05 - Hyperfocus, Hyperfixation, & Intense Interests + "Thank You For Being"

Wheels On My Back is...back! As passionate as I am about the neurodiversity paradigm it turns out I'm not actually that passionate about solo podcasting. Something about speaking into a void and lots of ~steps~ to produce an episode... but I'm figuring it out! Because this is an important topic to me and we're gonna keep it going!

Anyway, the first part of episode 5 is addressing why I'm so comforted by internalizing the phrase "thank you for being"  - especially as somebody who was diagnosed ADHD in childhood and autistic in adulthood as I worked through healing my CPTSD.

I think folks who are diagnosed ADHD as adults tend to romanticize early diagnosis, but without the neurodiversity paradigm, that's still not a great time either.

Here's the post by What In The ADHD I reference. I think this infographic does a powerful job of illustrating why growing up neurodivergent is so difficult, whether your neurodivergence is recognized or not.

The second part of the episode is about Monotropism - or having an interest-based attention system, which is something both ADHDers and autistics share. There's a great tip in there for teachers and parents, so definitely listen if you know a kiddo with an intense interest. And, if you're into dogs, Broadway, the neurodiversity paradigm, astrology, or soapmaking....we could probably be friends :)

Also! I have and Etsy shop where I sell my soap now. If you've learned something on this podcast and want to support me, search "WheelsOnMyBack" on Etsy. Here's a link.

Or, hire me for neurodiversity consulting. email jess at jessedelstein dotcom

Hope you like the episode! TYFB!

Jess Edelstein is an award-winning entrepreneur (Shark Tank, Forbes 30 Under 30, EY Winning Women), #actuallyautistic neurodiversity advocate, mental health enthusiast, meditator, dog lover, Broadway geek, soap maker, idealist, and in general a multi-passionate nerd inspired by making the world a safer place for all. She’ll talk your ear off if you let her, so starting a podcast just made sense. She likes it when things make sense. Unlike writing her own bio in the third person. Why is this even a thing? Ok I’m gonna stop typing n