ADHD Late to Know

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Podcast by Holly Santu

ADHD Late to Know

ADHD Late to Know is a podcast for adults with late-diagnosed ADHD, Autism & AuDHD — and for the people with neurodivergent loved ones and want to understand them better. I’m Holly Santu. Diagnosed with ADHD at 30, with Autism now part of that picture too, I spent years feeling too much for the world — and like the world was too much for me too. You’re not behind. You’re just late to know.

Latest episodes

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12 April 2026

17 Neurodivergent in Academia: Finding Balance & Building Belonging

What does it look like to navigate academia as a neurodivergent woman — and a mother — in a system that wasn’t designed for you?

In this episode of ADHD Late to Know, we explore the lived experience of ADHD, autism, and dyslexia in academic environments, through the lens of identity, motherhood, and professional belonging.

This is a real, reflective and insightful conversation about the challenges — and reasonable adjustments — of being neurodivergent in high-performance, structured systems.

We explore:

• The experience of ADHD, autism and dyslexia in academia

• The added layer of motherhood and invisible load

• Burnout, energy management, and sustainability

• Finding balance in a system that doesn’t naturally support neurodivergence

• The importance of psychological safety and belonging in academic spaces

This episode speaks to a wider conversation around adult ADHD, autism, neurodivergent women, and professional belonging — and what needs to change to create more inclusive environments.

If you’re a neurodivergent woman, working in academia, or navigating ADHD or autism as an adult, this episode will help you feel seen — and remind you that the system isn’t always built for your brain, but that doesn’t mean you don’t belong in it.

Dr Alix Dietzel:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-alix-dietzel-63029625/

Instagram: @dr_alixdietzel

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03 April 2026

16 Adult ADHD & Autism: Breaking the Cycle of Ruminating Thoughts

ADHD, Autism & Ruminating Thoughts – Why Your Brain Won’t Switch Off

Why do ruminating thoughts feel so intense with ADHD and autism — and why can they be so hard to switch off?

In this episode of ADHD Late to Know, we explore the lived experience of rumination in adult ADHD and AuDHD — from overthinking and mental loops to emotional processing and nervous system overwhelm.

This is a real, reflective conversation that blends personal experience with deeper insight — ideal for anyone looking to better understand life with ADHD and autism, especially as an adult navigating work, identity, and belonging.

We explore:

• Why rumination shows up in ADHD and autism

• The link between neurological differences and rumination loops

• How rumination impacts daily life, work, and relationships

• Practical ways to gently interrupt thought spirals

If you’re navigating adult ADHD, AuDHD, or feeling stuck in your thoughts, this episode will help you feel seen — and offer a new way to understand what’s happening.

ADHD Late to Know is a podcast exploring adult ADHD, autism, and neurodivergence — through lived experience, research, and real conversations that create “that makes sense” moments.

Resources:

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20 March 2026

15 Neurodivergent Relationships: Building a Life & Business That Works

What does it look like to build a life, relationship, and business as a neurodivergent couple?

In this episode of ADHD Late to Know, I sit down with a neurodivergent married couple to explore the realities of navigating ADHD, autism, family life, and business — together.

This is a fun, honest and meaningful conversation about:

• Supporting each other with different neurotypes

• Navigating marriage, communication & energy needs

• Building businesses that actually work for neurodivergent brains

• The gaps in support for neurodivergent & disabled people

• How they’re helping change what’s available

This episode is full of lived experience, insight, and real-life examples of what support can actually look like.

If you’re neurodivergent, in a relationship, building something, or figuring it all out — this one will resonate.

Show Notes:

Purpl Discounts:

https://www.purpldiscounts.com/

https://www.instagram.com/purpldiscounts/

Brilliantly Different Coaching:

https://www.instagram.com/brilliantlydifferentcoaching/

https://neuroworkpartners.com/brilliantly-different/

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15 March 2026

14 Why Consistency Doesn’t Work for ADHD (Persistence Does)

If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing because you can’t stay consistent, this episode will change how you understand your brain.

In this episode of ADHD Late to Know, I explore why traditional productivity advice often fails ADHD and AuDHD adults — and why persistence, not consistency, is the real path to progress.

We dive into the neuroscience behind commitment, executive function, and attention - including why shame spirals, rejection sensitivity, and autistic inertia can make starting or returning to tasks feel impossible.

You’ll also learn practical strategies for working with your neurodivergent brain rather than against it, including:

• The Minimum Version Rule for hard days

• How curiosity enables persistence with ADHD

• Why persistence reduces shame and burnout

• How to return to tasks after setbacks without all-or-nothing thinking

If you’re late diagnosed with ADHD or AuDHD, this episode will help you reframe productivity, self-compassion, and what real progress looks like.

Show Notes & Research Resources:

Core ADHD & AuDHD Theories

• Dr. William Dodson — The Interest-Based Nervous System

https://www.additudemag.com/secrets-of-the-adhd-brain/

• Dr. Russell Barkley — Executive Function & Consistent Inconsistency

https://www.russellbarkley.org/factsheets.html

• Dinah Murray — Monotropism Theory of Autism

https://monotropism.org

Emotional & Mindset Research

• Dr. Barbara Fredrickson — Broaden-and-Build Theory

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3122271/

• Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria & Emotional Dysregulation

https://www.additudemag.com/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-and-adhd/

• Self-Compassion & Executive Function

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mindful-self-express/201603/self-compassion-and-adhd

Cognitive Barriers

• Autistic Inertia Research

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.631876

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22 February 2026

13 Travel with ADHD & Autism - The Emotional Tightrope of Being Out of Routine

Travel can feel exciting… and completely destabilising when you have ADHD, autism, or AuDHD.

In this episode of ADHD Late to Know, I share my real-time experience travelling for work (Texas) and for joy (South Korea & Japan) — navigating time zones, cancelled flights, sensory overload, hunger crashes, rage responses, demand avoidance, and nervous system regulation.

We explore:

  • Why travel disrupts ADHD and autistic regulation
  • Sensory stagnation and feeling “trapped”
  • Low blood sugar & emotional reactivity
  • Rejection sensitivity and travel rage
  • The nuance of ADHD impulsivity vs autistic rigidity
  • Protecting energy while still showing up
  • How to enjoy iconic experiences (like Shibuya Crossing) without overwhelming your nervous system

I also share practical strategies that helped:

  • Snack planning & predictable meal anchors
  • Buying yourself 30–60 seconds to reduce reactive anger
  • “What’s your number?” emotional check-ins
  • Intentional social boundaries
  • Observing instead of immersing
  • Choosing experiences aligned with your actual joy

If you struggle with travel anxiety, ADHD overwhelm, autistic burnout, or routine disruption — this episode will help you feel less alone and more equipped.

Because growth isn’t avoiding hard things.

It’s learning how to meet them differently

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28 January 2026

12 ADHD & Autism Tax: The Hidden Cost on Health, Energy & Money

Being neurodivergent comes with hidden costs — not just emotionally, but to our energy, health, finances, and long-term wellbeing.

In this episode of ADHD Late to Know, I explore the tax of ADHD and Autism from an AuDHD adult perspective: how chronic stress, masking, nervous system overload, and lack of support quietly add up — and what we can do to protect ourselves.

We talk about:

  • Research linking ADHD and autism to poorer health outcomes and reduced life expectancy
  • Why burnout and exhaustion aren’t personal failures — they’re systemic
  • The financial tax of neurodivergence: impulse spending, forgotten subscriptions, convenience costs
  • Protecting energy through pacing, boundaries, and safer socialising
  • Intentional thinking about your future self — wanting to feel nourished, rested, and steadily working toward what matters
  • Practical systems that lower the tax without shame or perfectionism

This episode is about awareness, self-advocacy, and building a life that costs you less to live — and gives you more back.

For adults with ADHD, autism, AuDHD — and those who want to understand and support them better.

Show Notes (Key Resources)

  • Cambridge University (2025), British Journal of Psychiatry — ADHD & long-term health outcomes
  • National Autistic Society (UK) — Autism, wellbeing & life expectancy
  • Tools discussed: energy budgeting, safe social plans, future-self thinking, payday money pots, subscription audits

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