ADHD & Autism

[Noggin]

A really close friend has been diagnosed with both ADHD and Autism - varying degrees.

I know very little about either, apart from they said to me that autism has a lot of different symptoms (not all show in the obvious ways we 'know' apparently)

Does anyone have any info on where I should look for more info - I don't want to quiz them too much and don't want to just google as who knows what info I'll get and how good it is ? (I'm pretty careful about where I get medical info from, but my normal places are age/meno based, less specific for this question! So would prefer a bit of guidance on good places to look; but maybe not 'too' medical as my ability to read that sort of report is not good)

Not sure how closely connected the two are, but from what another friend said to me it seems that there might be some overlap ? But I have no idea and just want some understanding before my friend comes out for a week's holiday, not to quiz them, just so I understand more. From what I understand, neither are particularly high on the scale, not obvious to most people, hence needing some understanding as to why they have been officially diagnosed

[Nordboy]

https://www.autistica.org.uk/what-is-au ... and-autism

https://neurodivergentinsights.com/adhd ... DF9uKyW0wY


Bit about the overlap of both here

The main issue I've had with dealing with neuro diverse people, and I'm absolutely no expert, is that there's such a wide range of versions and to massively differing degrees. It's often a very individual thing. Too easy sometimes to just assume and label all neuro divergents are the same and need the same thing. It's a complicated and difficult subject.

Years ago, these people woould have just been called 'different', 'odd', 'difficult' etc, as no one had any idea there was a reason

[Count Steer]

https://theconversation.com/uk/search?q=Autism

Lots of reading there.

I'm tending towards the Ross Clark view on over-diagnosis though. Unfortunately the full article 'Autism isn't a superpower' is behind The Spectator paywall but here's the AI summary.

Key points from the article
Disabled, not "superpowered":
Clark challenged the popular characterization of autism as a "superpower," asserting that, in reality, autistic people are disabled to a greater or lesser extent. He contended that the notion of autism providing unique or special abilities is often overstated.

Risk of meaninglessness:
The article criticized the increasing number of people claiming an autism diagnosis despite being highly functional, with maybe "just the odd eccentricity". Clark argued that this broad expansion of the autism "tent" risks making the condition meaningless.

Resource allocation:
According to Clark, the expansion of the "autism tent" shifts resources and attention away from individuals who genuinely need support. He suggested that extra exam time and personal independence payments could be exploited by those who do not truly need them, to the detriment of people with more significant needs.

The "age of victimhood":
Clark tied the rise of self-diagnosis and the neurodiversity movement to a broader "age of victimhood," suggesting that some individuals claim an autism diagnosis to gain special treatment or cash payments.

Questioning diagnostic criteria:
The author noted that modern autism tests often include questions about personal preferences and social awkwardness that he believes could place many people, including himself, on the "supposedly autistic spectrum".

[Ian]

Be careful of overwhelming them. At a difficult time they can get too much input. They will seem to shutdown and won't talk. That's because there's too much going on and they're reducing the amount of input by shutting you out. As a friend or parent it can feel horrible but it isn't a conscious choice you are just the easiest input to silence so they can cope.

I think this is why some severely autistic kids wear headphones to reduce overstimulation.

It can be frustrating because you are trying to help but sometimes you need to say less, be patient.

[Horse]

Risk of meaninglessness:
The article criticized the increasing number of people claiming an autism diagnosis despite being highly functional, with maybe "just the odd eccentricity". Clark argued that this broad expansion of the autism "tent" risks making the condition meaningless.

Worth noting that the 'S' is for 'spectrum'.

Many are high functioning, they learn coping strategies to fit in with everyday society.

Others learn to mask, particularly females, so it's not immediately obvious.

Also worth noting that one description is that it's the 'male form of maleness' - think about some of the attributes, and how they align with collecting, etc. (train spotting, stamps, whatever).

And then think about 'tomboys' ...

Autism is often associated with body dysmorphia and gender issues. In females, often with eating disorders.

[Count Steer]

Risk of meaninglessness:
The article criticized the increasing number of people claiming an autism diagnosis despite being highly functional, with maybe "just the odd eccentricity". Clark argued that this broad expansion of the autism "tent" risks making the condition meaningless.

Worth noting that the 'S' is for 'spectrum'.

Many are high functioning, they learn coping strategies to fit in with everyday society.

Others learn to mask, particularly females, so it's not immediately obvious.

Also worth noting that one description is that it's the 'male form of maleness' - think about some of the attributes, and how they align with collecting, etc. (train spotting, stamps, whatever).

And then think about 'tomboys' ...

Autism is often associated with body dysmorphia and gender issues. In females, often with eating disorders.

The thing about the 'spectrum' is, by definition, we're all on it somewhere.

Part of the claim (in the article) of 'me too-ism' is the percentage of children 'diagnosed' with disfunctions in order to get permitted more time in exams. The figures quoted for private education are quite startling and look like 'gaming the system'.

[Horse]

Risk of meaninglessness:
The article criticized the increasing number of people claiming an autism diagnosis despite being highly functional, with maybe "just the odd eccentricity". Clark argued that this broad expansion of the autism "tent" risks making the condition meaningless.

Worth noting that the 'S' is for 'spectrum'.

Many are high functioning, they learn coping strategies to fit in with everyday society.

Others learn to mask, particularly females, so it's not immediately obvious.

Also worth noting that one description is that it's the 'male form of maleness' - think about some of the attributes, and how they align with collecting, etc. (train spotting, stamps, whatever).

And then think about 'tomboys' ...

Autism is often associated with body dysmorphia and gender issues. In females, often with eating disorders.

The thing about the 'spectrum' is, by definition, we're all on it somewhere.

Part of the claim (in the article) of 'me too-ism' is the percentage of children 'diagnosed' with disfunctions in order to get permitted more time in exams. The figures quoted for private education are quite startling and look like 'gaming the system'.

Interestingly, it does vary. Friends' son definitely autistic. But the expensive private school did no diagnosis or support. They moved him to the local comprehensive - and we're astounded at the difference.

But, very often, support depends on how loud parents are. Especially with going to tribunals ... Including demands for their kids to attend special schools - when they have no idea of severely affected, and how much support, those kids attending actually need and receive.

NB as is traditional, I blame the teachers [NB for the hard of thinking: I don't]

[Rockburner]

A really close friend has been diagnosed with both ADHD and Autism - varying degrees.

I know very little about either, apart from they said to me that autism has a lot of different symptoms (not all show in the obvious ways we 'know' apparently)

Does anyone have any info on where I should look for more info - I don't want to quiz them too much and don't want to just google as who knows what info I'll get and how good it is ? (I'm pretty careful about where I get medical info from, but my normal places are age/meno based, less specific for this question! So would prefer a bit of guidance on good places to look; but maybe not 'too' medical as my ability to read that sort of report is not good)

Not sure how closely connected the two are, but from what another friend said to me it seems that there might be some overlap ? But I have no idea and just want some understanding before my friend comes out for a week's holiday, not to quiz them, just so I understand more. From what I understand, neither are particularly high on the scale, not obvious to most people, hence needing some understanding as to why they have been officially diagnosed

Without being rude, why do you need to know?

Unless it's something they've specifically asked you to help with, why do you think you need to know about it? (Apart from in a general sense that everyone ought to know something about everything.)

It's my understanding that autistic/ ADHD people tend to privacy about it and often don't want to be treated any differently, just respectfully.

[Horse]

I think it's worth knowing and understanding about it. For example, certain autistic behaviours might be seen as blunt / rude.

[Noggin]

A really close friend has been diagnosed with both ADHD and Autism - varying degrees.

I know very little about either, apart from they said to me that autism has a lot of different symptoms (not all show in the obvious ways we 'know' apparently)

Does anyone have any info on where I should look for more info - I don't want to quiz them too much and don't want to just google as who knows what info I'll get and how good it is ? (I'm pretty careful about where I get medical info from, but my normal places are age/meno based, less specific for this question! So would prefer a bit of guidance on good places to look; but maybe not 'too' medical as my ability to read that sort of report is not good)

Not sure how closely connected the two are, but from what another friend said to me it seems that there might be some overlap ? But I have no idea and just want some understanding before my friend comes out for a week's holiday, not to quiz them, just so I understand more. From what I understand, neither are particularly high on the scale, not obvious to most people, hence needing some understanding as to why they have been officially diagnosed

Without being rude, why do you need to know?

Unless it's something they've specifically asked you to help with, why do you think you need to know about it? (Apart from in a general sense that everyone ought to know something about everything.)

It's my understanding that autistic/ ADHD people tend to privacy about it and often don't want to be treated any differently, just respectfully.

Because we are very close and they've been open about a lot of it, I'm just wary about asking questions and getting things wrong.

When I was in hospital after the first shoulder op, a friend came to see me and we got into a conversation about some people who treated her differently because she used to be a he. I made a drug addled/pain influenced comment that I could have phrased better. It was in support of her but the way I said it caused her to completely shut me down on that subject and I've not seen of communicated with her since. Ok, her issue in a lot of ways, but I obviously offended her - which had I known more about transitioning (and not been very post op/drugged) I'd not have phrased the comment the same way, so wouldn't have offended her.

So with this, I have a couple of other friends who have been very open about the ADHD, but not face to face so difficult to ask questions - face to face is so much better for a learning type conversation.

And, the friend I was talking about originally has mentioned that they and I have a lot of similar traits, which I had thought as we were talking.

I'm too old to worry about a diagnosis, but maybe learning more will be good for my friendships with 'neurodivergent' friends (I do seem to have a few, mostly younger than me - learnt that description from one of them yesterday); but might also help my own brain queries, especially as many of this type of thing gets worse for women at my age.

So, a few reasons. I'm not asking anyone to share experiences, just good places to get info so that I'm not totally flummoxed at phrases and comments about it when I talk to them.


Probably wrote too much (as usual) but hope that explains the reason

[Skub]

Without being rude, why do you need to know?

Unless it's something they've specifically asked you to help with, why do you think you need to know about it? (Apart from in a general sense that everyone ought to know something about everything.)

It's my understanding that autistic/ ADHD people tend to privacy about it and often don't want to be treated any differently, just respectfully.

I think it's worth knowing and understanding about it. For example, certain autistic behaviours might be seen as blunt / rude.

Absolutely,plus if they are perceived by others as rude,or abrupt,they will often be treated the same way in response.

I worked on the factory floor with a chap in the 70s/80s,who in retrospect was autistic and was seen as offhanded and rude when interacting with others. He was despised and often physically attacked,purely for things he said/didn't say,or how he acted. People thought he was an ignorant twat and a very poor human being. This brought out the very worst in pack behaviour,even from people who were generally non confrontational.

Different times,I know,but if more had been known about autism,then at least some folk may have treated him differently.

[Noggin]

So much information. Thank you all. I need to approach this slowly for my weird brain, but really appreciate all the info and links

https://www.autistica.org.uk/what-is-au ... and-autism

https://neurodivergentinsights.com/adhd ... DF9uKyW0wY


Bit about the overlap of both here

The main issue I've had with dealing with neuro diverse people, and I'm absolutely no expert, is that there's such a wide range of versions and to massively differing degrees. It's often a very individual thing. Too easy sometimes to just assume and label all neuro divergents are the same and need the same thing. It's a complicated and difficult subject.

Years ago, these people woould have just been called 'different', 'odd', 'difficult' etc, as no one had any idea there was a reason

Thank you for the link and comment - I've been called all of those things often - and many more !!! Alwyas thought I was weird, but I like my weird and tried not to let it bother me !

My friend has has the same issues (they're a fair bit younger than me) but is very open and very functional - although they don't think so. So the more I can learn, then maybe I can help with understanding how functional they are (gently of course !)

https://theconversation.com/uk/search?q=Autism

Lots of reading there.

I'm tending towards the Ross Clark view on over-diagnosis though. Unfortunately the full article 'Autism isn't a superpower' is behind The Spectator paywall but here's the AI summary.

Key points from the article
Disabled, not "superpowered":
Clark challenged the popular characterization of autism as a "superpower," asserting that, in reality, autistic people are disabled to a greater or lesser extent. He contended that the notion of autism providing unique or special abilities is often overstated.

Risk of meaninglessness:
The article criticized the increasing number of people claiming an autism diagnosis despite being highly functional, with maybe "just the odd eccentricity". Clark argued that this broad expansion of the autism "tent" risks making the condition meaningless.

Resource allocation:
According to Clark, the expansion of the "autism tent" shifts resources and attention away from individuals who genuinely need support. He suggested that extra exam time and personal independence payments could be exploited by those who do not truly need them, to the detriment of people with more significant needs.

The "age of victimhood":
Clark tied the rise of self-diagnosis and the neurodiversity movement to a broader "age of victimhood," suggesting that some individuals claim an autism diagnosis to gain special treatment or cash payments.

Questioning diagnostic criteria:
The author noted that modern autism tests often include questions about personal preferences and social awkwardness that he believes could place many people, including himself, on the "supposedly autistic spectrum".

I was worried that it was part of over diagnosis because of how functional they are - but, just another reason to learn more about it all.

Be careful of overwhelming them. At a difficult time they can get too much input. They will seem to shutdown and won't talk. That's because there's too much going on and they're reducing the amount of input by shutting you out. As a friend or parent it can feel horrible but it isn't a conscious choice you are just the easiest input to silence so they can cope.

I think this is why some severely autistic kids wear headphones to reduce overstimulation.

It can be frustrating because you are trying to help but sometimes you need to say less, be patient.

Totally. I've known about the diagnoses for a while but not asked. They brought it up in conversation, so now I know they are ok talking with me (at least a bit!) I want to know enough to have a conversation if they bring it up again - but gently

Risk of meaninglessness:
The article criticized the increasing number of people claiming an autism diagnosis despite being highly functional, with maybe "just the odd eccentricity". Clark argued that this broad expansion of the autism "tent" risks making the condition meaningless.

Worth noting that the 'S' is for 'spectrum'.

Many are high functioning, they learn coping strategies to fit in with everyday society.

Others learn to mask, particularly females, so it's not immediately obvious.

Also worth noting that one description is that it's the 'male form of maleness' - think about some of the attributes, and how they align with collecting, etc. (train spotting, stamps, whatever).

And then think about 'tomboys' ...

Autism is often associated with body dysmorphia and gender issues. In females, often with eating disorders.

I've seen so many female friends have a realisation as now people are saying that it becomes less easy to mask at menopause ! (More of the don't give a fuck and less of the trying to keep everyone happy !!).

Also the comment about tomboys, body dysmorphia and eating disorders is really interesting - given they're and they're family history. Thank you.

[Noggin]

Absolutely,plus if they are perceived by others as rude,or abrupt,they will often be treated the same way in response.

I worked on the factory floor with a chap in the 70s/80s,who in retrospect was autistic and was seen as offhanded and rude when interacting with others. He was despised and often physically attacked,purely for things he said/didn't say,or how he acted. People thought he was an ignorant twat and a very poor human being. This brought out the very worst in pack behaviour,even from people who were generally non confrontational.

Different times,I know,but if more had been known about autism,then at least some folk may have treated him differently.

Humans can be right bastards if someone doesn't fit the 'norm'

[wheelnut]

It sounds as though it’s an existing friend that’s recently been diagnosed?

If that’s the case then they’re still the same person they were last week. Just be the same as you always have. I doubt they would want you to make any allowances or walk on eggshells round them.

As said the spectrum is a huge one and it affects people differently. There are a few fairly common triggers though.

Routine - people with ASD sometimes struggle with last minute changes of plan. They can be settled on a particular course of action and any changes without time to process them can cause a reaction.

Linked to the over stimulation, things that you won’t even notice may cause irritation - the hum of a fluorescent light for instance.

Taking things literally and not grasping metaphors. Like the time when my son’s teacher told the class to pull their socks up and he bent down and pulled his socks up.

[Horse]

I think it's worth knowing and understanding about it. For example, certain autistic behaviours might be seen as blunt / rude.

Absolutely,plus if they are perceived by others as rude,or abrupt,they will often be treated the same way in response.

I worked on the factory floor with a chap in the 70s/80s,who in retrospect was autistic and was seen as offhanded and rude when interacting with others. He was despised and often physically attacked,purely for things he said/didn't say,or how he acted. People thought he was an ignorant twat and a very poor human being. This brought out the very worst in pack behaviour,even from people who were generally non confrontational.

Different times,I know,but if more had been known about autism,then at least some folk may have treated him differently.

Similarly, I worked with a guy who was 'different'. One example: answering the phone, e g. "He's not here" - and hanging up.

Blunt, to the point of rude, but honest and factual.

Autism really only became known in mainstream education about 25 years ago.

Even now, its implications are only just becoming known more widely. Like the links with eating disorders, body dysmorphia, gender.

And ignored by those who won't consider that looking at the outside of a person (and counting appendages or apertures) doesn't inform what the brain (person) is all about.

[Noggin]

It sounds as though it’s an existing friend that’s recently been diagnosed?

If that’s the case then they’re still the same person they were last week. Just be the same as you always have. I doubt they would want you to make any allowances or walk on eggshells round them.

As said the spectrum is a huge one and it affects people differently. There are a few fairly common triggers though.

Routine - people with ASD sometimes struggle with last minute changes of plan. They can be settled on a particular course of action and any changes without time to process them can cause a reaction.

Linked to the over stimulation, things that you won’t even notice may cause irritation - the hum of a fluorescent light for instance.

Taking things literally and not grasping metaphors. Like the time when my son’s teacher told the class to pull their socks up and he bent down and pulled his socks up.

It is an existing friend and I 'think' diagnosis is a year or two ago, but only mentioned in passing until the other day. I have no intention of walking on eggshells !! Equally, the more I know, the less chance of 'getting things wrong' .

Things like knowing about triggers, being able to ask them about the triggers or other things that cause an issue.

I don't want to 'quiz' them at all. But if conversation comes up, i'd like to have more background knowledge so that I can maybe ask questions without triggering things (does that make sense?)

I only found out in the (very long) chat the other day that they have a massive reaction to shouting or people doing things like slamming fists on tables. They explained the reason behind that, which I didn't know about (despite knowing them since they were a small child). I also know of another reason but they may have been too young to remember that reason, so I probably won't say anything. But I feel quite in awe that they feel comfortable enough to trust me with this kind of conversation, so I want to learn more so that I can be useful (if they need me to be) rather than just floundering in conversations!!!

[Yorick]

A really close friend has been diagnosed with both ADHD and Autism - varying degrees.

I know very little about either, apart from they said to me that autism has a lot of different symptoms (not all show in the obvious ways we 'know' apparently)

Does anyone have any info on where I should look for more info - I don't want to quiz them too much and don't want to just google as who knows what info I'll get and how good it is ? (I'm pretty careful about where I get medical info from, but my normal places are age/meno based, less specific for this question! So would prefer a bit of guidance on good places to look; but maybe not 'too' medical as my ability to read that sort of report is not good)

Not sure how closely connected the two are, but from what another friend said to me it seems that there might be some overlap ? But I have no idea and just want some understanding before my friend comes out for a week's holiday, not to quiz them, just so I understand more. From what I understand, neither are particularly high on the scale, not obvious to most people, hence needing some understanding as to why they have been officially diagnosed

Without being rude, why do you need to know?

Unless it's something they've specifically asked you to help with, why do you think you need to know about it? (Apart from in a general sense that everyone ought to know something about everything.)

It's my understanding that autistic/ ADHD people tend to privacy about it and often don't want to be treated any differently, just respectfully.

Because we are very close and they've been open about a lot of it, I'm just wary about asking questions and getting things wrong.

When I was in hospital after the first shoulder op, a friend came to see me and we got into a conversation about some people who treated her differently because she used to be a he. I made a drug addled/pain influenced comment that I could have phrased better. It was in support of her but the way I said it caused her to completely shut me down on that subject and I've not seen of communicated with her since. Ok, her issue in a lot of ways, but I obviously offended her - which had I known more about transitioning (and not been very post op/drugged) I'd not have phrased the comment the same way, so wouldn't have offended her.

So with this, I have a couple of other friends who have been very open about the ADHD, but not face to face so difficult to ask questions - face to face is so much better for a learning type conversation.

And, the friend I was talking about originally has mentioned that they and I have a lot of similar traits, which I had thought as we were talking.

I'm too old to worry about a diagnosis, but maybe learning more will be good for my friendships with 'neurodivergent' friends (I do seem to have a few, mostly younger than me - learnt that description from one of them yesterday); but might also help my own brain queries, especially as many of this type of thing gets worse for women at my age.

So, a few reasons. I'm not asking anyone to share experiences, just good places to get info so that I'm not totally flummoxed at phrases and comments about it when I talk to them.


Probably wrote too much (as usual) but hope that explains the reason

Tell him to fuck off!!!

Why does he decide what you're allowed to know?
It's still a free country despite what idiots think.

[Noggin]

Without being rude, why do you need to know?

Unless it's something they've specifically asked you to help with, why do you think you need to know about it? (Apart from in a general sense that everyone ought to know something about everything.)

It's my understanding that autistic/ ADHD people tend to privacy about it and often don't want to be treated any differently, just respectfully.

Because we are very close and they've been open about a lot of it, I'm just wary about asking questions and getting things wrong.

When I was in hospital after the first shoulder op, a friend came to see me and we got into a conversation about some people who treated her differently because she used to be a he. I made a drug addled/pain influenced comment that I could have phrased better. It was in support of her but the way I said it caused her to completely shut me down on that subject and I've not seen of communicated with her since. Ok, her issue in a lot of ways, but I obviously offended her - which had I known more about transitioning (and not been very post op/drugged) I'd not have phrased the comment the same way, so wouldn't have offended her.

So with this, I have a couple of other friends who have been very open about the ADHD, but not face to face so difficult to ask questions - face to face is so much better for a learning type conversation.

And, the friend I was talking about originally has mentioned that they and I have a lot of similar traits, which I had thought as we were talking.

I'm too old to worry about a diagnosis, but maybe learning more will be good for my friendships with 'neurodivergent' friends (I do seem to have a few, mostly younger than me - learnt that description from one of them yesterday); but might also help my own brain queries, especially as many of this type of thing gets worse for women at my age.

So, a few reasons. I'm not asking anyone to share experiences, just good places to get info so that I'm not totally flummoxed at phrases and comments about it when I talk to them.


Probably wrote too much (as usual) but hope that explains the reason

Tell him to fuck off!!!

Why does he decide what you're allowed to know?
It's still a free country despite what idiots think.

???

[Rockburner]

Without being rude, why do you need to know?

Unless it's something they've specifically asked you to help with, why do you think you need to know about it? (Apart from in a general sense that everyone ought to know something about everything.)

It's my understanding that autistic/ ADHD people tend to privacy about it and often don't want to be treated any differently, just respectfully.

Because we are very close and they've been open about a lot of it, I'm just wary about asking questions and getting things wrong.

When I was in hospital after the first shoulder op, a friend came to see me and we got into a conversation about some people who treated her differently because she used to be a he. I made a drug addled/pain influenced comment that I could have phrased better. It was in support of her but the way I said it caused her to completely shut me down on that subject and I've not seen of communicated with her since. Ok, her issue in a lot of ways, but I obviously offended her - which had I known more about transitioning (and not been very post op/drugged) I'd not have phrased the comment the same way, so wouldn't have offended her.

So with this, I have a couple of other friends who have been very open about the ADHD, but not face to face so difficult to ask questions - face to face is so much better for a learning type conversation.

And, the friend I was talking about originally has mentioned that they and I have a lot of similar traits, which I had thought as we were talking.

I'm too old to worry about a diagnosis, but maybe learning more will be good for my friendships with 'neurodivergent' friends (I do seem to have a few, mostly younger than me - learnt that description from one of them yesterday); but might also help my own brain queries, especially as many of this type of thing gets worse for women at my age.

So, a few reasons. I'm not asking anyone to share experiences, just good places to get info so that I'm not totally flummoxed at phrases and comments about it when I talk to them.


Probably wrote too much (as usual) but hope that explains the reason

Tell him to fuck off!!!

Why does he decide what you're allowed to know?
It's still a free country despite what idiots think.

I love reactions like this.

Noggins reply to my query answered my question fully and satisfactorily. It's why I didn't feel the need to respond any further.

No need to go jumping up and down.

[Trogladyte]

This is really tricky. Its really clear that there are a lot more people being diagnosed with neuro-diverse conditions than there ever have been in the past. But that doesn't mean that the conditions are more prevalent, but rather that they are being diagnosed more. The real question is whether or not that is a good thing. The answer to that, inevitably, is yes and no. It's definitely a yes for those kids who were either written off for being super introverted and awkward or naughty and disruptive. They now get diagnosis and support. But there are others who in the past would found ways to cope and lead happy productive lives, but now, with a label that makes them special, choose to retreat into victimhood. What's even worse are the examples I have seen of neurodiverse parents who impose some kind of specialness on their children. This seems to be out of some kind of fear of the ordinary and the mundane. I knew a woman at work whose children all had some alleged condition from dyslexia to prosopagnosia, whereas my assessment was that they were pretty mainstream. They were encouraged from birth to fulfil this role of having some condition which made them not ordinary. Meanwhile another colleague, who'd had a bit of a difficult life, coming from a family of alcoholics, is spending thousands on private medicine purely to attain a diagnosis of ADHD. As far as I can see this is not to get treatment, but simply to get the badge, so that he can blame his anger on something with a name.

Am I too harsh in my assessment?