Neurodivergent Strategies for Late-Diagnosed Adults: Find Your Divergent Path

Regina McMenomy, PhD.
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Neurodivergent Strategies for Late-Diagnosed Adults is the podcast for people with ADHD, autism, and other late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults ready to unmask, heal from burnout, and build a life that works with their brain, not against it. Hosted by Dr. Regina McMenomy, Ph.D., this show offers real talk and practical strategies for navigating executive dysfunction, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), perfectionism, emotional regulation, masking, PDA, and more. Each episode explores how unspoken expectations, internalized ableism, and cultural myths about productivity keep neurodivergent people stuck and what we can do to shift the narrative. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, self-discovered, or still figuring it out, you’ll find insight, compassion, and tools to help you find your divergent path. Join N.E.R.D.s (free peer support) Book a Free Discovery Call with Regina About the Host: Dr. Regina McMenomy Ph.D. (she/her) is a neurodivergent coach, educator, and host of the Divergent Paths podcast. With a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies and over 20 years of experience in higher education and instructional design, she blends academic depth with lived neurodivergent insight. Regina was diagnosed later in life and like many of her clients, spent decades masking, overworking, and wondering why burnout always came back. Now she helps late-diagnosed people with ADHD and autism unmask safely, rebuild their self-trust, and embrace rest as a radical act of self-support. The Divergent Paths podcast offers empowering conversations, practical tools, and hard-won wisdom for those ready to live more authentically. You’ll often find her talking about nervous system regulation, perfectionism, emotional honesty and, occasionally, oatmeal.

  1. Late-diagnosed Neurodivergent Folk, Fandom & Found Family: Presented at Rose City Comic Con

    4 DAYS AGO

    Late-diagnosed Neurodivergent Folk, Fandom & Found Family: Presented at Rose City Comic Con

    In this special episode of Divergent Paths, Dr. Regina McMenomy Ph.D. and co-host Russ Catanach take you inside their live panel at Rose City Comic Con: “Neurospicy Brains, Found Family, and Fandom… Oh My!” Recorded in front of nearly 400 attendees, this conversation highlights how fandom communities — from cosplay to comics to gaming — provide belonging and resilience for late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD adults. Joined by panelists Rachel Ferdaszewski, Isabela Oliveira, and Rabbi Davina Bookbinder, the panel explores neurodivergent identity, perfectionism, masking, burnout, and the healing power of found family in geek culture. If you’ve ever felt like you “missed the tutorial level of life,” this episode will remind you that you’re not alone and that your story matters. Join N.E.R.D.s Book a Clarity Call with Regina About Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD, Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.

    41 min
  2. Neurodivergent Masking Is Survival: Understanding Why We Learn to Hide

    5 SEPT

    Neurodivergent Masking Is Survival: Understanding Why We Learn to Hide

    Masking isn’t a lie—it’s a life skill. In this solo episode of Neurodivergent Solutions, Dr. Regina McMenomy unpacks why neurodivergent people learn to mask from such a young age and why it’s not a failure of authenticity but a tool for safety and belonging. Drawing from her personal experience as a late-diagnosed ADHD adult and mother, Regina explores how masking develops in response to rejection sensitivity, social expectations, and survival instincts. She also discusses the complex reality of unintentionally teaching masking to our kids and why approaching this topic with compassion is the key to healing. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of: How masking starts (and why it’s reinforced)Why it’s normal to mask even after diagnosisThe cost of masking—and the power of reframing itHow to begin the unmasking process with self-trust and intentionIf you’ve ever felt ashamed for hiding parts of yourself, this episode will help you replace that shame with compassion. Join N.E.R.D.s Book a Clarity Call with Regina About Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD, Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.

    16 min
  3. Neurodivergent Impulsivity: More Than Jumping Off a Cliff

    29 AUG

    Neurodivergent Impulsivity: More Than Jumping Off a Cliff

    Impulsivity isn’t just about skydiving on a whim or blowing your paycheck on shoes. For neurodivergent folks, it often shows up in subtle ways: cutting someone off mid-sentence, firing off a 2am text, or jumping to finish someone’s thought. In this episode of Divergent Paths, Dr. Regina McMenomy and co-host Russ Catanach delve into the neurological implications of impulsivity, examining how dopamine and executive function contribute to its manifestation, and why it’s not always a flaw. They share personal stories, pop culture examples, and practical strategies for pausing between urge and action, while still honoring the creativity and spontaneity that impulsivity can bring. Whether you live with ADHD, autism, or are just curious about how neurodivergent brains work, this episode will change the way you think about impulsivity. Want to dig deeper? Practice some healthy impulsivity by signing up for Regina’s free newsletter at divergentpathsconsulting.com for more stories, strategies, and resources. Divergent Paths Consulting: Helping late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults live with clarity, confidence, and ease. Join N.E.R.D.s Book a Clarity Call with Regina About Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD, Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.

    39 min
  4. Neurodivergent Solutions: Unmasking Strategies That Actually Work

    22 AUG

    Neurodivergent Solutions: Unmasking Strategies That Actually Work

    Unmasking as a neurodivergent adult isn’t about oversharing. It’s about finally showing up as your full self. In this solo episode of Neurodivergent Solutions, Dr. Regina McMenomy shares practical, compassionate unmasking strategies designed for late-diagnosed ADHD and autistic adults navigating work, relationships, and everyday life. Learn how to recognize when you’re masking, stop performing to make other people comfortable and start honoring your real needs. From communication habits to self-accommodation, this episode offers small, actionable steps to help you unmask with intention—not fear. Whether you’re just beginning to understand your neurodivergence or you’ve been on this journey for a while, this episode is a grounding, encouraging guide to reclaiming your voice, your energy, and your identity. Join N.E.R.D.s Book a Clarity Call with Regina About Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD, Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.

    12 min
  5. Interoception & Proprioception: What Your Body’s Trying to Tell You

    15 AUG

    Interoception & Proprioception: What Your Body’s Trying to Tell You

    Sign up for my newsletter here! Struggling to recognize when you’re hungry, tired, anxious—or even where your body is in space? You’re not alone. In this episode of Divergent Paths, Dr. Regina McMenomy and co-host Russ Catanach explore the often-overlooked sensory systems of interoception and proprioception—and why they’re especially important for neurodivergent folks. We break down: What interoception and proprioception actually areWhy body awareness feels harder for ADHDers and autistic peopleHow these “hidden senses” impact emotional regulation, burnout, and self-carePersonal stories of missed signals, sensory confusion, and learning to tune inTools to reconnect with your body and support your nervous systemWhether you’re newly diagnosed or deep in your unmasking journey, understanding these internal sensory systems can be a game-changer. Your body’s been trying to talk to you—maybe it’s time to listen. So enjoy this episode we lovingly nicknamed, "Where did that bruise come from?" Divergent Paths Consulting: Helping late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults live with clarity, confidence, and ease. Join N.E.R.D.s (free peer support) Book a Clarity Call with Regina About Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD, Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.

    34 min
  6. Nuerodivergent Solutions for Masking at Work

    8 AUG

    Nuerodivergent Solutions for Masking at Work

    Sign up for my newsletter here! Is masking a sign of maturity—or a survival strategy? In this solo episode of Neurodivergent Solutions, Dr. Regina McMenomy challenges the idea that “professionalism” means suppressing who you really are. She explores how masking shows up in the workplace for neurodivergent adults, why it’s often misread as emotional maturity, and how that misperception leads to burnout, disconnection, and self-doubt. You’ll learn: What masking looks like for ADHD and autistic professionalsWhy emotional suppression is not the same as emotional intelligenceThree safer ways to begin unmasking at workHow to shift workplace expectations without putting yourself at riskWhether you're navigating a corporate job, academic space, or creative field, this episode will help you recognize the hidden costs of masking—and offer tangible ways to honor your authentic self on the job. Divergent Paths Consulting: Helping late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults live with clarity, confidence, and ease. Join N.E.R.D.s (free peer support) Book a Clarity Call with Regina About Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD, Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.

    12 min
  7. Imposter Syndrome and Neurodivergent Brains: Why Success Still Feels Like Failure

    1 AUG

    Imposter Syndrome and Neurodivergent Brains: Why Success Still Feels Like Failure

    Why do so many late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults feel like frauds—even when they’re thriving? In this episode of Divergent Paths, Regina McMenomy, Ph.D., unpacks the neuroscience behind imposter syndrome and explains why it hits harder for people with ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence. With co-host Russ Catanach, Regina shares personal stories, expert insights, and practical strategies to help you recognize imposter syndrome for what it really is: a stress response shaped by masking, rejection sensitivity, and years of chronic invalidation. Whether you’ve ever thought “I don’t deserve this” or struggled to believe your own success, this conversation will help you reframe self-doubt and start building confidence from the inside out. Divergent Paths Consulting: Helping late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults live with clarity, confidence, and ease. Join N.E.R.D.s (free peer support) Book a Free Clarity Call with Regina About Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD, Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.

    41 min
  8. Neurodivergent Solutions for Rest

    25 JUL

    Neurodivergent Solutions for Rest

    Rest isn’t a reward, it’s a requirement. In this solo episode of Neurodivergent Solutions, Dr. Regina McMenomy explores why rest is essential for neurodivergent bodies and brains, and why our cultural beliefs about laziness, productivity, and burnout often fail those of us with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergences. Regina shares personal stories and hard-won insights about redefining rest—not as a failure to hustle, but as a radical act of self-preservation and nervous system regulation. You’ll learn how masking, hyperfocus, and chronic stress lead to burnout, and why intentional rest might be the most productive thing you can do. If you’ve ever cursed your “lazy” self or struggled to stop when your body is screaming for a break, this episode is for you. Divergent Paths Consulting: Helping late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults live with clarity, confidence, and ease. Join N.E.R.D.s (free peer support) Book a Free Clarity Call with Regina About Dr. Regina McMenomy PhD, Regina is an educator, consultant, and founder of Divergent Paths Consulting. With over two decades of experience in higher education and instructional design, she now helps individuals create more inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming spaces. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Regina blends academic insight, personal experience, and a healthy dose of nerdy joy to help others unmask, heal, and thrive.

    9 min
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About

Neurodivergent Strategies for Late-Diagnosed Adults is the podcast for people with ADHD, autism, and other late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults ready to unmask, heal from burnout, and build a life that works with their brain, not against it. Hosted by Dr. Regina McMenomy, Ph.D., this show offers real talk and practical strategies for navigating executive dysfunction, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), perfectionism, emotional regulation, masking, PDA, and more. Each episode explores how unspoken expectations, internalized ableism, and cultural myths about productivity keep neurodivergent people stuck and what we can do to shift the narrative. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, self-discovered, or still figuring it out, you’ll find insight, compassion, and tools to help you find your divergent path. Join N.E.R.D.s (free peer support) Book a Free Discovery Call with Regina About the Host: Dr. Regina McMenomy Ph.D. (she/her) is a neurodivergent coach, educator, and host of the Divergent Paths podcast. With a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies and over 20 years of experience in higher education and instructional design, she blends academic depth with lived neurodivergent insight. Regina was diagnosed later in life and like many of her clients, spent decades masking, overworking, and wondering why burnout always came back. Now she helps late-diagnosed people with ADHD and autism unmask safely, rebuild their self-trust, and embrace rest as a radical act of self-support. The Divergent Paths podcast offers empowering conversations, practical tools, and hard-won wisdom for those ready to live more authentically. You’ll often find her talking about nervous system regulation, perfectionism, emotional honesty and, occasionally, oatmeal.

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