In my experience, Impostor Syndrome presents in particular ways for neurodivergent people, that are not captured by the language we commonly see about 'deserving', 'worth' or being 'good enough'. For people with ADHD in particular, impostor feelings are often tied to frustration about their own unrealised potential, and the unpredictability of their energy and capabilities.

A lot of people come to therapy uncertain about how to describe themselves. Is it acceptable to say you're autistic, dyspraxic, or have ADHD, if you haven't had an official medical diagnosis? Since it's more difficult than ever to be referred for assessment, people can get stuck for months and years, putting their wellbeing on hold until they know for certain what to call their experience.

In much popular discourse around neurodiversity, masking is portrayed as a shame-based behaviour aimed at deflecting aggression or preserving important attachments, often at the expense of a person's mental wellbeing. But masking can also arise from a hyperfocus on people.

Why feeling truly safe means taking some risks.