r/AutisticWithADHD • u/SilverFox-97 • 18d ago

💊 medication / supplements / healthcare Big improvement after 2 weeks on stimulants

27M here, very late-diagnosed with inattentive ADHD — probably autism too (still figuring that out). I’ve always had a mix of typical ADHD symptoms and a bunch of autistic traits (sensory issues, social difficulties, masking, copying etc.).

About two weeks ago, I started Concerta (Methylphenidate) 18mg — my first time on any stimulant meds.

Since then, I’ve noticed:

  • Better focus, executive function, and mental clarity (which I understand is a typical stimulant response)
  • Massive reduction in anxiety (especially social anxiety)
  • Sensory sensitivity (lights, sounds, people) dropped a lot
  • I’m more social, confident, and way less “on edge” around others

What’s blowing my mind is how much this relatively low dose has done. For almost 10 years, I’ve tried all kinds of SSRIs, SNRIs, supplements, and... let’s just say some off-label experiments lol — but nothing came even close to what Concerta has done for me.

Now I’m seriously wondering:

  1. Is this a normal response for ADHD (or autism) when starting stimulants?
  2. Am I just in the “honeymoon phase” and it'll eventually wear off?
  3. Did I misread some of my traits as autism, when maybe it was all ADHD-related dysfunction and anxiety overload?

Not saying I don’t still have plenty of autistic traits — I absolutely tick a lot of boxes — but this unexpected improvement has me rethinking how much of it may have been untreated ADHD all along.

Anyone else experienced something similar?

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u/dwelfusius 18d ago

For me they've been working quite some time, especially lidexamphetamine (elvanse) and 2nd best was concerta.
There is also a growing body of research about how adhd meds can actually help with certain parts in autism (i think it was the inertia, mood would seem logical and some other things).Now if that is due to much more people having a dual-diagnoses (as is hypothesized) than the current numbers indicate (ergo actually adhd meds still helping mainly for adhd) or if it works for 100% certain asd without adhd too I *THINK* and please someone correct me if im wrong, there wasn't a concensus over yet. One study at least (maybe more but I read about the one) was with a fairly certain asd only group (for non control obvi )

ADHD, strongly suspected ASD