Content note: This episode includes honest discussion of suicidal ideation and mental health challenges. Listener discretion advised and please take care while listening.

Keywords ADHD, Autism, Mental Health, Hypnotherapy, Cacao Ceremony, Neurodiversity, Support Networks, Parenting, Community, Personal Growth

Summary In this milestone Episode 50 of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen is joined by fellow podcaster and late-diagnosed ADHDer Cliff Kilmister for an honest, compassionate conversation about neurodiversity, mental health, and survival. Cliff shares his personal journey through anxiety, suicidal ideation, late diagnosis, and parenting an autistic/ADHD daughter, alongside powerful insights into masking, rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD), stimming, and the impact of workplace and school environments on neurodivergent nervous systems. Together, Helen and Cliff explore healing tools including hypnotherapy, cacao ceremony, intuition, and compassionate leadership — offering hope, understanding, and practical wisdom for anyone navigating neurodiversity, whether as a parent, professional, or late-diagnosed adult.

Support: If this episode brings up difficult feelings, support is available. In the UK, Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123.

Takeaways

·     Cliff's journey with ADHD and autism has shaped his understanding of mental health.

·     Support networks are crucial for navigating challenges related to neurodiversity.

·     Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for personal growth and overcoming anxiety.

·     Late diagnosis of ADHD and autism can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself.

·     Masking behaviours can be exhausting and detrimental to mental health.

·     Creating supportive work environments is essential for neurodiverse individuals.

·     Cacao ceremonies can provide profound experiences of relaxation and insight.

·     Stimming is a natural self-regulation technique for many neurodiverse individuals.

·     Reading challenges often stem from a lack of interest or engagement in the material.

·     Community and collaboration are key to supporting neurodiverse individuals.

Sound Bites

·     "You have to work through it."

·     "It's all about learning."

·     "It's all about the client."

Resources Mentioned in Episode

How to ADHD – Jessica McCabe

Scattered Minds – Gabor Mate

Connect with Cliff

IG: cliff_kilmister08

FB: Cliff Kilmister

LI: linkedin.com/in/cliff-kilmister-420a07bb

YouTube: Cliff Kilmister - YouTube

Websites: helpanxiety.org & autismadhdsupport.org

Eva’s you tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@InspireWithUsYT

Connect with Helen

Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk

IG: helens_inspired_healing

LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

NB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

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