High-masking autism in women often goes unnoticed because success can hide disability. In this episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with MasterChef UK contestant Vanessa D'Souza to discuss autism, ADHD, sensory processing, masking, autistic burnout, and why so many women aren't diagnosed until adulthood. 📖 For show notes, resources, and links mentioned in this episode, visit: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/autism-and-adhd/
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You'll Learn
Why MasterChef became the perfect storm for autistic burnout
Why autism in women is still so frequently overlooked
The hidden cost of high masking and why success doesn't mean someone isn't struggling
How sensory processing affects food, cooking, and everyday life
Why so many women don't receive an autism diagnosis until adulthood
What autistic burnout actually feels like—and why recovery can take months
The accommodations that can make an enormous difference for autistic adults
Why asking for support isn't weakness—it's self-understanding
How MasterChef unexpectedly became a platform for autism advocacy
Why uncertainty can be more overwhelming than failure for many autistic people
How understanding sensory needs can improve quality of life for both children and adults
What every healthcare provider, parent, and partner should know about autism in women
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Follow Vanessa D'Souza
Vanessa D'Souza’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.autistic.chef/
Vanessa D’Souza’s Website: https://vanessadsouza.co.uk/
MasterChef UK’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterchefuk/
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