Understanding Autism and ADHD in Adults with Lauren Dawson

Barely Naked

In this episode, Christina speaks with Lauren Dawson PhD, a workplace wellbeing coach, trainer, and founder of Curious Coaching.

Lauren shares her personal experiences of navigating neurodivergence in high-stress workplaces, learning she’s Autistic and has ADHD, and the complex mix of relief, grief, and overwhelm that often accompanies a late diagnosis. She sheds light on the unique struggles of masking individuals who appear outwardly successful but frequently experience cycles of burnout.

In this conversation, Lauren discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with understanding neurodivergence in adulthood, offering practical strategies for navigating work, relationships, and self-care. She also touches on the impact of the hormonal cycle on neurodivergent individuals and the differences in ADHD presentation between adults and children.

About Lauren Dawson:

Lauren Dawson, PhD, is a qualified workplace wellbeing coach, trainer, speaker, and founder of Curious Coaching. A late-discovered Autistic ADHD-er, Lauren began her career in STEM, spending over 10 years working as a particle physicist before transitioning into coaching and a senior management role at a rapidly growing EdTech unicorn.

Her mission is to support the growing number of women and non-binary people in tech who discover later in life that they are Autistic and/or ADHD. For many, this realisation can feel like a “glass-shattering” moment, suddenly making sense of lifelong feelings of being different while also bringing on a mix of relief, grief, anxiety, and overwhelm. Lauren recognises that many of these individuals, especially high-maskers who appear to have it all together, often feel lost in cycles of burnout without knowing how to break free or where to turn for support.

Specialising in workplace wellbeing coaching, Lauren translates her expertise into actionable awareness and practical strategies. She helps clients move from chaos and relentless pushing through, to working in ways that allow them the freedom and space they need to thrive.

How to get in touch with Lauren:

Website: curious-coaching.co.uk

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dawsonlauren/

Resources

Book recommendations:

• ​'ADHD: An A to Z' by Leanne Maskell - https://g.co/kgs/Qow22Pz
• ​'Un-typical: How the world isn't built for Autistic people and what we should all do about it' by Pete Wharmby - https://g.co/kgs/uj8pC1X
• ​'Unmasked: The Ultimate Guide to ADHD, Autism, and neurodivergence' by Ellie Middleton - https://g.co/kgs/sNBGgCK
• ​'Neuroqueer Heresies' by Nick Walker - https://g.co/kgs/AGu7cM9
• ​'Different, not less' by Chloé Hayden - https://g.co/kgs/kN1TWk8
• ​'but you don't look autistic at all' by Bianca Toeps - https://g.co/kgs/ffKeFg3
• ​'Can you see me?' by Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott - https://g.co/kgs/xgBAii6

TV recommendations:

Crucially all of the characters are played by neurodivergent actors.

• ​'A kind of spark' - BBC (based on a series of books, season 2 is particularly good) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p0f7q3rv/a-kind-of-spark
• ​'Geek Girl' - Netflix (also based on a book) - https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81637842
• ​'Inside our Autistic minds' - BBC (Flo's episode especially) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0bbnh47
• ​'Heartbreak High' - Netflix (Great AuDHD character played by Chloé Hayden) - https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81342553

How to get in touch with Christina:

Instagram: @christina_simone

LinkedIn: Christina Beischl

TikTok: @barely_naked_podcast

Website: one77consulting.com