Hey, first time post for me, just wondering if anyone can help.
I was diagnosed with AD(H)D (ADHD minus the H) in 2015. I was on a dose of Concerta for a brief spell, like I had been on it less than a week, before I had a breakdown due to other life issues at the time. I was then diagnosed with Autism a few years back, told there was nothing that could be done meds wise and haven't had a lot of support since, although I've also struggled to focus on what needs to be improved and how to go about that. Which brought me here. :-)
Question is, I've now re-visited the AD(H)D diagnosis and am meant to be going on Concerta again...
The main symptom I struggle with, apart from being a little cold and not picking up on "normal signals" is the sensory stuff.
For instance: I walk into a pub to meet a friend (I was lucky to be accepted by a group of 8 guys who I played football with at school - we've all kept in touch and I'm now 33 - sure I was the weird one, but they didn't care). Anyway, the issue is I struggle with auditory and visual stimulation, when I enter the pub I feel like I'm smashed by everything at the same time, especially with the Christmas decs and lights and busy-ness.
I can't focus properly on my own sh!t. Like, I'll be sitting there, but its almost like other peoples conversations (even on the other side of the pub) are as loud as the one I'm having.
Has anyone had any experience of Autism and AD(H)D meds? Concerta is meant to help concentration and focus, which I feel might help me focus not only on stuff I need to do, but also help with my interactions. Focus on my conversations, rather than get distracted by the conversations of others, and therefore at least give me a chance of being able to try and pick out the "normal signals"?
Just wondered if anyone had any experience with this? I'm waiting on a prescription to arrive, which is a story in itself, I've been chasing my psychiatrist, but she's just replied via email that: It won't be a magic bullet... and to stop phoning every day...
Even if it doesn't help with interaction, I'd like to think it will help me focus better on daily tasks at least?