Divergent Conversations

Learning you’re Autistic or ADHD—whether through diagnosis, self-identification, or discovery—can spark relief, uncertainty, and a cascade of new questions. Navigating not only the process of finding out, but also what happens next, is a profound and often emotional journey for many neurodivergent adults.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the fundamentals of neuro...

Understanding the root causes behind Autistic burnout symptoms can feel confusing, especially when physical symptoms are present but dismissed or misunderstood. Many in the neurodivergent community face not only emotional exhaustion but a web of hidden medical conditions that often go undiagnosed, leaving them searching for seemingly elusive answers and support.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD ment...

Advocating for your needs and setting boundaries as a neurodivergent person can be incredibly challenging—especially in environments that don’t always understand or prioritize accommodations for invisible disabilities. Navigating burnout and building a life that supports your well-being is not just about self-care; it’s about learning how to advocate for yourself in ways that are sustainable and affirming.

In this episode, Patrick C...

ADHD and Autistic burnout can feel like an endless cycle of overwhelm, exhaustion, and frustration—especially for those who live at the intersection of both identities. Many AuDHD individuals struggle to distinguish between ADHD burnout and autistic burnout, but understanding their overlap and unique challenges is crucial to finding compassionate, practical ways to support our mental health.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. M...

Burnout can hit hard for late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD adults, especially when the energy cost of masking becomes too much to bear. Dropping the mask and stepping into authenticity brings both relief and upheaval, raising new challenges that aren’t always easy to navigate alone.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the intricate relationship between masking, unmas...

Autistic burnout can feel like you’re running on empty: emotionally, physically, or both. Managing energy, burnout, and self-acceptance in a neurotypical world can be exhausting, especially for neurodivergent people navigating chronic fatigue, sensory overload, and internalized expectations.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the lived experience of burnout, deplet...

Burnout can feel relentless for Autistic people, especially when our bodies and minds seem to react more intensely to stress than those around us. Understanding how our nervous systems work—and why we may struggle with regulation—can transform self-blame into self-compassion and change the way we approach mental health, relationships, and daily life.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health pr...

Burnout isn’t just about exhaustion—it’s a sensory experience that can leave neurodivergent people feeling stretched to the breaking point. When every sound, smell, or texture feels overwhelming, how do we navigate recovery and build resilience in a world that rarely slows down?

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the connection between sensory processing and autist...

Navigating Autistic burnout can feel overwhelming, especially when recovery advice is often oversimplified or disconnected from the realities of daily life. For many Autistic people, finding real, sustainable strategies to move through burnout isn’t just about willpower; it’s about understanding our needs, honoring our limits, and reclaiming a sense of agency.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental...

Living with perpetual Autistic burnout can feel like navigating a world that’s always just a little too overwhelming, exhausting, or out of sync. For neurodivergent people, teasing apart burnout from depression and understanding how chronic sensory and emotional overload shapes daily life is not just challenging but key for self-advocacy and well-being.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health...

Navigating higher education as a neurodivergent student can often feel isolating and overwhelming in a system not designed for neurodivergent minds. For many, finding an affirming academic environment that truly recognizes and supports neurodivergent strengths, and not just challenges, can be life-changing.

In this episode, Patrick Casale, an AuDHD mental health professional, sits down with Dr. Adam Lalor, educational psychologist a...

Navigating wellness advice as a neurodivergent person can often feel invalidating, overwhelming, or just plain inaccessible. So much of what’s recommended—from meal prep to journaling—assumes executive function, sensory profiles, or social fluency that simply aren’t universal. However, the right adaptations not only make wellness more achievable but also help us honor our genuine needs instead of internalizing shame or “shoulds.”

In...

Typical wellness advice is often made to sound simple on the surface, but it can feel alienating, frustrating, or downright unhelpful in real life for many neurodivergent people. For many Autistic and ADHD adults, tips like “just relax,” “try meditation,” or “write in a gratitude journal” can miss the mark, complicating our efforts to find meaningful self-care and regulation.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, ...

Finding joy and playfulness can feel complicated when the world feels heavy and overwhelming. For neurodivergent people, accessing moments of laughter and lightness—especially while navigating guilt or social pressure to be productive—becomes an essential, yet nuanced, form of self-preservation and resistance.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the vital importance...

Creativity isn’t just a spark or a talent—it’s a vital tether to our humanness, especially in a world that can feel overwhelming or isolating for neurodivergent people. Whether you feel energized and alive, or stuck in a season of fatigue, the pursuit and practice of creativity can connect us to ourselves, our aliveness, and our communities.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professiona...

Finding real connection and community as a neurodivergent person can be both beautiful and complicated. We often long for community that gets us, but knowing where to look or how to show up as ourselves can feel uncertain. Having spaces where we feel seen, supported, and not too much isn’t just affirming — it’s important for our well-being.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professional...

Navigating constant news cycles and the pressure to engage with digital content that often changes by the minute and is expressed with different narratives can be uniquely challenging for neurodivergent individuals. Finding authentic ways to support your mental health, honor limited energy reserves, and cultivate meaningful community has never been more crucial.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD ment...

Grieving the loss of a beloved pet or navigating collective trauma can feel overwhelming, especially for neurodivergent individuals who experience heightened attachment and sensitivity. This episode highlights the raw realities of grief, loss, and emotional processing, and explores the complexities unique to neurodivergent wellness journeys.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professiona...

Prioritizing wellness and authentic connection is essential for neurodivergent individuals, especially during times of low energy or change. This episode highlights how embracing interdependence, rest, and honest communication can support deeper well-being and resilience within both friendships and professional collaborations.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, candidly di...