Navigate the Nuances of AuDHD: A Deep Dive of Autism and ADHD with Dr. Tony Attwood and Dr. Michelle Garnett

In this insightful episode of The Self-Careapist Podcast, we are joined by world-renowned autism experts Dr. Michelle Garnett and Dr. Tony Attwood of Attwood and Garnett Events to explore the evolving understanding of combined autism and ADHD often referred to as AuDHD. Together, they unpack how the field has shifted from  autism as a standalone, to understanding it as “autism plus,” often intertwined with ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, BPD, learning disorders, and other experiences of neurodiversity.The conversation moves from diagnostic history and gender differences to the lived experience of camouflaging, self-identity, and the importance of emotional awareness in therapy. They introduce practical, affirming tools like energy accounting, the spoken social story, and considerations for alexithymia and burnout.Whether you’re a seasoned clinician looking to update your approach or a new learner, this episode offers compassion, clarity and humor for understanding how to connect and serve our AuDHD clients.Resources MentionedCAT-Q: Camouflaging Autistic Traits QuestionnaireModified Questionnaire for Autism Spectrum Conditions (MQ-ASC)Wheel of EmotionMaja Toudal – Energy AccountingLawson’s Work on MonotropismAttwood & Garnett’s Library of TrainingsEpisode Chapters00:00 – Introduction: Autism’s evolution 02:56 – Personal Journeys into Autism Research 06:10 – Understanding the Autism Spectrum 08:58 – Autism Plus: The Intersection with ADHD 11:58 – Camouflaging and Masking 15:09 – Gender Differences in Autism 17:49 – Diagnosis and Self-Identity 20:46 – Therapeutic Approaches for Neurodivergent Clients 23:56 – Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness 26:54 – Creative Therapies and Self-Expression 30:01 – Energy Accounting and Burnout Prevention 32:50 – Understanding Neurodiversity 36:11 – Final ReflectionsContinuing Education: Many episodes offer a free CEU for licensure in Arizona through the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. Content is relevant for continuing education across LCSW, LMHC, LPC, LMFT, NCC, NBCC, and psychology licensure.Subscribe and leave a review — it helps other therapists find the show.A short mid-roll CTA inviting listeners to take the Stuck Point Quiz at lorainmoorehead.com/quiz, identify their clinical stuck point, and access personalized resources. Includes an optional invitation to join Lorain’s newsletter.The Self Careapist Therapist Podcast is a biweekly conversation with Lorain Moorehead, LCSW a therapist in private practice.  With guests ranging from expert psychologists, therapists, researchers and authors, each episode offers a deep dive and keeps listeners from intern to advanced supervisor  in mind while dropping gems and aha moments for everyone who loves to learn! If you love learning and want to keep track of some future learning opportunities, grab your personal curriculum here!If you liked this episode, feel free to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us be a top mental health podcast and resource.  See you next week!