The ADHD Social Playbook ADHD + Autism, Sensory Needs, and Burnout with Dr. Megan Anna Neff [Part 1]
Nov 18, 2025
Dr. Megan Anna Neff, a clinical psychologist and founder of Neurodivergent Insights, shares her journey of discovering her autism and ADHD at 37. She discusses the internal conflict between the routines sought by autism and the novelty craved by ADHD. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding sensory needs and how naming these needs can alleviate shame. Megan also highlights practical self-advocacy techniques to prevent burnout and improve relationships, emphasizing the value of selective socializing for energy management.
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Naming Changes How We See Ourselves
- Without language, we attribute struggles to character and shame.
- Naming ADHD/autism shifts understanding to executive function and accommodations.
A Personal Diagnosis Journey
- Megan Anna Neff discovered autism first and ADHD a year later in adulthood after a child's diagnosis.
- She used Venn diagrams to realize traits she thought were autism were actually ADHD too.
The Push-Pull Of AuDHD
- Autism and ADHD can create a push-pull where needs conflict, like routine versus novelty.
- The conditions can both support and tug against each other, complicating daily functioning.
