ADHD Chatter Ellie Middleton Opens Up About ADHD and Autism Diagnosis | Ep. 30
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Oct 9, 2023 In this engaging conversation, Ellie Middleton, a passionate activist and founder of the (Un)masked community, shares her journey with ADHD and autism. She opens up about the struggle of unmasking her identity and the challenges of dating as a neurodivergent individual. Ellie discusses her book 'Unmasked' and addresses misconceptions about ADHD, emphasizing its serious implications. She also introduces the productivity technique of body doubling, promoting self-acceptance and encouraging others to embrace their uniqueness in a world that often pressures conformity.
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Early Differences
- Ellie Middleton's earliest memories of feeling different stem from childhood.
- Being a tomboy amongst mostly boys, she felt different, but social struggles became more apparent when forced into girl friendship groups.
Masking and Misdiagnosis
- Ellie Middleton began masking heavily in secondary school to fit in.
- This made later diagnosis more challenging as outward signs were attributed to anxiety rather than autism.
Catalyst for Assessment
- Ellie Middleton's catalyst for seeking an autism assessment was a counselor's question about taking things literally.
- This question arose from an incident where her partner broke a promise, highlighting her struggle with implied meanings.
