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Incredible life stories of Neurodivergent people sharing what it‘s like to live on different spectrums with many traits. Autistic, ADHD, Dyspraxic, Dyscalculic, Tourettes and OCD guests tell us about their childhoods, education, work and personal life - and how their mental health has been impacted by being wired differently.
Latest series. Six amazing guests sharing their life stories of being ADHD, autistic or AuDHD while navigating Perimenopause.
Episodes
Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
In this episode, I’m joined by Sammi, an AuDHD woman whose life story is defined by determination, resilience, and her mantra: “never say never.”
From flying solo with the Royal Air Force at just 19 to running her own chemical company, Sammi shares a remarkable journey of persistence through both personal and professional challenges.
We explore her experiences of OCD, hyperlexia, and mental health struggles, alongside her creative work—including performing a one-woman show about her neurodivergence and writing two books simultaneously.
Sammi also opens up about her lifelong experience with hormones—from starting her periods at 11, to motherhood, and the significant challenges she has faced during perimenopause. We discuss ADHD medication, the impact of hormonal changes, and the ways she supports her mental health through creativity, including writing poetry and macro photography.
This is an inspiring and honest conversation about resilience, identity, and navigating perimenopause as a neurodivergent woman.
A powerful reminder that, no matter how difficult life becomes, it’s always possible to keep going.
www.neurodivergentthoughts.substack.com
www.instagram.com/SammiFordArt
Thursday Mar 26, 2026
Thursday Mar 26, 2026
In this episode, I’m joined by ADHD coach and former nurse Sarah West to explore the realities of navigating perimenopause as an ADHD woman.
Sarah shares her deeply personal experience of worsening mental health during perimenopause, including overwhelming thoughts, exhaustion, and the fear that something was seriously wrong with her health. After years of going back and forth to her GP without clear answers, she learned how to advocate for herself—and now helps other women do the same.
We talk openly about the communication challenges many perimenopausal women face with healthcare professionals, and Sarah shares practical strategies you can use to prepare for GP appointments and be heard.
This conversation also explores the impact of hormonal changes on ADHD symptoms, medication, and emotional wellbeing. Like many neurodivergent women, Sarah experienced a significant decline in mental health during this transition—but also found a way through.
You’ll come away from this episode with a deeper understanding of ADHD and perimenopause, along with practical tools, validation, and hope for navigating this stage of life.
This is an essential listen for ADHD, autistic, and neurodivergent women who want to better understand their symptoms, advocate for themselves, and feel less alone.
Friday Mar 20, 2026
Friday Mar 20, 2026
In this episode, I’m joined by Renee, an autistic and ADHD woman whose life story is one of extraordinary resilience.
From being a hyperlexic and gifted child, Renee faced significant challenges growing up—navigating difficult experiences at school alongside complex family circumstances, including her mother’s mental health struggles and her father’s terminal illness diagnosis.
We talk about early trauma, including her experiences around puberty, and the lasting impact these moments can have. Renee also shares her journey through motherhood, including a life-threatening childbirth and the long recovery that followed.
Despite ongoing challenges, Renee continued to pursue education, earning her qualifications while working across a range of roles—from teaching assistant to accountancy and tutoring. She now lives with multiple chronic conditions, including hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, fibromyalgia, and ME/CFS, alongside chronic pain.
As she entered perimenopause, everything intensified—creating what she describes as a “perfect storm” of physical, emotional, and neurological challenges.
Through it all, Renee speaks with honesty about the importance of perseverance, the deep love she has for her family, and how she now supports children through her own outreach work—bringing understanding to those with complex and intersecting needs.
This is a deeply moving conversation about trauma, neurodivergence, chronic illness, and navigating perimenopause against the odds.
https://www.shoot4themooneducation.com/
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
In this episode, I’m joined by Caroline Ross, an AuDHD (autistic and ADHD) coach, NLP practitioner, and founder of an outdoor fitness community supporting new mothers.
Caroline speaks openly about the impact perimenopause has had on her mental health, and the unique challenges of navigating hormonal changes as a neurodivergent woman.
We explore how symptoms can intensify during this stage of life, and the emotional toll that can come with it. More importantly, Caroline shares the many ways she supports her wellbeing—through movement, time outdoors, and building sustainable habits that support both body and mind.
This is an honest and uplifting conversation about resilience, self-awareness, and finding practical ways to feel better during perimenopause as an autistic and ADHD woman.
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
In this episode, I’m joined by writer, producer, and film director Sam Grierson, an autistic and ADHD woman who was diagnosed later in life.
Sam shares her journey to diagnosis at 43, and how she once believed her struggles were explained by being gay—only to later discover there was much more to understand about herself. We explore the complex process of grieving a younger self, navigating labels, and ultimately finding peace in simply being “Sam.”
Now in perimenopause, Sam opens up about the intense impact of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), from small everyday comments to deeper creative criticism like “your work lacks depth.” We also discuss mood swings, cycle awareness, and the importance of tracking symptoms, taking supplements, and avoiding big decisions during certain phases.
As a highly creative person, Sam shares how staying busy and working on meaningful projects supports her mental health—alongside life in Yorkshire with her wife, children, and two dogs.
This is an honest and powerful conversation about late diagnosis, identity, creativity, and navigating perimenopause as a neurodivergent woman.
https://www.socrocodile.com/thepause