Sometimes what we need most isn't advice . It's to feel less alone.
I'm Sam (she/her) - hairstylist, mom of two, and a late diagnosed ADHDer. My husband is Autistic + ADHD, and together we are raising our unique neurodivergent family.
On Neurodivergent, Not Broken, we share real stories about AHHD, Autism, marriage, parenting, meltdowns, sensory needs, meltdowns, mental health, and everything in between.
Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, raising ND kids, or love someone who is - this is a space for real stories, reflection, and connection that helps us feel less alone.
In this episode, we talk about why the holidays can be overwhelming for neurodivergent folks. We cover the social norms that drain us, how to prepare ahead of time, ways to advocate in the moment, and why rest and recovery after gatherings are essential (not optional).
If this season already feels like a lot, you’re not alone.
Website: https://www.neurodivergentnotbroken.com/ (https://www.neurodivergentnotbroken.com/)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentnotbroken/ (https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentnotbroken/)
Substack: https://substack.com/@neurodivergentnotbroken (https://substack.com/@neurodivergentnotbroken)
11 Nov 2025
When Sensory Needs Don't Match
What happens when one of us needs quiet and another needs noise? In this episode, I share what our home looked like five years ago, before I understood sensory differences through a neurodivergent lens—and how that understanding changed everything.
I talk about:
Shifting from “behaviors” to needs
How language and modeling matter more than perfection
Managing expectations when sensory profiles collide
The both-and of overstimulation and needing input
Real-life things that help (headphones, breaks, “I’m overdone right now”)
It’s about seeing what’s beneath the behavior and responding with respect, compassion, and care, not shame.
I’d love to learn a little more about who’s here and what matters most to you. Fill out the Community Survey here: https://www.neurodivergentnotbroken.com/community-survey (https://www.neurodivergentnotbroken.com/community-survey)
If you like to read, come on over to our Substack: https://substack.com/@neurodivergentnotbroken (https://substack.com/@neurodivergentnotbroken)
3 Nov 2025
The Impact of Diagnosis on Mental Health | Autism & ADHD
Content warning: Mentions of suicidality
Skip times : 26:19–26:44 and 40:56–42:21.
In this very vulnerable episode , Scott and I talk about his autism diagnosis and what it’s meant for his mental health.
He shares how validating a diagnosis can be, the real-world challenges of navigating work with ADHD and autism, and why clear communication and context matter so much in relationships.
Scott opens up about sensory management, emotional highs and lows, and why we’re sharing our story—to help someone else feel less alone.
We acknowledge that formal assessment access is unequal—self-diagnosis is valid, and your lived experience matters.
If you’re in the U.S. and need support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). If outside the U.S., please reach out to your local crisis line or someone you trust.
How you can support us:
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