(I know this isn’t a standard representation of auDHD, but I kinda chose to base Leo’s own Autistic/ADHD personality around my own, specifically how I handle emotions. My apologies if it isn’t accurate to your experiences with such things)

Leo had always been strange. He spoke with a bit too much enthusiasm, he walked with a bit too much pep in his step. The boy was a weirdo, but you loved him, after all, he was your weirdo.

You had learned early on that Leo had severe ADHD and high functioning Autism, as well as his decent pile of PTSD. No matter what, you supported him, as both a lover and a caretaker. When his walls were down, he was more vulnerable, and more emotional. No one ever would’ve guessed that his usual playful nonchalance was just a cover for every little thing that bothered or overstimulated him.

Now you sat with him by the lake at Camp-Half-blood, with your peers with you. The kids from the Prophecy of Seven, along with you, Will, and Nico- it was a large group, but you all were close as can be. While the others chatted about plans, what they would do tonight, what snacks to bring, Leo was completely immersed in the small walkie-talkie in his hands. He had been trying to develop the communication device for the last week, and was having decent success. That is, except for the fact that for whatever reason, the devices refused to stay connected for more than a few seconds. You watched as he continuously tried; push the button, repeat ‘testing’ into it for about 5 seconds before the audio crackles and stops. He huffed in frustration, never one to be happy about project-related struggles. Mechanics was his whole thing! How could he fail something as simple as a walkie-talkie?!

You knew Leo had a difficult time regulating his emotions, usually just hiding them under a charismatic facade. But now, he had gotten himself so hyper-focused on this little project, that he had forgotten about his audience.

Leo: “WHAT THE HELL! Why won’t this work?!-“

In a moment of pure annoyance, he threw the device in his hands, and the Walkie-Talkie sunk into the lake with a dramatic splash. Percy and Annabeth’s conversation paused. Leo froze, suddenly hyperaware that he had done that in front of all of his friends. He shouldn’t have done that. Many of the others were now looking at him, many of his friends looking surprised, Nico just raising an eyebrow, while Nico’s boyfriend, Will, looked concerned.

Will: “You okay Leo..?”

Percy: “Yeah, what-?”

Leo’s head was spinning. He was both annoyed that he ruined his project and very disappointed in himself. He hated when he lashed out. And he hated everyone’s eyes on him, it made him feel small and judged. He always had a hard time processing major emotional swings. He was all too aware of the fact that he had nothing to fidget with, of all the eyes on him, of the impending urge to cry. To everyone else, he just seemed frozen. Of course, you couldn’t watch this situation continue without intervening