Behind the Music: Masking, Hyperfocus and AuDHD

In this episode of Beyond Distracted, hosts Anthony Brown and Meagan Cooke sit down with Nat Bartsch – a triple ARIA-nominated pianist, composer and neurodiversity advocate whose work spans classical, jazz and ambient music.   Nat often felt different, but it wasn't until her late 30s, during the pandemic, that she discovered she is both ADHD and autistic. Rather than being a confronting moment, the diagnosis brought reassurance and clarity – helping her better understand her needs, improve the support around her, and design a career that works with her brain.   Nat discusses what it means to be neurodivergent in the music industry – a space that often attracts and even rewards these traits, but doesn't always provide the structure needed to support them.   In this episode, we explore: Nat's late discovery of her AuDHD identity – and how it positively reframed her life and career The music industry as a "hotbed" of neurodivergent traits – and where it falls short on support Why masking is so common in creative industries – and how it can delay recognition The realities of running a small business as a neurodivergent person without formal business training Practical ways Nat manages her energy, health and creative work   If you're a creative person curious about how to better support your own brain, someone diagnosed later in life, or simply want to better understand AuDHD, this episode offers a hopeful, practical perspective.   As Nat says of being diagnosed: "My sense of who I am in the world was better – and for me, that was just such a wonderful thing."     Want to see Nat live? She'll be performing her neuro-affirming album, Forever Changed, live over the coming weeks: Sat 18 April at The Round, Nunawading, Melbourne: https://www.theround.com.au/natbartsch 12 to 16 July, a regional tour of NSW for Musica Viva, heading to Gunnedah, Taree and Gosford: https://musicaviva.com.au/concert-season/2026/forever-changed/