Hello lovely humans, and welcome back to another episode of Autism, ADHD and Us Three. If you’re new here, I’m so glad you’ve found us. And if you’re a regular listener, thank you for being part of this space 💜

If you enjoy the podcast, it would mean the world if you could leave a quick review. It helps more people find these conversations and feel a little less alone.

In this episode, I’m joined by Yenn Purkis, an autistic and ADHD advocate, author of 18 books, TEDx speaker and PhD candidate. We talk about how Yenn was unexpectedly pulled into advocacy, and the moment that shifted everything for them. From there, we explore the realities of being visible, the impact of deficit-based narratives around autism, and why so many common assumptions about autistic people are still so harmful.

We also dive into gender identity, inclusion, and what it really means to stand up and be seen in a world that doesn’t always feel safe to do so.

This conversation is honest, thoughtful and at times challenging, but also incredibly grounding for anyone navigating identity, late diagnosis, advocacy or burnout.

• How Yenn found themselves in advocacy and what changed their direction
• The impact of deficit-based messaging on autistic people
• Why visibility and representation matter so much
• The truth about “functioning labels” and why they’re often misunderstood
• Navigating identity, including gender diversity and autism
• Dealing with criticism, pushback and online spaces
• Burnout, work and creating a life that actually fits

• Autism diagnosis should mean liberation
• Visibility is vital for change
• Functioning labels are not diagnoses

00:00 Introduction to advocacy and autistic identity01:34 The journey into advocacy04:54 Writing as a tool for change10:37 The evolution of public speaking15:26 Changing perspectives on neurodiversity19:39 Balancing advocacy and academia20:36 Embracing passion and overcoming adversity24:50 Redefining work and income streams28:05 Identity and advocacy in the non-binary and asexual community32:11 Navigating pushback and promoting visibility34:52 Debunking myths about autism41:51 Future aspirations and life philosophy

--------------------------------

You can find Yenn and their work here:

Website
https://www.yennpurkis.com

Books on Amazon*https://amzn.to/4dg03Eg

If something in this episode resonated with you, I’d love you to share it with someone who might need to hear it too.

And if you want more conversations like this, you can follow along wherever you listen to your podcasts.

*Affiliate links are used in these show notes.

If you thought finally getting your autism or ADHD diagnosis would feel like pure relief… and instead you feel exhausted, foggy, emotional or completely flattened… this one’s for you.

In this solo episode of Autism, ADHD and Us Three, Jenny breaks down something nobody really warns you about. The post-diagnosis crash.

She explains why so many late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults experience burnout after finally getting answers, and why this isn’t weakness, regression or you not coping well enough. It is physiology.

Jenny explores what happens inside the nervous system after decades of masking, hypervigilance and pushing through environments that were never built for your brain. She talks about the relief that comes with diagnosis, and why that relief can actually trigger shutdown, exhaustion and emotional fallout.

Inside this episode:

• Why diagnosis can act like a circuit breaker for your nervous system
• How ADHD hyperfocus and autistic deep processing can accelerate burnout
• The physical signs of nervous system recalibration
• Why you cannot “optimise” your way out of this phase
• Practical ways to stabilise when everything feels too much
• What real recovery actually looks like

This episode is a permission slip to slow down. To stop turning yourself into a project. To let your body land after years of survival mode.

If you are in that shaky “who am I now?” space… you are not alone.

🎧 Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview
01:05 Relief and the unexpected crash
01:34 Why burnout happens after diagnosis
02:30 What is happening inside the body and brain
03:34 Masking, hypervigilance and chronic stress
05:48 The nervous system under long-term pressure
07:42 Diagnosis as a circuit breaker
08:36 Physical signs of recalibration
09:29 Identity shifts and psychological changes
10:54 Grief after diagnosis
12:13 The post-diagnosis crash explained
12:53 ADHD hyperfocus and autistic deep processing
13:44 Medication and increased sensory awareness
15:09 Nervous system regulation and perceived regression
17:02 Acceptance and self-compassion
20:42 What to actually do during burnout
21:34 Myths about strength and recovery
22:55 Practical regulation and self-care
23:50 Small steps that help
24:46 Community and support
28:00 Final encouragement

💛 Work With Me & Next Steps

Join my free 5 day live experience Unlearning the Bullshit
https://welcome.audhdistically.me/unlearning-bs-registration

New here? Start here:
https://welcome.audhdistically.me/start-here

Sign up for The Positivity Pause newsletter:
https://www.audhdistically.me

Connect with me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/audhdistically.me

In this episode, Jenny Lucas speaks with Leanne Tran, a registered psychologist specializing in assessments for autism, ADHD, and specific learning disorders. They discuss the importance of early diagnosis and support for neurodiverse children, the impact of parental neurodiversity, and the assessment process. Leanne shares insights on navigating the challenges of accessing support in rural areas and the significance of individualized support in schools. The conversation emphasizes the need for understanding self-identity in neurodiverse children and innovative approaches to parental support.Contact Leanne Tran:

https://learn.leannetran.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/leannetranpsychology/

Contact Jenny Lucashttps://welcome.audhdistically.me/start-here

https://www.facebook.com/Audhdistically.me

https://www.instagram.com/audhdistically.me/

https://www.tiktok.com/@audhdistically.me

Keywords

neurodiversity, autism, ADHD, assessments, parental support, self-identity, rural access, school support, psychological assessments, early diagnosis

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and Early Support

02:48 Understanding Parental Neurodiversity

05:16 The Importance of Self-Identity in Assessments

08:00 Navigating the Assessment Process

10:35 Challenges in Accessing Assessments

13:15 Working with Schools for Support

16:02 The Role of Online Resources

18:45 Innovative Support Strategies for Parents

21:22 Conclusion and Resources for Families

In this powerful and deeply validating episode of Autism, ADHD and Us Three, Jenny is joined by TEDx speaker and bestselling author Taiba Bajar, whose personal and professional work has supported thousands of families navigating autism regression, burnout, and neurodivergent parenting.

Taiba shares her own son’s story of autistic regression which included a sudden loss of speech, connection, and developmental milestones, and the heart breaking gaslighting many parents face when they try to speak up about it. Together, she and Jenny explore the emotional toll of being dismissed, the grief of watching your child change before your eyes, and the quiet strength it takes to keep fighting for answers.

Taiba also breaks down her 7-Step Autism Action Plan, as featured in her book Unlock Autism: A Parent’s Guide to Help Your Child Recover Skills and Reduce Symptoms. From gut healing and oxytocin support to functional blood testing and nervous system care, she outlines practical, parent-led strategies that aim to reduce symptom severity without erasing identity.

This is not about fixing children. It’s about giving them the physiological safety and support to thrive and helping parents feel empowered instead of exhausted.

Keywords

• Autism regression

• Autistic burnout in adults

• Neurodivergent parenting

• Late autism diagnosis

• Gut-brain connection

• Unlock Autism book

• Functional autism support

• Symptom relief vs acceptance

• Trauma-informed parenting

• ADHD and sensory issues

• ---------------------------Website: www.autismbrainempowerment.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/autismbrainempowerment/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/taibabajar

If you’ve ever found yourself whisper-screaming “Why won’t they just DO it?” in the hallway while your child refuses to put socks on for the tenth time… this one’s for you.

In this episode of Autism, ADHD and Us Three, Jenny sits down with Emma McDonnell, a neurodivergent mother navigating life, education, and holidays with children who have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) which is a profile of autism that turns traditional parenting advice completely on its head.

Emma shares her real, raw journey from career woman to full-time carer, unpacking the WTF is happening?! moments that come with raising PDAers, and the mindset shifts that helped her move from panic to presence.

Together, they explore:
– Why compliance isn’t the goal
– How self-compassion might actually be your best parenting strategy
– The emotional landmines of holiday expectations
– And why “well-being” doesn’t have to mean spa days or 5am journaling

This episode is a permission slip for anyone parenting neurodivergent children through systems that don’t understand them and doing it while running on fumes.

Keywords

PDA parenting
Autism and demand avoidance
Neurodivergent motherhood
Holiday stress & family dynamics
Mental health and well-being
Education & unmet needs
Trauma-informed parenting
Self-compassion for mums
Autistic children and school
Emotional regulation in ND families

-----------------------------

Email: emma@emma-mcdonnell.comWebsite: emma-mcdonnell.comInstagram: @theemmamcdonnell

In this episode, Jenny Lucas discusses her newly launched book, 'Autism ADHD and Me: You're No Bullshit Guide to Life After Late Diagnosis.' Buy your copy here: https://amzn.to/4o58FQf

She shares her personal journey of writing the book, the challenges she faced during her late diagnosis of ADHD and autism, and the importance of self-love and acceptance.

The conversation delves into the themes of internalised ableism, navigating relationships, and the significance of community support.

Jenny emphasises the need for resources that resonate with neurodivergent individuals and the transformative power of understanding oneself post-diagnosis.-------------------------------

👉 ⁠Take the Free Confidence Quiz⁠

👉 ⁠Sign up for the Positivity Pause Newsletter⁠

👉 Follow me on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn @audhdistically.me

Email Jenny @ audhdistically.me

--------------------------------

Keywords

Autism, ADHD, neurodivergence, late diagnosis, self-love, internalized ableism, book launch, personal journey, relationships, community support

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Book Launch

05:42 The Purpose Behind the Book

11:23 Chapter Insights: Key Themes

16:44 The Importance of Self-Love

22:18 The Role of Community and Feedback

Welcome back! Before we dive in, if you’re enjoying the podcast, I’d love you to leave a quick review. It really helps more neurodivergent women like us find these conversations.

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Niki McGlynn, a neurodevelopmental therapist and trainer, who brings her personal story of late diagnosis and her deep expertise in primitive reflexes. We dig into what primitive reflexes actually are, why they matter for autistic and ADHD brains, and how retained reflexes can shape everything from emotional regulation to sensory processing and even people pleasing.

Niki shares practical insights into reflex integration therapy, a movement-based approach that helps the nervous system let go of unintegrated reflexes. We talk about why movement is so powerful for brain development, how small exercises can make a big difference at home, and why advocacy in schools and clinical settings is essential.

This episode is full of lightbulb moments, especially if you’ve ever wondered why you (or your child) struggle with focus, anxiety, or overwhelm, despite working so hard. Niki’s approach doesn’t “cure” neurodivergence (and why would we want it to?) but it does offer hope for reducing the struggles while keeping all the brilliance.

🌐 Find Niki here: Organised Mind
📱 Instagram: @_organisedmind

✨ Ready to go deeper? Join my world here:

• Sign up to my newsletter for weekly insights

• Join the Facebook community to connect with other late-diagnosed women

• Join the book waitlist for Autism, ADHD and Me — launching 28 October 2025!

  
  

Keywords:

neurodivergence, ADHD, autism, primitive reflexes, emotional regulation, reflex integration therapy, sensory processing, late diagnosis, parenting, advocacy

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neurodivergence and Personal Journeys
03:22 Understanding Primitive Reflexes and Their Impact
06:10 The Connection Between Reflexes and Neurodivergence
08:58 Reflex Integration Therapy: How It Works
11:25 Benefits of Reflex Integration Therapy
14:13 Addressing Sensory Processing and Emotional Regulation
17:01 The Role of Movement in Brain Development
19:45 Navigating Adult Life with Retained Reflexes
22:18 Advocacy for Neurodivergent Individuals
25:21 Practical Tips for Parents and Individuals
27:48 Conclusion and Resources

✨ Show Notes: Autism, ADHD and Us Three

Friendship can be one of the most complicated parts of life and when you add autism or ADHD into the mix, it often feels even more confusing.

In this episode, I share my own experiences as a late-diagnosed woman navigating friendships: the longing for people who really “get” you, the heartbreak when connections fade without explanation, and the messy reality of figuring out who feels safe to be your unmasked self around.

I talk about my own childhood memories of feeling different, how that shaped me as an adult, and what I notice now in my children’s friendships too. We’ll explore why making and keeping friends can feel so hard, why closure is often missing, and the universal desire to be truly known and loved anyway.

Whether you’re reflecting on friendships that slipped away, searching for more authentic connections, or just wanting reassurance that you’re not alone in these struggles this episode will meet you right where you are.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why friendships can feel so different when you’re late-diagnosed ADHD or autistic

• The challenges children (and adults) face with social dynamics

• How masking impacts connection and belonging

• Why friendships evolve over time — and why that’s both hard and normal

• The universal desire to be seen, accepted, and loved for who you are

🎧 Listen now and know you’re not alone.

If this episode resonates, make sure you’re on the waitlist for my upcoming book launching in October 2025. You’ll get early updates and even the chance to win a signed copy.

👉 Join the Book Waitlist
👉 Take the Free Confidence Quiz
👉 Sign up for the Positivity Pause Newsletter

👉 Follow me on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn @audhdistically.me

Email Jenny @ audhdistically.me

Keywords: ADHD, autism, AuDHD, friendships, late diagnosis, parenting, social dynamics, relationships, connection, community