Join Portia Jackson Preston, a passionate coach and an ADHD/AuDHD advocate, as she shares her journey of late diagnosis. Together with Eric Tivers, they explore the profound impact of discovering their autism, discussing the unmasking process and the importance of self-compassion. They delve into the emotional weight of intersecting identities, the significance of self-diagnosis, and the healing power of EMDR therapy. Their candid conversation also highlights how embracing their neurodiversity enriches their lives, relationships, and even their dance moves!
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insights INSIGHT
Self-Diagnosis Validity
Self-diagnosis is valid due to the inaccessibility and political nature of formal evaluations.
Disclosing autism can have professional and social consequences, creating a need for protections.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Blind Spots
Eric reflects on his past judgment of ADHD specialists who were unaware of their own ADHD.
He now recognizes his own blind spot regarding autism, despite specializing in it.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Skill Regression and Clues
Portia describes a profound skill regression that led her to explore the possibility of autism.
She reflects on others' past observations about her being different, now recognizing those as clues.
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What happens when two ADHDers realize there's more to the story? In this deeply personal and exploratory episode, Eric is joined by his friend and fellow coach, Portia Jackson Preston, for an honest, vulnerable, and unmasked conversation about discovering—later in life—that they're not just ADHD… they're also autistic. April is Autism Acceptance Month and there's no better time to peel back the layers. Eric and Portia share their parallel journeys of exploring what it means to be AuDHD, how autism was hiding in plain sight for both of them, and how late diagnosis is reshaping their self-understanding, their relationships, their parenting, and their work. Together, they unpack: What unmasking looks like—and feels like—especially when it's not a conscious choice Why self-diagnosis is valid and often necessary How intersecting identities impact recognition and diagnosis The grief and growth that come with seeing your past through a new lens Why autistic burnout hit both of them so hard (and what they're doing now to recover) And how this shift is impacting their businesses, boundaries, and sense of self You'll also hear about how EMDR therapy played a pivotal role in both of their journeys, how the Johari Window concept reframed Eric's understanding of his blind spots, and how reconnecting with their full, authentic selves has allowed for deeper joy—even in the weirdest places (like dancing at a Phish show with hand flaps in full glory). This is the kind of conversation that gives others permission to explore, to question, and to be. 👉 Related links & resources: Unmasking Autism by Dr. Devon Price Unmasking for Life by Dr. Devon Price Coaching Groups at ADHD reWired Virtual CoWorking with Adult Study Hall Portia Jackson Preston on Instagram: @portiasjourney 🎧 Takeaways: Unmasking isn't a one-time event—it's a process. Late diagnosis can be both a relief and a reckoning. Self-compassion isn't optional; it's a survival tool. You don't have to prove your neurodivergence to anyone. It's okay to change. It's okay to grieve. And it's okay to rest.
ADHD reWired 
