Neurodivergence and Misdiagnosis

What happens when the story you’ve been told about your brain is wrong? In this episode, we unpack the common patterns of misdiagnosis among neurodivergent people—especially those who are autistic, have ADHD, or both. We explore how misdiagnosis happens, why it’s so common in women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ folks, and how finding the right diagnosis can shift a person’s entire understanding of themselves.

Most people think autism is diagnosed in childhood—but for many, it isn’t. This episode focuses on the increasing number of adults being diagnosed as autistic, often after decades of misdiagnosis or confusion. We explore what late diagnosis feels like, why it happens, and how it can bring both grief and healing.

Autism diagnoses are on the rise—and with it, so are questions. Are we overdiagnosing autism, or are we finally catching up to reality? In this episode, we break down the myths and truths behind the data, explain why diagnosis rates are increasing, and address the real reasons people are being identified later in life.

What We Cover:

• Why autism and ADHD are so often misdiagnosed

• The emotional and psychological impact of receiving the wrong label

• Who’s still being left out of the diagnostic process
• How diagnostic criteria and public awareness have changed
• Why autism rates are rising (and why that’s a good thing)
• Why late diagnosis is valid, powerful, and life-changing