In this episode, I get real about the biggest mistakes I’ve made as a leader—and how being diagnosed with autism and ADHD gave me a new lens on all of them.

From reacting too quickly to letting my ADHD hijack team priorities, I share hard-earned lessons that every manager—especially those who are neurodivergent—needs to hear. If you’re in a leadership role and navigating your own neurodivergent traits, this one’s for you.

🎥 Watch the full video version on YouTube
📩 Sign up for my newsletter: https://brettwhitmarsh.substack.com
🌐 More tips at https://audhdboss.com

What happens when you unmask autism and ADHD—on a comedy stage—during Pride?
In this solo episode, I share the chaotic, hilarious, emotional journey of performing my first stand-up set as an autistic, ADHD queer adult.

From scripting punchlines and channeling sitcoms to mic stand disasters and post-performance crashes, this is more than a comedy story—it’s a story about identity, burnout, recovery, and pride.

🎧 In this episode:

• How I used stand-up comedy to process masking and queer identity

• Why emotional burnout hits hard after unmasking

• My ADHD script prep hacks and crash recovery tools

• What I learned about my AuDHD brain by stepping into the spotlight

🎤 And yes... the mic stand really did fall apart.

Unmasking Autism, Comedy and ADHD, Autistic Performer, Neurodivergent Pride, Masking & Burnout, Stand-Up with AuDHD, Emotional Overload, Queer and Autistic, ADHD Recovery, Religious Trauma

Is it worth getting an ADHD or autism diagnosis later in life? I’m Brett, The AuDHD Boss—an autistic manager with ADHD—and in this episode, I’m answering one of the most common questions I get from late-diagnosed professionals: “Should I get a formal diagnosis?”

In this episode, I share:

• The personal questions I asked before getting diagnosed

• How diagnosis helped me at work (and when I didn’t actually need it)

• Why self-diagnosis is still valid and valuable

• The pros and cons of disclosing at work

• What you need to consider before taking the next step

Whether you're wondering about accommodations, clarity, or just curious what others have experienced—this episode will help you explore the decision from a strength-based, real-world perspective.

📬 Join my newsletter for more workplace tools: https://brettwhitmarsh.substack.com
🌐 Learn more at: https://audhdboss.com

#ADHDDiagnosis #AutismDiagnosis #LateDiagnosis #AuDHD #NeurodivergentWorkplace

I’m an autistic leader with ADHD, and I’ve spent over a decade working in a leadership position in corporate workplace. And for most of that time, I’ve masked—hard.

What does masking at work actually look like for an autistic manager with ADHD? And what does it cost us to stay “professional” every day?

In this episode, I’m reflecting on masking in the corporate workplace—from learning to read the room to choosing when to speak, how to show up, and how to recover when masking becomes too much.

As a leader with autism and ADHD, I talk why I still mad in the workplace, the toll masking takes on my identity and energy, and how I’m learning to unmask in a way that protects both my mental health and my leadership effectiveness.

Whether you’re neurodivergent yourself or managing someone who is, this episode is for anyone who wants to better understand what masking is—and how to make room for authenticity in professional spaces.

n this episode, I explore the meaning of neuroqueering through my own lived experience as a queer, autistic, ADHD adult. Joined by Dr. Megan Anna Neff (Neurodivergent Insights), we dive into:

• The definition and origins of the term "neuroqueer"

• How masking and identity suppression lead to burnout

• The grief of coming out and discovering you're neurodivergent later in life

• What it means to heal your inner child

• Why unmasking is a slow, emotional, and communal journey

We also discuss how safety, community, and self-permission are key to stepping into your authentic identity—and how queer and neurodivergent joy often go hand-in-hand.

🎧 Tune in to hear how unmasking shaped my path, why I believe identity work must happen in community, and what neuroqueering means to me today.

🔗 Related Links:

Full interview with Dr. Megan Anna Neff: https://youtu.be/Df4V9-vvino

My Substack & Office Hours: https://brettwhitmarsh.substack.com

Nick Walker's original neuroqueer writing: https://neuroqueer.com/neuroqueer-an-introduction/

**📚 Links Mentioned:**

- Order Dr. Neff's **Autistic Burnout Workbook**: https://bookshop.org/a/108800/9781507223062

- Dr. Neff's Website: https://neurodivergentinsights.com

-Order Dr. Neff's Self Care for Autistic People: https://bookshop.org/a/108800/9781507221938

📖 Learn more about Dr. Neff:

https://www.neurodivergentinsights.com/

Substack: https://substack.com/@neurodivergentinsights

https://neurodivergentinsights.substack.com

Why do so many of us feel like we’re always performing — even in our safest spaces?

In this powerful and deeply resonant episode, Brett (The AudHD Boss) is joined once again by Dr. Megan Anna Neff, psychologist and founder of Neurodivergent Insights, to explore the complex emotional and psychological experience of autistic masking.

Together, they discuss:

• How masking starts in childhood as a trauma and survival response

• The privilege, protection, and cost of masking — especially for BIPOC neurodivergent individuals

• The intersection of masking with OCD, burnout, queerness, and late diagnosis

• Why unmasking is not just a process — but a layered, relational, and identity-shaping journey

• How to hold nuance in the unmasking conversation, including when masking is protective or strategic

• The need for self-permission, community, and compassion as we learn how to be our fullest selves

This is one of the most honest, layered, and liberating conversations we’ve had — full of real stories, research, and reflections. Whether you’re navigating your own unmasking process or supporting someone who is, you’ll walk away with validation, insight, and the reminder that this work is not meant to be done alone.

🔗 Learn more about Dr. Neff at neurodivergentinsights.com
💻 Coaching and resources: audhdboss.com
📺 Watch the full video on YouTube: @AudioBoss
🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

#Autism #Unmasking #Neurodivergent #Masking #MentalHealth #LateDiagnosis #AutismInAdults #DrMeganAnnaNeff #QueerAndNeurodivergent #NeurodivergentIdentity #ADHD #AutisticBurnout

How do you turn burnout into business success as a neurodivergent entrepreneur? In this compelling episode, Brett, the AuDHD Boss, sits down with Patrick Casale – therapist, private practice coach, and host of the All Things Private Practice podcast and Divergent Conversations with Dr. Megan Anna Neff– to share his journey from high-stress work environments to thriving as a self-employed ADHD and autistic business owner.

In This Episode:

• Patrick’s path from workplace burnout to building a private practice

• Managing imposter syndrome and self-doubt as a neurodivergent leader

• Practical strategies for self-accommodations and executive function

• Creating affirming workplaces for ADHD and autistic staff

• Using fear as a gas pedal instead of a brake in business

Listen now to learn how Patrick Casale transformed burnout into a thriving business while navigating the unique challenges of ADHD and autism.

Work travel can be a sensory and social minefield for autistic and ADHD professionals. In this episode, I share my personal strategies and accommodations for handling work trips and conferences more effectively. From sensory tools to masking plans and recovery routines, these tips can help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed when traveling for work. Tune in to hear practical advice inspired by Dr. Megan Anna Neff’s Autistic Burnout Workbook and my own experiences as an autistic leader. #NeurodivergentWorkplace #Autism #ADHD #WorkTravel #AudHD

Chapters:0:00 – Introduction: Why Work Travel is Challenging for Me1:05 – Sensory Tools: Travel-Friendly Stims2:18 – Planning Downtime & Setting Alarms3:02 – Identifying Quiet Spaces & Exit Strategies3:58 – Adjusting My Masking Plan: Who Can I Unmask With?5:15 – Creating a Recovery Plan for Work Events6:21 – Maintaining Routines on the Road7:46 – Navigating Social Situations & Group Activities8:27 – Food, Water, and Rest – Meeting Basic Needs9:17 – Final Thoughts & Recommended Resources******RESOURCES**********📘Dr. Neff's "Autistic Burnout Workbook": https://bookshop.org/a/108800/9781507223062📖Self Care for Autistic People: https://bookshop.org/a/108800/9781507221938🔗Neurodivergent Insights (Dr. Neff's website): https://neurodivergentinsights.com👉🏼Discount code for Dr. Neff's digital tools: AUDHDBOSS 🎥My interview with Dr. Neff: https://youtu.be/DO-vcVOUFDg

What happens when both you and your boss have ADHD? In this episode, I'm joined by my longtime friend and former colleague, Sherry, for a deep dive into the challenges and strategies of managing up with a neurodivergent manager.

We share real-world stories about navigating chaotic energy, building strengths-based teams, structuring weekly check-ins, and using "reverse accommodations" to create a more successful and supportive workplace.

Whether you're neurodivergent yourself or simply want better communication with your leadership, this conversation is packed with insights you can apply today.

Topics we cover:

• Managing priorities when your boss has ADHD

• Building trust through confident vulnerability

• Supporting overwhelmed managers without doing their job for them

• Communication tips for remote neurodivergent teams

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations about ADHD, autism, and thriving in the workplace.

• Managing Up with ADHD

• ADHD in the Workplace

• Neurodivergent Manager Support

• ADHD Boss Employee Tips

• Corporate Workplace ADHD Strategies

• Managing Neurodivergent Teams

• Strength-Based Leadership ADHD

• How to Manage Up with ADHD

• ADHD Communication Tips

• Thriving with ADHD at Work

What if a conversation between a neurodivergent and neurotypical person didn’t have to end in confusion?

In this episode, I talk with Michael Daniel, the creator of the NeuroTranslator app— an AI-powered tool designed to decode and bridge communication between autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, and neurotypical minds.

We explore:

• Michael’s late-diagnosis journey with autism and ADHD

• How unmasking affected his marriage and workplace experience

• What led him to build a communication translator for neurodivergent brains

• The impact of rejection sensitivity, burnout, and PDA in real life

• How this AI tool is already changing relationships, workplaces, and lives

Whether you're an autistic or ADHD professional, a curious manager, or someone looking to improve communication in your relationships, this episode is full of insights, compassion, and hope.

📲 Download the app: https://www.neurotranslator.ai 📚 Mentioned books: Divergent Mind: https://bookshop.org/a/108800/9780062876805 📚Unmasking Autism by Devon Price : https://bookshop.org/a/108800/9780593235232📚 Unmasking for Life: https://bookshop.org/a/108800/9780593735756📱 Follow Michael on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mickydaniel?_t=ZP-8vbF10HlKEJ&_r=1

Listen to more AuDHD Boss Podcast episodes: https://brettwhitmarsh.com/audhdboss-podcast/

Watch the full conversation on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_6jstQ4qa0