Episode 62

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Published on:

12th Jul 2024

Episode 62: In-Between Phase of an Autism Diagnosis: From Asking to Assessment [featuring Jak Levine-Pritzker]

For adults who are questioning if they are Autistic, ADHD, etc., there is often an exploratory and somewhat confusing phase where they feel in between two different identities.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Jak Levine-Pritzker, ADHD coach and founder of Authentically ADHD LLC, about the nuances of navigating identity when exploring the possibility of an autism diagnosis, as well as the effect of facing internalized ableism and external input throughout the assessment process.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

  1. Learn about Jak's personal experiences with the questioning of fitting into or out of diagnostic criteria, especially when examining overlapping traits between ADHD and autism.
  2. Gain insights into the complexities and nuances of the assessment process for neurodivergent conditions, exploring both the quantitative and qualitative aspects that go beyond standardized tests.
  3. Discover the evolving understanding of neurotypes, including the impact of self-identification on assessments and the relevance of organizing principles like monotropism and flow state.

As you reflect on your own journey or support others in their quest for clarity, remember to ask questions, be mindful that neurodivergent experiences and diagnoses are full of grey areas and overlapping traits, and if you choose to seek a diagnosis, try to approach it with an open mind.

More about Jak:

Jak Levine-Pritzker(she/her) is an ADHD coach, mental health advocate, and founder of Authentically ADHD LLC. With an online community of over 90k people and a robust coaching practice, she has empowered thousands of ADHDers to heal their internalized ableism and shame and design a life that *actually* works for their brains using a strengths-based approach.

Jak is passionate about normalizing and depathologizing what it means to be human, especially a neurodivergent (and queer) human. She shares openly about her own lived experience navigating ADHD, OCD, depression, PMDD, and grief. She truly believes that people with ADHD are not disordered or broken and can live wonderfully successful, fulfilling lives when given the proper support, resources, and environment to thrive.

In what feels like another multiverse, she received a law degree from CUNY Queens with clinical training in mediation. She is from upstate NY and currently lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains with her cat, Zen.

Check out Jak’s online membership (authenticallyadhd.com/membership)! It is an online community for 18+ ADHD adults. There are coaching calls, socials, body doubles, weekly/monthly resets, and more. It is a lovely community and sliding scale starts at $19/month but no one is turned away for lack of funds.

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Thanks to Our Sponsor: Web Therapia

✨ Web Therapia:

I want to thank Web Therapia for sponsoring this episode.

In today's competitive healthcare landscape, establishing a robust online presence is crucial for attracting new patients and expanding your practice. Web Therapia specializes in tailored digital marketing solutions specifically for doctors and therapists. From professional website design to effective search engine optimization (SEO) strategies and ADA compliance, they ensure your practice stands out in local and telehealth markets.

Visit webtherapia.com, and mention this ad to get 10% off web design or SEO for the 1st month.

Mentioned in this episode:

Web Therapia

In today's competitive healthcare landscape, establishing a robust online presence is crucial for attracting new patients and expanding your practice. Web Therapia specializes in tailored digital marketing solutions specifically for doctors and therapists. From professional website design to effective search engine optimization (SEO) strategies and ADA compliance, they ensure your practice stands out in local and telehealth markets. Visit webtherapia.com, and mention this ad to get 10% off web design or SEO for the 1st month.

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About the Podcast

Divergent Conversations
Reflections of Two Neurodivergent Clinicians
Dr. Megan Neff and Patrick Casale are two Neurodivergent therapists in a neurotypical world. During this podcast, they’ll talk about their own personal experiences as Autistic-ADHDers. They will reflect on their lived experience as AuDHD mental health professionals, and entrepreneurs, as well as offer clinical guidance, and support. Episodes will be conversational in nature, and they’ll interview other ND Folx to amplify the voices of other neurodivergent advocates and individuals as they share their authentic stories. New episodes will come out weekly, on all major platforms. Megan told Patrick, ”I’ll bring the chaos, You organize it.” This perfectly sums up their working relationship and friendship. Reflections of two neurodivergent clinicians. Raw, Vulnerable, Affirmative As Hell. Follow on instagram.com/divergentconversations
Topics include Autism, ADHD, Sleep struggles, Chronic Illness, RSD, Alexithymia, Autistic burnout, Intersectionality, Neuroqueer, Creativity, OCD, Neurodivergence, Affirming Language, Small business ownership, Unpacking Internalized Ableism, and so much more.
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Legal Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or medical professional for personalized advice regarding any medical condition or treatment.