Share

cover art for "I wouldn't change him for anything!" - An ADHD parent & autistic son's journey

ADHD Chatter

"I wouldn't change him for anything!" - An ADHD parent & autistic son's journey

Dan Harris and his non-speaking son, The Joshie Man, share their inspiring journey, full of heart warming insight.


Dan is the founder of the charity, Neurodiversity in Business, advocating for the rights of neurodivergent folk to access neuroinclusive workplaces.


You can find out more details at www.neurodiversity.org.


Chapters:


00:42 A message from our sponsor: Tiimo

02:46 Start of interview

03:27 I quite often ask this question at the end but I think it would be a good one to start with:

04:02 Could you explain in detail the general spectrum of ASD, where you place on it and then where Joshy would be placed on it?

05:44 You hear quite regularly things like "oh my friend, he/she is a bit on the spectrum", it seems in some way, we are all on the spectrum. That's why it's a spectrum and not binary. Is this true? Do we all have a bit of an -ism? 

07:12 You’ve been diagnosed with ADHD and Autism, when was your first memory of feeling different?

10:08 Do you think you could describe as accurately as best you can what Joshy's experience of the world is?

12:12 How does Joshy show and process his emotions and feelings?

13:11 What is the general communication like between yourself and Joshy and how has that evolved over time

14:00 Did it take time to come to terms with Joshy's diagnosis and if so, what were the stages of processing like for you?

17:22 How have you coped as a father?

19:24 ADHD Item

21:31 Were there any tell-tale signs of Joshy's condition very early in his life and if so, how early?

22:49 A message from our sponsor: Stasis

24:16 How has the world changed with regards to how it views autism since your personal diagnosis? 

27:46 Is there a chasm that needs to be addressed with regards to Joshy's experience of the world and how people with his condition are viewed by authorities?

32:21 How would you like the world to change over the next 10 years with regards to ADHD and Autism?

34:14 What Autism associated stigma would you most like to debunk?

36:13 What nonverbal autistic stigma would you most like to debunk?

40:06 Washing machine of woes


Dan is fighting for Communication Boards to be installed globally to help non-speaking people access their communities: https://neurodiversityinbusiness.org/communicationboards/


Find Dan on LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/danjharris/


Get started with Tiimo for free on mobile or web by following this link:

https://tiimo.onelink.me/w6CP/AlexPartridge


Do you want to feel the benefits of Stasis? Use code ADHDCHATTER for 20% off your first order. Discount automatically applied at checkout: https://takestasis.com/discount/ADHDCHATTER?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=adhdchatter2409&utm_id=adhdchatter


Valid for US customers only


Producer: Timon Woodward

More episodes

View all episodes

  • "I was SCARED to let someone love me!" - Jordan Stephens Dissects ADHD Diagnosis

    01:13:35|
    Jordan Stephens is best known for being one half of Rizzle Kicks. Today he dissects his ADHD diagnosis and shares the many life-changing lessons he’s learnt. Topics:00:00 Trailer01:20 A message from our sponsor: Timoo04:36 ADHD item reveal 05:11 What was your first memory of feeling different?07:14 You were diagnosed twice with ADHD, is that right?10:36 What was your first memory of being made to feel different by somebody else?Do you have any visual analogies that best demonstrate how ADHD manifests in you?14:32 You’re a bit of a polymath. A musician, author, actor, mental health activist, do you think your ADHD stood you in good stead with your varied career paths?19:34 What do you think divided you - who has clearly been able to use his brain and creative capacity to further your career - to those who only experience the negatives of ADHD?24:11 Drugs and alcohol 25:53 So with great success always comes great criticism. Managing so many different careers, do you suffer RSD across those pursuits?30:11 What do you think other people's experience of working with you is?36:56 A message from our sponsor: Stasis38:24 ADHD item segment 43:19 The Washing Machine of Woes (ADHD Agony Aunt segment)48:18 You’ve written a book about heartbreak which makes me wonder, how do you experience Love and is it an intense experience perpetuated by your ADHD?57:29 You've spoken before about body dysmorphia, is that something you feel comfortable talking about? 01:05:56 Why was it important for you to come on this podcast and talk about ADHD?01:07:43 A letter from the previous guest 01:09:21 BTS footage + posting the letter + Signing the canvas Get started with Tiimo for free on mobile or web by following this link:https://tiimo.onelink.me/w6CP/AlexPartridgeDo you want to feel the benefits of Stasis? Use code ADHDCHATTER for 20% off your first order. Discount automatically applied at checkout: https://takestasis.com/discount/ADHDCHATTER?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=adhdchatter2409&utm_id=adhdchatterValid for US customers onlyProducer: Timon Woodward
  • 'ADHD caused my divorce!' - 5 Vital Lessons From a Late Diagnosed ADHD Woman - Stacey Duguid

    01:30:52|
    Stacey Duguid has worked for brands including Giorgio Armani, Prada and ELLE, but today she opens up about her late ADHD diagnosis, and the vital lessons she's learnt along the way.Chapters:00:00 Trailer01:56 ADHD Item reveal02:49 An opening tradition on this podcast: What is your earliest memory of feeling different?06:41 What’s your earliest memory of being told that you're different by someone else?08:48 How did feeling different manifest itself in your earlier years as a child and then as a teenager?13:42 Why do you think it took so long for you to be diagnosed with ADHD?21:25 What was your family's response to your diagnosis?22:45 Is it hard to explain ADHD to other people, do you find people take it seriously as a diagnosis?25:47 After you were diagnosed did you feel like you presented yourself in a different way socially, professional or in your relationships? Did you approach people with a renewed sense of confidence?30:56 Do you think you have any autistic traits?35:29 have you struggled with addiction and if so, just how bad did it get and how have you overcome this?40:34 What was (and is) dating like for you as someone with ADHD?47:16 Do you find what you're looking for in a partner has changed pre and post ADHD diagnosis?51:07 Your ADHD item (red wine)54:07 How did you meet your ex-husband?55:13 You were married for 10 years? And this was pre-diagnosis...what was managing a committed relationship like with ADHD and no diagnosis?58:26 Is ADHD your friend or your enemy?01:00:57 How did ADHD play its part in your marriage failing?01:03:56 What does divorce do to one's self-esteem taking into consideration an ADHDer's RSD?01:10:23 How have your ADHD traits played a part in your incredible success within your respective careers?01:17:27 Why was it important for you to come on this podcast?01:22:14 The Washing Machine of Woes01:24:38 Letter from previous guestFollow Stacey on Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/staceyduguid/?hl=enBuy Stacey's book 👉 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pursuit-Happiness-Mating-Marriage-Motherhood/dp/0349435197/Producer: Timon Woodward
  • Bitesize: 3 Important Realisations From A Late Diagnosed ADHD Woman

    20:56|
    Kate Spicer shares her important post ADHD diagnosis realisations. Kate is a lifestyle journalist who has written for Vogue, the Sunday Times, The Times, the Daily Mail and the Evening Standard.Read Kate's Substack 👉 https://katespicer.substack.com/archive
  • "I masked for too long!" - Ellie Middleton details impact of late AuDHD diagnosis

    01:22:45|
    Ellie Middleton is an activist, speaker and writer committed to breaking taboos and empowering neurodivergent people to thrive in and out of the workplace. Ellie's story is tragically relatable, but also full of hope, insight and wisdom. 00:00 Trailer03:04 Shall we start by explaining in brief your diagnoses and where they came throughout your life?07:52 What were the various iterations of masking throughout your childhood?10:51 What are the hidden costs of masking16:06 When was the last time you felt truly 100% unmasked and this made you feel uncomfortable to feel like you're being yourself?23:59 When was the last time you felt truly 100% unmasked and this made you feel incredibly liberated and accepted?27:12 From your experience, what toll does the feeling of being misunderstood take on a person at the time it's happening, and in hindsight what toll do you think it can play on a person when they reach adulthood?31:14 We’ve had a few guests on with AuDHD and one of the most illustrative of analogies is "it's like 2 siblings dragging each other across the room by their hair". How would you describe these two sectors of the brain colliding on a day-to-day basis?35:46 Last time you were on you described a sort of 6 month pendulum swing of depression that would then swing to optimism and ambition. You haven't been on here for around a year, so I was just wondering if this has cropped up again in your life and how?39:48 ADHD item42:24 The washing machine of woes 48:19 Does having ADHD and Autism make you more tolerant of other people who exhibit what might be frustrating symptoms of ADHD and Autism in your personal or professional life?51:04 You’ve built a fantastic community online lending support to neurodivergents, from those who have reached out, do you see any common themes in the turmoils of those who are feeling lost?53:23 Have you made any steps over the last year to manage your R.S.D and has it cropped up in your life since you were last on?58:23 For someone who has said they take things literally and can maybe be more blunt than people are used to, this must cause confusions in conversations and friendships, how does your RSD deal with these confusions?01:04:07 Why are boundaries important to a person?01:11:16 At the beginning of your Ted Talk, you listed contradictions of social dynamics that you had trouble balancing. Could you mention a couple of them now?01:13:18 You then go on to say other neurotypical people just seemed to have a metaphorical rulebook which helped them understand these things that you couldn't get to grips with, did this lead to resentment of being different? Having to work so hard to understand something others know intrinsically?01:17:01 A letter from the previous guest Buy Ellie's book 👉 https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-You-Goodbye-Should-Would/dp/0241710375Follow Ellie on Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/elliemidds/?hl=enThis episode has been produced for entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to be taken as medical advice or advice in any way.
  • Bitesize: Neuroscientist shares 3 proven HACKS to boost dopamine

    22:02|
    TJ Power is an esteemed neuroscientist & international speaker. Today, he shares 3 proven ways to hack your dopamine.
  • ‘Making friends was always IMPOSSIBLE’ - Parul Singh details late AuDHD diagnosis

    01:21:06|
    Parul Singh opens up about her late ADHD & autism diagnosis. It’s insightful, hilarious and very relatable. Thank you Parul for sharing your incredible story with us.00:00 Trailer02:48 When was your first memory of feeling like you might have ADHD?11:45 And since you were last on, you were diagnosed with Autism too, so the second part of the question. When was your first memory of feeling like you have autistic traits? 20:36 How do you find Autism manifests itself in your social and professional life? 24:16 We had Jay Beech on the show who also has AuDHD and he said that the ADHD brain and the Autism brain are like 2 siblings pulling each other by the hair and dragging each other across the room, is this true for you?25:53 Has this more recent diagnosis made a lot of sense of previous struggles you've had in the past?30:55 Since your diagnosis, have you found your tribe?33:25 Has your diagnosis made sense to those closest to you?36:26 How do you communicate the everyday struggles of being AuDHD to those around you, those people by which your relationship relies heavily on your strength to communicate things to them. i.e friends, family and partner? 44:47 ‘Pebbling’ explained 46:08 In general, do you find it hard to draw out empathy from a person who has a brain that just thinks in a totally different way?50:16 What part does "Stockholm Syndrome" play in this? And can you briefly explain what Stockholm syndrome is?53:00 How much of your AuDHD do you think might be caused by complex PTSD?56:46 The ADHD Item segment 01:00:19 The ADHD Agony Aunt segment (Washing Machine of Woes)01:02:31 What is the difference between a shutdown and a meltdown? And why might one occur over the other?01:11:35 How have you learnt to harness both your ADHD and Autism to become a successful individual? 01:13:32 Does your ADHD ever mask your Autism or vice versa?01:14:28 What is your relationship with alcohol like at the moment and how has that journey been over the years? 01:16:10 The Alien scenario01:18:41 Most impulsive thing 01:21:01 Signing the ‘thinks outside the box’ canvas Find Parul on Linkedin 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/parul-parallel-minds/This episode has been produced for entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to be taken as medical advice or advice in any way.
  • Bitesize: Rich & Rox (ADHD Love) Open Up about Autism, Arguments + RSD

    33:43|
    Alex chats to Rich & Rox (ADHD Love) about Rich's autism suspicions, arguments and RSD.
  • ADHD and Narcissism: The Hidden Link You NEED To Know! - Dr Mark Rackley

    01:04:17|
    Alex chats with leading psychologist, Dr Mark Rackley.Expect to learn the signs you're dating a narcissist, the similarities between ADHD and narcissism, and so much more.Topics:00:00 Trailer02:28 A broad question and not yet ADHD specific, but, what is a narcissist and is there a difference between a narcissist and someone with NPD?06:48 Why do you think narcissism is such a big topic in the world at the moment?08:27 Is genuine Narcissism or NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder for audience members) common and if so, why do you think that is?10:10 What does a narcissist need to "survive" and what is it they’re looking for in life (and what are they looking for from people around them)?14:20 How does a narcissist prey on someone and what sort of people are they looking to exploit?16:30 Is covert narcissism different to the more mainstream narcissism we hear about and why is it particularly dangerous?18:21 Are narcissists afraid of being alone and what - in general terms - do you think a narcissist thinks of when they are left alone?20:00 What might the general timeline be for someone dating a narcissist and that dating turning into a serious relationship i.e how might narcissism show itself gradually in a romantic relationship?22:04 What tricks does a narcissist use to keep you on their hook if they see you as part of their "narcissistic supply”?24:05 ADHD Item27:06 Washing machine of woes33:09 Do narcissists know they’re narcissists?34:24 At what point would a narcissist begin to become self-aware that they might indeed have a problem?36:39 I need to voice some worries of my own! I’m on camera, I think I share some of the traits we've been talking about. I don't like being alone. I need praise to rid me of my RSD….do you think I’m a narcissist? How can I tell?!39:48 How can I be sure that my traits are just ADHD and not narcissism?43:09 Are there any other similarities someone with ADHD might have that are typical of a Narcissist, but might not be narcissism?45:07 If someone has an ADHD partner and they are trying to figure out if it's ADHD, or if there is something more sinister at play, what steps can they take to help try to figure it out?47:51 Is there a known cause for narcissism and if not, what do you think might be a factor that perpetuates it?49:18 How to spot a narcissist53:21 Can you ever change a narcissist and is it worth trying?54:05 Can narcissists be successful professionally?57:33 Successful narcissists aside, with the lower rungs of narcissism and perhaps the majority of the narcissistic population that aren't particularly high-functioning CEOs, what can that look like? Or to put it another way, what does the "everyday narcissist" look like?59:40 Is social media causing narcissism, or is it just the perfect tool for someone who already is a narcissist?Follow Dr Mark on Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/drmarkrackley/Listen to Dr Mark's podcast 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/2pQcITHSlR5qNUagV0jEgXThis episode has been produced for entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to be taken as medical advice or advice in any way.