Content creators Lori-Jade and Max Siegel join Ben for an honest, deeply human conversation about late diagnosis, identity and what it means to build a life together as a neurodivergent couple.
Both diagnosed with AuDHD in adulthood, they reflect on being missed for decades - from masking and misdiagnosis to the quiet grief of realising how different things could have been.
They explore how gender, queerness and hormones shape their neurodivergent experience, and what happens when both partners are navigating sensory needs, communication and regulation in real time.
If you’re navigating late diagnosis, identity or relationships as a neurodivergent adult, this episode is for you.
Join us at hidden20.org/donate.
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Host: Ben Branson
Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller
00:00 Introduction
01:52 Late Autism Diagnosis & Where It All Begins
05:57 Early ND Experiences & Feeling Different
11:38 Self-Awareness & ADHD Masking
16:21 Life Before Diagnosis
23:59 Recognition & Getting Assessed For ADHD
27:45 Understanding Yourself After Autism Diagnosis
37:56 ND Communication Differences Explained
43:13 Discomfort, Boundaries & Misunderstandings
48:22 Trust, Relationships & Being Honest
52:09 Daily Life, Challenges & Coping
56:22 Gratitude & Positive Reflections
1:00:55 Identity, Background & Personal History
1:09:10 Shared ND Experiences & Validation
1:18:43 Overstimulation & Sensory Struggles
1:23:38 Secondary Impacts Of ND
1:28:59 Lori & Max's Green Dot of Light
The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.
Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.
No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.
1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.
To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.
With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.
Join us at hidden20.org/donate.
Become a monthly donor.
Be part of our community where great minds think differently.
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
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Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Max Siegel @maxsiegel_
Lori-Jade Siegel @midlifeinvintage
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a \"green dot\" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
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