Unmasked & Unscripted

Summit Family Therapy, PLLC

Unmasked and Unscripted is where neurodivergence meets real life. Join Kate, Nate, and Brandon, three neurodivergent therapists, as they sit down for honest, unscripted conversations about the stuff we don't talk about enough: masking, burnout, executive dysfunction, sensory overload, late diagnoses, and what it actually looks like to live in a world that wasn't built for our brains. It's part therapy chat, part storytelling, part tangent filled rabbit hole, and always real. So get comfy, take a deep breath, and come hang out with us. You're not broken, and you're definitely not

Episodes

  1. Sep 18

    The AuDHD Paradox

    S1 E2: The AuDHD Paradox Is your brain constantly pushing you to try new things while simultaneously demanding total routine and predictable quiet? Welcome to the chaotic, beautiful, and paradox-filled world of AuDHD—the co-occurrence of Autism and ADHD! 🧠⚡ In this episode of Unmasked and Unscripted, psychotherapists Kate Mills, LCPC and Nate Oldenburg, LCPC break down why these two neurodivergent profiles collide, overlap, and frequently mask one another. They explore the push-pull dynamic where ADHD "writes checks that autism can't cash," and examine why getting a dual diagnosis can be so tricky. What We Cover in This Episode: The AuDHD Push-Pull: How ADHD novelty-seeking conflicts with the autistic need for structure and routine.Overlapping Traits & Key Differences:Unpacking shared struggles like executive dysfunction, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), and social fatigue—and why the underlying mechanisms are completely different.Hyperfocus vs. Monotropic Focus: The difference between chasing a temporary dopamine hyperfixation and managing a long-term special interest.How They Hide Each Other: Why ADHD impulsivity can mask autistic sensory overwhelm, while autistic organization can hide ADHD disorganization.Misdiagnoses & Gender Bias:Why chronic anxiety, BPD, and bipolar disorder are often misapplied—especially in women, due to social masking and historical research gaps.Finding Your Balance: Practical tips on identifying your personal window of tolerance, honoring your capacity, and asking your body what it really needs. Mentioned Resources & References: Explaining AuDHD by Dr. Karam Radwan (highlighting Chapters 4 & 5)Dr. Megan Anna Neff (Neurodivergent Insights) – YouTube channel, "Misdiagnosis Mondays" graphics, and books on autistic burnout and self-care We want to hear from you!What does your AuDHD Venn diagram look like, and how do you find your balance? Drop a comment or reach out with your stories! Don't forget to drink some water and subscribe. Produced by Summit Family Therapy, PLLC.

About

Unmasked and Unscripted is where neurodivergence meets real life. Join Kate, Nate, and Brandon, three neurodivergent therapists, as they sit down for honest, unscripted conversations about the stuff we don't talk about enough: masking, burnout, executive dysfunction, sensory overload, late diagnoses, and what it actually looks like to live in a world that wasn't built for our brains. It's part therapy chat, part storytelling, part tangent filled rabbit hole, and always real. So get comfy, take a deep breath, and come hang out with us. You're not broken, and you're definitely not