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Published by Alisha Burns & Rhiannon Henderson
Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered is the podcast for neurodivergent Australian mums who are tired of pretending they've got it all figured out. Each week, Melbourne mum Alisha Burns (ADHD, diagnosed later in life) and Sydney mum Rhiannon Henderson (AuDHD, diagnosed in adulthood) get honest about parenting, identity, hormones, overwhelm and the messy reality of raising kids while understanding their own neurodivergent brains for the first time. This isn't clinical ADHD content. It's two friends laughing, disagreeing and figuring it out in real time — masking, late diagnosis, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), executive dysfunction, sensory overwhelm, the ADHD tax, PDA, PMDD and perimenopause, school-mum politics, and the mental load no one warns you about. If you've ever wondered why you're "too much," too sensitive, too chaotic or too inconsistent — or if you're raising a sparkly kid of your own — come for the "wait, I do that too" moments and stay because you'll laugh, learn why your brain does what it does, and feel a little less alone. New episodes every Thursday. And just remember — you were born sparkly.
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This week's episode starts, as most weeks do, with a confession: Alisha has spent all day on "productive procrastination" instead of launching her new membership beta, and Rhiannon decided the most urgent task in her life was mounting a wood pelmet above her window without drilling into concrete. From there, the hosts get into the real theme of the episode: as spring rolls around, can they finally become the kind of people who finish projects instead of just starting them? Enter the index card planning system — a low-tech, endlessly forgiving ADHD organisation method they've both been eyeing on TikTok, complete with daily cards, dividers for "someday," "waiting on" and quarterly tasks, and zero pressure to get it perfect (it's a note card, not a $40 notebook you've ruined on page one). They also run through the seasonal cleaning jobs nobody tells you about — air-con filters, dryer vents, vacuum filters, mattress deep-cleans — while being brutally honest about the stuff that's been sitting untouched for months: the seven doom boxes, the empty photo frames, the baby book that's still only half-filled in. It's a funny, chaotic, very relatable episode about trying to build systems that actually work for brains that don't do "set and forget." What We Talk About in This Episode Alisha's "productive procrastination" while avoiding launching her new membership beta offer The wall of doom: Rhiannonn's DIY pelmet project, a staple gun mishap, and a hole in the wall she still hasn't fixed Alisha's $1,000+ Ikea bookcase build-out gone sideways, and missing her dad's DIY skills New season, new us? Deciding to commit to finishing projects rather than trying to become different people Pitching public accountability and a decluttering community for spring Alisha's seven doom boxes, working late into the night for work calls, and wanting a real sleep routine Building an actual wind-down routine instead of just intending to have one Why a flexible routine works better than a rigid schedule for ADHD brains Introducing the index card ("Sparkle Box") planning system: daily cards, dividers, colour-coding, and why simple beats perfect How the cards physically move through the week — pull them out, do the task, move it to next week if you don't Seasonal cleaning tasks neither of them knew they had to do: air-con filters, dishwasher and washing machine maintenance, dryer vent cleaning, vacuum filter washing Carpet vs floorboards when you live with anxious pets (and a French bulldog leaving slobber marks on the walls) Quick wins for spring: the five-minute bathroom declutter, cleaning mirrors, wiping down skirting boards Mattress deep-cleans, flipping mattresses, and knowing when to just buy a new one The dreaded photo-sorting task, empty photo frames, and a still-unfinished baby book Monthly wardrobe resets and prepping outfits for the week ahead "Autistic brains love routine, ADHD brains hate it" — and why the system needs to survive being ignored for a week Digital filing chaos, letting go of old files, and new-phone anxiety Naming the system "The Sparkle Box" and inviting listeners to join in for spring Key Takeaways A system only works for ADHD brains if falling off it for a week doesn't ruin it — index cards can be picked back up anytime, unlike a notebook where one skipped page feels like the whole thing is "ruined." "Out of sight, out of mind" is a real barrier, not a character flaw — having a tangible, visible reminder (a card, not just a digital list) can be the difference between remembering a task and forgetting it existed. Committing to finish what you start is a more realistic goal than trying to stop starting new projects altogether — the impulse to dive in isn't the problem, the follow-through is. Seasonal maintenance tasks (air-con filters, dryer vents, vacuum filters) are rarely taught to anyone — not doing them isn't a personal failing, it's a knowledge gap. Public or shared accountability — a friend, a community, even an Instagram audience — can be the missing piece that turns "I should really do that" into "I actually did that." A Quick Explainer: What Is the Index Card ("Sparkle Box") Planning System? It's a low-tech ADHD planning method built around a simple box of index cards instead of a notebook or app. Each card holds one task or routine — a day of the week, a recurring chore, a "someday" idea — sorted behind dividers (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, waiting-on, someday). As you complete a task, you move its card to the back or file it under the next relevant day; if you don't get to it, it just waits until you're ready. Because nothing is permanent or handwritten into a bound page, there's no "ruined" system to abandon — you can drop it for a week and pick it back up without starting over, which is what makes it worth trying for brains that struggle with rigid digital planners and all-or-nothing habit trackers. Who This Episode Is For Anyone with a pile of half-finished home projects, a "doom box" they've been avoiding since last winter, or a graveyard of failed productivity apps on their phone. Also for anyone who has ever paid someone else to do a job, watched them do it wrong, and thought "I could have done that myself" — and anyone about to attempt spring cleaning with an ADHD brain that needs the system to be genuinely, forgivingly simple. A Message From This Episode You don't need the perfect system — you need one that survives you ignoring it for a week. Progress doesn't have to look like a finished, streamlined house; it can just look like a pile of index cards, a doom box you've finally consolidated into one place, and permission to pick it back up whenever you're ready. Follow & Connect Instagram: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Thursday. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, and follow @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered on Instagram for clips, carousels and behind-the-scenes chaos.
Some weeks are just a lot. This episode starts with two very different-looking problems — one daughter who's suddenly refusing school, one daughter who's suddenly refusing food — and ends up in the same place both of them usually end up: is this a phase, is this the environment, or is this actually her brain? Alisha unpacks her daughter's abrupt swing from loving school to dreading it, working through whether it's a friendship issue, a masking-fatigue issue, or something closer to PDA, and the very relatable spiral of trying to have a calm "how was your day" conversation with a six-year-old who has nothing left in the tank to give. Rhiannon shares the equally unsettling shift in her daughter Bunny — sudden pickiness, attitude, and an OT-recommended blood test to rule out a nutrient deficiency before anyone reaches for the word "PDA." From there the conversation goes somewhere the hosts admit they've avoided for a while: should they actually get their daughters formally assessed and, if needed, medicated for ADHD? They talk through the double standard that lets "naughty little boys" get diagnosed and medicated early while girls get overlooked or told they're "just sensitive," the school-accommodation paperwork that requires a formal diagnosis to unlock, and a doctor's blunt warning about hormones, puberty and RSD that's stuck with them both. It's not all heavy — the episode also swings into the hosts' own adult executive dysfunction (Rhiannon's years-stalled recertification exam, leaning on ChatGPT for step-by-step instructions like a human doesn't already know how to make a to-do list), a very candid update on Rhiannon's doom-box wardrobe project, and a warm reminder that finding your people — your fellow "neuro sparkly weirdos" — makes the whole thing easier to carry. What We Talk About in This Episode Alisha's daughter's sudden shift from loving school to dreading it, and untangling whether it's friendship dynamics, masking exhaustion, or something more like PDA A basketball-to-the-head incident and the challenge of working out what's actually upsetting a six-year-old versus what's just the most recent thing Why "how was your day" often gets nothing back, and using write-it-down/indirect strategies to get a real answer later Bunny's sudden picky eating and attitude change, and the OT's recommendation to rule out a nutrient deficiency with a blood test before considering PDA Offering choices instead of demands, and recognising a PDA-flavoured "no thank you" for what it is The big conversation: should we get our daughters formally assessed, and would we medicate them? The double standard around ADHD medication — why "disruptive" boys get diagnosed and medicated early while girls fly under the radar Why school accommodations often require a formal diagnosis on paper, not just a parent's observation A doctor's warning about puberty, hormones and RSD, and why that's shifted the hosts' thinking on timing Perfectionism, generational guilt, and parenting differently to how they were raised A school system built for the "average" kid, and what that means for kids who are struggling or excelling Executive dysfunction in adulthood: "I know the answer, I just can't start," and leaning on ChatGPT for step-by-step task breakdowns Why systems and scaffolding don't always stick, and choosing self-compassion over self-blame when they fall off Medication as something that doesn't change who you are — it just makes the doing part possible The doom-box wardrobe project: sorting, under-bed chaos, and the idea of public accountability via Instagram Body doubling, Alexa AM/PM checklists, and other accountability tools that actually work Finding your people — hyperfocusing on Lego with a fellow "neuro sparkly weirdo" — and why community matters Key Takeaways A sudden, sharp behaviour change in a child — whether it's school avoidance or food refusal — is worth investigating from multiple angles at once: physical (nutrient deficiencies, blood tests), social (friendship dynamics), and neurological (PDA, anxiety, masking fatigue), rather than assuming it's "just a phase." ADHD in girls is still routinely overlooked because the diagnostic picture was built around "disruptive" boys — quieter struggles like people-pleasing, sudden meltdowns after school, or picky eating don't fit the stereotype, so they get missed or dismissed. Formal diagnosis isn't just a label — for many families it's the only way to unlock real school accommodations, which is worth knowing before deciding to "wait and see." Executive dysfunction doesn't disappear when you become an adult — "I know what to do, I just can't start it" is a genuine, common experience, and outsourcing the step-by-step (to a person, an app, or even ChatGPT) is a legitimate strategy, not a personal failing. Medication doesn't change who your child is — it can simply make it possible for them to do the things they already want to do. Who This Episode Is For Parents wrestling with whether to pursue a formal ADHD assessment or medication for their child, especially a daughter whose struggles don't look like the "naughty boy" stereotype. Anyone who has ever known exactly what they need to do and still couldn't make themselves start. And anyone currently living next to their own doom box, wondering if today's the day it finally gets sorted. A Message From This Episode You don't need to have it all figured out — not for your kid's brain, not for your own. Whether it's a diagnosis, a blood test, a body double, or just admitting the wardrobe box has been there for six months, asking for the support you actually need isn't failure. It's how you get to the doing part. Follow & Connect Instagram: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered [Add host personal handles / links once confirmed] Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Thursday. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, and follow @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered on Instagram for clips, carousels and behind-the-scenes chaos.
This week's guest gets it from every angle: Katherine "Kat" Richardson is a late-diagnosed ADHDer, a mum navigating her own son's likely neurodivergence, and the author-illustrator behind The Things Enid Can Tell You — a children's book about a sparkly-brained girl that never once uses the word "ADHD." Kat and the hosts trade late-diagnosis stories that will sound painfully familiar: the report cards that said "talks too much" and "needs to apply herself," the university degrees started and abandoned on a whim, the diagnosis that arrived not as grief but as relief mixed with a strange kind of double-edged clarity — finally knowing why, and also knowing this is permanently who you are. Kat talks candidly about writing her book before she'd even fully unpacked her own masking, about the ADHD-house reality of forgotten showers and rotten apples left in odd corners, and about her very deliberate choice not to label Enid's brain at all — because a children's book that announces "this character has ADHD" lands differently to a kid than one that just lets a sparkly character be herself. It's a warm, funny, occasionally chaotic conversation about writing honestly, parenting differently to how you were parented, and giving kids language for their brains that we never had for our own. What We Talk About in This Episode Kat's late ADHD diagnosis story: report card comments, undiagnosed years, and finally asking the question out loud in her late 20s The "double-edged sword" of diagnosis: relief at finally having an answer, alongside the realisation that no amount of trying will make you different University chaos: switching degrees between Antarctic science, guide dog training and a communications degree finished via distance education at double speed Why "always early" can be the same anxiety as being late Parenting a sensory-driven, possibly-neurodivergent toddler son, and catching herself repeating the same "can you just sit still" messaging she's trying to break Reparenting: working out what actually damaged you growing up versus what was just imperfect but harmless Writing her first book, Diary of a Red Handfish, about a real endangered Tasmanian species and a real conservation project Publishing under two names — Kat for her business, Katherine Richardson for her books — and why that split exists The deliberate choice not to name ADHD or autism anywhere in The Things Enid Can Tell You, so kids can recognise themselves without a clinical label attached Avoiding stereotypes: writing a messy, imperfect, lovable character without reducing her to "the ADHD kid who's always late and disorganised" The exhausting mental load of basic self-care tasks (showers, teeth-brushing) and the tricks she uses to get herself to do them anyway Where to find Kat's books and her illustration/editing studio Key Takeaways Late diagnosis often isn't followed by grief so much as a strange, double-edged relief: "this explains everything" and "this is permanently who I am" arriving at the same time. Being chronically early can be driven by the same anxiety as being chronically late — it's still time-related distress, just pointed the other direction. The most authentic representation in children's books often comes from writing your own story first, rather than deliberately setting out to "write a diverse character." Reparenting isn't about getting everything right — it's about identifying what actually caused harm growing up and interrupting that specific pattern, not chasing an impossible standard of perfect parenting. Basic daily tasks (showering, brushing teeth) can carry a genuinely higher mental load for ADHD/autistic brains, and finding a "trick" that works is a legitimate strategy, not a failure to just "do the normal thing." Who This Episode Is For Anyone who got diagnosed later in life and is still working out what to do with that knowledge. Parents looking for children's books that let a neurodivergent-coded character just be a full, funny, flawed person rather than a walking symptom list. And anyone who has ever quietly wondered whether they should have finished that degree they abandoned in week three. A Message From This Episode You don't need permission to tell your own story, and you don't need a diagnosis to hand to prove it's real. The most authentic writing — and the most authentic parenting — usually comes from working out what actually hurt you, not from getting everything technically right. About This Episode's Guest Katherine "Kat" Richardson is an author, illustrator and late-diagnosed ADHDer. She is the author-illustrator of The Things Enid Can Tell You, a children's picture book about a sparkly-brained girl, and Diary of a Red Handfish, a self-published children's book about one of Tasmania's most endangered fish species. She also runs an illustration, editing and book design studio supporting other authors, with a particular focus on making the process accessible for neurodivergent clients. Both books are available through Kat's website and Amazon . Follow & Connect Instagram: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered Guest: Katherine "Kat" Richardson instagram: @peskyploverstudio Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Thursday. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, and follow @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered on Instagram for clips, carousels and behind-the-scenes chaos.
Ever bounced your leg under a desk, reread the same book for the fourth time, or needed total silence to concentrate but constant background noise to relax? This week Alisha and Rhiannon tackle stimming — one of the most misunderstood words in the neurodivergent world. Both hosts admit they spent years assuming stimming meant "sitting in the corner rocking back and forth," only to realise, once they understood their own neurodivergence, that they'd been doing it their whole lives in dozens of different ways. This episode is the moment of recognition they wish someone had handed them years ago. They walk through what's actually happening in your nervous system when you stim, why ADHD stims and autistic stims tend to look different, and run through category after category of real examples — movement, touch, sound, visual, oral, comfort and cognitive stims — including plenty that don't look anything like the stereotype. They also get honest about the harder side: the stims that cross into harmful territory, why shame makes them worse rather than better, and how to start redirecting a harmful stim toward something that meets the same need without the damage. What We Talk About in This Episode What stimming actually is: self-stimulatory behaviour your nervous system uses to regulate itself The "volume knob" analogy — why you stim more in some situations and not others The differences between typically ADHD stims (movement- and dopamine-seeking) and typically autistic stims (sensory regulation and grounding), and why AuDHD brains often do both A full run-through of stim categories: movement, touch/tactile, sound/vocal, visual, oral/taste, pressure/comfort, and focus/cognitive stims Dozens of real, specific examples listeners are likely to recognise in themselves — many that don't look anything like the "rocking in a corner" stereotype The difference between helpful stims and harmful stims (skin picking, hair pulling, nail biting, compulsive scrolling or spending), and why the goal is redirection, not suppression How to figure out what a stim is actually giving you — stimulation, pressure, comfort, predictability — so you can find a less harmful way to get it When it's worth speaking to a GP, psychologist, OT or ADHD clinician about a stim that's causing injury or distress Masking and "socially acceptable" stims — how women in particular swap obvious stims for ones that fly under the radar, including phone scrolling, hair twirling and constant productivity Screen time as a stim for kids, and how the hosts think about it without falling into all-or-nothing parenting guilt Both hosts' own newly-recognised stims, compiled live on the episode Key Takeaways Stimming isn't a sign that something is wrong — it's your nervous system trying to regulate itself, and everyone does some version of it. ADHD stims tend to be movement-based and dopamine-seeking; autistic stims tend to be more about sensory regulation and grounding; AuDHD brains often do both. Most people are already stimming constantly without recognising it as stimming, because it doesn't match the "rocking in the corner" stereotype. Helpful stims and harmful stims aren't morally different — they're both your body asking for something. The goal with a harmful stim is to find what need it's meeting and redirect that need somewhere less damaging, not to just try to stop. Shame is the biggest barrier to managing a harmful stim. Naming what's actually happening ("my brain needs X, not that I'm broken") tends to be the first real step. A Quick Explainer: What Is Stimming? Stimming (short for self-stimulatory behaviour) is any repetitive movement, sound, or sensory action your nervous system uses to regulate itself — to calm down, focus, process excitement, or block overwhelming input. It's not exclusive to autism or ADHD (most people stim to some degree), but it tends to show up more often, more visibly, or in a wider range of ways in neurodivergent brains. Stimming becomes worth addressing when it causes physical injury, distress or starts interfering with daily life — not simply because it looks unusual to other people. Who This Episode Is For Anyone who has ever wondered why they can't sit still, can't relax without background noise, or has a slightly-too-intense relationship with fidget toys, weighted blankets or rereading the same book. Also for parents trying to understand a child's repetitive behaviours without immediately assuming something needs to be "fixed." A Message From This Episode Stimming isn't something to be embarrassed about — it's something to understand. Once you know what your nervous system is asking for, you can give it what it needs without the shame. The better question was never "how do I stop," it's "what is my brain trying to tell me?" Follow & Connect Instagram: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Thursday. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, and follow @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered on Instagram for clips, carousels and behind-the-scenes chaos.
Alisha and Rhiannon return after an unplanned break to get honest about ADHD time blindness, the ADHD tax, decluttering doom piles, and parenting two very different sparkly kids. Sixteen episodes in a row, then... silence. Alisha and Rhiannon are back after an unplanned hiatus, and instead of pretending it didn't happen, they're unpacking exactly why it did: time blindness, no accountability pressure between them, and two very full plates (a two-week US trip to see donor sibling families, a building project, and the general chaos of being a sparkly-brained parent). This is the messiest, most relatable kind of episode — the one where nothing is scripted and everything is real. They talk about the overwhelm spiral that hits when the to-do list outpaces the brain's ability to prioritise, why a Claude brain-dump session became an unlikely life hack, and the very on-brand purchase of a plastic recipe box organisation system that will probably never get built. From there it's doom piles, decluttering guilt, a 90s trivia night costume crisis, and two very different parenting flashpoints: one daughter who is "toxically positive" about coming last in a race, and one daughter whose strong sense of justice is colliding head-on with grade one mean-girl politics. It's funny, it's unfiltered, and it's a reminder that consistency doesn't mean perfection — sometimes it just means showing back up. What We Talk About in This Episode Why the podcast went quiet for a few weeks, and the ADHD time blindness behind it Rhiannon's two weeks in the US reconnecting with her daughter's donor sibling group Using AI (Claude) to triage an overwhelming brain dump into "things that make money" vs "things that can wait" The ADHD tax in real time: unused notebooks, an unbuilt recipe card organiser, and a walking pad Decluttering wins, decluttering guilt, and why "half-used" products are the hardest things to let go of A 90s trivia night costume saga (Baywatch, wrong-size swimwear, and doing it sober) Bunny's athletics carnival and the art of "toxic positivity" after coming last Lexi's perfectionism and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) showing up in maths homework Grade one mean-girl behaviour, teaching kids to stand up for themselves, and what the school can (and can't) do about it Parenting with a diagnosis: how understanding their own neurodivergence changes how they respond to their kids, and the generational patterns they're actively trying not to repeat A genuinely useful life hack: turning getting-dressed battles into a timed, rewarded game What's coming up on the podcast, including an episode on PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and upcoming guest episodes Key Takeaways Time blindness and low mutual accountability can snowball into a full production gap — and that's a symptom, not a character flaw. Overwhelm often isn't a "do more" problem, it's a prioritisation problem. Separating "what makes money/matters" from "what can wait" is a genuinely useful (if imperfect) declutter-your-brain tool. The ADHD tax shows up in small, sneaky ways: duplicate purchases, systems bought but never built, and impulse buys triggered by algorithm targeting. Kids can be defined by very different traits within the same family dynamic — one child's toxic positivity and another's perfectionism/RSD are both valid, both manageable, and neither is "wrong." Parenting with self-awareness of your own neurodivergence doesn't eliminate old patterns, but it does make it possible to catch them and choose differently. A Quick Explainer: What Is Time Blindness? Time blindness is a common ADHD trait where the brain struggles to accurately sense how much time has passed, how long a task will take, or how close a deadline actually is. It's not about not caring or not trying — it's a difference in how the ADHD brain processes and tracks time. For some people it looks like chronic lateness; for others (like this episode) it looks like genuinely losing track of how many weeks have gone by. Understanding it as a brain-based difference — rather than a discipline problem — is usually the first step to building supports that actually work. Who This Episode Is For Any mum who has missed a deadline, gone quiet on something she cares about, or felt the shame spiral of "I had good intentions and still didn't follow through." Also for anyone managing very different personalities in their own household, or trying to parent differently to how they were parented. A Message From This Episode You don't have to be consistent to be trustworthy. Taking the pressure off doesn't mean you don't care — sometimes it's the only way to come back at all. Follow & Connect Instagram: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Thursday. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, and follow @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered on Instagram for clips, carousels and behind-the-scenes chaos.
You think you know us? Think again. In this week's episode we're stepping away from the deep dives and getting a little personal. We asked AI to give us rapid-fire questions — then spectacularly failed at the rapid-fire part — and ended up somewhere far more honest and interesting. From ADHD rage triggers to Disney dreams, impulsive purchases we absolutely justified, the tortured artists we tried to fix, and the things we actually want our daughters to remember us for. This one's lighter, warmer, and honestly? A little unhinged in the best way. We also get into: what our ADHD brains do with "free time" (spoiler: not relax), how neurodivergent women tend to attract the wrong kind of fixer-upper, and why one of us just bought a treadmill after telling a story about buying a treadmill. In this episode: → ADHD rage triggers that make zero sense (but make total sense) → The impulsive purchases we are still defending → What Hogwarts house we'd be in + which Disney princess → Why a child-free day still ends in life admin → Relationships, masking and the "I can fix him" era → What we want our daughters to remember us for → Travel, bucket lists, and the Ritz Carlton Disney tour → First loves, famous quotes, and one very unexpected quote correction Send us your questions for the next round — we want to find things we don't already know about each other. 🎧 New episodes every Thursday. Follow so you never miss one.
Is It PMS… or Is Something Else Going On? Have you ever felt like you become a completely different person for one or two weeks every month? Maybe you're more emotional, more reactive, more overwhelmed, less productive, or struggling with rage, anxiety or depression that seems to disappear almost as quickly as it arrives. In this episode, Alisha and Rhiannon dive into the growing body of research exploring the connection between ADHD, hormones, PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), perimenopause and emotional wellbeing. The conversation begins with a raw and honest discussion about parenting through illness, overwhelm and emotional exhaustion before exploring why many neurodivergent women may be experiencing hormone-related challenges that have been dismissed, misunderstood or misdiagnosed for years. The episode also unpacks a recent study involving more than 600 women that found significantly higher rates of menstrual irregularities, severe PMS symptoms, postpartum depression and menopausal symptoms among women with ADHD. Most importantly, it's a conversation about understanding yourself better, advocating for your health, and recognising that suffering through hormonal symptoms isn't something you simply have to accept. 💡 What We Talk About in This Episode • Parenting through overwhelm, sickness and emotional exhaustion • The importance of self-awareness and self-compassion • What PMDD actually is (and how it's different from PMS) • Why ADHD and hormones are not separate conversations • The luteal phase and how it can impact mood, energy and executive functioning • Why ADHD medication can feel less effective at certain times of the month • Tracking your cycle, moods and energy levels • Perimenopause and hormonal changes in women over 35 • The latest research linking ADHD and hormonal health • Different treatment options that women are exploring • Learning to work with your body instead of against it • Why "normal" doesn't always mean healthy 🧠 What Is PMDD? PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is a recognised clinical diagnosis that goes far beyond typical PMS. While PMS may involve symptoms such as bloating, sore breasts and irritability, PMDD is characterised by much more severe emotional and psychological symptoms. These can include: Intense mood swings Severe anxiety Depression Rage Feelings of hopelessness Suicidal ideation Significant impacts on daily functioning A key feature is that symptoms typically occur during the luteal phase (the one to two weeks before a period) and often improve rapidly once menstruation begins. 📊 The Research We Discuss A recent study published in Archives of Women's Mental Health examined over 600 women, including 377 women with ADHD and 225 women without ADHD. The average participant age was 39 years. Researchers found that women with ADHD experienced: More menstrual irregularities More severe PMS symptoms Higher rates of postpartum depression Increased pregnancy complications More severe menopausal symptoms Greater hormonal challenges across every stage measured The findings support what many neurodivergent women have reported anecdotally for years: hormones can significantly influence ADHD symptoms and overall wellbeing. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Hormones and ADHD Are Deeply Connected Many women notice changes in focus, motivation, emotional regulation and executive functioning throughout their cycle. These changes are not "all in your head." 2. Tracking Matters You don't need to obsessively monitor every symptom, but paying attention to patterns can provide valuable insights into your moods, productivity, resilience and emotional wellbeing. 3. Your Experience Is Valid Information If you repeatedly notice severe mood changes, overwhelming emotions or significant fluctuations in functioning, those experiences are worth investigating. 4. There Are Treatment Options Different women respond differently to various approaches, including medication adjustments, hormonal treatments, antidepressants, lifestyle strategies and cycle-aware planning. 5. You Don't Need to Suffer in Silence Just because something is common doesn't mean it's normal or something you should simply endure. ❤️ A Conversation About Self-Compassion One of the most powerful themes throughout this episode is the reminder that understanding ourselves allows us to be kinder to ourselves. Whether it's recognising when you're overstimulated, identifying hormonal patterns, understanding your ADHD, or simply acknowledging that you're exhausted, awareness creates opportunities to make different choices. Sometimes the goal isn't perfection. Sometimes the goal is recognising what you need before you reach breaking point. 👩👧 Parenting, Emotional Regulation & Real Life The episode opens with a candid discussion about parenting through a difficult weekend, highlighting something many parents experience: Sometimes both parent and child are struggling at the same time. Alisha shares how recognising her own needs allowed her to make a decision that supported both herself and her daughter, rather than forcing herself to push through and mask her feelings. It's a powerful reminder that looking after yourself is not selfish—it often allows you to show up more effectively for your children. 🎯 Questions to Reflect On Do you notice patterns in your mood throughout your cycle? Are there times of the month when your ADHD symptoms feel worse? What situations consistently leave you overstimulated? How might tracking your energy, emotions or cycle help you understand yourself better? Where could you offer yourself more compassion? 👩⚕️ Important Note This episode is based on personal experiences and discussion of emerging research. It is not medical advice. If you're experiencing severe mood changes, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or symptoms that are affecting your quality of life, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional. 📲 Follow & Connect Follow along for more honest conversations about: ADHD in women Autism and neurodivergence Hormones and mental health Parenting Emotional wellbeing Self-compassion and self-discovery @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Follow Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered for weekly conversations about: • ADHD and autism in women • Neurodivergent parenting • Hormones and mental health • Perimenopause and women's health • Real life motherhood • Friendship, growth and self-awareness New episodes every Thursday. 💥 Episode Highlights The parenting breakthrough that came from recognising personal limits Why PMDD is far more than "bad PMS" The ADHD-hormone connection many women never hear about A major study examining ADHD across the female hormonal lifespan Why ADHD medication may feel different throughout your cycle Exploring treatment options without shame Learning to identify patterns instead of blaming yourself The importance of advocating for your health
What Bali Taught Us About Parenting, Neurodivergence & Letting Go Fresh off the annual Solo Mum Society Bali trip, Alisha and Rhiannon sit down for an honest post-holiday debrief. What started as a conversation about forgotten chargers, unnecessary scooters and overpacked suitcases quickly became a much deeper discussion about neurodivergence, parenting expectations, mum guilt and what children actually need from a family holiday. This year’s trip looked very different from previous years. With an all-inclusive resort, kids club, nightly shows and dozens of solo mums and children spending time together, there were plenty of opportunities to learn what worked, what didn’t, and what they'll be doing differently next time. Alisha shares her struggle with feeling guilty about using kids club while balancing work commitments, while Rhiannon offers a different perspective: what if the kids were genuinely having the time of their lives? Together they explore: Why parents often create pressure around "quality time" The reality of travelling with neurodivergent children How overstimulation affects both adults and kids Why holidays don't always look the way we imagine The importance of flexibility and adjusting expectations What happens when routines disappear Learning to trust that children can enjoy experiences differently from us The episode is packed with funny travel stories, practical lessons and relatable moments for any parent who has ever planned the perfect holiday only to discover their child had a completely different idea of what fun looks like. 💡 What We Talk About in This Episode • The Solo Mum Society Bali trip debrief • What we packed but never used • The items we forgot and wished we'd brought • Overpacking, underpacking and ADHD travel habits • Why kids club became one of the children's favourite experiences • Mum guilt and balancing work while travelling with children • Neurodivergence, overstimulation and holiday overwhelm • The importance of realistic expectations on family holidays • Sleepovers, chosen family and travelling with close friends • Miscommunication, language barriers and travel logistics • The hilarious time-zone mix-up that nearly caused panic on day one • Why flexibility often creates better holidays than rigid plans 🔑 Key Takeaways • Children often define a successful holiday very differently from adults. • Parents frequently put pressure on themselves to create "perfect" family moments that their children may not even want. • Kids club isn't a sign of poor parenting—it can be one of the highlights of a child's holiday experience. • Neurodivergent adults and children can become overstimulated by exciting experiences just as much as stressful ones. • Holidays often require letting go of expectations and responding to what's actually happening in front of you. • Packing lists only work if you actually follow them. • Sometimes the biggest lesson is discovering that your child was happier than you realised. ✈️ Travel Lessons We Learned Things We'd Do Again Choose family-friendly resorts Book connecting rooms whenever possible Use kids club without guilt Build opportunities for children to socialise Create flexibility rather than over-scheduling Prioritise experiences over perfect plans Things We'd Skip Next Time Bringing scooters that never get used Packing multiple "just in case" outfits Overthinking every detail before departure Assuming children will enjoy activities the same way adults do Creating unnecessary pressure around holiday expectations Practical Travel Reminders Double-check chargers, adapters and converters Keep a dedicated travel supplies box for future trips Review your packing list before you leave Allow extra time for adjustments to new environments Remember that holiday success isn't measured by productivity 🧠 Neurodivergent Travel Insights This episode highlights something many neurodivergent families experience: Excitement can be just as overwhelming as stress. When children are having the time of their lives, they're often processing huge amounts of stimulation, social interaction, change and emotion. The result can sometimes look like emotional outbursts, big feelings or unexpected behaviour. The same is true for adults. Whether it's navigating a new environment, managing expectations, handling logistics or simply being away from familiar routines, travel can bring both incredible joy and unexpected challenges. 👩👧 Who This Episode Is For This episode is for: • Solo parents travelling with children • ADHD and autistic adults • Parents of neurodivergent children • Families planning holidays • Anyone who struggles with mum guilt • Parents who feel pressure to create perfect family experiences • People who overpack, overthink and still forget something important 💬 A Message From This Episode Your child doesn't need the perfect holiday. They don't need every minute planned, endless activities or a parent trying to manufacture magical moments. Sometimes they just need friends, freedom, a swimming pool, an ice cream and the chance to be a kid. And sometimes the best thing a parent can do is let go of the idea of what the holiday should look like and enjoy what it actually becomes. 📲 Follow & Connect Follow along for future adventures, behind-the-scenes stories and weekly conversations about motherhood, neurodivergence and real life parenting: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Follow Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered for weekly conversations about: • ADHD in women • Autism and neurodivergence • Parenting without the filter • Solo motherhood • Friendship and chosen family • Travel, life and everything in between New episodes every Thursday. 💥 Episode Highlights The scooter that travelled internationally for absolutely no reason The forgotten chargers and waterproof phone cases The Bali time-zone disaster that caused an accidental wake-up call Why kids club became a holiday highlight The difference between parent expectations and child reality Neurodivergent travel challenges and unexpected wins The power of chosen family while travelling The post-holiday lessons that will shape next year's trip
Packing Chaos, Airport Survival & Traveling with Neurodivergent Kids This week, Alisha and Rhiannon are in full pre-Bali countdown mode. With 34 solo mums and their children joining the annual Solo Mum Society Bali trip, the conversation starts exactly where you'd expect: doom piles, overpacking, last-minute hyperfocus, welcome packs, and wondering whether a third suitcase is really necessary. But what begins as a chat about packing quickly turns into an honest and practical conversation about traveling as neurodivergent adults and raising neurodivergent children. From airport overwhelm and sensory challenges to carry-on essentials, screen time guilt, travel anxiety, and keeping kids entertained on long-haul flights, Alisha and Rhiannon share the real-world tips they've learned through years of traveling solo with children. They also discuss: Why some children become anxious about flying Airport and airplane hacks that genuinely help Managing sensory overload while travelling The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program Packing strategies for ADHD brains Flying with children who need routine and predictability Why comfort matters more than looking put together The travel gear they've tested (and the gear they regret buying) Whether you're planning your first family holiday, travelling solo with kids, or simply trying to survive airport chaos without a meltdown, this episode is packed with practical advice and plenty of laughs. 💡 What We Talk About in This Episode • Preparing for the Solo Mum Society Bali trip • Hyperfocus, procrastination and last-minute packing panic • Overpacking versus realistic packing • Flying with children who are anxious about airplanes • Ear pain, travel anxiety and sensory concerns • Carry-on essentials that actually matter • Why snacks solve almost everything • iPads, screen time and long-haul flights • Airport hacks for neurodivergent families • The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard • Compression socks, travel pillows and comfort strategies • Travel prams, ride-on suitcases and luggage recommendations • Choosing seats on planes with children • How to make travelling easier for yourself, not harder 🔑 Key Takeaways • The best packing strategy is often comfort over perfection. • Travelling with children becomes easier when you stop trying to entertain them with 50 different activities and focus on what actually works. • Snacks can solve more travel problems than most parenting books. • Neurodivergent travellers often benefit from planning for sensory comfort before problems arise. • Airport stress is often reduced when systems are simplified and hands are kept as free as possible. • There is no prize for travelling uncomfortably. Pack the pillow, blanket, headphones or support items if they help you arrive feeling better. • The "perfect" travel setup is the one that works for your family. ✈️ Travel Hacks Mentioned For Kids Download favourite shows before you leave Pack more snacks than you think you'll need Bring familiar comfort items Consider ear pressure aids if flying anxiety is an issue Use activity packs, colouring or magnetic games for airport downtime Choose flight times that work with your child's energy levels For Parents Wear compression socks on longer flights Bring charging cords in your carry-on Pack noise-cancelling headphones Keep your hands free whenever possible Consider luggage that opens easily during flights Board early if it reduces stress Prioritise comfort over appearance For Neurodivergent Travellers Look into the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program Plan for sensory needs in advance Reduce unnecessary decisions while travelling Build recovery time into your itinerary Give yourself permission to use accommodations that help 👩👧 Who This Episode Is For This episode is for: • Solo parents who travel with children • ADHD and neurodivergent parents • Families preparing for holidays • Parents of anxious travellers • Anyone who feels overwhelmed by airports • People who always pack too much and still forget something important 💬 A Message From This Episode You don't need to be the perfectly organised traveller. You don't need matching luggage, colour-coded packing cubes, or a Pinterest-worthy itinerary. You just need a system that works for you, your child, and your nervous system. Because arriving slightly overdressed, carrying too many snacks and surviving the flight is still a win. 📲 Follow & Connect Follow along for behind-the-scenes Bali adventures, travel updates and future episodes: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Follow Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered for weekly conversations about: • ADHD in women • Neurodivergent motherhood • Parenting without the filter • Travel and family life • Emotional regulation • Friendship, identity and community New episodes every Thursday.
Hyperfocus, Friendship, School Mums & The Reality of Neurodivergent Motherhood This week is less expert advice and more of a catch-up. The kind of catch-up where one mum accidentally loses half a day to Pinterest strategy, another starts demolishing a bathroom at 11pm, and somehow both of them end up discussing friendship, parenting, school communities and why socialising feels so complicated as a neurodivergent adult. In this episode of Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered, Alisha and Rhiannon reflect on the aftermath of Lexi's birthday party, the surprisingly big emotions their daughters experienced after saying goodbye to each other, and what it looks like raising children who feel everything deeply. They also dive into: Hyperfocus and losing hours without realising it Why socialising can feel exhausting even when you enjoy people School mums, playdates and creating community Neurodivergent friendships Parenting emotionally intense children Supporting kids through friendship challenges Why finding "your people" matters so much The difference between socialising because you want to and socialising because you feel like you should This episode is funny, honest, completely unstructured and incredibly relatable. Basically, exactly what happens when two neurodivergent mums sit down for a chat. 💡 What We Talk About in This Episode • Hyperfocusing on completely the wrong thing • Late-night DIY projects and impulsive decisions • Birthday party planning and recovery • Why their daughters struggled after saying goodbye • Big emotions in neurodivergent children • School friendships and playground dynamics • Building community as a parent • Why socialising can feel so draining • The pressure of school parent culture • Playdates, birthday parties and finding your people • Neurodivergent parenting wins • Matching your child's energy instead of fighting it • Why some friendships feel easy and others feel exhausting • The invisible mental load of motherhood 🔑 Key Takeaways • Hyperfocus isn't always productive — sometimes it's Pinterest strategies and washing Lego. • Neurodivergent children often experience friendships and separations very intensely. • You don't need hundreds of friends — you need the right people. • Parenting often means pushing through your own discomfort to support your child's needs. • Matching a child's energy can sometimes work better than trying to force them to calm down. • Not every social event is worth your energy. • Community matters — for both mums and kids. 👩👧 Who This Episode Is For This episode is for: • Neurodivergent mums • Women navigating school friendships and playdates • Parents of emotionally intense children • Women who feel exhausted by socialising • ADHD and AuDHD mums • Anyone who has ever lost three hours to a random hyperfocus project 💬 A Message From This Episode Sometimes motherhood looks like: Having a perfectly packed lunch. A clean kitchen. A child who is fed and thriving. And absolutely none of the things you actually planned to do that day. And that's okay. Because progress doesn't always look the way we expected it to. 📲 Follow & Connect Follow along for clips, conversations and weekly chaos: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Follow Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered for weekly episodes on: • ADHD in women • Neurodivergent motherhood • Emotional regulation • Parenting neurodivergent children • Identity, friendship and community • Real life without the filter New episodes released every Thursday. 💥 Highlights Hyperfocusing on Pinterest instead of the actual to-do list Washing and sorting thousands of pieces of second-hand Lego The emotional fallout when best friends live in different states Why school friendships become more complicated as kids get older Socialising as an introverted neurodivergent mum The surprising parenting strategy that helped calm a hyper child The difference between having lots of people around and having people who truly get you
Why are so many women only discovering they’re neurodivergent later in life? In this episode of Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered, Alisha and Rhiannon are joined by psychiatrist Dr Clinton White to unpack what’s really happening with late ADHD and autism diagnoses in women. From missed signs in childhood to years of being labelled with anxiety or depression, this conversation dives into how easily neurodivergence is overlooked — especially in women who have spent their lives masking, coping, and “holding it together.” Dr White shares openly about the limitations of psychiatric training, why autism has historically been seen as a “male condition,” and how even professionals can miss it. The conversation explores the moment everything clicks — when women receive a diagnosis and suddenly their past, behaviours, and struggles finally make sense. “The veil of confusion about their life just lifts… and that alone changes everything.” They also dive into common misdiagnoses, including anxiety, depression, and burnout, and explain why these are often symptoms rather than the root cause. This episode is honest, validating, and deeply eye-opening — especially if you’ve ever felt like something didn’t quite add up. 💡 What We Talk About in This Episode • Why ADHD and autism are often missed in women • Masking and why it hides symptoms so effectively • The emotional impact of late diagnosis • “Rewinding your life” and finally making sense of things • Why anxiety is one of the most common misdiagnoses • The limitations of psychiatric training • The difference between symptoms vs root cause • Why diagnosis alone can be life-changing • How understanding your brain removes shame • ADHD and autism as both strengths and challenges • The role of hormones and PMDD in neurodivergent women • Common co-occurring conditions (binge eating, burnout, trauma) • Why so many women are only discovering this now 🔑 Key Takeaways • Many women diagnosed with anxiety may actually have underlying ADHD or autism • Late diagnosis often creates a powerful “everything makes sense now” moment • Masking is one of the biggest reasons neurodivergence is missed in women • Diagnosis doesn’t change who you are — it explains who you’ve always been • Shame often comes from misunderstanding, not from the behaviour itself • Many co-occurring challenges (burnout, binge eating, PMDD) are linked to neurodivergence • Awareness alone can be life-changing, even without treatment 👩👧 Who This Episode Is For This episode is for: • Women with ADHD • Women who suspect they may be neurodivergent • Late diagnosed ADHD or autistic women • Mums navigating overwhelm, burnout or anxiety • Women who feel like they’ve never quite fit in • Anyone questioning whether their diagnosis tells the full story 💬 A Message From This Episode You weren’t missing something. You weren’t failing. You were working with a brain that no one had properly explained to you yet. And once you understand it? Everything starts to shift. 📲 Follow & Connect Follow for more real, relatable conversations: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Follow Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered for weekly episodes on: • ADHD in women • Autism in women • Late diagnosis • Neurodivergent motherhood • Emotional regulation • Identity and self-trust New episodes released every Thursday.
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD): Why Everything Feels So Personal Why does a delayed reply feel like rejection? Why does one comment spiral into a full identity crisis? And why do we care so much about whether people like us… even when we don’t like them? In this episode of Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered, Alisha and Rhiannon unpack one of the most intense and misunderstood parts of ADHD: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). From overthinking text messages to spiralling after perceived criticism, they break down what RSD actually is, why it happens, and how it shows up in everyday life — especially for women who were diagnosed later in life. They explore the difference between real rejection vs perceived rejection, and why your brain can react just as strongly either way — even when logically, you know it’s “not a big deal.” This episode also dives into: People pleasing and chasing validation Over-apologising and assuming you’ve done something wrong The impact of RSD on friendships, work, and dating Why motherhood changes your tolerance for certain relationships And how awareness can help you respond differently — even if the feeling doesn’t go away This is one of those episodes where you’ll likely hear yourself in every example… and finally understand why. 💡 What We Talk About What Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) actually is Why ADHD brains default to worst-case thinking Perceived rejection vs actual rejection Overthinking texts and delayed replies “I must have done something wrong” thinking Fear of judgment and fear of failure Social media anxiety and posting vulnerability Being triggered by tone, feedback, or exclusion Dating and caring more about being liked than liking someone People pleasing and masking The impact of RSD on friendships and relationships Why motherhood changes your standards and capacity How RSD affects work, feedback, and confidence Misdiagnosis as anxiety or depression Talking it out vs spiralling internally Reframing thoughts and building awareness 🔑 Key Takeaways RSD is an intense emotional response to perceived rejection — even when it’s not real. Your brain can logically know something isn’t a big deal… and still feel it deeply. Many women were misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression instead of ADHD. RSD can lead to people pleasing, over-apologising, or withdrawing from relationships. It often impacts friendships, dating, and work more than people realise. Awareness doesn’t remove RSD — but it helps you respond to it differently. You don’t need everyone to like you — and most of the time, nothing has actually gone wrong. 👩👧 Who This Episode Is For This episode is for: Women with ADHD Late diagnosed ADHD women Women who overthink everything they say or do Anyone who spirals after a message, comment, or interaction Mums navigating friendships, dating, and identity Women who feel like they’re “too sensitive” Anyone who constantly worries they’ve upset someone 💬 A Message From This Episode You’re not too sensitive. You’re not overreacting. And you’re not imagining it. But… It also doesn’t mean it’s real. Sometimes your brain is trying to protect you by looking for danger that isn’t actually there. And once you can see that? You get to choose how much power it has. 📲 Follow & Connect For more real, relatable conversations: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Follow Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered for weekly episodes on: ADHD in women Neurodivergent motherhood Emotional regulation Late diagnosis Relationships, identity & self-trust New episodes released every Thursday.
Neurodivergent Kids, PDA & Parenting Without Breaking Their Spirit What if your child isn’t being “difficult”… but actually can’t do what you’re asking? In this episode of Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered, Alisha and Rhiannon dive into the reality of parenting neurodivergent children — especially when their brains work in ways that don’t respond to traditional parenting approaches. Alisha shares her experience navigating an occupational therapy (OT) assessment for her daughter, including the moment she realised there were far more signs of neurodivergence than she initially recognised. From struggles with transitions and emotional regulation to seemingly “defiant” behaviour that isn’t actually defiance, this episode explores what it really looks like to parent a child with a different neurotype — and how confronting that can be as a parent. They also unpack Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) — including the constant negotiation, refusal, and resistance that can show up when a child feels a loss of autonomy, even in everyday situations. This is an honest, nuanced conversation about shifting from “why won’t they just listen?” to “what’s actually going on in their brain?” 💡 What We Talk About The early signs of neurodivergence in children Masking at school vs behaviour at home What an OT assessment actually involves Why many behaviours get dismissed as “just being a kid” The difference between defiance and neurological response Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) explained in real life Negotiation, refusal and “I can’t do it” responses Emotional meltdowns vs typical tantrums Sensory sensitivities and everyday struggles (clothes, food, routines) Parenting styles that don’t work for neurodivergent kids The impact of traditional discipline approaches Reparenting yourself while parenting your child The emotional load of trying to “get it right” 🔑 Key Takeaways Many neurodivergent children mask in structured environments like school, but release everything at home. What looks like defiance is often a nervous system response, not a choice. PDA can show up as refusal, negotiation, or saying “no” — even to things they actually want. Traditional discipline strategies often don’t work for neurodivergent children. Understanding your child’s brain helps reduce frustration — but doesn’t make parenting easy. Parenting a neurodivergent child often requires unlearning how you were raised. 👩👧 Who This Episode Is For This episode is for: Mums of neurodivergent children Women who suspect their child may be neurodivergent ADHD or AuDHD mums parenting similar traits in their kids Parents struggling with “defiance,” meltdowns or emotional regulation Anyone trying to parent differently from how they were raised 💬 A Message From This Episode Your child isn’t trying to make your life harder. They’re trying to navigate a brain that doesn’t always let them do what’s being asked. And you? You’re learning in real time how to support them while undoing everything you were taught about how parenting “should” look. That’s not failure. That’s awareness. ✨ 📲 Follow & Connect For more real, unfiltered conversations on ADHD, autism and motherhood: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Follow Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered for weekly episodes on: ADHD in women Neurodivergent parenting Late diagnosis Emotional regulation Identity, overwhelm & self-trust New episodes released every Thursday.
ADHD Tax: The Hidden Cost No One Talks About Ever bought something… lost it… then bought it again? Or filled your fridge with “healthy food” only to throw it all out a week later? Welcome to ADHD tax. In this episode, Alisha and Rhiannon unpack the very real (and often expensive) ways ADHD shows up in everyday life — from impulse spending and forgotten bills to unused subscriptions, wasted groceries, and hobby graveyards. It’s funny. It’s painfully relatable. And it’s probably costing you more than you realise. 💡 What We Talk About What ADHD tax actually is (and why most people don’t realise they’re paying it) Buying things twice because you lost them Letting bills go unpaid → then paying fees or fines Wasting money on groceries you don’t cook Ordering takeaway when food is already at home Subscriptions you forgot to cancel The “I’ll be this person” hobby purchases Storage units, offices, and unused spaces Delivery convenience vs saving money Why autopay is both a saviour and a trap The cost of needing convenience to function Decision fatigue and avoidance behaviours 🔑 Key Takeaways ADHD tax isn’t about being “bad with money” — it’s about how your brain works. You often spend more to compensate for executive function challenges. Convenience (like delivery or pre-made food) isn’t laziness — it’s a support strategy. Avoidance (like not opening mail) can lead to bigger financial consequences. Subscriptions and systems only work if they match your behaviour — not your intentions. Awareness helps reduce shame… even if it doesn’t fix everything. 👩👧 Who This Episode Is For Women with ADHD (diagnosed or questioning) Mums feeling overwhelmed by life admin Anyone who impulse buys or forgets to cancel things Women trying to “get organised” but struggling People constantly starting systems… and abandoning them 💬 A Message From This Episode You’re not lazy. You’re not careless. You’re not “bad with money.” You’ve just been trying to survive in a system that wasn’t designed for your brain. And sometimes… that comes with a price tag. 📲 Follow & Connect Follow for more real, unfiltered conversations: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered 🎧 Subscribe Follow Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered for: ADHD in women Real mum life Emotional regulation Overwhelm & identity Systems that actually work
ADHD in Real Life: The Chaos, The Humour & The Truth This episode is not polished. It’s not structured. And honestly… that’s exactly the point. Because this is what ADHD actually looks like in real life. From losing essential podcast equipment minutes before recording, to impulse Kmart shopping, overstimulation at family events, rage-driving home for a disappointing soft serve, and late-night dopamine spending spirals… this episode is a raw, funny, and very real glimpse into the everyday chaos of neurodivergent mum life. Alisha and Rhiannon unpack what happens after overstimulation hits — the coping mechanisms, the habits, the “ADHD tax,” and the ways their brains try to regulate (whether that’s helpful… or not). They also dive into: Why eating can feel like “too many steps” How decision fatigue shows up in parenting The reality of masking at social events The difference between accountability vs rebellion And the constant search for systems that will finally “fix everything” This episode is messy, relatable, and packed with those “oh my god, I do that too” moments. 💡 What We Talk About Losing things you just bought (ADHD tax in action) Impulse spending and dopamine chasing Overstimulation after social events “Enrichment time in my enclosure” (aka recovery mode) Emotional spirals over small things (like ice cream…) Masking and social exhaustion Parenting while overstimulated Why eating feels overwhelming or gets forgotten Simple “survival food” strategies The all-or-nothing trap with routines Public accountability vs PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) Exercise motivation struggles The obsession with “fixing” life through systems, gadgets & hacks Trying to build habits that actually work with ADHD 🔑 Key Takeaways ADHD doesn’t just show up in big ways — it’s in the tiny, everyday moments. Overstimulation often leads to coping behaviours like spending, overplanning, or avoidance. “Simple tasks” (like eating or cooking) can feel disproportionately hard. There is no perfect system — only what works for you in this season. Awareness doesn’t always change behaviour… but it does create compassion. You’re not broken — your brain just works differently. 👩👧 Who This Episode Is For Mums with ADHD Women who feel constantly overstimulated Anyone who impulse shops then regrets it Women who forget to eat… then crash later People who feel like life is “chaotic but functional” Anyone tired of trying to be organised and failing 💬 A Message From This Episode You’re not the only one doing life like this. The chaos. The overwhelm. The random bursts of motivation. The “I’ll fix my whole life tomorrow” energy. It’s not just you. And maybe… you don’t need fixing as much as you think. 📲 Follow & Connect Follow along for more real, unfiltered motherhood conversations: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered 🎧 Subscribe Follow Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered for weekly episodes on: ADHD & neurodivergence in women Late diagnosis Emotional regulation Mum life without the filter Identity, overwhelm & self-trust
In Hindsight: The ADHD Signs We Missed Growing Up Looking back now… it all makes so much more sense. In this episode of Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered, Alisha and Rhiannon reflect on the signs of ADHD and neurodivergence that were completely missed growing up — especially as girls. From constantly rearranging bedrooms and hyperfixating on new ideas, to being labelled “chatty,” daydreaming in class, and leaving everything until the last minute… this episode is a deep dive into the patterns that were always there — just never recognised for what they were. They talk about the reality of growing up neurodivergent in a time where ADHD was only really associated with “naughty little boys,” and how so many women were overlooked, misunderstood, or forced to mask just to fit in. This episode is part reflection, part validation — especially if you’ve ever looked back at your childhood and thought: “How did no one pick this up?” What We Talk About in This Episode The ADHD traits that were missed in girls Why so many women are diagnosed later in life Constantly rearranging rooms and needing change Hyperfixation, impulse buying and dopamine chasing Having a million hobbies (and unfinished projects) Procrastination and last-minute productivity Being “chatty” vs being disruptive Daydreaming, doodling and struggling with traditional learning Creativity vs the pressure to follow a “proper path” Perfectionism and fear of not being good enough Masking, people pleasing and trying to fit in Identity struggles and not knowing “who you are” Rejection sensitivity and fear of feedback Emotional intensity and empathy Losing things, forgetting things, and mental overload Parenting neurodivergent children (and reparenting yourself) Key Takeaways ADHD in girls often presents very differently — and is easily missed. Many women grow up masking, people pleasing, and trying to fit into expectations that don’t suit them. Hyperfixation, impulsive decisions, and constant change are often driven by dopamine needs. Procrastination isn’t laziness — it’s often how the brain creates urgency to function. Rejection sensitivity can impact friendships, work, and confidence deeply. Many of the things you were criticised for growing up… were actually traits of how your brain works. Understanding this now allows you to show yourself (and your child) more compassion. Who This Episode Is For This episode is for: Women questioning if they might have ADHD Late-diagnosed ADHD women Neurodivergent mums Women reflecting on their childhood experiences Anyone who felt “different” growing up but couldn’t explain why Parents noticing similar traits in their children A Message From This Episode You weren’t lazy. You weren’t too much. You weren’t disorganised, dramatic, or difficult. You were navigating a world that didn’t understand your brain. And now? You get to understand it for yourself. ✨ Follow & Connect Follow the podcast on Instagram for more relatable content, clips and conversations: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered Subscribe & Follow the Podcast Follow Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered so you don’t miss upcoming episodes on: ADHD in women Autism in women Late diagnosis Neurodivergent motherhood Emotional regulation Masking and burnout Identity, confidence and self-trust New episodes released every Thursday.
ADHD, Autism & Overstimulation: Why Everything Feels Like Too Much Why do some days feel completely manageable… and others feel like everything is just too much? In this episode of Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered, Alisha and Rhiannon go deeper into what it actually feels like to live with a neurodivergent brain — from emotional intensity and sensory overwhelm, to decision fatigue, task paralysis, and the invisible load of trying to function in a world that doesn’t quite fit. They unpack the reality of ADHD and autism in women, including the constant mental noise, the need for clear direction, and why even simple tasks can feel impossible without structure. From needing step-by-step instructions to struggling with transitions, this episode highlights the parts of neurodivergence that often go unseen. This episode also explores sensory overwhelm and overstimulation, and how things like noise, temperature, clothing, interruptions, and emotional demands can build up to the point where everything feels unbearable — often leading to irritability, shutdown, or feeling like you’re “not yourself.” You’ll also hear the contrast that so many neurodivergent women experience — being highly capable, organised, and thoughtful in some areas, while struggling with everyday tasks like emails, bills, and follow-through in others. This is a real, honest conversation about what it feels like to live inside a brain that is constantly processing, analysing, feeling, and juggling… and why that can be both a strength and a challenge. What We Talk About in This Episode Emotional intensity and deep empathy Pattern recognition and being highly observant ADHD and autism traits in everyday life Sensory overwhelm and overstimulation Irritability and emotional dysregulation Why simple tasks feel overwhelming Needing clear instructions and structure Task initiation and executive dysfunction Decision fatigue and “too many steps” Being both highly organised and highly chaotic Emails, admin and avoidance Transitions and in-between time struggles Why interruptions feel so hard Parenting while neurodivergent Managing your own needs while supporting your child Key Takeaways Many neurodivergent women experience deep empathy and emotional intensity, which can be both a strength and a challenge. Sensory overwhelm isn’t “being dramatic” — it’s your brain processing too much input at once. Executive dysfunction means even simple tasks can feel impossible without clear steps or structure. You can be highly organised in some areas of life and completely overwhelmed in others — both can exist at the same time. Avoidance (like ignoring emails or tasks) is often a response to overwhelm, not laziness. Understanding how your brain works helps you create systems that actually support you — instead of constantly feeling like you’re failing. Who This Episode Is For This episode is for: Women with ADHD Women who think they might be neurodivergent Late diagnosed ADHD or autistic women Neurodivergent mums Women who feel overwhelmed by everyday life Women who struggle with executive dysfunction or task initiation Women who feel like they are constantly juggling everything Mothers navigating their own needs alongside their child’s needs A Message From This Episode If you’ve ever felt like everything is “just too much” — even when nothing looks that big on the outside — you’re not imagining it. Your brain is processing more. Feeling more. Holding more. And that doesn’t make you weak. It makes you neuro-sparkly. ✨ Follow & Connect Follow the podcast on Instagram for clips, relatable content and conversations about: ADHD in women, autism in women, late diagnosis and neurodivergent motherhood Instagram: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered Subscribe & Follow the Podcast Follow Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered so you don’t miss upcoming episodes on: ADHD in women Autism in women AuDHD Late diagnosis Neurodivergent motherhood Executive dysfunction Emotional regulation Sensory overwhelm Masking and burnout New episodes released every Thursday.
ADHD, Autism & Late Diagnosis: When One Diagnosis Leads to Another What happens when an ADHD diagnosis isn’t the full picture? In this episode of Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered, Rhiannon shares what happened after being diagnosed with ADHD — when medication, self-awareness, and deeper reflection started to reveal something more: autism. This is an honest conversation about what it’s like to navigate multiple neurodivergent diagnoses as an adult, including the confusion, the validation, and the emotional impact of realising that your brain works differently in more ways than you first thought. Rhiannon takes us through her autism diagnosis process, what the assessment actually involves, and the moment she received confirmation — despite already “knowing.” She also shares how years of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, or gaslit made that moment both validating and overwhelming. This episode also explores the overlap between ADHD and autism (AuDHD), including shared traits like sensory sensitivities, executive dysfunction, emotional regulation challenges, and hyperfocus — and why it can be so hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. If you’ve ever wondered whether your ADHD diagnosis explains everything — or if there might be more to your experience — this episode will resonate. What We Talk About in This Episode What happens after an ADHD diagnosis Realising there may be more than just ADHD The process of getting an autism diagnosis as an adult Differences between psychiatrists and psychologists in diagnosis Masking and why autism is often missed in women Being dismissed or gaslit by professionals and others Sensory sensitivities (sleep, touch, environment) Stimming and self-soothing behaviours The emotional impact of receiving a second diagnosis Grief vs validation in late diagnosis ADHD vs autism vs AuDHD Hyperfocus vs special interests How neurodivergent brains show love, care and support differently Key Takeaways Many women receive an ADHD diagnosis first, only to later realise they may also be autistic (AuDHD). Autism in women often looks very different from stereotypes, which is why it is frequently missed or dismissed. Diagnosis can be both validating and confronting — bringing clarity, but also grief for years spent struggling without answers. Sensory needs, stimming, and routines are not “quirks” — they are important ways neurodivergent individuals regulate themselves. There is significant overlap between ADHD and autism, and many people experience both (AuDHD). Understanding your brain allows you to support yourself better and build a life that works for you. Who This Episode Is For This episode is for: Women with ADHD Women who think they might also be autistic Late diagnosed ADHD or autistic women Neurodivergent mums Women exploring AuDHD (ADHD + autism) Women who feel like ADHD doesn’t fully explain their experience Women who have been dismissed, misunderstood or misdiagnosed Women wanting to better understand their brain A Message From This Episode If something in this episode resonates, it doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It might just mean you’re starting to understand yourself. You are not “too much.” You are not “too sensitive.” You are not broken. You might just be neuro-sparkly — in more ways than you realised. Follow & Connect Follow the podcast on Instagram for clips, relatable content and conversations about: ADHD in women, autism in women, late diagnosis and neurodivergent motherhood Instagram: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered Subscribe & Follow the Podcast Follow Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered so you don’t miss upcoming episodes on: ADHD in women Autism in women AuDHD (ADHD + autism) Late diagnosis Neurodivergent motherhood Executive dysfunction Emotional regulation Sensory overwhelm Masking and burnout New episodes released every Thursday.
ADHD in Women: Alisha's Diagnosis Story, Late Diagnosis & Why Everything Finally Made Sense What happens when you start to realise that the way your brain works might not be the way everyone else’s does? In this episode of Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered, Alisha shares her ADHD diagnosis story — how she first started recognising the signs, what made her look into it, and why so many ADHD traits in women are missed for years. For a long time, ADHD was seen as something that affected “naughty boys,” which meant many women grew up thinking they were disorganised, emotional, messy, overwhelmed, or just not very good at life — instead of realising their brain simply worked differently. This episode explores what ADHD can actually look like in girls and women, why so many women are diagnosed later in life, and how getting a diagnosis can be confronting — but also incredibly freeing. Because once you understand your brain, you can start to build a life that works for you instead of constantly trying to force yourself into a life that doesn’t. What We Talk About in This Episode Alisha’s ADHD diagnosis story ADHD in girls vs ADHD in boys Why ADHD is often missed in women Masking and coping strategies The corporate world and why it didn’t fit Feeling like you’re failing at things other people find easy The relief and grief that can come with diagnosis Letting go of things you think you “should” be good at Learning to work with your brain instead of against it Showing yourself more compassion once you understand your brain Key Takeaways Many women grow up thinking something is wrong with them, when actually their brain just works differently. ADHD in women often looks like overwhelm, emotional sensitivity, disorganisation, masking, and burnout — not the stereotype people expect. A diagnosis can be confronting, but it can also help you understand yourself and be kinder to yourself. Once you understand how your brain works, you can start to “life hack” your brain and improve your quality of life. You don’t have to do things the way everyone else does — you can find ways that work for you and your life. Who This Episode Is For This episode is for: Women who think they might have ADHD Women who were diagnosed with ADHD later in life Women who feel overwhelmed by everyday life Women who feel like they are “failing” at things that seem easy for everyone else Neurodivergent mums Women who feel like the corporate world or traditional work environments didn’t fit them Women who are trying to understand their brain and how to make life easier A Message From This Episode If something you hear in this episode resonates with you, it might just mean you’ve found your people. You’re not broken. You’re not lazy. You’re not failing. You might just have a different kind of brain — and once you understand it, everything can start to make a lot more sense. Follow & Connect Follow the podcast on Instagram for clips, relatable content and discussions about: ADHD in women, autism in women, late diagnosis and neurodivergent motherhood Instagram: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered Subscribe & Follow the Podcast Follow Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered so you don’t miss upcoming episodes on: ADHD in women Autism in women Late diagnosis Neurodivergent motherhood Executive dysfunction Emotional regulation Sensory overwhelm Masking and burnout New episodes released weekly.
More Side Quests Than Snoop Dogg at the Olympics | ADHD, Autism & Late Diagnosis in Women What happens when you finally get an ADHD diagnosis as an adult… and then realise that might not be the whole story? In this episode of Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered, Alisha and Rhiannon talk about what happened after Rhiannon was diagnosed with ADHD, started medication, and began to understand her brain for the first time — and how that led to a second diagnosis: autism. They talk about the things they thought were personality flaws — being messy, over-explaining, struggling to start tasks, hyper-focusing on the wrong things, sensory sensitivities — and how many of these were actually signs of neurodivergence, not personal failure. This episode explores what it feels like to be late diagnosed with ADHD, how medication can change how your brain works, and why understanding your brain can allow you to be kinder to yourself and build a life that actually works for you instead of constantly trying to fit into what you think you “should” be doing. You’ll also hear why ADHD medication without a plan can send you on “side quests” — where you become extremely productive, just not on the thing you were meant to be doing. This is an honest conversation about ADHD in women, autism in women, sensory issues, executive dysfunction, hyperfocus, masking, and learning to work with your brain instead of against it. What We Talk About in This Episode Late diagnosis of ADHD in women Starting ADHD medication and what changed Why medication can make autism traits more noticeable ADHD masking and autism masking Sensory sensitivities (sleep, clothing, hair, environment) Executive dysfunction and task paralysis Hyperfocus and productivity (on the wrong things) Over-explaining and communication habits Forgetting basic needs like eating or going to the toilet Learning to “life hack” your brain Being kinder to yourself after diagnosis Letting go of things you think you “should” be doing Redefining what being a “good mum” actually means Key Takeaways Many women grow up thinking they are lazy, messy, dramatic, disorganised or “too much” — when they are actually neurodivergent. ADHD medication can help focus, but you still need a plan or you’ll go on productivity side quests. Sensory issues are not “being difficult” — they are real neurological needs. Executive dysfunction is not laziness — it’s difficulty starting tasks even when you want to do them. Understanding your brain allows you to build systems and life hacks that improve your quality of life. You don’t have to do things the way everyone else does — you can find ways that work for your brain and your life. Who This Episode Is For This episode is for: Women with ADHD Women who think they might have ADHD Late diagnosed ADHD women Women with AuDHD (ADHD and autism) Neurodivergent mums Women who struggle with executive dysfunction Women who feel overwhelmed by the mental load of motherhood Women who feel like they are always busy but never finishing the right things Follow & Connect Follow the podcast on Instagram for clips, relatable content and discussions about ADHD in women and neurodivergent motherhood: Instagram: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered Subscribe & Follow the Podcast Follow Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered so you don’t miss upcoming episodes on: ADHD in women Autism in women Late diagnosis Neurodivergent motherhood Executive dysfunction Emotional regulation Sensory overwhelm Masking and burnout New episodes released weekly.
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