Struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep is a common challenge for those with ADHD. In this episode, Pete and Nikki dive deep into the complex relationship between ADHD and sleep with special guest Dr. Roberto Olivardia.

As a clinical psychologist specializing in ADHD treatment, Dr. Olivardia shares his professional and personal insights on this critical topic. He explains how people with ADHD are at higher risk for an array of sleep disorders, from sleep apnea to restless leg syndrome. But beyond diagnosable conditions, those with ADHD often find it difficult to wind down at night due to the constant search for stimulation.

Pete, Nikki and Dr. Olivardia discuss practical strategies for improving sleep, some of which may seem counterintuitive. For example, listening to an audiobook or familiar TV show can actually help an ADHD brain relax by providing just the right amount of stimulation. They also bust some common myths, like the idea that you can "catch up" on lost sleep over the weekend.

Getting proper sleep is crucial for memory, brain function, and overall health. While it can feel like an uphill battle, this conversation provides both the "why" and the "how" of prioritizing sleep with an ADHD brain.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
• (01:14) - Support the Show: Become a Patron at patreon.com/theadhdpodcast
• (02:59) - Introducing Dr. Roberto Olivardia
• (03:52) - Sleep Problems
• (07:10) - Disordered Sleep versus ADHD Symptoms
• (14:22) - Why Time Matters
• (32:46) - How do you know it's a disorder?
• (40:04) - ADHD Sleep Behavior

This week on The ADHD Podcast, Pete and Nikki sit down with Dr. Celine Saulnier, a specialist in diagnostic assessment and research on autism spectrum disorders. The conversation delves into the complex relationship between ADHD and autism, shedding light on the often misunderstood overlap between these two neurodevelopmental conditions.

Dr. Saulnier explains the evolving diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and how changes in the DSM-5 have allowed for the co-occurring diagnosis of ADHD and autism. She explores the similarities and differences between the two conditions, including the shared challenges with executive functioning and the distinct underlying causes of apparently similar behaviors.

The discussion also touches on the unique challenges faced by females with autism, who often fly under the diagnostic radar due to their ability to mask or camouflage their symptoms. Dr. Saulnier emphasizes the importance of comprehensive evaluations by clinicians with expertise in both ADHD and autism to ensure accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans.

They navigate the nuances of neurodiversity, the divide within the autism community, and the need for increased awareness and acceptance of neurodiverse individuals. This conversation offers insights for anyone seeking to better understand the complexities of ADHD, autism, and their intersection.

Links & Notes

• Meghan Miller on Autism and ADHD risk in siblings
• The Gap Between Adaptive Behavior and Intelligence in Autism Persists into Young Adulthood and is Linked to Psychiatric Co-morbidities
• A review of executive function deficits in autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• The Reach and Accuracy of Information on Autism on TikTok
• Dig into the podcast Shownotes Database

• (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
• (01:06) - Support the Show • Become a Patron at https://patreon.com/theadhdpodcast
• (02:02) - Introducing Dr. Celine Saulnier
• (04:28) - The Autism Primer
• (14:58) - The ADHD Connection
• (29:19) - Adaptive Skill-Building
• (35:40) - Learning about Autism as an Adult

This week, Nikki and Pete dive into the complex and often overlooked relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and eating disorders. Joined by special guest Dr. Jean Doak, a professor of psychiatry and clinical director at the Center for Excellence for Eating Disorders at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the trio explores how these two conditions can intertwine and exacerbate each other.

Dr. Doak sheds light on the broad spectrum of eating disorders, extending far beyond the commonly known anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. She emphasizes that eating disorders can manifest in various ways, affecting people of all genders and ages. The discussion delves into the biopsychosocial model, which considers biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to the development of both ADHD and eating disorders.

Dr. Doak explores the similarities between ADHD and eating disorders, such as perfectionism, poor impulse control, and difficulties with delayed gratification. They stress the importance of comprehensive screening for co-occurring mental health disorders to provide early intervention and treatment.

This episode sheds light on a topic that is often misunderstood. It serves as a reminder for clinicians, individuals with ADHD, and their loved ones to be aware of the potential comorbidity between ADHD and eating disorders. By fostering open discussions and increasing awareness, we can work towards better recognition, support, and treatment for those affected by these challenging conditions.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
• (01:16) - Suppor the show • Become a Patron, Please? https://patreon.com/theadhdpodcast
• (02:40) - Introducing Dr. Jean Doak
• (03:34) - The Spectrum of Eating Disorders
• (17:34) - Comorbidity Complication
• (30:14) - Treatment
• (41:41) - Intervention
• (45:00) - Learn More