Seeking Advice for Self-Diagnosed Autism/ADHD

I am autistic and have ADHD, also I have alot of mental health challenges. If u need advice or understanding. U can message me

Self diagnosis is valid! I'm formally diagnosed AuDHD and people still don't take me seriously most of the time because there isn't a lot of understanding for Autism and ADHD in general. My best advice is to keep advocating for yourself, but also give yourself a break when you need to. Getting an official diagnosis is hard, and I don't blame you for opting out. I wasn't diagnosed with autism until I was 20, and that was after years of research and talking to doctors. One specialist told me I couldn't be autistic because I can make eye contact (I can't, I fake it) and that they hadn't diagnosed anyone over the age of 13 (I was 17 at the time, and I waited 8 months for that appointment - they told me this after a 3 hour evaluation.) Try to find supports, whether that's weighted blankets, stim toys, earplugs, etc. or friends/family who understand. There's plenty of reading material and support groups that can help explain things to those who are open to it. Remember that you know yourself better than anyone else does!

https://depts.washington.edu/uwautism/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Self-Diagnosed-Adult-Autism-Resources-handout-12.2020.pdf here's some resources to start with. Honestly it seems like being Autistic, especially when coupled with other neurodivergent conditions, is in itself a never ending battle of self defense against those who don't understand what Autism actually is. And it is harder when you're undiagnosed but many people do not have access to a diagnosis and that doesnt change that they're Autistic, same goes for just deciding not to get diagnosed. But it does get easier when you surround yourself with understanding people whether it be your friends who listen to you about your condition, your cousin who also has AUDHD, a therapist, or new people you meet from support groups and similar who have Autism and/or ADHD. You can try to give the people who don't understand you as much information about autism and about how you feel as you feel comfortable with and some may eventually come to know about what you're going through but that's up to them and it isn't you're fault if they don't and it strains your relationship, you shouldnt have to fight to be understood so much.