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Unlocking AuDHD: The Overlap of ADHD & Autism for Entrepreneurs

The Impulsive Thinker®

Release Date: 02/09/2026

Gas, Brake, Repeat: The Push-Pull of AuDHD for ADHD Entrepreneurs show art Gas, Brake, Repeat: The Push-Pull of AuDHD for ADHD Entrepreneurs

The Impulsive Thinker®

André, The Impulsive Thinker®, reflects on this week’s conversation with AuDHD specialist to unpack what it really means to live with both autism and ADHD as an Entrepreneur. Forget the myths—it’s not about flipping switches between the two, but about two systems clashing and collaborating at the same time. André shares his personal insights on how ADHD drives action while autism craves predictability, and how understanding this overlap can prevent burnout and help you work with your brain, not against it. Tune in and get straight talk on masking, identity, communication, and...

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Unlocking AuDHD: The Overlap of ADHD & Autism for Entrepreneurs show art Unlocking AuDHD: The Overlap of ADHD & Autism for Entrepreneurs

The Impulsive Thinker®

André, The Impulsive Thinker®, sits down with neuro-affirming psychotherapist to dig into the reality of living and thriving with AuDHD—where autism and ADHD overlap. This episode is all about ditching black-and-white thinking and understanding how ADHD and autism show up uniquely and together in Entrepreneurs. We talk fidgeting, stimming, masking, and why it matters to tailor strategies to your actual brain, not just a label. If you want to boost your self-awareness, communicate better, and stop measuring your worth by your production, this conversation is for you. Listen in for...

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Routine, Rigidity, and Energy: Managing Autism and ADHD as an Entrepreneur show art Routine, Rigidity, and Energy: Managing Autism and ADHD as an Entrepreneur

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Ever wonder why small changes can throw off your entire day as an ADHD Entrepreneur? André, The Impulsive Thinker®, unpacks this question in a quick reflection inspired by his talk with Dr. Kenny Handelman about autism and the nuance of energy management, rigidity, and routines. He breaks down the difference between ADHD fidgeting and autistic stimming, and why social communication can feel like a second language when you’re wired differently. This episode is all about getting clear on your brain’s unique pattern, so you can better manage your energy, emotions, and connections as a...

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Understanding Autism vs ADHD: Clarity for the Entrepreneur Mindset show art Understanding Autism vs ADHD: Clarity for the Entrepreneur Mindset

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André, The Impulsive Thinker®, sits down with autism expert for a direct look at how autism traits overlap—and differ—from ADHD, especially for the growth-minded ADHD Entrepreneur. In this episode, we cut through internet myths about autism and dig into what the DSM-5 really says, how “stimming” and fidgeting work, and what rigidity means for entrepreneurial routines and relationships. If you’ve ever wondered about the social challenges and unique wiring behind an autistic brain, this conversation will help clarify the differences, bust stereotypes, and give you practical insights...

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Moderation Never Works: Addicted ADHD Entrepreneurs Must Choose All In or Out show art Moderation Never Works: Addicted ADHD Entrepreneurs Must Choose All In or Out

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André, The Impulsive Thinker™, reflects solo this week after an eye-opening conversation with , diving into his late realization of high functioning alcoholism. This honest episode unpacks how ADHD Entrepreneurs often use substances or habits like alcohol, food, or even doom scrolling not out of weakness, but as tools for emotional regulation and masking. André gets real about why simply "cutting back" rarely helps ADHD brains and why recovery starts with understanding your thinking habits, not just your actions. Get practical insights on building better regulation strategies and replace...

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Alcohol Isn’t the Problem—Your Thinking Is: Facing Substance Use in ADHD Entrepreneurship show art Alcohol Isn’t the Problem—Your Thinking Is: Facing Substance Use in ADHD Entrepreneurship

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André, The Impulsive Thinker™, sits down with psychologist for an honest conversation about addiction, masking ADHD, and the entrepreneurial journey. Together, they unpack what “high functioning alcoholic” really means and how undiagnosed ADHD can drive Entrepreneurs to use alcohol or other substances as a solution—or a way to hide struggles. Personal stories intertwine with strategies for recognizing unhealthy patterns, talking about the importance of support, and the reality of facing a thinking problem rather than just a drinking problem. This episode offers relatable insights for...

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Why Sobriety Unmasks ADHD in Entrepreneurs show art Why Sobriety Unmasks ADHD in Entrepreneurs

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André, The Impulsive Thinker™, reflects on a powerful conversation with Mike Starkey about the tough realities ADHD Entrepreneurs face at the intersection of addiction and ADHD. Addiction often hides ADHD symptoms, and getting sober exposes them, making life challenging before things improve. André unpacks how substance use and other habits like food or social media can mask ADHD traits, and why recovery programs need to address both. This episode gets personal about the ongoing nature of recovery, the importance of real community support, and what it means to truly manage your ADHD brain....

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Sober First, Fix Your ADHD After: The Brutal ADHD Entrepreneur Reality show art Sober First, Fix Your ADHD After: The Brutal ADHD Entrepreneur Reality

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André, The Impulsive Thinker™, sits down with Mike Starkey—professor, musician, sailor, and ADHD advocate—to share Mike’s honest journey through addiction and recovery while living with an ADHD brain. They explore why recovery for Entrepreneurs with ADHD needs more than just traditional programs, emphasizing community and real connection. Mike unpacks his path from years of self-medicating to building ADHDandAddiction.com, offering practical insights on why getting sober comes first and how community supports lasting change. Join us for an open look at what recovery really means and...

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Hiding With Booze: ADHD Entrepreneurs Need Brutal Honesty About Self-Medication show art Hiding With Booze: ADHD Entrepreneurs Need Brutal Honesty About Self-Medication

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André, The Impulsive Thinker™, takes a real look at ADHD, addiction, and recovery with insights from Amber Harper’s story. This episode breaks the silence between ADHD and addiction, diving into why alcohol became more than just a party favour—often a way to cope with untreated ADHD. Hear André share personal reflections on binge drinking, cravings, and how an ADHD diagnosis brought clarity and hope. If sobriety feels tough, you’re not alone. Tune in for honest talk about self-medicating, triggers, and the path to stable recovery. For ADHD Entrepreneurs, understanding your brain is...

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Relapse Isn’t Failure: ADHD Entrepreneurs Can Own Their Recovery show art Relapse Isn’t Failure: ADHD Entrepreneurs Can Own Their Recovery

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André, The Impulsive Thinker™, sits down with Amber Harper to share her moving journey at the intersection of ADHD and addiction. Amber—a seasoned data analyst, writer, and co-founder of ADHDandAddiction.com—gets real about how her ADHD diagnosis shifted her recovery process and offered new hope. They discuss denial, anger, relapse, and why recovery looks different for ADHD Entrepreneurs. If you’ve ever used alcohol or food to cope, Amber’s honest perspective and tips on community support will hit home. Listen to learn how understanding your ADHD can change your relationship with...

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André, The Impulsive Thinker®, sits down with neuro-affirming psychotherapist Rachel Feldman to dig into the reality of living and thriving with AuDHD—where autism and ADHD overlap. This episode is all about ditching black-and-white thinking and understanding how ADHD and autism show up uniquely and together in Entrepreneurs. We talk fidgeting, stimming, masking, and why it matters to tailor strategies to your actual brain, not just a label. If you want to boost your self-awareness, communicate better, and stop measuring your worth by your production, this conversation is for you. Listen in for practical takeaways to support your growth mindset.

 

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Guest:

Rachel Feldman, LCSW, is a neuro-affirming psychotherapist who has dedicated her career to supporting autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, and PDA children, teens, adults, and families. Her clinical path has been shaped not only by extensive professional trainings, but also by her own lived experience as a multiple neurodivergent person. Rachel brings depth, compassion, and authenticity to every space she enters.

Rachel has completed extensive advanced training in neuro-affirming psychotherapy, DBT, DIR/Floortime, and PDA-informed practice. She is also an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider and an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist.

Rachel serves on the advisory board for the Bergen County chapter of CHADD and on CHADD’s National Board of Directors. She has presented at conferences and community events, most recently speaking at the International ADHD Conference on AuDHD.

Dr. Megan Anna Neff ADHD & ASD Venn Diagram: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/adhd-vs-autism/

 

00:00 Understanding AuDHD: A New Perspective

05:05 The Overlap of ADHD and Autism

10:06 Communication Styles: Bridging the Gap

14:31 Camouflaging: The Struggle for Identity

19:04 Navigating Entrepreneurial Challenges with AuDHD

23:17 Final Thoughts: Embracing Neurodiversity

 

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