Adulting with Autism

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Hey guys, hey! Happy Saturday!

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Hey, happy Wednesday! How's your week going? I'm still catching up after being under the weather, and I'm behind on just about everything – t-shirts, recording, you name it. And I'm really missing Z this week as he's away figuring out his vocational path, which makes the house feel a bit too quiet. In this week's episode, we're delving into stories of resilience and transformation with our guest, Michael Anthony. Michael's life started in turmoil, facing massive challenges like abuse and homelessness, but he's here to share how he transformed his pain into purpose. He speaks frankly about overcoming the vortex of negative self-talk and offers tangible steps to regain power and control over your life. So grab your fave drink and get comfy, because Michael's insights are not to be missed!   http://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/michaelunbroken https://www.youtube.com/c/michaelunbroken https://www.instagram.com/michaelunbroken https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelunbroken  

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Hey friends! This episode is a real treat as we dive into the art of life planning with the amazing Aliki on the 'Adulting with Autism' podcast. She's not just an entrepreneur, but also an engineer, artist, singer-songwriter, and muralist, blending creativity with logic like a pro. Aliki shares her powerful journey of balancing different sides of the brain and how she crafted the life-changing Summit Method to conquer life's challenges. We'll explore practical tips on setting realistic goals, breaking them down into manageable steps, and keeping distractions at bay. Whether you're dreaming of scaling new heights or just getting started, Aliki's got the advice to inspire and guide you towards your best self. So, grab your favorite drink, relax, and let's get motivated together! http://www.conqueryoursummit.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@thesummitmethod https://instagram.com/alikisamonebooks?igshid=NGExMmI2YTkyZg== https://www.tiktok.com/@alikisamonebooks  

Hey there, amazing listeners! Welcome to an episode that's close to the heart—unraveling the incredible journey of Maikel Michel. Once bullied to the brink, Maikel hit rock bottom but chose a path of resilience and self-discovery. This episode is a beacon of hope for anyone who's ever struggled with self-esteem and confidence. Maikel's story is all about patience, learning, and rebuilding his life piece by piece. It took him 15 long years of trial and error to emerge stronger, understanding the intricate workings of the mind. What's truly unique about Maikel's approach? He focused on understanding the 'why' before diving into the 'how'. No sugarcoating here—everyone's journey is different, and success doesn't come with a one-size-fits-all solution. However, Maikel generously shares practical insights and relatable lessons from his journey that might just inspire your own! Tune in, grab your favorite drink, and let's dive into Maikel's wisdom on the Adulting with Autism podcast.   https://maikelmichiels.blog/ https://www.facebook.com/MotivationMaikel https://twitter.com/maikel_michiels https://youtube.com/@MaikelMichiels https://www.instagram.com/theunchained.life/    

Hey there! How's your weekend going? Can you believe February is flying by already? Here in Kentucky, we're having a weather rollercoaster with snow, spring, and a touch of summer. Personally, I'm so ready for spring - I can't wait to start gardening. Snow? Ugh, I'm over it! Anyway, I wanted to chat with you about something intriguing. Do you ever find it strange when your folks bomb you with a million questions about your whereabouts? It's like they're super detectives whenever you step out the door. Well, there's a reason for that, and it ties into something bigger—how the world sees autistic individuals, especially when true crime stories hit home. Let me share with you Alvin Ridley's incredible journey—an autistic man almost wrongfully convicted for murder, just because his behavior was misunderstood. His story is entwined with jaw-dropping courtroom drama, the human condition, and yes, even a sprinkling of humor! If you're captivated by tales of justice and redemption—or just curious about autism awareness—this episode is one you shouldn't miss. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, settle in, and let's dive into a story showing why understanding and awareness matter more than ever. Thanks for being here, and enjoy!   https://www.mccrackenpostonjr.com/ https://www.facebook.com/McCrackenPostonJr https://twitter.com/RealZenithMan https://www.instagram.com/mccrackenpostonjr/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccrackenposton/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mccracken_poston_jr

Hey guys, hey. Happy Wednesday! How's the week going for you? Over here in Kentucky, we are gearing up for yet another blizzard, and let's just say it's been too much. I'm beyond ready for spring—mainly because driving with a coat on is the worst! But today, let's dive into something equally important. We're chatting about caregiver coaching for parents with autistic kids. It's an area that doesn't get enough spotlight; we often focus on resources for the kids and forget about the parents who really need support, too. That's why I'm thrilled to introduce Samantha Wittenberg, who brings a fresh perspective and much-needed guidance. Samantha is here to sprinkle some of her wisdom and talk about her journey with her daughter, who was late-diagnosed as autistic. If you've ever felt overwhelmed as a parent or caregiver, or unsure about how to keep your own cup full while supporting an autistic child, Samantha's got your back. Her business, Empathy at Work, is all about empowering caregivers with the tools they need—not just to survive, but to thrive. Plus, we touch on the quirks and challenges of parenting through those teenage years, the difficulties of late diagnosis, and how Samantha found ways to cope and connect with her daughter through the chaos. This isn't just about the kids; it's about the resilience and the unspoken challenges faced by parents and caregivers every day. Remember guys, there's no cookie-cutter shape or mold when it comes to autism—or parenting. Let's get the conversation going and support each other on this journey. And hey, don't forget to check out the links in the show notes to keep in touch with Samantha or join our community for even more resources. Stay warm, keep adulting, and I'll see you Saturday! https://tidycal.com/ssamathawittenberg/clarityconnection https://www.meetup.com/specialneedsparents/

Hey everyone! Hope you're greeting the weekend with a smile and had an amazing Valentine's Day, filled with love not only from partners but also from family.

Hey there, happy Saturday! How's your weekend going? I'm genuinely thrilled it's the weekend because it means I get to spend some time with you amazing people.

Hey friends!

Hey there! Ready for the weekend? This episode of the podcast is all about keeping relationships thriving, and let me tell you, I almost skipped my usual podcast routine because my fiancé, Shane, would say I'm on hyper-focus mode! Ever wondered how running your relationship like a business can lead to lasting success? We've got the incredible Dr. Robin Buckley with us today. She's a clinical psychologist who combines science with strategy to help you not only in your professional life but also in your personal relationships. You'll love Dr. Robin's unique approach, which focuses on giving you tools to strengthen your relationship like never before. Whether it's defining clear roles like CFO and COO or crafting a mission statement just for lovebirds, her business strategies could be the key to making things work. Plus, she's refreshingly open about topics that are often seen as controversial, like her TED Talk, which stirred the pot by discussing personal growth tools for teenagers. Don't worry; we've got it tagged for you in the show notes. Tune in as we also dive deep into the importance of owning your sexuality and setting boundaries with your parents—yes, even if you're still living at home. Dr. Robin helps parents and kids navigate through these touchy subjects, ensuring everyone feels respected and understood. Prep some snacks and your favorite drink, sit back, and let's catch up!   http://drrobinbuckley.com/ https://www.facebook.com/findingthepowerwithin/ https://twitter.com/DrRobinInsights https://www.instagram.com/drrobinbuckley/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robin-buckley/ https://www.tiktok.com/@drrobinbuckley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDeaJi_1HnM