I was rudely interrupted at the end by work but….Some neurodivergent kids escaped into fictional worlds because reality felt too overwhelming, lonely, confusing, or unsafe. In this deeply relatable (and slightly emotionally devastating) episode of AudioHD and Then Some, Ellie talks about fictional character attachments, maladaptive daydreaming, hyperfixations, parasocial relationships, autism, ADHD, AuDHD, loneliness, trauma coping mechanisms, and the imaginary worlds that helped so many of us survive childhood.

From creating entire cinematic universes in our heads to emotionally depending on fictional characters more than real people, this episode explores the humour, grief, creativity, and survival behind neurodivergent escapism.

If you’ve ever felt “too attached” to fictional characters, lived inside your imagination, paced around daydreaming for hours, or used stories as emotional safety — you are absolutely not alone.

“If this episode emotionally destroyed you even slightly, please rate the podcast five stars because apparently healing is expensive.”

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