143: Sol Smith on ADHD, Masking and the Journey to Self-Discovery
In this episode of the SOULFULL SOUND Podcast, I'm joined by Sol Smith, author of The ADHDer's Guide to Self-Discovery and The Autistic's Guide to Self-Discovery. A certified autism specialist who is autistic, dyslexic and living with ADHD, Sol spent more than two decades as a college professor before dedicating his work to helping autistic and ADHD adults thrive.
Together, we explore what ADHD can look like beyond the familiar stereotypes, why so many adults are only recognising it later in life, and how masking, people-pleasing and trying to meet neurotypical expectations can take a significant toll.
Sol explains how dopamine, novelty and motivation can influence the way ADHDers approach tasks, why procrastination can become a coping mechanism, and why the strategies that work for one person may not work for another.
We also explore the difference between seeing ADHD as a disorder or a superpower, the importance of recognising neurodivergence as part of identity, and what it means to unmask and build a life around the way your brain actually works.
One of the most powerful threads running through this conversation is the possibility of releasing shame and self-judgment. Rather than constantly trying to fit a predetermined mould, what might change if we understood our own needs, played to our strengths and created more supportive ways of living?
We also venture into the relationship between neurodivergence and intuition, the value of intrinsic motivation, and Sol's perspective on creating a personally meaningful life in a world that can feel overwhelming.
In this episode, we explore:
- What ADHD is — and why its name can be misleading
- Why ADHD can go unrecognised in adults, particularly women and marginalised groups
- Late diagnosis, self-identification and self-trust
- Dopamine, novelty, procrastination and hyperfocus
- Masking, exhaustion and the process of unmasking
- ADHD as identity, rather than something to overcome
- The limitations of describing ADHD as a superpower
- Why monetising a passion can sometimes take away its joy
- Working with your strengths and accepting the support you need
- Neurodivergence, intuition and reconnecting with the body
- Finding meaning and defining success on your own terms
Whether you have an ADHD or autism diagnosis, suspect you may be neurodivergent, or simply want to better understand the people around you, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of identity, difference and self-discovery.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Understanding ADHD as an Identity
02:19 What ADHD Really Is: Attention, Hyperactivity & Dopamine
08:10 Why ADHD Is Often Missed in Women and Marginalised Groups
12:31 Sol’s Journey to Understanding His Neurodivergence
17:37 Signs of ADHD, Employment Challenges & Rejection
21:41 Novelty, Dopamine Hunting & Finding Motivation
25:45 Hyperfocus, Procrastination & Working in Your Own Way
30:16 Success, Self-Worth & Finding Meaning in Your Work
32:20 ADHD as Identity, Not an Affliction
39:02 When Turning a Passion Into Work Takes Away the Joy
45:21 ADHD as a Superpower, Masking & Unmasking
01:03:32 Intuition, Self-Trust & Creating a Meaningful Life
ABOUT SOL SMITH:
Sol Smith is the author of The ADHDer’s Guide to Self-Discovery and The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery. A certified autism specialist who is autistic, dyslexic, and living with ADHD, he spent more than two decades as a college professor before dedicating his life to helping autistic and ADHD adults thrive. Sol is the founder of Square Peg Coaching and Consulting and NeuroSpicyCommunity.com, an online support community for Autistics and ADHDers. His neuro-affirming approach has attracted hundreds of thousands of followers on TikTok and Instagram and established him as a sought-after speaker on autism, ADHD, and neurodiversity.
Connect With SOL SMITH:
Links:
✅ Website: https://www.professorsol.com/
✅ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@better_sol
✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprofessorsol
✅ YouTube: https://www.instagram.com/theprofessorsol
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Disclaimer
The views shared by guests on the podcast are their own and are shared for discussion and insight.
