In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Katherine L’Etang (A.K.A. @TheNeurodiversityMom) about her journey as a late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD adult, which is both powerful and relatable, especially for advocates, parents, and neurodiverse professionals.
Here are 3 key takeaways:
- Self-advocacy is essential: It's important to seek validating, knowledgeable professionals—and not settle for invalidating experiences, especially when it comes to late diagnosis and mental health support. Doing your homework on assessors and trusting your self-knowledge is crucial.
- Diagnosis is just the beginning: Receiving an autism or ADHD diagnosis in adulthood can trigger a profound shift in self-understanding and acceptance, but it may also lead to a period of intensified traits and burnout before healing begins. Giving yourself grace and time is vital.
- Vulnerability builds community: Whether sharing her own journey or making decisions about what to share as a parent, Katherine models how public vulnerability can foster collective healing and support—while continually wrestling with questions of privacy and consent, especially for her kids.
More about Katherine:
Katherine L’Etang, also known as @TheNeurodiversityMom, is a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD content creator who has made it her mission to provide community, inclusion, and acceptance to anyone who is autistic or raising autistic kids. She lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband and two kids.
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Doubt yourself. Do it anyway. See you in Maine.
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Mentioned in this episode:
Portland, Maine, Summit 2026
The 2026 Doubt Yourself Do It Anyway Summit is happening for the first time in the United States in beautiful Portland, Maine, on September 1st–3rd, 2026. Portland, Maine, is a beautiful coastal city in the Atlantic Ocean. There's a lot of history there, and it's a very funky, creative, safe, walkable, diverse, and progressive city. You will get 9 NBCC CEs. We have ASWB pending—we'll make an announcement when that's finalized—and have 13 prolific industry leaders. This summit has always been about showing that our skills are applicable in so many different ways, and to motivate you to think bigger, grow in this profession, take more risks, work through self-doubt, and really embrace the doubt-yourself-do-it-anyway mentality. Spots are limited. Reserve your spot here: https://www.empoweredescapes.com/portland-maine-summit
Doubt yourself. Do it anyway. See you in Maine.
The Receptionist for iPad
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
