10. When Consistency Meets Chronic Illness

SUMMARY

Patricia Young (she/her) explains why she and Alex haven't been able to release podcast episodes consistently and shares the very real impact of living with chronic illness as AuDHD adults. Patricia speaks openly about recording challenges, fluctuating capacity, and the grief that comes with no longer being able to push through fatigue, pain, and sensory overwhelm. She reflects on internalized ableism, late diagnosis, and common autistic comorbidities such as POTS, MCAS, chronic pain, and exhaustion, and why showing up sometimes looks inconsistent, imperfect, and deeply human. This episode centers self-compassion, disabled realities, and the reminder that doing your best doesn't always look productive.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Living with chronic illness makes consistency genuinely hard—not morally hard, physically and neurologically hard
Many autistic and ADHD adults carry grief for what they used to be able to do
Late diagnosis often comes with the realization that "pushing through" had a cost
Fatigue, pain, and sensory overwhelm compound over time
Internalized ableism can show up as guilt for needing rest
Podcasting, creativity, and work don't exist outside health realities
Chronic conditions like POTS, MCAS, fibromyalgia, and migraines are common autistic comorbidities
Capacity is not static—it fluctuates day to day
Losing tolerance for crowds, noise, and standing isn't a failure
Disability doesn't always look the way we expect it to
Grief deserves space, even when it isn't the focus of the episode
Self-compassion is a necessary skill, not a luxury
Showing up "imperfectly" is still showing up
Productivity culture clashes hard with disabled bodies
Sometimes the most honest content is naming limitations out loud

SOUNDBITES

"There is a lot of grief in realizing your body can't do what it used to do."

"Many of us pushed through for years, and eventually the body says no."

"Internalized ableism brings guilt when rest is actually necessary."

"Sometimes being disabled means things don't look the way you want them to."

"We haven't given up—we're just showing up the best we can."

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS:

Alex McLaughlin (they/them) has a Master's in Social Work, and is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) on Wahpekute land (colonized as MN). Alex is an AuDHDer, PDAer, Queer, non-binary, fat, chronically ill, disabled, & a multi-racial (1/8th Chinese & white passing) human with lived experience of OCD. As a late diagnosed adult, Alex has felt different and embraced their quirky, eccentric nature—what they now recognize as undiagnosed AuDHD. This lifelong experience of masking and curiosity about people inspired their passion for understanding and serving others, ultimately shaping their path today.

Alex provides neurodivergent and Queer-affirming therapy and Autism and ADHD assessments on Wahpekute land (colonized as Minnesota). Their work is grounded in intersectional feminism, ecological systems theory, and a commitment to decolonizing mental health care. They support clients in exploring how interconnected systems shape their experiences, while fostering resilience, empowerment, and self-understanding—especially for Neurodivergent, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC/POGM, and disabled communities. Trained in ERP, I-CBT (including ND-affirming I-CBT), sand tray therapy, TF-CBT, and somatic approaches, Alex also brings lived experience and is pursuing IFS to deepen their parts-informed practice.

Coaching, consulting and training coming soon! Head here to be notified when this practice opens!

Head to Alex's website here to connect further: Here

Patricia Young (she/her) has a Master's Degree in Social Work, and was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller. Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile, OCD and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion. She created the podcast Unapologetically Sensitive and Unapologetically AuDHD to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren't alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges. Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you

Patricia's website, podcast episodes and more here!

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