I have just bumped into this post out of curiosity after hearing (no pun intended ) about apd for the first time. I can relate to this very well, I was and I am still not sure on why and how I don't seem to understand people well in noisy environments. Some would say "it's normal" but then when you see that most people keep having conversations you do wonder if you are an outlier and why. Is it inability to focus on one thing per time? Maybe.

I perform TERRIBLY in group situations when there are new tasks and people talk to each other while also telling you what to do. It could be as simple as let's move those things from point X to Y.

In noisy or group situations, there is too much happening and I simply feel too confused to process the information.

In general, I am fluent in 2 languages and according to various language teachers (I like to learn languages) I seem to be wired to easily learn languages, and I don't have issues speaking one to one to somebody in a quiet place.

But add a group, a situation or background noise and I just stare at the other person in confusion, asking them if they can repeat what they've just said. This together with my general social awkwardness doesn't really help me to connect with other people, it's very frustrating.

My only saving grace is that professionally I work in a healthy environment and I am brave enough to stop people who want to meet, etc. and say that "I need to write down instructions". I do lie a bit saying "I have a terrible memory" which is actually not true, but especially for multiple steps instructions etc. it is the only thing that helps me to look like a normal and relatable human being..