The AuDHD Boss: Neurodiversity at Work with Brett Whitmarsh

In this episode, I explore autistic masking — what it is, why it happens, and how it impacts identity, mental health, and burnout. Drawing from Dr. Megan Anna Neff’s  Autistic Burnout Workbook  and research from Embrace Autism, I share definitions, examples, and personal insights from my own experience as a high masker. We talk about the conscious and unconscious ways autistic people adapt to fit...

What’s really happening when an autistic person has a meltdown or shutdown at work? In today's episode I am reviewing the differences between autistic meltdowns and shutdowns. In doing so, I am reading from Embrace Autism's blog on what meltdowns and shutdowns along with my experiences of these descriptions. For more information on this topic read more from Embrace Autism's website her...

In this episode, I get real about the biggest mistakes I’ve made as a leader—and how being diagnosed with autism and ADHD gave me a new lens on all of them. From reacting too quickly to letting my ADHD hijack team priorities, I share hard-earned lessons that every manager—especially those who are neurodivergent—needs to hear. If you’re in a leadership role and navigating your own neurodivergent tr...

What happens when you unmask autism and ADHD—on a comedy stage—during Pride? In this solo episode, I share the chaotic, hilarious, emotional journey of performing my first stand-up set as an autistic, ADHD queer adult. From scripting punchlines and channeling sitcoms to mic stand disasters and post-performance crashes, this is more than a comedy story—it’s a story about identity, burnout, recovery...

Is it worth getting an ADHD or autism diagnosis later in life? I’m Brett, The AuDHD Boss—an autistic manager with ADHD—and in this episode, I’m answering one of the most common questions I get from late-diagnosed professionals: “Should I get a formal diagnosis?” In this episode, I share: The personal questions I asked before getting diagnosed How diagnosis helped me at work (and when I didn’t actu...

I’m an autistic leader with ADHD, and I’ve spent over a decade working in a leadership position in corporate workplace. And for most of that time, I’ve masked—hard. What does masking at work actually look like for an autistic manager with ADHD? And what does it  cost  us to stay “professional” every day? In this episode, I’m reflecting on masking in the corporate workplace—from learning to read th...

n this episode, I explore the meaning of  neuroqueering  through my own lived experience as a queer, autistic, ADHD adult. Joined by Dr. Megan Anna Neff (Neurodivergent Insights), we dive into: The definition and origins of the term "neuroqueer" How masking and identity suppression lead to burnout The grief of coming out and discovering you're neurodivergent later in life What it mea...

Why do so many of us feel like we’re always performing — even in our safest spaces? In this powerful and deeply resonant episode, Brett (The AudHD Boss) is joined once again by Dr. Megan Anna Neff, psychologist and founder of  Neurodivergent Insights , to explore the complex emotional and psychological experience of autistic masking. Together, they discuss: How masking starts in childhood as a tra...

How do you turn burnout into business success as a neurodivergent entrepreneur? In this compelling episode, Brett, the AuDHD Boss, sits down with Patrick Casale – therapist, private practice coach, and host of the  All Things Private Practice  podcast and Divergent Conversations with Dr. Megan Anna Neff– to share his journey from high-stress work environments to thriving as a self-employed ADHD an...

Work travel can be a sensory and social minefield for autistic and ADHD professionals. In this episode, I share my personal strategies and accommodations for handling work trips and conferences more effectively. From sensory tools to masking plans and recovery routines, these tips can help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed when traveling for work. Tune in to hear practical advice inspire...

What happens when both you and your boss have ADHD? In this episode, I'm joined by my longtime friend and former colleague, Sherry, for a deep dive into the challenges and strategies of managing up with a neurodivergent manager. We share real-world stories about navigating chaotic energy, building strengths-based teams, structuring weekly check-ins, and using "reverse accommodations"...

What if a conversation between a neurodivergent and neurotypical person didn’t have to end in confusion? In this episode, I talk with  Michael Daniel , the creator of the  NeuroTranslator app — an AI-powered tool designed to decode and bridge communication between autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, and neurotypical minds. We explore: Michael’s late-diagnosis journey with autism and ADHD How unmasking affec...

What happens when you realize, years into adulthood, that you’ve been living with undiagnosed ADHD and autism? For many of us, the answer is grief. In this episode, I open up about the complex emotional journey that followed my late diagnosis—how I processed lost time, forgave myself for what I didn’t know, and began building a new future with the tools I now have. Whether you're newly diagnos...

What's the point of seeking an autism or ADHD diagnosis as an adult? I was recently asked why I would see out a diagnosis as an adult. The question being, wouldn't you have figure out coping skills by now? The questions has some ableist wrapped up in it. The short answer is, so I can get my needs met. This episode explores the impact of understanding your neurodivergence later in life, fro...

This episode of the AudHD Boss podcast explores autistic masking and its significant impact on autistic burnout. Host Brett, who has ADHD and autism and is a corporate leader, shares personal experiences and draws on expertise from Dr. Megan Anna Neff, author of "The Autistic Burnout Workbook" . Key topics covered include: Defining Autistic Masking:  An explanation of what autistic maski...

In this episode, Brett, The AuDHD Boss, dives deep into the topic of internalized ableism, particularly in the context of a late ADHD and autism diagnosis. Drawing inspiration from a conversation with Dr. Megan Anna Neff of Neurodivergent Insights, Brett explores how internalized ableism can contribute to autistic burnout. He shares his personal journey, discussing the challenges of a late diagnos...

Autistic burnout—how do we recognize it? What triggers it? How do we manage sensory overwhelm and work through it? In this special episode, I sit down with  Dr. Megan Anna Neff  of   Neurodivergent Insights  to dive deep into the realities of autistic burnout. 🔹  About Dr Megan Anna Neff (She/They) Dr. Neff is a neurodivergent clinical psychologist, researcher, writer, and author. You may know th...

Struggling to engage your ADHD employees? The secret isn’t stricter deadlines or "trying harder"—it’s  leaning into their special interests . In this episode, I break down how ADHD and autistic employees thrive when their work aligns with their strengths, and how managers can foster engagement without micromanagement or unnecessary performance plans. 🔹 How to recognize ADHD struggles in...

Feeling overwhelmed by the nonstop flood of news and information? As an autistic and ADHD professional, I know firsthand how easy it is to spiral into anxiety, especially in chaotic times. In this episode, I’m sharing strategies from my recent therapy session and my background as a former journalist on how to  stay informed without feeding overwhelm . As someone with ADHD, autism, and OCD, I’ve be...

🎙  How I Use My Autism and ADHD Strengths to Succeed at Work In this episode, I’m diving deep into  how I take a strength-based approach to my ADHD and autism (AuDHD) in the workplace . As an autistic leader with ADHD and over 10 years of management experience, I’ve learned how to navigate challenges, leverage my strengths, and advocate for accommodations that help me—and my team—thrive. I’ll be s...

Are you an adult wondering, "Am I autistic? Or "you are autistic, now what?" I'm, Brett, the AuDHD Boss, here I guide you through what to do if you think you might be autistic. With over 10 years of leadership experience and personal insights as an autistic leader with ADHD, I take a strength-based approach to navigating life and work as a neurodivergent individual and I have a formal diagnosis of...

What are the five burnout work symptoms your boss or organization can address to help reduce burnout from work? And what kind of leadership styles help prevent burnout at work? Can your boss actually help you avoid burnout? 🤔 In this episode, I explore a recent study on workplace burnout from the National Library of Medicine and break down how leadership styles, organizational culture, and rest c...

Getting an ADHD or autism diagnosis can be overwhelming, especially as an adult. In this episode, Brett, the AuDHD Boss, shares five must-read books that helped them navigate life after their late diagnosis. When I got my ADHD and autism diagnosis, I had so many questions and very few answers. These books became my guide—and I hope they can help you, too. From understanding neurodivergence to prac...

How did I get tested for my autistic adult symptoms? In this video, I share my personal experience of getting an autism test as an adult for a formal autism diagnosis. How did I assess if it I was autistic with adhd or could it have been autistic or adhd? From the initial self-assessment to the full evaluation process (test). I dive deep into the steps I took, the challenges I faced, and how it al...

How to Balance Context and Conciseness at Work: Tips for Autistic and ADHD Professionals As neurodivergent professionals—whether autistic, ADHD, or both—we often love diving deep into problems, unraveling their complexities, and solving puzzles at work. But what happens when our need for  context  clashes with a workplace culture that values conciseness? Too often, the details we share can come ac...