S1E06:Late-Diagnosed AuDHD: Masking Habits That Exhausted Me

Masking: suppressing, adapting, and performing your way through every social situation — is something most late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD people did for years without even realising it. In this episode, Amber traces where her own mask came from, all the way back to childhood, and follows it through school, work, and adult life.She talks about what unmasking actually looks like in practice (spoiler: it’s a lot more complicated than just “being yourself”), the physical and mental cost of long-term masking, and what it means to start finding spaces where you don’t have to hide. Practical advice on unmasking gradually, safely, and in relationships included.Further ReadingNational Autistic Society — masking guidance — https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/behaviour/maskingFind Not Quite TypicalInstagram: @notquite_typicalSubstack: ⁠ambernapthine.substack.com⁠Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts — search Not Quite TypicalGet in Touch: [email protected] friends, just a gentle reminder : I’m sharing from my own lived experience with AuDHD, not a medical textbook! While some of our guests have clinical expertise, every single neurodivergent journey is different. This space is for sharing stories and community, so please always seek professional advice for your own personal health and wellbeing. Thanks for being here!