AboutSijka 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!!
Question Is there such a thing as adult onset ADD?
Is there such a thing as ADD without hyperactivity?
Thank you.
Answer Elaine,
You bet there is!!! I was diagnosed at age 36 although I kind of knew I had ADD for a LONG time. At first I did have the hyperactivity.
I'm going to direct you to an answer I gave to another person that should guide you in the right direction.
You will need to be seen by a clinical psychologist that is specialized in A.D.D. and especially adult A.D.D.. I was diagnosed at an A.D.D. conference that my school district sent me to. I was the Psychologist for the district and worked closely with a local Psychologist who's speciality was identification of A.D.D. in children. The Doctor speaking at the conference came up to me after the first break and asked if I would like an appointment with him later that day--I knew why. I was thrilled to find someone who could help. I live in a small community in Alaska at the time.
Take a good history and summary of your current and past behaviors relating to attention, focus, learning, comprehension, lack of interest, over-enthusiasm and total focus on anything (A.D.D. kids can play video games all day and stay focused!). An inability to hold a job, relationships, and function well on a daily basis all are factors to be considered. We sometimes can't do this ourselves so if you have a friend that you trust, ask for some help--honest help.
Those of us with A.D.D. have a portion of our brain (the organizational area) that remains asleep. We try to do whatever we can to get it to work but it's like a teen-ager--just won't get up!! And if you are lucky enough to wake it up--it has no idea what to do because the neurotransmitters have no idea where the connections are-they are shooting off into a vast nothingness. That is why stimulants/amphetamines work so well. I used to consume mass quantities of coffee each day, which helped a little but that's really not too good if you want to sleep at night! I tried "Kava-Kava" capsules and drops with little result. And stay away from St. John's Wort, it can play havoc with your thyroid.
The website for CHADD (Children and adults with Attention Deficit Disorder) has a wealth of information.
This is it's site address: http://www.chadd.org/AM/CustomPages/home/CHADD_Home.htm?CFID=4077281&CFTOKEN=806...
I am also listing a few other sites that I feel will guide you to your next step:
PsychCentral has surveys/quizzes that may help in your search for answers. Once you've done the one for ADD, click on "more quizzes" and you'll find other interesting ones: http://psychcentral.com/addquiz.htm
This book is one you should really read--it VALIDATES what you are feeling:
"You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!: The Classic Self-Help Book for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder"
by Kate Kelly (Author), Peggy Ramundo (Author), Edward M. Hallowell
You can find it at Amazon.com at this site--and you can buy a used one on the site for a lot cheaper, too!! http://www.amazon.com/dp/0743264487?tag=oneaddplace-20&camp=211493&creative=3799...
One "device" that has helped me more than anything is my 3 alarm watch. I have set it for times when I need to be focusing the most--it's easy to change at anytime. Mine is made by Timex.
Also planning your day the night before-laying out everything (clothes, what you're going to eat and when, books or other things you will need, lists, etc) It starts the day off better than rushing around at the last minute (sound familiar?)
As for medication for A.D.D., again I can only relate to my experiences, both personal and as a psychologist/counselor to students with ADD.
I started with Ritalin-works great (the generic doesn't always work the same--I know THEY say it's the same but I have parents that will attest that they are not!!) There is an extended release of Ritalin also. You have to try both the Brand name and the generic to see if you feel a difference.
I take Focalin XR and regular Focalin (this is a shoot-off of Ritalin). I take 20mg regular and 20 XR in the A.M., at noon I take 10mg. regular and at 2PM I take another 20mg XR. This is a LOT but that is what I need to be functional.
Because of this doseage I am working 1/2 time for the first time in years!! And I am able to function daily in all realms of life.
Please do not hesitate to contact me again if you have questions or concerns.
I have remained strong throughout these yrs---I give to you some of my strength!!
Sometimes it's just baby steps but that's OK. I also occasionally go to "AA" meetings even though I'm not an alcoholic, I began going with my brother who is and I always learned something I could use at each meeting. You learn coping skills there.
If you have further questions, please feel free, I am able to relate to what you are going through.
Sijka
