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.

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!

Masking, Meltdowns, and Managing Your Energy

by Lucinda | 3, Mar 2025 | Energy, Masking, Meltdowns, Neurodiversity

Masking, Meltdowns, and Managing Your Energy

Do you ever feel like you’re holding yourself together just long enough to get through a situation—only to completely crash afterwards? That’s masking. And if you’ve experienced the emotional and physical toll it takes, you’re not alone.

Masking is when we suppress our natural responses, emotions, or behaviours to fit in, meet expectations, or avoid standing out. While it can help us navigate certain social situations, it’s also exhausting and can lead to meltdowns, shutdowns, and long-term burnout.

If you’re constantly running on empty, it’s time to explore how to manage your energy, reduce the impact of masking, and honour your natural rhythms.

What Is Masking?

Masking is often an unconscious response to social pressure. You might suppress stimming, force eye contact, or modify your behaviour to blend in. It’s particularly common among neurodiverse individuals, introverts, and highly sensitive people.

A Personal Example of Masking

For me, one of the biggest challenges has been visiting my parents in aged care. The overwhelming mix of noise, strong smells, social interactions, and confronting realities of dementia means I have to hold it all together while I’m there. I suppress my discomfort, push through, and stay composed. But once I get home, exhaustion sets in. My energy crashes, and I need time to recover.

Sound familiar? If so, let’s look at the cost of masking and how to manage it.

The Cost of Masking

Masking isn’t just tiring—it has real emotional and physical consequences.

1. Emotional Exhaustion

Suppressing your natural reactions can lead to anxiety, stress, and emotional burnout. Over time, it can make you feel disconnected from yourself.

2. Physical Fatigue

Headaches, muscle tension, and extreme exhaustion can result from constantly monitoring and adjusting your behaviour.

3. Meltdowns vs. Shutdowns

Meltdowns: A buildup of sensory, emotional, or mental overload that results in an emotional outburst.
Shutdowns: A response to overwhelm where you withdraw, go silent, and struggle to function.

The more we mask, the more likely we are to experience these crashes—but there are ways to reduce the impact.

How to Manage Your Energy & Reduce the Impact of Masking

💡 You don’t have to stop masking entirely—but you can make it less draining.

1. Recognise Your Triggers

Start noticing when and where you mask the most. Which situations leave you feeling completely drained? Awareness is the first step to managing your energy better.

2. Schedule Recovery Time

If you know you’ll be masking, plan for decompression time afterwards. Give yourself permission to rest, engage in quiet activities, or spend time alone.

3. Find Safe Spaces to Be Unmasked

It’s important to have environments where you can be fully yourself. Who are the people you don’t need to pretend around? Where do you feel truly comfortable?

4. Set Boundaries & Advocate for Yourself

Saying no to overwhelming situations is an act of self-care. If possible, adjust your environment or routine to reduce the need for masking. Small changes—like wearing noise-cancelling headphones or taking regular breaks—can make a big difference.

5. Use Energy Management Strategies

The Bucket Theory: You have a limited amount of energy (‘buckets’) per day—use them wisely.
The 3 Rs: Rest, Recharge, and Reconnect with what makes you feel like you.

Embracing a Life with Less Masking

Masking may be part of your life, but it doesn’t have to control you. By understanding your energy limits, setting boundaries, and prioritising rest, you can navigate the world in a way that feels sustainable and true to who you are.

If this resonates with you and you’re ready to build a life where you don’t have to mask as much, I invite you to explore Radiance Coaching. Together, we’ll create a way forward that honours your unique energy and needs. Click here to learn more!

Also, I’d love to hear from you—when do you find yourself masking the most, and what helps you recharge? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments!

Summing Up

Masking is something many of us do—but we don’t have to let it rule our lives.

By understanding your energy limits, setting boundaries, and prioritising rest, you can reduce exhaustion and honour your true self.

If this resonates with you, let’s talk about ways you can build a life where you don’t have to mask so much.

I offer Radiance Coaching to help unique people like you navigate life with more ease and joy. Want to explore what that could look like for you? Click here to learn more!

Also, let me know in the comments: When do you find yourself masking the most, and what helps you recharge?

5 Signs You’re Different – And Why That’s a Gift

by Lucinda | 28, Feb 2025 | Empowerment, Neurodiversity, Uniqueness

5 Signs You’re Different (And Why That’s a Gift)

Do you often feel like you don’t quite fit into the world around you? Have you noticed that you’re different? Maybe you’ve been told you’re “too much” or “too different,” but what if those very traits are what make you extraordinary?

If you’re wondering if you’re different, the truth is—you probably are.

And that’s not just okay; it’s a gift.

Here are five signs that set you apart—and how they can empower you to create a life that feels aligned, fulfilling, and completely your own.

1. You Struggle to Fit In

It’s not always easy to blend in with the crowd, and that’s okay.

Many people who are different find it hard to conform to societal expectations.

But here’s the thing: trying to fit into a box that wasn’t made for you only dims your true light.

The fact that you don’t fit in means you have the freedom to create your own path and live authentically.

2. You See Things Differently

People who are different often have a unique perspective on the world.

Whether it’s how you process information, approach challenges, or create solutions, your mind works in ways others might not understand.

While this can feel isolating at times, it’s also an incredible strength—your ability to think outside the box allows you to bring fresh ideas and innovation to the world.

3. You Don’t Mind Standing Out

While many fear standing out, those who are different often embrace it.

Whether it’s through your personal style, beliefs, or passions, you’re not afraid to be yourself.

This might intimidate some people, but it’s also incredibly liberating.

When you stand in your truth, you inspire others to do the same.

4. You Experience Emotions Deeply

Being different often comes with heightened emotional sensitivity.

You may feel things more deeply than others, be highly empathetic, or experience an intense connection to the world around you.

While society sometimes labels this as “too sensitive,” it’s actually a profound gift.

Your emotional depth allows you to form meaningful connections and understand people in a way that others can’t.

5. You Feel a Strong Sense of Purpose

If you’ve always felt a deep drive to do something meaningful—even if it’s different from what others expect—you’re likely someone with a strong sense of purpose.

People who are different don’t follow trends; they create them.

Your passion and vision are powerful forces, guiding you toward a life that truly matters.

You’re Different—And That’s a Strength

Recognising that you’re different is the first step in unlocking your full potential.

The world needs people who think differently, act boldly, and embrace their uniqueness.

When you lean into who you truly are, you not only empower yourself—you give others permission to do the same.

Next Steps: Step Into Your Radiance

If this resonates with you, and you’re ready to fully embrace your uniqueness, I invite you to take the next step with Radiance Coaching.

🌟 Radiance Coaching is designed to help you:
✅ Embrace what makes you different with confidence
✅ Overcome self-doubt and societal expectations
✅ Step into a life that feels authentic, fulfilling, and joyful

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Let’s uncover your true radiance together.

💛 Let’s Chat about Your Personalised Radiance Coaching Package today.

Understanding Autistic Shutdowns

by Lucinda | 28, Feb 2025 | Autism, Neurodiversity, Shutdowns

Understanding Autistic Shutdowns: What Happens When Overwhelm Takes Over?

What is an Autistic Shutdown?

An autistic shutdown is a response to extreme overwhelm, where the nervous system essentially “powers down” to protect itself.

Unlike meltdowns, which are outward expressions of distress, shutdowns involve withdrawal, silence, and exhaustion.

The brain and body go into a low-energy state, making it difficult to think, speak, or respond to stimuli.

Understanding autistic shutdowns is essential for recognising when they happen and responding with self-compassion.

Common Triggers for Shutdowns

Autistic shutdowns are often triggered by prolonged stress, overstimulation, or emotional overload. Some common causes include:

Sensory Overload: Loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or crowded spaces can overwhelm the senses.
Social Exhaustion: Too many interactions, deep emotional conversations, or feeling misunderstood.
Emotional Stress: Conflict, unexpected changes, or being confronted with intense emotions from others.
Cognitive Overload: Too many decisions, rapid-fire information, or complex problem-solving.
Physical Fatigue: Lack of sleep, too many back-to-back activities, or not enough downtime.

Signs of an Autistic Shutdown

Because shutdowns are often internal experiences, they can be difficult to spot. Here are some signs:

Becoming non-verbal or struggling to form words.
Feeling disconnected, distant, or numb.
Needing to withdraw from people or tasks.
Struggling to process information or make decisions.
Feeling physically drained or dizzy.

For those who experience shutdowns, recognising these signs early can help prevent deeper exhaustion.

How to Recover from a Shutdown

Once a shutdown begins, the best approach is to allow yourself time and space to recover. Here are some ways to help the process:

Create a calm environment – Reduce sensory input by dimming lights, wearing noise-cancelling headphones, or retreating to a quiet space.
Engage in soothing activities – Stimming, listening to music, wrapping up in a weighted blanket, or sitting in nature can help.
Prioritise rest – Allow yourself to step away from responsibilities and recharge.
Communicate your needs – If possible, let others know you need space and quiet.
Hydrate and nourish your body – Simple self-care actions like drinking water and eating a small snack can support recovery.

How Others Can Support Someone in Shutdown

If you know someone experiencing a shutdown, here are a few ways to support them:

Respect their need for space and quiet.
Avoid asking too many questions or expecting immediate responses.
Offer practical help, like bringing them water or a comfort item.
Be patient and understanding—it’s not personal.
Check in later, once they’ve had time to recover.

Final Thoughts

Shutdowns are a natural response to overwhelm, not a sign of weakness or failure. Recognising them, allowing recovery time, and building strategies to manage energy levels can make a world of difference.

Have you ever experienced an autistic shutdown? What helps you recover? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!