Divergent Conversations Megan Neff & Patrick Casale

ADHD hyperactive traits are often misunderstood and the DSM-5’s portrayal of this type is heavily geared toward children and adolescents, which can make it harder to understand and address in adulthood. In an attempt to better understand the ways ADHD can present in daily life, this episode uses the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria as a framework for discussion—this is not an endorsement of the DSM-5.
In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the ADHD hyperactive type and share their personal experiences.
Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Learn about the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD hyperactive type and hear personal stories about managing these behaviors in social and professional settings.

Gain insight into the concept of masking in ADHD, explore the internal struggle to self-monitor and achieve time equity in conversations, and understand its impact on relationships.

Discover the challenges and strategies for being present in the moment, channeling hyperactive energy, and addressing the grief associated with limited movement as a result of aging or injuries.


As you listen, you might find parts of these criteria and stories that resonate with your own life, whether you have ADHD or simply face similar struggles. We encourage you to stay curious about your own experiences and continue exploring these important topics.
DISCLAIMER: We're using the DSM-5 criteria as a framework for this conversation, but this is not our endorsement of the DSM-5.
Resources:

ADHD DSM In pictures series: Blog post: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/dsm-5-criteria-for-adhd-explained-in-pictures


PDF: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/adhd-dsm-in-pictures


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🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here
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A Thanks to Our Sponsors: D.Rowe Co., Freed, & The Receptionist for iPad

✨ D.Rowe Co.
I want to thank D.Rowe Co. for sponsoring this episode.
D.Rowe Co. (which includes D.Rowe Tax LLC and D.Rowe Law PLLC) offers tax, law, and accounting services designed for creative and personal support industries. With both academic and practical experience from well-established businesses to start-ups, they offer support through top-level expertise and a fresh approach to client service. Check out their free webinar on June 17th at noon ET by visiting droweco.com. Use code DC10 to get 10% off services at droweco.com.
✨ Freed
I want to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode.
Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over—no more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love—helping your clients.
Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free.
✨ The Receptionist for iPad
I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ADHD has many nuances and is often misunderstood and stereotyped. In an attempt to better understand the ways ADHD can present in daily life, this episode uses the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria as a framework for discussion—this is not an endorsement of the DSM-5.
In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk about the DSM-5 criteria for the inattentive subtype of ADHD, as well as share their personal experiences.
Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Understand the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD, offering a deeper understanding of the inattentive, combined, and hyperactive subtypes.

Hear about Dr. Neff and Patrick’s struggles with inattentive traits of ADHD, including household chores, daily activities, the overwhelming feeling of decision fatigue, and the resulting “ADHD Tax.”

Discover some ways that Patrick and Dr. Neff cope with the day-to-day struggles of ADHD, from managing time and prioritizing tasks to overcoming the hurdles of incomplete projects and decision fatigue.


As you listen, you might find parts of these criteria and stories that resonate with your own life, whether you have ADHD or simply face similar struggles. We encourage you to stay curious about your own experiences and continue exploring these important topics.
DISCLAIMER: We're using the DSM-5 criteria as a framework for this conversation, but this is not our endorsement of the DSM-5.
Resources:

ADHD DSM In pictures series: Blog post: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/dsm-5-criteria-for-adhd-explained-in-pictures


PDF: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/adhd-dsm-in-pictures


——————————————————————————————————
🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here
🎙️Spotify
🎙️Apple
🎙️YouTube Music
▶️ YouTube
——————————————————————————————————

A Thanks to Our Sponsors: D.Rowe Co., Freed, & The Receptionist for iPad

✨ D.Rowe Co.
I want to thank D.Rowe Co. for sponsoring this episode.
D.Rowe Co. (which includes D.Rowe Tax LLC and D.Rowe Law PLLC) offers tax, law, and accounting services designed for creative and personal support industries. With both academic and practical experience from well-established businesses to start-ups, they offer support through top-level expertise and a fresh approach to client service. Check out their free webinar on June 17th at noon ET by visiting droweco.com. Use code DC10 to get 10% off services at droweco.com.
✨ Freed
I want to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode.
Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over—no more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love—helping your clients.
Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free.
✨ The Receptionist for iPad
I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Navigating the identification, assessment, and diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be confusing and overwhelming. This mini-series on ADHD focuses on demystifying the diagnostic criteria and making the process clearer and more understandable.
In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, dive into ADHD, breaking down what it means. This episode lays the groundwork for their upcoming series focused on ADHD.
Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Get an overview of the often misunderstood and oversimplified traits of ADHD, from executive functioning challenges to emotional hyperarousal.

Hear personal stories from Patrick and Dr. Neff as they reflect on their own ADHD experiences and how misdiagnoses and societal stereotypes can cloud self-understanding.

Discover the interconnectedness and overlapping traits between ADHD and autism, helping to clarify common misconceptions and pave the way for more nuanced discussions.


This episode sets the stage for our mini-series on ADHD. 
DISCLAIMER: We're using the DSM-5 criteria as a framework for this conversation, but this is not our endorsement of the DSM-5.
Resources:

ADHD DSM In pictures series: Blog post: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/dsm-5-criteria-for-adhd-explained-in-pictures


PDF: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/adhd-dsm-in-pictures


——————————————————————————————————
🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here
🎙️Spotify
🎙️Apple
🎙️YouTube Music
▶️ YouTube
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A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe, Freed, & The Receptionist for iPad

✨ Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe
I want to thank Madam Clutterbuckets for sponsoring this episode.
This family-owned business has created a store that not only celebrates the value of neurodiversity but also employs neurodivergent workers. They sell disability advocacy merchandise, work from neurodivergent artists, and products from companies that employ neurodivergent workers. They also have curated vintage oddities, fidgets, and outrageous merch that makes you laugh out loud. They are located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, or you can check them out at madamclutterbuckets.com, and use code GIMME10 for 10% off $25 purchases or more.
✨ Freed
I want to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode.
Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over—no more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love—helping your clients.
Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free.
✨ The Receptionist for iPad
I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When parenting a neurodivergent child or young adult, traditional approaches don't always fit. Balancing the unique needs with the world's expectations can feel isolating and overwhelming.
In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, speak with Lisa Dube, LCSW and founder of Merrimack River Wellness, about the nuances of parenting, supporting, and understanding neurodivergent children, particularly those exploring their gender identity.
Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Understand how to recognize and support the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses in neurodivergent children, helping you to interpret their behaviors through a more informed and empathetic lens.

Gain insights into the intersection of gender identity and neurodivergence, encouraging a curious and non-judgmental approach to parenting that embraces and respects your child's identity exploration.

Discover practical advice on avoiding the "failure to launch" stereotype and fostering an environment of interdependence through "scaffolding,” particularly useful for parents of neurodivergent young adults.


Reflect on how to bring these strategies into your family dynamics to strengthen the bond with your child. Consider how your parenting approach can evolve to actively enrich the journey of raising a neurodivergent child.
About Lisa Dube
Lisa is a neurodivergent LCSW who worked for the U.S. District Court for over 20 years as a treatment specialist before establishing a private practice focused on the needs of families and individuals navigating gender identity exploration and transition. Lisa has a special interest in supporting parents in developing new narratives and ways of connecting with their young adult autistic children who may be challenged with the transition to adulthood.

Website: merrimackriverwellness.com


Instagram: @merrimackriverwellness


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🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here
🎙️Spotify
🎙️Apple
🎙️YouTube Music
▶️ YouTube
——————————————————————————————————

A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe, Freed, & The Receptionist for iPad

✨ Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe:
I want to thank Madam Clutterbuckets for sponsoring this episode.
This family-owned business has created a store that not only celebrates the value of neurodiversity but also employs neurodivergent workers. They sell disability advocacy merchandise, work from neurodivergent artists, and products from companies that employ neurodivergent workers. They also have curated vintage oddities, fidgets, and outrageous merch that makes you laugh out loud. They are located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, or you can check them out at madamclutterbuckets.com, and use code GIMME10 for 10% off $25 purchases or more.
✨ Freed:
I want to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode.
Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over—no more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love—helping your clients.
Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free.
✨ The Receptionist for iPad:
I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to 

Autism and eating disorders have a complex relationship that for years has been overlooked often resulting in traumatic approaches to recovery and a misunderstanding of the experience and mindset of Autistic individuals struggling with disordered eating.
In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Livia Sara, a recognized autism advocate in the eating disorder recovery space, about the relationships between autism, eating disorders, and the neurodivergent experience.
Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Gain a deeper understanding of how eating disorders manifest differently in the neurodivergent community, including unique challenges and how Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) can be mistaken for eating disorders.

Explore the power of autonomy and control in the context of both fueling disordered eating and being the deciding factor in recovery within the neurodivergent framework.

Hear firsthand accounts of struggles with and recovery from eating disorders, addiction, and other unhealthy coping mechanisms to seek control of a body that feels foreign.


About Livia Sara:
Livia is an autism advocate and eating disorder survivor who now helps others overcome their mental barriers through her courses, coaching programs, and books. She is the creator behind the blog livlabelfree.com and the host of The Liv Label Free Podcast. Livia is a lifelong learner who loves listening to audiobooks, going on walks, and reading the latest science on all things neurodiversity and eating disorders!

Website: livlabelfree.com


Books: livlabelfreebooks.com


Instagram: @livlabelfree


Podcast: Liv Label Free | Autism and Eating Disorder Recovery



Article and infographic collaboration between Liv and Dr. Neff:
Anorexia vs. ARFID Venn Diagram: neurodivergentinsights.com/misdiagnosis-monday/anorexia-and-arfid

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🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here
🎙️Spotify
🎙️Apple
🎙️YouTube Music
▶️ YouTube
——————————————————————————————————

A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe, Freed, & The Receptionist for iPad

✨ Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe:
I want to thank Madam Clutterbuckets for sponsoring this episode.
This family-owned business has created a store that not only celebrates the value of neurodiversity but also employs neurodivergent workers. They sell disability advocacy merchandise, work from neurodivergent artists, and products from companies that employ neurodivergent workers. They also have curated vintage oddities, fidgets, and outrageous merch that makes you laugh out loud. They are located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, or you can check them out at madamclutterbuckets.com, and use code GIMME10 for 10% off $25 purchases or more.
✨ Freed:
I want to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode.
Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over. No more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love — helping your clients.
Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free.
✨ The Receptionist for iPad:
I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereception

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is an often misunderstood and misdiagnosed condition and yet has a profound impact on the lives of the people who are experiencing it.
In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Jes Hagen, a nutritional therapist and integrative menstrual health educator and coach, to explore hormonal imbalances, their impact on mental health, including ADHD and bipolar, and the benefit of integrative approaches to these issues.
Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Gain an in-depth understanding of the hormonal cycles and how fluctuations affect conditions like PMDD and ADHD, which can drastically impact day-to-day living and mental health.

Learn about the challenges and limitations of traditional medical approaches to these hormonal and neurodevelopmental conditions and the potential for integrative medicine to offer more tailored and effective management strategies.

Discover practical insights and tools for managing PMDD through dietary choices, lifestyle changes, and symptom tracking.


Reflect on the influence of hormones on your mental health and well-being, and consider how awareness and proactive management of these natural processes might enhance your quality of life.
About Jess Hagen:
Jes is a nutritional therapist, NBC-HWC board-certified integrative menstrual health educator, and coach, who is also the founder of Her Mood Mentor, a virtual premenstrual clinic. Her own experience of PMDD which nearly cost her her life, has fueled her determination to guide thousands of students toward reduced symptom duration and severity.

Grab the Free Symptom Mapping Kit

Website: hermoodmentor.com


Instagram: @hermoodmentor 


Youtube: youtube.com/@hermoodmentor



PDF Resources

Symptom Mapper

ADHD+PMDD Venn Diagram

HMM Menstrual Phase Graphics

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🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here
🎙️Spotify
🎙️Apple
🎙️YouTube Music
▶️ YouTube
——————————————————————————————————

A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe, Freed, & The Receptionist for iPad

✨ Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe:
I want to thank Madam Clutterbuckets for sponsoring this episode.
This family-owned business has created a store that not only celebrates the value of neurodiversity but also employs neurodivergent workers. They sell disability advocacy merchandise, work from neurodivergent artists, and products from companies that employ neurodivergent workers. They also have curated vintage oddities, fidgets, and outrageous merch that makes you laugh out loud. They are located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, or you can check them out at madamclutterbuckets.com, and use code GIMME10 for 10% off $25 purchases or more.
✨ Freed:
I want to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode.
Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over. No more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love — helping your clients.
Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free.
✨ The Receptionist for iPad:
I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and