About this episode

Patrick Casale discusses the challenges and language surrounding autism and ADHD with Dr. Emma Offord.

In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Dr. Emma Offord, a UK-based clinical psychologist and founder of Divergent Life, about the landscape of autism and ADHD assessment, both in the U.K. and U.S., and the urgent need to move past deficit-based models to truly affirming, accessible care. 3 Key Takeaways: Systemic barriers to diagnosis are everywhere: Whether it’s a years-long wait for a free assessment in the U.K. or gatekeeping and prohibitive insurance premiums in the U.S., neurodivergent individuals face enormous hurdles in accessing meaningful support. The current system often invalidates lived experience and leaves people without essential accommodations. Language matters—and can harm: The use of terms like “trend” or “epidemic” to describe rising awareness of autism and ADHD is not just inaccurate; it’s deeply invalidating. This deficit-driven, medicalized language reinforces stigma and undermines the legitimacy of neurodivergent identities, contributing to trauma and exclusion. Lived experience is a key form of expertise: Social media and community voices are finally creating space for marginalized, diverse neurodivergent experiences—well beyond the narrow medical…

More episodes of All Things Private Practice Podcast

• Episode 255: The Medical Gaslighting That’s Keeping People Sick [featuring Alexandra Wildeson] · July 15, 2026 · 35 min
• Episode 253: The Burnout Trap Every Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Faces [featuring Natalia Rivera] · July 1, 2026 · 34 min
• Introducing "The Neurodivergent Entrepreneur" Podcast (Formally All Things Private Practice) · June 27, 2026 · 2 min
• Episode 252: Late Autism and ADHD Diagnosis and Advocacy for Neurodivergent Families [featuring Katherine L’Etang] · June 20, 2026 · 25 min

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