Why Are So Many Adults Getting Diagnosed with ADHD and Autism?: An interview with Dr. Monica Blied

Curt and Katie interview Dr. Monica Blied about adults getting diagnosed later in life with Autism and/or ADHD. We look at why people (especially individual assigned female at birth) are getting diagnoses later in life. We also explore skills, strategies, and accommodations to support neurodivergent individuals in navigating life. We also talk about unmasking and helping adults talk with their family members about diagnosis.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we look the trend of adults getting diagnosed with ADHD and Autism

During a recent conference, Katie saw Dr. Blied talking about later in life ADHD and Autism diagnoses and loved what she had to say. We figured it was time to talk some more about neurodivergent adults.

Why is there an uptick in adults getting diagnosed with ADHD and Autism?

·      There is more information that is being shared on social media

·      Therapists and psychologists with ADHD and/or Autism are sharing information more freely

·      Increase in diagnoses in children, leading to other family members getting their own assessments

How can therapists support clients who believe they are neurodivergent, but may not meet the criteria?

·      Exploring what a neurodivergent identity means to the client

·      Provide psychoeducation on some differential diagnosis

·      Seek formal assessment for autism or ADHD

What strategies can therapists utilize in working with clients diagnosed as neurodivergent as an adult?

·      Confirm and validate experience, normalize

·      Somatic exercises to bring clients into their bodies (and out of their brain)

·      Executive functioning skills (e.g., using timers and the pomodoro technique)

·      Premack principles?

·      Use the principle of inertia (start with something small, to get in motion)

·      Understand available workplace accommodations (and where assessors and therapists can support in that process)

·      Learning how to tease out when skills, accommodations, or self-acceptance are needed

·      Support acceptance and unmasking

·      Help clients walk through the grief process that comes with diagnosis

·      Learn about autistic burnout and the 5 S’s from Dr. Joey Lawrence of Neudle Psychology

·      Provide support to clients to talk about diagnosis with their family members

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

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Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/