The Neurodivergent Struggles Podcast

In this 7th episode of Neurodivergent Struggles, Dr. Kojo Sarfo and Emily explore how neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD and autism, often use substances and sex to regulate their nervous systems. They explain how these behaviors can temporarily provide dopamine and a sense of calm, helping manage internal restlessness and emotional intensity.The conversation dives into how self-medication, whether through alcohol, THC, stimulants, or sexual activity, can quickly become compulsive or addictive. The hosts discuss why neurodivergent individuals may struggle with moderation, as well as the impact of rejection sensitivity, mismatched sex drives in relationships, and how undiagnosed neurodivergence can contribute to risky patterns of behavior.The episode closes with a focus on awareness and treatment, emphasizing that understanding one’s neurodivergence and seeking proper support can be life-changing, even later in life.Find us on all platforms at: @neurodivergentstruggles

In this 5th episode of Neurodivergent Struggles, Dr. Kojo Sarfo and Emily explore limerence, defined as an involuntary infatuation that leads to placing someone on a pedestal and loving the idea of them more than the reality. The co-host shares her experience of staying in a four-year relationship despite early red flags, realizing she was more in love with being in love than with the person himself. They discuss how limerence can feel especially powerful for individuals with ADHD and autism, who may struggle with connection and latch onto the attention and validation.The conversation dives into how undiagnosed neurodivergence, attachment styles, and family expectations can prolong unhealthy relationships. With an anxious and avoidant dynamic at play, they examine how these patterns repeat and why breaking them requires intentional boundaries. Dr. Kojo shares his personal rule of limiting early time spent together to avoid emotional overinvestment, while emphasizing the importance of setting realistic expectations and maintaining separate sources of dopamine and identity within relationships.The episode concludes with a discussion on autistic regression, explaining how years of masking can lead to burnout and a temporary loss of functioning that is often misunderstood as laziness. The hosts highlight the importance of awareness, boundaries, and understanding the nervous system when navigating relationships as a neurodivergent individual.Find us on all platforms at: @neurodivergentstruggles

In this 3rd episode of Neurodivergent Struggles, Dr. Kojo Sarfo sits down with Emily to discuss neurodivergence, identity, and life as an actor. Emily shares why she prefers the gender-neutral term “actor,” and reflects on how ADHD and autism were often overlooked in girls when she was younger, leading many women to receive diagnoses later in life.Emily opens up about living with high-functioning autism, including sensory sensitivities and how different environments affect her neurodivergent brain. She compares life in New York City and Los Angeles, noting how constant stimulation fed her ADHD but also encouraged unhealthy burnout, while LA’s slower pace requires more intentional effort to connect socially. The conversation also explores isolation, addiction, and how substances can temporarily quiet the inner stress many neurodivergent people experience.The hosts discuss routine, work fulfillment, and why traditional 9-to-5 jobs often feel incompatible with neurodivergent needs. Emily shares why acting provides both structure and novelty, and why she chose fulfillment over financial security. They also talk about medication, exercise, social challenges like oversharing, and practical strategies for navigating relationships, work, and mental health with compassion and self-awareness.Find us on all platforms at: @neurodivergentstruggles

In this 1st episode of Neurodivergent Struggles, Dr. Kojo Sarfo along with Mila Max and Roberto Aguilar talk about signs of autism. They share real life experiences and explain how autism can show up differently in everyday life.The hosts discuss ADHD, autism, and bipolar disorder, including why many people do not get diagnosed until later in life. They talk about feeling different, masking to fit in, and why social situations and small talk can be hard for neurodivergent people, especially women.This podcast is a safe and welcoming space where learning about your brain is encouraged. We invite your questions and topic ideas, and all stories stay anonymous unless you say otherwise.Find us on all platforms at: @neurodivergentstruggles