Future Visions

So, I recently decided to publicly come out as neurodivergent – ADD (ADHD without the hyperactivity), ASD (self-diagnosed high-functioning Aspergers) and childhood PTSD – a potent combination because of the dynamic complexity of the conditions, which I’ll delve into on a future post.

This will come as no surprise to those who know me well, and likely explain a few things to those whom I’ve spent time with but don’t know me as well. And now, to be clear on a couple of things…

I know it’s in vogue for people to take an internet test and declare themselves on the spectrum. Not to diminish those self-diagnosing and dealing with genuine ASD but that’s not how it happened for me. Both of my daughters were officially diagnosed as on the spectrum and after some prompting I started self-examination as well, since in different ways they are chips off my block and many of the traits apply to me as well.

Then, yeah, I honestly assessed my self using some those tools and no surprise, the results ranged from “most probably” to “oh yeah, you sure do.” Since I don’t need to spend a couple grand to tell me what I already know, I’ll stick with the self-diagnosis. At least for now.

The ADD was medically diagnosed, after both of my daughters were diagnosed and (again) I recognized the same traits in myself. As for the PTSD, I do invite readers to read my “What Remains Undone” post further down on this blog.

The other thing – why now? The IT contractor I work through did a DEI program on neurodivergence and was looking for neurodivergent panelists to participate – I decided it was time for me to step forward and be part of the conversation.

More details on that, in an upcoming ‘Part Two’ post – “My Neurodiverse Voice.”