WTF is AuDHD?
Ellie and Paige Harwood, sisters diagnosed late with autism and ADHD (AuDHD), share their personal experiences to help others feel less alone. They explore how neurodivergence manifests differently even within the same family, highlighting the lack of research and late diagnosis. The podcast aims to educate and foster understanding of AuDHD.
Episodes
E88 | ADHD and money - why it's a tough combination (and not your fault)
Money is hard for everyone, but add ADHD and autism into the mix and it can feel like being thrown around a washing machine. In this episode, Ellie and Paige chat about our volatile relationships with money: the freelance feast-or-famine cycle, impulse spending, hoarding out of fear, and the shame that follows.We talk about:Why so many people are struggling more than social media shows, and the “b
E87 | Why are we so mean to ourselves? Self talk before and after diagnosis
In this week’s episode, we start with a listener who posted in our Reddit about their vivid dreams. We chat about dreams and our relationship with them - before getting into our main topic: self-talk before and after diagnosis, and why it matters.We’re talking self-esteem, the impact of all those tiny, everyday rejections, and how they can add up over time - especially when you’re autistic or ADHD
E86 | Our childhood bedrooms were trying to tell us something (in hindsight)
In this episode, we go back in time and try to remember what our childhood bedrooms looked like - and what they might have been showing us in hindsight!Our Mum, Karen, also joins us with her memories to see whether her recollection matches ours. Plus, we hear from you about your childhood bedrooms, and it turns out there are some pretty interesting patterns and themes.Near the beginning of the epi
E85 | Living with Tourette Syndrome - Paige shares her story
Paige was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome as a child, and we've never really heard her share her story on this podcast. So we thought it'd be a great time to learn a little bit more about Tourette's in this episode! We bust some myths and stereotypes, learn more about what a 'tic' actually is, what they feel like and whether they can be suppressed, what treatments are available and we hear from P
E84 | Grief and loss with ADHD and autism
Trigger warning: this episode talks about self harm, as well as somber chats with regard to loss and grief that could be upsetting for some.In this episode, Ellie and Paige chat about grief and loss after a listener wrote in currently navigating grief as an AuDHDer. We speak about our own experiences with grief, "unhealthy" ways we dealt with it, and whether we think ADHD and autistic people have
E83 | "I wish I had known" - Mum on how undiagnosed ADHD/autism affected our family
Our Mum Karen joins us again to share her experiences bringing on bringing us up as undiagnosed kids - and managing our Dad who was also undiagnosed - leading to an absolute mad-house! Mum opens up about what she'd do differently, how Dad's ADHD diagnosis kicked off a domino effect through the whole family, and what it's meant for her to watch us finally understand ourselves. She shares how tough
E82 | Our Mum shares her experience bringing up two very different kids
Our beautiful Mum, Karen, joins Ellie and Paige for this week’s episode! We get to know her a little better, from what she was like growing up to her memories of raising two very different kids.We talk about what we were like at home vs. at school, just how different we were (literally chalk and cheese!), the things Mum noticed (and the things she didn’t) and why Ellie in particular managed to fly
E81 | How Māori define ADHD and autism & trusting your gut after diagnosis - with Kate Manihera
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Kate Manihera (aka DJ "Sexy Kate") - a late-diagnosed autistic/ADHD content creator, model, and DJ based in Aotearoa, New Zealand. After years of high-masking and high-achieving - from beauty influencing to a corporate career in Māori cultural strategy and organisational development - Kate's diagnoses in her late 20s sparked a full life reset: lea
E80 | The gifted kid who burned out every year - Kate Manihera on her late AuDHD diagnosis
On today's episode, Ellie and Paige speak with Kate Manihera - a New Zealand-based content creator, DJ, model, and former makeup artist/beauty YouTuber who was diagnosed with ADHD at 26 and autism at 27.Since her late diagnosis, she's brought awareness and education around late-diagnosed ADHD and autism through content creation, alongside her modelling and an emerging DJ career! Kate chats about h
E79 | WTF is going on with Channel 4's upcoming ADHD documentary?
In this week's episode, Ellie and Paige answer a listener question about medication and their experience with Fluoxetine, we discuss an upcoming ADHD documentary and Paige highlights one of her fave journal inserts coming out next week.Some more context on the upcoming documentary - a couple of weeks ago Channel 4 announced a new ADHD documentary is in production and our first instincts solely bas
E78 | An infodump on the history of ADHD
Ellie loves an infodump and today she's gone on a deep dive about the history of ADHD. Ever wondered when it was first mentioned in literature? Or why it became a 'disorder' in modern day society? Did ADHD always exist, or has it just become a 'thing' in the last 100 years?ADHD might feel like a modern diagnosis, but the traits we associate with it have been described for centuries - from early de
E77 | Why can't I just organise my life?!
Why is it that we can be incredibly capable, creative and motivated, but somehow struggle to organise our own lives? We've spent our whole lives trying to create routines, stick to planners, build systems and pretty much everytime, we abandon them, forget about them, or decide we've failed the moment we miss a day. This has led to years of shame, low self esteem, burnout - you name it!In this epi
E76 | Learning how to listen to physical manifestations of stress
Stress affects everyone, but sometimes we don't always become aware of it until it's too late. In this episode, Ellie and Paige talk about their experiences with stress and how they've learnt to look for physical signs early. The body and mind are super connected, but Westernised medicine generally doesn't approach this holistic ideology, leading to a disconnect between your thoughts and feelings,
E75 | Disclosing your diagnosis to employers and healthcare professionals
This week, we've swapped places and now Paige has been sick! So in the spirit of accommodating ourselves, but still providing you with some fun, we're continuing to answer your questions. We chat about light-hearted subjects like our star signs, to giving our opinions on disclosing your diagnosis to healthcare professionals and potential employers. We discuss how we balance our lives to avoid burn
E74 | Ellie and Paige answer your questions
Full disclosure - Ellie is super sick this week and because we self-produce this, we needed an accessible, low-effort topic, that would still be interesting to you - so we opened up your questions!Did we used to fight as kids? What are we watching at the moment? Our go-to meals? What is our fave part of being AuDHD? And more! Join our Reddit to participate in future conversations with us. Hosted o
E73 | The sensory struggles of clothing and societal expectations
We have both struggled with clothing for our entire life - it's a double-prong of sensory icks and societal expectations that really drive us up the wall. For many neurodivergent people, clothes can be a daily sensory battle, so in this episode, we chat about our favourite "safe clothes", why certain fabrics make us want to crawl out of our skin, the emotional side of getting dressed, the societal
E72 | Masking in the bedroom
CONTENT DISCLAIMER: This episode contains discussions about sex, intimacy, masking, consent, and unwanted sexual experiences. Please listen with caution. It also contains some EXPLICIT language, so be mindful of younger ears.This week we're discussing a topic that many people experience but rarely talk about: masking during sex and intimacy.After receiving a vulnerable email from a listener who de
E71 | Reasons we didn't think we could be autistic
Before we were diagnosed, Paige and Ellie dismissed the possibility that we could be autistic because we didn't match the stereotypes we'd been exposed to. Even though Paige suspected she was autistic at 15, the environmental voices were so loud she gave up.In this episode, we're unpacking some of the reasons we didn't think we could be autistic and the experiences we later realised were showing u
E70 | ADHD tax, hyperfixations and abandoned hobbies
Before we jump into this week's episode - we have a new Reddit! The other one will be going to the graveyard, so join our new one here: https://www.reddit.com/r/wtfisaudhdIn this episode we chat about the hobbies, journals, activities we swore we'd stick to... only to abandon then a few weeks later.From the feelings of "this is it!" "this is my new thing" to the shame and embarrassment that comes
E69 | Why the modern world is kryptonite for ADHDers
Modern life can sometimes feel like actual torture for an ADHD brain - and it really can be! In this episode, we chat about dopamine, procrastination, novelty-seeking, and why so many apps, algorithms, and endless notifications are designed to hijack everyone's brains. Then when you add in the ADHD, we become the perfect target.We look at the ways modern life may be making life harder for ADHDers,
E68 | WTF is that feeling of impending doom?
Why do so many autistic, ADHD and AuDHD people experience a constant feeling that something is “wrong” or about to go wrong?In this episode of WTF is AuDHD?, we explore our experiences with the feeling of impending doom. We theorise why it might be experienced more in our community - from anxiety and sensory overload to nervous system activation, interoception, uncertainty intolerance and emotiona
E67 | Why movies feel like homework (for some AuDHD brains)
In this episode, Ellie and Paige reflect on Ellie's recent overseas trip and why Amsterdam in particular was kind to her neurodivergent mind. We go on a few side quests along the way, chatting about Ellie's recent engagement, Paige tells a story about having Tourette's in public and we accidentally end up analysing marriage. In the second half of the episode, we chat all about movies and why we bo
E66 | Neurodiversity and the fear of being perceived
Why does being seen feel so uncomfortable… even when nothing’s actually wrong?In this episode, we unpack the fear of being perceived - something that shows up in many people from the neurodivergent community. From overthinking how we’re coming across, to feeling exposed just existing in public (and private!), to avoiding being watched altogether (lockdown was an interesting time) - we share what t
E65 | Things that dysregulate us (feat. you)
What completely dysregulates you that might seem a bit unusual to someone else? This episode is basically a collection of “why does THIS send me over the edge?” moments.We’re sharing the things that dysregulate us as AuDHDers - from noises, to sounds, to textures, to general demands - we share our own experiences plus read out the ones you sent us on Instagram.SOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcast @wtf.journa
E64 | Cannabis and AuDHD - why does it make me feel "normal"?
Content note: This episode discusses cannabis use and self-medication. We’re sharing personal experiences, not medical advice. If medicinal cannabis is legal in your country/state, please see a healthcare professional to discuss your prescription options.In this episode, we explore why cannabis use seems to be relatively common among ADHD and autistic people - and what we’ve personally noticed. Ev
E63 | The anxiety loop living in our bodies - Hyperventilation Syndrome
In this episode, we’re talking about Hyperventilation Syndrome and how easy it is to get stuck in an anxiety-breathing feedback loop without even realising. If you often feel dizzy, tight-chested, or like you can't catch a literal breath - you might relate to our personal experiences with chronic hyperventilation throughout our lives. We also touch on Ellie's lived experience with “W sitting” (if
E62 | Why autistic & ADHD people are more vulnerable - our experiences with harm
Trigger warning: this episode discusses Ellie and Paige's experiences with manipulation, sexual harm and harrassment. Listen with care.In this episode, we’re talking about some of the harder experiences we’ve had - including manipulation, bullying, and situations where consent and safety weren’t always clear at the time. Our aim with this chat is to help you recognise harm and vaildate similar exp
E61 | Why AuDHDers are 3x more likely to experience binge eating
Trigger warning: this episode contains light conversations surrounding eating and disordered eating. In this episode, we’re joined by Erin - an ADHDer and dietician (Balance and Bite) - to unpack what neuroaffirming nutrition actually looks like and why traditional advice around food so often doesn’t work for neurodivergent people.Erin talks to us about the real reasons the neurodivergent populati
E60 | We personified our gut and it actually helped! (AuDHD and the brain-gut axis)
Join the waitlist for our journals! https://wtfjournals.com/signup In this episode, we share our personal journeys of improving our gut health - and why it’s become something we’re paying a lot more attention to.This isn’t a dieting episode, we just feel passionate about sharing our personal experiences when it comes to gut health. We explore the gut-brain connection, why gut health plays such a b
E59 | Inspired by Love on the Spectrum: The app built for neurodivergent connection
Connection and loneliness are two of the most common experiences in the neurodivergent community. So in this episode, we chat to 27-year-old Holly Fowler - founder and CEO of Wable, an app designed to help neurodivergent people connect through friendship, dating, and work. This is not sponsored, it's just a genuine chat between three neurodivergent who want the world to be a better place for every
E58 | You think you're the problem? That's Internalised Ableism
In this episode, we unpack the concept of internalised ableism - and how it can shape the way neurodivergent people see themselves.Growing up in a world designed for neurotypical brains often means receiving constant messages that we’re lazy, disorganised, too sensitive, or not trying hard enough. Over time, those messages can become internalised, turning into our own inner voice.We talk about wha
E57 | From Britney to Billie: Neurodivergence in the spotlight
Content warning: this episode touches on assault, trauma and manipulation. Listen with care.Disclaimer: this was recorded before Britney Spears' arrest on March 5th.In this episode of WTF is AuDHD?, Ellie and Paige dive into a candid conversation about how the world - and the systems around us - often fail neurodivergent people.Observing the experiences of celebrities like Britney Spears
E56 | AuDHD needs a new name
This week’s episode is a raw, unfiltered check-in where Ellie and Paige sit down (slightly lower in energy than usual), to talk honestly about how they're feeling - burnout, survival mode, and what can happen when your nervous system has been holding it together for too long. We talk financial stress under capitalism, sensory overload, relief instead of achievement and why the world feels especial
E55 | Why knowing what to do isn't enough for ADHD brains
In this episode, we kick things off with a real-life catch-up - burnout, taking back your power, and why stories like figure skater Alysa Liu (Olympic Gold Medalist) matter so much when it comes to ADHD and redefining success. We also get into another cracking poll about how you eat your meals - riveting content, we know! Plus Ellie shares something she’s been grappling with this week and what sh
E54 | WTF is ADHD coaching?
This episode is split into two parts - the first part is banter between Paige and Ellie. We chat about recent hacks and learnings we've had, we discuss the differences we're noticing in our biometrics (recorded by our Oura rings) and we also clarify why you may not have been let into our Reddit yet...Then we learn - WTF is ADHD coaching? And how is it different from therapy or life coaching? We’re
E53 | When perimenopause and autistic burnout collide - with AuDHDer Jen
Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicidal thoughts, emotional manipulation / boundaries and trauma. Please listen with care.In part two of our conversation with Jen, we go deeper into the cost of living in survival mode for almost five decades - and what happens when the body and brain can no longer keep up.Jen shares how perimenopause intersected with her AuDHD and long-term b
E52 | Misdiagnosis in your 20s to late diagnosis in your 40s - with AuDHDer Jen
In part one of our conversation with Jen @autistic_connections, we get chatting about the reality of being a late diagnosed AuDHD women, who also hit burnout in conjunction with perimenopause (poor Jen!).Jen shares her journey to diagnosis, how she was completely missed as a child, and then given incorrect diagnoses throughout her 20s, and the juxtaposition of being 'smart' but feeling 'dumb'. Jen
E51 | Decision paralysis and why AuDHDers lose their gut instinct
In this episode, we unpack decision fatigue and decision paralysis - why even simple choices can feel overwhelming for AuDHD brains. We explore how years of masking disconnect us from our instincts, leaving us frozen, second-guessing everything, and afraid to choose “wrong.” We share how paralysis has shown up in our own lives, and what’s actually helped. Paige also walks through her framework for
E50 - We’re back! And we have thoughts on Autistic Barbie
We’re back for 2026! And we're starting off with an AuDHD debrief - funny holiday stories and what Ellie and Paige would do differently next holiday season. We also look ahead to what’s coming this year for WTF is AuDHD? - what we’re excited about, what we’re learning, and how we want to keep growing alongside this community.Plus, we dive into a nuanced and thoughtful discussion about Autistic Bar
E49 | Making sense of AuDHD through language - with Sarah @neurodialectical
Sarah (social worker, ADHD, OCD, PMDD and autistic) is back for more! In this episode we shift into language, identity, and the inner world of neurodivergence. Sarah reflects on her childhood as an undiagnosed AuDHDer, the anxiety that masked her ADHD, and elaborates on the different ways boys vs girls are treated.We explore dialectical thinking - the simple but powerful practice of using “and” in
E48 | Parenting a neurodivergent kid as a neurodivergent parent - with Sarah @neurodialectical
We're super excited to be joined by neurodivergent parent and social worker Sarah (@neurodialectical on Instagram), who shares how becoming a parent was the catalyst for her diagnoses - including autism, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and PMDD. We talk candidly about the sensory reality of parenting when your needs directly clash with your child’s, the rage and grief no one prepares you for, and why planning li
E47 | Sleep debt & the AuDHD exhaustion cycle
In this episode, Ellie's running on lack of sleep thanks to the Formula One race overnight, so we're chatting about sleep! We dig into why sleep is such a challenge for neurodivergent brains - from revenge bedtime procrastination to sensory overload to busy brains and chronic sleep debt. We share our own experiences and how lack of rest affects everything from emotion regulation to basic functioni
E46 | Lacking boundaries, people pleasing and their links to neurodivergence
Content warning: in this episode we lightly touch on abuse, manipulation and sexual assault - between 37 - 40mins - proceed with care.In this episode we dive into one of the biggest neurodivergent struggles: boundaries. Why do so many AuDHD people become chronic people-pleasers? Why do we say yes when every part of our body is screaming no? Why do we only realise afterwards how we're actually feel
E45 | Why neurodivergent brains need movement and why we avoid it - with Bayley Garnham (Dyspraxic)
This week we’re joined by Bayley Garnham - diagnosed dyspraxic and neuro-affirming Personal Trainer! Bayley shares his diagnosis journey, what dyspraxia can actually look like day-to-day, how dyspraxia affected him growing up and what inspired him into personal training.We chat about why exercise can vary depending on biological sex, why so many of us need movement but struggle to start, and how P
E44 | Why so many AuDHDers become perfectionists
In this episode, we unpack the perfectionism cage - the invisible set of rules we build for ourselves as AuDHDers in an attempt to survive, succeed, or simply avoid judgement. We talk about how perfectionism showed up in our childhoods, how it morphs into procrastination and paralysis, and why so many of us cling to impossible standards even when they burn us out.JOIN OUR DISCORD Hosted on Acast.
E43 | The curse of Object Permanence: if I can't see you, it's like you don't exist
It’s not personal, we just literally forgot you existed. This week we dive into the concept of object permanence. We chat about why AuDHDers struggle to remember things, hobbies, goals and people once they’re out of sight, how it impacts friendships and daily life, and what we’ve learned about how to manage it.Vote for us for Listener's Choice at the NZ Podcast awards (if you want) HERESOCIAL @wtf
E42 | Friendship, rejection, loneliness and how our dogs have saved us
For so many neurodivergent people, friendships can feel confusing, draining, or just out of reach. In this episode we open up about growing up lonely, the ache of wanting connection, and how RSD can destablise you from reality. We touch on a listener submission - should you tell your friends about your diagnosis? We also share how our dogs have helped us with being at peace in our own company and
E41 | Why do I find holidaying so stressful? Travelling with AuDHD
Paige is back! If you've always secretly found travelling stressful and wondered why it looks so fun for everyone else - we see you. In this episode, we’re unpacking why holidays and travel can feel so overwhelming as a neurodivergent person. Freshly off the plane, Paige reflects on her recent trip and what accomodations she made for herself. We talk about why AuDHDers find travelling stressful an
E40 | Do I really have ADHD? Diagnosis imposter syndrome - with Bree Tomasel
What about the after part of ADHD diagnosis? Bree Tomasel joins us for a follow up chat about her diagnosis experience and feelings. Bree shares her experience with the weird limbo of diagnosis imposter syndrome, the long road to getting meds right (four years, no joke), and she shares advice and things she's learned that have helped her.Paige is back next week! Also, if you'd like to vote our pod
E39 | Anxiety, imposter syndrome and living three different lives - with Bree Tomasel
The hilarious and wildly talented Bree Tomasel - broadcaster, creator, and late-diagnosed ADHDer - joins Ellie for a candid chat. Bree opens up about a lifetime of masking - not just her ADHD, but her anxiety and even her sexuality - and how she shaped her own career, while sometimes feeling 'dumb'. We hear about what she was like as an undiagnosed child and some of the early signs she now sees in
E38 | The ADHD need for external feedback and why we're so hard on ourselves
Happy ADHD Awareness Month! Ellie is back with her partner Sam for another candid chat about life with ADHD, and life as an neurodivergent couple. This week we explore what we wish people knew about ADHD, why feedback is so crucial for us as ADHDers, and we share the ways we've learned to split responsibilities at home. We also talk honestly about why ADHDers can be so tough on themselves and answ
E37 | Life as a late diagnosed neurodivergent couple
In this week’s episode, Ellie's ADHD partner Sam is back to share the story of their relationship - navigating conflict, emotional regulation, and yes, how they deal with intimacy. From being good friends and retrospectively noticing early signs of undiagnosed ADHD and AuDHD to how they’ve learned to grow together, they open up and celebrate the strengths that neurodivergence brings into their li
E36 | Meet Ellie's late diagnosed ADHD partner, Sam!
In this episode Paige is on holiday, so Ellie sits down with her partner Sam to talk about his journey with late-diagnosed ADHD. From childhood challenges and misunderstood behaviours, to the coping mechanisms he developed along the way, to the huge relief (and grief) of finally getting a diagnosis - we dig into what life looked like before and after. Sam shares how he found his career as a young
E35 | Why autism screeners miss so many of us
Just like last episode, we're going through a common autism screener (Autism Quotient) and discussing the limitations of these questions (especially if you might be AuDHD). While tools like this can be a helpful first step, they also have major blind spots - especially around masking, nuance, and gender differences. We share the answers we gave in our actual screeners from a few years back and dis
E34 | Take an ADHD screener with us
If you’ve ever taken an ADHD screener and thought, “Well, that didn’t feel accurate…” you’re not alone! In this episode, we walk through the 18 questions you're generally asked in New Zealand, to work out whether you are "worth" further assessment for ADHD. We go through the screener, answer them as AuDHDers, and show why screeners don't always capture the full picture - especially if you’ve spent
E33 | Our (very) late diagnosed ADHD Dad shares his story
Meet our ADHD Dad, Grant! He was born in the 60s - in a generation that barely knew anything about neurodivergence. Dad went through school, work, parenting, literally everything without a diagnosis until much later in life, and unfortunately his parents had passed away before he was diagnosed. In this episode, Grant shares what it’s like to piece together your story backwards, how late diagnosis
E32 | PDA: Don't tell me what to do, I need autonomy!
In this episode, we explore Pathological Demand Avoidance (more compassionately known as Pervasive Drive for Autonomy) - a profile most often linked with autism that goes far beyond being just being “stubborn.” We break down what PDA is, our understanding of it and how it's appeared in our life, and why everyday requests can feel overwhelming or even threatening - even if the demand is from within
E31 | Could your gassy gut and sore tummy be related to AuDHD?
In this episode, we open up about our personal journeys with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal / autoimmune issues we've experienced, using hindsight to recognise it may have all been linked to our autism and ADHD (stress!). We start exploring the connection between the brain and the gut, including how our stomach microbiome impacts our brain. We dive into emerging research
E30 | Why everyday transitions are hard for AuDHDers
Transitions can be some of the hardest moments for people with ADHD, autism, or both - even when we’re looking forward to what’s next. Paige and Ellie have had a few ephiphanies recently about how transitions have affected them throughout their life. In this episode, we explore why shifting from one activity, environment, or phase of life can feel so dysregulating, and how neurodivergent inertia p
E29 | Dr Khurram Sadiq: Managing AuDHD, misdiagnosis & masking
Dr Khurram Sadiq is back for part two where we dig into common misdiagnoses, masking, family dynamics, and how to truly identify AuDHD traits. We also touch on workplace accommodations, co-occurring conditions like OCD and PMDD, and how to manage burnout and executive dysfunction (especially when medication isn’t accessible or effective). Dr Sadiq offers grounded advice and hope to anyone navigati
E28 | Dr Khurram Sadiq: Explaining AuDHD
Dr Khurram Sadiq - renowned psychiatrist and AuDHDer - joins us to help explain AuDHD. In this powerful first half of our conversation, we unpack his own diagnostic journey, what it means to live between ADHD and autism, and why this combination deserves more recognition. We explore how gender, culture, and systemic pressures influence diagnosis, and why many of us are missed or misunderstood for
E27 | The 'having kids' dilemma (when you're neurodivergent)
This week, we’re diving into a big one: having children as an AuDHD adult. Neither of us are parents (yet - or possibly ever), so this is not a how-to, but an open conversation about the thoughts, fears, and feelings we have around parenting as neurodivergent people.We speak honestly about the differences in our perspectives (Paige and Ellie don’t feel the same way!), and share the thoughts and e
E26 | AuDHD and employment: You're not a failure, you're burnt out
We're diving into what it’s really like navigating work with AuDHD. We chat about our personal job histories - the burnout, the boredom, the passion, and the pivots - and why sticking to one career path can feel impossible. If you’ve ever loved and hated your job at the same time, or blamed yourself for not being “cut out” for work, this one’s for you. You’re not lazy - you’re likely unsupported.
E25 | Why AuDHD is so hard to treat (and live with!)
Why is AuDHD so hard to manage and treat? In this episode, we explore lived contradictions of having both ADHD and autism - where one part of your brain craves routine and the other thrives on chaos, often resulting in burnout. We share real-life examples from ourselves and you - our listeners! We unpack why treatments often fall short, and highlight how young the concept of AuDHD really is - incl
E24 | Understanding your AuDHD brain - with an AuDHD Clinical Psychologist
In this episode, we’re excited to be joined by Mike Cochrane (@nzpsychologyclinic), a Clinical Psychologist and fellow AuDHDer who specialises in Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD assessments. We had an insightful and validating chat about life with an AuDHD brain.Together, we unpack:Commonly missed traits in ADHD and autismHow to get a diagnosisWhy diagnosis often comes with both relief and griefStrategie
E23 | Autism or CPTSD? Why it’s so easy to confuse the two
Autism or trauma - or both? In today’s episode, we (very basically) unpack the complex relationship between Complex PTSD (CPTSD) and autism. We explore the ways the two can look similar, why autistic people are more likely to experience trauma, and why it’s so important to approach self-identification with care and curiosity. We reflect on personal experiences, share research insights, and offer g
E22 | You're not lazy or broken, you're experiencing AuDHD burnout
If you’re constantly exhausted no matter how much you feel like you're resting, it might autistic, ADHD or AuDHD burnout (and yes, it's different from traditional 'burnout'). Our neurodivergent brains are different and therefore the causes and treatment for burnout need to be neurodiversity affirming. We unpack the causes of ADHD, autistic, and AuDHD burnout, what we've experienced, how it can be
E21 | Relief to rage: dealing with contradictory feelings after diagnosis
Getting an ADHD or autism diagnosis - especially later in life - can bring an avalanche of emotions: relief, validation, anger, grief, confusion, and imposter syndrome. In today’s episode, we talk about the messy, beautiful, and often overwhelming feelings that come before and after a diagnosis.We share real community stories and our own experiences of trying to make sense of this new identity, pr
E20 | That's not fair! Why AuDHDers can't let go of injustice
This week, we’re diving deep into justice sensitivity - the intense emotional reaction many AuDHDers have to unfairness, inequality, and being misunderstood.We explore what justice sensitivity actually is, how it shows up differently in autism and ADHD, and why it’s more than just being “too sensitive. We share our own real-life examples and strategies to cope when injustice feels personal.✨ Liste
E19 | Neurodivergence and loneliness: why friendships feel so hard
Join our private Reddit community: https://www.reddit.com/r/wtfisaudhdpodcast/Feeling lonely even when you're surrounded by people? You're not broken and you're not alone. In this episode, we unpack loneliness, friendship struggles, and the invisible barriers that come with having both ADHD and autism (AuDHD). We unpack why so many ADHDers and autistic people struggle with connection, friendship m
E18 | ADHD and RSD: why rejection feels like danger
What is RSD? Is it just an ADHD thing? Is it trauma? In this episode, we’re breaking down Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria - a common but sometimes misunderstood experience in the ADHD community. We explore how RSD affects people with ADHD and autism, why it might develop, and how it shows up in everyday life. Plus, we share personal stories, examples, and strategies to cope when rejection feels like
E17 | ADHD life tips we use, that might help you too
In this practical and personal episode, we’re diving into real-life strategies for navigating the daily chaos of living with ADHD (and autism!) but this is more focused on the ADHD side. Paige's entrepreneurial and creative brain has come up with a bunch of strategies that she's affectionately called Paige's Pointers. These tips help with everything from executive dysfunction to sensory overwhelm.
E16 | Do I really need to go on ADHD medication?
Today we dive into the world of ADHD medication and our experiences - what it is, how it works, and how it's helped us. We break down the science in (very) simple terms - even though we don't know how to say norepinephrine. We share our personal journeys with different medications, and discuss the pros, cons, and side effects we’ve experienced along the way. We also touch on what options are curre
E15 | The links between substance use and neurodivergence
Content warning: The content discussed in this episode is for informational and personal storytelling purposes only. We are not medical professionals, and this should not be taken as medical or therapeutic advice. If you are struggling with substance use or addiction, please reach out to a qualified professional or a trusted support service.In this episode, we're diving into a sensitive but crucia
E14 | Autism doesn't destroy lives, but this rhetoric does
DISCLAIMER: this episode lightly mentions suicide, self harm and substance abuse.In response to recent comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about autism, we dive into why this kind of rhetoric is not only harmful and dehumanising, but also rooted in outdated, ableist thinking. We break down some of the direct quotes, talk about the real-life impact of these messages, and remind listeners that ev
E13 | Why it feels like everyone is getting diagnosed
In this episode, we tackle the common misconception that “everyone is being diagnosed these days.” From ADHD to autism, it can feel like neurodivergence is suddenly everywhere—but is that really a bad thing? We unpack why diagnosis rates are rising, what’s changed in how we recognise neurodivergence (especially in adults, women, and marginalised groups), and why it’s not about a trend. We also tou
E12 | How do I know if I'm masking, and how do I stop?
In this episode, we explore how to start unmasking and embracing your authentic self. We break down what masking is, how to recognise when you’re doing it, and the steps you can take to slowly unmask in safe and supportive spaces. We take inspiration from Devon Price's book Unmasking Autism, and we acknowledge that unmasking is a lifelong process, not an overnight transformation. It takes time, pr
E11 | What is masking and how does it prevent diagnosis?
In this episode, we dive deep into masking—the conscious and unconscious ways that neurodivergent people camouflage their traits to fit into a neurotypical world. We explore what masking is, why we do it, how it impacts mental health, and the long-term cost of constantly suppressing our true selves. We also share personal experiences of masking and briefly discuss the journey toward unmasking and
E10 | PMDD, hormones & neurodivergence - what they didn’t teach us
Why did school never teach us what actually happens during the menstrual cycle?! In this episode, we break down the four phases of the menstrual cycle, what hormones are at play, and how they impact mood, energy, and brain function.We dive deep into PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)—what it is, why it’s often misunderstood, and how it disproportionately affects neurodivergent people. We share
E9 | Why AuDHD feels like living with two brains
This episode touches on some of the differences between autism and ADHD and why it can be rough having both conditions in one brain. We talk about the aspects of AuDHD that can feel contradictory to live with, and further discuss how the AuDHD neurotype is a completely unique and different experience to just having one or the other.It's also Neurodiversity Celebration Week! This week aims to recog
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