Christmas Special: The One Where Festive Feels Different For All Of Us

The One Where We Diagnose 'Delusions of Overdiagnosis' & Prescribe Care Over Control

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. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to 'Overdiagnosis' in Neurodivergent Adults * 06:52 Challenges in Diagnosis and Assessment Services * 17:14 Impact of Current Diagnosis Model on Welfare and Education Systems * 22:53 Behavioural Solutions and Neurodivergent Needs * 32:29 Importance of Feedback and Support * 39:13 Call for Change and Hope for the Future

Christmas Special: The One Where Festive Feels Different For All Of Us

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!

The One Where We Tackle Therapy

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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting 04:03 Understanding Neurodivergent Therapy 09:30 The Importance of Identity in Therapy 13:36 Communication Challenges in Therapy 15:03 Understanding Humour and Masking in Autism 17:44 The Importance of Diagnosis and Self-Awareness 20:50 Energy Accounting and Its Impact on Well-Being 24:26 Misdiagnosis: Trauma vs. Neurodivergence 27:28 Celebrating Neurodivergence and Finding Balance 32:40 The Role of Executive Function in Therapy 35:48 Finding the Right Therapy for Neurodivergent Individuals 43:42 Reassurance and Acceptance in Therapy 45:02 Thank Yous 45:31 Contact Us 45:57 Outro Help 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 Society https://www.autism.org.uk/ [https://www.autism.org.uk/] Mind https://www.mind.org.uk/ [https://www.mind.org.uk/] For urgent support Call NHS: 111 For text based support text: SHOUT to 85258 Or to speak to a specialist about diagnosis or ongoing support: https://spectrumnorthwest.org/ [https://spectrumnorthwest.org/]

The One Where We Talk About Being Newly Diagnosed

Summary In 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. Chapters 00:00 The Journey After Diagnosis 10:38 Understanding the Transition 20:11 Self-Compassion and Shame 29:43 Navigating Disclosure and Trust 37:58 The Importance of Advocacy and Support 40:40 Thank you 41:08 Contact Us 41:34 Outro Resources * Unmasking Autism - Dr Devon Price * Brené Brown's Marble Jar Theory for Trust https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Vaq2jMJe4mU [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Vaq2jMJe4mU] * National Autistic Society https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/after-diagnosis [https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/after-diagnosis] Get In Touch With Us contact@maskingforit.com [contact@maskingforit.com] www.maskingforit.com [http://www.maskingforit.com] Socials - @maskingforit

The One Where We Question the Cost of Delay

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.