F them fish! AuDHD for grownups

Callie Elward-Barrett and Jayne Gurton are together to record in person! and unpack why neurodivergent people can feel misunderstood even when they’re being crystal clear - explicit vs inferred meaning, threat-scanning vs social inference, and the cost of code-switching. Plus: why ADHD brains love musicals, and a listener question on asking for workplace accommodations without apologising.Callie and Jayne are together in person (sleep-deprived, delighted, and hilariously unfiltered) for a “talkie-talkie” episode that swings from funny to deeply useful.They start with neurodivergent life logistics—spoons, pain, sleep, and the reality of showing up when your nervous system is already taxed. Then they dive into why musicals can be such a powerful regulation tool for ADHD brains, including Callie’s “third track” theory: story + music + lyrics creating enough channels that the brain can finally settle.The heart of the episode is a communication lens that explains a very common neurodivergent experience: feeling misunderstood even when you’re communicating clearly. They explore explicit language vs inferred meaning, and why reading into things can be predictive threat processing (protective scanning) rather than playful social inference.They finish with a listener question (“Delta”) about asking for workplace accommodations without apologising, offering practical scripts and a reminder that you’re not asking for special treatment, you’re asking for what helps you do the job you were hired to do.Note: lived experience and reflection, not medical advice.Key takeaways Miscommunication isn’t always bad communication, it can be different cognitive pathways.Some brains prioritise explicit meaning (words = meaning), others prioritise inferred meaning (what’s implied).Threat-scanning (“did I mess up?”) is not the same as social inference (“what did they intend?”).Code-switching is exhausting, often the transition is the hardest part.Accommodation requests land better with short scripts than long justifications.Practice reduces the shame loop: you’re allowed to ask for what you need.Send your stories, questions, and ADHD taxes to: Fthemfish@gmail.com.Follow the show on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok: @FThemFishAuDHDforGrownups.Connect with Callie on LinkedIn: Callie Elward-Barrett and Jayne on LinkedIn/Instagram: Jayne Gurton.Chapters 00:00  Introduction 01:45  Exploring Neurodivergence and Personal Experiences06:12  Physical Health and Its Impact on Daily Life09:05 The Importance of Connection and Communication14:30  The Power of Musicals and Emotional Expression23:10 Understanding Communication Styles in Neurodivergent Individuals30:48  Understanding Social Inference vs. Predictive Threat Processing33:25  Communication Styles: Neurodivergent vs. Neurotypical34:53  The Importance of Empathy in Communication37:06  Navigating Code-Switching in Relationships39:56  The Role of Neurodiversity in Workplace Communication40:37  Listener Question: Asking for Accommodations at Work

A candid ADHD/autism conversation on crafting frustration, body image, Mardi Gras pressure, mindfulness through movement, and why community matters. Callie Elward-Barrett and Jayne Gurton unpack the wild west of neurodivergent coaching, lived experience, social media misinformation...and end with an unexpected outtake.In this episode, Callie and Jayne get real about ADHD and autism - the messy, funny, frustrating parts and the genuinely helpful parts. They talk about crafting as both joy and overwhelm, the way body image pressures hit differently when your nervous system is already running hot, and the stress of big public-facing moments. Why “just do mindfulness” often doesn’t land for neurodivergent brains. For many of us, mindfulness works best through movement (walking, stretching, dancing, fidgeting, doing). They also dig into community as a survival tool, and share the why behind building the Neuro-Inclusive Collective. You’ll also hear an honest take on the coaching landscape in neurodiversity - why quick-fix solutions can be harmful, why lived experience matters, and how social media can warp perceptions of what ADHD/autism looks like.Stay to the very end: there are laugh-out-loud outtakes right before the theme tune.What you’ll learn Why crafting can be regulating… until it’s notHow body image and 'should' thinking collide with neurodivergent stressWhy movement-based mindfulness often works better than stillnessWhat community support looks like when you actually need itThe difference between neuroinclusive coaching and quick-fix promise cultureHow social media misinformation shapes ADHD/autism expectationsWe’re not medical professionals! This episode is lived experience, reflection, and practical ideas to take what helps and leave what doesn’t.Chapters00:00: Neurodivergence check-in: ADHD, autism, and lived experience03:29: Crafting & creativity: joy, frustration, and the overwhelm cliff06:26: Body image & self-perception under pressure11:25: Too many roles at once: the neurodivergent bandwidth problem13:46: Mindfulness for ADHD/autism: why movement often works best16:31: The Neuro-Inclusive Collective: building real community support19:04: The neurodiversity industry: what helps vs what’s hype27:36: Staying credible: learning, updating, and avoiding certainty theatre31:26: Short-form content: helpful education vs oversimplified takes38:48: Emotional reality: shame, overwhelm, humour, and self-compassion42:23: Community stories: share your experiences!46:00: Outtakes / bloopers (stay for this - genuinely funny)47:27: Theme tuneWhat is neurodivergence?Neurodivergence is a non-medical umbrella term describing brains that develop or operate differently from what society treats as 'typical'. It includes ADHD and autism, among other differences. The key idea is variation, not deficit, while still acknowledging real support needs.Why doesn’t traditional mindfulness work for many people with ADHD or autism?Traditional mindfulness often assumes stillness, sustained attention, and low sensory load. For many neurodivergent people, those conditions can increase agitation or rumination. Movement-based mindfulness can work better because it regulates the nervous system while attention settles.What is movement-based mindfulness?Movement-based mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment while moving - walking, stretching, dancing, yoga, or even rhythmic fidgeting. The movement provides sensory input and regulation, making it easier to notice breath, thoughts, and feelings without overload.What should you watch for in neurodiversity coaching quick fixes?Be wary of absolute promises (fast cures, universal hacks) and shame-based messaging. Neurodivergent support should be personalised, flexible, and transparent about limits. Good coaching helps you build sustainable strategies, not mask harder.Follow F Them Fish_AuDHD For Grownups on Instagram and YoutubeFind Callie on Linked In

In this episode of F Them Fish: AuDHD for Grownups, Callie Elward-Barrett chats with Claire and Amy from Empact Group in Canberra about what neuroaffirming work looks like when it’s not just a policy - it’s the culture, the office setup, and the day-to-day behaviours.We talk twice exceptionality (2e) and the very real grief of having a brilliant brain and executive functioning that sometimes blocks you from using it. We unpack the practical stuff that actually helps - lighting options, quiet spaces, fidgets, noise-cancelling headphones, protein on hand - and the bigger leadership moves that matter most: curiosity, clarity, and conversations before there’s a problem.You’ll also hear a grounded take on the classic objections (“it’s not fair”, “people will take advantage”, “they were fine before they got diagnosed”) and why the answer isn’t doing nothing, it’s doing the basics well, keeping performance expectations clear, and remembering that neuroaffirming is just... person-affirming.Links / contact www.empactgroup.com.auFind Empact on LinkedIn: Empact GroupEmail the show: fthemfish@gmail.comKey topics ADHD / AuDHD at worktwice exceptional (2e), giftedness + ADHDlate diagnosis (women)neuroaffirming workplace, reasonable adjustments, fairness vs equity, and psychological safetyexecutive functioningsensory needs at work, communication preferences - the workplace prenupleadership vulnerability (with boundaries)employee value proposition (EVP)Takeaways:Twice exceptional (2e) can look like instant systems insight, plus a brain that blocks the follow-through.A neuroaffirming workplace is built on curiosity and clarity, not special treatment.Small environmental changes (light, space, fidgets, headphones) can make a massive difference.Fairness isn’t everyone getting the same thing, fair is people getting what they need to do their best work.Leaders can set the tone by being appropriately open (and not making it an HR performance).Edge cases exist, but they’re rare, don’t use the fear that someone might take advantage as an excuse to do nothing.Late diagnosis often doesn’t change someone, it gives them language, tools, and permission to stop burning out.The 'workplace prenup' idea: agree early on how you work best, what stress looks like, and what helps, so you’re not guessing later.Claire's Quotes:“Empact comes from, Empower to Act.”“We are making exceptions to the rule. All of. The. Time.”“A neuroaffirming workplace is actually just a person affirming workplace.”Chapters 00:00: Welcome01:08: Claire: ADHD, 2e (twice exceptional), and giftedness as neurodivergence02:12: What '2e' means (and why it’s both a gift and a grief)04:53: Amy: late-diagnosed ADHD in women over 40 and masking08:07: What Empact is (and why 44% disclosed neurodivergence matters)12:54: “Empower to Act”: how Empact got its name14:53: The neuroaffirming office: fidgets, lighting, quiet spaces, practical design17:20: Building trust and mutuality (and why symbolism can still matter)18:22: The practical supports: headphones, protein, meds, and brain fog21:00: “Limits” (the word we hate): principles, sustainability, and client realities23:37: Mutual responsibility: support and adulting31:57: Objection 1: “If I give it to them, it’s not fair”37:39: Objection 2: “People will take advantage” (and why most won’t)40:45: Objection 3: “They were fine before diagnosis”50:04: How to have the “preferences” conversation early (workplace prenup)54:06: Leaders: make it safe without making it HR-y57:07: What Claire would do differently as a founder58:46: Why neuroaffirming is good business (and not more expensive)1:01:19: Where to find Empact (LinkedIn) and how to contact the pod

Callie Elward-Barrett and Jayne Gurton kick off with a very on-brand tech faceplant (“…I hadn’t turned it on”) aka the ADHD tax in real time. From there, they get into sensory overload, emotional regulation, and what it’s like living in a world that’s basically always a bit too loud. There’s also a thoughtful (and careful) reflection on Australia Day/January 26, plus why community and creativity can be both a lifeline and a rage-inducing craft project.If you’re searching for:ADHD tax (real-life examples)sensory overload and what it feels likeemotional regulation for AuDHD/ADHD adultsneurodivergent burnout/overwhelm and copingcreativity as a regulation tool (and why it can still be frustrating)Takeaways:If you’re neurodivergent, your brain will eventually invoice you for skipped tech checks. (Hello, ADHD tax.)Sensory overload isn’t a personality flaw, it’s your nervous system saying “nope, we’re full.”Emotional regulation gets harder when your senses are already maxed out ADHD tax isn’t just money, it’s re-doing, recovering, over-explaining, and repairing.Creativity can be medicine… and also a shortcut to “why is this GLUE ruining my life?”Community is regulation. Being with people who get it can drop your stress faster than any hack.Personal stories teach what fact sheets can’t, especially when told with care and context.Humour isn’t minimising, it’s a survival skill and a bridge into the serious stuff.Chapters00:00 - Tech Fail Cold Open: “I Didn’t Turn It On” (ADHD Tax Energy)02:17 - What F Them Fish Is About: AuDHD for Grownups (No Pretending)05:25 - Sensory Overload: When Everything Is Loud, Bright, and Too Much08:56 - Emotional Regulation: Why Overwhelm Escalates Fast12:13 - Sensory Sensitivity in Real Life (And Why You’re Not ‘Dramatic’)14:58 - Food Sensitivities, Preferences, and Social Expectations17:02 - Australia Day / January 26: Cultural Sensitivity Without the Hot Takes17:10 - ADHD Tax Explained: The Hidden Costs of Daily Life21:24 - Work + Life + Social Events: The Calendar Spiral26:50 - Crafting & Creativity: Joy, Frustration, and Nervous System Relief30:36 - Community & Being Seen: The Stuff That Actually Helps

BRAND NEW, from the F Them Fish studios... WILD VOICES! Global Neurodiversity UpdateIn this inaugural episode of the WILD podcast, hosts Callie Elward-Barrett, Jayne Gurton, and Troy Heland introduce the ND WILD movement, a global initiative aimed at amplifying neurodivergent voices. They discuss their personal journeys with neurodivergence, including late diagnoses and the importance of community support. The conversation highlights the intersectionality of neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ identities, particularly in the context of the upcoming Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, where they plan to participate with a group of neurodivergent and queer individuals. The hosts emphasize the need for inclusivity and accessibility in large events, aiming to create a sensory-friendly environment for all participants.Keywords: neurodiversity, ND WILD, ADHD, inclusivity, LGBTQIA+, Mardi Gras, neurodivergent voices, community support, podcast, neuroinclusivityTakeawaysWILD is all about amplifying neurodivergent voices wherever they are.We want this to be a collective perspective and growing that community around all of you.Our tagline is no masking required.We are the evolution of humanity.If we can do something as massive as Mardi Gras in a sensory inclusive way, then do not tell me we can't do other things.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:05 Meet the Hosts and Their Mission06:30 The Importance of Neurodiversity and Inclusivity12:48 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement14:32 The Bop Drop and Generational Language15:36 Sponsorships and Community Support for Mardi Gras17:48 Creating a Sensory-Inclusive Experience22:13 The Importance of Accessibility Guides25:19 Spotlight on Neurodiversity Champions28:54 I See You Video.mp4

We are officially in season 2!! We're back and there's been a few changes. Callie takes on the show as a solo host, with the first episode featuring an interview in front of a live audience of public servants! It is a little more... well... demure than you may be used to, but it is full of GOLD!This conversation with the ACT Government in Australia, explores the importance of neurodiversity in the workplace, discussing how organizations can better support neurodivergent individuals. It covers the definition of neurodiversity, the role of managers, common experiences of neurodivergent employees, practical adjustments that can be made, and the rise in diagnoses. The discussion also addresses misconceptions about neurodivergence and emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding in creating inclusive work environments.Takeaways:Neurodiversity includes all brains, not just those with diagnoses.Just ask people about their preferred language and don't assume you know what someone needs - we say this all the time! Kindness and compassion are crucial in supporting neurodivergent colleagues, especially when we are trying to navigate our masks and the toll that can take.Practical adjustments can benefit everyone, not just neurodivergent staff.Creating a culture of psychological safety is essential for open conversations about neurodiversity.You can download the 5Cs model for neuroinclusion Callie talks about in the episode. Just make sure to attribute credit when you use it.Find out more about working with Callie at: https://executivefunctioning.com.au/Check out the global Neurodiversity Initiative at: https://ndwild.org/ Join the conversation on Linked In, Instagram, and TikTok: F Them Fish_ AuDHD for GrownupsChapters in this episode00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity in the Workplace02:38 Understanding Neurodiversity08:33 The Role of Managers in Supporting Neurodivergent Employees12:10 Common Experiences of Neurodivergent Individuals18:28 Practical Adjustments for Neurodivergent Staff25:11 The Rise in Neurodivergent Diagnoses31:36 Addressing Misconceptions About Neurodivergence37:08 Creating Inclusive Work Environments40:18 Coping with Anxiety and Rejection Sensitivity48:20 Resources and Community SupportKeywords: neurodiversity, workplace inclusion, neurodivergent, mental health, support strategies, workplace adjustments, compassion, understanding, leadership, employee experience

This podcast is recorded on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri People. We pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging, and to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people listening.This podcast is all about our experience with late ADHD diagnosis and the questions we have as we continue to navigate life. This podcast is in no way medical advice or intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. That applies for any guests we have on too!We love hearing about our listeners' experiences with ADHD, and we'd love to hear yours if you want to join us on the mics - drop us a DM (socials are at F them fish_ADHD for grownups) or an email (fthemfish@gmail.com).Iiiiit's Episode 30!!! This will be the last episode for this season before we take a teeny tiny break. There's a lot going on and we are going to recharge our batteries before coming back even stronger! Will Callie finally figure out remote recording? YES SHE WILL! Maybe... hopefully.In this episode, we explore the connection between ADHD and Intuition - we know that as an ADHDer you have wondered if you have more intuition than other people. We hear you and we're going to look into it. Topics covered:Beard chat - this thing pretty much has its own postal code!Threads - is it good?Is this the end of the world?Pattern recognition, mimicry, and hyperawarenessRituals, deja vu, and spirituality - do ADHDers have a 6th sense?Magiv versus neuroscienceSidequests:90s song lyrics - we ollldWAP CPRWas Merlin neurodivergent?Nursery rhymes and superstitionsHistory is written by the victor - why are women always evil?Come and join the F them fish community on the socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fthemfish_adhdforgrownups/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fthemfishADHDforgrownupsPlease like, rate, (5 stars are the only stars :D ) and follow the podcast wherever you listen. It really helps. Don't forget to share with absolutely everyone you know. Especially your nan!Love Callie and Lauchy xx

This podcast is recorded on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri People. We pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging, and to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people listening.This podcast is all about our experience with late ADHD diagnosis and the questions we have as we continue to navigate life. This podcast is in no way medical advice or intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. That applies for any guests we have on too!We love hearing about our listeners' experiences with ADHD, and we'd love to hear yours if you want to join us on the mics - drop us a DM (socials are at F them fish_ADHD for grownups) or an email (fthemfish@gmail.com).Andrew is back for episode 29 (basically ep 28 part 2) this is a special bonus episode, let us know if you like the episodes shorted and spread over 2 weeks - we can do that!Topics covered:Stimming - vocal and physicalLaughing at other people's conversations in publicTime optimismHow to use post-its to save your spoonsImportance vs interest for ADHDersSour taste testSidequests:Plot of landRepetitive noises give me uncontrollable ragestop interrupting!A day in the life of AndrewAre Twisties basically straight Cheezels?Come and join the F them fish community on the socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fthemfish_adhdforgrownups/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fthemfishADHDforgrownupsPlease like, rate, (5 stars are the only stars :D ) and follow the podcast wherever you listen. It really helps. Don't forget to share with absolutely everyone you know. Especially your nan!Love Callie and Lauchy xx

This podcast is recorded on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri People. We pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging, and to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people listening.This podcast is all about our experience with late ADHD diagnosis and the questions we have as we continue to navigate life. This podcast is in no way medical advice or intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. That applies for any guests we have on too!We love hearing about our listeners' experiences with ADHD, and we'd love to hear yours if you want to join us on the mics - drop us a DM (socials are at F them fish_ADHD for grownups) or an email (fthemfish@gmail.com).Andrew is back for episode 28! If you heard episode 26, you'll have heard the listener feedback and know that there was a big call for him to come back and talk more about his experiences as a late-diagnosed ADHD and austistic man. This talk was long and I didn't want to cut any of it, so we will bring you part 2 next week as a special bonus episode - lucky!Topics covered:Is it harder for men to get a late diagnosis?Revisiting ADHD and Autistic intersectionalityFeeling invalid with 'only' having ADHDReimagining the diagnostic criteriaInsight into Callie's incredibly weird brain where songs are waiting so burst out at all timesMaladaptive daydreamingSidequests:Lauchy has weaponised music against me!2003 was 20 years ago...Shiz! My eyes are closedThe origins of Spoon TheoryCome and join the F them fish community on the socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fthemfish_adhdforgrownups/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fthemfishADHDforgrownupsPlease like, rate, (5 stars are the only stars :D ) and follow the podcast wherever you listen. It really helps. Don't forget to share with absolutely everyone you know. Especially your nan!Love Callie and Lauchy xx