Episode 266: When ADHD Wants Adventure and Autism Just Wants a Nap - Patricia Young

Patricia (she/her) explores what it means to show up authentically as a neurodivergent person—especially when navigating the tension between wanting novelty (hello ADHD/AuDHD brains!) and craving sameness (thank you autism). She shares candid stories about celebrating her anniversary, managing low energy, social interactions, and dealing with conflict. Patricia also opens up about balancing autistic traits, ADHD novelty-seeking, PDA (persistent drive for autonomy), and honoring her sensitivity. If you’re autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, or otherwise neurodivergent, this episode offers relatable honesty, self-compassion, and a reminder that sensitivity is nothing to apologize for.

WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE

Why showing up authentically—even when low energy or struggling—creates safety and deeper connection.
The push-pull between ADHD’s love of novelty and autism’s need for sameness.
A vulnerable look at performance pressure, PDA (persistent drive for autonomy), and the tension of “supposed to” versus authentic presence.
Reflections on navigating conflict, rejection, and the looping thoughts that come with OCD and sensitivity.
Stories of how small moments of authenticity (complimenting a server, connecting with strangers, sharing vulnerability) can bring ease and humor.
The joys of volunteering with puppies, finding novelty in animals, and noticing the small things that bring comfort.
Honest sharing about energy struggles, self-judgment, and learning to honor your body’s signals.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

You don’t have to perform or mask to be worthy of connection.
Novelty and sameness can co-exist—it’s about experimenting and noticing what feels supportive.
Authenticity often comes in small, ordinary moments that bring relief and connection.
Conflict and rejection are painful, but self-trust and curiosity can soften the edges.
Sensitivity is not something to apologize for—it’s a way of being in the world.

SOUND BITES

“Show up as you are.”

“I felt very inadequate.”

“I really resist it.”

SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT’S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED

You are not broken. You were shaped by systems that weren’t built for you. You deserve rest, joy, and support exactly as you are.

TOPICS COVERED

00:00 Embracing Authenticity

09:12 Navigating Social Expectations

17:54 Finding Balance in Emotions

PODCAST HOST

Patricia Young (she/her) was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it’s like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller. Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile, OCD and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion. She created the podcasts Unapologetically Sensitive and Unapologetically AuDHD to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren’t alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges. Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you

Patricia’s website, podcast episodes and more: www.unapologeticallysensitive.com