Late-Identified Neurodiversity – Rediscovering Myself

by Lucinda | 2, May 2025 | Autism, Boundaries, Masking, Meltdowns, Neurodiversity

Late-Identified Neurodiversity = Internal University

Figuring out that I’m neurodiverse in my mid-50s certainly qualifies as late-identified neurodiversity!

I’ve always known — and embraced — that I’m different. But it’s only recently that I’ve begun to understand the full scope of my neurodiversity. I may be neurodiverse in multiple ways.

I’ve always known I was an introvert, and that felt like part of my neurodiversity. But discovering that I’m also autistic?

That part is new.

Looking Back Through a Neurodiverse Lens

With the insight I’m gaining now, I can see autism running through my life like a thread — sometimes fine and golden, sometimes tangled.

As a child, I loved solitude. I’d read science books and do experiments, learn to knit and crochet from crafting guides, and explore the vivid, layered world inside me.

When I did venture out, I saw things that weren’t right. Even at 7 or 8, I was campaigning to protect animals and the environment — creating petitions, going door to door to collect signatures, and sending them to the government.

I also had what my parents called “tantrums” — which meant being sent to my room (blessed solitude!). Now I understand these were likely meltdowns. The world overwhelmed me, and there was little awareness of autism back then.

Interestingly, my dad self-diagnosed as “mildly autistic.” It never quite landed with me — but he made me feel normal in a way no one else did.

Masking… and the Cost

Masking is the art of hiding your neurodiverse traits to fit into the neurotypical world.

Given I’ve gotten this far in life with only about four people recognising I might be neurodiverse – I’m pretty good at it!

My mission now is to gently unpick the mask — to understand when and how I mask, and most importantly, the toll it takes on my energy.

But because masking has become so automatic, it’s difficult to spot.

One video on YouTube helped illuminate this for me — I’ll share it below. I’ve watched it several times, laughing out loud at how deeply I relate.

(Especially the “watching the movie” scene… oh my stars — that is so me. It’s probably why I adore The Detectorists.)

Watch it here:

What’s Beneath the Mask?

I’m still discovering that part.

I’ve taken a short pause from life — a reset — to tune into my own rhythms. I’m learning what I truly need, and what my limits are.

Here’s what I’ve uncovered so far:

🕊️ Making time for myself early in the day
🐶 More puppy time (play and cuddles!)
🌪️ Limiting time in environments that are intense or draining
🗓️ Structuring my days to reflect my needs — which are still evolving
🚫 Saying firm no’s to what feels soul-sapping
🌿 Spending more time in nature — restoring myself, and watching satin bowerbirds build their bowers
🍲 Eating in ways that support my body
💫 Welcoming in more of what I love

This journey of late-identified neurodiversity is not about labelling. It’s about liberation. About finally seeing myself with clarity, compassion, and care.

And maybe, just maybe, letting that mask fall away — one kind choice at a time.

Have you ever experienced a moment of self-discovery that changed the way you see your past?

I’d love to hear what helped you make sense of your difference — whether recently, or long ago.

Please feel welcome to share in the comments, or just sit with the question gently and see what it stirs.

How to Stop Feeling Broken

by Lucinda | 17, Apr 2025 | Blog

How to Stop Feeling Broken – You’re Just Different

Have you ever had that sinking feeling that you’re not quite right? That somehow, you missed a memo on how to “human” correctly?

Maybe you’ve been told you’re too sensitive, too intense, too quiet, too loud, too much—or not enough.

That feeling of not fitting in can be overwhelming. It can convince you that you’re somehow broken.

But here’s the truth: You are not broken. You’re just different.

And different is NOT a flaw.

What Feeling Broken Really Means

That “feeling broken” sensation often comes from years of internalising messages that something about you needs fixing.

For many neurodiverse people, that message starts early: at school, in social groups, in work environments built for a different kind of brain.

Feeling broken isn’t really about who you are. It’s about how you’ve been made to feel.

When the world isn’t designed with your way of thinking, feeling, or sensing in mind, it can wear you down.

But your differences – your sensitivities, your focus, your perspective – aren’t errors. They’re signals of a mind that works uniquely.

Reframing “Broken” as “Brilliant”

Let’s flip the narrative.

What if those things that make you feel broken are actually signs of brilliance?

🌱 Struggle in noisy environments? That might mean you have finely tuned sensory awareness.
💡 Need time alone to recharge? You may process deeply and feel more than others.
✨ Communicate differently? That’s not a flaw—it’s another form of fluency.

The world needs all kinds of thinkers, feelers, and beings. Your uniqueness might just be the perspective someone else is longing to hear.

How to Start Healing That Feeling

If you’re stuck in the cycle of feeling broken, here are a few gentle steps to help shift that story:

Notice the narrative
Pay attention to the inner voice that says, “I’m too much” or “I don’t belong.”
Whose voice is that? Often, it’s not yours.
Seek spaces that celebrate difference
When you find places—online or in real life—where people get you, it’s like a deep exhale. Community matters.
Speak kindly to yourself
Start small: “I am doing my best.” “There’s nothing wrong with me.”
Let those words begin to soften the edges.
Recognise your strengths
Make a list of what you do well—not just achievements, but traits: creativity, compassion, pattern recognition, perseverance.
Start to celebrate you.
Get support
Whether it’s a coach, therapist, mentor or trusted friend –
Being seen and heard by someone who understands can be powerful.

You Are Not Broken—You Are Becoming

If no one has told you lately: there is nothing wrong with you.

Yes, the world can be confusing, harsh, and overwhelming. But you? You are still whole.

You’re allowed to feel tired. You’re allowed to feel lost. And you’re allowed to rest.

But please don’t mistake being different for being broken.

Because in your difference lies your depth, your strength, and your quiet brilliance.

Share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear your reactions, thoughts and feelings.

What Does Coaching Impact Really Feel Like?

by Lucinda | 21, Mar 2025 | Empowerment, Inspiration, Neurodiversity, Radiance Coaching

The Lasting Impact of Coaching: How Radiance Coaching Creates Real Change

What Does Coaching Impact Really Feel Like?

Imagine standing at the edge of a dense forest, unsure of the path ahead. The trees whisper possibilities, but the way forward feels tangled, overwhelming.

Coaching is like a lantern lighting the way – not forcing a route, but revealing choices, opening space, making the next step clear.

The impact of coaching isn’t just a single moment of insight.

It’s the feeling of breathing easier, of moving through life with a sense of direction.

It’s the confidence to trust yourself, the freedom to unmask, the deep exhale of realising you no longer have to fit into someone else’s mould.

The Power of Radiance Coaching for Neurodiverse People

Radiance Coaching is a sanctuary for those who experience the world intensely.

If you process life deeply, feel things profoundly, or navigate a brain that doesn’t fit the so-called ‘norm,’ this is for you.

Radiance Coaching isn’t about fixing – it’s about aligning with who you already are and uncovering what makes you thrive.

The impact of Radiance Coaching shows up in:

🌿 Moments of clarity that feel like fresh air – the sudden realisation that you do know what you need, and always have.

🎶 Expressing yourself in ways that finally feel right – no more struggling to fit into uncomfortable conversations or expectations.

🔥 Energy shifts that transform daily life – recognising what drains you, what fuels you, and how to balance both.

🌊 Finding your natural rhythm – honouring how you move through the world, instead of forcing yourself into someone else’s pace.

🌟 Success on your terms – defining progress by how you feel, not by arbitrary checklists or comparisons.

How Do You Know Coaching is Working?

The effects of Radiance Coaching don’t come with a scorecard – they show up in the little things, the ripples that turn into waves:

Noticing more ease in your days – decisions feel smoother, self-doubt loosens its grip, your energy flows where it’s needed.
Recognising and celebrating small wins – setting boundaries without guilt, speaking up with confidence, feeling seen in your own story.
Feeling at home in yourself – not needing to shrink, mask, or explain away your natural ways of being.

The Ripple Effect of Coaching

Transformation isn’t just personal – it extends outward.

When you shift, so do your relationships, your environment, your way of engaging with the world.

You move with more presence, more authenticity, creating spaces where others can do the same.

Neuro-Affirming Coaching click - LucindaCurran.com

Ready to Experience the Shift?

If you’re ready to move from stuck to flowing, Radiance Coaching is here to support you.

I’ve got a couple of places opening up – let’s chat about how coaching can help you step into your fullest self.

Learn more and book your sessions here.

How to Book or Create a Package - LucindaCurran.com

Hyperfocus: The Joy (and Challenge) of Deep Dives

by Lucinda | 17, Mar 2025 | ADHD/ADD, Autism, Empowerment, Hyperfocus, Neurodiversity

Hyperfocus: The Joy (and Challenge) of Deep Dives

I was catching up with a friend over coffee when she sighed, shaking her head with a wry smile.

“I just don’t get it. I sat down to do a quick bit of research for my project, and before I knew it, six hours had passed! I forgot to eat, I ignored my phone—nothing else existed. It’s like I disappeared into another world. Is that normal?”

A familiar spark of recognition lit up in me. “That sounds perfectly normal to me!! It’s called ‘hyperfocus’!” I said.

If you’ve ever lost yourself in an absorbing task—emerging hours later, dazed and completely unaware of the time—you might have experienced hyperfocus, too.

It’s the intense, immersive state where distractions fade away, and your entire being locks onto one fascinating thing.

Whether it’s reading, gaming, creating, or problem-solving, hyperfocus can feel like a superpower—until it’s not.

What is Hyperfocus?

It is a state of deep concentration where a person becomes completely absorbed in an activity, often to the exclusion of everything else.

It’s most commonly associated with neurodiverse individuals, particularly those with ADHD and autism, but anyone can experience it.

Unlike general concentration, which can be consciously controlled, hyperfocus often feels involuntary.

It’s not just paying attention—it’s disappearing into something, sometimes to the point of neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or responding to others.

The Double-Edged Sword

Hyperfocus can be a gift.

It allows for deep learning, creativity, and productivity.

Many breakthroughs in science, art, and technology have likely come from someone deeply immersed in their work.

But it also has its downsides.

If the focus locks onto the ‘wrong’ thing (a video game instead of an important deadline, or a creative project instead of much-needed sleep), it can cause frustration, stress, or even burnout.

It can also make it difficult to switch tasks, leading to missed appointments, unfinished chores, and an imbalance in daily life.

Monotropism: The Science Behind Hyperfocus

A key concept linked to hyperfocus is monotropism – the idea that some brains naturally focus on fewer things at a deeper level, rather than spreading attention broadly.

This explains why shifting attention can be difficult and why deep dives into interests are so rewarding.

For those with a monotropic attention style, engaging in a passion feels energising and fulfilling, but being forced to multitask or switch focus can be exhausting.

Understanding this can help people manage their focus more effectively, rather than fighting against it.

Managing Hyperfocus: Harnessing the Magic

If this is something you experience, here are a few ways to work with it rather than against it:

1️⃣ Set External Reminders – Alarms, timers, and accountability check-ins can help break up long focus sessions so you remember to eat, drink, and rest.

2️⃣ Plan ‘Deep Work’ Time – If you know you hyperfocus best in the evenings, schedule important tasks for then, instead of forcing yourself into less optimal times.

3️⃣ Create Soft Exit Strategies – Transitioning out of hyperfocus can be difficult. Using a wind-down routine, like journaling your progress or setting a stopping point in advance, can make it easier.

4️⃣ Use It to Your Advantage – When channelled well, hyperfocus can be an incredible asset for work, hobbies, and personal growth. Understanding your own patterns helps you make the most of it.

5️⃣ Build Recovery Time – Hyperfocus can be exhilarating but also exhausting. Plan for rest, movement, and downtime after deep dives to prevent burnout and keep your focus sustainable.

Embracing Your Focus Pocus

I’ve always called hyperfocus my “Focus Pocus”—that magical ability to get completely absorbed in something I love.

Learning to embrace and manage it has helped me balance its benefits while avoiding its pitfalls.

hyperfocus focus pocus - lucindacurran.com

If you or someone you know experiences hyperfocus, it’s worth recognising its power and finding ways to make it work in your favour.

What’s the last thing you got lost in for hours? Let’s celebrate the deep dives together!

Share in the comments, or come over and share in our free community: Different… and Loving it!

Sounds for Autism, Anxiety & Fear

by Lucinda | 12, Mar 2025 | Anxiety, Autism, Sound Healing

Sounds for Autism, Anxiety & Fear

How Sound Helps Calm the Nervous System

Ever felt completely overstimulated, like every sound, light, or social interaction is just too much?

Whether it’s anxiety, sensory overload, or shutdowns, there’s one natural tool that can help: sound.

From humming and singing to deep vibrations and music, sound can directly activate the vagus nerve, our body’s built-in relaxation switch.

This means it can help reduce stress, prevent meltdowns, and bring a sense of calm—all in a way that’s backed by science.

Let’s explore how it works and how you can use sound to support your nervous system.

The Vagus Nerve: Your Body’s Relaxation Switch

The vagus nerve runs from your brainstem down through your body, connecting with your heart, lungs, and gut.

It’s a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you rest, digest, and recover.

Unlike the fight-or-flight response, which ramps up anxiety and stress, the vagus nerve brings everything back to a state of calm.

💙 It slows the heart rate
🔷 Regulates breathing
💙 Reduces inflammation
🔷 Supports emotional regulation

And the best part? Sound is one of the easiest ways to activate it.

(Read more about the vagus nerve.)

How Sound Stimulates the Vagus Nerve

Research has found that certain sounds and vibrations can directly engage the vagus nerve, helping to regulate emotions and reduce stress.

🎶 1. Humming & Singing

The vibration of your voice stimulates the vagus nerve, sending calming signals through your body. (Check out my #1 Humming Technique here.)

Studies have shown that group singing even increases heart rate variability—a sign of a well-regulated nervous system. (Maybe it’s time to join a choir?)

💧 2. Gargling

Dr Carlo Rinaudo, a chiropractor, explains that gargling is a powerful vagus nerve exercise.

The muscles at the back of the throat engage, stimulating vagal tone—the measure of how well your nervous system regulates stress.

🎵 3. Listening to Music

Certain types of music, particularly those that create a sense of awe or deep relaxation, have been linked to increased vagus nerve activity and lower anxiety levels.