Late To The Party - a podcast on Autism, AuDHD and Neurodivergence Episode 68 - Rewriting the Story: Jessica Horner on Letting Go of the Deficit Lens
Dec 31, 2025
Jessica Horner, an audio-aged and disabled advocate, returns for an insightful chat reflecting on her journey six years post-diagnosis. She shares experiences with ADHD and chronic illness while challenging the deficit lens often applied to neurodivergence. Jessica discusses the emotional toll of public vulnerability, the importance of authenticity, and the healing power of somatic practices like daily yoga. With a focus on self-compassion and community, she offers practical tools for navigating neurodivergent life and encourages embracing one small step at a time.
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Relief And Grief Of Late Diagnosis
- Jessica felt profound relief on medication when thoughts became manageable and singular instead of overlapping.
- Late diagnosis costs include lost executive function, support, and self-compassion across decades.
Shame Accumulates From Being Told You're Wrong
- Undiagnosed neurodivergent people accumulate shame from decades of criticism and misfit messaging.
- Relearning self-compassion requires conscious unpacking because social feedback has already been internalized.
Neurodivergent People Cluster Together
- Jessica noticed neurodivergent friends naturally grouped in quieter spaces with good lighting at an art event.
- She observed how neurodivergent people attract each other and create self-regulating social clusters.