Show Notes:
Navigating an Adult AuDHD Diagnosis: A Transformative Journey

A diagnosis isn’t a label to fear, but a key to understanding, self-acceptance, and accessing appropriate support. 🌟 Explore the life-changing impact of an AuDHD diagnosis with Simon Arnold, host of AuDHD ME and MO The Podcast and author of “The 13 Hour Life Coach,” as he shares his personal story. Join us on the Water Prairie Chronicles for an enlightening discussion about understanding ADHD and autism in adulthood, and how it can transform self-awareness and daily life.

In this episode, we cover:

• Simon’s journey to an adult diagnosis and its profound effect
• Understanding the vital role of medication and neurophysiology
• Unique communication methods within the autism community
• Tips for parents on supporting children with ADHD and autism

Simon’s journey is an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to seek understanding and make positive changes. Whether you’re an adult exploring your own path or a parent supporting a child with a similar journey, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Connect with Simon:

• Podcast: AuDHD ME and MO The Podcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonarnold-audhd/

📰 Are you getting our newsletter? If not, subscribe at https://waterprairie.com/newsletter

👉 Support our podcast and help us share more incredible stories by making a donation at Buy Me A Coffee. Your contribution makes a significant impact in bringing these stories to light. Thank you for your support!

• https://BuyMeACoffee.com/waterprairie

Music Used:

“LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

---

---

Episode #126: Discovering New Clarity with AuDHD

Navigating an Adult AuDHD Diagnosis: A Transformative Journey

(Recorded April 25, 2025)

Full Transcript of Interview:

Tonya: Have you ever looked at your child and wondered, how can I best support the beautiful, unique way their mind works?

I recently had the privilege of speaking with Simon Arnold, the host of AuDHD ME and MO The Podcast. Simon has a unique journey to his own diagnosis and he’s agreed to share it with us today.

This is a special interview session in that after we finished recording Simon’s interview, he turned around and interviewed me about my experience raising two children with disabilities, and I was able to teach him a little bit about narcolepsy along the way.

I’ll post the link to Simon’s podcast episode so you can hear the second half of our session over on AuDHD ME and MO The Podcast after you listen to today’s episode here.

Welcome to Water Prairie. A podcast for parents of children with disabilities. I’m your host, Tonya Wollum, and I’m glad you’re here.

In this interview, Simon is generously sharing his own powerful journey of being diagnosed with both autism and ADHD as an adult. His experiences offer a unique and valuable lens on how neurodiversity can manifest, and

the profound impact of understanding our own and our children’s unique wiring.

Get ready for a conversation filled with honesty, vulnerability, and insights that I know will resonate deeply with you.

Simon, welcome to Water Prairie.

Simon: Thank you, Tonya. It’s great to be here. Thank you.

So listeners, Simon and I have been talking for a bit trying to, get this coordinated. as I said earlier, we’re gonna be sharing this on both of our podcasts. And, um, and if you wanna hear the full conversation between us, you need to go to Simon’s and listen to that.

So check the show notes. I have a link there directly to the other part of this. this interview, so, so you’re not missing any of it. But for this part of the interview, I wanted to talk to Simon about his journey with both autism and ADHD. So, um, a lot of our parents listening in our audience are navigating the journey of trying to understand their child’s unique neurodevelopment.

Maybe that’s, that’s the word I want to use, um, whether it’s ADHD or autism or both. And I’m finding more and more have both as the diagnosis. Could you tell me, like, how did you get started with even questioning whether there might be something going on for you?

Well, um, I’d always known that something was wrong or something was different from the age of eight.

And it took me, you know, there were just indications throughout the decades really. Um, and then, wow, my son was diagnosed in. My oldest son in 2015 with ADHD I listened to an MP3 from Dr. Russell Barkley, actually, who’s really famous on adult ADHD for five years and realized that, and I wrote in my book, of course, the 13 Hour Life Coach, which I wrote, um, that I couldn’t with my own brain make the decision that I’ve got ADHD using my own brain to come to that decision.

If that makes sense. Um, so I need, I needed an outside source to give me a bit of a thrust towards ADHD, and it was only, um, when I failed medical school, um, that my wife at the time. Gave me a list of 20 questions actually from the charity, which is a, a hospital in, in, in Berlin, um, with 20 questions on what ADHD actually looks like.

I took it away for an for an hour thought I had 17. She said, you have all of them. Um, and then she helped me write emails to. Um, yeah, the charity, hospital, clinic, um, and, and others really. And then I got accepted and it went from there. Really.

Wow. So what, what were some of those signs? I, I know twenties is a lot to remember, but were there any major ones that stand out for you?

All of them. Um, you know, it mostly like scattered cv. It’s like, oh, wow. Yes. Like 20 different jobs in 20 years. Um, not having the ability to remember anything. Um, I mean, they were all relevant and even the, I couldn’t see it with clarity. I needed her to give me that form and then we went with that. So lot of us really need an outside source and I do suggest it these days. Say we’re friends and we see each other regularly. Um, and you just indicate, Hey, um, you might have ADHD I write it down in my, my daily journal and then I’ll reflect on that and see Tonya’s said within 10 times, within two months that I might have ADHD I should follow that up. So that’s a good, um, way of coming from, at it from a different angle.

For you, ’cause it seems like this kind of came out of the blue for you because you weren’t seeing it in yourself. What was your initial reaction to the diagnosis?

It’s the best thing in my whole life. Um, you know, in the first chapter of my book, I, um, naturally was asked to take some medication to try out, um, with ADHD, and, and this is what I really wanna say.

Um, there’s a lot of diagnosis these days as well. There is, um, I think you can go to five to eight milligrams of a certain medication and get the benefits of it as a normal functioning human being. You’re a typical person, but you’ll find that, you know, if people took what I take, they actually turn into, they’d actually have the ADHD symptoms because there’s far too much dopamine foreign in the brain.

Um, so I basically really. To be honest came online for the very first time, uh, with clarity. Um, and that’s where Mo came along. Mo is the, the inner voice. And if you don’t mind, I just wanted to explain it a little bit, um, from my recent research, um, you know, we as kids we’re from like two years old in the Theta level of, of like brain vibration frequency, and I believe us with ADHD don’t actually leave the Theta level at about the age of 11 and go into the beta Beta and the alpha states. We stay there and in a way, I was brought out of this Theta level and kind of given. Given the option to see the different frequencies of brain function. And Mo came along and he said immediately, hi, it’s Mo.

And it was so loud in my head that I actually went to the window and opened the window to see if someone was physically there. And um, this is why, you know, my podcast called the ME and MO Podcast. It’s the inner voice that I’ve always wanted. Um, that Neurotypicals have and I do talk about why can’t they just appreciate the fact that they have an inner voice, um, and not be the ones that jump over the fence when we just jump over it without thinking about it right.

When we’re younger. Um, so it’s, it’s of great significance. Um, my diagnosis to me.

So you would say that there’s more validation and clarity because of the diagnosis then?

I mean, lots of things. I read a book for the first time, Tonya, you know. Oh, wow. Yeah. I read, I read. Um,

wait, how did you get to med school without reading a book?

Just because I, I’d done, uh, so in physiotherapy, I was in private practice with a, who, a friend of mine who owned a physiotherapy practice. Um, and I would, I would stay in there and learn all the, all the techniques. The thing was, oh. With the four executive functions predominantly. The memory recall, my memory was like a sieve.

So I went into, and they knew that I’d studied in two other countries already and, and had been in the area for a lot, a lot of years of my life. The, um, the assessors were, were, you know, I got, I walked in and anyone off the street could have done better than I did with no prior knowledge. Um. It’s just really, really fricking embarrassing.

Like it’s not just cover your hands in front of your face. It’s kind of like, I wanna disappear from everywhere. You know? It’s, it’s, it’s that bad. But now, honestly. I could, I could pass it with flying colors because I do have some ability, well, a lot of ability of memory recall. I can remember everything now.

So this is because of the effects of the medication that, that you’re taking?

Yeah, the medication’s really interesting. Um. We have the hormone, uh, rine, um, in our bodies, of course, and within the medication. It isn’t just the balance between the dopamine and the serotonin, what, what everyone thinks really, because the dopamine kind of, if you can imagine it.

Coming down the face in a way. Um, the dopamine goes at the right speed and where it should go and lands at where it should go. And that’s, that’s great. But the neurophine actually opens up the arteries within the brain and, and gives your brain more, uh, blood to the area. Therefore, you have a better memory recall system up there.

Right. Okay. That makes perfect sense. I, I had a guest on last year who, um. Is looking at the, the receptors and how diet changes can help open and close the genes that affect those receptors. I thought it was, it was, it was really interesting and she wasn’t saying Take medicine or, or not take medicine.

But there are ways to help control some of the genetic sides of things with, with the, just, just the way, the way you’re regulating diet and toxins, that, that may or may not be part of. Part of your system. I, I found it really, really an interesting topic.

I did a, a recent podcast about, oh, it’s, oh, it’s coming up actually, uh, called Cyclones and Hurricanes and, uh, once or twice every six weeks, every six months, I’m in a I hurricane that I can’t get out of.

And this is the reason, this is the reason why I think, um. Particularly a lot of women in, in Canada. ’cause that’s the highest rate of just Unli in themselves because we’ve got, um. When we have too much medication and I’m not pro or contra medication, if people want to not use medication, that’s also great as well.

But when too much medication is released into the system, then it’s kind of like an explosion goes on. But I spoke to Dr. Luco on my podcast and he said, stay away from drinking. Citrus-based drinks, um, when you’re taking your medication. Because we could use orange juice, couldn’t we? To, to drink it down in the morning, you know, without thinking.

But he’s here. But he indicates that perhaps it just opens up, you know, the stomach a little bit more to, to, you know, the. The, the small balls within, uh, the medication just get dissolved so much quicker and then it gets us into trouble. Um, so that’s where I wanted to come in with that. Take it with water and you’ll be better off than oranges.

He was saying any type of citrus. ’cause a lot of times I’ll, I’ll read like grapefruit is one to stay away from for certain medications, so it isn’t one, it’s any because, so the acidity of it that’s doing it.

That’s what’s doing it apparently.

Alright. Parents do always do your own research, but you now have something, something else to, to, to dig into here.

So we’re gonna have your podcast linked in the show notes. So parents look through his directory to find that interview and then you can, can, can get the direct information from him.

If you do have, inevitably the times when too much medication’s released in your system, you’re not sure what to do because everything kind of goes haywire up there.

It’s only for a day, once every six or months or so, but it’s still bad. Um, be around people you know that maybe they can look out for you. Um, I go into town, I walk through the town. I’m like, okay, this is a bad day. But there’s people around not just for. Yeah, kind of safety issues a little bit, uh, but also knowing that you’re not by yourself, so that’s really the suggestion I put in there.

I was gonna ask you about how the diagnosis may have shifted your understanding, but it sounds like it, it, it really has. And you’ve, you’ve dug in deep with this to understand it more. Have you always been one who has wanted to dig deeper into things, or is this new for you?

I’ve always wanted to dig deeper into things.

You know, from 2009 I was studying the, the works of Bob Proctor and, you know, all those motivational speakers. And I tell you what, when you have memory recall and you need the medication, you know, that’s obvious. I, I actually have an IDA memory, I can recall everything. Um, so that’s why. I don’t really go into many social situations to be, because I don’t wanna remember everything that’s going on, and I’m on my meds for 13 hours, so that’s why my book is called The 13 Hour Life Coach.

Okay. Okay. Now is, is the book out? Is it, is it one that, that the people can buy?

It’s been out since November 22 on Lulu.

And I’ve just launched the audio version. I did an audio version. It took four days and I lost my voice almost. Uh, but that’s also available on my podcast.

So, um, so again, listeners, any, anything that you’re hearing of references, check the show notes. ’cause we’ll put the links of, of, of all of the pieces that, that we have talked about and we will talk about.

I’m sure there’ll, there’ll be others. Yeah. So thinking back to our listeners, um, again, Water Prairie listeners are primarily parents of children with disabilities. And listeners, whether your child has the same diagnosis, you, you may still glean some information that’ll help you ask some questions about your own situation.

But, um, but some of them are trying to find out how they can support their children. So. Any advice for our parents on how they can encourage their child who may have an autism or ADHD diagnosis?

Yeah, and this is gonna be lovely. What I’m gonna bring out now, to be honest, I mean, um, you know, with ADHD, a lot of the kids are prescribed medication.

Um, um, you know, we had, let’s start with the good, good area, really. Uh, so, you know, my son was quiet. And now having ADHD and taking meds myself, the quietness is number one. As a parent, don’t, um, their personality and character doesn’t change, but don’t expect them to be the person that you want them to be, if that makes sense.

Um, if they’re quiet, it could be. Their inner voice is initiated and is with them, and it’s their companion because Mo is my companion all the time. You know, I love him to death. It’s like that’s the real love in life basically, is to love yourself. I know it sounds a bit weird, but I know other people, um, so Sarah, friend of mine, her inner voice is Jane.

And Jane and Mo link up our inner voices, link up before we do verbally. Um, we don’t have to be near each other. We could be across waters like we are now. Um, and if your children are quiet, there’s not necessarily, it could be the best thing ever. And if a, if you don’t mind talking about autism as well. I really believe that because we’re.

Because we’re in the Theta state vibration of, of the brain. There is, and I’ve done this in the school with the kids, that I didn’t need to go round and check the autistic kids’ work because we had this, um, telepathy form of communication that they were just fine and I knew that they work was okay, and they knew that, um, I was happy with that without any kind of verbal instruction.

So there’s. If you do have mute autistic kids, there’s so much communication going on and it’s a bit like when you, um, blow a, a dog whistle, you can’t hear that, but the dogs can. Um, so we are on a completely different level when the autism is there. If you don’t mind, I just wanna bring on like the, the, the more worse effects of some ADHD medications.

I think it’s really good to. Have a small list of the ADHD medications when you go into your doctor and maybe laminate it or something, because then you can go through a list not to ask for a a certain medication because you’re not a doctor. That’s why we have doctors. But when my son said to me, he got a new medication, he said to me, dad, I don’t wanna live anymore.

I took the medication away, put it in the car, went back to the doctor the next day and said. My son said he doesn’t wanna live anymore. And that’s it. I need, I need, let’s go back to the medication that we used before. So there are sometimes, you know, that’s a sick, that’s a red flag, right? Um, so we’ve got to be aware of the quietness and if they are quiet, um, that’s okay.

It’s just that if they indicate. Something’s wrong. That’s when you need to be more aware.

Very good advice. We, we went through a similar situation with my son where we did make adjustments in medication. He wasn’t taking the medication for ADHD, but it’s similar medication categories. And what we found is now that he’s in his early twenties, he’s able to go back to those meds because his brain has gone through whatever phase he was in at the time when he was 15.

He couldn’t handle it. Now it’s the perfect medicine for him and for years we had it on his, his file with the doctor in red do not give, because we didn’t want them to even experiment with that category Again, things may change. It may be something that, it may be a growth spurt that they’re in, that’s not the right fit at the time, but it, but these are all questions you have to bring up with your doctor to, to know what the best situation is.

Yeah.

Simon, I, I wanna make sure we have time to do both your side of the podcast and this side. So, so listeners, stay, stay with us ’cause this is gonna be a continuing conversation. But before we finish this half of it this season, I’ve been asking my guest questions about what I’m calling a day in the life.

And it’s kind of a way for us to, to connect with you differently without it being an official. Interview type question. It’s still gonna be a question. So, so, so I guess it’s the same thing, but, but, um, but I was, I was trying to think like, what I wanted to ask you because, um, you’ve, as an adult, you’ve changed from what your previous life was to what your life is today.

Having the diagnosis confirmed, but also having had time now to kind of get adjusted to life with AuDHD. So for you, what does a typical day look like? Are there any routines or strategies or sensory considerations that, that you apply during the day to help you? You had mentioned journaling, but what are some other things you’re doing?

Um, I, I start my day. So my day result, uh, revolves around meditation. So I get up at four o’clock, three or four o’clock in the morning, and I meditate for an hour. Which shifts the melatonin phase to the serotonin phase within the brain. You know, when we feel groggy, that’s because the serotonin phase hasn’t caught up yet.

Right? We don’t reach for the coffee. We shouldn’t do that or check emails, but, um. It doesn’t matter who we are, we’ve got to wait for that switch. It’s not like melatonin goes away, it’s still there. Um, but that’s really key to me. And then at the end of the day, the melatonin goes back and says goodnight.

And, uh, the, the serotonin says goodnight, and then the melatonin takes over so that we can sleep well. And yeah, whatever day is happening really. I, I, I plan that at the start and the beginning of the day.

So during your, your meditating time, you’re kind of going through your day of what’s coming up, what your plans are?

No, I’m not doing anything. I’m just sitting like in, in the middle of, no, in like completely away from body and mind in a way. Um, just because I know that the brain needs to basically warm up or cool down at the end of the day.

Okay. All right. I, I, I, I, I can see that, um, skills that I’m still learning for myself.

So, another question would be, um, you’re, you’re really immersed with the podcast and in your community through the podcast, but beside, aside from the podcast itself, what are some ways that you are engaging or finding support within the ADHD or autism community in your daily life?

I actually have found all the rehabilitation and everything and information I’ve known, um, to get that special guest on the podcast.

You know, if I believe that they know more or they’ve got different experiences, I basically speak to them and it opens up my awareness, it gives me more clarity, and in doing so, I’ll share it with my audience so everyone wins at the same time.

All right, so speaking of the podcast, tell us how to connect with the podcast and any contact information you have.

Yep, the podcast is AuDHD ME and MO The Podcast on Spotify and all other providers, and you can really find me on LinkedIn under Simon Arnold, and that’s about it at the moment. I do have a website, but obviously I need to, um, or you can write to me on, on Spotify for creators in the comment section. And then I, I know where everyone, uh, reaches out to me.

Listeners, I’m gonna challenge you to go and to check out the other half of this interview. But while you’re there, I want you to go on Apple if you’re listening on Apple, and leave a review for him. Whatever country you’re in so that he can start building his, his audience there and his credibility with that.

And if you are watching this on YouTube, leave us a comment below with your biggest question that you want to ask, and we can, between the two of us, we will, we will get, get back to you with that. So Simon, thanks for this half of the interview. I’m looking forward to, to seeing what questions you might have now on the other half.

Thanks Tonya.

Now it’s time for you to go to Simon’s podcast, AuDHD ME and MO The Podcast, to hear the rest of our conversation. I’ll post the link below for you. Hearing different perspectives enriches our understanding and empowers us on this parenting journey. If you haven’t done so, subscribe to Water Prairie and leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more parents of children with disabilities.

Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you next time.