It’s just AuDHD

Dearest Gentle Reader, rarely is society faced with such a vexing debate over a member of “The Ton”. Could it be that Miss Francesca Bridgerton is autistic? This author will humbly endeavor to set the record straight, not through gossip and speculation, but through science and fact. It is our greatest wish that in your journey to understand Miss Francesca, you discover yourself, for this, dear reader, would make the fruits of our labor worthwhile, indeed.Sources:Tony AttwoodFrancesca Autistic CompilationFrancesca CompilationAutistic adult brains name recognitionDifferent emotional facial expressionsDouble empathy problemEye contact triggers amygdalaGABA and GlutamateThe theory of monotropismMost common special interestsWhat causes special interests?Autistic women more vulnerableThalamus explains sensory issuesAutistic people have weaker autobiographical memoryFear of being perceivedDebunking the Empathy/Systemizing Quotient in autismAutistic adults enjoy being in the same space without direct interactionStudy on autistic special interestsCAT-Q Autism Assessment

You know that “new crush” feeling where your heart is pounding and you've got butterflies in your stomach? It can feel exhilarating! But imagine if you got stuck in a loop where you experience it every single day for years. Suddenly, it becomes a little less fun. This is the plight of people suffering from limerence, where you become addicted to your own fantasies of being in a relationship with someone who is unavailable in real life. So how do you know if it's love or limerence? In today's episode, we'll break down all the ways you can tell the difference. Curious what causes limerence? We dive into the neuroscience behind it in our previous episode “Why do ADHDers get addicted?”Sources:What causes limerence?Dr. Kirk Honda's limerence deep-diveDr. Tom Bellamy's limerence introductionDr. Tom Bellamy’s YouTube channel about limerence Limerence meta analysisDr. Kirk Honda's borderline personality disorder deep-diveDr. Kirk Honda's Baby Reindeer deep-diveOCD vs ADHD and Autism

We all know people with ADHD are more prone to addictions like gambling, alcoholism, and substance abuse. But what if you could be addicted to your own fantasies? And how do addictions form in the first place? In this two part episode, we’re examining limerence, a condition where you become addicted to compulsive, consuming fantasies about a romantic relationship with someone who does not express interest in you.In order to truly grasp limerence, you need to understand the neuroscience behind addiction, which is the topic of this episode. We take an in-depth look at the brain changes that occur when you become addicted to something, and we explore why ADHD brains are exceptionally vulnerable. This episode will help you understand ADHD struggles on a whole new level! Give us a listen, and be sure to come back for the second part of this special, where we tackle the precise symptoms of limerence and the conditions it's commonly mistaken for. Sources:Dr. Kirk Honda's deep dive on limerenceAddiction neuroscience research with Professor Kent BerridgeUnderstanding addiction and how it's treatedStatistics about ADHD and addiction The overlapping neurobiology of addiction in ADHDResearch on ADHD and low hedonic toneResearch on ADHD and attachment styles General information about attachment styleADHD and divorce rates

Diagnosis rates are rising, and people everywhere are being prescribed medications with major side effects. But what if it's actually a misdiagnosis? We're talking, of course, about dementia.Although dementia can look similar to ADHD and autism in older populations, treatment options are wildly different, and very few clinics perform ample screening to distinguish between these conditions. In this episode, we'll break down the similarities and differences. We'll also talk about the pitfalls of aging gracefully with ADHD and autism, so you and your loved ones can navigate the complexities armed with knowledge.SourcesSurvey about menopause with ADHDStories about aging with autism Meta-analysis about aging well with autismVideo about aging with ADHD by Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D. Clinics rarely screen for ADHD in older populationsStudy on ADHD and dementia riskCommon conditions that look like dementiaUp to 13% of diagnosed dementia cases are actually liver failureADHDers have poor autobiographical memoryADHD memories don't have context about time or location Dementia side effects reported by pharmacists and caretakersSevere side effects to dementia anti-psychotic drugsSevere side effects from anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody medications for dementia Only 31% of ADHDers would be eligible for a randomized controlled trial about ADHD meds

Have you ever been completely obsessed with a video game and you can't pull yourself away? Video games have a nuanced and important role in the lives of AuDHDers. In this episode, we'll dig into the good, the bad, and the ugly side of video games. In the right context, they serve as a powerful, therapeutic tool for self regulating and even improving challenges associated with ADHD and autism. Unfortunately, they can also be addictive and drain your time, money, and willpower.Sources:Basic stats about video gamesUsing Dungeons and Dragons as a therapeutic technique for autismMeta analysis on using games for ADHD treatmentCogCubed ADHD assessment gameResearch on EndeavorRX to treat ADHDEndeavorRX gameplay demoUsing Tetris to prevent PTSD after traumatic experiencesADHD and video game addictionAutism and video game addiction Autistic people are less likely to purchase loot boxesLoot boxes increase gambling addiction risk in adolescents by 3.7x to 6.0x32% of children regret their online purchases and 41% don't understand what they purchased Adolescents who purchase loot boxes are at 1.87x higher risk of severe psychological distressBlind boxes increase suicide risk in childrenAustralia automatically classifies games with loot boxes as Mature

What do computers, music, and nature have in common? They are some of the top special interests for autistic people! In today's episode, we look at the research behind special interests to separate the truth from the stereotypes. We also look at some of the possible reasons why so many autistic people have special interests. Join us for this very special episode where we get to talk about our favorite things!Chapters00:00 Welcome & why special interests matter02:54 Myth-busting: hyperfocus vs. special interests03:24 The research problem (ask adults, not just caregivers)05:16 Strengths, coping, and pride07:04 When treatment targets the wrong thing08:48 Special interest study11:20 “Current” interests vs. lifelong ones11:46 Disney special interests18:16 Burnout and the 80% finish line20:21 INCUP attention model (ADHD)22:32 Work friction & making novelty23:10 Top special interests by gender27:08 What makes an interest “special” 32:56 When intensity hurts well-being34:21 Monotropism 10140:36 Hyperfocus & mental health44:06 Systemizing vs. empathy—why that binary fails50:01 Temple Grandin’s thinking styles54:32 Special interest stigma59:15 Our special interests1:01:52 ConclusionReferences: Grove et al., 2018; SAGE 2024 hyperfocus study; Autism Understood (Monotropism); Temple Grandin on thinking styles.Special Interests Study (Grove et al., 2018)👉 https://research.vu.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/72579810/Grove_et_al_2018_Autism_Research.pdfMonotropism Overview (Autism Understood)👉 https://autismunderstood.co.uk/autistic-differences/monotropism/Hyperfocus Study (SAGE Journals, 2024)👉 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/27546330241237883Systemizing Quotient – Revised (Embrace Autism)👉 https://embrace-autism.com/systemizing-quotient-revised/Thinking Styles in Autistic People – Temple Grandin Framework (Embrace Autism)👉 https://embrace-autism.com/thinking-styles-in-autistic-peopleKeywords: autism, ADHD, AuDHD, special interests, hyperfocus, monotropism, Temple Grandin, systemizing quotient, Simon Baron-Cohen, Disney Imagineering, Pixar, pattern thinking, executive function, INCUP, attention regulation

This conversation delves into the complex relationship between autism and religion, exploring how neurodivergent individuals experience spirituality and religious practices. The discussion highlights various cultural perspectives on autism, the role of empathy in spiritual relationships, and the unique understandings of religious concepts among autistic individuals. It also addresses the impact of new age beliefs and astrology on the perception of autism, emphasizing the need for better research and understanding in the field.Chapters00:00 Finding Faith and Overcoming Challenges00:48 Exploring Autism and Religion02:14 The Intersection of Autism and Spirituality07:56 Understanding Religious Experiences in Autistic Individuals11:52 The Role of Empathy in Spiritual Relationships14:32 Cultural Perspectives on Autism and Religion18:57 Unique Understandings of Religious Concepts21:46 The Capacity for Religion in Autistic Individuals22:34 Diverse Religious Interpretations of Autism29:49 New Age Beliefs and Autism45:18 The Role of Sensitivity in Spiritual Experiences52:07 Astrology, ADHD, and Autism Connections

ADHD obviously impacts a lot of aspects of your life, but did you know it can impact your religious status, too? It turns out, there are fascinating studies that explore the interplay between ADHD and religion (or lack thereof), so for this episode, we're giving you the lowdown on their findings. For our autistic listeners, don't worry! We have a follow up episode coming soon exploring autism and religion, too!References:Study looking at Judaism and ADHDAdditude article on ADHD and religionChurch of England rejects gluten free wafersStudy looking at Evangelical Christian attitudes towards ADHDInformation on Religious OCDChapters00:00 Exploring Faith and Neurodivergence03:58 The Intersection of Religion and ADHD06:26 Community, Belonging, and ADHD08:57 The Role of Religion in Mental Health11:59 Challenges of Neurodivergence in Religious Spaces15:13 Understanding ADHD and Religious Experiences17:54 The Impact of Community on Loneliness20:51 Navigating Religious Expectations and ADHD23:43 Finding Acceptance in Faith Communities26:34 Personal Journeys and Religious Beliefs34:26 Navigating Church with ADHD and Hypermobility37:27 Judgment in Religious Communities39:00 Neurodivergence and LGBTQIA+ Intersectionality39:11 Dietary Restrictions and Religious Practices41:32 Rigid Religious Accommodations43:55 Finding Comfort in Religious Rituals47:56 The Struggles of Neurodivergent Individuals in Church48:35 Hyperfixation on Religion as a Special Interest53:40 Religion as a Tool for Emotional Regulation01:00:25 Understanding Religious Scrupulosity OCD01:03:25 The Cycle of Shame in Religious Contexts01:07:52 Previewing Autism Studies and Religion

Can you diagnose autism by looking at pictures of eyes? That's the theory behind the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), which was recently featured in Season 2 of 'The Rehearsal'. But this autism assessment has a wild history, and its origins are convoluted enough to make Nathan Fielder blush.Today, we're breaking down the story of how the RMET was developed and whether the results are clinically relevant. We also explore the broader implications of Theory of Mind assessments that researchers love to give to autistic people. This episode has random magazine clippings, animated triangle families, bad doodles, and more. Tune in to see how all these pieces of the puzzle fit together!References: Free online RMET assessmentTheory of Mind OverviewBasic Emotions TestAnimated Triangles TestDiverse Desire and Beliefs Test (Yoni Test)False Beliefs Test (Sally Anne Test)Criticisms of the Theory of Mind testsEven more criticisms of the Theory of Mind TestsHistory and criticisms of the RMET00:00 Introduction 00:09 The RMET and Autism Representation02:53 Origins and Validity of the RMET04:07 Theory of Mind and Autism05:10 Administering Theory of Mind Tests13:01 Cultural and Subjective Influences on Theory of Mind14:41 Testing Theory of Mind with Animated Triangles23:03 Diverse Desires and Hidden Feelings28:59 False Beliefs and Hidden Feelings Tests34:03 Critique of Autism Research34:53 Validity of Autism Tests37:22 Language Dexterity as a Theory of Mind predictor39:16 Issues with Autism Testing42:16 The RMET: Origins and Issues48:50 Criticism of Simon Baron-Cohen's Work01:04:19 Alternative Approaches to Autism Testing01:06:50 Personal Experiences and Reflections01:09:00 Discussing the Clinical Evaluation Process01:09:11 Reflecting on the Exhausting Nature of Tests01:09:27 Upcoming Episode on Eating Disorders and Neurodivergence01:09:27 Personal Reflections on Test Performance01:10:25 Questioning the Validity of the Test01:10:40 Conclusion and Future Plans

If you're anything like us, you watched ‘The Rehearsal’ on HBO and immediately became OBSESSED! This show has resonated deeply with the autistic community, and we want to talk about it. In this episode, we are taking a look at showrunner Nathan Fielder's portrayal of himself, both within the show and in interviews, as an illustrative example for how higher masking autism can present in people. In the show, Nathan has created a case of Schrödinger's autism diagnosis where it's unclear whether he is actually autistic. This ambiguity creates the space to have a nuanced conversation about how autism and masking can feel for so many of us. Whether you're a Rehearsal superfan or you've never seen the show, join us for an illuminating conversation!00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Nathan Fielder 02:20 Understanding Non-Stereotypical Autism 03:49 The Rehearsal and Its Impact 04:26 Ethnomethodology and Nathan's Comedy 05:47 Speculating on Nathan's Autism 09:55 Stereotypical vs. Non-Stereotypical Autism 10:16 Relatable Moments from Nathan's Interviews 11:56 Repetition, Routines, and Compensation 18:59 Challenges of Masking and Social Interactions 32:33 Special Interests and Hyperfixations 38:59 Disney Lore and Childhood Obsessions 41:13 Autistic Traits and Masking 42:22 Social Observations and High Masking 52:00 Empathy and Emotional Challenges 59:05 Existential Thinking and Cognitive Styles 01:03:54 Concluding Thoughts on Autism Representation

Have you seen these ads? “Procrastination isn’t laziness, it’s trauma,” or “Fix your ADHD with one simple quiz.” In this episode, we’re diving deep into the wild world of mental health marketing, especially the stuff targeting folks with ADHD and autism.Tarah sacrificed her algorithm (and possibly her identity) by clicking on every one of those sketchy ads, and John got to react in real time. From apps claiming to read your palm and heal your trauma to surprisingly legit music studies backed by science, we’re breaking down what’s helpful, what’s harmful, and what’s just plain nonsense.We unpack what these ads are selling, why they work (or don’t), and what it says about the ADHD community.If you’ve ever wondered “Is this app actually helping me or just cashing in on my executive dysfunction?”—this one’s for you.00:00 Intro01:28 Exploring Mental Health Ads02:40 First Ad: Procrastination and Routine09:58 Second Ad: ADHD and Depression20:12 Third Ad: Trauma Responses and Palm Reading30:38 Fourth Ad: Music for ADHD33:01 Spotify and ADHD Music33:46 Skepticism About Science Claims35:15 Study on Music and ADHD41:14 The Live In App and Its Ads50:50 Predatory Marketing and Vulnerable Populations59:59 Conclusion

Could a painkiller like Tylenol (also known as acetaminophen or paracetamol) cause autism and ADHD? Some compelling studies seem to prove this link, but there's more to the story than meets the eye. In this episode, we explore the cornerstone of good research - correlation does not equal causation - as we deep dive into the studies and lawsuits surrounding Tylenol and AuDHD. We also discuss the recent disparaging comments about autism from American Health Secretary RFK Jr. and his plan for David Geier, a man who injected hundreds of autistic children with a dangerous chemical used for castration, to create a database of all autistic Americans. This chilling turn of events doesn't just threaten the safety of autistic Americans. It also undermines the global body of scientific knowledge as the US government prepares to invest significant funding into intentionally misleading research. But we all know, the best antidote to misinformation is skepticism. In this episode, we'll show you how subtle aspects of experiment design can significantly influence the outcomes of study results, so you can arm yourself for all the weird and wild AuDHD studies released now and in the future. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:25 RFK Jr.'s Controversial Comments on Autism03:05 The Task Force and Its Dubious Leadership05:25 Public Outcry and Expert Opinions08:34 Correlation vs. Causation: A Deep Dive14:59 Legal Drama: The Tylenol Lawsuit28:08 Analyzing the Tylenol Study38:44 Personal Experiences with Migraines and Autism39:06 Exploring the Genetic Links Between Autism and Autoimmune Disorders39:53 The Role of mTOR Pathway in Autism and Autoimmune Conditions42:08 Vitamin D and Its Connection to Autism and Autoimmune Genes42:49 Implications of Genetic Overlap in Autism and Autoimmune Disorders48:44 Swedish Study on Acetaminophen and Neurodivergence52:00 Sibling Data and Genetic Factors in ADHD and Autism55:09 International Studies on Acetaminophen and Neurodivergence01:04:23 Skepticism and Historical Context in Autism Research01:10:37 Concluding Thoughts on Neurodivergence and ResearchSources:- RFK Jr wants to create a database of autistic Americans (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/22/rfk-jr-autism-nih)- RFK Jr has simultaneously cut funding for actual support programs for autistic people (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/24/rfk-jr-autism-disability-services-cuts)- Mark and David Geier created a business empire prescribing dangerous hormone blocking medications to autistic children (https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/chemical-castration-of-autistic-children-leads-to-the-downfall-of-dr-mark-geier/)- The class action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson (https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/tylenol-autism-lawsuit.html)- Why the plaintiffs lost the class action lawsuit (https://www.reuters.com/legal/lawsuits-claiming-tylenol-causes-autism-lack-scientific-support-judge-finds-2023-12-19)- The American study on acetaminophen and AuDHD (https://www.nature.com/articles/s44220-025-00387-6)- Autism and migraines (https://adult-autism.health.harvard.edu/resources/migraine-headaches/)- ADHD and migraines (https://www.additudemag.com/migraines-and-adhd-headaches-symptoms-treatments/amp/)- Autism and autoimmune conditions (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8156237/)- The Swedish study on acetaminophen and AuDHD (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2817406)

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but rejection will crush me forever. In this episode, we are looking at rejection sensitivity, or RSD, through a neuroscience lens focusing on this paper to explain what may be happening in your brain when you experience this overwhelming and painful phenomenon associated with ADHD and autism. We'll walk you through the treatments that work and some surprising treatments that don't work. You're going to learn something new in this episode, guaranteed.00:00 Introduction and Overview of ADHD Symptoms01:57 Exploring Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)08:57 Science Behind RSD and Emotional Dysregulation10:09 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Its Limitations17:00 Understanding the Prefrontal Cortex23:54 Personal Experiences with RSD35:32 Neuroscience Insights and Expert Opinions38:33 Understanding Emotional Shutdowns39:47 The Role of the Prefrontal Cortex42:11 Coping Mechanisms for RSD43:43 Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT)50:35 Medication Options for RSD53:56 The Impact of Alpha-2 Receptor Agonists57:31 Personal Experiences and Advice01:06:53 The Importance of RSD Buddies01:08:05 Final Thoughts on Managing RSDEpisode References: Russell Barkley on RSDWilliam Dodson on RSDResearch about how guanfacine manages rejection sensitivity in the brainA look at the prefrontal cortex and dynamic network connectivityRead next:A brief explanation of CBT A deeper look at CBT brain researchHow is DBT different from CBT? How does the prefrontal cortex impact ADHD and why do meds help?

In this follow up episode about the new DEA proposal limiting stimulant prescription via telehealth in the USA, we look at the broad impact that ADHD medications have on society. Spoiler alert! Medications help with everything from reducing crime and the spread of illness to preventing car crashes and accidental deaths. As a reminder, you can post your thoughts on the DEA's proposal until March 18! Visit our website to get started and leave a comment today. 00:00 Introduction to ADHD Medication and Offense Rates 01:47 Driving and ADHD: The Impact of Medication 05:49 Substance Use Disorder and ADHD Medication 13:09 ADHD Medication and COVID-19 15:09 ADHD in the Prison System 23:32 The Importance of Data-Driven Decisions for ADHD Treatment 29:23 Managing ADHD: Medication and BeyondReferences:DrivingSubstance Use DisorderCovid RiskPrisonTreatment cuts the criminal reoffense rates in halfHospitalization and deathRead more

Make your voice heard! We break down an upcoming DEA proposal that makes it harder for everyone to access Schedule II drugs via telehealth (aka Adderall, Ritalin, and other stimulants).It's not too late to do something! The opportunity to comment on this proposal ends March 18, so we've made it easy for you to get involved.If you are ready to leave a comment for the DEA, ⁠do that here⁠. If you need help figuring out what to say, just follow these steps:Go to ⁠this website we created⁠ with statistics about ADHD medication. Pick one statistic that speaks to you. Rephrase it slightly. We don't want duplicate comments to be falsely flagged as bots.Leave that comment on regulations.gov at ⁠this link⁠.Congrats! You just made a difference for your fellow American ADHDers!__________Still not sure why we're concerned? There are two critical parts that cause concern.Problem # 1: Practitioners would need to be located in the same state as the patient at the time of the encounter when issuing a Schedule II controlled substance prescription.This means our choice in doctor is greatly limited to providers in our area, and we cannot continue care with a good doctor if we move to a new state.An estimated 55% of U.S. counties don't have a local psychiatrist, and 70% lack a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Patients in these areas rely on telehealth visits for their medical care.Problem #2: The average monthly number of Schedule II controlled substances prescribed via telemedicine would need to be limited to less than 50% of the practitioner’s total Schedule II prescriptions (including both telemedicine prescriptions and non-telemedicine prescriptions).This creates a perverse incentive for doctors to prescribe less effective or inappropriate non-stimulant medications if their practice is above the 50% quota. It also means doctors may choose to not accept us and decline to take on new ADHD patients, which creates a dangerous situation where ADHDers lack access to medical care.Medical decisions should be based on the client's unique symptoms and situation, not an arbitrary quota.Want to read more? Here's an analysis by the American Psychiatric Association, where they said "Erecting these overly restrictive barriers to virtual care will limit our ability to serve our patients. It may force clinicians to limit their practice to only those who have the means and ability to travel to in-person care.”

Today, we tackle an interesting, and surprisingly complex question posed by a friend: Why can’t we just diagnose ADHD with a brain scan?Join us as we break down the science behind ADHD, discussing how structural and functional brain differences contribute to symptoms—and why a brain scan alone isn't enough for diagnosis. 00:00 - 00:22 – Intro: A fresh ADHD diagnosis sparks big questions 00:22 - 01:11 – The diagnostic “ladder” and why self-doubt is common 01:11 - 02:07 – Why can’t we diagnose ADHD with a brain scan? 02:07 - 03:42 – ADHD brains and the “traffic” analogy: structural differences 03:42 - 04:30 – Brain regions impacted by ADHD (Frontal Cortex, Limbic Region, Basal Ganglia) 04:30 - 05:39 – How brain scans like MRIs and CT scans work—but why they aren't enough 05:39 - 07:58 – The role of functional brain scans (fMRI, PET, SPECT) and how they measure brain activity 07:58 - 08:56 – Neurotransmitters & ADHD: Why dopamine plays a huge role 08:56 - 10:49 – Can we detect ADHD in blood tests? Why it’s not so simple 10:49 - 13:34 – Combining diagnosis methods: Why brain scans are impractical in psychiatry 13:34 - 15:02 – Why brain scans wouldn’t make ADHD diagnosis easier (cost, wait times, accessibility) 15:02 - 17:46 – Dyslexia & neurodivergence: What brain scans actually reveal17:46 - 20:14 – The future of ADHD diagnosis—will genetics be the key? 20:14 - 21:26 – The FDA-approved EEG for ADHD—how does it work? 21:26 - 25:42 – What EEG brainwave patterns reveal about ADHD 25:42 - 30:30 – Theta waves & hyperactivity: Why ADHD brains struggle to stay engaged 30:30 - 33:21 – Controversial brain scan clinics: Red flags & celebrity endorsements 33:21 - 36:58 – The big debate: Are these scans science or a marketing scheme? 36:58 - 41:07 – The risks of expensive “luxury” ADHD diagnostics 41:07 - 44:11 – Final thoughts: Are we heading toward a better way to diagnose ADHD?

Every day, autism researchers are hard at work studying the most pressing issues that face our community. For example, how much do you need to pay an autistic person for them to consent to kitten murder?In this episode, we're playing a game where Tarah shares the results of some "unusual" autism studies and John tries to channel the mind of a researcher to guess what conclusions they draw. Spoiler alert! This game is harder than you think. Join us, and see if you can beat John!Links:Study #1:The prisoner's dilemma with childrenStudy #2:Morality questions, but with adults this timeStudy #3:Kitten killingThis comic inspired by the kitten killing study00:00 Introduction01:37 Explaining the game setup02:27 Why are we focusing on autism today?04:58 Round 1A - Introducing the first half of study #107:07 Round 1A - John's guess and results09:38 Round 1B - Introducing the second half of study #112:23 Round 1B - John's guess and results17:57 Round 2 - Introducing study #221:08 Round 2 - John's guess and results31:57 Round 3 - Introducing study #333:11 Round 3 - John's guess and results40:46 Closing thoughts

In this episode, we delve into 'The Diagnostic Ladder,' a framework designed to help understand the stages individuals go through when recognizing and seeking a diagnosis for ADHD and autism. We explore the initial rejection of symptoms, the gradual acceptance, the importance of both medical and self-diagnosis, the emotional journey after diagnosis, and the recontextualization of past experiences. This video aims to dispel feelings of isolation and provide a clearer insight into the diagnostic process for neurodivergent conditions, offering valuable information for both those directly affected and their friends and family. 00:00 Introduction to the Diagnostic Ladder 00:07 Emotional Journey of Diagnosis 03:04 Imposter Syndrome and Diagnosis 03:50 Building Community and Understanding 06:21 Challenges and Stigma in Diagnosis 09:10 Steps of the Diagnostic Ladder 12:31 Step 1 13:56 Step 2 14:17 Step 3 16:16 Step 4 16:37 Medical vs. Self-Diagnosis 19:02 Understanding Self-Diagnosis 19:38 Emotional Reactions to Diagnosis 22:56 Recontextualizing Past Memories 31:18 Acceptance and Continued Learning 39:14 Conclusion and Community Stories

Let's look into our (science powered) crystal ball and bring you a glimpse of your future! What will you see? Revolutionary changes, or more of the same? To kick off this episode, we recap a few highlights (and lowlights) for AuDHDers in 2024, including rising diagnosis rates, changes to the DSM (or lack thereof), and medication shortages. Then, we chat about our predictions for 2025, including potential genetic-based subtypes of ADHD and autism, the necessity of a separate branch of medicine for neurodivergent individuals, and the importance of regulation in ADHD coaching. Join us as we dive deep into the science, challenges, and future possibilities for living with AuDHD. Chapters: 00:00 What Does the Future Hold for ADHD and Autism: Revolutionary Changes or More of the Same? 06:22 Reflecting on 2024: Best and Worst Moments 06:58 Predictions for ADHD and Autism Classification 07:45 Scientific Understanding and Media Misconceptions 11:08 Genetic Links and Polygenic Conditions 12:23 The Autism Spectrum and Neurodivergent Profiles 13:03 Challenges and Misconceptions in Neurodivergence 18:34 The Need for a New Branch of Medicine 29:08 The Role and Future of ADHD Coaching 41:28 Conclusion and Call for Predictions References and sources: https://chadd.org/about-adhd/general-prevalence/ https://www.ft.com/content/98340a65-5438-44eb-8462-7ce15212ded2 https://www.opb.org/article/2024/05/23/adhd-diagnoses-are-rising-1-in-9-u-s-kids-have-gotten-one-new-study-finds/ https://www.goblinxadhd.com/blog/understanding-and-diagnosing-dsm-5-tr-adhd-a-comp/ https://www.wpspublish.com/blog/dsm-5tr-updates-autism-diagnostic-criteria https://www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/dsm-5-revision-tweaks-autism-entry-for-clarity/ https://www.ajmc.com/view/us-adhd-stimulant-shortage-highlights-growing-challenges-in-adult-treatment https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/its-not-just-in-your-head/202406/adhd-medication-the-shortage-is-getting-worse https://www.cbsnews.com/news/adhd-medication-shortage-cause/

What is OCD (the real deal, not just the stereotypes)? Is it similar to AuDHD? How do you even know the difference? We'll explore all these questions and more in this week's 'mini-sode'. Just like ADHD and autism, OCD is tremendously misunderstood in popular culture... but we want to help fix that! First, we take a deep dive into OCD to set the record straight. Then, we'll discuss experiences from Tarah's life and why those events may, or may not, be OCD. Lastly, we'll talk about treatment options if you suspect you might have OCD. 00:00 Welcome back to the podcast! 01:23 What is OCD and why do misconceptions exist? 02:57 How do you measure OCD (Yale-Brown Scale)? 03:49 Why do AuDHDers score higher on OCD tests? 05:21 What are compulsions and why do some people have them? 06:12 What does OCD look like with no AuDHD overlap? 09:56 Where do OCD and AuDHD overlap, and how can you distinguish? 13:37 How common is an OCD comorbidity? 15:31 Do autism and OCD share common genetic roots? 17:51 What does neuroscience tell us about OCD? 20:04 Does Tarah believe she has OCD? 22:04 Why is it crucial to distinguish between OCD and AuDHD? 23:00 What is an example of positive autistic obsessiveness? 25:11 When can a hyperfixation turn unhealthy? 28:50 Did Tarah have OCD trying to eliminate plastic? 33:07 How can you treat OCD? Watch next: Firsthand perspective on having both OCD and Autism: ⁠https://youtu.be/aURAh93vEcI?si=u9otilC_Qm9vNtOa⁠ References: [Test] Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale: https://embrace-autism.com/yale-brown-obsessive-compulsive-scale/ [Research] OCD and it's overlap with Autism and ADHD: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/misdiagnosis-monday/adhd-vs-autism-vs-ocd [Research] OCD and Autism genetic overlap: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6928520/