E29 | Dr Khurram Sadiq: Managing AuDHD, misdiagnosis & masking

30 snips

Aug 4, 2025

Dr. Khurram Sadiq, a neurodevelopmental psychiatrist and AuDHD advocate, discusses the complexities of identifying AuDHD traits, common misdiagnoses, and the impact of familial neurodivergence. He offers insights into the subconscious nature of masking and how to safely begin unmasking. The conversation also highlights important workplace accommodations for neurodivergent individuals, effective strategies for managing ADHD burnout, and the need for improved clinician training to better recognize these conditions. Dr. Sadiq provides hope and practical advice for those feeling overwhelmed.

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INSIGHT

Siblings Often Share Neurodivergence

AuDHD traits often run in families but present very differently between siblings.
Genes, brain development timing and environment shape who shows symptoms.

ANECDOTE

Child Diagnosis Can Trigger Parent Realisation

A child's diagnosis commonly prompts parents to recognise their own neurodivergence.
That shared recognition can reduce isolation and build stronger family bonds.

INSIGHT

Misdiagnosis Is Common And Deeply Harmful

Autism and ADHD are often mistaken for anxiety, depression or psychosis.
Misdiagnosis causes inappropriate treatment and delays access to correct support.

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Dr Khurram Sadiq is back for part two where we dig into common misdiagnoses, masking, family dynamics, and how to truly identify AuDHD traits. We also touch on workplace accommodations, co-occurring conditions like OCD and PMDD, and how to manage burnout and executive dysfunction (especially when medication isn’t accessible or effective). Dr Sadiq offers grounded advice and hope to anyone navigating late diagnosis, uncertainty, or feeling "too much" for the world.

Win a signed copy of Dr Khurram Sadiq's new book - Explaining AuDHD! Head over to our Instagram @wtfisaudhdpodcast to enter.

Purchase your own copy here

Key moments:

1:50 – If one sibling is neurodivergent, does that mean the others are too? Genetics, family traits, and environment explained

3:50 – How undiagnosed neurodivergent parents can unknowingly impact their kids - and themselves

5:20 – When a child’s diagnosis leads to the parent’s lightbulb moment

6:34 – The most common misdiagnoses (and what clinicians often miss)

8:50 – Why all clinicians need better training to recognise neurodevelopmental conditions

11:12 – The biggest blind spots in current diagnostic practices - and how they affect adults especially

13:20 – How do you really know if you’re AuDHD - and not “just” ADHD or autistic?

18:34 – The link between OCD and neurodivergence: is it a separate condition or a secondary outcome?

21:06 – Why masking is subconscious - and how to begin unmasking safely

24:45 – Practical ways businesses and workplaces can better accommodate AuDHDers

29:38 – Managing life with AuDHD: realistic tips from lived experience

34:20 – Why content, podcasts, and peer education are critical to self-understanding

35:45 – The latest research on AuDHD that we should be paying attention to

37:50 – What’s the connection between neurodivergence and tic disorders?

39:59 – Dr Sadiq shares new insight into PMDD and neurodivergence

42:32 – How to handle AuDHD burnout - especially when you're trying to do everything

46:26 – What to do when medication isn’t working - or you can’t access it

50:21 – Assimilate or opt out? The hard choices AuDHDers face around work, education, and parenting

54:05 – Final reflections: a message to every neurodivergent person trying their best in a world not built for them

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