In this insightful episode, Dr. Amelia Kelley sits down with licensed professional counselor Alyssa Scarano to explore the often-overlooked effects of dopamine traps, those quick hits of validation we seek through social media, overconsumption, and comparison. Together, they unpack the challenges neurodivergent individuals face, particularly those who are highly sensitive, have ADHD, or are autistic, and how these identities intersect with issues of self-worth, external validation, and connection. Alyssa shares both personal and clinical insights into the pressures of masking, parenting a neurodivergent child, and how executive functioning challenges can make it harder to break out of the cycle. This episode offers not just understanding, but hope, by shifting from shame to curiosity, we can begin to meet our needs in deeper, more sustainable ways.