What kind of social symptoms do you have, and how are they different from “stereotypical”, male-centered social difficulties?
I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD since I was like 6 or 7. Partially because I have a genetic movement disorder that is very comorbid with it, but also because I spent most of 1st grade wandering around my classroom and writing stories about haunted houses (idk). I was very smart and academically advanced, but also extremely disorganized, always off task, and just generally odd.
But because of my sensory symptoms (I like to joke that I will “claw my eyes out” if I have to wear certain cuts and fabrics of clothing), my therapist mentioned the possibility of having autism too. Then she asked me about any social difficulties, and I wasn’t entirely sure how to answer. I’ve thought about to possibility in a very abstract way over the years, but always thought I didn’t have enough social difficulties. I also hate routine and am generally very chaotic.
If you go off of the stereotypical-boy-with-autism issues, I don’t think it fits at all. I have zero problem understanding sarcasm and am generally fine with social cues. I may not understand why certain things bother people (like I do in an intellectual way, but not in a true understanding kind of way), but I am very in tune with what is acceptable and not acceptable.
I’m guessing the social difficulties are different in women (especially adult women), but I haven’t been able to find a lot of information on how. I wouldn’t say I am very good socially - I’m very blunt, don’t do eye contact, am kind of a know-it-all and always want to know about things/understand the truth, and generally have a hard time making and keeping friends (don’t know exactly why though).
I don’t know, I’m just confused about what social difficulties I should mention and how that portion is different in women vs men/boys.
Posted Aug 7, 2025, 12:54 AM UTC