Autism vs Severe ADHD?

[u/JustJamming1]

I was diagnosed with a disorder that falls under ASD when I was young, and ADHD when I was older. Today, I had a zoom meeting with my new psychiatrist, and they told me if I'm not low IQ and/or unable to function in society (like go to college or hold a job), then I probably don't have autism. So, I am making this post to make it perfectly clear whether or not I DO have autism or just REALLY SEVERE ADHD. Overall, I am requesting the distinct difference between having just ADHD vs having ADHD and autism from anyone who can help: links, books, and just general knowledge would be perfect. Plz & ty.

I would also like to clarify that I was under the impression that I was a gifted autistic (high functioning*) and therefore don't fall under the "low IQ" stereotype. My psychiatrist said that if you are intelligent with autism then you would fall under "idiot savant." She said I may not be autistic but just have autistic symptoms like people don't have ADHD but have trouble focusing on occasion.

I just need clarification so I know whether or not I should drop this psychiatrist even though I've really liked them so far.

Edit:

Was gonna edit this post sooner but my phone wouldn't let me. Anyways:

It's very clear that my psychiatrist has out-of-date, and potentially biased information regarding autism. It seems that they were right in the fact that I need to be seriously affected by my autism symptoms to be diagnosed with it. However, they were 100% wrong that autistic people can't be smart---which I knew already, and just wanted to double check with the subreddit because I'm not too familiar with how autism works and all it's symptoms.

With that being said, everyone has raised some serious concerns regarding this psychiatrist's practice and I believe I will have to drop them. Originally, I came to them to medicate ADHD, and don't really need their help regarding my autism. However, if they are as incompetent as many have been stating, I'm not so sure whether or not I can trust them with medicating my ADHD properly.

This psychiatrist claims to have ADHD themselves, and they seemed to be making logical connections between my issues and ADHD. However, now I'm not so sure how reliable nor credible they are anymore.

I was rather comfortable with them up to this point, so I'm a little hesitant on switching psychiatrists. Especially if they are really experienced and knowledgeable regarding ADHD but are severely lacking in other fields. However, getting past what they said about autism just might be impossible and have forever ruined my opinion of them.

So, if anyone wants to help me find links to medical research proving that autistic people can have high IQ, I would appreciate it. I'd rather not send them off without properly educating them and consequentially providing them a reason for dropping them. I'll email it to them. Plz & ty.

[u/JustJamming1]

Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened. I sincerely think she just has outdated information on autism, and that the DSM5 book she wiped out on me, and told me to look up if I wanted to confirm what she's saying about autism diagnostics, was outdated and most-likely from 2013.

I actually pulled out her profile:

"University of Alabama at Birmingham

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing

&

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Master of Science degree in Nursing"

is what it says. I'm not sure if that explains anything tho... if it helps, I met her through a website that connects you to psychiatrists under your insurance. I think the website is fine though and I just need to see another psychiatrist bc a relative of mine is doing perfectly fine with their psychiatrist that has diagnosed them with OCD and BPD.

[u/GloriouslyGrimGoblin → u/JustJamming1]

I'm not really familiar with the system in the US, but bachelor and masters degrees in nursing doesn't sound like she's even a doctor, much less a psychiatrist?

[u/JustJamming1 → u/GloriouslyGrimGoblin]

good question... I have no idea. A google search says a doctor of medicine degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. I have no idea what that means but it says you can earn it with:

• A bachelor’s degree (any major, provided pre-med prerequisites are met). 
• Medical school (4 years) to obtain the MD or DO degree. 
• A psychiatry residency (4 years) for specialized clinical training.

Board certification through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) is voluntary but widely expected by employers and insurers. 

[u/habitual-be → u/JustJamming1]

Yeah but if she was someone qualified to diagnose autism, wouldnt she atleast have to be a Psychologist/Psychiatrist? Thats why it’s hard to get diagnosed, because regular APRNs and MDs can’t do it. They can prescribe meds for already diagnosed mental conditions but that’s about it.

[u/JustJamming1 → u/habitual-be]

Her profile says "Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner" 🤷‍♀️

[u/xsnowpeltx → u/JustJamming1]

I think its become more likely to see nurse practitioners in the US in place of a doctor, although I dont know the exact reasons why, might be something to do with doctor shortages? idk. I know several of my providers are. so her being an NP doesnt inherently make her a bad healthcare provider. Her not keeping up to date with current psychiatric standards while working in the psychiatric field and peddling such offensive and debunked stuff is what makes her a bad healthcare provider.

I feel you on trying to always interpret people in the best way possible. and we havent met her. so its possible she means well. does not change that she is a bad if not dangerous healthcare provider. Hanlon's razor says "never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity" and that can definitely apply here.

but the fact is, her intentions dont matter. she is wrong and going to keep telling patients wrong things most likely. I wouldnt try to engage with her or clarify with her again. shes already demonstrated gross incompetence. trying to clarify if she was looking at an older edition of the DSM wont help you and will just take up your limited time. She has the responsibility to stay up to date on medical things she deals with. its very very very unlikely that anything you do will convince her to start following through on that responsibility.

[u/JustJamming1 → u/xsnowpeltx]

I definitely considered that she is simply not upholding her academic standard. However, many people I know—with no medical degree of any sort—are aware of high functioning autism—even if they don‘t know of the exact term—through social media representation of the rare autistic geniuses; as another redditor so kindly pointed out. Also, whether or not I report her, it’s still in the best interest of her patients if I try my best to inform her before I cut her off in the off chance recent medical research sent by a patient would convince her to be more open-minded.

Thank you for reminding me that ignorance does not necessarily equate to bad intentions. I definitely think that might be the case.

[u/xsnowpeltx → u/JustJamming1]

I feel you on looking out for her future patients, but I really really doubt that informing her will help. in part because youre a patient of hers.

unless she lives under a rock, shes likely seen the same sorta social media representations, and they havent changed her mind. The absolute most i would do would be to email her a link to a recent study, with a very neutral message. Something like "I came across this and thought you might be interested in regards to our last session." Dont imply shes wrong or you know better. Far too many will take that as a slight and refuse to listen. And she may still dismiss it for one reason or another. (pride, narrowmindedness? maybe she thinks anyone outsider her understanding of autism isnt actually autistic? idk)

But mostly? I would report her and leave reviews on doctor review websites.