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When viewed through the lens of difference, rather than disorder, we often find that it's expectations that warrant changing, not humans.

🎙️ Episode 1: Understanding AuDHD - Lived Experience, Clinical Insight, Different-not-Defective.

Episode Summary

Welcome to the first episode of The AuDHD Psych Podcast — hosted by Aaron Howearth, a clinical psychologist, queer, non-binary, and proudly neurodivergent (AuDHD) individual (the co-occurrence of autism and ADHD).

In this powerful introductory episode, Aaron explores what it means to live, work, and thrive as an AuDHD person — blending clinical psychology, lived experience, and the neurodiversity-affirming paradigm. Aaron dives into why understanding AuDHD is vital for both clinicians and the neurodivergent community.

Aaron shares their personal and professional journey — from 23 years in the Royal Navy to founding Howearth Psychology, a therapeutic space serving neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ communities. With honesty and humour, Aaron reflects on how their unique perspective helps bridge the gap between traditional clinical psychology and the affirming lens that celebrates difference rather than pathologising it.

Key Themes & Takeaways

• What is AuDHD? — Understanding how autism and ADHD can coexist, despite past diagnostic misconceptions.
• The “Unhelpful Expressions” Concept — Why neurodivergent traits aren’t inherently disordered, but can express in ways that either help or hinder our goals.
• Diagnosis Through a Neurodiversity-Affirming Lens — How psychological assessment can empower rather than label.
• Living Authentically — Aaron’s journey through gender identity, neurodivergence, and finding meaning in community service.
• Changing Clinical Perspectives — Encouraging fellow psychologists to view neurodivergence through strength-based, person-centred practice.
• Engaging With The Podcast — Listeners are invited to interact, question, and shape future discussions — from diagnostic frameworks to lived experiences of being AuDHD.

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Keywords: AuDHD podcast, autism and ADHD, neurodivergent psychologist, neurodiversity affirming, Howearth Psychology, queer psychologist, autism diagnosis, ADHD awareness, lived experience, neurodivergent mental health, clinical psychology podcast