Shows
WTF is AuDHD?E28 | Dr Khurram Sadiq: Explaining AuDHDDr 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...2025-07-281h 05
WTF is AuDHD?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...2025-07-2155 min
WTF is AuDHD?E26 | AuDHD and employment: You're not a failure, you're burnt outWe'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!LINKTREE2025-07-1448 min
WTF is AuDHD?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...2025-07-0747 min
WTF is AuDHD?E24 | Understanding your AuDHD brain - with an AuDHD Clinical PsychologistIn 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 se...2025-06-3056 min
WTF is AuDHD?E23 | Autism or CPTSD? Why it’s so easy to confuse the twoAutism or trauma - or both? In today’s episode, we (very basically) unpack the complex relationship between Complex PTSD (CPTSD) and autism. We explore the ways the two can look similar, why autistic people are more likely to experience trauma, and why it’s so important to approach self-identification with care and curiosity. We reflect on personal experiences, share research insights, and offer guidance for anyone navigating these diagnoses. With so many of you finding value in our conversations, we thought it was important to touch on this point. This episode only scrapes the top leve...2025-06-2331 min
WTF is AuDHD?E22 | You're not lazy or broken, you're experiencing AuDHD burnoutIf 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 Re...2025-06-1640 min
WTF is AuDHD?E21 | Relief to rage: dealing with contradictory feelings after diagnosisGetting 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 @wtfisaudhdpodcast...2025-06-0945 min
WTF is AuDHD?E20 | That's not fair! Why AuDHDers can't let go of injusticeThis 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.2025-06-0251 min
WTF is AuDHD?E19 | Neurodivergence and loneliness: why friendships feel so hardJoin 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.2025-05-2656 min
WTF is AuDHD?E18 | ADHD and RSD: why rejection feels like dangerWhat 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.2025-05-1939 min
WTF is AuDHD?E17 | ADHD life tips we use, that might help you tooIn 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.2025-05-1235 min
WTF is AuDHD?E16 | Do I really need to go on ADHD medication?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 ou...2025-05-0536 min
WTF is AuDHD?E15 | The links between substance use and neurodivergenceContent 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...2025-04-2843 min
WTF is AuDHD?E14 | Autism doesn't destroy lives, but this rhetoric doesDISCLAIMER: 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/pr...2025-04-2144 min
WTF is AuDHD?E13 | Why it feels like everyone is getting diagnosedIn 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...2025-04-1439 min
WTF is AuDHD?E12 | How do I know if I'm masking, and how do I stop?In this episode, we explore how to start unmasking and embracing your authentic self. We break down what masking is, how to recognise when you’re doing it, and the steps you can take to slowly unmask in safe and supportive spaces. We take inspiration from Devon Price's book Unmasking Autism, and we acknowledge that unmasking is a lifelong process, not an overnight transformation. It takes time, practice, and self-compassion. We share our personal journeys, practical strategies, and the challenges that come with shedding years of social conditioning.LINKTREESOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcast Hosted on...2025-04-0743 min
WTF is AuDHD?E11 | What is masking and how does it prevent diagnosis?In this episode, we dive deep into masking—the conscious and unconscious ways that neurodivergent people camouflage their traits to fit into a neurotypical world. We explore what masking is, why we do it, how it impacts mental health, and the long-term cost of constantly suppressing our true selves. We also share personal experiences of masking and briefly discuss the journey toward unmasking and self-acceptance. Next week we will dive deeper on the unmasking side of things.SOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcastLINKTREE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-03-3137 min
WTF is AuDHD?E10 | PMDD, hormones & neurodivergence - what they didn’t teach usWhy did school never teach us what actually happens during the menstrual cycle?! In this episode, we break down the four phases of the menstrual cycle, what hormones are at play, and how they impact mood, energy, and brain function.We dive deep into PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)—what it is, why it’s often misunderstood, and how it disproportionately affects neurodivergent people. We share our personal experiences, the science behind PMDD, and the frustrating reality of seeking a diagnosis. Plus, we discuss the link between ADHD, autism, and hormone sensitivity, our medication journeys, and the stra...2025-03-2449 min
WTF is AuDHD?E9 | Why AuDHD feels like living with two brainsThis episode touches on some of the differences between autism and ADHD and why it can be rough having both conditions in one brain. We talk about the aspects of AuDHD that can feel contradictory to live with, and further discuss how the AuDHD neurotype is a completely unique and different experience to just having one or the other.It's also Neurodiversity Celebration Week! This week aims to recognise, support and celebrate the estimated 1 in 7 people who think, learn and process the world differently. More info here!LINKTREESOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcast2025-03-1742 min
WTF is AuDHD?E8 | Finally, let's talk about AuDHDIn this episode we finally get to the whole point of this podcast - what is like to be the unique neuro-type of AuDHD? Having only been 12 years since you could diagnose autism and ADHD simultaneously, there’s not a huge amount of research on the combination. We share our perspective on our AuDHD experience, with the aim of adding to the research pool of lived experiences. We mention conditions it can be misdiagnosed as, and touch on the friendship side of things again. Next week we’ll chat more about the contradictions of living with both ADHD and auti...2025-03-1032 min
WTF is AuDHD?E7 | WTF is ASD?In this episode of WTF is AuDHD? we explore what Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is. We explain the three levels of autism, and touch on popular theories such as neural pruning, nervous system links and we discuss how autistic brains process differently to neurotypical people. This is from the perspective of two white cis-women born who are reasonably privileged and we appreciate this may not relate to everyone. Remember, if you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person! Deeper conversations about autism will be explored in future episodes, with the aim of eventually getting other auti...2025-03-0343 min
WTF is AuDHD?E6 | WTF is ADHD?In today’s episode, we kick things off with an open conversation about the menstrual cycle and an introduction to PMDD, as Paige shares her experience with a new medication designed to manage its symptoms. Then, we dive into ADHD—what it is, common misconceptions, and why neurodiversity plays a crucial role in the world.SOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcast | TikTok | Instagram | YouTubeSubmit your suggestions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-02-2444 min
WTF is AuDHD?E5 | How two high masking sisters got an autism diagnosisDisclaimer: we are not medical professionals and this episode is brought to you by Ellie and Paige's personal lived experiences.From a late ADHD diagnosis, to realising we're autistic too, this episode explores our diagnosis journeys to autism - both of which have been very different! We explore how we came to realise we might be autistic, share stories of being denied by medical professionals and emphasise the importance of following your gut. This chat starts to highlight why high masking women end up being missed and why it's important to explore masking and camouflaging in...2025-02-1752 min
WTF is AuDHD?E4 | How do you get diagnosed with ADHD?DISCLAIMER: This episode is based on our personal experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD in New Zealand, with a focus on the private healthcare route. We're not medical professionals, and this isn't a comprehensive guide—so please do your own research and seek advice from qualified experts. In next week's episode, we'll cover more about the public healthcare options available in NZ, including options for University students.In this episode, we (AuDHD sisters Ellie and Paige) chat about how and why we came to explore whether we had ADHD. We touch on our genetics, the difference in...2025-02-1053 min
WTF is AuDHD?E3 | Early adulthood with undiagnosed AuDHDTrigger warning: light mentions of alcohol and substance use. This week, we continue the conversation regarding life before our ADHD and Autism diagnoses. We chat about life after leaving school, what our relationships were like, how we coped in the workplace and how & why our mental health was severely impacted. This episode leads up to the point before diagnosis which we will cover in next week’s episode.Feel free to submit feedback on social media about topics you'd like to hear about!SOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcast / Instagram | YouTube | TikTokLINKTREE...2025-02-0337 min
WTF is AuDHD?E2 | WTF were we like as undiagnosed kids?In this episode of WTF is AuDHD?, we go back to our childhoods and observe what we were like as AuDHD kids before diagnosis. Despite being made by the same parents and brought up in the same household, our childhood experiences and behaviours were vastly different. Now in hindsight, we know there was evidence of AuDHD that was missed. This chat starts to highlight the idea that the same condition can manifest completely differently and the stereotypes you've been taught aren't always true for everyone!Feel free to submit feedback on social media about topics you'd...2025-01-2750 min
WTF is AuDHD?E1 | Who are we and why are we doing this?Welcome to the first episode of WTF is AuDHD?, hosted by Ellie and Paige—late-diagnosed sisters navigating life with the unique combination of ADHD and Autism. Ironically, we won’t dive fully into the burning question, 'What exactly is AuDHD?' just yet—it’s a big one! Instead, let's start by telling you who we are, why we started this podcast, and how it might resonate with you.Feel free to submit feedback on social media about topics you'd like to hear about!SOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcast / Instagram | YouTube | TikTokLINKTREE2025-01-2032 min
WTF is AuDHD?Trailer: WTF is AuDHD?Hi! We’re Ellie and Paige and we’re sisters with AuDHD (that’s the combo of autism and ADHD).We were both diagnosed later in life, and we want to share our experiences living with undiagnosed neurodivergence and how our lives changed after diagnosis, in the hopes that it might help others.This podcast will explore the vast manifestations of neurodivergence and show that even sisters with the same condition can look completely different. Episode one drops Tuesday 21st Jan with new episodes dropping every Tuesday! Hosted on Acas...2025-01-1700 min