Wut Up, Witches?!

How did I find my doctor / testing center? Well, I’ll be honest… if you can use a computer, it’s really easy. For part 21, I do discuss barriers to finding care, treatment, and diagnosis, as where you live and your insurance or financial situation is going to make a HUGE difference in your options.

There is only one part left in my Au/DHD and Neuro🌶️ Collection from TikTok! Thank you all for bearing with me while I’m getting content shifted over.

Later, Witches! 😘

Wut Up, Witches?!

Why don’t we use the diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome anymore? For part 20 I give a brief rundown on the DSM4 vs DSM5 and what used to be labeled Asperger’s is now Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1.

While the term may not be assigned anymore, it’s up to you if you still prefer using your original diagnosis or the updated version. After all, we can’t expect a group of people who are known to HATE CHANGE to be cool with randomly changing an integral part of their identity.

Later, Witches! 😘

Wut Up, Witches?!

For part 19 I share how I personally went through my skill regressions and burnouts over the years, and specifically the big one that left me more disabled than ever. If I were diagnosed as a kid, I guarantee I would’ve been labeled level 1. As an adult, I’ve lost so much that I struggle more than ever, and am diagnosed level 2.

Skills can be regained, but it takes time. Be patient and kind with yourself while you recover. It’s not a race, and pushing yourself before you’re ready is only going to push you back into burnout.

Later, Witches 😘

Wut Up, Witches?!

Have you ever questioned if you’re the “only one” in your family who struggles with neurodivergence? I have a secret to share… Unless you’re NOT genetically related to your family, it didn’t come from thin air. Someone in your gene pool shares the same struggles.

I also can’t wait for my mom to realize exactly how autistic my dad was… that man… “the most normal man she ever knew”… was autistic as FUCK!

Later, Witches 😘

Wut Up, Witches?!

How can you tell if you were actually diagnosed accurately? Part 17 I share how my ADHD was originally MISSED! Despite having had a soft-diagnosis already in a different state AND a mother who is officially diagnosed, I masked too well during the exam that my autism overshadowed my ADHD. So what did I do about it? I spoke up!

Don’t ever be afraid to be your own self-advocate or to ask for a second opinion. It’s okay to question the professionals because they might be the experts on the disorder, but only YOU are the expert when it comes to knowing yourself.

Later, Witches 😘

Wut Up, Witches?!

We always want to help our loved ones, just remember… you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink. For part 16, I go over some ways you can encourage your friend by providing them with information, but otherwise leaving them alone.

Remember, it’s not our job to save everyone. If people want help, they’ll ask for it. If you’ve offered and they declined, just make sure they know the offer still stands and then leave the ball in their court. This is true for pretty much all contexts, not just for autism and ADHD.

Later, witches! 😘

Wut Up, Witches?!

Did I feel relief with my diagnosis? Yes, but part 15 also highlights the vindication I felt and the exhaustion, too…

I use a similar car metaphor to describe executive dysfunction. It’s a very helpful visualization when you need to explain the disconnect between your mind and body.

Later, Witches 😘

Wut Up, Witches?!

In part 14, I want to address this kind of common (and usually mean-spirited) question… “and now what?” Piggybacking off of a previous video where I mention the awful “why get diagnosed? There’s no cure for autism”, the fact is that having a label means I can better advocate for myself and my children.

Do you crochet or knit or craft in any way? This is a common self-regulation technique! What other ways do you find yourself regulating?

Later, witches 😘

Wut Up, Witches?

For this part 13, I talk about how even the most extensive testing by today’s DSM5 standards can STILL result in a misdiagnosis. Self-Advocacy is crucial here!

My diagnosis journey has been a real eye opening experience, not just with my mental health but also with my understanding of my own spirituality and witchcraft. I’m excited to explore this more on a weekly basis!

Later, Witches 😘

Wut Up, Witches?!

If you’re autistic AF as I am, you may have heard the annoying phrases that minimize your desire for a label. “There’s no cure for autism, why get diagnosed?” Part 12 talks about that stigma and where to go to find additional resources when the doctors are just another obstacle in your path.

P.S. Did you notice my kitty cat chillin? Her name is Nala, she’s a good girl.

Later, witches 😘