Episode Details

In this episode, Simon takes us inside his raw and remarkable journey of living with ADHD and autism — from 42 years of silence and memory loss, to discovering his inner voice “Mo,” to building strategies that help him and others thrive. We explore the impact of late diagnosis, the challenges of medication, the healing power of podcasting, and the unexpected ways light language is giving non-speaking autistic kids a voice.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads is proud to be the 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner for Health and the 2024 Women In Podcasting Award Winner for Best Mental Health Podcast. With over 2 million downloads, we’re here to break stigma, amplify real stories, and remind you that you’re not alone.

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Mental Health Quote of the Episode

"Sometimes the hardest conversations lead us to the deepest healing." — Unknown.

What This Episode Is About

Simon’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. For decades, he lived without memories, struggling with connection and learning. After his ADHD diagnosis in 2019, medication opened the door to memory, understanding, and an inner voice he calls “Mo.” Later, an autism diagnosis layered on even more complexity — and clarity.

Through writing The 13 Hour Life Coach, podcasting on AUDHD Me & Mo, and experimenting with light language therapy, Simon has turned pain into purpose. We talk about ADHD strategies, the 13-hour “window of clarity” medication provides, the reality of memory loss, and his deeply vulnerable work helping non-speaking autistic kids begin to communicate.

Simon reminds us that healing isn’t linear, that diagnosis doesn’t have to be a dead end, and that even the most brutal truths can become the foundation of purpose.

Keywords: ADHD strategies, autism acceptance, late diagnosis, neurodivergence, light language therapy, parenting ADHD, podcast therapy, mental health storytelling

Meet Our Guest – Simon Arnold

Simon Arnold is the creator of The 13 Hour Life Coach and host of the podcast AUDHD Me & Mo. Diagnosed with ADHD in 2019 and autism in 2023, Simon transformed his struggles into resources for others: 155 ADHD success strategies, an award-winning podcast, and light language therapy sessions for non-speaking autistic kids.

👉 Connect with Simon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonarnold-audhd

Simon isn’t just teaching strategies—he’s living them. From memory loss to healing breakthroughs, his story demonstrates that even in the most challenging chapters, resilience and creativity can pave the way forward.

Key Takeaways

• How ADHD medication unlocked Simon’s ability to read, remember, and connect.
• He lives in a 13-hour “window of clarity” each day.
• How his podcast became therapy and community.
• The impact of an autism diagnosis later in life.
• Why does he use light language therapy to support non-speaking autistic kids?
• Why reframing ADHD and autism narratives is essential for healing.

Actionable Items

• Journal or podcast your own journey to process emotions and track growth.
• Use checklists and routines to stay grounded and get tasks done.
• Revisit old notes, writings, or ideas—you may already have your own roadmap.

References Mentioned

• The 13 Hour Life Coach