Diagnosed ADHD, awaiting Autism Result

Thank you so much. I really appreciate this and will have a read through it. 

I completely agree. Again, I am still not 100% sure but I would consider. I have also been looking at other routes like vitamins and nutrients that are said to help. 

I think it ultimately comes down to a mix of both medication/nutrients as well as self management. 

Definitely, evidence based research was a big part of my university life but I do enjoy researching things for my own knowledge too. I'll have a look at those links.

Hopefully they can give me something to take forward and make a decision on how to manage myself better. 

Good, I'm glad you are doing well with them. 

I have read about the side effects and they do not sound fun at all. 

I do hope you can get it on the NHS, it may save you a little bit each month. 

I will. I'm still not 100% sure I want medication if I'm honest but I'll chase them next week. 

Thank you

I agree. The more I look into it and speak to people, the more I realise that, often, both are present. 

Just to be clear - I don't want to be seen a meds are the answer for everyone - they aren't so if you are OK without meds then that's great, so I want to be clear - medication doesn't cure all

for me it has helped with inattention and getting things started.  Impulsivity seems less improved - but its doesn't cure these traits and everyone reacts differently.  For me my anxiety has generally been reduced but hasn't prevented feeling overwhelmed on occasions (just less frequent) although as we all know often  the environment (work, home etc)  is key.

Some people use the phrase "skills and pills" - so even with medication you still need to be monitoring how you are, where you are, and you're coping strategies should you need them.

I agree we can't openly advise on medication on the forum, but it would be good if there was more up-to-date and complete information on NAS about the more common types of medicines used.  I did a quick search of the NAS and didn't find much, and even less relating to ADHD medication.  This  are some pages I found

response-to-review-into-prevalence-of-autism-mental-health-adhd

autism-adhd

stopping-the-overmedication-of-people - this one is interesting as psychotropic meds for depression, anxiety and psychosis are listed but nothing about ADHD meds, which given some many of us are AuDHD, it would be better if that was mentioned too. The link is to a free download - not sure of date or whether its NAS' current view ? as its still there then I guess it is

These two often to hand in hand.  Sometimes I wonder if I have ADHD as well as autism.  

Yes - I'm getting on well with them, I do get a dry mouth which is a common side effect for Elvanse (not any recommendation just a statement) which is what I'm on and got a mouth ulcer early on, but I just try to chew gum or mint or remember to sip water. 

I'm starting month 4, I went through my health insurance but have to pay for my meds around £88 a month, but my GP may do shared care, which means they should drop to prescription cost, although NHS ADHD services are temporarily shut in my area (been 8 months so I read it as permanent) in which case my annual reviews I'll have to pay for (Poss £400-500) as i will need to keep with my private prescriber.

Yes a polite follow up may help next week - good luck !

I attended an autism group which hand outs One was one burn out, I don't know if it may be helpful to you but I thought that I would share it.

drive.google.com/.../view

That's not so long then. 

How have you found meditation so far?

No, I did the RTC route. After my ADHD diagnosis, I was asked if I wanted to be added to a waiting list for titration. I think I will make contact with them again on Monday for an update. 

Wow. I didn't even think to do that but something I wish I had done. I came away from the assessment thinking there would have been more questions related to how it impacted myself. They did ask my mom a lot about childhood and then asked what I thought about it, so maybe that was all they needed.

The ADOS seemed okay. I did find some of it confusing though. 

The support was like you mentioned, something online would be beneficial for me. I had anticipated that the support may be very limited after diagnosis, like the ADHD. 

I am due to speak with my GP as I wanted to enquire about ADHD medication directly with them rather than waiting, as I have been. It might be something to explore too. 

I do think I have been impacted by some form of burnout. I used to work full time, attended university to further my career and even adapted towards the end, by working as a locum, to try and manage but always struggled with the social side of things as well as 'political work issues'. It's like I hit a wall and just couldn't function how I used too.

I think you are right, I have to look at my life and manage it, moving forward in a way that works from me. 

I have my meds privately (titration within 2-3 months of assessment)

Is the waiting list for your titration with NHS ? or were you diagnosed via a private clinic (perhaps RTC) then perhaps recheck with them that you've not been missed or ask for a new update on expected wait.

I didn't research much into autism. I wrote my own lifetime history, got medical evidence and letters from my parents. I also looked at the DSM criteria for the 3 components needed to make sure that I understood and could see how these wove themselves fitted into when I was writing my lifetime history. I sent them my lifetime history via email before assessment.

They referred to the lifetime history report a few times in my final report.  The ADOS test itself there wasn't much you needed to bring to it and they will take control of it themselves.

I don't know what support you are looking for, I am not sure that you can claim benefits right away with PIP. You need to be diagnosed for 6 months. Also, other than a feedback after your report you are likely not to get much more if you are not above level 1 in some areas and that is if your area provides funding. After diagnosis I attended a group on Zoom.  The fact that you have waited to now may suggest you are not severely impacted.

Have your explored the anxiety for a diagnosis. I know some people who are autistic who have full time jobs. I am not sure why you are not able to work. Perhaps something like a burnout has effected you. If overwhelming you could try and look at your life and manage it. You won't get any help for this unless you are classed as having higher needs if your borough fund it. 

Hi Olivia,

Thank you for responding. 

That's great. I have been having a look around the site and will be digging more into what is available in my area too. I think I'll benefit from some sort of online support, if it's out there. 

Hopefully the community scan give some much needed advice too and my feedback day isn't too far away as well. 

Thank you again. 

Mister_B

Dear Mister_B,

Welcome to the online community, and thank you for sharing your experiences. I am sorry that you are feeling more anxious and that you have some worries about future support. Whilst we wait for the community members to offer some advice and experience I thought I would suggest some of the NAS advice and guidance pages that may be worth taking a look at:

About autism

Formal support following an autism diagnosis

Autism Services Directory -this could be really useful to find support services and social groups in your area. 

Please keep reaching out to the online community, we are here to support you.

Best wishes,

Olivia Mod