WTF is AuDHD?

If you’re constantly exhausted no matter how much you feel like you're resting, it might autistic, ADHD or AuDHD burnout (and yes, it's different from traditional 'burnout'). Our neurodivergent brains are different and therefore the causes and treatment for burnout need to be neurodiversity affirming. We unpack the causes of ADHD, autistic, and AuDHD burnout, what we've experienced, how it can be confused for depression and why traditional therapy may not work for you. Below are some resources we reference in the episode - as always, please continue to do your own research!Join our Reddit community!LINKTREESOCIAL @wtfaudhdpodcastSOURCES:@vivdawesautistic (Instagram) and WEBSITE with (paid) resourcesHandy (paid) Burnout WorkbookPrevention for AuDHD Burnout - article here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting an ADHD or autism diagnosis - especially later in life - can bring an avalanche of emotions: relief, validation, anger, grief, confusion, and imposter syndrome. In today’s episode, we talk about the messy, beautiful, and often overwhelming feelings that come before and after a diagnosis.We share real community stories and our own experiences of trying to make sense of this new identity, processing the past, navigating conversations with family, and wrestling with the fear of not being believed - especially when autism (in particular) is still so misunderstood.SOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcastJoin our Reddit community! Link in our Linktree Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re diving deep into justice sensitivity - the intense emotional reaction many AuDHDers have to unfairness, inequality, and being misunderstood.We explore what justice sensitivity actually is, how it shows up differently in autism and ADHD, and why it’s more than just being “too sensitive. We share our own real-life examples and strategies to cope when injustice feels personal.✨ Listener shoutouts from Reddit start the episode! Join our Reddit community HERE.SOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcastLINKTREE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join our private Reddit community: https://www.reddit.com/r/wtfisaudhdpodcast/Feeling lonely even when you're surrounded by people? You're not broken and you're not alone. In this episode, we unpack loneliness, friendship struggles, and the invisible barriers that come with having both ADHD and autism (AuDHD). We unpack why so many ADHDers and autistic people struggle with connection, friendship maintenance, and burnout, even though a lot of us crave closeness more than anything.SOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcastLINKTREE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is RSD? Is it just an ADHD thing? Is it trauma? In this episode, we’re breaking down Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria - a common but sometimes misunderstood experience in the ADHD community. We explore how RSD affects people with ADHD and autism, why it might develop, and how it shows up in everyday life. Plus, we share personal stories, examples, and strategies to cope when rejection feels like danger.LINKTREESOCIAL @wtifisaudhdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this practical and personal episode, we’re diving into real-life strategies for navigating the daily chaos of living with ADHD (and autism!) but this is more focused on the ADHD side. Paige's entrepreneurial and creative brain has come up with a bunch of strategies that she's affectionately called Paige's Pointers. These tips help with everything from executive dysfunction to sensory overwhelm. We appreciate these might not work for everyone, but we hope you find some value!SOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcastLINKTREE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we dive into the world of ADHD medication and our experiences - what it is, how it works, and how it's helped us. We break down the science in (very) simple terms - even though we don't know how to say norepinephrine. We share our personal journeys with different medications, and discuss the pros, cons, and side effects we’ve experienced along the way. We also touch on what options are currently available in Aotearoa New Zealand, how to access them, and what to expect on your medication journey. To reiterate, this is all from our lived experience so please supplement this with your own research and speak to a healthcare professional.LINKTREESOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Content warning: The content discussed in this episode is for informational and personal storytelling purposes only. We are not medical professionals, and this should not be taken as medical or therapeutic advice. If you are struggling with substance use or addiction, please reach out to a qualified professional or a trusted support service.In this episode, we're diving into a sensitive but crucial topic: the relationship between substance use and neurodivergence - mainly ADHD and autism - through our personal experiences.We explore why neurodivergent people may be at greater risk of substance use, how masking, trauma, and unmet needs contribute, and why addiction services must become more neurodivergence-informed here in Aotearoa New Zealand. We also share our own personal experiences and what we’ve learned about ourselves and our relationship with substances. This episode draws on New Zealand-based research and insights, alongside our lived experiences.This is the article we frequently reference.Helpful links:NZ Drug Foundation – Support Services DirectoryHealthline NZ – Alcohol and Drug Helpline (Free call: 0800 787 797 or free text: 8681)1737 – Need to talk? (Free call or text 1737 for support from a trained counsellor) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DISCLAIMER: this episode lightly mentions suicide, self harm and substance abuse.In response to recent comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about autism, we dive into why this kind of rhetoric is not only harmful and dehumanising, but also rooted in outdated, ableist thinking. We break down some of the direct quotes, talk about the real-life impact of these messages, and remind listeners that every autistic experience is valid, and we don’t need to be fixed or cured.SOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcastLINKTREE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we tackle the common misconception that “everyone is being diagnosed these days.” From ADHD to autism, it can feel like neurodivergence is suddenly everywhere—but is that really a bad thing? We unpack why diagnosis rates are rising, what’s changed in how we recognise neurodivergence (especially in adults, women, and marginalised groups), and why it’s not about a trend. We also touch on some of the harmful conversations going on in the USA at the moment, and explain why the language being used is harmful.SOCAL @wtfisaudhdpodcastLINKTREE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.