In this episode of Translating ADHD, Asher and Dusty continue their conversation on social skills by focusing on advocacy and adaptation in the workplace for neurodivergent individuals. They discuss the challenges ADHD and autism can pose in professional settings, especially when colleagues and managers lack understanding of neurodiversity. Through client stories and personal experiences, they illustrate how behaviors like asking many questions or seeming disruptive can be misunderstood and lead to negative consequences, including job loss. They emphasize the importance of awareness about how neurodivergent traits show up and are perceived, as well as the need for workplace accommodations that go beyond task-related adjustments to include communication and social dynamics.

The hosts also explore practical strategies for adaptation and self-advocacy, such as developing awareness of unwritten workplace rules, using clear communication about one’s working style, and collaborating with supportive managers who can provide backing and help set boundaries. They highlight the value of understanding “what’s yours, mine, and ours” in workplace conflict to identify where change is possible. Ultimately, Asher and Dusty stress that while some environments may be untenable, there are workplaces where neurodivergent strengths can be valued and flourished. The episode closes with the reminder that strength and challenge often go hand in hand, and cultivating intentional awareness helps individuals navigate and leverage their unique traits effectively in different contexts.

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In this episode of Translating ADHD, Asher and Dusty explore the complex balance between adapting social behavior and advocating for oneself as a neurodivergent person, especially within the context of ADHD. They emphasize the distinction between harmful masking and healthy adaptation, underscoring the importance of choice in how one shows up socially. Dusty introduces the concept of “intimacy buckets” to help listeners understand social boundaries and appropriate sharing depending on the type of relationship, a framework she found highly useful for building social awareness.

The conversation shifts to the workplace, where navigating social expectations can have significant economic consequences for neurodivergent individuals. Both hosts acknowledge how difficult it can be to find or create inclusive environments but stress the importance of awareness, social skills, and advocacy under the protection of disability accommodations when possible. They also highlight the harsh reality that sometimes adaptation is necessary for survival in non-inclusive settings.

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• Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.
• About Asher and Dusty

• Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode
• Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD
• Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

In this episode of the Translating ADHD podcast, Asher and Dusty explore the challenges and opportunities involved in creating routines that work well for people with ADHD. They emphasize starting with what you already do and finding ways to add value without overcomplicating or overengineering your daily habits. The hosts discuss how routines don't have to be perfect or rigid but should instead be adaptable to individual capacity, positionality, and life seasons. They also provide real-life examples of small adjustments, such as using waiting times productively or breaking down tasks into manageable chunks, to help listeners build sustainable daily practices.

Asher and Dusty also highlight the importance of self-awareness in designing routines, pointing out that some people thrive on structure while others need flexibility and novelty to stay engaged. They caution against forcing generic advice like strict checklists onto everyone and encourage listeners to find their own balance between formal systems and going with the flow. Ultimately, they remind listeners that routines serve the purpose of making life easier and more fulfilling, not more stressful or overwhelming. The key takeaway is that progress matters more than perfection and that routines should be tailored to fit one’s unique needs and energy levels.

• Join the Community | Become a Patron
• Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.
• About Asher and Dusty

• Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode
• Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD
• Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com