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Autism & AD(H)D Diagnosis' - Concerta: The cross-over med. I've hoped for?

Chris

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?

Parents

  • Personally, I'd never touch meds.  I know some folks do and some say they are helpful, but I've always been scared of the side effects and the possibility that they might be addictive.  I guess we must each make our own decisions on that.

    Now that I know I'm autistic, however, I'm delighted I never did give into pressure to take them as Pickled Rick says there are a battery of things that act on the neurological system which don't operate the same way on us, including some anti-depressants, anti-psychotics and even anaesthetics.  Personally, I'd see if there is any research out there on the specific effects on folks with ADHD/ASD.

    As for the focus issue, it's not always possible in every instance, but could the environment be changed rather than your brain chemistry?  For instance, might your mates not be persuaded to meet up in a quiet country pub with a beer garden, rather than one rammed to the rafters with a juke box, bright lights and crowds of noisy drunk people.  What's the environment like where you are trying to do your daily tasks - any way to change that?

  • in reply to Dawn

    Hey Dawn,

    Yeh, to be honest I am now wondering whether its the right route to take, having heard from yourself and Pickled Rick. I just don't know.

    I live in a village on the outskirts of a town, the local pub is nice, has a big beer garden, and isn't too crowded, but sometimes even when it's not crowded it can be difficult as other conversations are then more pronounced. :-(

    I find the anxiety of it all really difficult when I'm left alone there, either waiting for friend to arrive, or when they pop to loo or something. I have tried ear covering headphones, but then I feel like I'm drawing attention to myself, and that can sometimes exasperate it.

    Obviously its Christmas time, and one of my friends has a birthday on the 27th... they want to go to a pub in the town centre, known for being the student pub and quite raucous, which I'm kind of dreading. I've skipped three mates weddings, because I have a history of meltdowns at big/loud/mix of friends and people I dont know, events...

    I just really struggle in social situations where I'm trying my hardest to work out what people really mean, which is difficult enough at the best of times.

    Tasks wise, I have trouble holding down jobs. It's the office environment, lots of people, chatting, printers, phones, and then there's me with a hint of imposter syndrome. I can quite obviously see that no one else is too worried about their productivity, but in my head it feels like I'm still being judged. I have a tendency to not ask for help, and that leads to me shutting down.

  • in reply to Chris
    Chris said:
    I've skipped three mates weddings, because I have a history of meltdowns at big/loud/mix of friends and people I dont know, events..

    Another tough one.  Sometimes you want to be there for your mates but it's a big ask for you to "do" the social thing in that environment and for an extended period of time.  All I can suggest is use a bit of "energy accounting" to make sure you get enough rest and recuperation before and after these events and pick and choose carefully which ones to attend and for how long.  Most people who care about you, but who know it's difficult for you will really appreciate that you went to show your face and support for a short while, even if you then had to dip out early when things get too busy.

Reply
  • in reply to Chris
    Chris said:
    I've skipped three mates weddings, because I have a history of meltdowns at big/loud/mix of friends and people I dont know, events..

    Another tough one.  Sometimes you want to be there for your mates but it's a big ask for you to "do" the social thing in that environment and for an extended period of time.  All I can suggest is use a bit of "energy accounting" to make sure you get enough rest and recuperation before and after these events and pick and choose carefully which ones to attend and for how long.  Most people who care about you, but who know it's difficult for you will really appreciate that you went to show your face and support for a short while, even if you then had to dip out early when things get too busy.

Children
  • in reply to Dawn

    True. Tbf the ones I've missed have either been on other side of country, or, in a totally different one, so haven't had the opportunity to show up for a short time. I know at least one of the guys was so peeved he stopped talking to me completely. I guess that's just a sign. My closer mates haven't minded. Especially when I explained I'd rather miss it then cause a scene on their big day