Do you know anyone who has been diagnosed with both Autism and ADHD? Eric and Becca, his guest, discuss their diagnosis and how ADHD manifests differently in women. They also discuss why they are interested in conscientiousness research in this area.
Becca is earning her master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and hopes to use her knowledge in individual differences, such as ADHD in personality and training in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, to help organizations create inclusive work environments for employees.
Becca refutes the idea that people with Autism or ADHD lack conscientiousness. She discusses her understanding of Autism, how it manifests for her, as well as how she was told she couldn’t be on the autism spectrum because she is so smart. Eric talks about the differences between Autism and Aspergers, and the arguments surrounding them.
Becca talks about ADHD and how conscientiousness and gender affect ADHD. She also discusses her withdrawal from people due to her daily struggles. This is what led her into seeking a diagnosis. She discusses her sensory challenges and the constant struggle to be on-time.
Social communication is an executive social function. Eric and Becca talk about the fact that women have a socially wired brain to reflect their environment. They also discuss how Becca interacts with others. Eric asks Eric a hypothetical question about whether a blue pill or a red pill would cure ADHD. Would you consider it?
Becca has shared her struggles with ADHD and Autism. Some of these are embarrassing while others can be frustrating. Becca hopes to share her struggles with Autism and ADHD, so that others can benefit from them. This conversation will help you to look at yourself and think, “Hmmm.”
You’ll learn:
[02: 32] Becca, welcome to the podcast! [03: 01] Becca shares her diagnoses of Autism and ADHD. [06: 46] She challenges the statement that people with Autism are not high in conscientiousness. [09: 03] Eric shares the definition of conscientiousness. [10: 03] Becca questions whether people with ADHD are low in conscientiousness. [12: 00] Have you been told you can’t be on the spectrum because you are so smart? [13: 14] Eric says that it is essential to understand that we are all different in the way we show up. [13: 37] What got you interested in studying consciousness in this realm? [15: 34] Becca shares her understanding of Autism and how it shows up for her. [18: 02] Becca speaks about having a case manager come to talk to her and her mom and ask if she could use a spoon and fork. [19: 45] Eric chats about the difference between Autism and Aspergers and the argument around both. [26: 02] Becca speaks about how gender and conscientiousness change the manifestation of ADHD. [28: 44] Have you felt shame or guilt because you forgot to go to the store or didn’t have dinner? [30: 18] Becca speaks about withdrawing from others because she struggles to manage her everyday life. [32: 00] Becca shares a story about what led to her diagnosis of ADHD. [33: 03] Becca chats about the struggle to be on time when she goes somewhere. [34: 37] What is the hardest part for you of having ADHD? [36: 34] Becca speaks about having sensory challenges and what it is like for her. [38: 38] Did you know that social communication is an executive social function? [40: 20] Eric speaks about some studies that show women are more socially wired to mirror their environment. [47: 32] Becca shares how she works through social interaction in her brain. [49: 30] Do you show empathy differently from people around you? [51: 18] Becca speaks about smiling and laughing at funerals when everyone else is crying. She is not happy because she can’t control her happiness. [53: 32] Eric chats about teaching micro-expressions and training. [56: 02] Are you different but not less? Are you aware of your strengths and weaknesses? [58: 16] Eric speaks about the hypothetical question about if you could take a pill to make your ADHD go away would you take it? [1: 00: 52] Is there anything you want to say to the listeners? [1: 01: 03] Becca, thank you so much for sharing your story! [1: 01: 18] If you are wondering if you have Autism or ADHD, find a specialist. [1: 02: 36] If you are a regular listener, consider becoming a patron and on our Patreon at www.ADHDreWired.com
