I Have ADHD Podcast 342 Love on the Spectrum’s Kaelynn Partlow on Autism, ADHD, and Why She Refuses to Use the Term “AuDHD”
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Oct 14, 2025 Kaelynn Partlow, an autism advocate and therapist known for her role on Love on the Spectrum, shares her unique insights on living at the intersection of autism and ADHD. She discusses the complexities of managing both identities and why she rejects the AuDHD label. Kaelynn reflects on her reality TV experience and opens up about the challenges of being perceived as 'not autistic enough.' With humor and honesty, she emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, practical accommodations, and the often-overlooked strengths of neurodivergent individuals.
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Avoid Jargon That Excludes People
- Kaelynn avoids using the abbreviation 'AuDHD' because it requires explanation and defeats the purpose of a quick label.
- She prefers clear, specific language so in-person listeners aren't left confused or excluded.
Use Medication Strategically
- Treat ADHD symptoms with appropriate medication if it reduces harmful impulsivity and work trouble, as Kaelynn did.
- Use medication strategically (e.g., only on workdays) and monitor side effects like appetite loss and headaches.
Overlap Makes Attribution Hard
- Kaelynn feels autism and ADHD overlap but sometimes produce distinct experiences like intolerance of schedule changes versus novelty-seeking.
- She struggles to neatly separate which neurotype drives specific executive functioning or emotional regulation issues.
