Masking For It

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 f...

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 sensitivi...

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 neur...

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 hos...

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 a...

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 hun...

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 -...

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, a...

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 s...

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 Neu...

Lesley shares an analogy about Neurodivergence that was inspired by her recent visit to Beaumaris, where she took a boat trip to Puffin Island and observed these small but mighty birds thriving in their natural habitat.