37. ADHD, Autism, or Both? Kara’s Story of Burnout and Sensory Overload

ADHD Mums

In this episode, Kara Lynch, a neurodivergent mum and teacher from Sydney, shares her late ADHD diagnosis at 41, following her daughter's diagnosis. Kara opens up about her struggles with burnout, sensory overload, and the challenge of setting boundaries, which led to a breakdown late last year. Her candid account of how anxiety and sensory sensitivities affected her daily life, work, and parenting will resonate with neurodivergent mums navigating similar experiences.

Kara also discusses how she continues to question whether she might be autistic, given her heightened sensory sensitivities and the impact that masking has had on her mental health and social life. This episode explores the often-overlooked realities of balancing motherhood, work, and personal well-being as a neurodivergent woman.

Key Topics Covered:

• Kara shares the emotional and physical toll of burnout and anxiety, as well as the life-changing support she received from her GP.
• You'll hear about the role of sensory sensitivities in Kara's life, from work environments to parenting challenges, and how ADHD and potential autism overlap.
• Kara provides insights into people-pleasing at work, setting boundaries, and managing the relentless noise and chaos of everyday life with children.
• If you've ever struggled with masking in social situations, Kara's experience with a new friendship group will feel familiar.
• This episode offers practical tips for managing sensory overload, communicating your needs, and setting boundaries to avoid burnout.

Timestamps (approx.):

• 2 mins: The buildup to burnout: juggling family, work, and sensory overload
• 8 mins: Sensory overload: managing noise, visual clutter, and daily triggers
• 15 mins: Exploring potential autism: sensory overload and medication effects
• 21 mins: Burnout recovery: reducing workload and setting healthy boundaries
• 30 mins: Tips for navigating neurodivergent parenting and social situations

What to listen to next:

S2 E13 ADHD & Sensory Overwhelm: Identifying Triggers and Finding Relief with Rebecca Torpie: Listen on Apple or Spotify

S2 E22 Is it ADHD or Motherhood? [Solo Episode]: Listen on Apple or Spotify

Helpful resource: Check out my Pre-diagnosis assessment workbook

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EXTRA RESOURCES:

Still not sure if you have ADHD or are Autistic? Get access to my recommended self tests as a guide to whether you should go for an assessment or not. https://adhdmums.com.au/self-tests/

Can I access the NDIS? Use this link to get a free guide to the NDIS to start you on your journey.

Find more answers, resources and guides on my website at https://adhdmums.com.au/

#ADHDMums #ADHDAutismOverlap #NeurodivergentParenting #BurnoutRecovery #SensoryOverload #ADHDInWomen #AutismInWomen #LateDiagnosis #BoundariesMatter #MentalHealthAwareness #ParentingWithADHD #ADHDPodcast #NeurodivergentJourney

Mentioned in this episode:

Body and Mind Online

A dedicated team of neuro-affirming psychologists, occupational therapists, counsellors, and speech pathologists that you can trust and who have been specifically trained to support your family's journey with compassion, expertise, and individualised care.

Body & Mind Online