In this insightful episode of The Self-Careapist Podcast, we are joined by world-renowned autism experts Dr. Michelle Garnett and Dr. Tony Attwood of Attwood and Garnett Events to explore the evolving understanding of combined autism and ADHD often referred to as AuDHD. Together, they unpack how the field has shifted from autism as a standalone, to understanding it as “autism plus,” often intertwined with ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, BPD, learning disorders, and other experiences of neurodiversity.

The conversation moves from diagnostic history and gender differences to the lived experience of camouflaging, self-identity, and the importance of emotional awareness in therapy. They introduce practical, affirming tools like energy accounting, the spoken social story, and considerations for alexithymia and burnout.

Whether you’re a seasoned clinician looking to update your approach or a new learner, this episode offers compassion, clarity and humor for understanding how to connect and serve our AuDHD clients.

Resources Mentioned

• CAT-Q: Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire
  
• Modified Questionnaire for Autism Spectrum Conditions (MQ-ASC)
  
• Wheel of Emotion
  
• Maja Toudal – Energy Accounting
  
• Lawson’s Work on Monotropism
  
• Attwood & Garnett’s Library of Trainings
  

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction: Autism’s evolution
02:56 – Personal Journeys into Autism Research
06:10 – Understanding the Autism Spectrum
08:58 – Autism Plus: The Intersection with ADHD
11:58 – Camouflaging and Masking
15:09 – Gender Differences in Autism
17:49 – Diagnosis and Self-Identity
20:46 – Therapeutic Approaches for Neurodivergent Clients
23:56 – Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness
26:54 – Creative Therapies and Self-Expression
30:01 – Energy Accounting and Burnout Prevention
32:50 – Understanding Neurodiversity
36:11 – Final Reflections

The Self Careapist Podcast is a biweekly conversation with Lorain Moorehead, LCSW a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Lorain Moorehead Therapy and Consultation in Arizona where we specialize in High Achieving Professionals, EMDR, perinatal mental health, and clinical supervision. We cover therapeutic specialties with mental health professionals from intern to advanced supervisor in mind while dropping gems and aha moments for everyone who loves to learn! If you love learning and want to keep track of some futher learning opportunities, grab your learning map here!

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