Welcome to Neuroprovocateurs, the podcast all about neurodiversity and self acceptance. Want to hear all about how neurodiversity affects culture, relationships, sexuality and identity? You’ve come to the right place.

In part two of our conversation, Cate “Catieosaurus” Osborn joins Pam Shaffer and Jessica Stoya to discuss the success of her bestselling book “The ADHD Field Guide For Adults” and the bigger questions it raises about adult ADHD, neurodivergence, and why so many common ADHD tips do not work for everyone. Instead of offering one-size-fits-all advice, Cate explores the need for personalized ADHD strategies that help people understand how their unique brains work in real life.

The conversation covers the emotional reality of being a bestselling author while living with ADHD, including imposter syndrome, rejection sensitivity, and the vulnerability of creating work that resonates so deeply with readers. Cate also reflects on the importance of self-compassion, especially for people navigating the daily challenges of ADHD symptoms, burnout, and feeling misunderstood.

This episode also dives into under-discussed topics like ADHD and hormones, hormonal birth control, and the ways hormonal shifts can affect focus, mood, and overall ADHD management. Cate highlights the lack of inclusive research on ADHD comorbidities, including links with autism, gastrointestinal issues, and the need for more studies involving women, trans people, non-binary people, and people of color.

Pam, Jessica, and Cate also explore how culture and ADHD shape communication, behavior, and relationships. From interrupting styles to differing social norms, they unpack why ADHD advice can feel incomplete without considering personal background, identity, and environment. The episode emphasizes ADHD advocacy, effective communication, and learning how to ask for support in ways that actually work.

Whether you are newly diagnosed, exploring neurodivergent mental health, or looking for more practical and inclusive ways to manage ADHD, this conversation offers validation, insight, and actionable perspective. Thoughtful, funny, and empowering, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in ADHD support, personalized systems, and the future of more inclusive ADHD research.

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Show Outline

Book’s Success and Personal Reflections

•Cate Osborn discusses the frustration of finding tips and tricks for ADHD without understanding why they work or don’t work for different brains.

•Cate mentions the book’s success, including long waiting lists at some libraries, and shares a humorous anecdote about her alumni update.

•Jessica Stoya asks about the criteria for becoming a bestseller, and Cate shares a story about beating “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” on the USA Today bestseller list.

•Pam Shaffer and Cate discuss the unpredictability of art and the challenges of putting oneself out there, including dealing with imposter syndrome and rejection sensitivity.

Challenges of Being a Bestseller

•Cate talks about the unexpected nature of her book tour, where people are still trying to understand what the book is about.

•Cate shares her experience of signing books and the importance of personalizing her interactions with readers.

•Pam and Cate discuss the emotional impact of the book, with many readers crying upon reading it, and the importance of being kind and compassionate to oneself.

•Cate mentions the common comorbidity of ADHD and gastrointestinal issues, and how hormonal cycles can affect ADHD symptoms.

Hormonal Birth Control and ADHD

•Cate shares her negative experiences with hormonal birth control and her eventual switch to a copper IUD.

•Jessica Stoya mentions a friend working on a PhD focused on hormones and mental health, specifically progesterone.

•Cate recounts a story about receiving criticism for the correlation between ADHD and autism in her book, highlighting the lack of research in certain areas.

•Cate emphasizes the importance of including diverse perspectives in her book, such as those of trans and non-binary individuals, and people of color with ADHD.

Research and Cultural Differences

•Cate discusses the limited research on ADHD and its comorbidities, and the need for more inclusive studies.

•Jessica Stoya and Cate talk about the challenges of generalizing ADHD advice due to cultural differences and individual experiences.

•Pam Shaffer shares an example of how cultural norms around interrupting can impact communication and relationships.

•Cate and Pam discuss the importance of understanding and adapting to different cultural communication styles to maintain healthy relationships.

Advocating for Personalized Solutions

•Cate explains the focus of her book on building personalized systems and structures to manage ADHD, rather than providing generic tips.

•Jessica Stoya appreciates the practical examples and mechanisms provided in the book to help readers find their own solutions.

•Cate shares her frustration with the lack of personalized advice in traditional ADHD resources and the importance of teaching people to advocate for their needs.

•Pam Shaffer and Cate discuss the challenges of identifying and articulating one’s needs, and the importance of being able to ask for what one wants.

The Role of Culture in ADHD Management

•Cate and Pam discuss how cultural beliefs and practices can impact the management and perception of ADHD symptoms.

•Cate shares an example of how interrupting is viewed differently in different cultures and how it can affect communication.

•Pam talks about the need to adapt communication styles to accommodate different cultural norms and individual needs.

•Cate emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences to build effective systems and structures for managing ADHD.

Future Research and Book Sequels

•Cate expresses her hope that future research will lead to a better understanding of ADHD and its comorbidities, making her book outdated.

•Pam and Jessica offer to support Cate in writing a sequel to her book, focusing on topics like sex, intimacy, and relationships.

•Cate shares her excitement for exploring these topics in more depth in future work.

•The conversation concludes with Cate promoting her book, tour, and social media presence, and expressing gratitude for the discussion.

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