposite for autism, but I seemed to be always taking everything in.
4. Super concentration
With certain activities I would be engrossed for far longer and more intensely than an NT child.
5. Hyperlexia
Always loved books and taught myself to read before I was 3.
With certain activities I would be engrossed for far longer and more intensely than an NT child.
5. Hyperlexia
Always loved books and taught myself to read before I was 3.
6. Happy on my own
Would happily play by myself or entertain myself for hours, even if there was the option of playing with someone else.
7. Didnât ask for hugs
Basically seemed not fussed about them, even as a baby. Didnât hate them, just didnât seek them out.
Would happily play by myself or entertain myself for hours, even if there was the option of playing with someone else.
7. Didnât ask for hugs
Basically seemed not fussed about them, even as a baby. Didnât hate them, just didnât seek them out.
8. Seemed âbewilderedâ
I generally felt bewildered most of the time and apparently I looked bewildered as well.
9. Talked early
Not just random babble, I could communicate with people pretty well at an early age.
I generally felt bewildered most of the time and apparently I looked bewildered as well.
9. Talked early
Not just random babble, I could communicate with people pretty well at an early age.
10. Anxious
In my childhood diaries I write about being âworried all the timeâ but didnât really know what about or why
11. Clothes seams and labels
Hated the seams on socks and tights and wanted all the labels cut out of my clothes.
In my childhood diaries I write about being âworried all the timeâ but didnât really know what about or why
11. Clothes seams and labels
Hated the seams on socks and tights and wanted all the labels cut out of my clothes.
12. Independent
Apparently one of my earliest words was âselfâ because I desperately wanted to do everything by myself
13. Obedient
I was very scared of getting in trouble at school especially, and was generally* a rule follower
*with exceptions!
Apparently one of my earliest words was âselfâ because I desperately wanted to do everything by myself
13. Obedient
I was very scared of getting in trouble at school especially, and was generally* a rule follower
*with exceptions!
14. Grown-up behaviour
I was a pretty sensible kid most of the time and although I could be goofy and silly, I generally took life seriously (Another thing I liked to say as a small child was âIâm a sensible woman!â)
I was a pretty sensible kid most of the time and although I could be goofy and silly, I generally took life seriously (Another thing I liked to say as a small child was âIâm a sensible woman!â)
15. Had a âmother henâ friend
Some autistic kids are taken under the wing of a more confident child and are made their friend. I certainly had this at primary school. I wouldnât instigate friendships but would be swept up in a friendship by someone else.
Some autistic kids are taken under the wing of a more confident child and are made their friend. I certainly had this at primary school. I wouldnât instigate friendships but would be swept up in a friendship by someone else.
16. Grumpy after school
I was exhausted and overwhelmed by the end of the school day but neither I nor my parents knew why I was so irritable at the time. I didnât want to talk to them and instead would shut myself in my room, alone.
I was exhausted and overwhelmed by the end of the school day but neither I nor my parents knew why I was so irritable at the time. I didnât want to talk to them and instead would shut myself in my room, alone.
17. Curious
I wanted to know everything about everything and would ask âWhy?â on a loop. I was sent to a Montessori nursery but only because it was the only local nursery that took kids at 2.5 yrs rather than 3, and I was clearly craving more learning and stimulation.
I wanted to know everything about everything and would ask âWhy?â on a loop. I was sent to a Montessori nursery but only because it was the only local nursery that took kids at 2.5 yrs rather than 3, and I was clearly craving more learning and stimulation.
18. Good memory
In general, I found learning easy. I soaked up information (apart from in a couple of subjects that I just couldnât grasp, namely chemistry and history). I could remember facts and learn by rote easily.
In general, I found learning easy. I soaked up information (apart from in a couple of subjects that I just couldnât grasp, namely chemistry and history). I could remember facts and learn by rote easily.
19. âBoard game policeâ
This is how I was described by my family when we played board games I wouldnât cheat, and even if I was able to (eg: seeing someone elseâs cards in a card game) I would purposely not use that information to my advantage because it would be unfair
This is how I was described by my family when we played board games
I wouldnât cheat, and even if I was able to (eg: seeing someone elseâs cards in a card game) I would purposely not use that information to my advantage because it would be unfair
20. Bedtime script
Was reminded by @dropoutninjaâs thread that throughout my childhood I had a (fairly lengthy!) conversational routine I had to do with my parents before I would go to bed. It was exactly the same every night.
Was reminded by @dropoutninjaâs thread that throughout my childhood I had a (fairly lengthy!) conversational routine I had to do with my parents before I would go to bed. It was exactly the same every night.
21. Rewatching videos
Also prompted by @dropoutninja - I used to rewatch the same videos, especially home videos of school plays and events. I knew the amount I rewatched would be considered weird, so I did it secretly to avoid being asked questions I didnât have the answers for
Also prompted by @dropoutninja - I used to rewatch the same videos, especially home videos of school plays and events. I knew the amount I rewatched would be considered weird, so I did it secretly to avoid being asked questions I didnât have the answers for
