Share

WTF is AuDHD?
E13 | Why it feels like everyone is getting diagnosed
Season 1, Ep. 13
•
In this episode, we tackle the common misconception that “everyone is being diagnosed these days.” From ADHD to autism, it can feel like neurodivergence is suddenly everywhere—but is that really a bad thing? We unpack why diagnosis rates are rising, what’s changed in how we recognise neurodivergence (especially in adults, women, and marginalised groups), and why it’s not about a trend. We also touch on some of the harmful conversations going on in the USA at the moment, and explain why the language being used is harmful.
SOCAL @wtfisaudhdpodcast
More episodes
View all episodes

48. E48 | Parenting a neurodivergent kid as a neurodivergent parent - with Sarah @neurodialectical
50:18||Season 1, Ep. 48We're super excited to be joined by neurodivergent parent and social worker Sarah (@neurodialectical on Instagram), who shares how becoming a parent was the catalyst for her diagnoses - including autism, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and PMDD. We talk candidly about the sensory reality of parenting when your needs directly clash with your child’s, the rage and grief no one prepares you for, and why planning life around hormonal cycles can be helpful (if you can). Sarah also shares how she’s unlearning traditional parenting norms, prioritising autonomy over compliance, and raising her son in ways that protect his nervous system - even when it looks "unconventional". Sarah is super honest, raw and validating for any neurodivergent parent who’s ever felt overwhelmed, ashamed, or like they’re doing it “wrong.”Follow Sarah @neurodialecticalLINKTREE - join our Reddit, Discord and express interest in 1:1 sessions with Ellie in 2026
47. E47 | Sleep debt & the AuDHD exhaustion cycle
38:50||Season 1, Ep. 47In this episode, Ellie's running on lack of sleep thanks to the Formula One race overnight, so we're chatting about sleep! We dig into why sleep is such a challenge for neurodivergent brains - from revenge bedtime procrastination to sensory overload to busy brains and chronic sleep debt. We share our own experiences and how lack of rest affects everything from emotion regulation to basic functioning. Join our Discord and Reddit! Links in our LinktreeInterested in a 1:1 session with Ellie in 2026? Register your interest ellieonthetelly.com
46. E46 | Lacking boundaries, people pleasing and their links to neurodivergence
45:59||Season 1, Ep. 46Content warning: in this episode we lightly touch on abuse, manipulation and sexual assault - between 37 - 40mins - proceed with care.In this episode we dive into one of the biggest neurodivergent struggles: boundaries. Why do so many AuDHD people become chronic people-pleasers? Why do we say yes when every part of our body is screaming no? Why do we only realise afterwards how we're actually feeling? And why does setting even the smallest boundary feel like we’re letting someone down?We chat about the link between neurodivergence and people pleasing, how RSD, masking and social survival instincts shape our boundaries (or lack thereof) and we candidly discuss how we're personally going with improving our boundaries.Want a 1:1 mentoring chat with Ellie? Express your interest here: ellieonthetelly.comJoin our Discord and Reddit - links in our Linktree
45. E45 | Why neurodivergent brains need movement and why we avoid it - with Bayley Garnham (Dyspraxic)
01:04:54||Season 1, Ep. 45This week we’re joined by Bayley Garnham - diagnosed dyspraxic and neuro-affirming Personal Trainer! Bayley shares his diagnosis journey, what dyspraxia can actually look like day-to-day, how dyspraxia affected him growing up and what inspired him into personal training.We chat about why exercise can vary depending on biological sex, why so many of us need movement but struggle to start, and how PTs can better support neurodivergent clients. Bayley also breaks down how he trains people with compassion, flexibility and zero shame.If you’ve ever felt intimidated by exercise, disconnected from your body, or you're unsure where to begin, this episode might be for you!Follow Bayley on Instagram (@bayleygarnham) or get in touch via email bayleygarnham@gmail.com
44. E44 | Why so many AuDHDers become perfectionists
48:53||Season 1, Ep. 44In this episode, we unpack the perfectionism cage - the invisible set of rules we build for ourselves as AuDHDers in an attempt to survive, succeed, or simply avoid judgement. We talk about how perfectionism showed up in our childhoods, how it morphs into procrastination and paralysis, and why so many of us cling to impossible standards even when they burn us out.JOIN OUR DISCORD
43. E43 | The curse of Object Permanence: if I can't see you, it's like you don't exist
32:04||Season 1, Ep. 43It’s not personal, we just literally forgot you existed. This week we dive into the concept of object permanence. We chat about why AuDHDers struggle to remember things, hobbies, goals and people once they’re out of sight, how it impacts friendships and daily life, and what we’ve learned about how to manage it.Vote for us for Listener's Choice at the NZ Podcast awards (if you want) HERESOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcastLINKTREE
42. E42 | Friendship, rejection, loneliness and how our dogs have saved us
44:56||Season 1, Ep. 42For so many neurodivergent people, friendships can feel confusing, draining, or just out of reach. In this episode we open up about growing up lonely, the ache of wanting connection, and how RSD can destablise you from reality. We touch on a listener submission - should you tell your friends about your diagnosis? We also share how our dogs have helped us with being at peace in our own company and have also helped with our general motivation!Vote for us at the NZ Podcast Awards for Listener's Choice! VOTE HERE.
41. E41 | Why do I find holidaying so stressful? Travelling with AuDHD
44:47||Season 1, Ep. 41Paige is back! If you've always secretly found travelling stressful and wondered why it looks so fun for everyone else - we see you. In this episode, we’re unpacking why holidays and travel can feel so overwhelming as a neurodivergent person. Freshly off the plane, Paige reflects on her recent trip and what accomodations she made for herself. We talk about why AuDHDers find travelling stressful and also reflect on some recent listener Reddit posts about perimenopause.VOTE FOR US (if you want) at the NZ PODCAST AWARDS for Listener's Choice! VOTE HERE.SOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcastLinktree
40. E40 | Do I really have ADHD? Diagnosis imposter syndrome - with Bree Tomasel
31:31||Season 1, Ep. 40What about the after part of ADHD diagnosis? Bree Tomasel joins us for a follow up chat about her diagnosis experience and feelings. Bree shares her experience with the weird limbo of diagnosis imposter syndrome, the long road to getting meds right (four years, no joke), and she shares advice and things she's learned that have helped her.Paige is back next week! Also, if you'd like to vote our podcast for Listener's Choice at the NZ Podcast Awards, you can do that here.SOCIAL @wtfisaudhdpodcast // LinktreeFollow @breetomasel