When the wheels fall off: Menopause and autism / ADHD

In this episode, Catherine Asta is joined by Sophie Cartledge to explore the powerful intersection of perimenopause and late-discovered autism and ADHD.

Together they discuss why many autistic and ADHD women describe perimenopause as the point where ‘the wheels fell off’ and how hormonal shifts can amplify sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation challenges and burnout.

Late-discovered autistic and ADHD at 44, Sophie speaks openly about how this collision is one of the most misunderstood and unsupported phases of a woman’s life, often leading to burnout, misdiagnosis and workplace exclusion.

They reflect on the profound identity shift that can happen when decades of masking are no longer sustainable and how perimenopause can act as a catalyst for unmasking, self-advocacy and redefining what safety and wellbeing look like. The conversation also highlights gaps in healthcare and workplace understanding, the importance of tracking symptoms and the role of peer support in reducing isolation.

At the heart of this episode is a compassionate discussion about rebuilding self-trust, reframing needs as preferences and finding practical ways to navigate this often misunderstood stage of life. Sophie shares the mindset shifts and small accommodations that have helped her move towards a more sustainable, authentic way of living.

This episode is for you if:

- You’re navigating perimenopause/menopause and noticing changes in your sensory sensitivities, emotions and/or capacity.

- You’re late-discovered autistic or ADHD and experiencing unmasking or a shift in identity.

- You’re feeling dismissed, misunderstood or unsure how to advocate for yourself in healthcare or work.

- You’re looking for validation, practical strategies and reassurance that you’re not alone in this experience.

What’s on at Autism Central?

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter

Explore our FREE support - 1:1 sessions, blogs, events

Connect with Sophie

www.hormonesontheblink.com

Connect with Catherine

Website

Instagram

Book

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(42)

Autism, strengths-based approaches and everyday tools for life

In this episode of the Autism Central Podcast, Catherine Asta is joined by AuDHD coach, researcher and positive psychology practitioner Dr Rebecca Jackson to explore practical strategies and everyday ...

17 Jul 51min

Autistic and expecting: Pregnancy, birth and becoming a parent

In this episode Catherine Asta is joined by AuDHD psychotherapist, author and researcher Alexis Quinn to explore what pregnancy, birth and early parenthood can look like for autistic people. Drawing o...

3 Jul 41min

Love needs no words: Autism and fatherhood

In this episode Catherine Asta is joined by award-winning autism advocate, author and founder of "Stories About Autism", James Hunt, for a heartfelt conversation about raising autistic children as the...

19 Jun 58min

Autism and relationship breakdown: The legal basics

In this episode of the Autism Central Podcast, Catherine Asta is joined by family law solicitor and neuroinclusion advocate Hannah Saxe to explore the complex realities of relationship breakdown, divo...

8 Jun 1h 3min

Dyspraxia and Autism

In this first episode of S5, Catherine Asta is joined by award winning advocate Tumi Sotire, a British-born Nigerian with dyspraxia and founder of The Black Dyspraxic, a platform dedicated to champion...

22 Mai 50min

The power of peer support

In this final episode of Season Four of the Autism Central Podcast, Catherine Asta is joined by Emma Kluibenschadl, a passionate advocate, experienced professional and National Group Learning Facilita...

8 Mai 51min

Demystifying adult autism assessments with psychiatrist Dr Alison Lennox

In this episode, Catherine Asta is joined by Dr Alison Lennox, a Consultant Neurodevelopmental Psychiatrist to demystify the adult autism assessment process and explore what a good assessment should r...

24 Apr 49min

Hyperfocused on health with Dr Helen Lawal

In this episode, Catherine Asta is joined by Dr Helen Lawal to explore the realities of work, identity and wellbeing as a neurodivergent woman navigating a demanding career. Together they reflect on H...

10 Apr 49min