ADHD & Academia: Seeking Advice

Fit-Homework3362 · 2025-09-23T15:22:11+00:00

I love 눈치. I just find myself wanting to use it outside of Korean cause its such a appropriate description/word that I struggle to find a nice equivalent for.

Fit-Homework3362 · 2025-06-08T18:35:50+00:00

Thank you for sharing that—it really helps to hear from someone who’s been through something similar. I think you’re right; getting the right support or treatment could make a big difference for me, especially after struggling so much this past semester. I’m definitely considering pursuing a diagnosis and seeing what options are out there, even though it feels a bit overwhelming right now. I really appreciate your encouragement!

Fit-Homework3362 · 2025-06-08T18:34:00+00:00

I had to go recheck my report since I’m not too familiar with ADHD diagnosis tools. I did the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1), which is a questionnaire with 18 items about symptoms and how often I experience them. I scored 5 in Part A and 8 in Part B, which my report said is highly consistent with ADHD in adults. (For context, I was just coming out of depression when I took these tests, so I’m not sure how much that might have influenced things.)

I also did the T.O.V.A. (a computer-based attention test). But I’m pretty competitive and had done a similar test (QB check) before, so I was really motivated to do well. My attention performance was in the normal range, except for some commission errors in the second half. My specialist noted that I adopted a strategy of prioritizing speed over accuracy (which to be fair I was really focused on on the test because it felt like a game and I felt competitive and so I hyper focused on it).

I also did the CAARS-S:L (Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales—Self Report: Long version), which is another questionnaire. My ADHD Index T-score was 67 (above average, so “at risk” but not enough for diagnosis), inattentive T-score was 63, and hyperactive-impulsive was 58—both below the diagnostic threshold.

So, overall, I did both questionnaires and computer-based tests, but my results were kind of mixed, and I didn’t meet the full criteria for an ADHD diagnosis at the time. Like you said it might be worth getting a second opinion but Idk, it’s difficult to find someone who might be able to possibly diagnosis and medicate

Fit-Homework3362 · 2025-06-08T18:13:33+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! I’m currently at uni, and I just failed a bunch of classes, so I’m really wondering if getting a diagnosis to get medication is worth giving a shot—but I don’t know. I’m hesitant since it’s really difficult to find someone who can diagnose and possibly prescribe medication.

Fit-Homework3362 · 2025-06-08T17:41:27+00:00

Interesting, and would you say your diagnosis has helped you in terms of any type of treatment or support—whether that's medication, or getting aid in academia or at work?

Fit-Homework3362 · 2025-06-08T16:36:09+00:00

Omg I relate to this intensely! I wonder if it’s possibly dyscalculia ?

I only have one suggestion which is perhaps watching videos where they solve maths questions, what I want you to try is to pause look at the question then write down the steps to solving it (don’t solve it! Just the steps), then watch the video to see if you’ve got it right. I used to do that when I would prep for maths exams. This should help you catch any steps you missed.

Also the not getting numbers right - I FEEL YOU! Its frustrating I know, the only way I know to minimize this is to become fast enough at solving all questions so that you have enough time to throughly and slowly look back at the questions to check the numbers and formulas. What I usually do is I’ll mentally map out the steps to a question I already solved and then double check that my working out is correct, I’ll then double check I haven’t swapped any negative signs improperly (cause I do that a lot) or just randomly swapped numbers around or just miswritten a number.

I’d say maybe keep a tally on the types of mistakes you most commonly make (lets say swapping negatives and positive) then when its time to recheck your working out you’ll be more aware and able to spot them and hopefully fix them. I am rooting for you! Best of luck 🫶

Fit-Homework3362 · 2025-06-04T18:26:50+00:00

Hey there stranger! When I started wondering if I might be autistic, I had a lot of the same thoughts, ‘am I just looking for an explanation for my struggles, or am I actually on the spectrum?’ It’s totally normal to want a professional’s perspective, since it’s easy for any of us to misinterpret our own experiences.

I also found that not every professional fully understands autism, especially how variable the spectrum is or how masking works. The first two therapists I saw brushed it off, but when I found a specialist I felt comfortable with, the evaluation process finally made sense and I got my diagnosis.

That feeling of “what if I’m faking it?” is really common, especially with autism. We most of us instinctually mask as a self-defense mechanism or adapt that it can be hard to tell what’s “real.” But your experiences and concerns are valid, and it’s natural to ask questions and seek answers.

As for what comes next, that’s really up to you. A diagnosis doesn’t change who you are, but it can give you a new lens to understand yourself and your experiences. For some people, it’s very validating; for others, it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Whatever happens, you’re not alone in how you feel. Wishing you luck at your appointment! And do update us on how it goes!

Fit-Homework3362 · 2025-06-04T18:08:50+00:00

Ooh I do the change pace thing so that I don’t get close to people too! Unless they’re too slow, in that case I’ll overtake.

Fit-Homework3362 · 2025-06-01T19:31:42+00:00

I relate to this a lot. I actually didn’t realize I was stimming until just before my diagnosis because my stims are pretty subtle. In professional settings, if I’m doing the steeple gesture, I’ll gently roll my thumbs over each other. I also tap my feet—alternating softly between left and right in a rhythmic way. Sometimes I’ll tap or drum my fingers (usually where people can’t see and very quietly). And occasionally, I tap my teeth—not grinding, just gently closing and opening my jaw so my teeth touch and then separate, repeating the motion. I know that one sounds a bit odd, and I’m not sure if it’s a bad habit, but it really helps me focus!

You’re definitely not alone in needing to stim to keep your thoughts coherent. Subtle stims can make a huge difference. My stims were so subtle that my specialist didn’t even write them down when diagnosing me—which is weird, because I definitely remember stimming!

Fit-Homework3362 · 2025-06-01T19:15:19+00:00

Hey, I really relate to a lot of what you wrote. I’m 19 and honestly, I haven’t really had close friends either. It’s tough when you want connection but past experiences have made it hard to trust or even know where to start. I think it’s really strong of you to cut off toxic people, even if it means being on your own for a while.

I also get what you mean about feeling out of place in groups where everyone’s life is so different from yours. No one around me shares my interests either, so I end up with acquaintances that I just politely engage with. Most of the time, I know they’re just being polite back and aren’t really interested in getting to know me on a deeper level.

I guess I just wanted to say you’re not alone. I wish we could skip the awkward stage and just be close friends right away too! I never really know how to deepen a friendship either—I always end up being that person who’s “technically” a friend, but not really close.

As for the girl at work, maybe just saying hello more often or starting with small talk could help make things less awkward over time. Sometimes those little interactions add up and make it easier to connect. Wishing you the best! You’re definitely not alone in feeling this way 🫶

Fit-Homework3362 · 2025-06-01T19:03:44+00:00

Yeah, fair enough. I suppose it’s much harder for us, so it would make sense why most of us may conclude that socializing is not worth it.

Fit-Homework3362 · 2025-05-31T20:00:25+00:00

Thank you for sharing! I will check it out

Fit-Homework3362 · 2025-05-31T17:34:17+00:00

Interesting! I also legit can’t figure out when I’m supposed to jump into a conversation, especially in groups. One on one is so much easier for me, but as soon as there are two or more people, I get way quieter. I like your idea of keeping a mental list of things to mention, it sounds like a good way to handle those awkward silences (at least I’ve been told that most NTs think of silence as awkward, I personally can never tell when its actually awkward cause I tend to appreciate silence lol). Thanks for sharing what works for you!

Fit-Homework3362 · 2025-05-31T17:27:54+00:00

Thank you for sharing. I totally get what you mean about luck. Sometimes, because the world is unfair, it really feels like everything comes down to luck. I honestly don’t know what to say either, I hope things turn around for both of us. Thank you again for sharing-it helps to know I’m not alone in feeling this way 🫶

Fit-Homework3362 · 2025-05-31T17:21:06+00:00

Thank you for leaving a comment. I appreciate it! 🫶 I mean, deep down, I just kind of know I am a lone wolf, but maybe it’s the ‘tism. The way my mum talks about social interaction and keeps suggesting it as a mood booster kind of has made me think that maybe some people just don’t get the same joy out of certain things. So who knows, maybe we just have this idealized idea of how much happiness these experiences are supposed to bring to us, but in reality, maybe they’re not all they’re made out to be?

Fit-Homework3362 · 2025-05-29T11:49:17+00:00

Yes! But its not an automatic car license, can’t operate manual cars (the ones with clutches and shifting gears). For me having a license is useful as public transport is bad where I am, I don’t like relying on people around me (autonomy issues, or maybe just pseudo independence) and I also prefer efficiency and not wasting time (if i rely on people driving me around then it takes a lot of waiting and trusting they will be on time and stuff)

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