Episode 43: The Relief and Grief of Later-in-Life Diagnosis [featuring Jamie Roberts]

A later-in-life diagnosis of a neurodivergent condition can be a catalyst for great relief after years of searching for answers and feeling a bit different as well as invoke grief over the shift in identity, the years of not knowing, a new understanding of limitations, and changes that this understanding might bring. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Jamie Roberts, the founder of Equilibrium Counseling Services, about the complex and deeply personal aspects of neurodiversity, identity, and self-discovery. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Discover the nuances of neurodivergent identities, including the double-edged sword of attaching to a diagnosis, and how the need for constant curiosity shapes personal and therapeutic growth. Unveil the emotional layers of neurodivergent discovery and the balance of relief and grief that come with diagnoses later in life. Explore the authentic paths of unmasking and setting boundaries after life-altering events, highlighting the transformative power of embracing one's true neurodivergent self in both personal and interpersonal dynamics. The discovery of being neurodivergent can lead to a mix of emotions and more questions on top of the answers, but by further exploring your neurodivergent identity, you can find normalizing relief, a sense of community, and start to find your authentic self beyond the mask. More about Jamie: Jamie Roberts is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and the founder of Equilibrium Counseling Services, a teen and young adult mental health center in Southern California. ECS, is a place where all identities and brains are celebrated, with the goal of building confidence in identity, and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Jamie is the Neurodivergent Therapist throughout social media and is an active speaker on Neurodivergent and Teen topics. Jamie is also AuDHD (Autistic & ADHD) herself, and actively shares her experiences with her later-in-life diagnosis. She is the author of the book Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety, a practical guide to manage stress, ease worry, and find calm. Jamie’s Website: equilibriumcs.com 20% off my course Becoming a Neurodivergent Affirming Therapist (code: DC20): Neurodivergenttherapist.mykajabi.com Jamie’s book Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety: equilibriumcs.com/store/p/mindfulness-for-teen-anxiety-a-practical-guide-to-manage-stress-ease-worry-and-find-calm Instagram: @neurodivergenttherapist Jamie’s masterclass with Neurodivergent Insights is also now available! Check it out here: learn.neurodivergentinsights.com/mindfulness-for-teen-anxiety ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️ Spotify 🎙️ Apple 🎙️ YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube 💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground ———————————————————————————————— ✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources If you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources ———————————————————————————————— 💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground Divergent Conversations Underground is a space for messy conversations, real connection, and unfinished thoughts in a neurodivergent-affirming community. If you’d like to go deeper with us into more nuanced, searching conversations, join here: divergentconversations.substack.com ———————————————————————————————— Mentioned in this episode: Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources If you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources