Authentically ADHD with Carmen

ADHD and Procrastination: Understanding the Cycle and Breaking Free In this episode of Authentically ADHD, we dive deep into the relationship between ADHD and procrastination. For many with ADHD, procrastination isn't just about poor time management—it's a complex cycle rooted in the brain's executive function challenges. We explore how time blindness, distractibility, emotional dysregulation, and...

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, Carmen peels back the curtain on Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS)—sometimes called Sluggish Cognitive Tempo—to reveal why so many of us with ADHD feel stuck in a fog of daydreams, slow processing, and low energy. After a quick, relatable anecdote about spacing out in a meeting (and the panic that follows), we dive into what CDS actually is: a cluster of...

Picture this: You’re on the wildest roller coaster of your life – dizzying highs, sudden drops, and your heart racing. For many of us with ADHD, early romance can feel exactly like that. Our brains light up with excitement and novelty, but those same traits that make us passionate can also leave us vulnerable to toxic relationships. Research shows that adults with ADHD often report childhood traum...

Today, we’re diving into the world of AuDHD – a unique neurotype that combines both Autism and ADHD. This blog post will unpack why your brain might feel sluggish, how overstimulation can quickly spiral, and how sensory overload interferes with communication. We’ll also take a closer look at Polyvagal Theory, a scientific concept that explains how your body reacts to stress – and why that reaction...

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...

Transcript: Welcome to today’s episode! We’re diving deep into ADHD and autism – what makes them unique, where they overlap, and how they shape day-to-day life. We’ll mix neuroscience, the latest research, and real-life stories to make it all click. This show is for neurodivergent adults, and also parents and educators who want to really understand what living with ADHD and autism can be like. Ima...

Shame and guilt are heavy emotions that many neurodivergent people know all too well. In AuDHD (adults with co-occurring autism and ADHD), these feelings often run deep. Unlike simple embarrassment, shame goes to the core of “who I am,” while guilt is about “what I did”. For example, an AuDHD person might feel guilty for forgetting a friend’s birthday, but feel shame about being the kind of person...

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 neuroscience behind ADHD and executive functions—those critical mental processes essential for managing daily life tasks. Executive functions are described humorously as the "backstage crew" of the brain, responsible for working memory, planning, emotional regulation, inhibition, time management, and flexibility, largely governed by t...

In this deep-dive episode, Carmen explores the constant inner conflict many adults with ADHD experience—what psychology calls cognitive dissonance . It's that mental tug-of-war between what we intend to do and what we actually do, often amplified in ADHD brains due to emotional dysregulation, executive dysfunction, masking, and rejection sensitivity. Usin… This is a public episode. If you'd like t...

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...

Ever felt like someone pulled your battery out mid-sentence? One minute you’re go-go-go , and the next—you’re a human puddle on the couch, brain offline, soul buffering. That, my friend, is an ADHD energy shutdown — a deeply misunderstood, very real experience where our nervous system essentially throws up the "Closed for Business" sign. 🎧 Segment 1: What Is an Energy Shutdown in ADHD? Welcome ba...

Hi my friend and welcome or Welcome back to Authentically ADHD! I’m your host, Carmen, and today we’re diving deep into the journey of understanding ADHD, specifically from the perspective of those who’ve received a late diagnosis. The world of ADHD is vast, and when you’re diagnosed later in life, it can be like flipping a light switch in your brain – suddenly, everything makes sense, but there’s...

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 altered...

Understanding Anhedonia in ADHD Because of the HIGH activity on my post about this, i am releasing this episode EARLY, SURPRISE DOPAMINE; your are welcome :) Introduction Welcome back to Authentically ADHD, where we dive deep into topics that matter to those of us navigating life with ADHD. Today, we're exploring something that many of us can relate to, but we may be unaware of it, or are unable t...

In this episode of Authentically ADHD , we dive into the world of friendships and explore how ADHD shapes the way we connect with others. From childhood playdates to adult coffee catch-ups, maintaining friendships can be uniquely challenging — but also deeply rewarding — for those with ADHD. Using insights from "Let Them" by Mel Robbins and Dr. Barkley, we unpack: * How Friendships Develop: Discov...

Have you ever noticed that your sense of time feels strangely elastic—sometimes minutes drag on endlessly, and other times hours vanish in a blink? If you have ADHD, this experience likely resonates deeply. This phe nomenon, often called "time blindness," significantly impacts everyday life, from managing tasks and deadlines to social interactions and self-care routines. But why exactly is this su...

Hey hey, beautiful brains! In this juicy episode of Authentically ADHD , Carmen dives deep into the wild world of cognitive flexibility — that ninja-like mental skill that helps us pivot, adapt, and switch tasks smoothly. Spoiler alert: it’s not something the ADHD brain does easily. And no, you’re not just “being dramatic” — your brain is literally wired to find this hard. Like… juggling flaming t...

Dive into the vibrant world of ADHD with "Authentically ADHD"! Hosted by Carmen, a passionate advocate and educator, this podcast explores the unique perspectives and daily triumphs of neurodivergent life. Join us for insightful discussions on navigating relationships, boosting productivity, and embracing personal growth—all through the lens of ADHD. Whether you're seeking practical tips, heartfel...

Introduction: * Hi there, and welcome—or welcome back—to Authentically ADHD! I’m [Your Name], your host, fellow ADHDer, and your guide through the beautifully chaotic, wildly creative, and sometimes frustrating world of the ADHD brain. * Now, let me ask you something—have you ever heard someone say, “ADHD isn’t real, it’s just an excuse,” or “Oh, everyone gets distracted sometimes” ? Maybe you’ve...

In this episode titled "ADHD & Time: Mastering Your Day with Routines," we delve into the crucial role routines play in managing time effectively for individuals with ADHD. We explore practical strategies to establish and maintain routines that enhance productivity and reduce stress. From morning rituals to evening wind-downs, we uncover how routines can create stability and improve overall well-b...

See more on SUBSTACK: Follow me: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/carmen_irace Join Focused: https://ihaveadhdllc.ontralink.com/t?orid=29951&opid=1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit carmenauthenticallyadhd.substack.com/subscribe