Breaking the Stigma: AuDHD – SpectralForge LLC

First, let’s explore what AuDHD is. I’ll then share some personal experiences and strategies I’ve discovered (Disclaimer: I am not a certified psychologist, and all of this comes from my personal journey. This is not professional advice!). Have you ever felt like you’re navigating the world on a completely different wavelength, yet no one seems to notice? For individuals with ADHD and Autism, this is often an everyday reality. By raising awareness about these neurodivergent conditions, we can promote understanding, reduce stigma, and create a world that celebrates everyone’s unique strengths.

What Are ADHD and Autism?

ADHD is a developmental disorder characterized by an ongoing pattern of one or more of the following types of symptoms:
- Inattention, such as having difficulty paying attention, keeping on task, or staying organized
- Hyperactivity, such as often moving around (including during inappropriate times), feeling restless, or talking excessively
- Impulsivity, such as interrupting, intruding on others, or having trouble waiting one’s turn.
- ADHD Statistics : https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/index.html
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.
- Autism Statistics: https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html

I’ve struggled with AuDHD my entire life. The most challenging part was that my symptoms were almost completely overlooked, often attributed to other issues or dismissed altogether. In addition, I am an still an undiagnosed individual on the Autism spectrum, which has compounded these struggles. As I grew older, I started to better understand myself, recognizing what was necessary and what was excessive in how I navigated the world.

Being the youngest in an emotionally/mentally unsupportive family environment made this journey even harder to navigate. My family never helped identify these challenges, leaving me to figure them out on my own much later in life. For years, I believed I was “incapable” and internalized all the negative things others, including my family, said about me. Eventually, I distanced myself from their self-serving behaviors, but I was left figuring out my situation, emotionally, physically, financially, and spiritually. It became my responsibility to figure out why I was unsuccessful. I knew I was not incapable, I could learn and accomplish anything I put my mind to. It boiled down to motivation and providing myself what I needed to accomplish my goals.

Being lost with the complexities of life and struggling with undiagnosed ADHD and Autism, led to a future that was far from desirable. Fits of anxiety and depression would overwhelm me with little to no indicators of why. Id sit in functional freeze states, exhausted by my surroundings, and its excessive stimuli. I found out later that I was overly sensitive to lights and sounds, which can easily exhaust my moo I found myself at ground zero multiple times in life. I got a BS in Biochemistry and swore to myself I enjoyed it, I did not. I finished a bootcamp in Cybersecurity and swore to myself that I enjoyed it, I did not. I needed a change but I did not know what that change was. I masked my entire life up until this point. I was not who I wanted to be.

Did you know that the estimated prevalence of ADHD in incarcerated populations is 25.5%, based on diagnostic clinical interviews? (1) This statistic hits close to home because it makes me wonder: If these issues aren’t caught early, could they lead my children—or anyone’s children—toward a similarly daunting path? It’s possible. Early diagnosis and support are critical.

In the U.S., an estimated 7 million children (11.4%) aged 3–17 have been diagnosed with ADHD (2) and an estimated About 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. [Read Article] (3). These numbers are daunting when compared to the rates of depression and suicide in this country, right?

Without diagnosis or proper support, ADHD and Autism does not affect mental well-being; it seeps into every aspect of life. For me, it impacted my ability to form healthy relationships, manage my grades, regulate eating habits, and more. I’ve compounded years of grief, but I’m here to tell you that there is hope. While catching these conditions early is ideal—and often requires support from family members—it’s never too late to begin the journey toward self-understanding and healing.

Key indicators of ADHD:

Inattentive Type
Difficulty maintaining focus, especially on tasks that require sustained attention.
Frequently making careless mistakes in school, work, or other activities.
Struggling to follow through on instructions or finish tasks (e.g., assignments or chores).
Being easily distracted by external stimuli or unrelated thoughts.
Frequently losing items like keys, wallets, or school supplies.
Trouble organizing tasks or activities, often leading to procrastination or missed deadlines.
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
Fidgeting, tapping, or inability to stay seated for long periods.
Feeling restless, often described as being “on the go” or driven by a motor.
Interrupting conversations or blurting out answers before a question is completed.
Struggling to wait their turn in situations like lines or group activities.
Excessive talking, even when it’s inappropriate or disruptive.

Key indicators of Autism:

Social and Communication Challenges
Difficulty understanding social cues, like facial expressions or tone of voice.
Trouble initiating or maintaining conversations.
Preferring solitary activities or struggling to make friends.
Literal interpretation of language (e.g., not understanding sarcasm or idioms).
Limited or overly intense eye contact.
Behavioral and Sensory Differences
Repetitive behaviors, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating phrases.
Strong adherence to routines and becoming distressed by changes.
Intense focus on specific interests, often referred to as “special interests.”
Sensory sensitivities, like being overwhelmed by bright lights, loud sounds, or certain textures.
Difficulty transitioning between activities or environments.
Cognitive and Emotional Traits
Exceptional attention to detail or pattern recognition.
Delayed development of speech or motor skills (in some cases).
Difficulty managing or expressing emotions in socially expected ways.

Now you may be asking yourself, well I maybe I or someone I know may have ADHD or Autism. What can you do about it? Ask yourself, is it managed? Seeking advice from a professional or a family member may help. The following helped me a lot with my self discovery. I definitely still need some professional help. 😉

Below are some remedies that I have found to work in regards to motivating myself and keeping things moving on a day to day basis.

The Little Victories – compounded growth!
Growth mindset
Phosphatidylcholine (over the counter)
Nootropics mushrooms
Working out and eating right
NOT self medicating

The concept of Little Victories is monumental when it comes to taking on the day, the small victories snowball and within a matter of minutes, someone could have the confidence to take carry out those difficult parts of the day, such as talking to someone, homework, or staying focused on a task.

Having a growth mindset is imperative for maintaining positive energy and building self-confidence. While failure can feel discouraging, it should do the opposite—it should serve as an opportunity for self-reflection, prompting the question, “What can I do better next time?” This mindset can also help reduce the impact of “Imposture Syndrome”. IEmbracing a growth mindset means understanding that it’s okay not to know everything—what matters is the commitment to continuous learning. With this perspective, instead of feeling inadequate, individuals recognize gaps in their knowledge as opportunities for growth and actively work to expand their expertise.

Failure isn’t the end; it’s proof that you’ve made an attempt and are one step closer to success. True success often requires exhausting all possibilities, learning from each step along the way. A growth mindset fosters this sense of progress, focusing on growth and improvement rather than excessive consumption or stagnation.

Self medicating happens a lot more frequently than anyone wants to admit. It happens for various reasons, physical pain, emotional distress, lost, etc. Regardless of the reason, it is rarely beneficial, I found myself self medicating for various reasons, they all boiled down to childhood trauma. Once I was able to digest this fact, I was able to battle my addiction head on. Addiction is another mental feat of loopholes to jump though. I’ll save that for another time.

When it comes to self medicating for ADHD I recommend to over the counter medications before diving the harder synthetic drugs (some comparable to meth), I have tried and used Phosphatidylcholine and Neurotropic mushrooms. PC has various benefits. The biggest worry, is the dosage. I have to take a fourth of the recommended dose because I am overly sensitive to chemicals. These are both available over the counter and offer fewer side effects. I am very sensitive to medications so I have to take a fourth of the recommended dose. These two medications helped me the most when it comes to focus (Disclaimer: I AM NOT A DOCTOR! PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE TRYING THESE!).

Many nootropic mushrooms are believed to improve cognitive functions such as memory, focus, and mental clarity. These mushrooms have gained popularity for their natural ability to support brain health and mental performance:

Lion’s Mane: Contains compounds that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), which may enhance memory and cognitive repair.
Reishi: Known for its stress-reducing properties, promoting relaxation and mental balance.
Cordyceps: Often used to boost physical performance and energy levels by enhancing oxygen utilization and increasing ATP production, the body’s primary energy source.
Chaga: Packed with antioxidants, Chaga helps combat fatigue and promotes overall vitality.

Additionally, both reishi and cordyceps are adaptogens, meaning they help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. This can lead to reduced feelings of anxiety and improved mood.

Immune System Support

Mushrooms like reishi, turkey tail, and chaga are rich in beta-glucans, which can modulate the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off illnesses and infections. These immune-boosting properties make them a valuable addition to a wellness routine.

Neuroprotection

Certain nootropic mushrooms may protect brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Lion’s Mane: Particularly noted for its potential neuroprotective effects by supporting brain cell repair and regeneration.

Nootropic mushrooms are a natural, plant-based option for those seeking to avoid synthetic nootropic supplements. Additionally, they’re often grown sustainably, aligning with eco-conscious lifestyles.

Potential Side Effects

Although generally considered safe, some people may experience side effects when consuming functional mushrooms, including:

Digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea, or bloating).
Allergic reactions, especially for those sensitive to fungi.
Drowsiness or excessive relaxation (common with reishi).

Interaction with Medications

Functional mushrooms can interact with certain medications. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before adding them to your routine if you’re taking any of the following:

Blood thinners: Some mushrooms, like reishi, have anticoagulant properties.
Immunosuppressants: Immune-modulating mushrooms may counteract these drugs.
Diabetes medications: Certain mushrooms can lower blood sugar levels, which might require medication adjustments.

Please consult with your physician before trying PC or Nootropics.

Keeping an active lifestyle and monitoring consumption is hands down the most beneficial way at battling the mental dread that sometimes comes from ADHD and Autism. Walking twice daily, getting enough water, and taking into consideration all of the macronutrients that I consume are more great ways of keeping a focus steady mind.

Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

I’m rooting for you!

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