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shinkansen1966

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About shinkansen1966

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    Norfolk Broads

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    https://www.youtube.com/user/Shinkansen1966

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  • Gender
    Male
  • Location
    London
  • Interests
    Trains and bus services, Japan, technology, politics & economics, eurovision song contest
  1. Occasionally, this thought also crosses my mind, too: that the ADHD may be a misdiagnosis. Prior to being diagnosed with ADHD, I had the idea that I might have ADHD, but not ASD. Following the ADHD diagnosis, I've been taking prescription drugs which do provide some calm and focus. So I think I'll defer to the doctor's decision with the ADHD diagnosis. I've been to a few support group meetings, where I've met others who are also diagnosed with ADHD and have more severe symptoms. I think mine are comparatively mild. My experience of the NHS has been good. My GP has got me to see a psychologist. Now that the NHS have actually diagnosed me with both ASD and ADHD, the psychologist is now seeing if we can arrange a few sessions with me around this dual diagnoses.
  2. Just over a year ago, the NHS introduced me to the term "comorbidity". In July 2014, my doctor referred to a specialist to discuss the possibility that I might have ADHD. At our first appointment, the ADHD specialist said he was "pretty sure" that I was on the autism spectrum. As well as diagnosing me with ADHD, he decided to refer me for an ASD (autism spectrum disorder) assessment. Following the assessment, I was also diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. I had no idea that this was medically possible.
  3. That's a very good point, Mia. Sometimes one wonders if one's family can either be source of support or potentially damaging to one's mental wellbeing. In the last 15 months, I've been been diagnosed with both ADHD and ASD. I suspected one but not both conditions. I've given up discussing this with immediate family members. They just deny it. Instead, I focus on these diagnoses as an explanation and, crucially, a plan for help: either self-help or medical help.
  4. Had my follow up appointment today. I meet the criteria and they diagnosed me as being on the spectrum. They reminded me that the aspergers diagnosis has been dropped and included in the overall spectrum. They took me through their draft report and I'll get a written copy in a few days. It was an interesting meeting. As it happens, I'm already seeing an NHS psychologist discussing anxiety problems and a diagnosis report will be sent to him. They also recommended going to an autism spectrum meeting in London, which I really want to do. This assessment and diagnosis experience has been helpful and explains a lot. Particularly my coping and compensating mechanisms for dealing with difficult situations. From now, I'd like to continue seeing the psychologist but with discussions focused practical help.
  5. Bit of newbie lurker here. In November 2014, I was diagnosed with ADHD. To my surprise, the ADHD specialist also said he was "pretty sure" I was on the autism spectrum. So he referred me to an NHS autism spectrum disorder (ASD) unit for an assessment. A few weeks ago, I had the ASD assessment. During the assessment, I had an interview which also referred to the ASD symptoms in my ADHD diagnosis. I had an ADOS test, too. Afterwards, the assessor called a relative to discuss my background. The ASD unit have invited me back for a follow up appointment to discuss feedback. The appointment lasts an hour and I'm allowed to bring a friend or relative. So I am wondering if others have any advice on the kinds of things I should be asking at this follow-up appointment. I've impressed with the NHS service. For the ADHD assessment, I was on the waiting list for 4 months. And less than 10 months from ASD referral to assessment. Just a bit nervous about this all really....
  6. The other day, I did that Sally-Anne 'empathy' test on YouTube. Immediately responded by saying where the ball had moved to. Not where they "person" thought the ball was still located. Whoops.
  7. After After perseverance and help from my GP, I've been taking Concerta XL 36 mg. I agree with you about the settled and calmer benefits. Your post is over a year old, so I wonder if you have an update.
  8. Last November, diagnosed with ADHD. The assessing doctor decided to refer me for an autism spectral disorder assessment. I'm now on a wait list for that and will be seen in February 2016. At the moment, I take Concerta XL 36 mg. This is a slow release version of Ritalin. I have had a great deal of trouble with the routine and dosage. My GP is now managing this by giving me the pills every 7 days. Lately, I've noticed improvements: less anxiety, more calm and fewer mood swings. Of all things about aspergers, it's this "lack of empathy" business which is been life long theme. People who scarcely know each other, but have know me for decades refer to my "lack of empathy". But I just don't see it.
  9. Hello everyone, In November 2014, I was diagnosed with ADHD. The assessment and diagnosis took place at the ADHD specialist unit at an NHS hospital in London. While being assessed, the specialist ADHD doctor decided to refer me to an NHS autism spectral disorder unit. In his opinion, he was "pretty sure" I'm on the ASD. I really did not expect this. Though some life long friends and my brother have previously suggested that I might have "aspergers syndrome". In April, the NHS ASD department sent me a pre-assessment questionnaire. I've just heard that my ASD assessment will be in February 2016. Until last November, I was completely unaware of the ADHD and ASD co-morbidity. In fact, I had to research the word "comborbidity". The assessments at the ADHD unit finished in March. But since then, I've struggled with the new routine of taking medication for ADHD. Things got to the stage where my GP intervened. (I don't want to explain here). I now see him every week. And he's also made an appointment for me to see an NHS psychologist for an initial assessment. So I am wondering what happens with an ASD assessment and diagnosis. And what help is available. And how help is tailored where there's a comorbidity with something else - such as ADHD. Any guidance appreciated, Shinkansen
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