Share

The Neurodivergent Experience
Addiction & Chasing The Dopamine Rush | EP32
In this episode, we are in the same room for the very first time on this podcast, so we're bringing you a preview of our live show in Cardiff! Many Neurodivergent people struggle with impulse control and addiction, something we have both struggled with throughout our journeys. We share our personal experiences with addiction to phones and social media, food, video games, plus we talk the need for balance and self-awareness when it comes to addictive behaviours and the dangers of Neurodivergent people chasing the buzz of a dopamine high through narcotics.
Takeaways
- The need for dopamine and the desire for instant gratification can contribute to addictive behaviours.
- Co-dependency in relationships can be both healthy and unhealthy, depending on the individuals involved.
- Finding a balance and practicing self-awareness are important in managing addictive behaviours.
- It's important to be aware of one's own addictive tendencies and seek help if needed.
Our first live show at Autistic Minds Live 2024 Cardiff is fast approaching! It is the Premier FREE to attend event for and by the autistic community. To book your FREE tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../autistic-minds-live...
Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.
Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod
Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience
YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience
More episodes
View all episodes
Hot Topic: ADHD Referrals Denied After 25? What the NHS Isn’t Telling You
22:44|🔥In this week's Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott unpack the announcement that Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust has temporarily suspended adult ADHD referrals for people over 25, and our hosts are fired up. What does this mean for late-diagnosed adults? Why is 'Right to Choose' being left out of the conversation? And how does this reflect a bigger systemic issue around neurodivergent care in the UK?🎙️ With wit, passion, and deep lived experience, the hosts dive into:Coventry and Warwickshire NHS says it’s to prioritize children—but is that the full story? Why cutting off care for adults sends a harmful message to undiagnosed neurodivergents. Right to Choose: The NHS ADHD Loophole They’re Not Telling You AboutFrom improved emotional regulation to better executive function, Jordan and Simon share raw, personal stories of how diagnosis and medication transformed their lives. How ADHD affects more than focus—covering overstimulation, fatigue, and the misunderstood benefits of medication.You can read the full article here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyrgrng3njo.amp🔥Have you been denied a referral or left in NHS limbo? Check the links in our show notes for RTN and explore your Right to Choose. You don’t need to wait 10 years. You’re not invisible, and we’re here for you!❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)→ Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperience70. You’ve Got An ND Friend In Me: Sensory Clashes, RSD, And The Joy Of ND Connection
01:11:35||Ep. 70In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott dive into the chaotic beauty of neurodivergent friendships. From the heartbreak of sensory overload to the emotional minefield of alexithymia and rejection sensitivity dysphoria, they unpack the complex layers of autistic–autistic relationships, misunderstanding ADHD traits, and the healing power of shared ND experience.🎤 In this episode, you'll learn about:Managing sensory hell in shared spaces (yes, that includes loud eaters and perfume)Autistic love languagesHow trauma and mental health shape ND friendshipsMiscommunication, meltdowns, and how to repair after a shutdownThe real reason you stopped texting your bestie (and why they probably didn’t hate you)If you’ve ever felt “too much” or “too sensitive,” this one’s for you.❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)→ Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperienceHot Topic: CDB Experiments On Autistic Children
23:45|🔥In this week's Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott unpack a recent study testing CBD (cannabidiol) on autistic boys aged between 7 and 14 in the USA. Is this breakthrough research, or just another way of sedating neurodivergent children to make them easier to manage? You can read the article here: https://neurosciencenews.com/cbd-asd-psychopharmacology-29315/🎙️ With wit, passion, and deep lived experience, the hosts dive into:The science behind CBD, what it does and their own experiences using CBD as neurodivergent adultsWhy targeting only "severely autistic boys" is problematicThe dangers of reducing neurodivergent behavior to something that needs to be fixedWhy understanding the "why" behind behavior matters more than masking or muting it🔥 If you've ever questioned the ethics of autism research or want a more compassionate take on supporting autistic children, this episode is a must-listen.❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)→ Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperience69. Girls Are Autistic Too: Misdiagnosed By Misogyny
01:26:44||Ep. 69In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott are joined by in-house therapist Ahsley Bentley to explore the key differences between autistic men and women. We discuss how traits like repetitive behaviors and emotional expression show up differently, and the diagnostic biases and misogynistic societal expectations that affect late or missed diagnoses in women.🎤 In this episode, you'll learn about:How autistic masking differs between men and womenHow special interests manifest in men and womenWhy autistic girls and women are often overlooked or misdiagnosedThe role of social conditioning in shaping autistic expression in men and womenThe societal pressures faced by Autistic women in relation to masking behaviorsWhether you're autistic, suspect you might be, or want to support a loved one better, this episode is packed with insights on gendered experiences of autism you won't want to miss.❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)→ Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperienceHot Topic: Elon Musk's Big Beautiful Meltdown
46:44|🔥In this week's Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott dive deep into the high-profile fallout between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump over the big beautiful bill.From viral tweets to public pettiness, justice sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and the regret that comes after an autistic meltdown, they explore Elon Musk's behavior through a neurodivergent lens to analyse what they believe to be the most public autistic meltdown ever! ❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)→ Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperience68. Dyslexia Isn't the Problem, The English Language Is
01:18:47||Ep. 68In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott dive into life with dyslexia and how the quirks of the English language—like silent letters, inconsistent spelling, and grammar chaos—make reading and writing harder for neurodivergent minds. 🎤 In this episode, we explore:🔤 Why English spelling feels like a cruel joke to dyslexic readers🧠 What “brain muddle” really feels like during writing📚 Tips for navigating reading and memory challenges🎧 How audiobooks and alternative formats can level the playing field🤯 The emotional impact of being misunderstood (and how to cope)✍️ What it’s like to self-publish with dyslexia — the good, the bad, and the typo-ridden If you’ve ever felt like your brain just doesn’t "get" English, this episode is for you!❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)→ Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperienceHot Topic: Jamie Oliver And Media's Role in Shaping Neurodivergent Narratives
28:00|🔥In this week's Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott dive into celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s recent revelations about his family's neurodiversity. They explore the importance of neurodivergent representation in mainstream media, the concept of 'bravery' in discussing these topics, and the impact of media representation on the public perception of being neurodivergent.Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about neurodiversity, media influence, and breaking stigmas around ADHD and dyslexia.❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)→ Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperience67. Why Is Eating So Hard? Food, ARFID & the Neurodivergent Brain
01:21:21||Ep. 67In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott are once again joined by Sophie James as they get real about the challenges neurodivergent individuals face with food, from ARFID and sensory issues to body image and emotional regulation. They share personal stories, reflect on childhood eating habits, and explore how cooking and self-compassion play a role in healing.🎤 In this episode, we explore:The challenges of eating as a neurodivergent personHow executive dysfunction impacts food choicesThe role of childhood habits, cooking, and parental influenceStruggles with self-perception and emotional regulationThe influence of social media on body image and self-worthWhether you're neurodivergent, a parent, or just curious about the complex relationship between food and mental health, this episode offers a compassionate and eye-opening perspective. Tune in for a journey toward self-acceptance, balance, and kinder relationships with food.Sophies email: Sophiecofy@gmail.comHer new podcast - Navigating Neurodivergence:https://open.spotify.com/show/54rB8kwCwTwoVB6kBpaOo5?si=6z6Q3-J7QrywPhJSO37KCg❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)→ Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperienceHot topic: Glory & Grief, A Neurodivergent Take on Liverpool FC’s Parade
28:55|🔥In this week's Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott unpack a day that began with unity and ended in shock. As Liverpool Football Club celebrated its Premier League win, a tragic incident during the parade left multiple people injured. Simon, who was there, shares a firsthand account of the joy, the fear, and the emotional aftermath.This episode isn’t just about football — it’s about the complexity of feeling deeply, especially for neurodivergent and empathic individuals, and navigating joy and trauma in the same breath.❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you: ✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience ⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors: 🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy → https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK) → Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperience#NeurodivergentExperience #LiverpoolParade #EmpathyInChaos #MentalHealthPodcast