316 | Autism, ADHD, Gender and Conscientiousness

Do you know anyone who has been diagnosed with both Autism and ADHD? Listen, as and his guest Becca discuss her diagnosis, how ADHD shows up differently in women, why she is interested in studying conscientiousness in this realm and much more on this episode of ADHD . Becca is earning her master's degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and hopes to use her knowledge in individual differences, such as ADHD in personality and training in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, to help organizations create inclusive work environments for employees.  Becca challenges the statement that people with Autism and ADHD are not high in conscientiousness. She shares her understanding of Autism and how it shows up for her, and how she has been told that she can't be on the spectrum because she is so smart. Eric discusses the difference between Autism and Aspergers and the arguments around both. Listen, as Becca speaks about how gender and conscientiousness change the manifestation of ADHD, withdrawing from people because of her daily struggles and what led her to seek a diagnosis for ADHD. She shares her sensory challenges, and the never-ending battle to be on time. Did you know that social communication is an executive social function? Eric and Becca discuss the fact that women are socially wired to mirror their environment and how she works through social interaction. Eric asks a hypothetical question about a red pill and a blue pill if one of them would cure ADHD. Would you take it? Becca shares her struggles with Autism and ADHD; some of them are embarrassing, while others are frustrating. Her goal is to help others by telling her story and let people who have the same issues know they are not alone. This is one of those conversations that will make you look at yourself and say, hmmm. You'll learn: [02:32] Becca, welcome to the podcast! [03:01] Becca shares her diagnoses of Autism and ADHD. [06:46] She challenges the statement that people with Autism are not high in conscientiousness. [09:03] Eric shares the definition of conscientiousness. [10:03] Becca questions whether people with ADHD are low in conscientiousness. [12:00] Have you been told you can't be on the spectrum because you are so smart? [13:14] Eric says that it is essential to understand that we are all different in the way we show up. [13:37] What got you interested in studying consciousness in this realm? [15:34] Becca shares her understanding of Autism and how it shows up for her. [18:02] Becca speaks about having a case manager come to talk to her and her mom and ask if she could use a spoon and fork. [19:45] Eric chats about the difference between Autism and Aspergers and the argument around both. [26:02] Becca speaks about how gender and conscientiousness change the manifestation of ADHD. [28:44] Have you felt shame or guilt because you forgot to go to the store or didn't have dinner? [30:18] Becca speaks about withdrawing from others because she struggles to manage her everyday life. [32:00] Becca shares a story about what led to her diagnosis of ADHD. [33:03] Becca chats about the struggle to be on time when she goes somewhere. [34:37] What is the hardest part for you of having ADHD? [36:34] Becca speaks about having sensory challenges and what it is like for her. [38:38] Did you know that social communication is an executive social function? [40:20] Eric speaks about some studies that show women are more socially wired to mirror their environment. [47:32] Becca shares how she works through social interaction in her brain. [49:30] Do you show empathy differently from people around you? [51:18] Becca speaks about smiling and laughing at funerals when everyone else is crying. Not because she is happy, but because she can't control it. [53:32] Eric chats about teaching micro-expressions and training. [56:02] Are you different but not less? Do you know your strengths and challenges? [58:16] Eric speaks about the hypothetical question about if you could take a pill to make your ADHD go away would you take it? [1:00:52] Is there anything you want to say to the listeners? [1:01:03] Becca, thank you so much for sharing your story! [1:01:18] If you are wondering if you have Autism or ADHD, find a specialist. [1:02:36] If you are a regular listener, consider becoming a patron and on our Patreon at