Late diagnosis changed her work and finally made life make sense

Masking, Late Diagnosis, and Finding Yourself with Coach Tara Trievel

Late ADHD diagnosis, self-identified autism, and 25 years coaching—Tara and I get real about masking and identity.

In this episode, I sit down with parent mentor and social communication coach Tara Trievel to talk about what happens when you realize the people you’ve been helping are a lot like you. We get into what masking really looks like day to day, why it isn’t always a bad thing, and how to use it with intention instead of exhaustion.

You’ll hear how Tara reframed ADHD and autism through lived experience, the surprising shift that made social situations less draining, and why focusing on strengths changes everything at home and in the classroom. We also tackle sticky moments—like job interviews, soft skills, and when to disclose—plus the nervous system piece most support plans miss.

If you’re a parent, educator, or newly diagnosed adult wondering “Is this me?”—this conversation will help you make sense of your past and feel clearer about your next step.

About the Guest

Tara Trievel is a parent mentor and social communication coach for ASD families with 25 years of experience. She was late diagnosed with ADHD and self-identifies as autistic. Tara hosts the Unapologetically Mom podcast and supports families and professionals at https://www.2besocial.org/ and at the

Unapologetically Mom podcast

Keywords: autism, ADHD, late diagnosis, masking, nervous system, parents, educators, soft skills, interviews, neurodivergent support

Call to action: If this resonated, subscribe and share with someone who needs it. Comment with your questions on masking or late diagnosis, and check out Tara’s site and podcast for more support.

#Autism #ADHD #Neurodiversity #LateDiagnosis #Mask

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