Autism/ADHD Support Thread 🌈

[ali.di.magix]

Spoiler: just an ADHD med rant

The Concerta shortage is just...ugh. I haven't been able to get it for about 3 months now. There's almost no point getting scripts for it either, as they expire in a short amount of time and need to be claimed almost asap for it to be valid.

I've been prescribed Ritalin in the meantime, and it's not quite as effective. Really sucked having to change over and go through the side effects again. I suppose I'm doing okay on it, my body has gotten more used to it. But when I first started it, my brain would go dead and shut off at about 3pm lol.

Would be nice to get back on Concerta, but I don't see that happening anytime soon. I've had to spend a lot of time and money on GP appointments and script renewals lately and it's annoying af.

Another thing I've noticed since being medicated is that the stimulants seem to get rid of my maladaptive daydreaming. Like the MD doesn't usually come back until late a night. Perhaps MD is correlated with ADHD as it probably produces a lot of dopamine? It's fascinating really.

 

[mocha.]

I love my loop earplugs!! I bought a pair of the Experience ones before attending a concert with Grace last year and I use them so much. I'll pop them in in the grocery store or when we go to in person workshops and it's really loud and busy. I hope they help make you feel more comfortable out and about

Which ones did you get? I got the engage 2 plus because I heard they’re good for still being able to hear conversations (I plan on wearing them at work around the kiddies). Thank you Lumi!

 

[QueenCobra]

For the past two years I’ve used this forum, I’ve debated sharing my story, but now I feel I’m in the right place to share it.

I was diagnosed with Asperger’s (2014) when I was 18. Prior to this, I was diagnosed with a learning disability in math (had resource math with smaller class), and had to see an occupational therapist due to my problems with fine motor skills. When I was 6, I saw a neurologist who diagnosed me with “developmental encephalopathy” which is not used anymore. Basically, I have a nonverbal learning disability. (Meaning, no issues with words.)

As I got older, I stood out more because of how quiet I was. I hated school; it made me extremely anxious and I don’t know how I even attended. How I could even physically be there remains a mystery. I had a lot of interests, but I didn’t really fit in anywhere. However, I won a few essay contests in my school, so I had writing as a strength.

I became very anxious and depressed. When I was fourteen, I began wondering if I had a personality disorder. I went on the MayoClinic website and found one that made sense (schizoid personality disorder), so I just went with it. (Thankfully, the page for it now has MUCH better and more specific information. It’s not relatable to me anymore.)

As a teenager, the school took my IEP away and I was put in regular math. Now, this was in high school, where math is notoriously difficult. (I still hate geometry with a burning passion!) I had very low grades in it, which only improved once I saw a tutor.

I felt I had to put on a facade in order to succeed. People praising my abilities was nice, but put a lot of pressure on me. My skill in some areas was so high, I had to work harder in other areas.

In my later teens, I took some tests with a school psychologist. She suggested I see a psychologist, as I had anxiety issues and was likely on the autism spectrum. So I attended therapy. The lady was very kind, and gave me a lot of good advice.

However, I knew my mind was very stubborn and didn’t let up from one thing too easily. I kept thinking she would REALLY have to work with me, as my mind moved faster than all these breathing exercises could handle.

She diagnosed me with Asperger’s, and I was very much relieved. I seriously thought I had a personality disorder. (Not that there’s anything wrong with these, but I thought it would be more difficult to work with.) It made a lot of sense, considering my previous history.

Now, knowing myself better didn’t make all my problems disappear, but it did make me gentler with myself. It made me understand that my struggles weren’t my fault, or something the world had to cure. It made me learn more about myself and how I experience the world— something no one should blame themselves for.