Late Diagnosis, Masking & Redefining Neurodivergent Masculinity
In this episode of
The Spicy Brain Podcast, host
Lara Sullivan sits down with
Tom Gilding, a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD man, to explore the realities of discovering your neurodivergence later in life and what it means to rebuild your identity after diagnosis.
Tom shares his personal journey of seeking answers after a rise in anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic led him to finally explore the experiences he had spent years trying to understand. From sensory overload and executive dysfunction to masking and feeling different,
Tom reflects on the relief, grief, and self-discovery that came with his diagnosis.
The episode explores:
🌶️ What late diagnosis can reveal about your past experiences
🌶️ The push and pull between autism and ADHD traits
🌶️ Masking, burnout, and the pressure to fit in
🌶️ Neurodivergence, masculinity, and emotional expression
🌶️ Dating, relationships, and communicating your needs
🌶️ Finding community, self-acceptance, and support after diagnosis
Tom highlights why creating space for honesty and self-understanding is super crucial for neurodivergent men and he also explores how he uses advocacy and social media to challenge stereotypes around autism and ADHD, encourage adult diagnosis conversations, and help others feel less alone in their experiences.
Tune in for an open conversation about identity, acceptance, mental health, and what happens when you finally understand yourself in a new way.
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Email:
tomgilding.collab@gmail.com
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www.instagram.com/tom_gilding/