In this episode of Translating ADHD, Asher and Dusty explore the complex relationship between ADHD, perfectionism, and the pursuit of mastery. They discuss how perfectionism often blocks people with ADHD from starting new tasks or hobbies because of unrealistic expectations of immediate perfection. The hosts emphasize the challenge of appreciating incremental progress, noting that the ADHD brain craves instant results, which can lead to frustration and loss of interest before meaningful skill development occurs. They highlight the importance of intentionally practicing skills in small, manageable increments, using strategies like gamification, setting deadlines, and breaking tasks into smaller chunks to maintain motivation and follow-through.

Asher shares his personal journey of learning to cook by shifting his mindset from seeing cooking as a chore to treating it as a skill to be developed deliberately. Dusty adds that mastering the skill of practicing itself is crucial for people with ADHD, especially when juggling multiple interests. They also discuss the value of recognizing when to let go of the pressure to excel and instead accept being “good enough” at some skills, which can be liberating. Both hosts agree that understanding how to build skills and knowing when to release expectations can help people with ADHD engage more meaningfully with their passions and daily activities.

• Join the Community | Become a Patron
• Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.
• About Asher and Dusty

• Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode
• Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD
• Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

In this episode of Translating ADHD, Ash and Dusty explore the concept of neuroqueerness, a term that captures the intersections between neurodivergent identities and queer experiences. They discuss how neuroqueerness challenges both heteronormativity and neuronormativity, offering a valuable framework for self-understanding, especially during Pride Month. Through personal experiences and coaching insights, they highlight how neuroqueer individuals often express themselves in ways that disrupt societal norms around gender, sexuality, and neurodivergence.

The hosts further differentiate between the experiences of autistic and ADHD individuals in relation to queerness, emphasizing the unique identity challenges ADHD can pose due to masking and unconscious conformity. They also explore how neuroqueer identity is not limited to those who identify as gender or sexual minorities, showcasing examples of people who embody queerness through their expression and relationships. Ultimately, the episode underscores the importance of community, authentic self-expression, and embracing complexity in identity.

• Join the Community | Become a Patron
• Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.
• About Asher and Dusty

• Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode
• Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD
• Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

In this episode of the Translating ADHD podcast, Ash and Dusty explore the concept of emotional permanence—a term that highlights the experience of being stuck in intense emotions, often seen in people with ADHD. They discuss how emotional dysregulation, a common but under-recognized aspect of ADHD, interferes with motivation, goal-directed behavior, and the ability to tolerate distress. Dusty shares personal experiences and therapeutic tools such as distress tolerance and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques that help in recognizing that emotions are temporary and learning to self-soothe rather than react impulsively.

Ash and Dusty also discuss practical coaching strategies for clients dealing with emotional overwhelm, including shifting from reactive to curious mindsets to gain clarity and make thoughtful decisions. They emphasize the importance of balancing action and patience, knowing when to push forward and when to allow oneself time to regroup. The episode offers valuable insights into managing ADHD-related emotional challenges by fostering self-awareness, gentle self-talk, and curiosity—helping listeners build resilience and make more grounded choices in their daily lives.

• Join the Community | Become a Patron
• Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.
• About Asher and Dusty

• Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode
• Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD
• Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com