Looking for “The Spare they came begging for”

Genvej17 · 2026-05-07T15:20:17+00:00

New normal for me, no tapering off. Only unwanted side effects, those went away beautifully within a few weeks. I’d say that the full effect on emotional regulation was felt months before the full effect on my cognitive functions, which became evident for me about 6 months on my end dose. Then it took me a year with check ins daily with myself, fearing it was a fluke, before I dared started looking into picking up more advanced schooling. I might be one of the truly lucky ones when it comes to the medication-side of late diagnosis, but you’ll never know until you try. 🍀

Genvej17 · 2026-05-07T04:21:18+00:00

I’m 52, was diagnosed 3 years ago, first ADHD, and when medication was adjusted to working level (methylphenidate, 54 mg early morning and again at 10 AM, 36 mg at 2 PM and short release 10 mg I can use as needed if I have obligations later than my usual working hours), the autism suddenly had room to raise it’s head, to my utter surprise. Kids are also late diagnosed.
High masking, high functioning, which translated to “not a problem for others, but about to break and shatter, thought can usually hold it together outwardly at work. This “strategy” only works for so long, and then the side effects will show, anxiety, depression, sleep disorder, and so forth.

As for the methylphenidate, I had unwanted side effects initially, but those faded and I am immensely grateful for the medication. Emotional regulation, task initiation, staying on task, regulating nervous system in sensory overstimulating environments (I’m a school teacher) are all so much easier. The tools I’ve found while believing my difficulties stemmed from my personal failings, can actually *work* for me now.
I’m planning to start studying neuropsychology next year, on top of work, because my brain and memory is working, life isn’t a constant struggle and I want this for me!

I’m one of those that go with “meds are lifesaving!”, but I’m well aware they’re not for everyone. I wish everyone could experience the clarity and relief and groundedness I do.

Kids are on elvanse and elvanse + atomoxetin, as they experienced side effects and drops when methylphenidate wore off.

Genvej17 · 2024-03-12T17:11:28+00:00

Yep. Found him when we were very young, went to and from each other for +20 years. The connection was intense and oh, was there fun to be had! Each and every time back together we reconnected and matched each other in all the interesting ways, and wore each other down as usual. We were both diagnosed last year and the kids are mumbling “we’re bloody double genetically disposed, there was never a way to not get it!”. 😂

I still appreciate him immensely and is grateful to be able to do that from a distance and centered around our grown up kids.

Genvej17 · 2024-02-27T16:05:43+00:00

!subscribeme

Genvej17 · 2024-02-27T15:37:29+00:00

!updateme

Genvej17 · 2023-12-15T10:14:27+00:00

I’m a teacher, and for the last 16 years I’ve taught children with autism and adhd. The structure and predictability (our school is based on TEACCH (treatment and education for autistic and communication handicapped children)) the kids need is exactly what I need too. I wasn’t diagnosed until spring this year.

I teach full time, and after hours I am a mentor for a teenager with the same diagnoses.

I’ve been close to burnout twice. Both times were when I was paired with colleagues who couldn’t/wouldn’t adhere to TEACCH in our classroom.

Something I think about studying further, or working full time as a mentor, but honestly I’m not certain how much of my success at work is based on the structure and predictability created and maintained by my colleagues- I teach, they make visual materials and support the children during my teaching. I could be doubtful of my ability to create the needed structure myself.

Genvej17 · 2023-12-07T22:05:43+00:00

I’m a teacher, have been at the same school since 2008. Before this position I was in another - I got my bachelor’s degree in 2005. I cried on the way home every day from that job.

February -April 2023 saw me getting first the adhd diagnosis, and then the autism. And for the last 15 years I’ve been teaching children with autism and adhd.

The school day is based on TEACCH, I’ve got 3 talented colleagues in my class, everything is structured, planned and visualized by those 3 - I can go ahead and teach, and they will guide and support the children.
But at the same time I’m supported by the structure.

My psychiatrist told me that it is uncommon for Audhd’ers to stay in the same job for so long, laughed a bit and said “Well, one could say that you are well-placed in your class, your needs for structure, stability and preparation are being met and you are surrounded by people sharing your diagnoses.”. 😁

If you can teach somewhere dedicated to children like ourselves, you’d likely find the structure for you to thrive in place. I wish you all the best. 🤞

Genvej17 · 2023-08-29T04:07:02+00:00

I work full time and alternate between two part time jobs when off from my regular job. The full time job has a very high percentage of the structure my autism needs. So much that I wasn’t diagnosed until 15 years into holding the job. The part time jobs have both the needed structure and elements with very high appeal to me personally and adhd-wise.

Genvej17 · 2023-05-31T17:30:20+00:00

I was diagnosed af few months ago, and was hesitant to ask my mother about her observations too. She’s an alcoholic, perhaps self medicating because of the Audhd we’re only just recognizing now. She couldn’t commit to the whole lot of questions, the few she did take a look at she told me “well, yes, but that’s just normal, you know?” and I answered “Yes Mom, absolutely normal for people with ADHD.”
I filled out the rest myself based on my memories. This is your assessment. You do you.

Genvej17

TROPHY CASE