Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Dr. Ari Tuckman for a conversation about time blindness, the complexities of ADHD, and the stigma surrounding the disorder. They discuss why ADHD is more about the struggle to convert attention into action than a lack of knowledge. They talk about how and why ADHD affects time perception and performance under pressure. If you're prone to procrastination, anxiety, and time management issues, this is an episode you need to hear.

TAKEAWAYS

• ADHD is often misunderstood as a lack of attention rather than a difficulty in converting attention into action.

• Time perception in ADHD can be distorted, leading to challenges in planning and prioritizing tasks.

• Individuals with ADHD may perform better under pressure, but this can lead to anxiety and self-doubt.

• The internalized stigma can cause ADHD individuals to feel like frauds despite their successes.

• Social dynamics play a significant role in how ADHD behaviors are perceived by others.

• The pressure to conform to neurotypical standards can hinder the ability to find effective personal strategies.

• ADHD can contribute to anxiety, not just in the individual but also in those around them. Procrastination can also cause anxiety for others around you.

• Time management involves multiple components, including attention management.

• Physical clocks can help with time perception.

• Alarms are reminders, not motivators.

• Gamifying tasks can reduce procrastination.

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Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA, is a psychologist, author, and recognized expert in adult ADHD with over two decades of experience in the field. He has written five books on ADHD and is a sought-after international speaker, known for his engaging presentations that combine insight, humor, and practical strategies to help individuals better understand and manage ADHD.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Tuckman has been a strong advocate for increasing awareness and access to effective ADHD treatment. He regularly contributes to professional publications, podcasts, and conferences, providing guidance for both individuals with ADHD and the professionals who support them. As a leading voice in the field, he is dedicated to empowering neurodivergent individuals to thrive in both personal and professional settings.

BACKGROUND READING

The ADHD Productivity Manual on Amazon, Ari Tuckman’s website and books

A term has been gaining traction over the last few years: AuDHD. Today, Emily Kircher-Morris is talking with Mattia Maurée, a neurodivergent individual who is both ADHD and autistic. They talk about how the two diagnoses blend together, one side desiring routine and sameness, while the other seeks novelty and change. They also discuss the challenges of receiving accurate diagnoses, the impact of stigma on neurodivergent individuals, how career pathways are affected, Mattia’s personal experiences of being misunderstood and judged, and the importance of community. The conversation covers many other subjects as well, and is also part of an earlier episode.

TAKEAWAYS

• ADHD and autism can coexist in individuals, with one part of them desiring routine and sameness while the other seeks novelty and change.

• Receiving accurate diagnoses for neurodivergent individuals can be challenging, as the symptoms of different conditions can overlap and mask each other.

• Stigma and misunderstandings surrounding neurodivergent individuals are pervasive and can lead to discrimination and mistreatment.

• Being twice exceptional, with both ADHD and autism, can result in unique challenges and experiences, including being misunderstood and judged by others.

• When Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a factor, it can lead to difficulties in regulating the nervous system, and can have a significant impact on daily life.

• Finding a career that aligns with one's interests and strengths is crucial for neurodivergent individuals.

• Community support and understanding are essential for neurodivergent individuals to thrive and feel deeply understood.

Check out the Neurodiversity University, where you'll find a library of courses (many great for CE credits), and communities where like-minded people learn and share ideas.

Mattia Maurée is an AuDHD coach and host of the AuDHD Flourishing Podcast. Creative outlets in music and the arts became their refuge through a childhood full of unpredictability. Confronting their trauma sparked an interest in the topic and Mattia led them to their autism diagnosis in their 30’s, as well as finding somatic neurodivergent-friendly methods of working through their depression and anxiety. They now share their experiences to give hope to queer, trans, and neurodivergent youth and young adults through their coaching, and embrace the philosophy of “feel better first.”

BACKGROUND READING

AuDHD Flourishing website, AuDHD Flourishing podcast, TikTok

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com

On episode 270, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Dr. Taylor Day, a licensed psychologist who specializes in neuro-affirming care for autistic children and their families. They discuss the complexities of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in children, and the importance of understanding neurodiversity and the need for family-centered care. They cover the challenges of identifying PDA, the risks of misdiagnosis, and the necessity of adapting parenting and therapeutic strategies to better support children with this profile. They also validate parents' experiences and intuition, and endorse a holistic approach to autism care that considers the needs of the entire family.

TAKEAWAYS

• PDA is a conceptualization rather than a formal diagnosis.

• Validating lived experiences is crucial for families.

• Research on PDA is progressing slowly.

• Parents often face dismissal in the medical community.

• PDA behaviors may resemble defiance or oppositionality.

• Affirming approaches can prevent family burnout.

• Quality of services is more important than quantity.

• Parents are the experts on their children.

• Therapy can take many forms beyond traditional methods.

The Neurodiversity University Therapist Hub registration window is closed for now, but will open again soon, and you can get on the list to be notified! If you're a mental health professional we want you in our group of like-minded peers, in a vibrant community where learning and sharing are front and center.

Meantime, we'll be opening our Educator Hub to new members in the next couple of weeks! If you're an educator or have a student in your life, we would love for you to be part of it. We can notify you as soon as it opens, so get on the list here!

Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed psychologist specializing in neuro-affirming care for autistic children and their families, with a focus on early diagnosis and intervention. She is the CEO and founder of Dr. Tay Concierge Clinical Care, where she developed The Whole Family Approach, an evidence-informed model designed to address gaps in autism care by supporting both children and their families.

Dr. Day holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is dedicated to advancing early childhood autism support through personalized, family-centered interventions. Her passion for child psychology and autism advocacy is deeply rooted in her personal experience growing up with a brother diagnosed at 23 months of age.

BACKGROUND READING

Dr Day’s website, Instagram, EVOLVE with Dr. Tay: The Podcast of Parents of Autistic Kids (Spotify)