Adulting with Autism

Send us a textVictorial Enormand joins host April Ratchford to explore healing, energy work, and personal empowerment through a neurodivergent lens. This powerful conversation blends intuition with insight, offering practical and spiritual tools for thriving in a world that often misunderstands difference.We talk about subtle strength, reclaiming identity, and how energetic boundaries can be a life-changing tool for neurodivergent adults.

Send us a textDr. Micah Perez is a Filipino-Australian occupational therapist, educator, and entrepreneur who proudly identifies as an AuDHDer. She joins Adulting with Autism to share how neurodiversity-affirming OT, executive function coaching, and short-term therapy models are transforming care for autistic and ADHD adults. With a PhD in Clinical Neuroscience and over 14 years of experience, Micah brings clarity, evidence, and compassion to everything she does.We explore the flaws in traditional OT models, how migraine and invisible illness intersect with Autism and ADHD, and how we can build freedom and function without shame. Micah's work is rooted in lived experience and her powerful motto: “Neurodiversity is your superpower.”

Send us a textTech leader and autistic advocate Shea Belsky joins April Ratchford to discuss neurodiversity in the workplace, self-advocacy in college, and building inclusive startups. Shea opens up about his journey from Cornell to HubSpot, co-founding Mentra (a platform for neurodivergent hiring), and what it takes to lead authentically while autistic.We explore:Navigating accommodations in higher educationFounding a startup for autistic job seekersWhy communication differences are leadership strengthsLearning from failure and choosing visibilityEmpowerment beyond masking

Send us a textJoin host April on Adulting with Autism for a powerful conversation with Dr. Ute Liersch — no-nonsense psychologist, BPS conference speaker, and advocate for neurodivergent leadership. Together they unpack adulting with autism, leadership myths, emotional flexibility, and self-advocacy in the workplace.This episode offers practical strategies for autistic adults, parents, leaders embracing neurodiversity, and psychologists. Plus, discover how small steps and gentleness can help you thrive.

Send us a text✨ In this inspiring episode of Adulting with Autism, I sit down with Aaron Gambel — transformational life coach, father, and speaker — to explore how we can break free from the stories that keep us stuck. Aaron opens up about his journey through trauma, divorce, fatherhood, and rebuilding after a mental health crisis. We talk emotional healing, masculinity, resilience, and the practical steps for rewriting your own story.

Send us a textJoin Adulting with Autism host April Ratchford as she welcomes Dr. Alain Salas — chiropractic physician, #1 Amazon best-selling author, and creator of the Goal & Success Clearing System. Discover how to break limiting beliefs, unlock the power of your subconscious mind, and achieve business and personal transformation without endless therapy or overhyped events.Connect with Dr. Salas at themindclearing.com — mention Adulting with Autism for 20% off your first session!Follow us: Instagram @adulting_autism | linktr.ee/adultingwithautismSupport the show@adulting_autismadultingwithautism.podcast@outlook.com

Send us a textJames Rojas Taylor is a U.S. Marine veteran, actor, and author of All Your Best Selves who believes emotional and mental literacy can be taught—using the tools of the actor. In this episode, we talk about his journey from trauma to transformation, how acting helped him regulate emotion and build empathy, and how his "suits and bubbles" concept became a powerful tool for social navigation, especially for neurodivergent youth.

Send us a text

Send us a textWhat if your past didn't define you—but refined you?

Send us a textCertified high-performance coach Stacie Shifflett joins April Ratchford to talk grief, reinvention, and emotional resilience. From losing her son to rebuilding life after divorce, Stacie shares real tools for navigating trauma, redefining success, and creating joy. For parents of autistic adults and anyone in transition, this is your reminder: you can reinvent your life.

Send us a textIn this empowering episode of Adulting with Autism, we're joined by Madelaine Weiss—Harvard-trained psychotherapist, mindset master, and author of Getting to G.R.E.A.T.. With decades of experience helping high performers reclaim clarity and calm, Madelaine dives deep into how neurodivergent individuals can stop self-sabotaging, manage stress, and finally thrive—both professionally and personally.Whether you're wrestling with imposter syndrome, emotional overload, or simply want to unlock greater potential, Madelaine shares proven tools and actionable insights to reshape your thought patterns and build a life you love.

Send us a textAre your beliefs holding you back? In this transformative episode of Adulting with Autism, host April Ratchford sits down with international coach, speaker, and human behavior expert Anna Shilina—author of Habit Freedom—to unpack how neurodivergent adults can shift from limitation to liberation.

Send us a textWhat if you could stop self-sabotaging and start thriving—on stage and off?In this transformative episode of Adulting with Autism, host April Ratchford sits down with Dr. Albert Bramante, a powerhouse talent agent with over 20 years in the entertainment industry and a Ph.D. in Psychology. A certified hypnotist and NLP practitioner, Dr. Bramante shares how actors and creatives can silence imposter syndrome, rewire their thinking, and perform at their peak—even under pressure.You'll learn how to detach from toxic outcomes, build a “happy file” for moments of self-doubt, and redefine success through mindset shifts that matter. Whether you're neurodivergent or navigating the highs and lows of high achievement, this episode is your backstage pass to emotional freedom and lasting confidence.

Send us a text

Send us a textIn this powerful episode of Adulting with Autism, I'm joined by Clain Udy—corporate leader, autism dad, speaker, and author of Rebranding Autism. Clain shares how a strengths-based approach transformed his own son's path and sparked the creation of First Ascent, a groundbreaking 12-week program helping autistic young adults align their careers with who they really are.

Hey there, beautiful soul!

Hey guys, hey – happy Wednesday! I'm April, your favorite autistic OT and host of Adulting with Autism – the podcast where life skills are sexy, healing is real, and neurodivergent voices finally get the mic. Whether you're a parent guiding your autistic young adult or you're that young adult figuring it out one meltdown and meme at a time, this is your judgment-free zone to laugh, learn, and level up.

Feeling stuck in fear? You're not alone — and this episode with life coach Eric Simpson will help you break free. After leaving a high-powered corporate job in the U.S., Eric took a leap of faith (literally — he skydives!) and rebuilt his life in the U.K., helping others conquer fear and design bold, fulfilling lives. If you're autistic, ADHD, or neurodivergent, and fear keeps blocking your next step, this episode is your permission slip to dream bigger. We unpack how to reframe fear, shift your mindset, and take bold action—even if the first step feels impossible.

Hey guys, hey!

Hey friend!

Hey there, friends!

Hey there, friends!

Hey friend! Ever worked in a place that felt more like survival than success? You're not alone—and today's guest, Kelsey Neff, is here to flip the script. Kelsey is the founder of By Design Consulting, author of 52 Weeks of Impact, and a former nonprofit professional who left the burnout hamster wheel to help leaders actually lead. After years of navigating toxic workplaces filled with favoritism, gaslighting, and burnout, Kelsey realized something big: she didn't need to play the game—she could create a better one.

Hey there, friend!

Hey there, friend!

Hey there, friend!

Hey there, lovely listener!

Hey friends! ✨ In this episode of Adulting with Autism, I'm joined by Stephanie Lee Jackson, founder of Practical Sanctuary and creator of the groundbreaking field of sensory interior design. Stephanie is on a mission to make every space—homes, offices, classrooms, and even public buildings—neuro-inclusive, emotionally supportive, and sensory-safe. And guess what? You don't need a big budget or an HGTV crew to create a calming space tailored to your unique brain.

Hey guys hey! Welcome back to Adulting with Autism, where we dig deep into real experiences, big emotions, and life through a neurodivergent lens. This episode features the incredible Thomas R. Wilson—storyteller, community leader, and nationally recognized advocate for neurodivergent and mental health communities. From a childhood filled with bullying and being misunderstood to becoming a beacon of empowerment for others, Thomas's journey is as inspiring as it is powerful.

Hey friend! If you've ever felt burned out, overstimulated, or like your brain is doing the most when you need it to do the least—this episode is for you. Today on Adulting with Autism, I'm joined by Sue Day—ADHD coach, neurodivergent advocate, and founder of Pathways Forward Coaching—who helps women and late-diagnosed adults reconnect with their strengths and redefine success on their terms. Together, we talk about:

Hey guys hey! If you've ever felt like you're “too much,” “not enough,” or constantly code-switching just to survive—this one's for you. In this energizing and empowering episode of Adulting with Autism, I'm joined by psychologist, author, and nationally recognized speaker Dr. Matt Zakreski, aka Dr. Matt. Together, we pull back the curtain on what it means to thrive as a neurodivergent adult in a world built for neurotypicals.

Hey friend! Ever spiral into negative self-talk and wonder why your brain just won't chill? You're not alone—and you're definitely not broken. In this episode of Adulting with Autism, I sit down with award-winning psychologist Dr. Betsy Holmberg, author of the upcoming book The Unkind Mind (releasing June 1 from New Harbinger Publications). But this isn't your typical therapy chat. Betsy's story starts with her own depression after divorce—and a turning point that didn't come from traditional talk therapy, but from neuroscience.

Hey guys hey! Welcome back to Adulting with Autism—your go-to space for navigating life with neurodivergence, one real conversation at a time. In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of college readiness for autistic students. Whether you're a young adult on the spectrum or a parent helping your teen prepare for higher education, you're going to love this one. Our guest is Mindy Thornton, Director of Campus-Based Services at Marshall University, where she leads one of the most comprehensive autism support programs in the country. From academics to independent living to emotional and social development—her team's approach is holistic, inclusive, and neurodivergent-affirming.

Hey guys hey! Ever feel like life's on repeat—same drama, different day? Whether it's in your relationships, your work, or that inner critic who never shuts up... there might be a reason: your subconscious is running the show. In this episode of Adulting with Autism, I'm joined by Shanenn Bryant—Pattern Transformation Expert, creator of Top Self, and host of the globally ranked Top Self podcast. We dive deep into:

Hey friends! Today's episode brings in Aaron Helton — an autistic executive coach who's rewriting what leadership can look like for neurodivergent adults. Raised by a Tiger Mom and homeschooled with a grading scale where a “B” meant failure, Aaron knows what it means to live under pressure. From years of masking and people-pleasing to running from burnout, Aaron shares how he finally stepped into leadership with boundaries, humor, and radical self-awareness. We talk about: Why autistic adults often become overthinkers and overachievers What happens when you stop saying “yes” to stay safe And how leadership can look a whole lot more human, honest, and neurodivergent-friendly If you've ever thought, “Is it okay to want more and not break myself to get it?” — this one is for you. ☕ Want to support the show and keep this content flowing? Tap my Linktree to grab merch, join our Discord, or Buy Me a Coffee — everything's in one spot:

Hey guys hey! Welcome back to Adulting with Autism, where we keep it real about life, growth, and healing through a neurodivergent lens. Today's guest is Matt Melvin, author of Bullied Behind Bars: A Gay Christian Trump Supporter Goes to Prison. His story? Unapologetically raw, wildly unique—and absolutely necessary. We talk about:

Hey guys hey! If you've ever felt burned out, stuck in the wrong job, or like your ADHD brain just doesn't "fit" into traditional career paths—you're not alone. Today's guest is Shell Mendelson, a powerhouse ADHD career coach with over 30 years of experience helping adults ditch the job-hopping, escape toxic work environments, and build careers that actually work for their brains—not against them. In this episode, Shell breaks down:

Hey guys hey! Get ready for a game-changing conversation with Tom D'Eri, founder of Rising Tide Car Wash and executive director of Rising Tide U. In this episode of Adulting with Autism, Tom shares how he turned his brother Andrew's autism journey into a national model for inclusive employment—one that's profitable, powerful, and proving that autistic adults aren't a hiring risk… they're a hiring asset.

Hey guys hey! In this powerful episode of Adulting with Autism, I'm joined by Tracey Van Hawkins—mom, innovator, and founder of the Thriving on the Spectrum app and platform. Tracey shares her deeply personal story of navigating her son's autism diagnosis, the moment everything changed with the help of one observant preschool teacher, and how she turned that journey into a mission to help autistic kids and families thrive with dignity, structure, and support.

Hey guys hey! In this episode of Adulting with Autism, we're embracing our “neurospicy” superpowers with the hilarious, brilliant, and wildly relatable Dr. Kristen Williamson—licensed professional counselor, DEIB speaker, and proud ringleader of a wonderfully chaotic neurodivergent family. Whether you're navigating sensory overload, dodging burnout in a neurotypical workplace, or trying not to lose your mind parenting your own spicy little humans—Dr. K is here to help you laugh, breathe, and realize your brain was never broken, just untranslated.

Hey guys hey! In this episode of Adulting with Autism, we're diving into the intersection of money, mental health, and neurodivergence with therapist and financial wellness coach Rachel Duncan—founder of the Money Healing Club. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by budgeting, struggled with impulsive spending, or just thought “I'm not good with money,” this episode will flip the script. Rachel specializes in helping autistic and ADHD adults rebuild financial trust, manage the emotional load of money, and develop systems that actually work with your nervous system—not against it.

Hey guys hey! In this powerful episode of Adulting with Autism, I sit down with Josselyn Crane—neurodivergent coach, educator, content creator, and co-founder of a thriving social club for autistic and ADHD adults. We're diving deep into the emotional rollercoaster of a late-in-life autism or ADHD diagnosis, and what comes next when you finally have answers but no roadmap. Josselyn shares how she helps adults unmask, reframe their identity, and build sustainable, shame-free systems that work for real life.

Hey guys hey! In this episode of Adulting with Autism, I'm joined by the incredible Sam Mitchell—college student, public speaker, podcast host, and founder of the nonprofit Autism Rocks and Rolls Corporation. Sam's not just advocating for the autism community—he's changing the narrative entirely. We dive into Sam's journey from high school to college, how he built a nonprofit from scratch, what it's like navigating life on the autism spectrum, and how he's found confidence, purpose, and community by embracing exactly who he is.

Hey guys hey! In this powerful episode of Adulting with Autism, I'm joined by Tim Thomas—former Special Forces operator turned breathwork expert, sleep coach, and veteran mental health advocate. Tim takes us on a journey into the science (and soul) of transformational breathing techniques, showing how your lungs might just be the best pharmacy you never knew you had. From overcoming PTSD and helping his autistic daughter find calm, to teaching elite athletes and exhausted parents how to reset their nervous systems—Tim shares how breathwork can dramatically improve your sleep, stress levels, focus, and emotional health.

Hey guys hey! In this powerful episode of Adulting with Autism, we're talking all about neurodivergent fatherhood, dyslexia, ADHD, and breaking generational trauma with the incredible Mike Forrester—men's transformation coach and host of the Living Fearless Today podcast. Mike gets candid about receiving his dyslexia and ADHD diagnoses later in life, and how those discoveries reshaped his role as a father, caregiver, and husband. If you've ever wondered how to balance healing, parenting, and understanding your brain all at once—this is your episode.

Hey guys hey! In this episode of Adulting with Autism, we're talking all things autistic life coaching, transitions, and empowerment with the amazing Doug Blecher, founder of Autism Personal Coach. Doug joins us to share how his Autistic-led coaching team helps teens and adults navigate real-world challenges like independence, executive functioning, sensory overwhelm, career exploration, and more—without the pressure to “fit in” to neurotypical expectations.

Hey guys hey!

Hey there!

Hey guys, hey! Happy Saturday!