A Girl Living with AuDHD: A Journey

  BA-ZINGA!!  A popular phrase spoken by the beloved fictional character, Sheldon Cooper from the popular sitcoms  The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019) and Young Sheldon  (2017-2024).  If you've seen Big Bang Theory  (2007-2019), Young Sheldon  (2017-2024), or even clips from either series, you can sense some autistic traits in Sheldon. Sheldon Cooper is played by two actors, Iain Armitage in Young Sheldon  (2019-2024) and Jim Parsons in Big Bang Theory  (2007-2019).  I'll say this, I've seen parts of  Big Bang Theory  (2007-2019) and all of  Young Sheldon  (2019-2024).  However, clips of Sheldon Cooper have been around on the internet since  Big Bang Theory  (2007-2019) started.   When I was watching clips from  Big Bang Theory  (2007-2019), I would think that Sheldon was a dork and my mom said that he reminded her of my Great Uncle Marlan Scully.  Both are super smart, but soc...

  Yesterday I talked about what it feels like to have ADHD. Today, I want to share what it's like to have autism. Before I begin, I want to be clear that this is just my experience. Autism is a spectrum for a reason, and each person experiences it differently. My hope is that people can relate to or learn from what I share. If you’ve been following along with my journey, you probably know that I’ve only known about my autism for about three years. That means I’m still fairly new to the autism community. Even so, I’ve been researching and learning as much as I can so I can better understand myself and become a stronger advocate for people like me. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects about 1 in 31 people in the United States, not counting many others who identify as self-diagnosed or haven’t received an official diagnosis yet. It’s called a spectrum because it shows up differently in everyone. Since I didn’t know much about autism growing up, my perspective might be ...

What is it like to have ADHD? Rather than using this blog to explain what ADHD is in technical terms, I thought it would be better to share my experience. What better way to learn about something than from someone who actually lives with it? ADHD, or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurological condition that includes symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. According to the CDC in November 2024, ADHD is found in 6 out of 10 children. In 2023, it was reported that 15.5 million adults in the U.S. have an ADHD diagnosis, and that ADHD affects about 2 to 5% of adults worldwide. I was formally diagnosed with ADHD when I was 5 years old and have been medicated ever since. I honestly can’t remember life before knowing I had ADHD. Living with ADHD comes with both highs and lows. One thing I’ve noticed is that I actually like it when my brain gives me the ability to hyperfocus. That means I can channel all my energy into one thing and really dive deep into it. Bu...

If you or a loved one has autism, you've probably heard someone ask if there's a "cure." Let me be clear, autism is NOT a disease, and it doesn’t need a cure. Sadly, there are people out there who want to "cure" their own or their loved ones' autism. If this sounds like you, I want you to know it makes me sad—not because I don’t understand the struggles, but because this mindset often comes from fear. Maybe autism is showing up in a way you didn’t expect, like being nonverbal or not fitting into what society sees as “normal.” But that doesn’t mean it needs to be fixed. Often, people who talk about curing autism are afraid of the unknown. They might not believe that life with autism can be successful or fulfilling. But it can —it just might look different for each person. And that’s okay. Your thoughts on autism can and will change over time. Acceptance isn’t always instant, it’s a process. And you’re allowed to grow into it. It's also normal to feel...

  If you have had a TikTok or Instagram account since 2020, there's a chance you've come across content creator Elyse Meyers.  She's funny, witty, and is a great storyteller.  You're wondering why I chose to highlight her.  Recently, Elyse Meyers came out by announcing to her followers that she was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of 31 and is also open about her ADHD diagnosis as well, Elyse Meyers is a popular content creator.  Most of her posts are about stories that have happened to her and are so funny.  Elyse currently has 7.1 million followers on TikTok and 3.9 million followers on Instagram.    About a year ago, a video about her explaining her autism diagnosis using #AuDHD.  The reason why  chose Elyse is because of how popular she is and how funny she is.   As I've shared before, people with autism and ADHD and any other neurodiversity experience the world differently.  We all mask differen...

  "Different, not less"--Temple Grandin, 2010 Recently, I have had the privilege to watch the HBO Movie, Temple Grandin (2010) starring Claire Daines as Temple Grandin.  This movie was an easy 10/10 for me.  Temple Grandin  (2010) is based off of one of the most notorious female autistic figures and her life leading up to the present day and is based off of Temple Grandin's book, Thinking in Pictures  (1995).  Temple Grandin was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts.  She was diagnosed at a young age with autism.  However, in the 1950s, autism wasn't its own diagnosis and individuals who were diagnosed were told they should be institutionalized because of poor behavior.  In the movie, when Temple's mom takes her to a psychologist to get her a diagnosis, the psychologist told Temple's mom that Temple might never speak.  Temple's mom told the psychologist that Temple developed fine as a baby, but didn't speak until she was 4 years old....

If you grew up in the 2000s with Disney Channel, there's a small chance you know who Eloise is.  The live-action Eloise movies are near and dear to my heart.  I feel like I could relate to Eloise in so many ways.   If you've never seen the movies, at least get yourself to see Eloise at Christmastime .  Dame Julie Andrews plays Eloise's Nanny and Eloise is played by Sofia Vassilieva.  Eloise is a 6-year-old girl who lives at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, New York with her Nanny while her mom is a traveling model.  Eloise's personality is one that neurodivergents alike might identify with.  There were two live-action films (both released in 2003).  They were based on the children's book written by Kay Thompson. As I've said, Eloise shows a lot of neurodiverse qualities.  Below are some of the traits that Eloise has that are neurodiverse-coded: 🧩 Neurodiverse Traits Eloise Displays Below are just some of the traits Eloise exhibits tha...

  Concerts can be magical—and overwhelming. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned concertgoer, navigating the experience with a neurodivergent brain can take a bit of extra planning. As someone who goes to concerts often (including one just last night!), I’ve gathered my go-to tips and tricks to help you survive—and thrive —at your next big show. 1. Plan Ahead— All the Way Ahead Let’s say an artist like Taylor Swift is coming to Los Angeles—the closest city on the tour, and you live in Phoenix. You really want to see her. Can you go? Totally! But make sure you budget for more than just a ticket. Think about transportation, a hotel, food, and anything else you’ll need. Neurodivergent folks (myself included!) often deal with impulsivity when we get excited about something—but it helps to pause and think realistically. How will you get there? Can you afford an Uber, a rental car, or plane tickets? Be honest with yourself before you click “Buy.” 2. Pick Your People Who’s goi...

  Hello everybody!  I'd like to talk to you about a pet peeve of mine that I feel like is important to address.  It bugs me tremendously whenever I tell someone I have autism and they tell me, "everybody has autism".    Now, if you've said this, know that you're not in trouble or that I hate you.  It's just harmful and hurtful when someone says that. If you are saying this phrase, think about it.  Autism is a social and communication disorder that impacts each person differently.  Saying that everyone has autism can come off as ableist.  People who say things like this in my experience don't know much about autism or don't even know the impact of what they've just said.  When I'm told this, I immediately and politely correct people and tell them how that comes across.  I'll sometimes tell them to say that "everyone can have some autistic traits, but that doesn't mean everyone has it".  Autism is mostly a social and communicati...

  If you know anyone with autism or ADHD or you have either, chances are you have probably been around what is called stimming .  Stimming is a form of behavior where a person stimulates themselves in participating in repetitive movements, sounds, words, or behavior that is used to regulate things like emotions, manage physical comfort, and express strong feelings. People who are neurodivergent, especially people who have autism and ADHD experience the world differently than people who don't have these diagnoses.  Stimulating behaviors are common amongst people with autism.   Let's say there is a song you just listened to that you really like the feeling that the bass provides.  This is considered a stimulatory behavior.   Looking back, every stim I did as a kid makes sense.  I never realized until I learned about autism that things like twirling my hair, needing to chew on my nails or gum, and needing to listen to the same song over and over...

  If you've watched Love on the Spectrum  seasons 2 and 3, you've probably seen Tanner Smith appear on your screen.  Tanner is a GREAT representation of autism which is why I chose to highlight Tanner this week. Tanner Smith is from South Carolina and is 26 years old.  Tanner graduated from the ClemsonLIFE program, which is a program at Clemson University for adults who are intellectually disabled.  They teach their students how to be successful adults in society by teaching them employment and independent living skills. In 2024,  Tanner appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show to talk about his experience as a ClemsonLIFE graduate and working at the hotel he works at.  He also told Kelly how big of a Jack Black fan he is and Kelly showed him a video Jack sent in specifically for Tanner.  Fast forward to a year later, Kelly got Jack Black to surprise Tanner on her show IN PERSON.   It was very heartwarming. Tanner––if you ever read this, I ju...

A LETTER FROM THE AUTHOR: Saturday July 19th, 2025 Dear Reader, I'm a writer and one of the things I love to do the most is write poetry.  When I was in grade school, it was a form of expression.  I would write poems about anything.  Give me a topic and I can write you a poem.  I was so good that I would win awards for my poetry.  Sometimes poetry can help people with autism and/or people who struggle with communicating how they're feeling. I want to try writing more poems from the perspective of someone who is neurodiverse and share my talent more with people.  Hope you enjoy!   NOT BROKEN (Poem by Alyssa Marin) I am not broken! Some may think I am limited. I can do whatever I set my mind to–– Even if it takes some time. I am not an outcast!  I am worth more than how you see me. I deserve more opportunities than I have been given. We may not see eye to eye If you give me a chance you will see. In the end what matters most I matter just as much as...