The ADHD Social Playbook Unmasking, Energy Pacing & the “Hurry” Habit with Dr. Megan Anna Neff {Part 2}
Dec 16, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Megan Anna Neff, a clinical researcher and author specializing in neurodivergence, explores the intricate dynamics of energy, burnout, and unmasking. She discusses her innovative PINCH framework, shedding light on how ADHD brains often thrive on urgency. The duo elaborates on the importance of protected downtime and the impact of sensory stimulation for energy regulation. They also tackle the stigma surrounding stimming and the crucial process of gentle unmasking for self-discovery, emphasizing that it looks different for everyone.
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Hurry Fuels Unsustainable Energy
- Many ADHDers rely on hurry because the urgency triggers cortisol that suddenly gives energy.
- That cortisol-driven push creates unsustainable boom-and-bust productivity cycles.
Energy Language From Chronic Illness Helps
- The chronic illness and disability movements introduced energy language like spoon theory that helps neurodivergent people.
- ADHD and autistic people often need more rest and pacing systems to manage limited energy.
Use PINCH To Reduce Hurry Reliance
- Scaffold tasks with passion, interest, novelty, and challenge so you don't rely on hurry.
- Build dopamine-friendly strategies to create energy without cortisol spikes.