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Featuring: Cate Osborn & Eric Gude authors of, "The ADHD Field Guide for Adults" What happens when you finally get the thing you’ve worked toward for years before you suddenly realize you can’t sustain it? This conversation explores the grief, identity shifts, and radical self-honesty at the heart of the ADHD experience. In this episode, we explore: - The Tower Moment: Cate’s 2018 medical crisis and late ADHD diagnosis reframed her entire life, while Eric’s teenage realization that effort alone couldn’t override his brain shattered his “mind over matter” narrative. - The Identity Grief Spiral: From Shakespeare professor dreams to professional sourdough baker pivots, we unpack the heartbreak of loving something deeply — and still having to let it go. - The Field Guide Framework: Their book is designed as a non-linear, shame-free resource that teaches readers how to name their wants, needs, strengths, and limits instead of prescribing one-size-fits-all solutions. - Protecting Your Peace: We talk about radical patience — with yourself, with neurotypicals, and with the parts of you that are still learning — plus the power of asking directly for what you want without apology. - The Very Human Stuff: Wednesday Addams airport pickups, Renaissance festivals, ungraded papers from 10 years ago, sourdough at 3am, touching grass and trees to regulate, and the fear of liking something too much. Key Questions Answered in the Audio: 1. Why does life with ADHD feel like an ongoing cycle of grief and reinvention? 2. How do you tell the difference between “this is hard” and “this isn’t for me”? 3. What does it actually mean to be a fearless student of your own brain? Resources Mentioned: The ADHD Field Guide for Adults by Cate Osborn & Eric Gude Website: Catieosaurus.com + national tour info @Catieosaurus & @HeyGude (Erik) on TikTok/IG Cate and Eric’s Infinite Quest (podcast): https://infinitequestpodcast.com/ Sorry, I Missed This (podcast): https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/sorry-i-missed-this Connect With Us! ndreportpod.com Follow us @NDreportpod on all the socials!

Featuring: Peter Shankman, entrepreneur, founder of Source of Sources, and early architect of the AOL newsroom Before the internet became corporate and slow, it was chaos... and a lot of it was built by neurodivergent brains moving fast and breaking things. Peter Shankman joins Sarah to talk about helping build the AOL newsroom, quitting the corporate meeting machine, and accidentally creating one of the most powerful media networking tools on the internet. In this episode, we explore: The First Real Job: Peter lands at America Online in the 90s (back when AOL was the internet) and helps create the AOL Newsroom by experimenting & moving fast. The Identity Shift: Next, Peter tries a traditional media job and immediately hits a wall: endless meetings, zero momentum, and a structure that was never gonna work for him. Protecting Your Peace: Find the workaround for you: if the system isn’t working, try something new. Unexpected Human Detail: Peter grew up in NYC, went to the Fame school (High School of Performing Arts) as a vocal major, sang for decades, and still wakes up around 3 AM to give his ADHD brain quiet time to think. Key Questions Answered in the Audio: Why do so many ADHD people end up building companies or working in startups? What was it actually like inside AOL when the internet was first exploding? How can creators, podcasters, and entrepreneurs get press and media attention without hiring a PR firm? Resources Mentioned: Source of Sources (SOS) – connect journalists and experts https://sourceofsources.com Peter Shankman https://www.shankman.com Follow Peter on social (@petershankman) Connect With Us! Contact Us Follow us on all the socials @NDreportpod

Struan's Story of Diagnosis & Identity Reformation Featuring:  Struan Mackenzie, former UK civil servant & creator of the YouTube channel Am I Neurodivergent? This is a conversation about burnout, identity collapse, and reformation. In this episode, we explore: The Late Diagnosis: From a stress breakdown to a deep dive into autism research. Struan suddenly realized that his entire life made sense. The Identity Reformation: Another non-linear journey of diagnosis. Struan transitioned from ASD to combined-type ADHD, and eventually discovered AuDHD. He shares how each diagnosis both clarified and destabilized his sense of self, including the process of deconstructing internalized ableism. Protecting Your Peace: Struan discusses scripting work meetings for hours during COVID and redefining his relationship with alcohol and social energy. He’s learning to honor his nervous system instead of pushing through it. The Unexpected Human Detail: Struan reflects on childhood quirks, like lining up toy cars in perfect order or hiding inside a bookcase. These behaviors went unrecognized at the time but now read like a neon sign for autism. Key Questions Answered in the Audio: Why were so many high-achieving neurodivergent adults missed in childhood, especially in the 70s, 80s, and 90s? What does cyclical burnout actually look like, and where does it come from? How does alcohol uniquely affect autistic and ADHD nervous systems, and why does the crash hit so hard? Looking for Struan? YouTube Channel Connect With Us: Website @NDreportpod on all the socials! Understanding Neurodivergence Neurodivergence is a term that encompasses a variety of neurological differences. This includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Each of these conditions presents unique challenges and strengths. Understanding these differences is crucial for fostering a supportive environment. The Importance of Late Diagnosis Many neurodivergent individuals receive their diagnoses later in life. This can lead to feelings of relief but also confusion. For Struan, the late diagnosis was a pivotal moment. It allowed him to connect the dots of his past experiences. He realized that many of his struggles were linked to his neurodivergent traits. Identity and Self-Understanding Identity is fluid, especially for those who are neurodivergent. Struan's journey through various diagnoses illustrates this beautifully. Each label brought clarity but also new challenges. It’s essential to embrace this complexity and understand that identity is not fixed. Navigating Burnout Burnout is a common experience for neurodivergent individuals. Struan's insights into cyclical burnout shed light on this issue. Recognizing the signs of burnout can help in managing it effectively. It’s about finding balance and learning to listen to your body. Alcohol and Neurodivergence The relationship between alcohol and neurodivergence is complex. Struan discusses how alcohol affects his nervous system. Understanding this can help others make informed choices about their consumption. It’s important to prioritize mental health and well-being. Embracing Quirks Struan's childhood quirks are a reminder of the uniqueness of neurodivergent individuals. These behaviors, often dismissed, are part of what makes each person special. Embracing these quirks can lead to greater self-acceptance and understanding. Building a Supportive Community Creating a supportive community is vital for neurodivergent individuals. Sharing experiences, like Struan does, fosters understanding and reduces stigma. It’s about building connections and supporting one another on this journey. Conclusion Struan's story is one of resilience and discovery. His journey through diagnosis and identity reformation is inspiring. It reminds us that understanding ourselves is a lifelong process. We can learn from each other and grow together. In this article, I hope you found insights that resonate with your own experiences. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Embrace your uniqueness and continue to seek understanding.

Featuring: Jonathan Katz-Ouziel, autistic accessibility consultant and founder of Opossum House Accessibility What happens when autism is diagnosed early, supported well, and allowed to stay joyful — and how OCD complicates (and sometimes sharpens) everything that comes after In this episode, we explore: - Early Diagnosis Moment: what it was like being diagnosed autistic at age three in the 1990s, and how access, parental belief, and early support shape sense of self - The Identity Shift: From masking in a conformist school system to reclaiming autism as something fun, social, and deeply human — while naming the privilege baked into his journey - Creating Workarounds & Framework: How OCD-driven rituals around time, sleep, and lists evolved into autistic-friendly executive function systems that actually support his work - Calming Sensory Needs: Why unmet sensory needs can amplify OCD, how light and heat regulation matter, and what it means to design life around nervous system safety - Random moments: Eggplants are botanically berries, opossums are the ultimate autistic mascot, and leaning into “cringe” is a survival strategy Key Questions Answered in the Audio: 1. How do autism and OCD interact — and when does one help or hinder the other? 2. What does accessibility actually look like beyond ramps and compliance checklists? 3. Is starting a business as a neurodivergent person empowering or a fast track to burnout? Resources Mentioned: Opossum House Accessibility (Jonathan’s consulting practice) ⁠ https://www.opossumhouseaccessibility.com/⁠ Jonathan Katz-Ouziel on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-katz-ouziel-cpacc-6b098334/⁠ Connect With Us ⁠⁠ https://www.ndreportpod.com/⁠ ⁠Follow @ndreportpod on your social platform of choice

Ft: Karen Kossow, disability advocate, neurodivergent parent, and co-founder of Faircare Idaho What happens when parenting, disability, hormones, and burnout collide — and the systems meant to support you quietly disappear? In this episode, we explore: Brain Fog + Burnout = Breaking Point Sarah gets vulnerable about worsening brain fog and fatigue, opening a larger conversation about perimenopause, disability, and survival under constant strain. Late Recognition & Reframing Expectations Karen talks parenting autistic kids, navigating Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and the loss of access of familiar coping mechanisms during perimenopause. The Reality of Caregiving Without Support: Why paid family caregiver programs matter, what happens when they’re cut, and how unpaid labor props up broken socioeconomic systems. Develop Self-Care Rituals: Learning to read non-verbal body signals, prioritize finite energy, and practice nervous system rest & regulation instead of pushing through. Key Questions Answered in the Audio: 1. How do I know I’m doing too much? 2. Why are families expected to survive without real systemic support? 3. What practical nervous system grounding tools actually help when you’re already overwhelmed & over-scheduled? Resources Mentioned: Karen Kossow’s Substack — Self-Care Support Squad ⁠ https://karenkossow.substack.com/⁠ Faircare Idaho (family paid caregiving advocacy) ⁠ https://faircareidaho.substack.com/⁠ Connect With Us ⁠ https://www.ndreportpod.com/ ⁠Follow @ndreportpod on your social platform of choice

Featuring: Lucy — Art therapist based in Melbourne, Australia, working at the intersection of creativity, neurodivergence, sensory regulation, and relational healing. People rarely heal by talking alone; this week, Lucy joins me to explain that slow and soft sensory practices can be the most powerful tools for nervous system repair, especially for neurodivergent people who’ve built up trauma just trying to survive without proper self-understanding. Curious What’s Inside? 1. Crafting for Nervous System Repair: how slow, tactile art forms like embroidery can support regulation, agency, and self-worth when words and traditional therapy fall short. 2. Craft as stimming: How hand-crafting creates felt-safety through rhythm, repetition, and choice. 3. Animals & Co-Regulation: Exploring how animals can buff your restoration score 4. Sensory Awareness & Grounding: Low-demand grounding practices that don’t rely on breathwork or visualization techniques Questions We Answer: - Why do some people heal more through creating art than in talk therapy? - How can craft support executive function and emotional regulation? - What makes breathwork grounding inaccessible for many neurodivergent people? - How do animals support co-regulation in therapy and daily life? - What does low-demand grounding actually look like in practice? Guest & Links Lucy, Art Therapist Instagram: @embrace.this.space Youtube: @EmbraceThisSpace Website: https://embracethisspace.com.au Pencil Dust — animated podcast about art, neurodivergence, and late diagnosis @PencilDustPod Connect With Us ⁠ https://www.ndreportpod.com/⁠ Follow @ndreportpod on your social platform of choice

Featuring: Ryan Baker-Barrett, BCBA — ADHD clinician, parent of neurodivergent kids, and adult diagnosed with ADHD later in life. I keep hearing stories of adults who don’t receive diagnosis until after their relationships fall apart. In this episode, Ryan Baker-Barrett shares his experience with inattentive ADHD, barriers to medication access, and what it’s like to parent neurodivergent kids while managing his own late diagnosis & private practice. Curious What’s Inside? - Late ADHD Diagnosis: Why inattentive ADHD is often missed in childhood. - Inattentive ADHD (What's it feel like?): Time blindness, hyperfocus, weak interoception, and fatigue. - Medication Access & Gatekeeping: Long waitlists, neuropsych requirements, stigma, & shortages. - Parenting With ADHD: Naming overstimulation, modeling boundaries, and letting kids see adults rest. Questions We're Answering: 1. Why does inattentive ADHD often go undiagnosed? 2. What stops adults from accessing ADHD medication? 3. How does ADHD affect parenting and emotional regulation? 4. How to practice self-compassion with ADHD? Guest & Links Ryan Baker-Barrett, BCBA Founder, Applied Behavioral Health Practice Instagram: @adhd_by_abhp Website: https://www.appliedbehavioral.health/ Connect With Us! ⁠ https://www.ndreportpod.com/⁠ @ndreportpod on your social platform of choice!

How does it feel to spend 20 years masking in the corporate world, only to have the rug pulled out the moment you finally ask for help? Romina Massa joins us to discuss her resilience story, which is still being written as we speak. Curious What's Inside? The "Reasonable" Request: Romina reveals the shockingly simple workplace accommodation she requested that led to her corporate exit. She shares why it was seen as "audacity" rather than a tool for success. The Post-Diagnosis "Switch": We discuss the frustrating and often condescending way people’s behavior shifts the moment you disclose a neurodivergent diagnosis. The Freedom of the "Outbox": How does Romina use technology to "hide" her non-traditional working hours? She believes the freelance model is often a necessity rather than a choice for neurodivergent professionals. Protecting Your Peace: Romina shares her personal mantra for setting boundaries. She explains why "I’m sorry" is usually the wrong response to an autism diagnosis. Diplomats & Drama: A look into Romina’s childhood as the daughter of a diplomat. She reflects on how her family navigated her "dramatic" traits before anyone had a name for them. Key Questions Answered in the Audio What is the one question you should always ask a friend who has just disclosed their diagnosis? Why does the 9-to-5 "creative brain" often feel like it’s whittling away to nothing? How can you tell if you are "masking" your way through your career? The Importance of Understanding Understanding the complexities of neurodivergence is crucial. It helps us create a more inclusive environment. When we acknowledge these differences, we foster acceptance and support. This understanding can lead to meaningful conversations and connections. Resources Mentioned Kaboose Romina Massa on LinkedIn Romina Massa on Instagram Romina Massa's Website Connect With Us! Stay connected! Visit us at The Neurodivergent Report or follow @ndreportpod on your social platform of choice! Romina's story is a powerful reminder that asking for help is not an act of audacity but a step towards authenticity. If you’re navigating similar challenges, remember, you’re not alone. Embrace your journey, and let’s continue to support one another.

What is this tool? Homage to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs As with most foundational psychologists, Maslow is not without criticism. That said, all I really know about him is that an article he wrote, "A Theory of Human Motivation" (1943) was used to create the pyramidal hierarchy of needs graphic that I know and love today. Learn to practice Bottom-Up Body Scans START reflecting at Layer 1: Physical Survival Have you eaten recently? Thirsty? Running on 5 hrs of sleep? Uh-oh! Sounds like this level might be "UNSTABLE" Remember: if your basic physical needs are not met, you will be less able to perform tasks in the higher levels of the hierarchy. Not because there's something wrong with you, but because your foundation is not stable. PLEASE let go of expectations for Layers 4, 5, and 6 for the day. CONTINUE reflecting through each level, to assess which physiological needs you might want to focus on fulfilling for the day! There's nothing worse than spending a whole day trying to solve the wrong problem. Neurodivergent-Friendly Visual Validation & Prioritization Tool: Sometimes the brain is like "no, I won't be doing that right now or ever, thanks for asking." The built-in visualization for marking a level "unstable," (where the upper layers become faded and get a red border) validates that visceral feeling of "I can't even..." This tool isn't about trying to have a perfect pyramid every day; it’s merely an assessment tool to practice finding the stressor that is impacting your nervous system. Follow us @ndreportpod Let me know how this lands with you... I am considering this tool a WIP (work-in-progress)

Neurodivergent Rebel, Lyric Rivera, joins me to discuss the rite-of-passage crises that compel us to confront burnout, identity, capitalism, and the quiet self-abandonment we learned to survive with. Curious What’s Inside? The “Rite of Passage” Crisis: Why do so many neurodivergent individuals hit collapse? “Queer-Adjacent Without The Language”: Growing up in the Texas Bible Belt, feeling out of place without the words to articulate a non-binary identity. Capitalism's Lie: How destroying your body, your boundaries, and even the planet gets framed as “success” and why we're refusing that narrative. Protecting Your Peace: Unlearning performative identity, setting boundaries, and choosing emotional safety over productivity theater. Lavender Gelato & Feeling at Home: A delightful discussion about cozy things. The Journey of Collapse and Healing Many neurodivergent individuals experience an identity collapse before they can begin healing. This journey is often fraught with challenges. Understanding this process is essential for moving forward. Why Do We Experience Collapse? The collapse often stems from societal pressures and internalized beliefs. We may feel the weight of expectations that don’t align with our true selves. This can lead to burnout and a crisis of identity. Discovering Autism and Its Impact When we discover our neurodivergent identities, it opens doors to questioning not just our gender but also capitalism and self-abandonment. This self-discovery can be liberating but also overwhelming. The Intersection of Racism and Mental Health Racism and colonial thinking can shape our experiences in parenting, education, and mental health systems. These influences often complicate our journeys, making it vital to address them. Key Questions Answered in the Audio Why do so many neurodivergent people experience an identity collapse before healing can begin? How does discovering autism open the door to questioning gender, capitalism, and self-abandonment? What happens when racism, colonial thinking, and “just a difference of opinion” shape parenting, education, and mental health systems? Resources Mentioned Lyric Rivera — Neurodivergent Rebel Autism Identity in Me — Lyric’s latest book Connect With Us! The Neurodivergent Report @ndreportpod on your social platform of choice! Embracing Our Stories We all have stories that shape who we are. Embracing these narratives can help us find community and understanding. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Finding Your Voice Finding your voice is crucial. It’s about expressing your truth and standing firm in your identity. This process can be daunting, but it’s also empowering. Creating Safe Spaces Creating safe spaces for ourselves and others is essential. We need environments where we can be authentic without fear of judgment. The Power of Connection Connection is powerful. Sharing our experiences can foster understanding and reduce stigma. Let’s build a supportive platform for shared experiences and expert insights. Lavender Gelato and Cozy Moments Let’s not forget the little joys, like lavender gelato. These cozy moments remind us to savor life, even amidst challenges. They provide comfort and a sense of belonging. Moving Forward Together As we navigate our journeys, let’s move forward together. By supporting one another, we can create a brighter future. Remember, your story matters. Let’s embrace our identities and celebrate our journeys. You are worthy of love, understanding, and success on your terms.

This is the most emotionally honest episode I’ve ever recorded. In today’s conversation, Shaun Arora returns to The Neurodivergent Report to talk about work–life balance, but what really happened is way more useful. Listen now to co-regulate with me from all things overwhelm, chronic illness, and executive dysfunction. If you feel dizzy surviving a world that won’t slow down for you, this episode will meet you exactly where you are. *TRIGGER WARNING; crying* Curious what’s inside: Why Microsoft’s “time spent = goal acheived” model falls apart for ADHD and chronic illness Why rigid systems don’t work for brains that fluctuate The somatic signs of emotional overload How to transition after a moment of dysregulation Vulnerability as leadership: find the courage to let yourself be witnessed However you are able to engage, thanks for being here! With love, Sarah 💜 Resources Mentioned Microsoft research on data-driven implementation intentions & mental contrasting[https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/publication/improving-work-nonwork-balance-with-data-driven-implementation-intention-and-mental-contrasting/] Bilateral stimulation exercises Shaun’s suggestions for measuring subjective progress Grounding techniques and sensory regulation strategies Looking For Shaun? Shaun Arora - Neurodiversity advocate, coach, and founder at braintypes.org Connect With Us Find The Neurodivergent Report on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, BlueSky, and Substack: @ndreportpod Want to support the show? Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, or visit ndreportpod.com to learn more or apply to be a guest contributor. Until next time, Be well. Do good.

Jonathan Bernstein [investigative journalist, crisis-management expert, and founder of The Snark Knight] joins us to talk late-life autism diagnosis, justice-driven activism, intuition as a superpower, and why everyone is “big enough to do something.” Jonathan shares his unconventional path—from military intelligence to investigative journalism to 40 years in crisis-management PR—before receiving an autism and bipolar diagnosis in his 70s. He reflects on growing up as a diplomat’s child, navigating shame, and developing hyper-intuition. Jonathan reminds us that “inaction is also action” and everyone can do something. Curious what’s inside? Recovering from shame via compassionate adult identity repair Justice sensitivity & responding to political crisis’ Launching The Snark Knight and related media projects Why compassion matters in cult recovery and de-radicalization How neurodivergent people “feel” social climate shifts However you are able to engage, thank you for being here! With love, Sarah Looking for The Snark Knight? ⁠ https://snarkknight.com/⁠ Connect with us! https://www.ndreportpod.com/ @NDreportpod on the socials