Robert Rackley MSc MIACP – ADHD, Autism and Neurodivergent Mental Health
I’m Robert Rackley MSc MIACP, an IACP-accredited psychotherapist, neurodivergence trainer and speaker specialising in ADHD, autism and neurodivergent mental health.
Alongside my clinical and training work, I contribute to podcasts, radio programmes, webinars and professional panel discussions in Ireland and internationally.
These conversations explore adult ADHD, autism, late diagnosis, masking, burnout, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, emotional regulation, sensory processing and neurodivergent-affirming support.
Featured Webinar
Understanding and Managing ADHD and Depression
Aware Webinar and Panel Discussion – 13 May 2026
I joined Aware’s Clinical Director, Dr Susan Brannick, and Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Michele Hill for a webinar exploring the relationship between ADHD and depression.
I contributed as a psychotherapist and lived-experience expert, combining clinical knowledge, experience supporting neurodivergent adults and my own experience of receiving an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood.
The discussion explored:
- Why ADHD and depression frequently occur together
- How undiagnosed ADHD can affect mental health
- The emotional impact of living with misunderstood ADHD
- Executive functioning, motivation and overwhelm
- The difference between ADHD burnout and depression
- Treatment, therapy and appropriate support
- The importance of understanding the person beyond a diagnosis
Watch the Aware webinar on YouTube
Watch or listen on the Aware website
Podcast Interviews
The Therapy Mistake That’s Hurting Neurodivergent People
The Inclusive Dad Podcast
In this episode, I speak with host Aaron DeVries about what genuine inclusion looks like for neurodivergent people.
We explore why traditional therapy can sometimes misunderstand ADHD and autistic experiences, particularly when professionals focus on changing visible behaviours without understanding what may be happening underneath them.
The conversation includes:
- Masking and the pressure to hide neurodivergent traits
- ADHD and autistic burnout
- Trauma and the impact of growing up misunderstood
- Why environments affect neurodivergent mental health
- Creating more inclusive therapy, education and workplaces
- Helping neurodivergent people thrive rather than merely survive
Missed ADHD, Masking and Burnout
Adulting with Autism
In this conversation with April Ratchford, I discuss why ADHD and autism are still frequently missed or misdiagnosed in adults.
Many neurodivergent adults enter therapy believing they are lazy, disorganised, overly sensitive or simply not trying hard enough. They may have received support for anxiety or depression without anyone exploring what could be driving those difficulties.
We discuss:
- Why adult ADHD and autism are frequently missed
- Inattentive ADHD, particularly in women
- Masking and its impact on the nervous system
- ADHD and autistic burnout
- Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
- Alexithymia and difficulty recognising emotions
- Sensory processing differences
- Neurodivergent-affirming therapy
- Practical sensory and nervous-system regulation strategies
ADHD, Autism, Boundaries and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
AuDHD and Then Some
In this episode with Ellie AuDHD, we have an open conversation about ADHD, autism and the emotional experiences that can accompany neurodivergence.
We explore:
- ADHD, autism and the AuDHD experience
- Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
- Boundaries and people-pleasing
- Emotional overwhelm and regulation
- Masking and unmasking
- Late ADHD diagnosis
- Growing up feeling different or misunderstood
- Developing greater self-understanding and self-compassion
This conversation may be particularly helpful for adults who are newly diagnosed, exploring whether they may be neurodivergent or trying to understand their emotional and relationship patterns.
Phoenix FM Radio Interviews
Neurodivergence, Emotional Wellbeing and Supporting Families
In February 2026, I joined James Callaghan on D15 Today on Phoenix FM 92.5 for a series of conversations about neurodivergence and emotional wellbeing.
The series explored neurodivergence, nervous-system awareness and practical ways of supporting children and families at home and in school.
Phoenix FM Interview – 20 February 2026
D15 Today with James Callaghan
Phoenix FM Interview – 27 February 2026
D15 Today with James Callaghan
Live95 Radio Interviews
I have regularly joined the Live95 Limerick Today programme to discuss mental health, relationships, anxiety, family life and psychological wellbeing.
Psychotherapists Discuss Stories Shared by Limerick Women
31 March 2025
Psychotherapists Robert Rackley and Judy Moloney discuss the experiences shared by Chloe Koyce and Erica O’Connor.
Emotional Attachment to Sport: The Positives and Negatives
24 July 2024
Psychotherapists Robert Rackley and Helen Browne discuss emotional dependence on sport and how this attachment can affect wellbeing when it becomes unregulated.
When Children Are Used as Weapons in Separation
25 June 2024
A discussion about children being used as leverage during separation, alongside the emotional complexities of divorce, conflict and custody arrangements.
Has the Culture of Drinking Around St Patrick’s Day Changed?
14 March 2024
I join Live95’s Lauren Beirne and DrinkAware CEO Dearbhla O’Brien to discuss alcohol and whether drinking remains central to St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Settling Children Back Into Routines
8 January 2024
A practical conversation about helping children return to routines after the Christmas holidays.
Coping With Difficult Living Arrangements
26 September 2023
I discuss how people can protect their mental health when housing pressures leave them living in difficult or unhappy circumstances.
Overcoming a Fear of Thunderstorms
21 June 2023
A conversation about why thunderstorms can trigger intense fear and how people can begin responding differently to anxiety around thunder and lightning.
The Brussels Sprouts Phobia Series
In early 2023, Live95 followed Mike Mackessy’s journey as I supported him with overcoming a significant phobia of Brussels sprouts.
The series explored how phobias develop, how psychological treatment can help and how Mike successfully became free from the fear.
Understanding the Phobia
13 January 2023
Progress With Treatment
15 February 2023
Successfully Overcoming the Fear
6 March 2023
Struggling With Family Difficulties at Christmas
16 December 2022
A discussion about coping with separation, bereavement, illness and difficult family circumstances during the Christmas period.
Is the Art of Conversation Dying?
30 September 2022
A discussion about the move from phone conversations to messaging apps and how changing communication habits can affect human connection.
Podcast, Media and Speaking Enquiries
I’m available for podcast interviews, radio discussions, webinars, conference presentations and professional panels in Ireland and internationally.
Topics I regularly speak about include:
- Adult ADHD and late diagnosis
- Autism beyond common stereotypes
- Neurodivergence and mental health
- ADHD and autistic burnout
- Masking and the cost of appearing to cope
- Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
- Executive functioning and overwhelm
- Emotional and nervous-system regulation
- Neurodivergent-affirming therapy
- Creating inclusive workplaces and services
- My lived experience of receiving an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood
If you would like to invite me onto your podcast, programme, webinar or professional event, please get in touch.
Email: info@robertrackley.ie
Phone: 083 320 6162
Location: Limerick, Ireland
Available: In person and online internationally