My Diagnosis of ADHD

I am disclosing my diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder because it is directly relevant to issues I intend to address in forthcoming publications. Although I have completed another article related to this subject, I am withholding its release at this time for strategic reasons.

In summary, the Niagara County District Attorney’s Office attempted to coerce me into participation in New York State Mental Health Court, which is for persons with serious mental illness. I was advised that if I agreed to enter this program, my charges could be reduced to a violation.

I recognized immediately what was taking place. What was that, you might ask? The Niagara County District Attorney’s Office was attempting to secure a diagnosis of mental illness as a means of justifying their push for my placement in Mental Health Court. Their strategy was clear and deliberate.

But why? Was it because my sister Christina Little Riford and I reported FBI Special Agent Brian Burns? Was it because FBI SA Brian Burns has prestigious family who live in the same county (Niagara) as I. The Burns’ own every Tim Hortons establishment in Niagara County and are well connected to local Niagara County politicians and more.

In response, I made the decision to consult a psychiatrist of my own choosing, with the goal of obtaining an independent and accurate evaluation. The result of that evaluation was a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental condition. Importantly, ADHD is not classified as a mental illness, and is relatively common affecting 1 in 20 adults and 1 in 10 children in America.

For the sake of transparency, I am sharing my diagnosis below.

I would be prescribed Atomoxetine HCL 25MG, which is generic for Strattera, a non-stimulant medication which is commonly prescribed for ADHD. I find it works pretty well to increase my focus (I suck at reading books) and helps me organize my documents better for publications like this. At this point, I’ve been on it for about a year, with zero side effects. The psychologist who diagnosed me, Paul Goddard is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Utah, New York, & Idaho).

I hope this statement helps to provide clarity. Do not accept narratives imposed upon you by others without question and scrutiny. I am aware that several individuals within my community have been spreading false and disparaging remarks about me. Ask yourself why they are pushing their narrative, what do they have to gain? While I do not know the individuals on a personal level, I do know their names. Running their names through a google search told me all I needed to know – which is another article for another day.

To be absolutely clear: my only diagnosis is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), made by Paul Goddard, Ph.D. I fully accept and agree with this diagnosis, and I am both relieved and empowered by the understanding it has given me. While I graduated from the University at Buffalo with my B.S. in accounting in May 2020, I often struggled with reading books/focus. My folders were constantly filled with disorganized wrinkled papers, thus leading to me not turning in work on time, etc.

I encourage everyone to conduct their own research and not to be misled by misinformation. In the end, the truth will prevail.

In our next article I will be further discussing FBI Special Agent Brian Burns. Stay Tuned.