Ellie (33) and Paige (31) are sisters who were diagnosed late with autism and ADHD (AuDHD). However, the way it manifests in them doesn't look the same. With AuDHD only becoming an official diagnosis in 2013, the lack of research not only resulted in late diagnosis and mental health issues, but also left Ellie and Paige feeling alone and confused. This podcast is a space where Ellie and Paige share their experiences, in the hopes it will help others. It explores the vast manifestations of neurodivergence and emphasises how even sisters with the same condition can look completely different.
// Diagnosed late, here to educate // INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, YOUTUBE @wtfisaudhdpodcast
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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 years masking, you've got trauma or other diagnoses. There are so many limitations to these screene...
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 changed the way he sees himself, what it's like getting ADHD coaching and we discuss the generationa...
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 your own mind. We share personal stories of when demands have triggered resistance (sometimes witho...
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 linking neurodivergence with physical health and common correlations. This episode isn’t medical ad...
Ellie and Paige delve into why everyday transitions are uniquely challenging for people with AuDHD, exploring concepts like autistic inertia, hyper-focus, and cognitive inflexibility. They share personal struggles with shifting between tasks, dealing with interruptions, and even grieving minor life changes. The sisters also offer practical tips for supporting both AuDHD children and adults through these difficult moments, from preemptive warnings to habit stacking.
Dr. Khurram Sadiq returns to explore the complexities of AuDHD, addressing prevalent misdiagnoses often mistaken for anxiety or bipolar disorder, and the critical need for better clinician training. He delves into family dynamics, the subconscious nature of masking, and practical strategies for workplace accommodations. The discussion also covers managing AuDHD burnout, executive dysfunction, and the importance of self-education and peer support, offering hope and grounded advice for late-diagnosed individuals.
Dr. Khurram Sadiq, a neurodevelopmental psychiatrist and AuDHDer, shares his compelling journey of self-discovery and diagnosis, highlighting the unique challenges of living with both ADHD and autism. He discusses the genetic and evolutionary underpinnings of neurodivergence, along with the significant impact of cultural, gender, and systemic biases on diagnosis. Dr. Sadiq also provides crucial insights into differentiating seemingly similar traits between autism and ADHD, advocating for a holistic assessment approach.
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 experiences sent in by our community - from those who are already parenting with AuDHD, to those who’...
This episode delves into the profound impact of AuDHD on career paths, with Ellie and Paige candidly sharing their struggles with burnout, job-hopping, and the unique challenges of masking and overstimulation in traditional workplaces. They explore the confusing 'love-hate' relationship AuDHD individuals often have with their jobs, driven by conflicting needs for chaos and consistency. The hosts encourage self-compassion, reframing 'failure' as learning, and exploring flexible career paths that honor neurodivergent needs.
This episode explores the complex and often contradictory experience of living with AuDHD, highlighting how traditional treatments fall short due to the unique interplay of ADHD and autistic traits. Hosts Ellie and Paige share personal anecdotes and listener contributions, illustrating the struggle between craving stimulation and needing predictability, and the pervasive issue of burnout. They emphasize the newness of AuDHD research and the importance of self-compassion and community in navigating these challenges.
Clinical psychologist Mike Cochrane, an AuDHDer specializing in autism and ADHD assessments in New Zealand, joins Ellie and Paige to share his personal diagnosis story and discuss common missed neurodivergent traits. The conversation covers his accessible diagnostic process, the benefits and limitations of CBT and ACT for AuDHDers, and the implications of recent NZ legislation allowing GPs to diagnose ADHD. Mike also offers strategies for self-understanding, managing post-diagnosis emotions, and advocating for neurodivergent needs in the workplace.
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 guidance for anyone navigating these diagnoses. With so many of you finding value in our conversation...
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 confused for depression and why traditional therapy may not work for you. Below are some resources w...
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, processing the past, navigating conversations with family, and wrestling with the fear of not being b...
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. ✨ Listener shoutouts from Reddit start the episode! Join our Reddit community HERE . SOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpo...
Ellie and Paige delve into the profound loneliness experienced by neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with AuDHD, highlighting how masking and unique communication styles create barriers to authentic connection. They discuss the internal conflict of craving social interaction while being easily overstimulated and exhausted, offering insights into the challenges of maintaining friendships, the impact of past trauma, and the importance of finding understanding communities.
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 danger. LINKTREE SOCIAL @wtifisaudhdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa...
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. We appreciate these might not work for everyone, but we hope you find some value! SOCIAL @wtfisaudh...
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 currently available in Aotearoa New Zealand, how to access them, and what to expect on your medication jo...
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 crucial topic: the relationship between substance use and neurodivergence - mainly ADHD and autism - thro...
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 every autistic experience is valid, and we don’t need to be fixed or cured. SOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcast...
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 touch on some of the harmful conversations going on in the USA at the moment, and explain why the langu...
Hosts Ellie and Paige delve into what masking is, how to recognize it, and initial steps for unmasking, drawing inspiration from Devon Price's "Unmasking Autism." They discuss the challenges of shedding years of social conditioning, including fears of rejection and perception changes, and offer practical strategies like identifying masking triggers and reframing self-perceptions. The sisters share personal experiences with substance use, disordered eating, and the importance of self-discovery and setting boundaries in this ongoing process.
This episode explores masking, the conscious and unconscious ways neurodivergent individuals camouflage their traits to fit into a neurotypical world. The hosts discuss why people mask from a young age due to fear, its profound impact on mental health and self-identity, and how it often leads to misdiagnosis and burnout. They share personal experiences and introduce the concept of unmasking, preparing for a deeper dive in the next episode.
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 our personal experiences, the science behind PMDD, and the frustrating reality of seeking a diagno...
Ellie and Paige delve into the profound contradictions of having both autism and ADHD, coining it "AuDHD feels like living with two brains constantly fighting." They discuss how conflicting traits manifest in areas like attention, social interactions, the paradox of craving but struggling with routine, and the unique challenges of sensory processing and executive function. The hosts also touch upon the double burnout experienced from masking and hyperfixation, stressing the importance of self-awareness and strategies over the misconception that lifestyle changes can "cure" neurodivergence.
Hosts Ellie and Paige, late-diagnosed sisters with AuDHD, delve into the complexities of this newly recognized neurotype. They share their lived experiences, explaining how autism and ADHD traits can mask each other, leading to misdiagnosis as conditions like bipolar or BPD, and causing significant internal paralysis and social challenges. The discussion emphasizes the profound impact on mental health and the importance of increasing awareness and research into AuDHD.
Ellie and Paige delve into Autism Spectrum Disorder, providing a comprehensive overview of its neurological underpinnings and impact on perception, communication, and social interaction. They discuss the neural pruning theory to explain sensory overwhelm and meltdowns, clarify the three levels of autism support, and challenge harmful stereotypes like the myth of lacking empathy. The hosts share personal experiences with delayed processing, social struggles, and unique insights gained during COVID-19 lockdowns, emphasizing the diverse ways autism manifests and the importance of understanding different communication styles.
In today’s episode, we kick things off with an open conversation about the menstrual cycle and an introduction to PMDD, as Paige shares her experience with a new medication designed to manage its symptoms. Then, we dive into ADHD—what it is, common misconceptions, and why neurodiversity plays a crucial role in the world. SOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcast | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube Submit your suggestions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Ellie and Paige delve into their personal, often challenging, paths to autism diagnoses, following their previous ADHD discussions. They explore how ADHD can mask autistic traits, leading to late diagnoses, especially for women who excel at camouflaging. The episode criticizes outdated diagnostic methods and healthcare system inadequacies in New Zealand, emphasizing the vital role of specialized psychologists and self-identification.
