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Struggling with ADHD and Suspected Autism

Entropyluna

576d

I'm struggling a lot right now. I have ADHD and suspected autism. I've been on ADHD medication for a year, and have noticed that my autism symptoms have gotten worse. I used to be able to socialize, but now I struggle to even respond if someone tries to talk to me. I feel like I'm trapped in my own body most of the time at work, but I feel fine at home. I'm thinking it might be a social phobia, or just not having to mask at home. Has anyone else had an experience with this or have any advice for me? I will start seeing my new therapist tomorrow, but I'm not sure how much we'll be able to talk about since it will be an intake appointment.

5

14

14

Methylphenidate

Clonidine

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Attention-Deficit Disorder

Amfetamine

Guanfacine

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Top reply
    • abbz

      575d

      this sounds a lot like how i struggle (and did a lot growing up) socially! something that really helped me (as sucky as it being my only suggestion and not always practical) is working on myself to gain internal confidence!

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    • abbz

      575d

      this sounds a lot like how i struggle (and did a lot growing up) socially! something that really helped me (as sucky as it being my only suggestion and not always practical) is working on myself to gain internal confidence!

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      • Entropyluna

        575d

        @abbz sorry, I don't mean to sound like I'm dumping my problems on you. There's just so many facets to this situation, and it's almost impossible to explain it all.

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        • abbz

          575d

          @Entropyluna no worries! totally understand that it’s complex! i hope everything goes well with your new therapist!

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      • Entropyluna

        575d

        @abbz I actually don't think I have a problem with self-confidence. Don't get me wrong, I don't think I'm the greatest thing in the world, but I do think that I'm pretty and smart and a hard worker. I've worked really hard for the last several years on liking myself, and I think it's been successful. I don't really have any friends unless you count my husband and my dog. I can be friendly with people at work, but I tend to stop at that. Some people can get a 5 to 10 minute talk about similar interests, and other people are lucky to get a smile and nod. Apparently a couple of employees have complained about me because I'm too robotic and emotionless.

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        • abbz

          575d

          @Entropyluna omg- honestly so glad that you don’t struggle with self confidence and it does sound like you could have asd also!

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    • IAmTired247

      576d

      Hello! I have ADHD and autism, been diagnosed at 4! What I can tell you is that, with stress, both of those can get worse and they do feed off of one another. Is there anything stressful in your life happening or about to happen? Birthday? Holiday? Event? Stress can also be subconscious too and you might not even know it too. Another thing is medication. ADHD medication can effect autism. I'm on methylphenidate and it's the only medicine that I have found that does not mess with my autism. I've been on Guanfacine and Clonidine and they have messed with my autism to where I was frequent to outbursts, I shut down a lot, and they ramped up my anxiety. Hopefully you find the right medication and get a diagnosis as both of those things can and will help you! If you are in the USA, I suggest looking at CARD, Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. Avoid Autism Speaks though im sure you know that. Hope this information helps you in your journey! 🤗

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      • Entropyluna

        576d

        @IAmTired247 thank you for the information! Unfortunately I actually have CPTSD, so I am constantly in a state of stress. I've been wondering recently if my medication is affecting me because the dose is too high. The doctor kept increasing the dose because it seemed like it wasn't working, but I'm starting to realize that a lot of the symptoms it wasn't helping with (and still doesn't help with) could be caused by PTSD and not by ADHD.

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        • IAmTired247

          576d

          @Entropyluna I'm not diagnosed with PTSD but I'd try to get off the medication and get diagnosed with autism first as when it comes to mental illness, a lot of those diagnoses do play a big part of one another. There's a website, drugs.com that if you type in your medication it will bring it up and give you all information on it. Side effects, lethal dosage, basically everything that doctors don't tell you. I use it when I'm not sure about medication. Hopefully you get the correct medication that can help you and that your doctors listen. If you want a test or something and they do not say "Can you put those in my medical notes with the reason why you denied my request" and usually doctors sing a different tune quickly.

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        • Duckyqueen123

          576d

          @Entropyluna it's possible I actually have both adhd and ptsd but those together could be super rough on some people they kinda over lap and can make each other worse. Well at least that's how I feel but some people might have a different perspective of how it feels with them.

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    • Duckyqueen123

      576d

      I haven't been on any ADHD medication but I hear that it can cause your Autism traits forcefully to show through. Try looking away from the person you are talking to and pretend they are someone you are comfortable with. Hope that helps. ☺️

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    • Fun.imaginary.name

      576d

      I don’t have autism but adderall definitely makes me less social, less outgoing, and feel awkward. When I’m normally very outgoing and find it very easy to talk to people

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☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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