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Burnout. We've all been there. But what actually causes your brain to feel this way? The bad news is that burnout in ADHD and autism is relatively new, but the good news is that we have tons of studies looking at burnout in neurotypical brains. In this episode, we look at the brain changes noted in these studies, and * spoiler alert *, there's a lot of overlap with the known differences n ADHD and autistic brains. Do we basically just exist with a perpetual, baseline level of burnout? Tune in to find out! Presentation Sources: ADHD burnout overviewADHD burnout ratesStudy correlating ADHD burnout severity with severity of executive functioning deficitsSystematic review of autistic burnout researchNeuroimaging study of burnoutGlutamate imbalance literature review in autismStudy proposing a different sequence of medication trialing for autistic patients with anxiety and depressionLifecycle of a neurotransmitterHow transporters work in the brainHow SSRIs workHow partial agonists like Buspirone workHow Wellbutrin works

Amy Arnsten is a powerhouse in the world of neuroscience. She's a professor at Yale, she runs her own lab (aptly called the Arnsten Lab), and she's responsible for discovering guanfacine. This medication is an absolute gamechanger for rejection sensitivity and working memory for everyone with ADHD.  We were lucky enough to chat with her and ask all our most burning brain related questions. In this episode, you can expect a lot of mythbusting as Amy corrects the record on common ADHD tropes that don't stand up to scrutiny when you're an internationally recognized expert on neuroscience.

Is it possible to know that someone has ADHD or autism just by looking at them? It turns out, people do seem to have a sixth sense that consistently detects ADHD and autism. In this episode, we explore the physical “tells” that might be giving us away and how this impacts the lives of ADHD and autistic people. Due to character limits, we couldn't paste all the source links, but you can find them in this doc: Sources doc (with all links) Below is a guide covering how local anesthesia is ineffective with hypermobility. Please use this and show it to your doctors. It's scary stuff, and you deserve to not feel pain during procedures. ***IMPORTANT!!! Guide to local anesthesia and surgery for hypermobility***

Dearest Gentle Reader, rarely is society faced with such a vexing debate over a member of “The Ton”. Could it be that Miss Francesca Bridgerton is autistic? This author will humbly endeavor to set the record straight, not through gossip and speculation, but through science and fact. It is our greatest wish that in your journey to understand Miss Francesca, you discover yourself, for this, dear reader, would make the fruits of our labor worthwhile, indeed. Sources: Tony AttwoodFrancesca Autistic CompilationFrancesca CompilationAutistic adult brains name recognitionDifferent emotional facial expressionsDouble empathy problemEye contact triggers amygdalaGABA and GlutamateThe theory of monotropismMost common special interestsWhat causes special interests?Autistic women more vulnerableThalamus explains sensory issuesAutistic people have weaker autobiographical memoryFear of being perceivedDebunking the Empathy/Systemizing Quotient in autismAutistic adults enjoy being in the same space without direct interactionStudy on autistic special interestsCAT-Q Autism Assessment

You know that “new crush” feeling where your heart is pounding and you've got butterflies in your stomach? It can feel exhilarating! But imagine if you got stuck in a loop where you experience it every single day for years. Suddenly, it becomes a little less fun. This is the plight of people suffering from limerence, where you become addicted to your own fantasies of being in a relationship with someone who is unavailable in real life.  So how do you know if it's love or limerence? In today's episode, we'll break down all the ways you can tell the difference. Curious what causes limerence? We dive into the neuroscience behind it in our previous episode “Why do ADHDers get addicted?” Sources: What causes limerence?Dr. Kirk Honda's limerence deep-diveDr. Tom Bellamy's limerence introductionDr. Tom Bellamy’s YouTube channel about limerence Limerence meta analysisDr. Kirk Honda's borderline personality disorder deep-diveDr. Kirk Honda's Baby Reindeer deep-diveOCD vs ADHD and Autism

We all know people with ADHD are more prone to addictions like gambling, alcoholism, and substance abuse. But what if you could be addicted to your own fantasies? And how do addictions form in the first place? In this two part episode, we’re examining limerence, a condition where you become addicted to compulsive, consuming fantasies about a romantic relationship with someone who does not express interest in you. In order to truly grasp limerence, you need to understand the neuroscience behind addiction, which is the topic of this episode. We take an in-depth look at the brain changes that occur when you become addicted to something, and we explore why ADHD brains are exceptionally vulnerable. This episode will help you understand ADHD struggles on a whole new level! Give us a listen, and be sure to come back for the second part of this special, where we tackle the precise symptoms of limerence and the conditions it's commonly mistaken for.  Sources: Dr. Kirk Honda's deep dive on limerenceAddiction neuroscience research with Professor Kent BerridgeUnderstanding addiction and how it's treatedStatistics about ADHD and addiction The overlapping neurobiology of addiction in ADHDResearch on ADHD and low hedonic toneResearch on ADHD and attachment styles General information about attachment styleADHD and divorce rates

Diagnosis rates are rising, and people everywhere are being prescribed medications with major side effects. But what if it's actually a misdiagnosis? We're talking, of course, about dementia. Although dementia can look similar to ADHD and autism in older populations, treatment options are wildly different, and very few clinics perform ample screening to distinguish between these conditions. In this episode, we'll break down the similarities and differences. We'll also talk about the pitfalls of aging gracefully with ADHD and autism, so you and your loved ones can navigate the complexities armed with knowledge. Sources Survey about menopause with ADHDStories about aging with autism Meta-analysis about aging well with autismVideo about aging with ADHD by Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D. Clinics rarely screen for ADHD in older populationsStudy on ADHD and dementia riskCommon conditions that look like dementiaUp to 13% of diagnosed dementia cases are actually liver failureADHDers have poor autobiographical memoryADHD memories don't have context about time or location Dementia side effects reported by pharmacists and caretakersSevere side effects to dementia anti-psychotic drugsSevere side effects from anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody medications for dementia Only 31% of ADHDers would be eligible for a randomized controlled trial about ADHD meds

Have you ever been completely obsessed with a video game and you can't pull yourself away? Video games have a nuanced and important role in the lives of AuDHDers. In this episode, we'll dig into the good, the bad, and the ugly side of video games. In the right context, they serve as a powerful, therapeutic tool for self regulating and even improving challenges associated with ADHD and autism. Unfortunately, they can also be addictive and drain your time, money, and willpower. Sources: Basic stats about video gamesUsing Dungeons and Dragons as a therapeutic technique for autismMeta analysis on using games for ADHD treatmentCogCubed ADHD assessment gameResearch on EndeavorRX to treat ADHDEndeavorRX gameplay demoUsing Tetris to prevent PTSD after traumatic experiencesADHD and video game addictionAutism and video game addiction Autistic people are less likely to purchase loot boxesLoot boxes increase gambling addiction risk in adolescents by 3.7x to 6.0x32% of children regret their online purchases and 41% don't understand what they purchased Adolescents who purchase loot boxes are at 1.87x higher risk of severe psychological distressBlind boxes increase suicide risk in childrenAustralia automatically classifies games with loot boxes as Mature

What do computers, music, and nature have in common? They are some of the top special interests for autistic people! In today's episode, we look at the research behind special interests to separate the truth from the stereotypes. We also look at some of the possible reasons why so many autistic people have special interests. Join us for this very special episode where we get to talk about our favorite things! Chapters 00:00 Welcome & why special interests matter 02:54 Myth-busting: hyperfocus vs. special interests 03:24 The research problem (ask adults, not just caregivers) 05:16 Strengths, coping, and pride 07:04 When treatment targets the wrong thing 08:48 Special interest study 11:20 “Current” interests vs. lifelong ones 11:46 Disney special interests 18:16 Burnout and the 80% finish line 20:21 INCUP attention model (ADHD) 22:32 Work friction & making novelty 23:10 Top special interests by gender 27:08 What makes an interest “special” 32:56 When intensity hurts well-being 34:21 Monotropism 101 40:36 Hyperfocus & mental health 44:06 Systemizing vs. empathy—why that binary fails 50:01 Temple Grandin’s thinking styles 54:32 Special interest stigma 59:15 Our special interests 1:01:52 Conclusion References: Grove et al., 2018; SAGE 2024 hyperfocus study; Autism Understood (Monotropism); Temple Grandin on thinking styles. Special Interests Study (Grove et al., 2018) 👉 https://research.vu.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/72579810/Grove_et_al_2018_Autism_Research.pdf Monotropism Overview (Autism Understood) 👉 https://autismunderstood.co.uk/autistic-differences/monotropism/ Hyperfocus Study (SAGE Journals, 2024) 👉 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/27546330241237883 Systemizing Quotient – Revised (Embrace Autism) 👉 https://embrace-autism.com/systemizing-quotient-revised/ Thinking Styles in Autistic People – Temple Grandin Framework (Embrace Autism) 👉 https://embrace-autism.com/thinking-styles-in-autistic-people Keywords: autism, ADHD, AuDHD, special interests, hyperfocus, monotropism, Temple Grandin, systemizing quotient, Simon Baron-Cohen, Disney Imagineering, Pixar, pattern thinking, executive function, INCUP, attention regulation

This conversation delves into the complex relationship between autism and religion, exploring how neurodivergent individuals experience spirituality and religious practices. The discussion highlights various cultural perspectives on autism, the role of empathy in spiritual relationships, and the unique understandings of religious concepts among autistic individuals. It also addresses the impact of new age beliefs and astrology on the perception of autism, emphasizing the need for better research and understanding in the field. Chapters 00:00 Finding Faith and Overcoming Challenges 00:48 Exploring Autism and Religion 02:14 The Intersection of Autism and Spirituality 07:56 Understanding Religious Experiences in Autistic Individuals 11:52 The Role of Empathy in Spiritual Relationships 14:32 Cultural Perspectives on Autism and Religion 18:57 Unique Understandings of Religious Concepts 21:46 The Capacity for Religion in Autistic Individuals 22:34 Diverse Religious Interpretations of Autism 29:49 New Age Beliefs and Autism 45:18 The Role of Sensitivity in Spiritual Experiences 52:07 Astrology, ADHD, and Autism Connections

ADHD obviously impacts a lot of aspects of your life, but did you know it can impact your religious status, too? It turns out, there are fascinating studies that explore the interplay between ADHD and religion (or lack thereof), so for this episode, we're giving you the lowdown on their findings. For our autistic listeners, don't worry! We have a follow up episode coming soon exploring autism and religion, too! References: Study looking at Judaism and ADHD Additude article on ADHD and religion Church of England rejects gluten free wafers Study looking at Evangelical Christian attitudes towards ADHD Information on Religious OCD Chapters 00:00 Exploring Faith and Neurodivergence 03:58 The Intersection of Religion and ADHD 06:26 Community, Belonging, and ADHD 08:57 The Role of Religion in Mental Health 11:59 Challenges of Neurodivergence in Religious Spaces 15:13 Understanding ADHD and Religious Experiences 17:54 The Impact of Community on Loneliness 20:51 Navigating Religious Expectations and ADHD 23:43 Finding Acceptance in Faith Communities 26:34 Personal Journeys and Religious Beliefs 34:26 Navigating Church with ADHD and Hypermobility 37:27 Judgment in Religious Communities 39:00 Neurodivergence and LGBTQIA+ Intersectionality 39:11 Dietary Restrictions and Religious Practices 41:32 Rigid Religious Accommodations 43:55 Finding Comfort in Religious Rituals 47:56 The Struggles of Neurodivergent Individuals in Church 48:35 Hyperfixation on Religion as a Special Interest 53:40 Religion as a Tool for Emotional Regulation 01:00:25 Understanding Religious Scrupulosity OCD 01:03:25 The Cycle of Shame in Religious Contexts 01:07:52 Previewing Autism Studies and Religion

Can you diagnose autism by looking at pictures of eyes? That's the theory behind the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), which was recently featured in Season 2 of 'The Rehearsal'. But this autism assessment has a wild history, and its origins are convoluted enough to make Nathan Fielder blush. Today, we're breaking down the story of how the RMET was developed and whether the results are clinically relevant. We also explore the broader implications of Theory of Mind assessments that researchers love to give to autistic people. This episode has random magazine clippings, animated triangle families, bad doodles, and more. Tune in to see how all these pieces of the puzzle fit together! References: Free online RMET assessmentTheory of Mind OverviewBasic Emotions TestAnimated Triangles TestDiverse Desire and Beliefs Test (Yoni Test)False Beliefs Test (Sally Anne Test)Criticisms of the Theory of Mind testsEven more criticisms of the Theory of Mind TestsHistory and criticisms of the RMET 00:00 Introduction 00:09 The RMET and Autism Representation 02:53 Origins and Validity of the RMET 04:07 Theory of Mind and Autism 05:10 Administering Theory of Mind Tests 13:01 Cultural and Subjective Influences on Theory of Mind 14:41 Testing Theory of Mind with Animated Triangles 23:03 Diverse Desires and Hidden Feelings 28:59 False Beliefs and Hidden Feelings Tests 34:03 Critique of Autism Research 34:53 Validity of Autism Tests 37:22 Language Dexterity as a Theory of Mind predictor 39:16 Issues with Autism Testing 42:16 The RMET: Origins and Issues 48:50 Criticism of Simon Baron-Cohen's Work 01:04:19 Alternative Approaches to Autism Testing 01:06:50 Personal Experiences and Reflections 01:09:00 Discussing the Clinical Evaluation Process 01:09:11 Reflecting on the Exhausting Nature of Tests 01:09:27 Upcoming Episode on Eating Disorders and Neurodivergence 01:09:27 Personal Reflections on Test Performance 01:10:25 Questioning the Validity of the Test 01:10:40 Conclusion and Future Plans

If you're anything like us, you watched ‘The Rehearsal’ on HBO and immediately became OBSESSED! This show has resonated deeply with the autistic community, and we want to talk about it. In this episode, we are taking a look at showrunner Nathan Fielder's portrayal of himself, both within the show and in interviews, as an illustrative example for how higher masking autism can present in people. In the show, Nathan has created a case of Schrödinger's autism diagnosis where it's unclear whether he is actually autistic. This ambiguity creates the space to have a nuanced conversation about how autism and masking can feel for so many of us. Whether you're a Rehearsal superfan or you've never seen the show, join us for an illuminating conversation! 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Nathan Fielder  02:20 Understanding Non-Stereotypical Autism  03:49 The Rehearsal and Its Impact  04:26 Ethnomethodology and Nathan's Comedy  05:47 Speculating on Nathan's Autism  09:55 Stereotypical vs. Non-Stereotypical Autism  10:16 Relatable Moments from Nathan's Interviews  11:56 Repetition, Routines, and Compensation  18:59 Challenges of Masking and Social Interactions  32:33 Special Interests and Hyperfixations  38:59 Disney Lore and Childhood Obsessions  41:13 Autistic Traits and Masking  42:22 Social Observations and High Masking  52:00 Empathy and Emotional Challenges  59:05 Existential Thinking and Cognitive Styles  01:03:54 Concluding Thoughts on Autism Representation

Have you seen these ads? “Procrastination isn’t laziness, it’s trauma,” or “Fix your ADHD with one simple quiz.” In this episode, we’re diving deep into the wild world of mental health marketing, especially the stuff targeting folks with ADHD and autism. Tarah sacrificed her algorithm (and possibly her identity) by clicking on every one of those sketchy ads, and John got to react in real time. From apps claiming to read your palm and heal your trauma to surprisingly legit music studies backed by science, we’re breaking down what’s helpful, what’s harmful, and what’s just plain nonsense. We unpack what these ads are selling, why they work (or don’t), and what it says about the ADHD community. If you’ve ever wondered “Is this app actually helping me or just cashing in on my executive dysfunction?”—this one’s for you. 00:00 Intro 01:28 Exploring Mental Health Ads 02:40 First Ad: Procrastination and Routine 09:58 Second Ad: ADHD and Depression 20:12 Third Ad: Trauma Responses and Palm Reading 30:38 Fourth Ad: Music for ADHD 33:01 Spotify and ADHD Music 33:46 Skepticism About Science Claims 35:15 Study on Music and ADHD 41:14 The Live In App and Its Ads 50:50 Predatory Marketing and Vulnerable Populations 59:59 Conclusion

Could a painkiller like Tylenol (also known as acetaminophen or paracetamol) cause autism and ADHD? Some compelling studies seem to prove this link, but there's more to the story than meets the eye.  In this episode, we explore the cornerstone of good research - correlation does not equal causation - as we deep dive into the studies and lawsuits surrounding Tylenol and AuDHD.  We also discuss the recent disparaging comments about autism from American Health Secretary RFK Jr. and his plan for David Geier, a man who injected hundreds of autistic children with a dangerous chemical used for castration, to create a database of all autistic Americans. This chilling turn of events doesn't just threaten the safety of autistic Americans. It also undermines the global body of scientific knowledge as the US government prepares to invest significant funding into intentionally misleading research.  But we all know, the best antidote to misinformation is skepticism. In this episode, we'll show you how subtle aspects of experiment design can significantly influence the outcomes of study results, so you can arm yourself for all the weird and wild AuDHD studies released now and in the future.  00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:25 RFK Jr.'s Controversial Comments on Autism03:05 The Task Force and Its Dubious Leadership05:25 Public Outcry and Expert Opinions08:34 Correlation vs. Causation: A Deep Dive14:59 Legal Drama: The Tylenol Lawsuit28:08 Analyzing the Tylenol Study38:44 Personal Experiences with Migraines and Autism39:06 Exploring the Genetic Links Between Autism and Autoimmune Disorders39:53 The Role of mTOR Pathway in Autism and Autoimmune Conditions42:08 Vitamin D and Its Connection to Autism and Autoimmune Genes42:49 Implications of Genetic Overlap in Autism and Autoimmune Disorders48:44 Swedish Study on Acetaminophen and Neurodivergence52:00 Sibling Data and Genetic Factors in ADHD and Autism55:09 International Studies on Acetaminophen and Neurodivergence01:04:23 Skepticism and Historical Context in Autism Research01:10:37 Concluding Thoughts on Neurodivergence and Research Sources: - RFK Jr wants to create a database of autistic Americans (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/22/rfk-jr-autism-nih) - RFK Jr has simultaneously cut funding for actual support programs for autistic people (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/24/rfk-jr-autism-disability-services-cuts) - Mark and David Geier created a business empire prescribing dangerous hormone blocking medications to autistic children (https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/chemical-castration-of-autistic-children-leads-to-the-downfall-of-dr-mark-geier/) - The class action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson (https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/tylenol-autism-lawsuit.html) - Why the plaintiffs lost the class action lawsuit (https://www.reuters.com/legal/lawsuits-claiming-tylenol-causes-autism-lack-scientific-support-judge-finds-2023-12-19) - The American study on acetaminophen and AuDHD (https://www.nature.com/articles/s44220-025-00387-6)- Autism and migraines (https://adult-autism.health.harvard.edu/resources/migraine-headaches/) - ADHD and migraines (https://www.additudemag.com/migraines-and-adhd-headaches-symptoms-treatments/amp/) - Autism and autoimmune conditions (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8156237/) - The Swedish study on acetaminophen and AuDHD (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2817406)