Similar conditions to ASD? What if it's not ASD?

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Hello everyone,

I've posted here before about investigating a diagnosis of ASD. I have yet to talk to my doctor, and feel very much like procrastinating on it for as long as possible. Here is my worry:

I have realised that I have a lot of problems that other people don't seem to have, particularly sensory issues (other people's emotions also feel like strong sensory input, or just other peope in general!). Even though I think that I could be on the spectrum I also doubt it as well. I find life really hard and I'm concerned that if I ask about ASD and it turns out that I don't have it then I could be left in the same position that I am in now (trying to cope).

My question to you is, do you know of any other condition that can cause such sensitivity to sensations? I stim occasionally and have a hard time identifying my own feelings.

I have an appointment with my doctor soon in which I will ask to see a psychologist for PTSD (triggered by a crime that happened a few months ago). The last time I talked to my GP about this she said I could see a counsellor, but generally patients only see counsellors a few times so I don't know if I'd pluck up the courage to tell them about it.

I know I will eventually have to just ask my doctor about it, but asking here first helps.

Reactive Attachment Disorder

Thing is that according to DSM it is a children's diagnosis and has to be diagnosed before the age of 5.
I refuse to be diagnosed by co-morbidities if they refuse to address the core of the issue and give me a RAD diagnosis.
Best I gotten so far is that I have 'attachment issues'.

I have multiple sensory issues, meltdowns and need a degree of routine and don't like unexpected change. Oh, and if nailbiting counts then I am a chronic stimmer
I am currently on a waiting list to be tested for ASD.

But basically the symptoms for ASD and RAD overlap heavily.

If sensory issues are your primary concern, there is Sensory Integration Disorder, which is nothing but a faulty sensory system that can't handle input correctly, without any other symptoms. Obviously though if you suspect AS, there's more going on than just the sensory problems.

perhaps its different in the DSM [have never looked] but in the UK am diagnosed with lifelong reactive attachment disorder [still have it] and was only diagnosed a few years ago,was just told the label but not given any specialist support,was helped by support staff to learn to prompt for help with PECS/symbols but it took until today which still find a struggle,all the research is aimed at childhood,like a lot of so called childrens disorders they dont realise it continues into adulthood;especialy when havent had specialist treatment or are unable to access it,its also wrongly associated by default with children who have been put into care,mine was caused by the fact am severely disabled [since birth/baby LFA,mild intelectual disability, severe epilepsy] and neglect; by locking in bedroom was the only way mum and dad coped.

it is a common one to get confused with autism but dont think it includes sensory isues, one of the differences is even into adulthood woud struggle greatly to prompt for help and woud prefer to just not do something or injure self trying to do something than understand that other people there can help,its like a false sense of strong independance,it also makes us a lot more detached from humanity-with autism on top it can be wrongly associated with pyschopathy,was once called a pyschopath by a old support staff.

Do ask your doc!! !
You could be HSP. About 20% humans an animals are,- so it is told. The pattern is different for each individual - like ASD,- and the two conditions has a great deal of overlap.
You could be HSP (try test online) and have ASD traits?