About this episode
This episode explores the hidden costs of masking autism, the identity crisis following a late diagnosis, and the journey to self-discovery.
Dr. Samantha Hiew is an ADHD and Autism expert with a PhD in Medical Sciences and lived experience of being AuDHD. In this episode, we explore the hidden cost of masking Autism, the identity crisis that can follow a late diagnosis, why making friends can feel so difficult, and how to find your true self after years of pretending to be someone you're not. If you've ever felt different, misunderstood, or like you don't know who you really are, this conversation is for you. Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 01:28 Why Autism Often Goes Unnoticed 03:22 My Emotional Reaction To An Autism Diagnosis 04:59 The Identity Crisis Nobody Talks About 07:18 Processing A Late Autism Diagnosis 11:39 Why Traits Can Feel Stronger After Diagnosis 12:59 The Hidden Cost Of Masking AuDHD 16:40 How To Find Yourself Again 20:32 Tiimo Advert 23:12 Why Making Friends Is So Difficult 25:39 Finding Love As An AuDHDer 30:57 The Stages Of AuDHD Acceptance 35:50 Audience questions Visit Sam’s website 👉 https://samanthahiew.com Find Sam on Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/samanthahiewphd/ Get 30% off an annual Tiimo subscription 👉 https://www.tiimoapp.com/offers/adhdchatter Buy Alex's book entitled 'Now It All…
People in this episode
Host: Alex Partridge
Guest: Dr. Samantha Hiew
Topics covered
- masking autism
- identity crisis
- late diagnosis
- making friends
- self-discovery
Keywords
- autism
- ADHD
- identity crisis
- masking
- self-discovery
- friendship
- diagnosis
Sponsors
Tiimo
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Now It All Makes Sense, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
More episodes of ADHD Chatter
- Psychiatrist Who's Diagnosed 10,000 Women With ADHD & Autism: "THIS Still Shocks Me!" - Dr Shyamal Mashru · June 8, 2026 · 45 min
- This ONE Habit Means You Have ADHD & OCD - Dr Alex George · May 25, 2026 · 28 min
- No.1 Female Autism Expert: What Female Autism REALLY Looks Like (It's not what you think) · May 18, 2026 · 1h 4m
- Doctor (25 years experience): ADHD Women Need To Stop Doing THIS | Dr Helen Wall · May 11, 2026 · 45 min
- Most Replayed Moment: The Emotional Toll Of Undiagnosed AuDHD (Explained by No.1 AuDHD Expert) · May 6, 2026 · 10 min
- Oxford Psychiatrist: The Fastest Way To Cure RSD! (New Research) · May 4, 2026 · 1h 9m
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the ADHD Chatter podcast page.