Trauma, Masking & Addiction in AuDHD | Susan Eileen on Healing, Identity & Unmasking

🎙️ Trauma, Masking & Addiction in AuDHD | Susan Eileen on Healing, Identity & Unmasking

What if the masks you’ve worn your whole life weren’t your personality, but survival strategies?

In this thought-provoking episode of AuDHD and Then Some, Ellie is joined by author Susan Eileen to explore the complex relationship between trauma, ADHD, autism, AuDHD, masking, addiction and healing.

Together, they discuss the differences between neurodivergent masking and trauma masking, why so many late-diagnosed adults struggle to know who they really are, and how unresolved trauma can shape our relationships, behaviours and sense of self.

Susan also shares her perspective on addiction, explaining why she believes trauma often sits at the heart of addictive behaviours, and introduces the concept of survival masks such as the people pleaser, the martyr and the loner. The conversation also explores boundaries, self-compassion, generational wounds, and what healing can look like for neurodivergent adults.

Whether you’re autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, a trauma survivor, or simply trying to understand yourself more deeply, this episode offers an honest, compassionate conversation that encourages reflection and curiosity.

In this episode:

• ADHD, autism and AuDHD

• Trauma vs neurodivergent masking

• Addiction and the neurodivergent brain

• People pleasing and survival responses

• Generational trauma and healing

• Boundaries and self-compassion

• Late diagnosis and identity

• Unmasking your authentic self

If this episode resonates with you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need to hear this conversation today. 💜