The One Where We Decode Diagnosis - Part Two

The final episode of the first series of Masking For It podcast explores the topic of overdiagnosis in neurodivergent adults, highlighting the challenges and misconceptions surrounding this issue - mainly because the reality is neurodivergence is still woefully underdiagnosed!The conversation delves into the impact of continuing to neglect neurodivergent needs on the healthcare system, the need for improved understanding and support for neurodivergent individuals, and explains why behavioural solutions are inappropriate. The conversation delves into the impact of behaviour theory on children, the role of the brain in regulating responses, and the misinterpretation of anxiety as behaviour. It also explores the need for feedback, the normalization of neurodivergence, and the challenges of diagnosis and support. The conversation concludes with a call for change and hope for a better future.Chapters00:00 Introduction to 'Overdiagnosis' in Neurodivergent Adults06:52 Challenges in Diagnosis and Assessment Services17:14 Impact of Current Diagnosis Model on Welfare and Education Systems22:53 Behavioural Solutions and Neurodivergent Needs32:29 Importance of Feedback and Support39:13 Call for Change and Hope for the Future

We're hopping on the Pod to wish our listeners a very Merry Christmas, with a brief discussion to explore the different experiences of neurodivergent individuals during the Christmas season, including challenges, expectations, and self-care strategies. Alexandra, Lesley and Gail delve into the unique perspectives of ADHD and autism, offering insights into managing the holiday season with sensitivity and understanding.With 2025 nearly at an end, Season One almost is too - after this Christmas Special, we have just one more episode as a final gift to you this year! Make sure you're following our pages as we will be sharing highlights from the season, as well as sharing new blogs and insights with you as we prepare for Season Two, where we'll be inviting some fascinating guests to join the conversation...Enjoy the festive break, however that looks for you, and we'll look forward to catching up with you in 2026!

Alexandra, Lesley and Gail explore the complexities of therapy for neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing the importance of understanding identity, being aware of differences in communication, and the need for tailored therapeutic approaches. The speakers discuss the significance of energy management, the risks of misdiagnosis, and the necessity of finding the right therapist who understands neurodivergence. Alexandra explains how understanding your neurotype allows for more success with self care strategies, and Lesley and Gail tell us why compassion-based therapies can be more effective for neurodivergent individuals than CBT. Masking For It advocates for acceptance and self-advocacy, highlighting that therapy should focus on personal growth rather than fixing perceived deficits. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context Setting04:03 Understanding Neurodivergent Therapy09:30 The Importance of Identity in Therapy13:36 Communication Challenges in Therapy15:03 Understanding Humour and Masking in Autism17:44 The Importance of Diagnosis and Self-Awareness20:50 Energy Accounting and Its Impact on Well-Being24:26 Misdiagnosis: Trauma vs. Neurodivergence27:28 Celebrating Neurodivergence and Finding Balance32:40 The Role of Executive Function in Therapy35:48 Finding the Right Therapy for Neurodivergent Individuals43:42 Reassurance and Acceptance in Therapy45:02 Thank Yous45:31 Contact Us45:57 OutroHelp is available and we advise you speak to your GP or Psychological Clinician if you have been affected by any of the subject matter in this conversation, or would just like to know more about finding some support. Some other resources can be found at: The National Autistic Societyhttps://www.autism.org.uk/Mindhttps://www.mind.org.uk/For urgent support Call NHS: 111 For text based support text: SHOUT to 85258Or to speak to a specialist about diagnosis or ongoing support: https://spectrumnorthwest.org/

SummaryIn this episode of Masking For It, the hosts delve into the journey after receiving a diagnosis of autism or ADHD. They discuss the emotional complexities involved, including feelings of grief, loneliness, and the transition to understanding one's identity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, processing emotions, and navigating relationships post-diagnosis. The hosts also explore the nuances of disclosing one's diagnosis to others and the significance of building a supportive network. Ultimately, the episode aims to provide comfort and guidance to those on a similar journey, reinforcing that it is a process of self-discovery and empowerment.Chapters00:00 The Journey After Diagnosis10:38 Understanding the Transition20:11 Self-Compassion and Shame29:43 Navigating Disclosure and Trust37:58 The Importance of Advocacy and Support40:40 Thank you41:08 Contact Us41:34 OutroResourcesUnmasking Autism - Dr Devon PriceBrené Brown's Marble Jar Theory for Trusthttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/Vaq2jMJe4mUNational Autistic Societyhttps://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/after-diagnosisGet In Touch With [email protected] - @maskingforit

Following the latest announcement of further delays to the highly anticipated SEND reforms, Alexandra gives us a deeply personal insight into the impact a delayed discovery of her ADHD and Autism had on her life. She emphasises how advantageous such a full understanding of who you are is, hoping her story encourages those deliberating whether it's worth seeking a diagnosis later in life, as well as strongly advocating for screening across the board as early as possible. Lesley speaks about the effects of surrounding environments upon behaviour and how reassessment of these should be prioritised above the implementation of more and more restrictive systems and procedures. Finally, Gail addresses the vital importance of supporting individuals as they wait (ever increasingly) long periods for official assessment - challenging the idea that delays for diagnosis also mean delays receiving any support at all.This must, and can, change - tune in to learn more about how and why.

In this Halloween Special, Alexandra, Lesley & Gail beckon you to join their Coven as they explore the intersection of neurodivergence and historical perceptions of women and witchcraft. They discuss how societal fears of difference led to the persecution of individuals, in this case, particularly women, who do not necessarily meet social norms. They draw parallels between historical witch hunts and the modern-day stigma, and barriers, faced by neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing the need for understanding, kindness, and community support. Their discussion highlights the importance of celebrating differences and learning from history to create a more inclusive society.Chapters00:00 Witchcraft and the Role of Power02:05 The Impact of Fear on Society04:40 Neurodivergence and Historical Parallels07:16 The Psychology of Fear and Othering11:19 The Historical Context of Othering12:14 Fear of Difference and Conformity13:38 The Impact of Labels and Stigmas14:06 School Dynamics and Pack Mentality16:23 Historical Perceptions of Danger18:07 Women, Knowledge, and Vulnerability19:31 The Role of Women in Society21:04 Language and Gendered Perceptions23:17 Systemic Issues and Change24:36 Rituals, Wellbeing, and Neurodivergence26:40 Modern Witchcraft and Community30:51 The Future of Neurodivergence Acceptance32:12 Empathy, Kindness, and Systemic Change35:39 Thank you36:09 Get in touch36:34 Outro

In the final instillation of our 'Decoding Diagnosis' Trilogy, we hear from Lesley and Gail in detail as they breakdown requirements of the assessments used for Autism diagnosis. This prompts discussions around how we can differentiate between Trauma and Autism/ADHD, whilst we know many Neurodivergents will carry trauma as well. We also discuss the age old myth surrounding eye contact and Autism - with details from Alexandra's own experience with this that you might not expect! Finally, we talk about the importance of language and how this can affect people's feelings about their identity, as well as how the lack of language to explain certain experiences of Neurodivergence is another barrier to diagnosis and understanding that we need to address.Chapters00:00 The Intersection of Trauma and Neurodivergence08:27 Understanding ADHD and Autism Diagnosis20:50 The Complexity of Eye Contact and Communication34:16 Language and Identity in Neurodivergence40:12 Thank You40:42 Contact Us41:08 Outro

This second instalment of our Diagnosis Trilogy begins with a deeply personal announcement from one of our trio, highlighting the numerous layers of complexity and contributing factors surrounding diagnosis - especially for women. This sets the team up for further discussion where Lesley and Gail share with us what they have to consider as assessors, their opinions on the tools they have to use, and some of the feedback and reactions they've encountered over the years - including a little about Alexandra's first encounter with them! As this episode ends on a note of 'must do better'...make sure you tune in for the final part of the trilogy as they dissect the deepest parts of the process and get intimate with some of those stereotypes, in what can only be described as the most revealing episode yet...Chapters00:00 Navigating the Spectrum: High-Masking and Its Challenges03:50 The Impact of Societal Perceptions on Neurodivergence12:00 The Importance of Environment in Neurodivergence18:42 Understanding Parental Intuition and Support24:41 Navigating Diagnostic Assessments29:10 The Challenges of Diagnostic Tools35:57 The Intersection of Trauma and Neurodivergence36:47 Thank you!37:16 Get In Touch37:42 OutroGet in touch!Socials: @maskingforitpodcastEmail: [email protected]: www.maskingforit.com

The first of a special trilogy introducing the diagnostic process, from both sides of the experience, in preparation for Masking For It's upcoming feature episodes: The Diagnosis Diaries.With widespread discussion surrounding assessment and Autism and ADHD diagnoses on the rise (with some being told there is a 10+ year waiting list!), we want to familiarise people with the process and highlight some of the pros and cons of the current tools and systems we're working within.Alexandra, Lesley and Gail also take a look at the evolution of our understanding around neurodivergent conditions and mental health, giving perspective of just how much what we know is in its infancy, and identifying how easy it has been for outdated stereotypes to stick...as they emphasise that conversation and research around neurodivergence must keep evolving if the systems in place for diagnosis are to catch up with the reality of these neurotypes as different, not deficient.Don't forget to tune in for the following two parts, for some more deeply personal revelations, as well as the dissection of the elements that make up the tools which have been introduced to you in this episode. There's so much to unpack and we're thrilled you've joined us, so we can make it make sense and work out the next steps we need - together.Books mentioned:The Psychopath Tests - Jon RonsonNeurotribes - Steve SilbermanChapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates04:43 Understanding Neurodivergence and Systems09:18 Exploring the DSM-5 and Diagnostic Criteria13:33 The Evolution of Diagnostic Labels17:40 Neurodivergence and Identity28:04 Understanding the Stigma of Autism vs. ADHD32:30 Navigating the Spectrum: High-Masking and Its Challenges38:38 Thank You39:07 Contact Details39:31 OutroGet in touch:Socials - @maskingforitpodcastEmail - [email protected] - www.maskingforit.com

Welcome to 'Masking For It'! In our very first episode we introduce ourselves and explain how a Clinical Psychologist, Speech Therapist, and Neurodivergent Woman end up together on a Podcast...but most importantly - why.We're inviting you to join our (previously private!) conversations about Neurodivergence, because we need to encourage many more of these conversations if we're going to help Neurodivergent individuals and society become acquainted - and it's crucial they do.This introductory episode provides an overview of the topics we'll be addressing - with deep dives and revelatory research to come...Follow/Subscribe so you don't miss out! Chapters00:00 The Importance of Advocacy04:03 Understanding Neurodivergence07:40 Personal Experiences and Insights14:18 The Journey of Self-Discovery15:36 Breaking Down Stigma Around Neurodivergence17:47 Rethinking the Education System for Neurodivergent Individuals21:08 Navigating Life Post-Diagnosis25:06 The Burden of Explanation: Understanding Autism28:25 Redefining Neurodivergence: From Disorder to Identity31:50 The Impact of COVID-19 on Neurodivergent Lives35:07 The Need for Kindness and Understanding in Society39:09 The Role of Schools in Identifying Neurodivergence43:01 Introduction and Overview43:30 Engagement with the AudienceDedicated to Monty & Pippa xx