A podcast born from clinical insight and lived experience. From invisible to undeniable: join us to explore the world of high-masking neurodivergent adults.
In 2018, Clinical Psychologist - Lesley Taylor, Speech Therapist - Gail Kane and their patient - Alexandra Greening, came together in the clinic and found a startling gap: adult presentations of Autism, ADHD, and PDA, particularly in women, were poorly understood and poorly supported. Conversations that began as clinical follow-ups grew into long-term collaboration, transforming Alexandra from patient to peer - pooling academic, anthropological and epigenetic research with clinical practice and the sharp clarity of lived experience.
We want to make the conversation LOUDER and we want you to join us! With an array of Guests, we explore the lived reality of people who mask extensively - including the cost to identity and mental health whilst access to diagnosis and understanding of neurodivergence remains problematic, and the systemic change needed across education, work and healthcare. We dispel myths and confront stereotypes that deny correct diagnosis and worsen the national mental health crisis, unemployment rates, and school to prison pipeline. This isn't for the 'minority' - this affects society as a whole, so we invite everyone to listen and take action with us.
The One Where We Diagnose 'Delusions of Overdiagnosis' & Prescribe Care Over Control
The final episode of the first series of Masking For It podcast explores the topic of overdiagnosis in neurodivergent adults, highlighting the challenges and misconceptions surrounding this issue - mainly because the reality is neurodivergence is still woefully underdiagnosed!
The conversation delves into the impact of continuing to neglect neurodivergent needs on the healthcare system, the need for improved understanding and support for neurodivergent individuals, and explains why behavioural solutions are inappropriate. The conversation delves into the impact of behaviour theory on children, the role of the brain in regulating responses, and the misinterpretation of anxiety as behaviour. It also explores the need for feedback, the normalization of neurodivergence, and the challenges of diagnosis and support. The conversation concludes with a call for change and hope for a better future.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to 'Overdiagnosis' in Neurodivergent Adults
06:52 Challenges in Diagnosis and Assessment Services
17:14 Impact of Current Diagnosis Model on Welfare and Education Systems
22:53 Behavioural Solutions and Neurodivergent Needs
32:29 Importance of Feedback and Support
39:13 Call for Change and Hope for the Future
24 Dec 2025
Christmas Special: The One Where Festive Feels Different For All Of Us
We're hopping on the Pod to wish our listeners a very Merry Christmas, with a brief discussion to explore the different experiences of neurodivergent individuals during the Christmas season, including challenges, expectations, and self-care strategies. Alexandra, Lesley and Gail delve into the unique perspectives of ADHD and autism, offering insights into managing the holiday season with sensitivity and understanding.
With 2025 nearly at an end, Season One almost is too - after this Christmas Special, we have just one more episode as a final gift to you this year! Make sure you're following our pages as we will be sharing highlights from the season, as well as sharing new blogs and insights with you as we prepare for Season Two, where we'll be inviting some fascinating guests to join the conversation...
Enjoy the festive break, however that looks for you, and we'll look forward to catching up with you in 2026!
2 Dec 2025
The One Where We Tackle Therapy
Alexandra, Lesley and Gail explore the complexities of therapy for neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing the importance of understanding identity, being aware of differences in communication, and the need for tailored therapeutic approaches. The speakers discuss the significance of energy management, the risks of misdiagnosis, and the necessity of finding the right therapist who understands neurodivergence. Alexandra explains how understanding your neurotype allows for more success with self care strategies, and Lesley and Gail tell us why compassion-based therapies can be more effective for neurodivergent individuals than CBT. Masking For It advocates for acceptance and self-advocacy, highlighting that therapy should focus on personal growth rather than fixing perceived deficits.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context Setting
04:03 Understanding Neurodivergent Therapy
09:30 The Importance of Identity in Therapy
13:36 Communication Challenges in Therapy
15:03 Understanding Humour and Masking in Autism
17:44 The Importance of Diagnosis and Self-Awareness
20:50 Energy Accounting and Its Impact on Well-Being
24:26 Misdiagnosis: Trauma vs. Neurodivergence
27:28 Celebrating Neurodivergence and Finding Balance
32:40 The Role of Executive Function in Therapy
35:48 Finding the Right Therapy for Neurodivergent Individuals
43:42 Reassurance and Acceptance in Therapy
45:02 Thank Yous
45:31 Contact Us
45:57 Outro
Help is available and we advise you speak to your GP or Psychological Clinician if you have been affected by any of the subject matter in this conversation, or would just like to know more about finding some support.
Some other resources can be found at:
The National Autistic Society
https://www.autism.org.uk/ (https://www.autism.org.uk/)
Mind
https://www.mind.org.uk/ (https://www.mind.org.uk/)
For urgent support Call NHS: 111
For text based support text: SHOUT to 85258
Or to speak to a specialist about diagnosis or ongoing support: https://spectrumnorthwest.org/ (https://spectrumnorthwest.org/)
18 Nov 2025
The One Where We Talk About Being Newly Diagnosed
Summary
In this episode of Masking For It, the hosts delve into the journey after receiving a diagnosis of autism or ADHD. They discuss the emotional complexities involved, including feelings of grief, loneliness, and the transition to understanding one's identity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, processing emotions, and navigating relationships post-diagnosis. The hosts also explore the nuances of disclosing one's diagnosis to others and the significance of building a supportive network. Ultimately, the episode aims to provide comfort and guidance to those on a similar journey, reinforcing that it is a process of self-discovery and empowerment.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey After Diagnosis
10:38 Understanding the Transition
20:11 Self-Compassion and Shame
29:43 Navigating Disclosure and Trust
37:58 The Importance of Advocacy and Support
40:40 Thank you
41:08 Contact Us
41:34 Outro
Resources
Unmasking Autism - Dr Devon Price
Brené Brown's Marble Jar Theory for Trust
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Vaq2jMJe4mU (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Vaq2jMJe4mU)
National Autistic Society
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/after-diagnosis (https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/after-diagnosis)
Get In Touch With Us
contact@maskingforit.com (mailto:contact@maskingforit.com)
www.maskingforit.com (http://www.maskingforit.com)
Socials - @maskingforit
15 Nov 2025
The One Where We Question the Cost of Delay
Following the latest announcement of further delays to the highly anticipated SEND reforms, Alexandra gives us a deeply personal insight into the impact a delayed discovery of her ADHD and Autism had on her life. She emphasises how advantageous such a full understanding of who you are is, hoping her story encourages those deliberating whether it's worth seeking a diagnosis later in life, as well as strongly advocating for screening across the board as early as possible. Lesley speaks about the effects of surrounding environments upon behaviour and how reassessment of these should be prioritised above the implementation of more and more restrictive systems and procedures. Finally, Gail addresses the vital importance of supporting individuals as they wait (ever increasingly) long periods for official assessment - challenging the idea that delays for diagnosis also mean delays receiving any support at all.
This must, and can, change - tune in to learn more about how and why.
30 Oct 2025
Halloween Special: The One Where Being Different Can Be Deadly - Or Magical
In this Halloween Special, Alexandra, Lesley & Gail beckon you to join their Coven as they explore the intersection of neurodivergence and historical perceptions of women and witchcraft. They discuss how societal fears of difference led to the persecution of individuals, in this case, particularly women, who do not necessarily meet social norms. They draw parallels between historical witch hunts and the modern-day stigma, and barriers, faced by neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing the need for understanding, kindness, and community support. Their discussion highlights the importance of celebrating differences and learning from history to create a more inclusive society.
Chapters
00:00 Witchcraft and the Role of Power
02:05 The Impact of Fear on Society
04:40 Neurodivergence and Historical Parallels
07:16 The Psychology of Fear and Othering
11:19 The Historical Context of Othering
12:14 Fear of Difference and Conformity
13:38 The Impact of Labels and Stigmas
14:06 School Dynamics and Pack Mentality
16:23 Historical Perceptions of Danger
18:07 Women, Knowledge, and Vulnerability
19:31 The Role of Women in Society
21:04 Language and Gendered Perceptions
23:17 Systemic Issues and Change
24:36 Rituals, Wellbeing, and Neurodivergence
26:40 Modern Witchcraft and Community
30:51 The Future of Neurodivergence Acceptance
32:12 Empathy, Kindness, and Systemic Change
35:39 Thank you
36:09 Get in touch
36:34 Outro
28 Oct 2025
The One Where We Decode Diagnosis - Part Three
In the final instillation of our 'Decoding Diagnosis' Trilogy, we hear from Lesley and Gail in detail as they breakdown requirements of the assessments used for Autism diagnosis. This prompts discussions around how we can differentiate between Trauma and Autism/ADHD, whilst we know many Neurodivergents will carry trauma as well. We also discuss the age old myth surrounding eye contact and Autism - with details from Alexandra's own experience with this that you might not expect! Finally, we talk about the importance of language and how this can affect people's feelings about their identity, as well as how the lack of language to explain certain experiences of Neurodivergence is another barrier to diagnosis and understanding that we need to address.
Chapters
00:00 The Intersection of Trauma and Neurodivergence
08:27 Understanding ADHD and Autism Diagnosis
20:50 The Complexity of Eye Contact and Communication
34:16 Language and Identity in Neurodivergence
40:12 Thank You
40:42 Contact Us
41:08 Outro
22 Oct 2025
The One Where We Decode Diagnosis - Part Two
This second instalment of our Diagnosis Trilogy begins with a deeply personal announcement from one of our trio, highlighting the numerous layers of complexity and contributing factors surrounding diagnosis - especially for women.
This sets the team up for further discussion where Lesley and Gail share with us what they have to consider as assessors, their opinions on the tools they have to use, and some of the feedback and reactions they've encountered over the years - including a little about Alexandra's first encounter with them!
As this episode ends on a note of 'must do better'...make sure you tune in for the final part of the trilogy as they dissect the deepest parts of the process and get intimate with some of those stereotypes, in what can only be described as the most revealing episode yet...
Chapters
00:00 Navigating the Spectrum: High-Masking and Its Challenges
03:50 The Impact of Societal Perceptions on Neurodivergence
12:00 The Importance of Environment in Neurodivergence
18:42 Understanding Parental Intuition and Support
24:41 Navigating Diagnostic Assessments
29:10 The Challenges of Diagnostic Tools
35:57 The Intersection of Trauma and Neurodivergence
36:47 Thank you!
37:16 Get In Touch
37:42 Outro
Get in touch!
Socials: @maskingforitpodcast
Email: contact@maskingforit.com (mailto:contact@maskingforit.com)
Website: www.maskingforit.com
21 Oct 2025
The One Where We Decode Diagnosis - Part One
The first of a special trilogy introducing the diagnostic process, from both sides of the experience, in preparation for Masking For It's upcoming feature episodes: The Diagnosis Diaries.
With widespread discussion surrounding assessment and Autism and ADHD diagnoses on the rise (with some being told there is a 10+ year waiting list!), we want to familiarise people with the process and highlight some of the pros and cons of the current tools and systems we're working within.
Alexandra, Lesley and Gail also take a look at the evolution of our understanding around neurodivergent conditions and mental health, giving perspective of just how much what we know is in its infancy, and identifying how easy it has been for outdated stereotypes to stick...as they emphasise that conversation and research around neurodivergence must keep evolving if the systems in place for diagnosis are to catch up with the reality of these neurotypes as different, not deficient.
Don't forget to tune in for the following two parts, for some more deeply personal revelations, as well as the dissection of the elements that make up the tools which have been introduced to you in this episode. There's so much to unpack and we're thrilled you've joined us, so we can make it make sense and work out the next steps we need - together.
Books mentioned:
The Psychopath Tests - Jon Ronson
Neurotribes - Steve Silberman
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
04:43 Understanding Neurodivergence and Systems
09:18 Exploring the DSM-5 and Diagnostic Criteria
13:33 The Evolution of Diagnostic Labels
17:40 Neurodivergence and Identity
28:04 Understanding the Stigma of Autism vs. ADHD
32:30 Navigating the Spectrum: High-Masking and Its Challenges
38:38 Thank You
39:07 Contact Details
39:31 Outro
Get in touch:
Socials - @maskingforitpodcast
Email - contact@maskingforit.com (mailto:contact@maskingforit.com)
Website - www.maskingforit.com
13 Oct 2025
The One Where We Explain Ourselves
Welcome to 'Masking For It'!
In our very first episode we introduce ourselves and explain how a Clinical Psychologist, Speech Therapist, and Neurodivergent Woman end up together on a Podcast...but most importantly - why.
We're inviting you to join our (previously private!) conversations about Neurodivergence, because we need to encourage many more of these conversations if we're going to help Neurodivergent individuals and society become acquainted - and it's crucial they do.
This introductory episode provides an overview of the topics we'll be addressing - with deep dives and revelatory research to come...Follow/Subscribe so you don't miss out!
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Advocacy
04:03 Understanding Neurodivergence
07:40 Personal Experiences and Insights
14:18 The Journey of Self-Discovery
15:36 Breaking Down Stigma Around Neurodivergence
17:47 Rethinking the Education System for Neurodivergent Individuals
21:08 Navigating Life Post-Diagnosis
25:06 The Burden of Explanation: Understanding Autism
28:25 Redefining Neurodivergence: From Disorder to Identity
31:50 The Impact of COVID-19 on Neurodivergent Lives
35:07 The Need for Kindness and Understanding in Society
39:09 The Role of Schools in Identifying Neurodivergence
43:01 Introduction and Overview
43:30 Engagement with the Audience
Dedicated to Monty & Pippa xx
12 Oct 2025
Bonus Clip: Lesley's Puffin Analogy
Lesley shares an analogy about Neurodivergence that was inspired by her recent visit to Beaumaris, where she took a boat trip to Puffin Island and observed these small but mighty birds thriving in their natural habitat.
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1 ratings
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