Who Am I Without the Mask? Unmasking as a Neurodivergent Adult

In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Simon Scott is joined by Ashley Dupuy to explore the emotional reality of unmasking as a neurodivergent adult — especially after late diagnosis.

With Jordan still in New Zealand, Simon and Ashley dive into identity shifts, grief, anger, boundaries, and the destabilising question so many people face:

Who am I without the mask?

They discuss how masking begins as a survival strategy rooted in nervous system safety, but can eventually leave you disconnected from your authentic self. From overcorrecting into bluntness to navigating workplaces and losing friendships built on compliance, they unpack what really happens when you stop performing.

This episode explores:

• The identity crisis after late diagnosis
• Grief, anger, and the “what could I have been?” question
• Fawning, people-pleasing, and compliance-based friendships
• Over-correcting during early unmasking
• Addiction, substances, and masking socially
• Being told “you’ve changed”
• Boundaries and losing fair-weather friends
• Professional masking and workplace minefields
• The difference between authenticity and dysregulation
• Nervous system regulation as the foundation of unmasking
• Curiosity vs shame when you “get it wrong”

A thoughtful, validating conversation about learning to be yourself — slowly, imperfectly, and without burning your life down in the process.

Our Sponsors:

🧠 RTN Diagnostics - Right to Choose – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)

🧘‍♀️ Ashley Dupuy – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

• → https://bit.ly/ashleynde

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