What happens when ADHD and autism share the same brain space? Is it chaos? Is it genius? Is it both… before noon?

In this episode, we crack open the beautifully complicated overlap between ADHD and autism — the misunderstandings, the sensory spirals, the hyperfocus rabbit holes, the social “wait… what just happened?” moments, and the surprising superpowers.

In this episode, I interviewed one of my family members, Alyssa, about her journey with a diagnosis of ADHD & Autism with children and a husband with diagnosis.

We talk about:

• The traits that blur together (and the ones that absolutely do not)
• Masking, burnout, and why everything feels louder some days
• Executive dysfunction vs. demand avoidance — the showdown
• The emotional side no one explains
• How self-awareness changes everything

There are laughs. There are “ohhhhh that makes sense now” revelations. There may be mild ranting.

Whether you’re diagnosed, questioning, parenting, partnering, or just squirrel-adjacent — this one might feel uncomfortably relatable in the best way.

Grab a snack you’ll forget you made, settle into your favorite sensory-safe corner, and let’s untangle brains together. 🧠💛

Kimberlyedu.org

FB: @KimberlysEducationalResources (for the explaination of the Kitzerow's Autism and the Comorbidities Theory

Get ready to laugh and learn with Kim & Rhea as they take you on a wild ride through post-holiday recovery! From the chaos of hosting to the creative burst of a new year, she's got stories that'll make you nod and chuckle. Dive into the hilarious world of family dynamics during the holidays, the superhero feats of moms, and why being your own health advocate is a must. Plus, discover how caffeine can be a sneaky little rascal, and enjoy some juicy travel tales and everyday adventures that are sure to tickle your funny bone!

Takeaways

• Post holiday recovery can take time and creativity
• Hosting events can be stressful but rewarding
• Moms often bear the brunt of holiday responsibilities
• Self-advocacy in health is crucial for effective care.
• Tracking health symptoms can aid in medical consultations
• Caffeine can affect hormonal balance and energy levels.
• Personal anecdotes can provide reliable insights
• Family dynamics play a significant role in holiday planning
• Dietary adjustments can lead to better health outcomes
• Travel experiences can offer new culinary adventures

#post-holiday #creativity #familydynamics #health #hormones #self-advocacy #caffeine #travel #personalanecdotes #everydaylife @Neuromints @OrderoftheSquirrels

Neuromints.com

KimberlyRatliffart.com

Time Magazine: ADHD

EMAIL US!!!

Thanks for being patient as our lives took president recently. But we are back!! Happy Thanksgiving everyone. This one is out early to assist your ADHD Anxieties etc... xoxox Kim and Rhea

Notes:

General Survival Guid for ADHD'ers

Holiday Stress

Maintain Routines & Anchors

Sensory Overload

Boundries & Saying NO

Self-Care: Sleep, Nutrition, Exersices

Body Doubling for Production

What’s your funniest ADHD Story?!😜

🔥🐿️ Emotional volcano alert! One minute we’re hugging a puppy, the next we’re plotting revenge on the dog park. ADHD + perimenopause has turned our emotions into a squirrel-on-espresso. 😂💥 Today we commiserate over hot-flash tantrums and laugh through the melodrama. Grab your fan (and a stress ball) – new episode is live!”

#MoodSwings #HotFlashes #ADHD #Perimenopause #WomenOver40 #Humor #Hormones #EmotionalRollercoaster #Relatable

• Frontiers in Global Women’s Health (2025) – Reviews female ADHD across the lifespan; reports an ADDitude survey where 70% of women said ADHD was “life-altering” in their 40s–50s and half called it “extremely severe” .
• ADDitude Magazine (2025) – (via MentalHealthClinicians) Observes that wild hormone swings in perimenopause often cause ADHD symptoms to grow significantly worse .
• Charlie Health (2023) – Data review noting ADHD diagnoses in adult women doubled by 2022 and the male-female diagnosis gap narrowed to 28% , highlighting growing recognition of late-onset cases.

“Carefree Fun”

REDproductions

This track is registered with YouTube’s Content ID downloaded music from Pixabay, legally allowed to use it. Artist: Doobie

Social IG/FB: @Orderofthesquirrels

Say Hey and share a story you’d like us to share on the Pod!: ootspod808@gmail.com

www.KimberlyRatliffart.com / @KimberlyRatliffArt

What’s your funniest ADHD Story?!😜

🐿️💥 Hormone hijinks! Our brains have been hijacked by tiny little squirrels (estrogen, we’re looking at you). One minute we’re Superman, next we’re Mom of the Year… for forgetting everything. 🤯 Join hosts Kim & Rhea as we crack jokes (and brains) over ADHD + perimenopause mayhem. New ep out now! 🧠🔥

Hashtags: #ADHD #Perimenopause #Hormones #BrainFog #WomenOver40 #Neurodivergence #Relatable #Podcast #SquirrelMode #Orderofthesquirrels

Next Episode is: Brain Fog & Forgetfulness

You have a fun experience to share? We want to hear it! DM us or email in the show notes! Xoxo Kim & Rhea

Resources:

Mayo Clinic (2023) – Overview of perimenopause symptoms, including mood swings, sleep and cognitive changes
mayoclinic.org
mayoclinic.org.

Medical News Today (2024) – Notes many women report ADHD symptoms worsening during the menopausal transition; declining estrogen/progesterone may lower dopamine, affecting focus
medicalnewstoday.com.

Healthline (2024) – Cites a 2021 study finding that falling estrogen/progesterone in perimenopause can make ADHD symptoms more severe
healthline.com.

“Carefree Fun”

REDproductions

This track is registered with YouTube’s Content ID downloaded music from Pixabay, legally allowed to use it. Artist: Doobie

Social IG/FB: @Orderofthesquirrels

Say Hey and share a story you’d like us to share on the Pod!: ootspod808@gmail.com

www.KimberlyRatliffart.com / @KimberlyRatliffArt

What’s your funniest ADHD Story?!😜

In this episode, Kim Ratliff and Rhea Yap discuss the intersection of ADHD and Asian American culture, exploring personal experiences, cultural expectations, and the challenges faced by families. They delve into the stigma surrounding mental health, the importance of self-forgiveness, and the evolving understanding of ADHD in the context of cultural identity. The conversation highlights the need for greater awareness and resources for those affected by ADHD, particularly within Asian American communities.

ADHD is often underdiagnosed in Asian American communities due to cultural stigma.
Cultural expectations can create additional pressure for children with ADHD.
Personal experiences with ADHD can vary widely based on cultural background.
Education is highly valued in many Asian American households, impacting children's mental health.
Late diagnosis of ADHD can lead to feelings of relief and understanding.
Self-forgiveness is crucial for parents of children with ADHD.
Cultural barriers can hinder open discussions about mental health.
There is a growing awareness of ADHD and mental health in Asian American communities.
Learning differences are often not accommodated in traditional educational systems.
Resources for ADHD support are becoming more accessible now than in the past.

“Carefree Fun”

REDproductions

This track is registered with YouTube’s Content ID downloaded music from Pixabay, legally allowed to use it. Artist: Doobie

Social IG/FB: @Orderofthesquirrels

Say Hey and share a story you’d like us to share on the Pod!: ootspod808@gmail.com

www.KimberlyRatliffart.com / @KimberlyRatliffArt

What’s your funniest ADHD Story?!😜

Hosts: Kim Ratliff & Rhea Yap

Perimenopause already makes us feel like our brain’s swimming in soup…add ADHD, and suddenly we’re living on LOW POWER MODE 24/7 zzzz. In this episode, Kim (artist squirrel) and Rhea (nurse squirrel) unpack why fatigue hits so hard, why naps are medicine, and how protein, sleep hacks and a little self compassion can help us recharge.

Tune in, laugh with us, and maybe schedule that guilt-free nap!!

Resources: Frontiers in Global Women’s Health on hormonal interplay with cognition and mood in female ADHD https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/global-womens-health/articles/10.3389/fgwh.2025.1613628/full

#ADHD #Perimenopause #Hormones #BrainFog #WomenOver40 #Neurodivergence #Relatable #Podcast #SquirrelMode

“Carefree Fun”

REDproductions

This track is registered with YouTube’s Content ID downloaded music from Pixabay, legally allowed to use it. Artist: Doobie

Social IG/FB: @Orderofthesquirrels

Say Hey and share a story you’d like us to share on the Pod!: ootspod808@gmail.com

www.KimberlyRatliffart.com / @KimberlyRatliffArt

What’s your funniest ADHD Story?!😜

🚨 Emotional Rollercoaster incoming 🚨
ADHD already gave us mood swings… then perimenopause said, “Hold my wine.” 🍷
New = laughs, tears, and probably nachos.�

• ADHD brings rejection sensitivity + emotional dysregulation.
• Perimenopause adds estrogen/progesterone rollercoasters.
• Practical tips: exercise, humor, therapy journaling, magnesium, setting boundaries.

🔗 Research Sources:

• Harvard Health (2023) – Mood changes in perimenopause
  
  
• CHADD – ADHD & emotional dysregulation
  
  
• Mayo Clinic – Perimenopause symptoms overview

� Hit play, scream with us, and maybe cry-laugh in the Target parking lot.
#HormoneChaos #SquirrelLife #ADHDHumor

“Carefree Fun”

REDproductions

This track is registered with YouTube’s Content ID downloaded music from Pixabay, legally allowed to use it. Artist: Doobie

Social IG/FB: @Orderofthesquirrels

Say Hey and share a story you’d like us to share on the Pod!: ootspod808@gmail.com

www.KimberlyRatliffart.com / @KimberlyRatliffArt