Newbie with Late Diagnosis of ADHD and Autism

Hey Everyone !

About me …

Alice

32 years old

Late diagnosis of both ADHD and Autism in October and November of 2025 through Psychiatry UK.

I also have underlying medical conditions including Absence Epilepsy and Type 2 Diabetes along with ongoing Anxiety , Sleep difficulties and PCOS.

Recently 12 days ago I started treatment for ADHD of 10mg methylphenidate , gradually increasing after a week to 20mg and I have noticed how I  rapidly went downhill and noticed a drastic change in my mood , appetite , sleep , joint pain and inability to function and complete daily tasks around the house or be productive in any way and have no energy or motivation whatsoever feeling almost like a zombie , However when I wasn’t on the medication I was able to get through a day and function with short bursts of productivity and positivity and was starting to identify ways of coping until I started the medication titration process,

After raising my concerns to my prescriber I have now been told to stop taking this medication with immediate affect and he is prescribing me with a new type of medication called Elvanse starting on a 30mg dose.

Does anyone have any experience of going from a bad experience on Methylphenidate to Elvanse and witnessing positive changes and the ability to get through there day or is it worth considering not having medication at all ? 

I’m yet to speak to anyone that may have similar medical conditions to me and therefore i’m open to any advice, tips and guidance that women of my age or of a similar age can provide me with as I continue to navigate my journey on a daily basis.


have a good day ! 

Parents Reply Children
  • I have just spotted this today which I think is really useful information for someone that is neurodiverse with adhd and autism as I do believe there is a huge link to my hormones that effects my sleep and mood from day to day. 

    does anyone else notice there mood changes from day to day or they can be very emotional: tearful or easily triggered by little things that go wrong or if someone says or does something that might frustrate me ?! Can anyone else with adhd and autism relate to this ?