Keywords (Please consider this when listening to this podcast; make sure you're in an okay place to hear these topics): Food, AuDHD, eating disorders, ARFID, OCD, trauma, safety, nutrition, sensory processing, mental health.

Overview: In this conversation, Margo White and Bri Thomas explore the intricate relationship between food, AuDHD, and safety. Margo shares her personal journey with eating disorders and how her experiences shape her professional practice as a nutritionist. They discuss the complexities of ARFID, the impact of trauma on eating, and the intersection of OCD and food. The importance of predictability and self-compassion in navigating these challenges is emphasised, along with the need for support and accommodations to foster happier relationships with food.

Takeaways:

• Food is a significant part of our lives and eating is deeply sensory.
• ARFID presents differently in each individual, and there is no "one look".
• Safety and predictability are crucial for AuDHD individuals.
• Trauma can significantly impact one's relationship with food, and is remembered in the body.
• Self-compassion is essential in navigating food challenges.
• Understanding the intersection of OCD and ARFID is important.
• Support and accommodations can help improve eating experiences.

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Margo can be found on Instagram at @margo_wholebodynutrition.

In this conversation, Bri and Rosie (from Uniquely Wired) explore the themes of perfectionism and rejection sensitivity, particularly in the context of being AuDHD. Rosie shares her personal experiences as an autistic ADHDer and how these influence her life and work. They discuss the pressures of perfectionism, the emotional costs associated with it, and practical strategies for managing these experiences. The conversation emphasises the importance of self-compassion, understanding one's inner child, and the value of community support in navigating these challenges.

You can find Rosie on instagram at @rosie.uniquelywired.

Takeaways:

• Perfectionism can lead to self-inflicted pressure and disappointment.
• Rejection sensitivity often accompanies perfectionism, creating a cycle of anxiety.
• It's important to recognise and validate one's feelings about grades and achievements.
• Self-compassion is crucial in managing perfectionism and RSD.
• Creating a rubric that includes personal values can help alleviate pressure.
• Celebrating small wins and progress is essential for mental well-being.
• Having supportive people around can help identify perfectionistic tendencies.
• Exploring the origins of perfectionism can provide insight and healing.
• It's okay to feel disappointed about unmet expectations; those feelings are valid.
• Being gentle with oneself is a necessary part of the journey.

In this enlightening conversation, Chloe, an AuDHD psychologist, shares her insights on the intersection of anxiety and having an autistic + ADHD brain. The discussion explores the impact of sensory experiences on anxiety, the importance of understanding interoception, and the role socialising and communication have on our everyday anxiety. Chloe emphasises the need for compassion towards oneself and others in navigating the complexities of AuDHD-related anxiety.

Chloe can be found on instagram at @chloehulse.psychology.

Takeaways:

• Anxiety can be a common experience for those who are AuDHD - not just a separate anxiety diagnosis, but the daily, ongoing experience of anxiety.
• Understanding the difference between autistic anxiety and anxiety disorders is helpful.
• Sensory experiences can significantly impact anxiety levels.
• Interoception plays a key role in recognising internal body cues, and is related to our feeling anxious.
• Missing information can heighten anxiety in uncertain situations.
• Information processing challenges can lead to anxiety in academic settings.
• Social situations can be particularly anxiety-provoking for AuDHD individuals.
• Structured social interactions can alleviate some anxiety (we give an example of our Christmas party)
• Compassion for oneself and others is essential in managing anxiety.