Infinite Diversities

Yes indeed. I had to see a psychiatrist for continuation of ADHD medication (dexamphetamine). I expected it to be a short visit – I have already been diagnosed and needed co-prescriber authorisation for my GP. Maybe a 10 minute visit. I was wrong, it lasted over an hour and I had a reassessment for ADHD. I had to answer a lot of questions, as did my husband (about me) and the psychiatrist looked through my school reports that I had brought along. It was very strange as I had not expected this to happen.

In the end, I got a prescription for two months of medication and another appointment was made  for December. I don’t know exactly what that one will be about so I will update on it later.

I have read about people that have been diagnosed with ADHD and then later on (years later) with autism and they discount the ADHD diagnosis because the autism one fits better. I was diagnosed with ADHD two years before I was diagnosed with HFA and I have found that ADHD fits right alongside the HFA.

I remember when I first took ADHD medication that it had a really cool effect. Suddenly I found it easier to talk! It was as if my brain was sending what I wanted to say straight to my mouth instead of messing around with it a bit first to make sure I got confused and frustrated. The messages were clear, not full of interference. So of course I took advantage of this and started talking and talking and talking to anyone I could talk to! This included my family and what I was doing scared them and they blamed the medication. Well, they blamed right but not for the right reason, I think. It wasn’t as if I couldn’t stop myself from talking – I could, easily – but it was like I had been given a gift and I was behaving as if I only had it temporarily, getting as much use out of it as I could.

I guess I was just so excited about this new ability and I went a bit overboard in talking. Mainly by talking rubbish! Gradually the novelty of this wore off but I am still aware that talking is easier when I take my medication. It definitely helps when I have to take part in a class discussion or meet new people. When I don’t take the ADHD medication I really can’t be bothered talking a lot of the time, it is just too hard and I get frustrated and angry with myself. Especially so when my words come out all muddled and garbled. I used to be made fun of for it sometimes so I am still a bit self-conscious about it now when it happens.

I am not completely sure if this effect (the difficulty talking) is due to autism or ADHD. I have a feeling it is both because they are somewhat spliced together for me. I am truly glad that there is something that helps to make talking and other things a little easier in life.