Adult ADHD Advice

Feu wrote: »

Alonzo would you approach your GP to follow up with them?

Getting my assessment through apex clinic in Cork

Had the phone call dis morning and hopefully the video chat next week and then the big one in person

Tests cancelled cause of covid twice since April 2020

I (29/M) was recently assessed by a psychologist for ASD and ADHD, the total was €800 including a telephone conversation with my parents and a follow up session explaining his findings in his report. The tests he used were the WAIS-IV Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, IVA-QS Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test and the ADOS-2 Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. The assessment itself lasted just over 3 hours, and the discussion of the report (11 pages including appendix) just over 1 hour.

It was a relief and absolutely no surprise when he told me that I had both ASD/Aspergers and ADHD-PI. He said that looking at my IQ test results, even if he had never met me in person, it was clear that I was on the spectrum - I had exceptionally high scores in some areas and very low scores in others, 'peaks and valleys' was the way he put it.

So, in verbal comprehension I ranked at the 99th percentile (134 IQ) and working memory at the 97th percentile (128 IQ). Wow. Now here comes the bit that put me firmly on the spectrum - perceptual reasoning 21st percentile (88 IQ) and processing speed 34th percentile (94 IQ). At the end of the discussion regarding the results of my assessment I was referred to a GP who was comfortable prescribing ADHD medication and he also gave me some excellent recommendations for ADHD and ASD therapy.

Today is my 7th day on Concerta XL 27mg (86kg). Honestly, ADHD turned out to be a lot more part of my lack of progress in life than I ever had imagined. Going for the assessment I was sure that I was on the spectrum but considered ADHD to be some loosely-defined thing seen in 'cross' children with bad parents that the Yanks are mad to sell you pills for. Yup, all those lazy stereotypes 🙄 Growing up I was the typical ADHD kid who had so much potential but never seemed to make it 'click' and 'get my 'sh*t together'. Anything that was said to me would go 'in one ear and out the other' unless it was one of my specific interests. Homework took me forever to start, and when I did, it took forever to finish (at 2 a.m.). I was constantly forgetting appointments, assignment deadlines, anything that I didn't consider interesting wasn't going to sink in.

I've had a few jobs here and there, a 3 month summer internship in a financial MNC that my mother got me, an 8 month work placement at university with a well known Irish gambling operation and a 15 month job as an assistant planner in a telecommunications start-up (that a relative owned). Basically, it was all done for me. In the jobs themselves I found it tough. Not what I was working on but the whole executive function stuff. I couldn't make the things that were expected of me 'stick' to the routine in my head. You know, the stuff you do automatically day in day out without people having to prompt you. Too much stuff to remember. Too much 'on the fly' re-jigging schedules, planning ahead, sub-goals ...

We aren't allowed give medical advice, and for good reason. However, I can say that Concerta, even without the ASD therapy, ADHD coaching, OT and mindfulness, has been a Godsend. My mind is focused, if I want to put my mind to something I can do it. My thoughts aren't spinning around at a million miles per hour, my mind is calm. The information that needs to be transmitted can do so without being drowned out in a cesspit of repetitive negative thoughts and superfluous ideas. No longer am I spending 45 minutes a day researching what type of coal I'll buy this winter, or checking the weather in Texas every 10 minutes because I plan to move there shortly after completing my masters. Before I literally could think 'Wouldn't it be lovely to spend Christmas in a Norwegian log cabin in a picturesque mountain towns and the Christmas markets and all that ?', then I would spend the rest of the day researching the perfect destination, looking at flights, car rental prices and buying a course on how to speak Norwegian. Aaand then the kids would come home from school and I forgot to make lunch for them. Aaand it would be all forgotten about a week later. Now all that's gone. Obviously, the ball's still in my court. If I want to focus for 8 hours on cars passing over and back on the bridge, Concerta won't stop me.

I can't explain how happy I am to have found these resources. My GP basically said "You'll get nothing if you're over 17. If you're not going to go private don't even bother" and then couldn't help me any further. It's so sad to see people here just being told to 'hunker down' or 'cop on'. All we need to do is to 'plan' our time better and pay attention, right ? Beg, borrow or steal but please look into getting assessed privately. You do not know how amazing it feels to be diagnosed and treated. To know that it is not your fault, that it wasn't because you couldn't get your act together, that it wasn't because you decided you'd love to live off the state in between dead-end jobs. I have dreams, I will be working soon on Wall St., I have found the focus I need to ignite my passion. It does not matter how late you are diagnosed, living 1 day feeling this way is, to me, better than living a 1000 as I was before.

Definitely have more things to say, will add them later on. Great to have you all here.

It has been an extremely stressful period, not only the struggle with obtaining the final assessment report but generally within the past decade of my life attempting to determine the cause of my difficulties. I am now at Week 5 of Semester 1 at University and I am struggling immensely. I cannot concentrate or focus at all regardless of whether it is academic requirements or personal circumstances. I have had zero routine and I feel like I am losing my mind. I have discussed my concerns with my Learning Support Officer at University who also happens to be a very experienced Psychologist and seems to understand me. They have told me to try and get the final assessment report ASAP. I have an appointment to speak to them tomorrow.

I have been diagnosed with GAD and AvPD in the past, however I strongly disagree with these diagnoses and I am certain my traits are closely aligned with ASD, OCD and ADHD (Inattentive Type). As my main GP seems to be in the process of stepping down from working with patients, I feel that the new GP at the practice is taking my concerns far more seriously and seems to understand my predicament. I am speaking to them tomorrow as I cannot tolerate any more delays with the final assessment report from the Psychologist and I will be seeking a second opinion if required with a different Psychologist. I will be ensuring I research a potential second opinion in much greater depth such that I will be confident that the Psychologist specialises in this field.

Some of my family members including my mother and sisters present with similar traits and I believe it is prevalent within the family, however it was never diagnosed due to the time period and lack of awareness and knowledge of such disorders. We all struggle immensely with communication as we don't communicate at all with each other and seem to live on our own "islands". I know that my mother and one of my sisters has been formally diagnosed with Dyslexia, however I don't believe I present with symptoms of that as I have the ability to read and write well however I have difficulty speaking orally. I was given a very brief provisional outcome suggesting that I did not have a neurodevelopmental disorder and that my symptoms relate to GAD which I disagree with. I will continue to pursue my difficulties until they are recognised and I can receive the appropriate supports.

Have my assessment in Apex clinic in Cork on Wednesday

Nervous enough

What an inspiring post and well done for being able to get diagnosed