Dr Khurram Sadiq - renowned psychiatrist and AuDHDer - joins us to help explain AuDHD. In this powerful first half of our conversation, we unpack his own diagnostic journey, what it means to live between ADHD and autism, and why this combination deserves more recognition. We explore how gender, culture, and systemic pressures influence diagnosis, and why many of us are missed or misunderstood for decades. Dr Sadiq also shares his perspective on whether ADHD and autism exist on a shared spectrum - and how we can begin to differentiate between similar traits. Part two of our chat is out next week!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 hereKey moments:4:39 – Dr Sadiq shares his upbringing and the early signs of neurodivergence he experienced, including the emotional toll of trying to conform in a neurotypical world15:04 – The unexpected journey that led him into mental health17:20 – How Dr Sadiq came to be diagnosed as AuDHD himself23:15 – What he now recognises in hindsight from his childhood and adolescence26:13 – Why he chose to specialise in autism + ADHD - and what he's learned from that path27:15 – How he believes neurodivergence should be diagnosed - and what’s missing in the current system30:21 – Dr Sadiq breaks down how he defines ADHD, autism, and how they overlap34:19 – A compelling story of a woman who denied her diagnosis - and what that says about stigma36:35 – What really “causes” neurodivergent conditions? Dr Sadiq explains what the research tells us (and what it doesn’t)37:45 – A fascinating hypothesis about genetics and brain development41:35 – How gender, culture, and hormones all impact how neurodevelopmental conditions manifest - and why women and AFAB people are often missed44:41 – How societal expectations around women’s roles can delay diagnosis and support46:07 – How systemic pressure (not just individual traits) influences how autism and ADHD show up48:45 – Are autism and ADHD truly separate conditions - or part of a shared spectrum?50:58 – How to tell the difference between autistic “indifference” and ADHD “inattention"52:58 – Distraction or sensory overload? Understanding how they can look the same but feel different55:15 – Why some ADHDers speak without a filter, while autistic people often struggle with social nuance58:30 – Is it over-talking, or talking with passion?59:56 – The paradoxes of living with AuDHD - where traits seem to contradict themselves.1:01:30 – Understanding the spectrum of autism: what's the difference between profound autism and levels 1–3? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
1:05:19
--------
1:05:19
E27 | The 'having kids' dilemma (when you're neurodivergent)
This week, we’re diving into a big one: having children as an AuDHD adult. Neither of us are parents (yet - or possibly ever), so this is not a how-to, but an open conversation about the thoughts, fears, and feelings we have around parenting as neurodivergent people.We speak honestly about the differences in our perspectives (Paige and Ellie don’t feel the same way!), and share the thoughts and experiences sent in by our community - from those who are already parenting with AuDHD, to those who’ve chosen not to, and everything in between.One day, we’ll revisit this topic with actual parents and experts - but for now, consider this a first step in holding space for the complicated and very human feelings that come with the idea of having kids when your brain is wired like ours.LINKTREE@wtfisaudhdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
55:28
--------
55:28
E26 | AuDHD and employment: You're not a failure, you're burnt out
We're diving into what it’s really like navigating work with AuDHD. We chat about our personal job histories - the burnout, the boredom, the passion, and the pivots - and why sticking to one career path can feel impossible. If you’ve ever loved and hated your job at the same time, or blamed yourself for not being “cut out” for work, this one’s for you. You’re not lazy - you’re likely unsupported. We also remind you (and ourselves) to not lose self-compassion - it's so important to not turn on yourself!LINKTREESOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
48:49
--------
48:49
E25 | Why AuDHD is so hard to treat (and live with!)
Why is AuDHD so hard to manage and treat? In this episode, we explore lived contradictions of having both ADHD and autism - where one part of your brain craves routine and the other thrives on chaos, often resulting in burnout. We share real-life examples from ourselves and you - our listeners! We unpack why treatments often fall short, and highlight how young the concept of AuDHD really is - including in clinical settings.Join our private Reddit community!LINKTREESOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
47:15
--------
47:15
E24 | Understanding your AuDHD brain - with an AuDHD Clinical Psychologist
In this episode, we’re excited to be joined by Mike Cochrane (@nzpsychologyclinic), a Clinical Psychologist and fellow AuDHDer who specialises in Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD assessments. We had an insightful and validating chat about life with an AuDHD brain.Together, we unpack:Commonly missed traits in ADHD and autismHow to get a diagnosisWhy diagnosis often comes with both relief and griefStrategies for navigating executive dysfunction and overwhelmHow CBT and ACT can support AuDHDers - and when they fall shortThe recent legislation change in NZ allowing GPs to diagnose ADHDThe importance of self-understanding, unmasking, and neurodivergent-led therapyand more!We thoroughly enjoyed this chat and if you'd like more information about Mike Cochrane and his diagnosis process, head to nzpsychologyclinic.co.nzLINKTREESOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ellie (32) and Paige (30) are sisters who were diagnosed late with autism and ADHD (AuDHD). However, the way it manifests in them doesn't look the same. With AuDHD only becoming an official diagnosis in 2013, the lack of research not only resulted in late diagnosis and mental health issues, but also left Ellie and Paige feeling alone and confused. This podcast is a space where Ellie and Paige share their experiences, in the hopes it will help others. It explores the vast manifestations of neurodivergence and emphasises how even sisters with the same condition can look completely different. // Diagnosed late, here to educate // INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, YOUTUBE @wtfisaudhdpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Australia