ADHD and Autism in High Masking and Internalised Presentations with Amanda Moses Psychology

Summary

In this conversation, Johanna interviews Amanda Moses, a psychologist who specializes in ADHD and autism assessments for adults. They discuss Amanda's background and passion for this work, the importance of self-care for professionals in the helping profession, the process of diagnosing ADHD and autism, the misconceptions and overlap between the two conditions, and the challenges faced by individuals with high masking or internalized presentations. Strategies for managing ADHD and autism are discussed, including building compensatory strategies, embracing strengths, and practicing self-compassion. The conversation also addresses the misconception that trauma can explain ADHD and autism, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and appropriate support. The importance of preventing and managing autistic burnout is highlighted, along with the value of understanding and accommodating sensory issues.

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Keywords

ADHD, autism, assessment, diagnosis, high masking, internalized presentation, misconceptions, overlap, psychologists, ADHD, autism, neurodiversity, contradictory traits, identification, managing, compensatory strategies, strengths, self-compassion, trauma, autistic burnout, sensory issues

Takeaways

Psychologists specializing in ADHD and autism assessments for adults should stay up to date with research and guidelines to provide accurate and affirming assessments.

Transparency about the assessment process and fees is important for both psychologists and psychiatrists.

High masking or internalized presentations of ADHD and autism may not display stereotypical observable traits, but individuals still experience the same constellation of traits internally.

ADHD and autism are distinct neurotypes that often coexist, and it is important to assess both together to provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual's experiences.

Misconceptions and stereotypes about ADHD and autism can lead to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis, and it is crucial to seek information from individuals with lived experience.

Cognitive assessments, such as intelligence tests, are not necessary for diagnosing ADHD in adults and may perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

Psychologists have a responsibility to provide assessments that are relevant and necessary, and to avoid exploitative practices.

The DSM-5 allows for the diagnosis of both ADHD and autism, and many individuals may have been previously misdiagnosed or undiagnosed due to the previous guidelines.

Living with both ADHD and autism can feel like living with two different paradoxes, as the two conditions have distinct characteristics and experiences. ADHD and autism have contradictory traits that can make identification and understanding challenging.

Strategies for managing ADHD include building compensatory strategies, embracing strengths, and practicing self-compassion.

The misconception that trauma can explain ADHD and autism should be challenged, and accurate diagnosis and appropriate support are crucial.

Preventing and managing autistic burnout is important, and understanding and accommodating sensory issues is essential.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:19 Passion for ADHD and Autism Assessments

06:42 Challenges of High Masking and Internalized Presentations

11:59 Co-Occurrence of ADHD and Autism

21:03 Misconceptions and Overlap between ADHD and Autism

24:38 Living with Contradictory Neurotypes

25:07 The Challenges of Identifying Autism and ADHD

44:08 Strategies for Managing and Thriving

49:26 Embracing Neurodiversity