The Self Careapist Therapist Podcast

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

Lorain Moorehead Season 1 Episode 12

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 Mentioned

Episode Chapters

00:00 – 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 Reflections

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 learning map here!

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