Authentically ADHD

Substack: https://carmenauthenticallyadhd.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips   Show Notes: Hello and welcome to Authentically ADHD – I’m Carmen, and I’m so glad you’re tuning in. Today we’re exploring a topic I know many of us grapple with: why you’re still exhausted even after resting, especially when you’re both autistic and ADHD (often called AuDHD). If you’ve ever wondered, “I took a bre...

If you’re AuDHD (autism + ADHD), life can feel like a constant contradiction: craving routine but rebelling against it, needing stimulation but getting overwhelmed, wanting connection but burning out socially. In this episode, Carmen breaks down what neurodivergence actually means (not a personality test), explains ADHD vs autism vs AuDHD, and gives practical, nervous-system-friendly strategies to...

AuDHD and the Holidays: Navigating the Holiday Hustle and Overwhelm The holidays are supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year,” but if you’re AuDHD, they might feel more like a sensory circus, emotional landmine, and executive function Olympics… all wrapped in tinsel. In this episode, we unpack why the holidays are secretly so hard on AuDHD brains , what that actually looks and feels li...

Introduction Imagine trying to swim while holding a beach ball underwater – you might pull it off for a bit, but sooner or later that ball is bobbing to the surface. Masking ADHD can feel just like that. Many of us with ADHD learn early that our brains and behaviors can stand out, so we develop a “socially acceptable” persona to blend in. We smile, sit still, and force focus – all to hide our natu...

The back-to-school season is here, and if you have ADHD (or love someone who does), you might already feel that familiar cocktail of excitement, dread, and complete mental overload. This isn’t just about buying supplies or setting the alarm earlier — for ADHD brains, this transition is a full-on neurobiological workout . In this bonus episode of Authentically ADHD , I’m breaking down exactly why t...

Ever found yourself blurting something out, making a random decision, or spiraling into shame after a hyperfocus bender — only to ask yourself later, “What was I even thinking?” You’re not broken — but you might be missing a critical executive function skill that ADHD brains often struggle with: metacognition. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the skill of “thinking about thinking” — what it...

Summary:  Ever feel like you're running late to your own life? Same. In this hilariously honest episode, Carmen dives headfirst into the whirlwind world of ADHD time anxiety — that all-too-familiar panic that shows up when a deadline is looming… or already passed. 🫠 We explore why ADHD brains experience time differently , how "Now vs. Not Now" becomes our default scheduling system (thanks, execut...

Quick overview: In this episode, I’ll explain why ADHD makes self-awareness hard (from executive functions to time blindness), how that struggle feels (frustration, self-doubt, and those emotional roller coasters), and then dive into practical strategies for building self-trust and insight . I’ll break it down into tips for teens and adults , since our brains and lives can be a bit different. Read...

In this 2 part journey, Carmen kicks things off by defining “executive functions” — those behind-the-scenes brain processes that help us plan, prioritize, switch tasks, regulate emotions, and hold information in mind. From there, she unpacks the neuroscience: how dopamine signaling in the prefrontal cortex gets knocked off balance in ADHD, why neural connectivity matters, and what current research...

Published through Substack | Available on all platforms Hey ADHDers—ever canceled plans because your brain gave you a headache? (Yeah, same.) In this BONUS episode of Authentically ADHD , Carmen—your coach, teacher, and fellow neurospicy human—dives headfirst into the wild connection between ADHD and headaches . Spoiler alert: It’s not all in your head… unless we’re talking about dopamine dysfunct...

In this episode of Authentically ADHD , we dive deep into a behavior that many ADHDers know all too well: ghosting. Whether it's avoiding difficult conversations or disappearing unexpectedly from social situations, ghosting isn't about lack of care—it's about how our brains process and react to emotional stress. Carmen explores the neuroscience behind social avoidance in ADHD, explaining how execu...

Show notes and Links: https://open.substack.com/pub/carmenauthenticallyadhd/p/bonus-episode-love-on-a-roller-coasterr=1t66iw&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Welcome back to Authentically ADHD , where we turn emotional chaos into curious exploration. In this episode, Carmen dives deep into one of ADHD’s most misunderstood challenges: emotional intelligence. Spoiler alert — it’s not about being too sensitive, too reactive, or too much. It’s about how the ADHD brain processes emotional information on a totally different timeline. ✨ What we explore in th...

In this episode we talk about, this vicious cycle of avoidance, guilt, and stress is not your fault — it’s rooted in the neurobiology of ADHD. But understanding this gives us the power to break the cycle. We don’t have to rely on guilt or punishment to motivate ourselves. Instead, we can focus on what works for our unique brain wiring: creating environments that are stimulating, breaking tasks int...

In this episode of Authentically ADHD , host Carmen explores the complex relationship between ADHD, self-confidence, and the constant need for external validation. For many adults with ADHD, self-worth has often been shaped by a lifetime of criticism, and this episode dives deep into how that reliance on others' approval can undermine self-trust. Carmen outlines why ADHDers tend to seek external v...

In this enlightening episode of Authentically ADHD , host Sunny Sparks takes us on a whimsical journey into the science and art of rest—especially tailored for those of us with ADHD. The episode kicks off with a warm welcome and a reminder that true self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Sunny introduces the “ADHD & Rest Tango,” explaining how the unique wiring of ADHD brains—characterized by alte...

If you’ve ever asked yourself this, you’re not alone. Many people with ADHD struggle with something called anhedonia —the inability to feel pleasure or joy, especially from things that used to bring excitement or satisfaction. It’s more than just boredom or low mood; it's a profound emotional flatness that can make everyday life feel gray and uninspiring. And here's the kicker: this isn't a moral...

More content on Substack: https://carmenauthenticallyadhd.substack.com/p/adhd-burnout?utm_source=substack&utm_content=feed%3Arecommended%3Acopy_link Follow me: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/carmen_irace   Join Focused: https://ihaveadhdllc.ontralink.com/t?orid=29951&opid=1  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Many ADHD listeners love deep dives into hyperfocus, but they also struggle with burnout. This episode will discuss how to harness hyperfocus while avoiding exhaustion/burnout, including real-life strategies backed by researched ADHD professionals. Of course, including tips and coping strategies! LinkTree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/carmen_irace⁠  ⁠SHOW NOTES⁠⁠: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGfXngNShM/es...

In this episode of Authentically ADHD by Podcaster Carmen Irace , we dive into the empowering concepts of advocacy and autonomy for individuals with ADHD. Explore why speaking up for your needs and embracing your unique brain can be game-changers in building a fulfilling life. We'll discuss practical strategies for advocating in various areas of life—at work, in relationships, and with healthcare...

In this episode of Authentically ADHD , host Carmen Irace explores how to navigate planning and prioritizing when living with ADHD. Drawing insights from the book Unapologetically ADHD by Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright, Carmen shares practical strategies to tackle common challenges, such as managing executive functioning, micro-planning, time blocking, and leveraging visual aids to stay on track. Ad...

In this episode of Authentically ADHD, host Carmen Irace dives into the emotional complexities of living with ADHD. From intense primary emotions like anger and joy to the cascading effects of secondary emotions like guilt and shame, Carmen explores how ADHD amplifies emotional experiences. Drawing insights from You, Me, and Our ADHD Family by Tamara Rosier and Dirty Laundry by Roxanne and Rick Pi...

In this episode of Authentically ADHD , host Carmen Irace dives into the concept of the Window of Tolerance and how it uniquely affects individuals with ADHD. Drawing insights from Dr. Tamara Rosier’s book, You, Me, and Our ADHD Family , Carmen explains how the ADHD nervous system struggles with stress regulation, leading to cycles of hyperarousal (overwhelm) and hypoarousal (shutdown). Listeners...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating ways ADHD brains are wired to learn, grow, and thrive. Discover why traditional learning methods often fall short for individuals with ADHD and explore innovative strategies that truly work. We’ll discuss the power of active learning, hands-on engagement, and curiosity-driven exploration. Join us as we unpack how movement, storytelling, and emotional c...

In this heartfelt episode of Authentically ADHD by Podcaster Carmen Irace , we explore the exhausting mental cycle of rumination, shame, and embarrassment that so many ADHDers face. Carmen breaks down why our brains get stuck replaying awkward moments or perceived mistakes and how shame and embarrassment feed into this loop, making it even harder to move on. With relatable metaphors and a compassi...