Could you be autistic and not know it? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by clinical psychologist and autism specialist Dr Katie Adolphus to unpack what adult autism diagnosis really involves.

They explore the signs that may be missed in childhood, why women and marginalised groups often go undiagnosed, and what the formal assessment process looks like. You’ll also hear about sensory sensitivities, emotional overwhelm, autistic identity, and how to seek support post-diagnosis.

Whether you're an aspiring psychologist, a clinician supporting clients, or exploring your own neurodivergent identity this episode is packed with insight, compassion, and clarity.

Highlights:

• 00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Dr Katie Adolphus
• 02:35 – Why some autistic people go undiagnosed in childhood
• 05:15 – Stereotypes and barriers in accessing diagnosis as an adult
• 08:58 – How autism traits may show up differently in women and marginalised groups
• 11:40 – The emotional process of realising you might be autistic
• 13:50 – What a formal diagnostic assessment for autism involves
• 17:22 – The difference between self-diagnosis and formal diagnosis
• 20:10 – Dr Adolphus’s own experiences with autistic identity
• 24:35 – How sensory sensitivities can manifest in adulthood
• 28:10 – Intersectionality: autism and other neurodivergent conditions
• 31:42 – Workplace challenges and late-diagnosed adults
• 35:15 – What happens after an autism diagnosis
• 38:25 – Misconceptions about autism and ‘functioning labels’
• 41:10 – How allies, friends, and clinicians can offer better support
• 44:45 – Final reflections and how to follow Dr Katie Adolphus

Links:

📲 Connect with Dr Katie Adolphus here: http://theadolphuspractice.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/theadolphuspractice

🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support

📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0

📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97

💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested

🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/short-courses

✍️ Get your Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/supervision

📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent

💬 To join my free Facebook...

Could your distractibility, overwhelm, or forgetfulness be signs of ADHD — even in adulthood? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by Dr Kara Davey, Clinical Psychologist and ADHD assessor and coach to explore what ADHD can look like in adults, especially those missed in childhood.

They discuss common adult ADHD symptoms, how late diagnoses are made, and how ADHD coaching helps with executive functioning, emotional regulation, and self-esteem.

This episode also covers ADHD masking, how it differs in women and girls, and why so many people are misunderstood for years. Whether you’re exploring an adult ADHD diagnosis yourself, supporting a loved one, or working with clients, this conversation offers insight, compassion, and practical support.

Watch now to learn how ADHD coaching can change lives.

#adhd #adultadhd #adhddiagnosis

Highlights:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Why adult ADHD is being recognised more
• 02:30 – Kara shares her own adult ADHD diagnosis journey
• 05:15 – Common misconceptions about ADHD (not just hyper boys!)
• 08:40 – What internal hyperactivity looks like in adults
• 11:50 – Missed signs of ADHD in girls and women
• 15:25 – The double bind: masking and burnout
• 18:10 – “I didn’t realise other people weren’t thinking like this…”
• 21:00 – Getting an ADHD diagnosis: NHS vs private routes
• 24:15 – The role of clinical psychologists in ADHD assessments
• 27:40 – Stigma, shame, and late diagnosis in adults
• 31:10 – How ADHD coaching supports emotional wellbeing
• 35:00 – From self-doubt to self-knowledge: the power of reframing
• 38:45 – Compassionate support strategies for clients or loved ones
• 42:30 – What not to say to someone with ADHD
• 45:00 – Final reflections and encouragement for late-diagnosed adults

Links:

📲 Connect with Dr Kara Davey Here: https://linktr.ee/drdaveyADHDcoaching

🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support

📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0

📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97

💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested

🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/short-courses

✍️ Get your Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/supervision

📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent

💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more:

What happens during an HCPC CPD audit and how do you pass it with confidence? In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, clinical psychologist Dr Carly Pointon joins Dr Marianne Trent to explain the CPD audit process for psychologists regulated by the HCPC. Learn what documents to include in your portfolio, how long you have to respond, and what the HCPC is really looking for in your submission.

Whether you’re a newly qualified psychologist, in independent practice, or just want to feel audit-ready, this episode offers practical advice, reflection tips, and emotional reassurance.

From CPD folders and supervision notes to writing effective reflections and avoiding common mistakes, this guide will help you survive and pass an HCPC audit without the panic. #hcpc #cpd

Highlights

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 02:21 – What is an HCPC audit and how common is it?
• 04:20 – Who gets chosen and how are they notified?
• 06:05 – How Carley felt when she was selected for audit
• 07:45 – CPD folders: what’s inside and how to keep track
• 10:30 – Examples of CPD: supervision, podcast learning, conferences
• 13:12 – What the HCPC is looking for in your submission
• 15:50 – How long do you have to prepare and submit?
• 17:25 – Reflective writing tips for CPD evidence
• 19:30 – Can you fail the audit? What happens if you do?
• 21:05 – How Carley organised her submission (and survived!)
• 23:10 – Top tips for staying on top of CPD throughout the year
• 25:15 – Final words of reassurance and encouragement

Links:

Connect with Dr Carly: 📲 https://www.facebook.com/PointonPsychology. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-carly-louise-pointon-35574915a/

🫶 To support me by donating to help cover my costs for the free resources I provide click here: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support

📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0

📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97

💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/membership-interested

🖥️ Check out my brand new short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/short-courses

✍️ Get your Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/supervision

📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent

💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: