# AuDHD Self-Esteem and Imposter Syndrome: What Helps Me When I Spiral

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-audhd-boss-neurodiversity-at-work-with-brett-whitmarsh-7118611/audhd-self-esteem-and-imposter-syndrome-what-helps-me-when-i-spiral
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-audhd-boss-neurodiversity-at-work-with-brett-whitmarsh-7118611/audhd-self-esteem-and-imposter-syndrome-what-helps-me-when-i-spiral.md
Podcast: [The AuDHD Boss: Neurodiversity at Work with Brett Whitmarsh](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-audhd-boss-neurodiversity-at-work-with-brett-whitmarsh-7118611)
Published: 2026-02-23T04:07:54+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brett-the-audhd-boss/episodes/AuDHD-Self-Esteem-and-Imposter-Syndrome-What-Helps-Me-When-I-Spiral-e3ffesb
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/fda51d58/podcast/play/115898699/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-1-23%2F418628625-44100-2-27d6920e402bc.mp3
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Duration seconds: 912

## Resource

Self-esteem has been a complicated one for me as an AuDHD adult (autism + ADHD). I can be confident and capable in certain areas—and then hit a wall in others and immediately start wondering, “What is wrong with me? Why can’t I do the thing?” In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about how AuDHD can impact self-esteem for me—especially on the other side of diagnosis—along with what I try when I feel a spiral coming on. I talk about internalized ableism and masking, imposter syndrome at work, what it looks like when my body knows I’m overwhelmed before I do (alexithymia), and how I anchor back to what I know is true. This isn’t a “you should” episode. It’s me being honest about what it feels like in my brain—and what I’m experimenting with to build self-trust. Resources mentioned Neurodivergent Insights glossary (alexithymia): https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergent-insights-glossary/ Self-Care Activities for Autistic People card deck (Dr. Megan Anna Neff): https://bookshop.org/a/108800/9781507225066 Show notes bullets (for apps that surface these): AuDHD and why it can feel “not quite ADHD, not quite autism” Strengths vs. struggles and the imposter syndrome gap “A different way in” — reframing walls without self-blame Support without shame (reducing steps, ordering takeout when needed) Alexithymia + body cues + spiraling thoughts Anchoring to what I know is true + a 20–22 minute reset Practicing pride: “take the win”

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## Transcript

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