Could there be a hidden link between neurodivergence and substance use?
In this eye-opening episode, Shae Wissell sits down with Dr. Erin Lalor AM, CEO of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF), for an honest conversation about the often-overlooked intersection of dyslexia, neurodivergence, and alcohol or other drug use.
Dr. Lalor brings decades of leadership in public health, a background in speech pathology, and a deep understanding of harm prevention strategies. Together, she and Shae explore how stigma, shame, late diagnosis, and social exclusion can heighten the risk of substance use among neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with dyslexia, ADHD, or autism.
Shae also opens up about her personal journey, including how undiagnosed dyslexia and mental health struggles intersected with drug use in her early adulthood. This is a powerful and compassionate discussion that tackles the myths and misconceptions surrounding substance use, and highlights the importance of early support, open dialogue, and research-informed approaches.
Key topics covered:
- Why neurodivergent people may be more vulnerable to risky substance use
- The stigma surrounding both drug use and dyslexia
- Early signs of problematic alcohol or drug use and what to look out for
- The role of prevention, education, and community support
- Shae’s personal story of disclosure, trauma, and recovery
Dr. Lalor also shares:
- Insight into the ADF’s national prevention programs, including Good Sports and Local Drug Action Teams
- The importance of reducing stigma to make it easier for people to seek help
- Resources and support available through the ADF, including Path2Help and the new chatbot “Di”
A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:
I’m Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Dear Dyslexia.
🛑 If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- 13 Yarn – 13 92 76
- re:think dyslexia Helpline: 1800 13 63 27
Featured Resources:
Understanding ADHD and alcohol and other drugs – Alcohol and Drug Foundation
Autism and alcohol and other drugs – Alcohol and Drug Foundation
A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:
I’m Dr. Shae Wissell, and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s discussion. To keep up to date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO podcast! If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favourite podcast platform to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another insightful conversation on Dear Dyslexia Podcast.
Bio
Dr. Erin Lalor AM is the Chief Executive Officer of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (she was appointed in 2017). She is a recognised leader in the health policy and not-for-profit sectors with over 20 years of experience as a clinician, researcher, advocate and leader. She is currently Deputy Chair of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Chair of the Australian National Advisory Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs and Chair of Alcohol Change Australia. Previously she was CEO of the National Stroke Foundation and a Director of the World Stroke Organisation and VincentCare. She was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in January 2019 for her services to health through the not-for-profit sector and to people with stroke.
