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About Sijka
Expertise
I was diagnosed (finally) with A.D.D.at the age of 38. I always knew there was something not connecting in my brain, but little was known when I was growing up about A.D.D. I know how hard it is to explain to others about your "brain patterns" and habits. I know how hard it is to keep things in order and to find those "IMPORTANT" papers you know you just had in your hands and now they are missing--right into thin air. I've been there and am still there!

Experience
I studied, attended seminars with the experts, worked with psychologists and doctors to become the only "informed teacher" in a school district.I worked with teachers and parents to understand the mind patterning and the options of medication and behavioral patterning.
I also have worked with adults on pstructuring their lives to assist in development of routine organization (I must admit that I am a lot better with others than myself!!)
I am "pro" medication-but NOT the generic. For adults there are several meds that can be used and combinations that work well.
I have been away from working with children for 12 years but am able to come up with strategies and resources for you. .

Organizations


Publications
"Cooperative Learning" (johnson and Johnson Method) in Exceptional Children in early 80's.
Did research on "hooked-On-Phonics" before "they" had any themselves!

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelors in Speech Path and Audiology
A Masters in Educational Psychology and Counseling.
I taught a total of 27 years-regular ed., spec. ed., administration, consultant and advocate for children and adults with ADD.

Awards and Honors
I am still optimistic that one day I WILL BE ORGANIZED!!

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Parenting/Family > Parenting Special Needs > Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) > Adult ADD

Topic: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)


Expert: Sijka
Date: 2/24/2004
Subject: Adult ADD

Question
Dear Sijka:

I Totally empathise with you. I am 34, and struggling with ADD.  My question is as follows.  How did you finally get a diagnosis as an adult. Was it simply a question of a written screening. The reason why I ask is because, I have taken several written screening, and always seem to end up on the borderline. which is to say that ADD< can not be ruled out...or in.  However I exhibet all of the symptoms that you list. I do not have the hyperactive part of the disorder, jsut innatentive.  Anyway I was curious as to how you came to be diagnosed as an adult, and if you have found any effective coping strategies, and/or medications.

thank you for your time,  Morad

Answer
Look at these sites.  A dozen idea sites.

These are evaluation tools for ages 5-17 but can also be used on adults.....

1        http://www.tovatest.com/


2       http://members.aol.com/eegspectrm/tova92/tova92.htm

Diagnostic criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

3      http://www.behavenet.com/capsules/disorders/adhd.htm


4         http://www.chadd.org/
     

Good Books to have on hand (always buy a used on if possible)

I LOVED THIS ONE!!!!!-If possible get it on audio tape-you will get more out of it!
5       http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0684801167/002-5911378-6223264

Good Strategies
6        http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0786880872/002-5911378-6223264


7     http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0761507965/002-5911378-6223264

Online Support
8    http://members.aol.com/addanon/

Find a Professional
9    http://www.iser.com/CAADHD.html

10     http://www.add.org/help/professionals/index.html

Research
11      http://www.annalsnyas.org/cgi/collection/add


12    http://addwarehouse.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/index.html

If you copy this list using “CTRL-C” and paste onto a word process page using “CTRL-V”.
Next step is to hit enter at the end of each site address--that should highlight it as a website.  That enables you to click on it and go immediately to the site if your internet is connected.

I take “Focalin” which is a bi-nome of Ritalin.  They took all the “good” stuff from Ritalin and condensed it and got rid of the stuff that isn't necessary.  I like it better than Ritalin.
I also have tried Strattera with NO luck.

BUT EVERYONE REACTS DIFFERENTLY TO MEDS.   

You need to find a psychiatrist in the area that specializes in Adult ADD.  Take in all the “diagnostic tests/scales” that you can (those off the internet and those from other professionals).  Even if you are on the border-that is enough for you to insist on trying a medication.
It makes a world of difference.

My guess also is that you don't get the “right” kind of sleep.  Do you wake up often during the night?

Please keep in contact.  My personal email address is:

Thecat@neb.rr.com


I hope these will help and ask away if you have other questions!
I was a trained diagnostician in ADD before I retired.

Sijka  

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