That AuDHD Teacher

Emily Sigglekow

Welcome to That AuDHD Teacher, a podcast about making sense of life through the lens of a late AuDHD diagnosis. I'm Emily, an early childhood teacher and someone who spent years wondering why life always seemed a little harder than it looked for everyone else. After being diagnosed with Autism and ADHD as an adult, so many pieces of my life started to make sense. Each episode is an honest conversation about neurodivergence, mental wellbeing, teaching, and the everyday experiences that often go unseen. So lets get comfortable and make sense of this beautifully complicated brain together.

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14 episodes
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Avg 26 min
English

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S1 · E13
Monday · 40 min
AuDHD, ADHD and Attachment: Why We Get So Attached to People
Why do some people become so deeply attached to certain people? In this bonus episode, Emily is joined by her best friend Emma to talk about AuDHD, ADHD, attachment, hyperfocus, emotional intensity, rejection sensitivity and the experience of having someone become a major focus of your thoughts. We talk honestly about lifelong patterns of attachment, childhood experiences, teachers and mentors, relationships, reassurance, uncertainty, rumination, dopamine, people pleasing and what happens when an attachment becomes all consuming. We also explore whether people can become a hyperfocus or special interest, and why being deeply attached isn't necessarily something to be ashamed of. If you've ever thought, "Why do I care about this person so much?" or recognised yourself in the experience of thinking about someone constantly, this conversation might make you feel a little less alone.
S1 · E12
September 10 · 30 min
Bonus Episode 12: Inside My Autism Assessment | What Was My Autism Assessment Actually Like?
What actually happens during an adult autism assessment? In this episode of That AuDHD Teacher, I take you through my own autism assessment experience, including the screening questionnaires I completed, what I was asked, and what the assessment process was like for me. I'll talk about the different questionnaires that were used as part of my assessment, including the RAADS-R, Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q), and Monotropism Questionnaire (MQ). I've also included links to the questionnaires I talk about in the episode below. RAADS-R: https://novopsych.com/assessments/diagnosis/ritvo-autism-asperger-diagnostic-scale-revised-raads-r/ Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ): https://psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotient CAT-Q: https://embrace-autism.com/cat-q/ Monotropism Questionnaire (MQ): https://osf.io/wpx5g/files/4wru2 Please remember that these are screening and self-report tools, not diagnostic tests. Completing a questionnaire or receiving a particular score does not mean that you are autistic. They are simply one possible source of information within a broader assessment process. I'll also talk about something that made a huge difference to my own experience: having a clinician who understood that autism can present differently in women. I didn't feel like I had to prove that my struggles were real. They listened to me, believed my experience and that made an enormous difference. I'll also talk about finding a reputable clinician, why autism assessments can differ between countries and providers, and why it's important to ask questions about an assessment before committing to it. I've created a free resource with questions you might want to consider asking a clinician before choosing someone to assess you. https://thataudhdteacher.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/questions-to-ask-an-autism-clinician.pdf My assessment was conducted online, which also meant there were limitations to what support I could access afterwards. For example, some forms of support may require an assessment that meets particular requirements, including an in-person assessment. Your assessment experience may look very different from mine. This episode is about my personal experience of being assessed for autism and what I learned from the process. It isn't a guide to what every autism assessment should look like, and it isn't a substitute for professional assessment or advice. Welcome to That AuDHD Teacher , a podcast about my journey as an autistic and ADHD teacher, and the things I'm continuing to learn about AuDHD, neurodiversity and myself.
S1 · E11
September 3 · 29 min
Bonus Episode 11: Inside my ADHD Assessment | What Was My ADHD Assessment Actually Like?
What actually happens during an adult ADHD assessment? In this episode of That AuDHD Teacher, I take you through my own ADHD assessment experience, including some of the screening questionnaires I completed and some of the questions I was asked along the way. I'll talk about what the assessment process was like for me, what I found difficult, what surprised me, and what it felt like to finally have someone look at the things I'd struggled with throughout my life through the lens of ADHD. I'll also talk about the importance of finding a clinician who understands that ADHD doesn't always look the same in everyone, particularly when it comes to adults and women who may have developed strategies to compensate or mask their difficulties. I've included links to the two screening questionnaires I discuss in this episode below: Wender Utah Rating Scale: https://novopsych.com/assessments/diagnosis/wender-utah-rating-scale-25-item-version-wurs-25/ Diagnostic Interview for ADHD In Adults (DIVA): https://www.advancedassessments.co.uk/resources/ADHD-Screening-Test-Adult.pdf Please remember that these are screening questionnaires, not diagnostic tests. A score on a questionnaire cannot tell you whether you have ADHD. They can be a useful starting point for reflection and deciding whether you want to explore things further with a qualified professional. I've also created a resource with questions you might want to consider asking an ADHD clinician before choosing someone to assess you. https://thataudhdteacher.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/questions-to-ask-an-adhd-clinician.pdf ADHD assessment processes can vary between clinicians and countries, so my experience won't necessarily look the same as yours. This episode is about my experience of assessment, what happened, what I learned and how it felt, rather than a guide to what every ADHD assessment should look like. Welcome to That AuDHD Teacher , a podcast about my journey as an autistic and ADHD teacher, and the things I'm continuing to learn about AuDHD, neurodiversity and myself.
S1 · E10
August 27 · 29 min
Episode 10: What If You Think You Have Autism or ADHD? Where Do You Start?
Have you started wondering whether you might be autistic or have ADHD? Maybe you've been watching videos, reading posts, listening to podcasts or taking online screening questionnaires and suddenly finding yourself thinking, "Wait... this sounds a lot like me." But what do you actually do next? In this episode of That AuDHD Teacher, I talk about some of the things you can do when you're beginning to explore whether autism or ADHD could be part of your story. I'll talk about online screening questionnaires, books and other resources that helped me, things you might want to start noticing about yourself, and what you can do if you're considering a formal assessment. I'll also talk about looking back at your childhood, because autism and ADHD don't suddenly appear in adulthood. Sometimes the people who knew you when you were younger can remember things that you don't. I've included a list of questions you might want to ask family members or friends about what you were like as a child, including questions about friendships, routines, behaviour, interests and things they remember about you growing up. I've also included the screening questionnaires and books I mention in the episode below. Books: - Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum (Sarah Hendrickx) - We're All Neurodiverse (Sonny Jane Wise) - Unmasking Autism (Devon Price) - Different, Not Less (Chloé Hayden) - Welcome to AuDHD (Megan Griffith) - AuDHD (Leanne Maskell) - This is ADHD, I am Autistic and I have Dyslexia (Chanelle Moriah) Links to screening questionnaire's: ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS): https://add.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/adhd-questionnaire-ASRS111.pdf AQ Screening Questionnaire: https://psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotienthttps://psychology-tools.com/test/autism-spectrum-quotient Please remember that online screening questionnaires are not diagnostic tests. They can be a useful starting point for reflection, but they cannot tell you whether you are autistic or have ADHD. - What was I like as a child? - Did I have many friends, and how did I get along with other children? - Did I have any strong routines, rituals or unusual ways of doing things? - How did I respond to changes in plans or unexpected situations? - Did I have any particularly intense interests, sensory sensitivities or repetitive behaviours? I've put together a longer list of childhood questions and resources on my website: https://thataudhdteacher.blog/resources/↗ These might help you gather information about your early experiences before speaking with a clinician. I'll also talk about what to think about when looking for a clinician, why finding someone who understands how autism and ADHD can present differently in different people matters, and some things you might want to consider before booking an assessment. This episode is based on my own experience and the things I've learned throughout my own AuDHD journey. It isn't a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or assessment. Welcome to That AuDHD Teacher , a podcast about my journey as an autistic and ADHD teacher, and the things I'm continuing to learn about AuDHD, neurodiversity and myself.
S1 · E9
August 20 · 23 min
Episode 9: Why Change Can Feel So Hard When You're AuDHD
Change is something everyone experiences, but for autistic and AuDHD people, even seemingly small changes can sometimes feel much bigger than other people realise. In this episode of That AuDHD Teacher, I explore why change can be so difficult, from changes to routines and plans to unexpected interruptions, transitions and things simply not happening the way you expected them to. I'll talk about the relationship between autism, predictability, uncertainty and emotional regulation, as well as how ADHD can add another layer through difficulties with transitions, executive functioning and shifting attention. I'll also share some of my own experiences with change and the things I've started to understand differently since learning more about being AuDHD. Because sometimes it's not that you don't want to adapt. Sometimes your brain needs time to process the change.And when that change happens suddenly, the reaction can be much bigger than the situation might appear from the outside. This is another episode about understanding the why behind our experiences rather than simply judging the reaction. Welcome to That AuDHD Teacher , a podcast about my journey as an autistic and ADHD teacher, and the things I'm continuing to learn about AuDHD, neurodiversity and myself.
S1 · E8
August 13 · 27 min
Episode 8 : The Hidden Curriculum | The Rules Nobody Teaches You
There are so many rules in education that nobody actually sits down and teaches you. When you're at school, you're expected to know when to talk, when to be quiet, how to behave at lunch and morning tea, how to navigate assemblies, sports days, extracurricular activities, group work, friendships and all of the countless little expectations that come with being a student. But what happens when those rules aren't obvious to you? In this episode of That AuDHD Teacher, I explore the idea of the hidden curriculum, the unwritten social, behavioural and cultural expectations that we're expected to understand without anyone explicitly teaching them. I talk about how this can show up in school, university and everyday life, and why the hidden curriculum can be particularly interesting when we think about autism and ADHD. Because sometimes the hardest part isn't learning the actual lesson. It's figuring out what you're supposed to know without anyone telling you. This episode also connects to some of my own experiences and reflections as an AuDHD teacher, and how understanding the hidden curriculum has changed the way I think about education. Welcome to That AuDHD Teacher , a podcast about my journey as an autistic and ADHD teacher, and the things I'm continuing to learn about AuDHD, neurodiversity and myself.
S1 · E7
August 6 · 18 min
Episode 7: Rejection Sensitivity: Why Everything Feels So Personal (AuDHD)
Have you ever replayed a conversation over and over in your head? Worried that someone was upset with you? Felt crushed by feedback that others seemed to move past quickly? In this episode of That AuDHD Teacher, I’m talking about rejection sensitivity, one of the experiences many ADHD and AuDHD people deeply relate to. Rejection sensitivity isn’t an official diagnosis, but it describes that intense emotional response when we feel criticised, rejected, misunderstood, excluded, or like we’ve disappointed someone. This episode is a reminder that feeling deeply does not mean you are too much. Sometimes understanding our brains helps us finally make sense of the things we have struggled with for years. That AuDHD Teacher is a podcast about late diagnosis, self understanding, neurodivergence, and learning to embrace the brain we have always had.
S1 · E6
July 30 · 29 min
Episode 6: Why Simple Things Can Feel So Hard | Understanding Executive Functioning with AuDHD
Have you ever looked at a simple task and thought, "I know I need to do this... so why can't I just start?" If so, you're not alone. In this episode of That AuDHD Teacher, we're unpacking one of the most misunderstood aspects of ADHD and autism, executive functioning. We'll explore what executive functioning actually is, why it's about so much more than organisation, and how it influences everything from getting started on a task to managing emotions, remembering information, prioritising, and adapting when plans change. I'll explain the different executive functioning skills in everyday language, share how these challenges have shown up in my own life, and talk about some of the strategies that have helped me work with my brain instead of constantly feeling like I'm fighting against it. Whether you're neurodivergent, supporting someone who is, or you're simply curious about why everyday tasks can sometimes feel so much harder than they "should," I hope this episode helps you better understand yourself or someone you love. If this episode resonated with you, I'd love it if you followed That AuDHD Teacher and left a rating or review. It really helps more people discover these conversations. You can also find me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads, and YouTube at @thataudhdteacher. Remember, different doesn't mean broken. It simply means different.
S1 · E5
July 23 · 20 min
Episode 5: When Coping Stops Working | My Experience with AuDHD Burnout
What happens when pushing through just isn't enough anymore? For years, I thought I was simply tired. I told myself I needed to be more organised, get more sleep, or just try harder. It wasn't until my AuDHD diagnosis that I began to understand there was something much deeper going on. In this episode of That AuDHD Teacher, I'm sharing my personal experience with AuDHD burnout, what it felt like, the signs I missed, and how understanding burnout completely changed the way I see myself. We'll also explore the difference between stress, workplace burnout, and autistic burnout, and why burnout can look different for autistic and AuDHD individuals. Rather than focusing on quick fixes, this episode is about understanding, self-compassion, and recognising that needing rest isn't a weakness. Whether you're autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, a teacher, a parent, or simply feeling exhausted and wondering why, I hope this episode helps you feel a little less alone. As always, thank you so much for listening. If this episode resonated with you, I'd love it if you followed That AuDHD Teacher and left a rating or review, it really helps more people find these conversations. You can also find me on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Threads, and YouTube at @thataudhdteacher. Remember, different doesn't mean broken. It simply means different.
S1 · E4
July 20 · 23 min
Episode 4: The Exhausting Art of Looking Like You're Coping | Understanding Masking and AuDHD
What if the person who looks like they're coping the best is actually working the hardest? In this episode of That AuDHD Teacher, we're talking about masking, the invisible effort many autistic and AuDHD people put into appearing calm, capable, and "normal," even when they're feeling overwhelmed inside. For years, I didn't even realise I was masking. I thought I was simply being professional, polite, and trying to fit in. It wasn't until my late AuDHD diagnosis that I understood just how much energy I had spent monitoring my facial expressions, rehearsing conversations, forcing eye contact, hiding sensory overwhelm, and trying to become the version of myself I thought everyone else expected. Together we'll explore what masking actually is, why so many neurodivergent people do it, what it can cost us over time, and what it means to slowly begin unmasking in safe and supportive environments. This isn't an episode about stopping masking overnight. It's about understanding why it happens, treating ourselves with compassion, and finding places where we can finally let ourselves breathe. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, questioning your own experiences, supporting someone you love, or you're an educator wanting to better understand the children in your care, I hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone. If this episode resonated with you, I'd love it if you followed That AuDHD Teacher and left a rating or review. It really helps others discover these conversations. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @thataudhdteacher. Remember, different doesn't mean broken. It simply means different.
S1 · E3
July 17 · 30 min
Episode 3: The Clues Were There All Along | The Signs I Missed for Nearly 30 Years
Have you ever looked back on your life and realised the clues were there all along? After receiving my AuDHD diagnosis, I found myself replaying my childhood, school years, university, and teaching career through a completely different lens. Suddenly, so many experiences that I'd always explained away as personality traits started to make sense. In this episode of That AuDHD Teacher, I share the signs I missed for nearly 30 years, from feeling like everyone else had the rulebook for life, to navigating the hidden curriculum at school and university, to the perfectionism, exhaustion, and constant feeling that I was working harder than everyone else just to keep up. We'll also explore the concept of the hidden curriculum, the unwritten social rules that many people seem to learn naturally, but that can be incredibly challenging for neurodivergent people to navigate. This episode isn't about looking back with regret. It's about looking back with compassion and understanding. If this episode resonated with you, I'd love for you to follow That AuDHD Teacher and leave a rating or review. It really helps others find these conversations. You can also connect with me on Instagram and TikTok @thataudhdteacher, where I share more about my AuDHD journey, life as an early childhood teacher, and practical resources for educators and families. Thank you so much for listening. I'll see you in the next episode.
S1 · E2
July 13 · 24 min
Episode 2: What Is AuDHD? Understanding Autism and ADHD Together
When I was first diagnosed, I remember thinking, "How can I possibly have both autism and ADHD? Aren't they complete opposites?" As it turns out, that question has a surprisingly simple answer. In this episode of That AuDHD Teacher, I'm breaking down what AuDHD actually is, explaining how autism and ADHD can exist together, and sharing the experiences that finally helped me understand my own brain. We'll talk about common myths, executive functioning, hyperfocus, sensory differences, time blindness, masking, and why so many adults, especially women, are only discovering they're neurodivergent later in life. Rather than focusing on diagnostic criteria, this episode explores what AuDHD actually feels like through my own lived experience as an early childhood teacher. Whether you're newly diagnosed, questioning, supporting someone you love, or simply curious to learn more, I hope this conversation helps make AuDHD feel a little less confusing and a lot more human. If this episode resonated with you, I'd love for you to follow That AuDHD Teacher and leave a rating or review. It helps more people discover these conversations and join our growing community. You can also connect with me on social media at @thataudhdteacher
S1 · E1
July 10 · 39 min
Episode 1: Welcome to That AuDHD Teacher | The Story I Never Knew I Was Living
For years, I believed there was something wrong with me. I was constantly exhausted, overwhelmed by everyday life, and always wondering why everything seemed to come so much more easily to everyone else. I loved being an early childhood teacher, but behind the scenes I was struggling in ways I couldn't explain. In this first episode, I'm sharing my story, what life looked like before my diagnosis, why I created this podcast, and the questions that eventually changed everything. This isn't just a podcast about Autism and ADHD. It's about understanding ourselves, challenging the stories we've been told, and discovering that maybe we were never too much or not enough after all. If you've ever felt different without knowing why, this episode is for you. In this episode we discuss: Why I started That AuDHD Teacher Growing up feeling different Becoming an early childhood teacher Burnout, overthinking and masking Wondering why life felt harder than it seemed for everyone else The questions that led me to seek answers Thank you so much for listening. If this episode resonated with you, I'd love for you to follow the podcast and share it with someone who might need to hear it.
July 10 · 1 min
That AuDHD Teacher Trailer
Welcome to That AuDHD Teacher! I'm Emily, an early childhood teacher from New Zealand who was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD as an adult. For years, I thought I was just anxious, overwhelmed, too sensitive, or simply not coping with adulthood as well as everyone else. Receiving an AuDHD diagnosis changed the way I understood my life, and myself. In this podcast, I'll share my own journey alongside honest conversations about Autism, ADHD, late diagnosis, masking, burnout, teaching, mental wellbeing, and the everyday experiences that often go unseen. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, questioning, supporting someone you love, or you're simply curious to learn more, I'm so glad you're here. Subscribe now so you don't miss Episode 1, where I'll share the story I never knew I was living

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