extra fatigue from being in public?

[YazzyN]

Today, I (mom) and my 14 yo daughter and who has a combined type ADHD went to a mall to try some new eatery and do some shopping. While we were able to spend a much needed quality time together, she expressed feeling of anxiety when we were walking into the mall and general fatigue after some shopping, seemingly being caused by a stress level. I feel like she used to like going to the malls more. At school, she is good with her friends and she generally does fine in new environment, it seems like public spaces with lots of unknowns or stimulations give her extra anxiety. She did not take the meds today because it’s a Saturday and she wants to have a full appetite during weekends. Does anyone have similar experience? My daughter is not sure if she had taken meds today, if it would have helped. Thx!

[MaudQ]

The extra stimuli from being out in public - especially at a mall can be tiring for neurodiverse people. Meds might help - she could try taking them the next time you go. Or try going at a quieter time. She might also be tireder from the week as she’s getting older.

[MyDogAteMyRitalin]

Malls or other busy places can have a lot of sensory overload. They are loud, bright, crowded etc. I think a lot of people find them exhausting irrespective of ADHD! I do.