Beth Bardeen Logo

Get to know Beth

I’ve been where you are—overwhelmed by too many resources and not knowing where to start.

Beth Bardeen leaning against post and smiling

About Me

Normal was never the goal -

but my new normal was.

Growing up in an undiagnosed neurodivergent household, my “normal” was brimming with different ways of thinking and processing, but I didn’t notice it. It wasn’t until entering the corporate world that I confronted how differently my mind worked. Not until my late-in-life diagnoses of ADHD, autism, and dyslexia did I see what had always been wrong—was actually what was right. Understanding my wiring has transformed overwhelming differences into strategic strengths.

Counseling session with therapist taking notes.
Person balancing on a log in the forest.

Hindsight from my path

How my experiences

shaped my purpose

I became a neurodiversity advocate after spending decades turning complex technical concepts into clear messages in global tech leadership roles. I discovered my analytical skills and inside-out way of thinking were perfect for explaining brain-based experiences – particularly Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria – in ways that make sense to both individuals and clinicians.

What drives me?

Two powerful realizations:

During my tech career, I watched brilliant strategists and innovators – people specifically recruited for their unique minds – get pushed out when leadership changed or roles shifted. The pandemic finally revealed what I’d seen for years: organizations can be blind to the valuable assets already in their ranks, choosing to replace rather than harness neurodivergent minds as force multipliers for innovation and growth. Meanwhile, navigating the healthcare system and working with support groups showed me how much primary care doctors still need to learn about ADHD. This reality drives my work to bridge the gap between how neurodivergent people think and how organizations work.

Different minds see different solutions

Turning cognitive diversity

into strength

My combination of ADHD, dyslexia, and autism gives me a unique way of understanding how our minds and bodies work together. By examining my own internal experiences in detail, I can break down what’s happening inside us during common challenges like Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria – both in our brains and bodies. This helps me create a shared language between neurodivergent people and the clinicians who support them, turning our internal realities into insights both groups can use.

Two people laughing with coffee in office.
Two hikers with backpacks at sunset outdoors.
Woman contemplating heart and brain gear diagrams.
Couple holding a colorful bouquet of flowers.

Understanding, Advocacy, & Action

Transforming understanding

into action

My mission is to replace stigma and self-doubt with real understanding. By writing about the actual neurological and physical experiences of conditions like ADHD and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, I help create clear pathways forward for self-advocacy and growth. This isn’t just about acceptance – it’s about showing how our different ways of sensing and responding to the world can become our greatest strengths.

Build a better way forward by

starting where you are

Feeling overwhelmed by RSD? Trying to understand ADHD or autism better? Looking to help your team work better together? Let’s talk. I can help connect you with resources, share practical strategies, and discover the hidden talent in your workplace. Start with a free 30-minute discovery call to start the change you want to see.

Woman dancing in rain with colorful umbrella.

Build a better way forward by

starting where you are

Feeling overwhelmed by RSD? Trying to understand ADHD or autism better? Looking to help your team work better together? Let’s talk. I can help connect you with resources, share practical strategies, and discover the hidden talent in your workplace. Start with a free 30-minute discovery call to start the change you want to see.

Science, Experience, & What we Know About RSD

I do my best to share accurate, helpful information, and I try to think critically about how much digging a topic really needs. For lighter subjects—like why dining table clutter never seems to go away—I’ll sometimes reference easy-to-access sources, like Wikipedia, because they’re reliable for general overviews and often link to resources I haven’t come across yet.

But when it comes to more serious topics—especially things like medical treatments or neurological conditions—I make it a point to rely on more thorough, evidence-based sources. I use tools like Google Scholar to find research studies and peer-reviewed articles, and I look for clinical insights from experts in the field.

I’m not a doctor, and I don’t pretend to be, but I care deeply about getting the details right when it matters most. The links I include are there to help you explore further, so you can make informed decisions and talk things through with qualified professionals when needed. My goal is to make complex information feel approachable and trustworthy, while giving you the tools to dig deeper if you’d like.

As you dig in to learn about RSD medications, I want to point out a couple things I’ve learned along the way:

  • Everything I share on this website is based on a combination of my lived experience and intensive study and analysis of publicly available, medically reviewed content.
  • The two most effective medications are FDA-approved for ADHD individually or paired with a stimulant, and for some RSD sufferers, these medications can be transformative. I’m one of them.
  • However, it’s important to understand that 40% of RSD sufferers do not get any relief from either of these medications.
  • Since these medications have been generic for more than a decade, there is little incentive for pharmaceutical companies to fund large-scale research. Instead, clinical and lived experience reports provide grassroots knowledge to bridge the gap and grow public awareness.
  • Most prescribers do not know how to trial these medications to reach that transformative level of relief. Plus, many patients (I did) struggle to provide actionable feedback to help fine-tune the medication and dosage.
  • A good rule of thumb from Dr. Dodson is that unpleasant side effects after the first few of weeks usually mean the medication or dosage isn’t right. This is especially important with ADHD meds, where long-term side effects are sometimes tolerated if the patient and doctor don’t realize that adjusting the dosage or trying a different drug could help. For example, taking Guanfacine or Clonidine at bedtime can make it easier to fall asleep and reduce daytime sleepiness during the trial period.

These are the realities I’ve come across in my own experience, but there’s good reason to be hopeful: understanding what to expect can make the process feel less overwhelming. I didn’t expect hope when I started learning about RSD in 2018. But every step forward felt transformative. Keeping going was easier than going back.

Throughout my site, you’ll find content I’ve developed to give you a head start. Links to all my sources are included so you can dig deeper. This field is evolving quickly—our collective experiences make us stronger. Together, we can build a better understanding of RSD and its treatment options.

*Important note: I’m not a doctor or medical professional. The content here is shared for informational and educational purposes only. Much is based on Dr. William Dodson’s published works in ADDitude Magazine and his clinical practice experience. While I can explain these treatment approaches based on his work, all medical decisions should be made in partnership with qualified healthcare providers.

Man smiling and using smartphone at home
Smiling woman with curly hair, seated on chair.
Woman on phone using laptop at desk.

Let's Connect

Reach out to

get started

Whether you want to learn about your own wiring differences, make your workplace better for everyone, or support loved ones who think differently, I’m here to help. Get in touch today to find the support that fits your needs.

© 2019-2025 Accolades Group, LLC | All Rights Reserved | Website Design by Medley Elite

Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Copyright Notice
© 2024 Accolades Group, LLC | All Rights Reserved
Website Design by Medley Elite