Divergent Conversations

Two AuDHD mental health professionals, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, discuss the complexities of impulsivity in ADHD using the DSM-5 criteria. They explore how impulsivity affects relationships and career choices, and share personal experiences. The episode delves into the challenges of inhibiting impulsive behaviors, including real-life examples of struggles and negative consequences. The guests emphasize the importance of diagnosing ADHD based on symptoms before age 12 and across different settings.

Listen to mental health professionals Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff discuss ADHD-Hyperactive traits, including managing behaviors in social and professional settings, the concept of masking in ADHD, challenges with being present in the moment, and strategies for addressing hyperactive energy. Gain insight into personal experiences and the impact of ADHD on relationships and daily life.

AuDHD mental health professionals, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, delve into the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD inattentive subtype. They share personal struggles with inattentive traits like decision fatigue, coping mechanisms, project management challenges, and organization difficulties. Listeners can relate to their experiences and gain insights on navigating daily life with ADHD traits.

Two AuDHD mental health professionals, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, discuss the often misunderstood traits of ADHD, share personal stories, explore interconnectedness with autism, and highlight societal stereotypes. They lay the groundwork for discussions on ADHD criteria and personal experiences in this informative podcast.

If you're parenting a neurodivergent child or young adult, you understand that traditional approaches don't always fit. Balancing the unique needs with the world's expectations can feel isolating and overwhelming.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, speak with Lisa Dube, a licensed clinical social worker, a specialist in gender identities and neurodivergence, and the founder of Merrimack River Wellness. They dive into the nuances of parenting, supporting, and understanding neurodivergent children, particularly those exploring their gender identity.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:Gain a deeper understanding of how to recognize and support the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses in neurodivergent children, helping you to interpret their behaviors through a more informed and empathetic lens.Learn from Lisa Dube's insights into the intersection of gender identity and neurodivergence, encouraging a curious and non-judgmental approach to parenting that embraces and respects your child's identity exploration.Discover practical advice on avoiding the "failure to launch" stereotype and fostering an environment of interdependence through "scaffolding,” particularly useful for parents of neurodivergent young adults who do not fit traditional developmental trajectories.As you tune into this vital conversation, reflect on how you can bring these strategies into your own family dynamics to support and strengthen the bond with your child. Consider how your parenting approach can evolve not just to cope with, but to actively enrich the journey of raising a neurodivergent child.More about Lisa Dube, MSW, LICSWFounder, Merrimack River WellnessLisa is neurodivergent and has been a licensed clinical social worker since 1995. Prior to opening her private practice, Lisa worked for the U.S. District Court for more than twenty years, as a treatment specialist. In 2018, she established a private practice focused on the needs of families and individuals navigating gender identity exploration and transition. Over the last few years, Lisa has become passionate about the intersectionality of gender and neurodivergence and has received extensive training in the neurodiversity-affirming paradigm. More recently, Lisa has completed Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 & 2 training and has brought this non-pathologizing lens into her practice. She currently facilitates several groups for parents and for young adults, focused on the intersectionality of gender and neurodivergence. Lisa has a special interest in supporting parents in developing new narratives and ways of connecting with their young adult autistic children who may be challenged with the transition to adulthood. Lisa is licensed to provide clinical services in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.Website: https://www.merrimackriverwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/merrimackriverwellness————————————————————————————————🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground————————————————————————————————✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout ResourcesIf you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources————————————————————————————————💬 Join Divergent Conversations UndergroundDivergent Conversations Underground is a space for messy conversations, real connection, and unfinished thoughts in a neurodivergent-affirming community. If you’d like to go deeper with us into more nuanced, searching conversations, join here: divergentconversations.substack.com————————————————————————————————Mentioned in this episode:Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout ResourcesIf you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources

Livia Sara, an autism advocate in eating disorder recovery, discusses unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, the power of autonomy in recovery, and personal struggles with eating disorders and addiction. The podcast explores misdiagnoses, societal perceptions of food, and the quest for identity amidst struggles with anorexia and depression.

Nutritional therapist Jes Hagen discusses PMDD, hormonal imbalances impacting mental health like ADHD and bipolar disorder. They explore integrative approaches, dietary choices, and lifestyle changes for better management. The conversation highlights the struggles of living with PMDD, the link between estrogen, dopamine receptors, and ADHD, and the challenges of traditional medical treatments.

AuDHD mental health professionals, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, discuss special interests and sensory experiences in autism. They highlight the role of passions in forming connections and the diverse sensory systems that influence daily life. The conversation explores creating inclusive environments, understanding sensory challenges, and the interconnection of autism and ADHD criteria.

Two AuDHD mental health professionals, Patrick Casale and Dr. Neff, discuss the importance and challenges of routines in the lives of Autistic individuals. They cover topics such as all-or-nothing thinking, struggles with flexibility, personal stories of routine disruptions, and the complexities of routine, control, and flexibility in relation to autism and gender differences.

Two AuDHD mental health professionals, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, discuss the complexities of friendship management for Autistic individuals, exploring the connection between relationships and common Autistic traits. They delve into social communication challenges, childhood friendships, friendship dynamics, repetitive behaviors, and the satisfaction of organizing collections.