Different, Not Broken: A Neurodivergent Path to Fulfillment and Balance
An honest, empowering take on ADHD, autism, and life after 40.
When I sat down with Krysta Johnson for this episode, I knew the conversation would be candid and challenging in all the right ways. Krysta is a legal ops pro, a mom of three, and someone living with ADHD, OCD, and autism. Her story isn’t about being “inspirational”—it’s about truth-telling and dismantling outdated assumptions.
I wanted to have this conversation because I see how often neurodivergence is misunderstood—especially for women. Casual language and quick diagnoses flatten real experiences. Krysta doesn’t need fixing—she, and others like her, needs space, support, and understanding. This episode is a push to reframe the narrative and ask better questions of ourselves and the systems we live in.
NOTE: This episode was recorded before the current Health and Human Services Secretary made ignorant comments about the abilities of people with autism, which I will not repeat here.
About Krysta
Krysta has been a neurodivergent legal professional for 18 years, with over 12 years supporting in-house legal teams. From startups to big tech, Krysta prides herself on creating sensible, efficient, and scalable processes that leverage technology to make the legal team a strategic partner instead of a blocker.
Prior to Docusign, Krysta worked at various Seattle tech companies, including Lexion, Amazon Web Services, PayScale and Big Fish Games. In addition to her legal work, Krysta is a neurodiversity and mental health advocate as a member of the AuDHD community.
NOTE: None of this is meant to be medical advice. You should speak to your own medical team to get advice on the appropriate testing and care for your needs.
Major Topics Covered
ADHD can often be misdiagnosed or misunderstood.
Routine is essential for managing ADHD, but spontaneity is also needed.
Executive dysfunction complicates the ability to form habits.
Rejection sensitive dysphoria can lead to perfectionism and people-pleasing behaviors.
OCD can manifest in various ways, including pure OCD, which is often misunderstood.
Corporate DEI initiatives frequently overlook neurodiversity. Supportive responses can foster a sense of allyship and understanding.
Disclosure of neurodivergence can lead to positive outreach and support.
Gender disparities exist in the diagnosis of ADHD and autism.
Finding the right specialist is key for effective ADHD management.
Perimenopause can uniquely affect women with ADHD, impacting cognitive function.
Quick Takeaways
Krysta: Neurodivergence doesn’t need a cure—what it needs is understanding. The challenge isn’t the individual, but a society that wasn’t designed for different ways of thinking and being. Some adapt with medication or strategies, others push for systemic change. What they don’t need is pity—this isn’t a tragedy, it’s a reality for millions who are living, thriving, and contributing every day.
Jill: Using terms like “OCD” or “ADHD” casually might seem harmless—but it can downplay the very real challenges people face. Understanding neurodivergence isn’t just about language—it’s about building more supportive workplaces and dismantling stigma. Too often, neurodivergent individuals are pressured to mask or conform. We need to do better—and that starts with education and empathy.
“I don't need to be cured. So somebody who's coming in with like some suggestions that could cure me, like I don't need to be cured. I'm fine the way I am.” — Krysta Johnson
Resources Mentioned During the Show
Lyle Center at Swedish (a hospital in Seattle)
“Manual of Me” — a free resource on how you can advocate for yourself in the workplace and/or lead others
“Going the Distance with Go Long” — Episode with Dr. Cristina Louk, ADHD Therapist
Dr. Lisa Mosconi — neuroscientist who has researched and written extensively around women’s health and brain health
Ways to Connect with Krysta
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Go Long recommends listening to the entire podcast for context, but knows you are all busy people so below you will see timestamps. This episode is also available on YouTube.
Looking for an accountability partner who isn’t going to judge whatever the habit is that you are trying to change?
Timestamps
00:00: Introduction to Krysta and career overview
02:56: Krysta’s journey to being diagnosed, masking and finding the right balance of routine vs. novelty when you’re neurodivergent
06:27: What’s involved in trying to develop systems to form and maintain habits
11:40: How executive (dys)function plays a role in day-to-day activities and learning to give yourself grace when you’re not operating at the level you’d like
15:30: Krysta’s experience with OCD and her journey to getting the care she needed, including a new diagnosis (self-advocacy)
19:30: What is “Pure OCD”? How Krysta has worked with her management team so that she can produce her best work
24:00: The impact and long-term effect of people casually use terms such as OCD and ADHD to describe normal behavior
27:45: When Krysta came out as autistic on LinkedIn and the response
29:50: Gender differences in diagnosis when Krysta was growing up and how little has changed, and how that plays out in school and in the workplace
34:30: How you can be an advocate for your loved one
39:00: What’s helpful and unhelpful when someone discloses to you that they are neurodivergent
44:30: Addressing the myth of being able to be “cured” of neurodivergence
47:45: Dealing with perimenopause and autoimmune while having ADHD and the importance of having a helpful community to lean on
53:30: Wrap-up!
