In this episode of Authentically ADHD, we’re cracking open one of the most misunderstood struggles of AuDHD life: transitions. Whether it’s getting out of bed, switching tasks, or handling major life shifts like job changes or breakups—transitions can feel like full-body earthquakes that knock us off our axis.

Join Carmen as she unpacks the neuroscience behind why transitions are so hard when you're wired with both ADHD and autism. From executive dysfunction to emotional dysregulation, sensory overload to task initiation paralysis—this episode breaks it all down with science, sarcasm, and soul.

You’ll hear relatable anecdotes (including meltdowns over sock seams and hyperfocus hostage situations), insights from ADHD researchers and the ADHD Adults UK Podcast, and 10 practical tips to make transitions less chaotic and more compassionate.

✨ If you’ve ever wondered why a “simple” change feels like a system shutdown—you’re not alone. And you’re definitely not broken.

📚 Topics Covered:

* Executive functions involved in transitions

* Why AuDHD brains resist shifting gears

* Emotional and sensory overwhelm

* Tools, rituals, and scripts to ease transitions

* How to support yourself with structure—not shame

🎧 Press play, breathe deep, and let’s navigate the messy magic of change—together.

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🎙️ Episode Title: Too Positive? Deep Dive on Toxic Positivity – Part 1 💥 Podcast: Authentically ADHD with Carmen

Episode Summary: In this powerful Part 1 episode, Carmen unpacks the surprisingly harmful impact of toxic positivity—that relentless “good vibes only” energy that floods our feeds and conversations but often leaves us feeling invalidated, misunderstood, or just plain unseen.

We’re diving deep into what toxic positivity really is (spoiler: it’s not the same as genuine optimism), how it shows up in everyday life, and why it’s especially harmful for ADHD brains that already struggle with emotional regulation, rejection sensitivity, and internalized shame.

Carmen explores the science behind emotional suppression vs. expression, using insights from trauma-informed therapy, positive psychology, and mindfulness-based neuroscience to help explain how this "be happy no matter what" mindset actually increases stress, shame, and even physical health risks. Plus, she digs into how society, culture, and even the self-help world contribute to the rise of this positivity pressure—and why folks with ADHD often bear the brunt of it.

👀 Expect real talk, research-backed breakdowns, and compassionate call-outs like:

* 🚫 “Your feelings make me uncomfortable.”

* 🚫 “Let’s spiritually bypass our way out of this.”

* 🚫 “If you’re not smiling, you’re failing.”

Whether you’ve been on the receiving end of these vibes, or accidentally sent them yourself (we all have!), this episode gives you the language, validation, and science to understand why it feels so wrong—and what to do about it.

✨ Stick around for Part 2, where we’ll dive into actionable strategies to replace performative positivity with authentic, grounded emotional support—for yourself and others.

@authenticallyadhd_podcast

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🎙️ Episode Title: ADHD & Energy Management: The Spoon Theory, Explained

💥 Summary:In this episode of Authentically ADHD, we're digging deep into something that hits WAY too close to home for many of us: energy management. You know that frustrating gap between what you want to do and what your brain/body will actually let you do? Yeah, that.

Enter: The Spoon Theory—a simple yet powerful metaphor that helps explain why ADHDers often feel completely wiped after doing things that seem “easy” to neurotypicals (like answering emails or… existing).

We'll break down:

* 🥄 What “spoons” actually are (and no, this isn’t about your silverware drawer)

* ⚡ Why people with ADHD have an inconsistent energy battery and how that affects motivation, executive function, and emotional regulation

* 🧠 The neuroscience behind burnout, decision fatigue, and overstimulation in ADHD brains

* 🧃 How to create your own daily “spoon budget” to avoid crashing before noon

* 🧰 Coping strategies to recharge your spoons, preserve your energy, and set boundaries without guilt

Expect metaphors, real-life examples, sarcasm (obviously), and some truth bombs you didn’t know you needed. This is your permission slip to stop feeling lazy—and start honoring your unique brain-body energy loop.

✨ Because you don’t lack willpower—you’re just out of spoons, babe.