Episode 232: Push-Pull of AuDHD Burnout: ADHD Excitement vs. Autistic Exhaustion [featuring Atsede Scarseth]
AuDHD Burnout goes beyond overwhelm felt from external forces in life and into an internal struggle of navigating the everyday tug-of-war needs and desires stemming from being both Autistic and ADHD.
In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Atsede Scarseth, an AuDHD LPC, Coach, and Certified Yoga Teacher, about the complexities of AuDHD (Autistic + ADHD) burnout, masking, and the necessity of both self-acceptance and truly restorative rest, particularly as a neurodivergent entrepreneur.
Here are 3 key takeaways:
- Burnout is Nuanced: It’s not just about overworking; neurodivergent people often burn out from sensory overload, masking, or pushing past personal limits—not simply job stress.
- Integration is Key: Insight into your neurodivergence is only the beginning. Real transformation—and healing—happens when you learn to embody those insights and adjust your life accordingly.
- The Power of Neurodivergent Community: Building spaces (like specialized retreats) where unmasking is welcomed and rest is prioritized can be transformative. It’s about community, not just survival.
More about Atsede:
Atsede (At-sed-uh) is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Coach, and Certified Yoga Teacher. Originally from New York, she’s lived in Colorado for 10+ years. Atsede completed her Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University. Her neurodivergence (Gifted, AuDHD), various life experiences, and unique worldview allows her to meet people where they are authentically. She enjoys music, nature, and intuitive movement as each one holds a significant place in her life and informs how she interacts and connects with those around her. Atsede spent much of her early years confused, overwhelmed, and anxious despite her ability to “successfully” navigate the majority of situations she was presented with. Her journey to understanding her needs and how to take care of herself included a holistic approach involving mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. She likes to balance evidence-based therapeutic modalities and spiritually aligned practices (yoga, psychedelic work, intuitive practices, etc.). She also enjoys traveling and experiencing different ways of living, which hosting retreats allows her to do while giving back to the communities she’s sharing space with.
- Retreat Offer: Check out Neurodivergent by Nature: A Lush Getaway in Ireland. This is a retreat for the Neurodivergent, highly sensitive feelers to get together, unmask, reset, rest, learn, and connect. Use code PATRICK for $300 off the experience. Learn more: unearthingchoicecounseling.com/ireland
- Instagram: instagram.com/atsedescarseth
- YouTube: youtube.com/@atsedescarseth
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Mentioned in this episode:
Portland, Maine, Summit 2026
The 2026 Doubt Yourself Do It Anyway Summit is happening for the first time in the United States in beautiful Portland, Maine, on September 1st–3rd, 2026. Portland, Maine, is a beautiful coastal city in the Atlantic Ocean. There's a lot of history there, and it's a very funky, creative, safe, walkable, diverse, and progressive city. You will get 9 NBCC CEs. We have ASWB pending—we'll make an announcement when that's finalized—and have 13 prolific industry leaders. This summit has always been about showing that our skills are applicable in so many different ways, and to motivate you to think bigger, grow in this profession, take more risks, work through self-doubt, and really embrace the doubt-yourself-do-it-anyway mentality. Spots are limited. Reserve your spot here: https://www.empoweredescapes.com/portland-maine-summit Doubt yourself. Do it anyway. See you in Maine.
The Receptionist for iPad
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
