ADHD Chatter PodcastADHD + Autism Expert: How To Stop RSD Instantly! Is Your ADHD Actually AuDHD? | Dr Alex George
CHAPTERS
ADHD in the public eye: creativity, dopamine, and overstimulation triggers
Dr. Alex George describes how a large social media platform can be both energizing and overwhelming with ADHD. He distinguishes between online “noise” he can step away from and in-person environments that create intense sensory and social overload.
Practical tactics for overstimulation: pre-planning exits and naming the state
They unpack how overwhelm can escalate into snapping or rage when one more stimulus tips the nervous system over. Dr. Alex explains how anticipating high-stimulation scenarios and communicating early helps prevent conflict and shame spirals.
Dr. Alex’s mission: early recognition, fewer harms, and less friction
Dr. Alex shares his personal and professional mission: self-acceptance and reducing the life damage caused by late diagnosis. He highlights systemic failures in education and how missed neurodivergence can cascade into health, addiction, and criminal-justice outcomes.
Masking as self-harm: school, survival strategies, and alcohol as “social glue”
The conversation turns to masking from childhood and its emotional cost. Dr. Alex describes forcing himself to appear “normal” to stay safe in school systems, and how that pattern later shaped social life and alcohol use.
Masking and loneliness: why praise doesn’t land when it’s “for the mask”
They explore how chronic masking disconnects a person from genuine belonging. Dr. Alex explains that even positive feedback can feel hollow because it’s directed at a performed version of the self, leading to persistent loneliness and identity confusion.
RSD in real life: defensiveness, rumination, and relationship turbulence
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) is discussed as the most disruptive ADHD feature for Dr. Alex. He describes how minor comments can be perceived as threats, sparking defensiveness and long rumination that damages relationships and self-image.
How to stop RSD “in the moment”: create space, get clarity, don’t escalate
They focus on what helps during an RSD spike: naming it, delaying reaction, and requesting more information to prevent catastrophizing. Dr. Alex emphasizes that prevention may be unrealistic, but management is possible through rapid awareness and communication.
When RSD becomes dangerous: relapse, intrusive thoughts, and suicide risk
The discussion turns to the health stakes of RSD, including relapse and suicidal thinking during high emotional activation. Dr. Alex argues RSD is not “just sensitivity,” describing how alcohol can temporarily numb pain while worsening long-term outcomes.
Is it AuDHD? Why Dr. Alex suspects autism alongside ADHD (sensory, social, masking)
Dr. Alex explains his reasons for pursuing an autism assessment: sensory soothing needs, social interpretation challenges, and lifelong “differentness.” He reflects on how co-occurring neurodivergence may be more common than recognized and how diagnosis brings understanding.
ADHD vs autistic masking: bending to fit vs stepping into roles
They address the idea that masking is “only autistic,” and Dr. Alex disagrees—arguing both ADHD and autism can involve masking, with different motivations. He also explores being socially skilled on the surface yet struggling to form new deep friendships.
Living with contradictions: routine rigidity, fear of time, and change intolerance
The episode highlights the paradoxes of combined traits—craving stimulation yet getting overwhelmed, being impulsive but highly routine-bound. Dr. Alex describes a strong fear of wasting time, strict morning rituals, and frustration when routines are disrupted.
‘Am I Normal?’: redefining normality as friction, grief realism, and self-acceptance
Dr. Alex shares the core thesis of his book: ‘normal’ only matters where differences create friction or harm. He critiques societal expectations around grief, alcohol, and productivity, arguing many struggles are exacerbated by systems—not personal failure.
ADHD item: running shoes—movement as a mental health and ADHD “medicine”
Dr. Alex’s chosen item is a pair of trainers, representing exercise—especially running—as a powerful tool for ADHD regulation. He describes running’s effects on mood, presence, and clarity, and shares a moment where a run helped pull him back from a dark edge.
Washing machine of woes: ADHD in women, disbelief, and combating ignorance
A listener question prompts a discussion about why ADHD in older women is often dismissed as exaggeration. Dr. Alex criticizes the male-biased diagnostic lens, challenges ‘overdiagnosis’ narratives, and argues education is essential for families and workplaces.
Letter to a younger self: knowledge, kindness, and valuing experiences over things
They close by reading a note from the previous guest emphasizing clarity over time, self-kindness, and prioritizing relationships. Dr. Alex reinforces the theme that knowledge and understanding are the foundation for acceptance and a better life.
