Learning you’re Autistic or ADHD—whether through diagnosis, self-identification, or discovery—can spark relief, uncertainty, and a cascade of new questions. Navigating not only the process of finding out, but also what happens next, is a profound and often emotional journey for many neurodivergent adults.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the fundamentals of neurodivergent identity discovery, exploring how people come to understand themselves as Autistic, ADHD, or both. They provide an honest look at diagnosis versus self-identification, address language preferences, discuss personal pathways to discovery (including stories about parenting neurodivergent kids), and examine the practical, emotional, and systemic barriers to formal assessment. The conversation covers common starter-pack questions, the importance of community support during this process, accommodations, and the real-world pros and cons of disclosure in educational and workplace settings.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Gain clarity on the different routes to neurodivergent self-understanding—whether through formal diagnosis or self-identification—and the language that feels most affirming and inclusive for our community.
2. Understand the real barriers (waitlists, cost, systemic hurdles, stigma) involved in seeking a diagnosis, and get valuable advice if you’re considering assessment for yourself or a loved one.
3. Learn practical guidance for navigating disclosure, accommodations, and imposter syndrome, with candid stories and encouragement from both hosts’ personal and professional experiences.

If you’re exploring your neurodivergent identity or supporting someone who is, this episode offers validating insight, real-world advice, and affirmation that every journey is unique.

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✨ Landmark College Success Center

Landmark College Success Center, located in San Mateo, California, provides academic support, executive function coaching, and transition-to-college skills training for neurodiverse learners, both in-person...

Understanding the root causes behind Autistic burnout symptoms can feel confusing, especially when physical symptoms are present but dismissed or misunderstood. Many in the neurodivergent community face not only emotional exhaustion but a web of hidden medical conditions that often go undiagnosed, leaving them searching for seemingly elusive answers and support.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, are joined by Dr. Mel Houser, an Autistic physician and founder of All Brains Belong, as they discuss the intricate connections between Autistic burnout and underlying health issues like mitochondrial dysfunction, post-exertional malaise (PEM), dysautonomia, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and mast cell activation. This discussion covers what happens on a cellular level during burnout, the importance of pacing and sensory adjustments, and why diagnostic overshadowing can be such a serious barrier to effective care. Dr. Houser also shares practical strategies, resources, and hopeful ways forward for those struggling with chronic fatigue, energy regulation, and co-occurring medical concerns.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Gain a deeper understanding of why Autistic burnout isn’t "just in your head"—this episode breaks down the science behind energy production, chronic illness, and how they intersect with neurodivergent experiences.
2. Discover pacing techniques, environmental adaptations, and supplements that may support recovery and energy management—plus get direct links to free resources designed specifically for neurodivergent adults.
3. Hear honest, validating conversation about grief, privilege, and agency while exploring what it really takes to honor energy access needs and navigate medical systems as an Autistic or ADHD adult.

If you or someone you care for battles constant exhaustion, brain fog, or unexplained physical symptoms, don’t miss this compassionate and practical conversation, and learn how Autistic burnout and chronic illness connect—and discover steps you can take to better support your body, brain, and well-being.

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not intended as medical advice.

More about Mel:

Dr. Mel Houser (she/they) is an Autistic family physician with a clinical focus on providing primary care for neurodivergent patients across the lifespan. She is the Founder and Executive Director of All Brains Belong VT, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in Montpelier, Vermont that uses universal design principles to provide neurodiversity-affirming medical care, social connection opportunities for all ages, and neurodiversity-related educational training. At age 37, Dr. Houser was diagnosed as autistic, ADHD, dyspraxic, dyslexic, and dyscalculic. She is also the parent of an autistic 6-year-old, who is her guru of so many keys to the universe.

• Website: allbrainsbelong.org
• Instagram: instagram.com/allbrainsbelongvt
• What the bleep can I eat?!: whatthebleepcanieat.com

All Brains Belong Resources:

• Everything is Connected to Everything: Improving the Healthcare of Autistic & ADHD Adults: allbrainsbelong.org/all-the-things
• Exploring ENERGY Equilibrium Strategies for Individuals who Experience Post Exertional Malaise (PEM) - allbrainsbelong.org/pem collab with Autism Level...

Advocating for your needs and setting boundaries as a neurodivergent person can be incredibly challenging—especially in environments that don’t always understand or prioritize accommodations for invisible disabilities. Navigating burnout and building a life that supports your well-being is not just about self-care; it’s about learning how to advocate for yourself in ways that are sustainable and affirming.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the nuanced process of seeking and setting up accommodations, practicing self-advocacy, and developing boundaries to prevent or recover from burnout. They explore both the practical strategies and deeper psychological hurdles involved—like the difficulty of taking your own needs seriously, the risk and complexity of self-disclosure, and the tricky transition away from people-pleasing patterns. They also discuss useful resources, including boundary scripts, strategies for partial self-disclosure, and the importance of community support, all woven together with personal anecdotes and real-life examples.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Discover pragmatic tools and resources for pursuing both formal and self-created accommodations in work, education, and personal life—including boundary scripts and practical self-disclosure tips tailored for neurodivergent needs.
2. Gain a deeper understanding of the emotional complexities that make self-advocacy and boundary-setting so hard, especially for those who have long relied on people-pleasing or have experienced invalidation and isolation.
3. Hear candid, relatable stories from two AuDHD clinicians that not only validate the challenges of living in a neurotypical world, but also offer hope, humor, and actionable support for building a burnout-resilient life.

If you’ve ever struggled to honor your needs or felt overwhelmed by the thought of advocating for yourself, this episode breaks down the barriers with compassion, lived experience, and expert guidance. Get real-world insights and encouragement to take your needs seriously and begin building a life that supports your neurodivergent identity.

Resources

• Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Masking Workbook: neurodivergentinsights.com/autistic-masking
• Neurodivergent Insights Resource on Autistic Burnout: neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources
• The Autistic Burnout Workbook by Dr. Megan Anna Neff: simonandschuster.com/books/The-Autistic-Burnout-Workbook/Megan-Anna-Neff/9781507223062
• Check out Neurodivergent Insights’ Library of Boundary Scripts (free resource)
•  Job Accommodations Network (JAN): askjan.org

Divergent Conversations Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 2: Autistic Burnout (divergentpod.com/2)
• Episode 47: Autistic Burnout (Part 2): A Deep Dive Into The Diversity of Burnout (