The Empowered Healing Podcast

Neurodivergence and Mental Health


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Neurodivergent people—those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other forms of brain-based difference—often walk a complicated path through the world of mental health. In this episode, we explore how neurodivergence intersects with mental health, why neurodivergent folks face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout, and how stigma, masking, and systemic barriers contribute to distress.


This episode is a compassionate, clear-eyed look at how we can move from pathologizing to supporting neurodivergent minds.


What We Cover:

  • What “neurodivergence” means and how it differs from mental illness

  • Why neurodivergent people are more likely to struggle with mental health

  • The impact of masking, invalidation, and being misunderstood

  • How to build affirming, inclusive mental health support systems

    • The importance of community, self-understanding, and neurodiversity-affirming care


    Resources mentioned in this episode:

    Divergent Conversations Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4yQhemvtxdBuLmHqtU7H2k?si=d53ff4219f484662

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    The Empowered Healing PodcastBy Dr. Justina Floyd, Zoe Van Kirk