Is not having sensory issues proof that I just have ADHD?

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I rarely have sensory issues. I only get them when I'm extremely tired, sick, having a bad headache or detoxing. When I do have sensory issues they aren't that severe anyways.

No it isnt . Not everyone on the spectrum has sensory issues.

I'm on the spectrum and I don't have sensory issues.

Definitely not. Sensory issues aren't even mentioned explicitly in the DSM-IV's diagnostic criteria. They're only used as supporting evidence of symptoms.

Seeing as you are "doubting" your diagnosis (according to your signature), I'd recommend you dig up your actual diagnosis, re-read it, and compare it to diagnostic criteria form whichever DSM was in use at the time you got it. It'll probably help you a lot more in deciding whether you "have it or not" than reading around online (though that certainly helps).

Many things that are frequently discussed on this board, like sensory issues, stimming and physical clumsiness, are not required for an asd diagnosis, they're only considered to be common features in some people who have it, and to varying degrees.

No, that's why it is a spectrum. Each one of us is wired a bit differently. We all have the central features but secondary features will vary in occurrence and intensity. Degree of sensitivity can even vary in the individual through the life span. However, you did mention bad headaches. Are you sure those are not in response to an overload of sensory stimuli? Sensitivity can manifest as headaches.

People with ADHD can have sensory issues too. They're not usually as severe as people with an ASD who have them, but they are still there.

Is it really that important to know you have ADHD? Are your symptoms terribly impairing? I'm trying to fight against my own as we speak.

Even if you don't think you have AS you can just drop all diagnostic labels. Although, I do know how it feels to want to belong somewhere and talk to people who understand your differences.

I don't know but I certainly have had meltdowns due to general overwhelment (not sensory ones really, although I have gotten quite bothered by sounds before), stim, sounds can bother me, I get 'painful' patches on my skin occasionally, and smells can make me feel sick.

I'm not on the spectrum ASAIK, my aspie boyfriend doesn't think so either, and no one's mentioned it to me before.

I don't qualify for ADHD likely because it's not something I've had since childhood, although I know I basically have the symptoms of it now and when I finally get around to seeing someone about it, I might hound someone for a prescription for it, as my main source of 'oh s**t I need to get this done lemme have some coffee' is gone due to having celiac-type reactions to coffee.

I used to have sensory issues bad when I was little, now they don't bother me nearly as much. One thing I have though, which is really neat, is that I'm constantly paying attention to everything. Even when i'm super focused on the computer, subtle words on the tv across the room can gather my attention if they pertain to my interest. If they don't pertain to my interests, my brain completely ignores it. Interesting, huh? Also, i'm constantly paying attention to liscence plates without noticing.

From the DSM 5 Autism Spectrum Disorder criteria

"B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, as manifested by at least two of the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive; see text):"

1. Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech (e.g., simple motor stereotypies, lining up toys or flipping objects, echolalia, idiosyncratic phrases).

2. Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns or verbal nonverbal behavior (e.g., extreme distress at small changes, difficulties with transitions, rigid thinking patterns, greeting rituals, need to take same route or eat food every day).

3. Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus (e.g, strong attachment to or preoccupation with unusual objects, excessively circumscribed or perseverative interest

"4. Hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input or unusual interests in sensory aspects of the environment (e.g., apparent indifference to pain/temperature, adverse response to specific sounds or textures, excessive smelling or touching of objects, visual fascination with lights or movement)."

As bolded sensory sensitivities are not a requirement but you do need 2 out of the 4.

As mentioned sensory sensitivities were not in the DSM IV Aspergers diagnostic criteria.


ADHD DSM 5. One change from the DSM IV is that you can be diagnosed with both ASD and ADHD
http://www.help4adhd.org/documents/ADHD ... %202.0.pdf

Nope. If it were, then I wouldn't have AS.

I'm on the spectrum, and I don't have sensory issues.

And many adhd folks DO have sensory issues.