ADHD AND CF
Hacks I either do or have heard about and personal history
While I may not pursue a formal diagnosis I have been classified as highly likely by a number of official tests as well as my mental health team. Over the years, like many late diagnosed individuals, have developed their own way of doing things. Either to make life easier or to overcome their preserved "short comings".
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To note:
I have found that when it comes to neurodivergent diagnosis's it can be much different from other medical conditions and mental health issues. After working with some wonderful people with diagnosed AHDH and some on the autistic spectrum it became a running joke at the bar that I somehow don't know I too have ADHD. Or at least I thought it was a joke. After speaking to my psychologist as just a "oh this is something funny at work" she said after knowing and working with me it is very very likely I have it.
She did stress that this isn't a formal diagnosis but I should I wish I can be placed on the waiting list to be properly assessed.
This brings me to my second surprise when it comes to the process of being diagnosed.
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At work I am now part of the staff disability network. Working on improving services for staff with disabilities. As it so happens I signed up just in time for their neurotypical subgroup meeting. I was going to mention to them I don't have a formal diagnosis but I found that this isn't a requirement when looking for support (medication is different, you do need a diagnosis for that). The reason being is that for people that may be diagnosed in adulthood have already found their own ways around a lot of their symptoms like I had. So at work you can be classes in three ways. Considered highly likely to be neurodivergent, currently awaiting diagnosis, or diagnosed.
Another reason for this separation is because some people may not want a formal diagnosis. This could be for a number of reasons like me and you manage with extra support around sleep and task management, you dint want to wait on the list, the thought of getting diagnoses gives you anxiety, or I found that you may have to inform DVLA, you cant handle firearms or pilot a plane (this is only in extreme cases).
This tiktok gives a great analogy on what its like getting a late diagnosis, in some cases this cane be seen as frustrating and even traumatic (hence the title of her tiktok) I found it quite enlightening. I will link her tiktok page below
USEFUL LINKS
NEURODIVERGENT TESTS
This is a great site that tells you if you are likely to be neurodivergent.
website
ADHD DAVE
Tiktoker
This guy has some great tiktok on and around living with ADHD. I have found out that "meme diagnosis" is actually a good source of seeing if you may have it. Although, this is still much the same as WEBMD. Be aware that its always best to speak to a professional.
ADHD IN WOMEN
Article
This an article that shows that many women aren't diagnoses as they commonly present differently. Usually women are under the more internalised subtype, that on top of masking can lead to some women never being diagnosed.
TASK PRIORITY LIST
Website
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QUICKÂ OVERVIEW
Statistically people with CF have a 25% chance of having ADHD, while its not a causation it is a higher likelihood comparted to the general population.
ADHD is divided into three main types:
inattentive type
hyperactive-impulsive type
combination type
Each type of ADHD is tied to one or more characteristics. ADHD is characterized by inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behaviour.
These behaviours often present in the following ways:
Inattention: getting distracted, having poor concentration and organizational skills
Hyperactivity: never seeming to slow down, talking and fidgeting, difficulties staying on task
Impulsivity: interrupting, taking risks
Everyone is different, so it’s common for two people to experience the same symptoms in different ways. For example, these behaviours are often different in boys and girls. Boys may be seen as more hyperactive, and girls may be quietly inattentive.
The symptoms you experience will determine which type of ADHD you have.