The Hidden Cost Of Masking Autism For Years
6/1/202639 min
Dr. Samantha Hiew is an ADHD and Autism expert with a PhD in Medical Sciences and lived experience of being AuDHD. In this episode, we explore the hidden cost of masking Autism, the identity crisis that can follow a late diagnosis, why making friends can feel so difficult, and how to find your true self after years of pretending to be someone you're not. If you've ever felt different, misunderstood, or like you don't know who you really are, this conversation is for you. Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 01:28 Why Autism Often Goes Unnoticed 03:22 My Emotional Reaction To An Autism Diagnosis 04:59 The Identity Crisis Nobody Talks About 07:18 Processing A Late Autism Diagnosis 11:39 Why Traits Can Feel Stronger After Diagnosis 12:59 The Hidden Cost Of Masking AuDHD 16:40 How To Find Yourself Again 20:32 Tiimo Advert 23:12 Why Making Friends Is So Difficult 25:39 Finding Love As An AuDHDer 30:57 The Stages Of AuDHD Acceptance 35:50 Audience questions Visit Sam’s website 👉 https://samanthahiew.com Find Sam on Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/samanthahiewphd/ Get 30% off an annual Tiimo subscription 👉 https://www.tiimoapp.com/offers/adhdchatter Buy Alex's book entitled 'Now It All Makes Sense' 👉 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Now-All-Makes-Sense-Diagnosis/dp/1399817817 Order Alex’s latest book about Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria 👉 https://linktr.ee/adhdchatter?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9ffd8709-06df-444c-9936-c136fbd14d6e Producer: Timon Woodward Recorded by: Hamlin Studios Trailer editor: Ryan Faber DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsSamantha Hiew· Guest0:00
Many AuDHD women say the autism assessment is really traumatizing. It brings up so many questions about how you are socially and how you communicate. It is very regulating for the nervous system to be in connection with someone, but it's when it doesn't work out, it can be really, really tough. Dr. Samantha Hu is a specialized female ADHD and autism expert. With a PhD in medical sciences. She's here to spread awareness of ADHD and autism. And help you process a diagnosis. Autistic ADHDers have encountered adverse childhood experiences, so they never really had that role model of someone who was there for them, who can validate their experience. And when you are born with this increased intensity, you learn quite quickly not everyone can hold the space for that.
Alex· Host0:44
When you go through that process of unmasking, can the traits of your autism momentarily get worse?
Samantha Hiew· Guest0:50
Well, speaking as somebody who has- Can I have just a second of your time?
Alex· Host0:55
If this podcast has helped you understand your brain or made you feel less alone, can you do me one favor? Can you hit the follow button? And I'll repay the favor by continuing to book the best and most exclusive conversations on this topic. Please enjoy the episode, and always remember, you're not broken, just different, and you have always been enough. [upbeat music] Samantha, welcome back.
Samantha Hiew· Guest1:18
Thank you so much for having me again. So great to see you.
Alex· Host1:20
We're gonna dive into AuDHD. What age do you think somebody might, having perhaps had, say, an ADHD diagnosis, what age would they then