Stupid - Reflections

Stupid Reflections - Reclaiming Intelligence Beyond Traditional Systems

Ever been called "stupid" when you were actually brilliant — just in ways the system refused to recognize?

In this raw and validating episode, hosts Freya Corboy (alexithymic counsellor) and Hanna Hosking (sexologist) share their personal experiences of growing up labeled as "not smart enough" — when the truth was, their ADHD and autistic brains were wired for creativity, exploration, and divergent thinking that traditional education systems completely missed.

If you've ever felt like you didn't measure up academically, were told you "weren't reaching your potential," or internalized the belief that you were less intelligent because you didn't fit the mold — this episode is for you.

Freya and Hanna unpack how schools reward narrow definitions of intelligence (academics and sports) while dismissing the very real gifts of neurodivergent minds: pattern recognition, creative problem-solving, curiosity-driven learning, and thinking outside the box. They explore the lasting impact of being misunderstood, the shame that comes from years of trying to prove yourself, and how late diagnosis finally reframes those experiences — not as your failure, but as the system's failure to see you.

This conversation is honest, emotional, and deeply relatable for anyone who's ever questioned their intelligence because they learned differently.

What you'll hear:

✨ Personal stories of being labeled "stupid" as undiagnosed neurodivergent kids
✨ How traditional education fails ADHD and autistic learners
✨ The many types of intelligence schools don't measure (creative, emotional, kinesthetic, spatial)
✨ Why neurodivergent people often excel at non-linear, exploratory thinking
✨ Unpacking internalized shame from years of academic struggle
✨ How late ADHD and autism diagnosis helps you reclaim your narrative
✨ Educational trauma and its impact on self-worth and identity
✨ Celebrating neurodivergent strengths: hyperfocus, curiosity, pattern-spotting, and more
✨ Reframing "stupid" as a trauma label, not a truth

This episode is for you if:

• You were told you were "lazy," "not trying hard enough," or "not living up to your potential"
• You struggled in school but thrived when learning in your own way
• You're late-diagnosed ADHD, autistic, or AuDHD and re-examining childhood experiences
• You're healing from educational trauma or intelligence-based shame
• You're a parent of a neurodivergent child navigating school systems
• You've ever felt "not smart enough" despite being deeply creative, curious, or insightful

Key topics: Neurodivergent intelligence | ADHD learning styles | Autistic strengths | Late diagnosis | Educational trauma | Twice-exceptional | Giftedness | Academic pressure | Undiagnosed ADHD | Undiagnosed autism | Intelligence types | Divergent thinking | Creativity | Self-worth | Reclaiming identity | Neurodiversity-affirming | High-masking ADHD | Internalized shame | School trauma | Neurodivergent women | ADHD women | Autistic adults

Hosts:
🧠 Freya Corboy – Neurodivergent Counsellor for Mums | mumshine.com.au
💜 Hanna Hosking – The Sensologist | thesensologist.com.au

More NeuroSpice & Life:
🌐 neurospiceandlife.com.au
📺 YouTube: @NeuroSpiceandLife

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or mental-health advice and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, therapy, or care. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized support.