Join Portia Jackson Preston, a passionate coach and an ADHD/AuDHD advocate, as she shares her journey of late diagnosis. Together with Eric Tivers, they explore the profound impact of discovering their autism, discussing the unmasking process and the importance of self-compassion. They delve into the emotional weight of intersecting identities, the significance of self-diagnosis, and the healing power of EMDR therapy. Their candid conversation also highlights how embracing their neurodiversity enriches their lives, relationships, and even their dance moves!
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Guardian Angel
Eric Tivers expresses gratitude to Portia Jackson-Preston for her support at the 2024 CHADD conference.
He was struggling with dysregulation before a presentation, and Portia helped him regain composure.
insights INSIGHT
Hidden Autism
Portia notes the irony of being a professor and not realizing her own autism sooner.
Eric adds that people with low support needs often have higher mental health needs, highlighting the internal struggles.
insights INSIGHT
Self-Diagnosis Validity
Self-diagnosis is valid due to the inaccessibility and political nature of formal evaluations.
Disclosing autism can have professional and social consequences, creating a need for protections.
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In this book, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both the body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores various treatments, including neurofeedback, meditation, sports, drama, and yoga, which activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to aid in recovery. The book emphasizes the power of relationships in both causing and healing trauma and offers hope through descriptions of novel approaches to treatment. It is based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists in the field[1][2][5].
Unmasking for Life
Devon Price
Unmasking for Life offers practical tools and strategies for autistic individuals to advocate for their needs and create authentic lives. It focuses on developing five key skills: acceptance of change, engagement in productive conflict, transgression of unfair rules, tolerance of distress, and creation of new accommodations. The book aims to help autistic people move beyond internal healing and build fulfilling relationships and lives.
What happens when two ADHDers realize there's more to the story? In this deeply personal and exploratory episode, Eric is joined by his friend and fellow coach, Portia Jackson Preston, for an honest, vulnerable, and unmasked conversation about discovering—later in life—that they’re not just ADHD… they're also autistic. April is Autism Acceptance Month and there’s no better time to peel back the layers. Eric and Portia share their parallel journeys of exploring what it means to be AuDHD, how autism was hiding in plain sight for both of them, and how late diagnosis is reshaping their self-understanding, their relationships, their parenting, and their work. Together, they unpack: What unmasking looks like—and feels like—especially when it's not a conscious choice Why self-diagnosis is valid and often necessary How intersecting identities impact recognition and diagnosis The grief and growth that come with seeing your past through a new lens Why autistic burnout hit both of them so hard (and what they’re doing now to recover) And how this shift is impacting their businesses, boundaries, and sense of self You’ll also hear about how EMDR therapy played a pivotal role in both of their journeys, how the Johari Window concept reframed Eric’s understanding of his blind spots, and how reconnecting with their full, authentic selves has allowed for deeper joy—even in the weirdest places (like dancing at a Phish show with hand flaps in full glory). This is the kind of conversation that gives others permission to explore, to question, and to be. 👉 Related links & resources: Portia Jackson Preston on Instagram: 🎧 Takeaways: Unmasking isn’t a one-time event—it’s a process. Late diagnosis can be both a relief and a reckoning. Self-compassion isn’t optional; it’s a survival tool. You don’t have to prove your neurodivergence to anyone. It’s okay to change. It’s okay to grieve. And it’s okay to rest.
ADHD reWired 
