Podcasts about audhd

CW: Addiction & BullyingBestselling author and broadcaster Matt Cain opens up about discovering autism and ADHD at 50 after decades of feeling "othered" as a gay man.In this chat with Ben, Matt unpacks how his autism and ADHD were long blurred with queer expression, explains how ADHD fuels his creative work but also complicates his relationship with alcohol, and emphasises why "coming out" as proudly neurodivergent- just as he has as a gay man- is so vital._________________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348__________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benMatt Cain @mattcainwriterIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your buyer wasn't “difficult”—just different? In this eye-opening episode, we kick off the Neuro-Aware Selling mini-series by breaking down how neurodivergence influences communication and decision-making. You'll walk away with tools to sell more effectively, respectfully, and confidently to a segment of the population that's been misunderstood for too long.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeThe definition of neurodivergence and why it matters in sales todayHow Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and AuDHD show up in buyer behaviorCommunication signals to look for in the fieldWhy clarity, pacing, and permission are vital for ND buyersHow emotionally intelligent selling leads to better resultsThe opportunity cost of ignoring neurodivergent needsResources & Links

Overstimulation & Recharge and the Impact on Relationships   In this conversation, Patricia explores the themes of overstimulation, the importance of recharging, and the dynamics of friendship, particularly in the context of neurodivergence. She shares her personal experiences with protesting, the challenges of feeling safe in crowds, and the emotional complexities of friendships, including rejection sensitivity, and the trauma that many Autistics have experienced in relationships. The discussion emphasizes the need for self-care, understanding one's limits, and the significance of connection in navigating life's challenges.   HIGHLIGHTS   ·       We often need to recharge after overstimulation. ·       Protesting can be a positive experience despite initial fears. ·       It's important to communicate needs in friendships. ·       Rejection sensitivity can affect how we perceive relationships. ·       Predictability and routine can provide comfort for neurodivergent individuals. ·       Self-care is essential for emotional regulation. ·       Understanding our triggers can help in managing our responses. ·       Friendships can change, and it's okay to let go. ·       We should honor our sensitivity and the way we connect with others. ·       It's important to recognize that not everyone is meant for us.   SOUND BITES "You have a right to rest." "You are not meant for everyone."   SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT'S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED You have a right to reach out to friends. You have a right to rest. You have a right to be playful. You have a right to be serious and quiet. Our idea of fun is not always what a neurotypical's idea of fun is, and that could be studying a language, studying something that you're interested in, doing a craft project, spending time with animals. You have a right to be quiet. You have a right to be loud. You are not meant for everyone and everyone is not meant for you.   CHAPTERS   00:00 Navigating Overstimulation and Recharge 06:04 Experiencing Protest: A Personal Journey 11:54 Friendship Dynamics and Rejection Sensitivity 18:48 Patterns of Engagement and Disengagement PODCAST HOST Patricia was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller.  Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile, OCD and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion.  She created the podcast Unapologetically Sensitive to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren't alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges.  Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you LINKS   Neurodivergent Online Course-- https://unapologeticallysensitive.com/neurodivergent-online-courses/   Receive the top 10 most downloaded episodes of the podcast-- https://www.subscribepage.com/e6z6e6 Sign up for the Newsletter-- https://www.subscribepage.com/y0l7d4   To write a review in itunes: click on this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetically-sensitive/id1440433481?mt=2 select “listen on Apple Podcasts” chose “open in itunes” choose “ratings and reviews” click to rate the number of starts click “write a review”   Website--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook-- https://www.facebook.com/Unapologetically-Sensitive-2296688923985657/ Closed/Private Facebook group Unapologetically Sensitive-- https://www.facebook.com/groups/2099705880047619/ Instagram-- https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube-- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber Tik Tok--https://www.tiktok.com/@unapologeticallysensitiv e-mail-- unapologeticallysensitive@gmail.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive Music-- Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com    

Sign up for the FREE Masterclass- How to Build a 7-Figure Group Practice → https://mccancemethod.com/webinar-free-masterclass-from-solo-to-superteam/ In this episode, I'm joined again by Patrick Casale to tackle a key challenge for group practice owners—therapist retention. We share what's worked in our own practices to build teams that stay, including how to balance profit with a positive culture, foster loyalty, and lead in a way that aligns with your values. If you're ready to stop the turnover cycle and create a team that thrives long-term, this episode is for you.Make sure to bring your paper and pen because this episode is full of actionable tips!Here are some key points in this episode:[02:12] Patrick explains why investing in people actually increases your profitability[06:02] Why transitioning from 1099s to W2s helped create stronger retention and culture[09:44] Patrick shares how his therapists earn an average of $80K annually with benefits[13:07] Non-monetary strategies for building a strong culture on a limited budget[15:01] How Patrick uses virtual game nights and connection groups to build belonging[19:15] Patrick's $100K mistake and how transparency helped him grow a loyal teamLinks From The Episode:More about Patrick:Patrick Casale is an AuDHD‑licensed Mental Health & Addiction Therapist who launched his first private practice after graduating in 2015 and later built a thriving group practice of over 20 clinicians. He is the founder of All Things Private Practice, the host of two podcasts, an international retreat planner, keynote speaker, and business strategist. Since 2008, he's supported thousands of mental health professionals in growing their businesses, with a mission rooted in empowering neurodivergent clinicians and addressing imposter syndrome through his motto “Doubt Yourself, Do It Anyway”.Want to Connect with Patrick?All Things Private Practice Website: https://allthingspractice.comAll Things Private Practice Podcast: https://www.allthingspractice.com/all-things-private-practice-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrick.casale/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_LFaJ_SGwM9LjUFaiL_FAFollow me on Instagram, @nicole.mccanncemethod. If this episode provided you with value and inspiration, please leave a review and DM to let me know. Click here: https://www.instagram.com/nicole.mccancemethod Join the FREE private community for therapists: Expand your Psychotherapy Practice → https://www.facebook.com/groups/947689352498639 Sign up for the FREE Masterclass- How to Build a 7-Figure Group Practice→ https://mccancemethod.com/webinar-free-masterclass-from-solo-to-superteam/

Matt Gupwell is a globally recognised ADHD mentor, who's work has helped millions of people understand their neurodivergent brains He's the most powerful voice in the ADHD & Autism space and an expert in all things AuDHD, helping you optimise your ADHD in ALL sectors 00:00 Trailer 03:10 What are your specialties within the ADHD or Autism space? 10:04 Early life ADHD diagnosis VS late life ADHD diagnosis 19:47 Processing a diagnosis: men VS women 22:34 The truth about neurodiversity and loneliness 29:14 Tiimo advert 37:19 The ADHD coping strategy called ‘Cages' 55:38 The truth about ADHD and grieving 01:02:05 Medication 01:08:26 New ADHD research 01:16:59 The ADHD agony aunt section 01:20:21 A letter from the previous guest Find Matt on Linkedin

In this Nineteenth episode of  'THE ND THRIVE GUIDE' we have ADHD Coach, business leader and public speaker Sam Bramwell. Owen and Sam discuss how our nervous system works in relation to ADHD and our overall way of experiencing the world. We explore how we can support our nervous system and work in emotional mastery. We also cover PDA - Pathological Demand Avoidance. We hear about Sam's diagnosis journey and her why for support the Neurodivergent community. Thank you Sam.  WHAT IS THE ND THRIVE GUIDE 'ND Thrive Guide' Series, we will explore how to live a full, thriving and authentic life with our Neurodivergent Brain. A show all about hope and growth. Tips, advice and ideas from coaches, therapists and experts. Thank you to all our experts. MORE ON SAM. Sam is the ADHD Coach for Leaders, ex tech leader; Founder of The ADHD Leader; Director of Femnesty - a movement for men and women and diversity 2.0. Co-Author - Enough is Enough- shattering the myth women must have it all do it all and be it all. Check out Sam links -  Substack - https://theadhdleader.substack.com/ Buy Sam's Book - https://amzn.eu/d/jeGwz5N -  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/samjbramwell/   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-bramwell-3287642/     ND & Free is in partnership with Ankhway Mushroom Gummies. A tasty supplement with 10 functional mushrooms bundled in a gummy. They can help with gaining shaper focus, a clearer mind, a more balanced mood, a natural energy boost and so much more. Enjoy 15% of your order at checkout with code 'OWEN15'. Find out more about the gummies at www.ankhway.com    More about The ND & FREE Podcast series Welcome back to the ND & FREE podcast brought to you by the Awareness Space Network. A podcast and social media platform that explores how ND'ers can live their truth and feel free in their lives. We hear from inspiring COACHES, THERAPISTS, EXPERTS AND FELLOW ND'ers from all over the world, who sit down with me Owen Morgan to share their wisdom with us.  Our mission is to explore how the human spirit and understanding our whole self can bring us a life full of possibilities Check out our website https://www.ndandfree.com/ Follow our instagram and TikTok for information, facts and useful content in and around Adhd, Autism and AuDHD. - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nd_and_free/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@nd_and_free?_t=8scJhGZ4Sp6&_r=1  These conversations are not a substitute for professional medical or therapeutic support. Please seek support from professionals trained within Neurodiversity support. Listen to episodes with care. Keep up to date with our latest posts on Instagram. Thank you for supporting the show,  Owen

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.”

Lessons learned from ~17 years of therapy over the last 20 years. How I'd approach therapy now based on that.What to look for in therapists, goal-setting in therapy, and reasons to quit your current therapist. Also connects back to last week's interview with Joe about AuDHD therapy.Links mentioned:Book Decolonizing Therapy (also mentioned last week, affiliate link)Blog post on finding a neurodivergent-affirming therapist (with links)More resources suggested by a community member:Dueling Minds, AuDHD SupportAutistic Girls Network in-person support groups for adultsADHD Support Groups in Canada (CADDAC)ADDA Virtual Support for ADHDResources:Transcript DocEmail Newsletter: Nothing Wrong With UsLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this 1:1 interview, Grace finally gets her wonderful mother-in-law Judy into the pod loft for an AuDHD chat.

Join Courn and Chase for a special episode comparing autism and adhd! From bonding over disabled couple compromises and shared executive dysfunction to contrasts in driving, volume preferences, planners, and more!Watch us on YouTube!Instagram: @neurotakespod Contact us: Hello@neurotakespod.comEpisode Transcripts: www.neurotakespod.com

Performative Expectations vs. Honoring Your Neurodivergent (AuDHD) Needs     In this conversation, Patricia discusses the challenges of navigating personal truths, autonomy, and performative expectations, particularly as an AuDHDer. Patricia reflects on her struggles with body image, the importance of self-trust, the need for autonomy (PDA), honoring her needs as a neurodivergent human, and prioritizing her comfort. She also addresses social anxiety, the joy of spontaneity, and the balance between assertiveness and sensitivity in relationships. Ultimately, Patricia emphasizes personal growth and the acceptance of one's unique identity through the planning and execution of her son's wedding.   HIGHLIGHTS   ·       Navigating personal truths is essential for autonomy, and working with PDA (pervasive or persistent drive for autonomy) ·       Performative expectations can override the needs of the human. ·       Body image issues are apt to come up when asked to wear clothes one doesn't normally wear. ·       Self-trust is crucial in making personal choices. ·       Finding comfort in clothing is important for self-regulation, and feeling authentic. ·       Fear of overwhelm and dysregulation can be mitigated with preparation. ·       Embracing spontaneity can enhance connections with others. ·       Assertiveness is necessary in family dynamics. ·       Personal growth often comes from challenging experiences. ·       Sensitivity is a strength, not a weakness.   SOUND BITES "This is not about getting married." "I felt so present." "I really wanted to honor the bride." "I was very disheartened." "I fell in love with it."   SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT'S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED You have a right to trust that you are exactly where you need to be. There's not anything you need to do. Your value and worth does not come from being productive. You can be stimmy. You can be joyful. You can be quiet.   You can be assertive. You can be moving your body. You can be still. You can want to touch all of the dogs in the world, and all of the horses. You can want to be left alone. You can enjoy being with people not being with people. Every single part of you is okay exactly the way you are.   CHAPTERS   00:00 Navigating Personal Truths and Autonomy 03:01 The Impact of Performative Expectations 05:55 Body Image and Self-Trust 09:11 Finding Comfort in Personal Choices 12:11 Overcoming Social Anxiety and Overstimulation 14:52 Embracing Spontaneity and Connection 18:08 Balancing Assertiveness and Sensitivity 20:46 Reflections on Personal Growth and Relationships   PODCAST HOST Patricia was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller.  Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile, OCD and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion.  She created the podcast Unapologetically Sensitive to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren't alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges.  Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you LINKS   Neurodivergent Online Course-- https://unapologeticallysensitive.com/neurodivergent-online-courses/   Receive the top 10 most downloaded episodes of the podcast-- https://www.subscribepage.com/e6z6e6 Sign up for the Newsletter-- https://www.subscribepage.com/y0l7d4   To write a review in itunes: click on this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetically-sensitive/id1440433481?mt=2 select “listen on Apple Podcasts” chose “open in itunes” choose “ratings and reviews” click to rate the number of starts click “write a review”   Website--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook-- https://www.facebook.com/Unapologetically-Sensitive-2296688923985657/ Closed/Private Facebook group Unapologetically Sensitive-- https://www.facebook.com/groups/2099705880047619/ Instagram-- https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube-- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber Tik Tok--https://www.tiktok.com/@unapologeticallysensitiv e-mail-- unapologeticallysensitive@gmail.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive Music-- Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com  

During this episode you will have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned author Sarah Hendrickx about how autism and ADHD (AuDHD) impact adults.Increasing numbers of people are realizing that one neurodivergent condition doesn't explain all of their experiences and dual diagnosis rates of Autism + ADHD are growing fast. During this episode Sarah outlines why this is, similarities and differences between the two conditions and the joys and challenges that being an adult AuDHDer brings.Sarah Hendrickx is an AuDHD author, diagnostician and keynote speaker on autism and other neurodivergent conditions. She is currently writing a guide to AuDHD.Sarah Hendrickx — Hendrickx AssociatesThis is a session from the 2025 Neurodiverse Love Conference. If you are interested in learning about purchasing lifetime access to the conference or any of the other resources Mona offers you can go to her website at neurodiverselove.com

Pete Wharmby is a bestselling Author and AuDHD specialist with an emphasis on helping you manage your mental health An award winning expert in the field, he's on a mission to raise awareness for the struggles experienced by those with ADHD & Autism 00:00 Trailer 02:29 Pete's mission in the neurodiversity world 10:32 Early memories of feeling different 17:52 How ADHD & Autism can clash 34:57 Tiimo advert 36:32 How people with AuDHD experience jealousy and breakups 44:48 The AuDHD RSD Experience 56:40 AuDHD men talking about mental health 01:09:26 Monotropism explained 01:17:47 Pete's ADHD item 01:21:33 The ADHD agony aunt 01:28:19 The previous guest's 3 rules to lives by Find Pete on Instagram

In this Eighteenth episode of  'THE ND THRIVE GUIDE' we have returning Psychotherapist and counselor Kate Hough. Kate runs her professional online therapy service ' Dot's Counseling and wellbeing.    Owen and Kate discuss the impact of a ND diagnosis and how we can begin to process what it means for our life. We look at the relationship to our ND presentations, how to move forward authentically and live truthfully whilst waiting for an assessment. Can self-diagnosis help us. Thank you Kate for your time and wisdom.  Listen to the first episode Owen had with Kate - Epi 111 - How Psychotherapy Can Help With Neurodivergence - With Kate Hough - The ND Thrive Guide Epi 6 -  Spotify -  https://open.spotify.com/episode/51i8Ey4gFjhvO5Qs5HBpGm?si=olzSvRD0RIK2b2iQhlhhqg Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/epi-111-how-psychotherapy-can-help-with/id1500282568?i=1000696804205 WHAT IS THE ND THRIVE GUIDE 'ND Thrive Guide' Series, we will explore how to live a full, thriving and authentic life with our Neurodivergent Brain. A show all about hope and growth. Tips, advice and ideas from coaches, therapists and experts. Thank you to all our experts. MORE ON KATE. Follow links for more on Katie and her work  Website https://www.dotswellbeing.com/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dotswellbeing Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dotswellbeing/   ND AND FREE AND ANKHWAY MUSHROOM GUMMIES ND & Free is in partnership with Ankhway Mushroom Gummies. A tasty supplement with 10 functional mushrooms bundled in a gummy. They can help with gaining sharper focus, a clearer mind, a more balanced mood, a natural energy boost and so much more. Enjoy 15% of your order at checkout with code 'OWEN15'. Find out more about the gummies at www.ankhway.com    More about The ND & FREE Podcast series Welcome back to the ND & FREE podcast brought to you by the Awareness Space Network. A podcast and social media platform that explores how ND'ers can live their truth and feel free in their lives. We hear from inspiring COACHES, THERAPISTS, EXPERTS AND FELLOW ND'ers from all over the world, who sit down with me Owen Morgan to share their wisdom with us.  Our mission is to explore how the human spirit and understanding our whole self can bring us a life full of possibilities Check out our website https://www.ndandfree.com/ Follow our instagram and TikTok for information, facts and useful content in and around Adhd, Autism and AuDHD. - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nd_and_free/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@nd_and_free?_t=8scJhGZ4Sp6&_r=1  These conversations are not a substitute for professional medical or therapeutic support. Please seek support from professionals trained within Neurodiversity support. Listen to episodes with care. Keep up to date with our latest posts on Instagram. Thank you for supporting the show,  Owen

Joe Sosta is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and late-realized AuDHDer. He shares some of our questions about therapy as an AuDHD adult, and we talk about the ups and downs of therapy and modalities. Note: "The Discord" mentioned is part of the Like Your Brain (Patreon) community spaceThis is the first of 7 interconnected episodes Connect with Joe:https://www.therapywithjoe.comhttps://barnliferecovery.comResources:Transcript DocEmail Newsletter: Nothing Wrong With UsLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“We are a community affair. We're Autistic, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, Tourettes, schizophrenic, bipolar, apraxic, dyslexic, dyspraxic, dyscalculic, non-speaking, and more. We've collectively experienced rare diseases, organ transplants, various cancers, many surgeries and therapies, and lots of ableism and SpEd. We've experienced #MedicalAbleism, #MedicalMisogyny, #MedicalRacism, #MedicalTrauma, and #MedicalGaslighting. We understand chronic pain, chronic illness, and the #NEISvoid “No End In Sight Void”. We know what it's like to be disabled and different in our systems. We know what it is like to live with barriers and what it means to not fit in and have to forge our own community. Disabled and neurodivergent people are always edge cases, and edge cases are stress cases. We can help you design for the edges, because we live at the edges. We are the canaries. We are “the fish that must fight the current to swim upstream.“And that's just the opening statement on Stimpunks.org.Stimpunks has been among HRP's closest allies over the years, and I am so grateful to be joined by an amazing cross section of Stimpunks today -- Ryan Boren, Chelsea Adams, Norah Hobbs, and Helen Edgar, who also runs Autistic Realms – to speak to their roll your own, DIY, Mutual Aid and Human-Centered Learning for Neurodivergent and Disabled People.Chelsea had to step away during recording so you'll hear her voice just in the first half. This episode was a long time coming, and I hope you enjoy it. You can connect with Stimpunks and find all of the resources mentioned in this episode at Stimpunks.org.Mentioned in this episode:Stimpunks WebsiteCommunity DiscordMutual-AidMap of Monotropic ExperiencesThe Five Neurodivergent Love Languages/Locutions10 Obstacles to Neurodiversity Affirming Practice

In this solo episode, Dr. Marianne Miller explores the powerful and often overlooked connection between masking neurodivergence and eating disorders. If you've ever felt like you're performing just to get through the day—suppressing your sensory needs, camouflaging your communication style, or overriding your body's cues to fit societal expectations—this episode will resonate deeply. Dr. Marianne breaks down what masking looks like in autistic and neurodivergent individuals, including social, sensory, emotional, and cognitive masking, and how these patterns can lead to or exacerbate disordered eating behaviors like restriction, bingeing, and compulsive exercise. She also explains the systemic pressures—including ableism, fatphobia, and white supremacy—that reinforce masking, and how this contributes to burnout, identity confusion, and food-related distress. Most important, Dr. Marianne offers a compassionate look at what it means to unmask as part of eating disorder recovery. You'll learn how reclaiming your sensory needs, autonomy, and embodied preferences can help you heal—not by becoming someone else, but by honoring exactly who you are.

Have you ever wished there were Australian-based resources, trainings and person gatherings created by highly sensitive people, for highly sensitive people? In episode 307 of SelfKind, I'm joined by counsellor, nature-therapy practitioner (and long-time friend) Matt Glover to unveil ourr joint project High Sensitivity Australia. Together we discuss:⭐️ the brand new resource and website: High Sensitivity Australia

Autistic individuals are significantly more likely to experience eating disorders—but the signs often go unrecognized, and traditional treatment models frequently fall short. In this solo episode, Dr. Marianne explains the unique ways eating disorders show up in autistic people, why those struggles are often misunderstood, and what kind of support actually helps. You'll learn about the sensory, emotional, and social dimensions of disordered eating in autistic individuals, the high rates of ARFID and anorexia in this population, and why interoception, masking, and shutdowns often complicate recovery. Most importantly, this episode explores the power of neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed care—care that adapts to the client rather than forcing the client to adapt to the system. Whether you're autistic, suspect you might be, or support someone who is, this episode offers validation, clarity, and a path forward that doesn't rely on shame or compliance.

Lessons From the Past and Moving Forward In this episode, Patricia reconnects after a long break to discuss personal growth through relationships, dealing with OCD, and navigating self-disclosure. Patricia shares experiences with past friendships, lessons learned, and the journey of forming new connections while managing neurodivergence. Tips for content creation and future podcast plans are also highlighted. HIGHLIGHTS ·       Patricia's return to podcasting after a long hiatus. ·       Struggles with OCD and its impact on relationships. ·       The emotional journey of navigating challenges in a significant friendship. ·       The importance of respecting privacy and boundaries in self-disclosure. ·       Learning from past relationships and embracing outcomes. ·       Reconnecting with old friends and forming new connections at 61. ·       The impact of neurodivergence on forming and maintaining relationships. ·       The significance of reciprocal relationships and understanding others' limitations. ·       Realizing the need for balanced expectations in friendships. ·       Reflections on societal pressures for lifelong friendships. ·       The role of stress and personal triggers in relationship dynamics. ·       Exploring new creative projects and podcast collaborations. ·       The challenges and rewards of working with a co-host on a new podcast. ·       Differences in preferences and vision while designing a new podcast logo. ·       Plans for shorter, more manageable podcast episodes moving forward. ·       The importance of embracing vulnerability and authenticity in content creation. ·       Steps taken to ensure the sustainability of the podcast. ·       Emphasizing self-acceptance and the value of personal growth. ·       Encouragement to reach out for personal coaching and share feedback on the podcast. SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT'S HOW YOU'RE WIRED It's okay to have hard times. It's okay to feel lonely. It's okay to feel lonely when you're with a bunch of people. It's okay to not be okay. It's okay to be happy, joyful, and stimmy. It's okay to be quiet and reserved. It's okay to want to be out and doing things. It's okay to want to be in your bed, in your home where it's cozy and comfy. There is no way that you can screw up being who you are because who you are is really okay. It's even when it feels like you're not okay. You are enough. You are perfect as you are. You're wired differently and finding people that are wired like you can really make a difference. If you have that great and if you don't have it PODCAST HOST Patricia was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller.  Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile, OCD and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion.  She created the podcast Unapologetically Sensitive to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren't alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges.  Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you LINKS Neurodivergent Online Course-- https://unapologeticallysensitive.com/neurodivergent-online-courses/  Receive the top 10 most downloaded episodes of the podcast-- https://www.subscribepage.com/e6z6e6 Sign up for the Newsletter-- https://www.subscribepage.com/y0l7d4  To write a review in itunes: click on this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetically-sensitive/id1440433481?mt=2 select “listen on Apple Podcasts” chose “open in itunes” choose “ratings and reviews” click to rate the number of starts click “write a review” Website--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook-- https://www.facebook.com/Unapologetically-Sensitive-2296688923985657/ Closed/Private Facebook group Unapologetically Sensitive-- https://www.facebook.com/groups/2099705880047619/ Instagram-- https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube-- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber Tik Tok--https://www.tiktok.com/@unapologeticallysensitiv e-mail-- unapologeticallysensitive@gmail.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive Music-- Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com  

Diagnosed with Autism and ADHD at 42: My Story as a Highly Sensitive Person who also happens to be AuDHD.In this episode of SelfKind – a podcast for Highly Sensitive and Neurodivergent People – I'm sharing a deeply personal story: my experience of being assessed and diagnosed with autism and ADHD (also known as AuDHD) at the age of 42. As someone who has long identified as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), I'm unpacking what led me to seek assessment, how it felt to be diagnosed later in life, and why understanding your sensitivity – no matter the label – truly matters.Have you ever wondered if your high sensitivity could be something more? Are you questioning whether neurodivergence might be part of your story too? This episode is for you.⭐️ About your host, Erica Webb: Erica Webb is a registered counsellor, somatic exercise coach, and highly sensitive person. Recently diagnosed as autistic and ADHD, she supports other highly sensitive and neurodivergent people to discover their unique superpowers and more confidently navigate the tricky bits of being sensitive in an often insensitive world.

In this Sixthteenth episode of the Me, Myself and ND series Owen sits down with Tattoo Artist, father and AuDHD'er Daniel Katona. An inspiring ND advocate and overall awesome guy. Dan shares how discovering he was AuDHD (Self-Diagnosed) made his life make sense. We unpack how his ND brain affects his overall mental health and how that played out pre Self-Diagnosis. We talk about fatherhood, creativity and how to honor our truth and do what we care about.  Thank you to Dan for being on our show.      Follow Dan's journey on Social media.   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/audhdan_/   TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@audhdan_   More about the show 'Me, Myself and ND. We dive into conversation with a guest on all things ADHD and other Neurodivergent brain presentations (should they be part of their experience). We will cover the run up to diagnosis, the diagnosis experience and how life unfolded afterwards. Including looking at the guests' passions and how they thrive.  ND AND FREE AND ANKHWAY MUSHROOM GUMMIES   ND & Free is in partnership with Ankhway Mushroom Gummies. A tasty supplement with 10 functional mushrooms bundled in a gummy. They can help with gaining sharper focus, a clearer mind, a more balanced mood, a natural energy boost and so much more. Enjoy 15% of your order at checkout with code 'OWEN15'. Find out more about the gummies at www.ankhway.com    More about 'the ND & FREE' Podcast series Welcome back to the ND & FREE podcast brought to you by the Awareness Space Network. A podcast and social media platform that explores how ADHD'ers and other neurodivergent brain types can live their truth and feel free in their lives. We hear from inspiring COACHES, THERAPISTS, EXPERTS AND FELLOW ND'ers from all over the world, who sit down with me Owen Morgan to share their wisdom with us.  Our mission is to explore how the human spirit and understanding our whole self can bring us a life full of possibilities Follow our instagram and TikTok for information, facts and useful content in and around Adhd, Autism and AuDHD. - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nd_and_free/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@nd_and_free?_t=8scJhGZ4Sp6&_r=1 These conversations are not a substitute for professional medical or therapeutic support. Please seek support of professionals trained within Neurodiversity support. Listen to episodes with care. Keep up to date with our latest posts on Instagram. Thank you for supporting the show,

Reposting popular episodes June 2025. Back atcha in July with some spicy takes!Original show notes:Pasha Marlowe speaks brilliantly about how to navigate trauma, triggers, and sensory needs in relationships as an AuDHD person.Making it concrete, we both talk about a recent meltdown with our respective partners, and how we navigated those during and after.This is a deeply un-shaming episode—we still struggle with relational trauma despite all the "work" we've done. It's okay to have a lot of needs in relationships. And we talk about how hard it can be to figure out what those are and communicate them effectively.If your neurodivergent relationship needs extra support, Pasha is one of the rare practitioners who's ND, trained in family therapy, and works with couples!Resources mentioned:Pasha's websiteNeuroqueering podcast and Mattia's guest episode@neuroqueercoach on TikTok@neuroqueercoach on InstagramNeuroqueer Heresies bookFull Transcript hereAuDHD Flourishing Newsletter signup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ONE thing that made the biggest difference to my plants across nearly 30 years of houseplant tending is consistency - and when you have late-diagnosed AuDHD, it's extra apparent. Listen in for practical tips to get you more consistent, plus extras: discussion of subirrigation, spider mite treatment, soil nutrients and nitrogen-induced tip burn, self-forgiveness when caring for plants in early widowhood, and more. Also, for the next two weeks, get a FREE quart of V's Mix for every $50 spent at https://ohhappyplants.shop - this soil is absolutely MAGICAL and I'd love for you to have some!

Visit my Substack. Wanted to hop on and share this in real-time—today, I'm going through a *RUMINATION SPIRAL* on my day off! Related to not very fun hotel and insurance and post-hurricane things. I'm catching myself feeling like, if I could just 'close the loop', get to the end, and fix it—then, I won't have to feel this way anymore. I'm also feeling like, "I must be bad. I must have done something wrong. If I hadn't done anything wrong, then this wouldn't have happened." It's bringing me back to feeling like a little kid—scared and worried. In this episode, I'm sharing what I'm realizing as I experience it, and talking about a neurodiversity-affirming framework of compassionate understanding, reflective questions, and values-aligned actions that help support me through these moments. 

Join Chase and Courn as we close out pride month to chat about our own queer experiences, terminology, and the connection between trans and disability liberation all year round!Watch on Youtube! Instagram: @neurotakespod Contact us: Hello@neurotakespod.comEpisode Transcripts: www.neurotakespod.com

Will Chase is best known as the man who turned potatoes into gold, first with Tyrrells crisps, then with Chase Vodka. But beneath the branding genius and business triumphs lay decades of inner chaos he couldn't explain.In this chat with Ben, Will opens up about the high-octane ambition that built his empire, and the internal battles that nearly undid it all. Diagnosed with ADHD and autism in his 60s, he's now reckoning with a lifetime of shame, restlessness, and relationships left in his wake.They talk about building billion-pound brands from the ground up and what happens when the very traits that make you succeed are also the ones that nearly destroy you._______Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special rewind episode Owen travels back through the archives to a previous podcast in which he and a panel of wellbeing experts talk to all things burnout. It may be useful to ND'ERS Listening. Normal episodes will return next week.  In this episode we take a look at burnout. We discuss how it may feel and how to remain steady. We cover how we can create a calmer, balanced and healthy relationship with the demands of life -- More on this previous show.... I have brought together 4 amazing people and experts in the field of health and wellbeing to join me as we unpack topics that we hope will help you to live a full and meaningful life -- We have Adrienne Rouan who is a trauma recovery yoga facilitator and somatic experiencing practitioner, Ewan Corlett who is a person-centred integrative counsellor and men's coach. , JessicaRose Johnson who is a living works certified instructor for ASIST and Jason of we at one life coaching who is a confidence and self worth coach. I am a qualified wellbeing coach, personal trainer, massage therapist and wellbeing group facilitator. Our usual episode will return next week.  ND AND FREE AND ANKHWAY MUSHROOM GUMMIES ND & Free is in partnership with Ankhway Mushroom Gummies. A tasty supplement with 10 functional mushrooms bundled in a gummy. They can help with gaining shaper focus, a clearer mind, a more balanced mood, a natural energy boost and so much more. Enjoy 15% of your order at checkout with code 'OWEN15'. Find out more about the gummies at www.ankhway.com    More about The ND & FREE Podcast series Welcome back to the ND & FREE podcast brought to you by the Awareness Space Network. A podcast and social media platform that explores how ND'ers can live their truth and feel free in their lives. We hear from inspiring COACHES, THERAPISTS, EXPERTS AND FELLOW ND'ers from all over the world, who sit down with me Owen Morgan to share their wisdom with us.  Our mission is to explore how the human spirit and understanding our whole self can bring us a life full of possibilities Check out our website https://www.ndandfree.com/   Follow our instagram and TikTok for information, facts and useful content in and around Adhd, Autism and AuDHD. - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nd_and_free/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@nd_and_free?_t=8scJhGZ4Sp6&_r=1  These conversations are not a substitute for professional medical or therapeutic support. Please seek support from professionals trained within Neurodiversity support. Listen to episodes with care. Keep up to date with our latest posts on Instagram. Thank you for supporting the show,  Owen

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide, grief, addiction, mental health challenges, and other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.He didn't think he'd make it to 26. By then, Patrick Casale had already lost his stepmother to cancer, his best friend to suicide and himself to gambling addiction, shame, and emotional paralysis. But rock bottom didn't end his story, it unraveled the one he'd been trying to survive: the story where masking pain and pretending to be “fine” was the only way to belong.In this unflinching episode, Patrick shares the moments that nearly ended him and the ones that slowly rebuilt him. From devastating loss to the weight of silence, we explore how grief, addiction, and years of emotional shutdown intersected with a late-in-life AuDHD (Autism + ADHD) diagnosis that finally explained what nothing else could.For the first time, he began to see his struggles not as personal failures, but misunderstood wiring in a world that never made room for difference. This isn't just a recovery story it's a blueprint for self-acceptance, for healing without shame, and for creating a life that doesn't require an escape plan.In This Episode We Cover:Grief, trauma & emotional collapse after losing his stepmom and best friendGambling addiction and the illusion of controlLiving undiagnosed: the cost of masking with late-in-life AuDHDReframing “brokenness” as misunderstood neurodivergenceHow therapy, community, and radical honesty saved his life__________________Watch/Listen/Subscribe to the Show: ↳ ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠↳ ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠↳ ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠↳ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠↳ ⁠⁠⁠Tiktok⁠⁠⁠↳ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠__________________Patrick Custer - Host↳ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@thepatrickcuster⁠⁠⁠↳ TikTok:⁠⁠⁠ @thepatrickcuster⁠⁠⁠↳ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@thepatrickcuster⁠⁠⁠↳ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠@thepatrickcuster⁠⁠⁠↳ Website: ⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/patrickcuster⁠⁠⁠Patrick Casale - Guest↳ Insta: @patrick.casale↳ Facebook: @CasaleCoaching↳ Tiktok:⁠ @patrickcasale↳ Website: www.allthingspractice.com__________________Promises Behavioral Health – Treatment for addiction, mental health/trauma:↳ Admissions: (888) 648-4098↳ Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@promises_bh⁠⁠⁠↳ URL: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.promisesbehavioralhealth.com⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Mental Health America:↳ URL: ⁠⁠⁠www.mhanational.org⁠__________________About Patrick Casale: Patrick Casale is not only an AuDHD licensed Mental Health & Addiction Therapist and a group practice owner but also a Entrepreneur Coach & Strategist for Neurodivergent Business Owners. With experience in both the clinical mental health world and the business world, he has helped thousands of mental health therapists around the United States leave their agencies behind and create their ideal private practices. "I've worked in the helping profession since 2008, and, like many therapists, I started my career in a community mental health job where instead of feeling fulfilled, I felt overworked, burnt out, taken for granted, and underappreciated. I knew I wanted out but feared the uncertainty of private practice, because, at the time, I had no fucking clue how to start a business. After all, most people who go into the helping profession don't have a lot of business training, if any at all. After a lot of work, some struggles, and trial-and-error, I successfully launched my private practice. Then a couple of years after that, I launched a thriving group practice. I am truly passionate about empowering therapists to take the steps they need to create more successful lives and careers while working flexible hours, taking more vacations, and using their precious clinical skills effectively. When it comes to being a successful private practice and small business owner, I've already been there and done that, so now I help other therapists all over the United States save time, skip the guesswork, and start seeing clients sooner with their own private practices."

Building a therapy business comes with its challenges, especially when you're navigating AuDHD and entrepreneurship.Patrick Casale, CEO of All Things Private Practice, joins host Michael Fulwiler to talk about how embracing vulnerability and authenticity can shape a successful therapy practice. Patrick opens up about his journey of navigating ADHD and autism while building a business, explaining how showing up as your true self can help you connect with clients in a deeper, more meaningful way.Listen to the conversation to hear how Patrick turned his personal challenges into entrepreneurial strengths and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way.In the conversation, they discuss:How authenticity drives stronger connections with clients in private practiceThe impact of neurodivergence on Patrick's approach to business and therapyThe personal and professional growth that comes from embracing imperfection in your careerConnect with the guest:Patrick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrick.casale/ Patrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neurodivergent-workplace-strategist/ Watch Patrick's TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyImqW69OY4 Visit the All Things Private Practice website: https://www.allthingspractice.com/ Connect with Michael and Heard:Michael's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfulwiler/ Newsletter: https://www.joinheard.com/newsletter Book a free consult: joinheard.com/consult Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Welcome to Heard Business School(00:44) Meet Patrick Casale(02:12) Embracing Neurodivergence in Life and Business(03:51) The Double-Edged Sword of AuDHD(06:02) Why Patrick Became a Therapist(08:19) What Burnout Looked Like in Private Practice(10:31) From Solo Practice to Group Practice to Entrepreneur(13:12) Building Businesses Around Community and Identity(15:24) Neurodivergent Strengths in Entrepreneurship(17:41) Letting Go of What No Longer Aligns(19:35) How Patrick Thinks About Pricing and Accessibility(22:13) Delegating as a Way to Scale and Protect Your Energy(24:00) Self-Care, ADHD, and Running Multiple Businesses(26:42) Advice for Therapists With Big Ideas(28:30) Final Reflections on Self-Trust and Going for ItThis episode is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult their own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this episode. 

Today, Dr. Stephanie talks to Dan of the Aspie World! Are we still allowed to say Aspie? Dan talks us through his autism identification and how that led him to build one of the first platforms on social media about adult autism.Hello friends,I want to share something deeply personal—something that completely shifted the trajectory of my life.At 26, I received a formal diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome (now Autism Spectrum Disorder), along with ADHD, OCD, and Dyslexia. That moment wasn't about becoming someone new; it was about finally understanding who I always was.For years, I silently battled confusion, overwhelm, and social exhaustion. Masking my discomfort to "fit in" affected my mental and emotional health deeply.A Diagnosis Isn't a Label—It's a Lens.It provided clarity, showing me that I'm not broken; I'm wired differently. Discovering neurodiversity helped me celebrate my differences and recognize my strengths—creativity, hyperfocus, analytical thinking—as true assets.This revelation inspired me to start The Aspie World, supporting thousands globally in navigating neurodivergent journeys. Our differences drive innovation, empathy, and inclusion, making humanity richer.Remember, your diagnosis is just the beginning of a beautiful, empowered chapter. You are capable, valuable, and not alone.Thank you for joining this journey.With gratitude,Daniel M. Jones Founder of The Aspie WorldDan can be found at:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOKKRcJey93Ms-dL630UNIQDan's Book:https://www.amazon.com/Autism-Adults-author/dp/1837822336About when I discovered Dan on YThttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDwXqGjohGgDan defends the term Asperger'shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB-cH9Os_J8

Cold OpenYou wanna pathologize me? Knock yerself out. Faithfully counting every leaf marked "deficit"…But missing the whole damn forest we know locally as "Survival."[Doc? You Got Us All Wrong, Pt 1: Autistic Resilience]IntroYou're listening to AutisticAF Out Loud. One voice. Raw. Real. Fiercely Neurodivergent. Since 1953.Season 5, Episode 5. “Doc? You Got Us All Wrong, Pt 1: Autistic Resilience.”Deficits… or strengths? Survival… or thriving? Pathology… or inborn, natural autistic behavior? We turn the diagnostic telescope around. Let's focus on the forest of resilience behind every leaf labeled "deficit."An experimental multi-part series… all around 10 minutes. Because some neurodivergent listeners like to binge in small bites. Or you can download Part 1 and Part 2 at once… for listeners who crave the whole enchilada in one sitting.Just one autistic elder's truth. I'm Johnny Profane.Content Note: trauma discussion, medical system critique, institutional discrimination, psychiatric hospitalizations, systemic oppression + experiences & opinions of one autistic voice... in my 70s.[Music]What I tell any therapist… any caregiver… first session:I have survived physical and sexual abuse from family and schoolmates.Bullying by teachers and fellow students… 2nd grade through high school.Multiple professional crashes… in multiple careers.At least a dozen firings.2 evictions.1 bankruptcy.Dozens of major household moves.Few friends, and…2 divorces, 3 "living togethers," and a couple of "serious" relationships that, well…, weren't?Ain't this resilience?Resilience. Ya know, that cap-and-gown term pros use for getting knocked down seven times. Stubbornly getting up… eight...I'm still alive. Still creating. Still getting published. Still speaking to thousands of autistics a year.Never attempted suicide... despite three hospitalizations.AND I'm still autistic. Cuz there ain't no cure for something that ain't wrong. Unless you base your "medical model" on some statistical "normal"… which is just a made up story. Cuz not one living person is summed up by a Bell curve normal… not even within a standard deviation.Yes, yes… yes. Some professionals are evolving. Pros who listen more than lecture. But face it. In the grand scheme of things… they're rare.Let's get clear right now, right here. It's not being autistic that creates our trauma. It's living autistic in a society that inflicts trauma on us. Refusing to accept, adapt… support… us.Why do "helping" pros focus on my deficits, my lacks, my pitiful performance of “Activities of Daily Living”…? Like, did I shower today…? No.Rather than the sheer strength of will I demonstrate every time I take my next breath?Why do they offer to fix me,inform me,guide me, andcharge me for sessions,mentoring,workshops,best-selling books,SYSTEMS they've just invented…based on… at best… incomplete research?[Music]You know social media… if you like and share this podcast, a lot more people will check it out. You can do a lot of good with just one click.You wanna pathologize me? Knock yerself out.Turn my every inborn neurodivergent characteristic into a disease. You do have powerful diagnostic tools…But you're looking through that diagnostic telescope backwards. Faithfully counting every leaf marked "deficit"… But missing the whole damn forest that we know locally as "Survival."Like my "failure to maintain eye contact.” A “social deficit.” Right... completely missing how that survival skill lets me process your words… without painful sensory overload. My form of my respect… for you.Go ahead and use professionally, objectively disempowering terms, like "comorbidity"... betraying your bias that my very way of Being is… in your eyes… a disease. And then riff on, elaborate away: "pathological demand avoidance," "obsessive-compulsive disorder," "borderline personality disorder,"And on and on… and on.Truth? Every diagnosis? Just another survival mechanism. Not symptoms of autism. Responses to how society treats autism.Behaviors that kept me alive… in your world. While you obsess over what's "wrong" with me…Or… we could build on my autistic strengths.Look, none of us have all of these. And superpowers don't exist. Some have strengths not listed. But if you aren't looking for them? Likely, you're mis-treating us.* Resilience: Just surviving multiple, severe stressors is a biggie. Every autistic adult you meet has adapted to extreme challenges. Most of us… traumatized. Yet we endure. We integrate. We keep going.* Deep Feeling: Pros call ‘em "mood swings." We call it feeling everything… deeply. Depth that drives our creativity… in science, art, writing, becoming lunatic billionaires… or the cool neighbor next door.. It's not a flaw. It's fuel.* Survival Skills: My life, my continued existence… is my proof. Just as any autistic adult's life is. We've survived devastating life events. With inner strength and coping strategies.These aren't skills most professionals understand… not even some neurodivergent practitioners. Because these skills are linked to how our individual autistic minds work. Which is… in fact… different. Not just from most humans. From each other, too.* Creative Persistence: Every autistic person knows this pull. Our passionate focus on our interests. Grabbing us deeper than hunger. We don't just see details… no matter what TV tells you. We work on wide canvases. We create. We build. We solve. That's strength.* Living with Extremes: My knee surgeon was shocked. "You walked two miles a day on a torn meniscus?" Yes, but… a light touch on my face can trigger panic. That's not contradiction. That's how we survive. We may get sensory warnings earlier than most… Yet we handle what breaks others. Daily.* Hidden Adaptability: Look at my life changes—jobs, homes, relationships. Society labels us as "rigid." Truth is, we adapt constantly. We got no choice. Yet we persevere. We keep doing. That's not weakness. That's strength.* Processing Power: We take in everything. Process it deeply. Yet live through emotional and sensory experiences that would derail most people. We keep going. Keep growing. That's not dysfunction. That's determination. Coming directly from… not despite… our neurodivergent cognition.* Spectrum of Strength: Maybe resilience is a spectrum, too. And some of us autistics crank it up past 11. Not weakness from disability. Strength from difference. Turning autistic stereotypes upside down. Yet again.[Music]Just a quickie… this is Part 1 of “Doc? You Got Autism All Wrong?” Why not binge the next part? Or download the long-form version with both parts? Link in transcript.Challenging Normal-izing ModelsMy story? Just one among thousands. Millions.I've worked as a magazine publisher. Functioned as an academic grad student… multiple times. And been homeless… multiple times. I've been privileged to hear many, many similar stories over the decades. At all levels of society, education, age.These stories all share one truth: Autistic traits are not inherently deficits. They can be hidden sources of strength and resilience. In the right environment. In the right community.Take one example: Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). What pros like to label our natural, neurodivergent response to external demands like deadlines. I meet the diagnostic criteria. Always have. But in my opinion, they bulldoze right over my inborn need for autonomy. Leading too often to trauma. PDA… seems to me… a dehumanizing slur. For the nature I was born with.Yet many neurodivergents find comfort and support diagnosed as PDA. In the acknowledgment of our differences the diagnosis does offer. I don't wish to negate their experience. And I'm not arguing neurodivergents do NOT have needs for autonomy. Or that we don't suffer due to these differences. At the hands of Straight Culture.My point: Sensory and social differences are NOT pathologies.It's like dogs noticing that cats are more hyper than canines...So to "help" ‘em, pro dogs decide to forcibly train or torture every cat. To steamroll them into converting to “Dog Normal.”We are human… autistic humans.We need what all humans need: To build on our strengths. To find our nurturing environments. To choose our supportive communities.We just accomplish these things... differently.Look, I'm fighting the whole Normative Narrative. Which demands any difference MUST be "cured." Or at least fixed.And I'm not keen on neurodivergent-based attempts to bandaid the problem. By simply defining a new normal for autistics and other neurodivergents. Just another standard we may fail to live up to.Frankly, I'm calling for a strengths-based, non-normative psychology for all neurodivergents. A theme I develop in this series and future podcasts. How we might replace CBT and similar treatments with more neurodivergent-centered alternatives.So where do we start this revolution?Doc, Stop. Look again…At the big picture this time. See those brilliant sparks of unusual strength? Far more powerful than your "deficits."Reality check: Up to now, you've just been documenting how modern consumer culture fails our neurology. In the office. In our schools. In shopping at freaking Walmart for fuck's sake.Anywhere we're forced to process too much sensory input. Or pretend to read invisible social cues. Pretend we're you… without rest or accommodation.Let's explore a new direction. Simply put?Doc… stop looking through your telescope backwards. Look at us. Right in front of your eyes._____References & Further ReadingNeither exhaustive nor comprehensive. Articles that made me think.* The high prevalence of trauma and adverse experiences among autistic individuals* PTSD and Autism* Trauma and Autism: Research and Resources* How to build resiliency in autistic individuals: an implication to advance mental health* Association Between Autism and PTSD Among Adult Psychiatric Outpatients* The relationship between autism and resilience* Building Resilience – An Important Life Skill* Understanding Resilience in Neurodivergent Adults* Autistic Resilience: Overcoming Adversity Through Self-Care and Strengths* The criticism of deficit-based models of autism* Moving Beyond Deficit-Based Models of Autism* Strengths-First Assessment in Autism* The reality of autistic strengths and capabilities* 6 Strengths (not Weaknesses) of Individuals with Autism* Autism as a Strength* Neurodiversity as a Competitive AdvantageNote: Links are provided for reference only. Views expressed may differ from my own experiences and observations. Sources affiliated with Autism Speaks are controversial in the neurodiversity community. Their research may be included for completeness. But perhaps be cautious.Doc, You Got Us All Wrong, Pt 2: CBT...? Never Worked for Autistic MeCold OpenCBT…? Never worked for autistic me.So, look, we KNOW masking doesn't work. Or FEAR. Or PAIN. We're dying from them already.That's all the words we need.[Music]IntroYou're listening to AutisticAF Out Loud. One voice. Raw. Real. Fiercely Neurodivergent. Since 1953.Season 5, Episode 6. “Doc? You Got Us All Wrong, Pt 2: CBT…? Never Worked for Autistic Me.”Abelist agendas. Bad research subjects. Bad data. Bad therapy.There's the whole story.An experimental multi-part series… around 10 minutes each. Cuz some autistic listeners tell me they like to binge in small bites. Others say they listen in the car… so you can also download the complete series as one file.Just one autistic elder's truth. I'm Johnny Profane.Content Note: trauma discussion, medical system critique, institutional discrimination, psychiatric hospitalizations, systemic oppression + experiences & opinions of one autistic voice... in my 70s.[Music]I've been struggling with an article on CBT & Autism for years.Sigh. Spoons. A lot of reading. A lot of thinking…To come to my opinion… my thesis…that any therapy based on purely cognitive techniques… even if pros throw on some Behavioral rubber-band-snapping special sauce on the side…?It's inherently ableist… attacking the very way our autistic brains are wired. Demanding abilities many neurodivergents just weren't born with.Here's a snapshot. A quick personal story from when autistic-as-fuck me turned for help…“I'm sorry… What did you just say?”“I said…” He looked nervous. “I said… I always recommend aversive therapy for my autistic kids. My clients.”Me. In a dead-cold voice. “Snapping a rubber band.”“Y-e-s-s.” He seemed torn. Was I gonna get positive reinforcement… Or that weird, hostile, defensiveness professionals get. When you ask questions.Into that hesitant silence, I say, “Snap it hard. Hard as they can. Against their wrist.”“Yes. The sting is important.” Now, he's eager to share. “When they repeat the aversive stimulus, they…”Again I interrupt with my ashen, Clint-Eastwood voice. “During a meltdown.”“Well… actually… just before.” He's beaming, proud. “They learn to snap the band at the earliest hint they'll lose control. It's operant conditioning.”A kid having a meltdown on Aisle 3. Likely overwhelmed by sensory overload.Let's just add a little sharp pain… and see what happens…As if by giving it some science-y name… it's not self-inflicted torture.Brief CBT BackgroundCognitive Behavioral Therapy emerged in the 60s. A kind of forced marriage. Between Beck's cognitive therapy… focused on internal thoughts. And Skinner's behavioral therapy… focused on observable behavior. Both developed studying neurotypical minds.Change your thoughts, change your feelings, change your behavior… change your life. Simple, right?Unless your brain doesn't work that way…Sometimes…? Research… Ain't.How could COGNITIVE Behavioral Therapy not be inappropriate for autistics?Research Problem #1. It's based on studying neurotypical populations. But we autistics think differently by definition.Problem #2? For the foundational studies, CBT researchers used white, university student subjects… for the most part. They're easy and cheap to find. But maybe 3% are autistic? Maybe? ALL with decent IQs and functioning student skills… even the few autistic subjects?And Problem #3 is a doozy. Many autistics survive by people-pleasing. Kids and grownups. We're likely to mask our true experiences to appear "better"... or please therapists. Plus we may have trouble perceiving and communicating our own experience. Self-reported data might not reflect our reality.,Then there's one that's rarely discussed. Problem #4… the "waitlist relief effect." Most neurodivergent folks endure months or years waiting for therapy, suffering intensely. When we finally get accepted into therapy? There's overwhelming relief… elevating our mood and behavior. Which distorts everything a therapist will hear.We may dial up our masking. Cuz we're scared shitless we'll lose this lifeline.Meanwhile, researchers publish, buff their nails…. and attribute any self-reported improvement as proof their technique works.,The Cognitive Part…? A Stopper.Substitute "executive functioning" for "cognitive." As in the thing they say is largely missing from my autistic forebrain.The entire technique? One cognitive process after another.. First you must notice. Then you must reflect.Then decide.Then review.Then judge context.Then review…Finally… Act.Then regret.Let that sink in. All of cognitive therapy is about monitoring individual thoughts for "cognitive errors." Then replacing them with correct ones.Hundreds of decisions, distinctions, social cue processings. Executive functioning. A process that NEVER became automatic for me. As clinician after clinician cheerfully reassured me it would.Many autistic individuals have memory differences. Working memory differences that make it nearly impossible to hold the kind of information cognitive work requires. Much less manipulate it on the fly…Now… About Behavior.Now, the "Behavioral" part of CBT? The Skinnerian special sauce?Rewards… and punishments… for the action you choose. Hoping you'll build automatic, correct responses.Basically rat training. If you shock me enough times. Sure. I won't go through that door. AND I will struggle mightily to only have an internal stroke... rather than an external meltdown.But the researcher... or teacher... gets to check the box, "Cured." Cuz we're no longer a nuisance to them. And we continue to quietly die. Invisibly. Politely...Inside.That kind of aversion... to fear or pain? True for every living thing at an evolutionary level above a paramecium.Like rats. Or kids. Cuz... FEAR works. PAIN works. Just not the way they think.These Practical Implementation Failures…Should sound pretty familiar. To autistic folks. Keenly aware of the nightmare effort Autistic Masking demands around Straight Society.So, look, we know masking doesn't work. Or fear. Or PAIN. We're dying from them already.That's all the words we need.Add to this our difficulty forming new habits, maintaining routines, and processing cognitive information differently. Under stress… which therapy itself can induce… we often revert to previous behaviors. Any “improvements” from “techniques”? Not bloody likely they're ingrained as permanent muscle memory.Requiring frequent refresher sessions to maintain the illusion of change… and progress.As one commenter wrote: "To me, CBT has always felt inherently surface-level. It's like closing a few tabs on your browser as opposed to doing a factory reset."Biggest problem of all? Neurodivergent Diversity.Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, dyslexic, dyspraxic… all different cognitive profiles.Sure, we're all different from the typical population. But an autistic who also experiences ADHD thinks and acts differently than a dyslexic one. At least to my trained observation. I was a mental health social worker for 10 years…Despite these complexities… Maybe because it is complex… It seems to me that CBT treats us all as if we're standard-model humans. With a few bugs to fix.We require GENERATIONAL studies of representative populations to sort this spaghetti pile out. Before we should be recommending these techniques.On living humans. Adults. And especially kids.ABA and Its Relatives: An Even Deeper Hole.Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) deserves special mention. It's the behavioral therapy most parents hear about in grammar schools.What most don't know? ABA shares roots with debunked, torturous gay Conversion Therapy. Outlawed in many states. Both were developed by O. Ivar Lovaas in the 60s.Both aim to eliminate "undesirable" behaviors. Using “aversive” techniques. From snapping rubber bands in the nice clinics. To cattle prods in the not-so-nice facilities.Punishing and suppressing behaviors that are natural to our nervous systems. Behaviors that protect us from a society not built for us.ABA may have volumes of "data." But it's all shaped by behaviors researchers and parents want, not what autistic children or adults need. The outcomes measured? Eye contact. Sitting still. Verbal responses. Not internal autistic wellbeing.It's important to understand one simple point. Data is not science.How you frame your research or experiment How you gather your data How you choose how many subjects and whom When you choose to gather data How you interpret your data How you present your dataAll impact its validity and value. ABA and all its camouflaged cousins fall down on this core scientific truth.Bottom line? When former ABA children grow up, many report trauma. PTSD. Anxiety. Depression. Self-harm.ConclusionFuck #ABA. Fuck #CBT.Everybody in the therapeutic-industrial complex from clinic receptionist to billionaire pharmaceutical CEO makes money. From your kid's pain. Caused by treatments that don't address neurodivergent needs. As far as I… and better-known neurodiversity-affirming authorities… can tell.Strong words? Yes. Because minds… and lives… are at stake.We need therapies that work WITH our neurology, not against it. That build on our strengths instead of calling us coolly, professionally, pathologizing names.In Part 3, we'll really bring this all home. How labeling our intrinsic differences as disease is about as anti-therapeutic as you can get.We'll explore "PDA… Not Every Difference Is a Disease." And really raise a ruckus.OutroFor your deeper diving pleasure, the transcript contains references and footnotes for most points I raise. From a variety of views.Hey, don't forget, you can download Part 1, “Autistic Resilience.” Or download both parts as one file.More coming in this series exploring how neurodivergent folks can build sustainable, authentic lives… with or without professional intervention. With 2 more parts coming…AutisticAF Out Loud podcast is supported solely by listeners like you. If you have a friend or family member touched by neurodiversity? Why not turn them on to us with a quick email?By the way, we believe no one should have to pay to be autistic. Many neurodivergent people can't afford subscription content.Your Ko-Fi tip of any amount helps keep this resource free for them. Or join our paid subscriber community at johnnyprofaneknapp.substack.com for ongoing support. I put both links in description.References & Further Reading1: Ableist: Discriminating against people with disabilities by assuming everyone's mind and body work the same way. Like designing a world only for the "standard model human" and then blaming us when we can't navigate it.2: Operant conditioning: A learning process in which behavior is shaped by rewards or punishments.3: Beck, A. T. (1979). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. Penguin.4: Bottema-Beutel, K., & Crowley, S. (2021). Pervasive Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest in Applied Behavior Analysis Autism Literature. Frontiers in Psychology, 12.5: Cage, E., Di Monaco, J., & Newell, V. (2018). Experiences of Autism Acceptance and Mental Health in Autistic Adults. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(2), 473-484.6: Masking: The act of concealing one's autistic traits to fit in or avoid negative attention.7: Meta-analyses show that waitlist control groups often overestimate the effect sizes of psychotherapies for depression and anxiety, and that changes occurring during waitlist periods are typically small, making waitlist-controlled trials a less strict test of effectiveness.Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Reijnders, M., Purgato, M., de Wit, L., Ebert, D. D., ... & Furukawa, T. A. (2024). Overestimation of the effect sizes of psychotherapies for depression in waitlist-controlled trials: a meta-analytic comparison with usual care controlled trials. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 33, e10.8: Patterson, B., Boyle, M. H., Kivlenieks, M., & Van Ameringen, M. (2016). The use of waitlists as control conditions in anxiety disorders research. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 41, 56-64.9: Boucher, J., Mayes, A., & Bigham, S. (2012). Memory in autistic spectrum disorder. Psychological Bulletin, 138(3), 458-496.10: Happé, F., & Frith, U. (2006). The weak coherence account: detail-focused cognitive style in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(1), 5-25.11: Rekers, G. A., & Lovaas, O. I. (1974). Behavioral treatment of deviant sex-role behaviors in a male child. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 7(2), 173–190.See also: El Dewar (2024), "ABA: The Neuro-Normative Conversion Therapy," NDConnection; and the Lovaas Institute's 2024 statement regarding conversion therapy.12: Sandoval-Norton, A. H., & Shkedy, G. (2019). How much compliance is too much compliance: Is long-term ABA therapy abuse? Cogent Psychology, 6(1).13: McGill, O., & Robinson, A. (2020). "Recalling hidden harms": Autistic experiences of childhood Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). Advances in Autism, ahead-of-print.14: Xie, Y., Zhang, Y., Li, Y., et al. (2021). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics, 147(5), e2020049880.81015: Weston, L., Hodgekins, J., & Langdon, P. E. (2016). Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy with people who have autistic spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 49, 41-54.16: Miguel, C., Harrer, M., Cuijpers, P., et al. (2025). Self-reports vs clinician ratings of efficacies of psychotherapies for depression: a meta-analysis. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 34, e9.Note: Links are provided for reference only. Views expressed may differ from my own experiences and observations. Sources affiliated with Autism Speaks are controversial in the neurodiversity community. Their research may be included for completeness. But perhaps be cautious.#AutisticAF Out Loud Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. Click below to receive new posts… free. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnyprofaneknapp.substack.com/subscribe

Cold OpenCBT…? Never worked for autistic me.So, look, we KNOW masking doesn't work. Or FEAR. Or PAIN. We're dying from them already.That's all the words we need.[Music]IntroYou're listening to AutisticAF Out Loud. One voice. Raw. Real. Fiercely Neurodivergent. Since 1953.Season 5, Episode 6. “Doc? You Got Us All Wrong, Pt 2: CBT…? Never Worked for Autistic Me.”Abelist agendas. Bad research subjects. Bad data. Bad therapy.There's the whole story.An experimental multi-part series… around 10 minutes each. Cuz some autistic listeners tell me they like to binge in small bites. Others say they listen in the car… so you can also download the complete series as one file.Just one autistic elder's truth. I'm Johnny Profane.Content Note: trauma discussion, medical system critique, institutional discrimination, psychiatric hospitalizations, systemic oppression + experiences & opinions of one autistic voice... in my 70s.[Music]I've been struggling with an article on CBT & Autism for years.Sigh. Spoons. A lot of reading. A lot of thinking…To come to my opinion… my thesis…that any therapy based on purely cognitive techniques… even if pros throw on some Behavioral rubber-band-snapping special sauce on the side…?It's inherently ableist… attacking the very way our autistic brains are wired. Demanding abilities many neurodivergents just weren't born with.Here's a snapshot. A quick personal story from when autistic-as-fuck me turned for help…“I'm sorry… What did you just say?”“I said…” He looked nervous. “I said… I always recommend aversive therapy for my autistic kids. My clients.”Me. In a dead-cold voice. “Snapping a rubber band.”“Y-e-s-s.” He seemed torn. Was I gonna get positive reinforcement… Or that weird, hostile, defensiveness professionals get. When you ask questions.Into that hesitant silence, I say, “Snap it hard. Hard as they can. Against their wrist.”“Yes. The sting is important.” Now, he's eager to share. “When they repeat the aversive stimulus, they…”Again I interrupt with my ashen, Clint-Eastwood voice. “During a meltdown.”“Well… actually… just before.” He's beaming, proud. “They learn to snap the band at the earliest hint they'll lose control. It's operant conditioning.”A kid having a meltdown on Aisle 3. Likely overwhelmed by sensory overload.Let's just add a little sharp pain… and see what happens…As if by giving it some science-y name… it's not self-inflicted torture.Brief CBT BackgroundCognitive Behavioral Therapy emerged in the 60s. A kind of forced marriage. Between Beck's cognitive therapy… focused on internal thoughts. And Skinner's behavioral therapy… focused on observable behavior. Both developed studying neurotypical minds.Change your thoughts, change your feelings, change your behavior… change your life. Simple, right?Unless your brain doesn't work that way…Sometimes…? Research… Ain't.How could COGNITIVE Behavioral Therapy not be inappropriate for autistics?Research Problem #1. It's based on studying neurotypical populations. But we autistics think differently by definition.Problem #2? For the foundational studies, CBT researchers used white, university student subjects… for the most part. They're easy and cheap to find. But maybe 3% are autistic? Maybe? ALL with decent IQs and functioning student skills… even the few autistic subjects?And Problem #3 is a doozy. Many autistics survive by people-pleasing. Kids and grownups. We're likely to mask our true experiences to appear "better"... or please therapists. Plus we may have trouble perceiving and communicating our own experience. Self-reported data might not reflect our reality.,Then there's one that's rarely discussed. Problem #4… the "waitlist relief effect." Most neurodivergent folks endure months or years waiting for therapy, suffering intensely. When we finally get accepted into therapy? There's overwhelming relief… elevating our mood and behavior. Which distorts everything a therapist will hear.We may dial up our masking. Cuz we're scared shitless we'll lose this lifeline.Meanwhile, researchers publish, buff their nails…. and attribute any self-reported improvement as proof their technique works.The Cognitive Part…? A Stopper.Substitute "executive functioning" for "cognitive." As in the thing they say is largely missing from my autistic forebrain.The entire technique? One cognitive process after another.. First you must notice. Then you must reflect.Then decide.Then review.Then judge context.Then review…Finally… Act.Then regret.Let that sink in. All of cognitive therapy is about monitoring individual thoughts for "cognitive errors." Then replacing them with correct ones.Hundreds of decisions, distinctions, social cue processings. Executive functioning. A process that NEVER became automatic for me. As clinician after clinician cheerfully reassured me it would.Many autistic individuals have memory differences. Working memory differences that make it nearly impossible to hold the kind of information cognitive work requires. Much less manipulate it on the fly…Now… About Behavior.Now, the "Behavioral" part of CBT? The Skinnerian special sauce?Rewards… and punishments… for the action you choose. Hoping you'll build automatic, correct responses.Basically rat training. If you shock me enough times. Sure. I won't go through that door. AND I will struggle mightily to only have an internal stroke... rather than an external meltdown.But the researcher... or teacher... gets to check the box, "Cured." Cuz we're no longer a nuisance to them. And we continue to quietly die. Invisibly. Politely...Inside.That kind of aversion... to fear or pain? True for every living thing at an evolutionary level above a paramecium.Like rats. Or kids. Cuz... FEAR works. PAIN works. Just not the way they think.These Practical Implementation Failures…Should sound pretty familiar. To autistic folks. Keenly aware of the nightmare effort Autistic Masking demands around Straight Society.So, look, we know masking doesn't work. Or fear. Or PAIN. We're dying from them already.That's all the words we need.Add to this our difficulty forming new habits, maintaining routines, and processing cognitive information differently. Under stress… which therapy itself can induce… we often revert to previous behaviors. Any “improvements” from “techniques”? Not bloody likely they're ingrained as permanent muscle memory.Requiring frequent refresher sessions to maintain the illusion of change… and progress.As one commenter wrote: "To me, CBT has always felt inherently surface-level. It's like closing a few tabs on your browser as opposed to doing a factory reset."Biggest problem of all? Neurodivergent Diversity.Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, dyslexic, dyspraxic… all different cognitive profiles.Sure, we're all different from the typical population. But an autistic who also experiences ADHD thinks and acts differently than a dyslexic one. At least to my trained observation. I was a mental health social worker for 10 years…Despite these complexities… Maybe because it is complex… It seems to me that CBT treats us all as if we're standard-model humans. With a few bugs to fix.We require GENERATIONAL studies of representative populations to sort this spaghetti pile out. Before we should be recommending these techniques.On living humans. Adults. And especially kids.ABA and Its Relatives: An Even Deeper Hole.Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) deserves special mention. It's the behavioral therapy most parents hear about in grammar schools.What most don't know? ABA shares roots with debunked, torturous gay Conversion Therapy. Outlawed in many states. Both were developed by O. Ivar Lovaas in the 60s.Both aim to eliminate "undesirable" behaviors. Using “aversive” techniques. From snapping rubber bands in the nice clinics. To cattle prods in the not-so-nice facilities.Punishing and suppressing behaviors that are natural to our nervous systems. Behaviors that protect us from a society not built for us.ABA may have volumes of "data." But it's all shaped by behaviors researchers and parents want, not what autistic children or adults need. The outcomes measured? Eye contact. Sitting still. Verbal responses. Not internal autistic wellbeing.It's important to understand one simple point. Data is not science.How you frame your research or experiment How you gather your data How you choose how many subjects and whom When you choose to gather data How you interpret your data How you present your dataAll impact its validity and value. ABA and all its camouflaged cousins fall down on this core scientific truth.Bottom line? When former ABA children grow up, many report trauma. PTSD. Anxiety. Depression. Self-harm.ConclusionFuck #ABA. Fuck #CBT.Everybody in the therapeutic-industrial complex from clinic receptionist to billionaire pharmaceutical CEO makes money. From your kid's pain. Caused by treatments that don't address neurodivergent needs. As far as I… and better-known neurodiversity-affirming authorities… can tell.Strong words? Yes. Because minds… and lives… are at stake.We need therapies that work WITH our neurology, not against it. That build on our strengths instead of calling us coolly, professionally, pathologizing names.In Part 3, we'll really bring this all home. How labeling our intrinsic differences as disease is about as anti-therapeutic as you can get.We'll explore "PDA… Not Every Difference Is a Disease." And really raise a ruckus.OutroFor your deeper diving pleasure, the transcript contains references and footnotes for most points I raise. From a variety of views.Hey, don't forget, you can download Part 1, “Autistic Resilience.” Or download both parts as one file.More coming in this series exploring how neurodivergent folks can build sustainable, authentic lives… with or without professional intervention. With 2 more parts coming…AutisticAF Out Loud podcast is supported solely by listeners like you. If you have a friend or family member touched by neurodiversity? Why not turn them on to us with a quick email?By the way, we believe no one should have to pay to be autistic. Many neurodivergent people can't afford subscription content.Your Ko-Fi tip of any amount helps keep this resource free for them. Or join our paid subscriber community at johnnyprofaneknapp.substack.com for ongoing support. I put both links in description.References & Further Reading1: Ableist: Discriminating against people with disabilities by assuming everyone's mind and body work the same way. Like designing a world only for the "standard model human" and then blaming us when we can't navigate it.2: Operant conditioning: A learning process in which behavior is shaped by rewards or punishments.3: Beck, A. T. (1979). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. Penguin.4: Bottema-Beutel, K., & Crowley, S. (2021). Pervasive Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest in Applied Behavior Analysis Autism Literature. Frontiers in Psychology, 12.5: Cage, E., Di Monaco, J., & Newell, V. (2018). Experiences of Autism Acceptance and Mental Health in Autistic Adults. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(2), 473-484.6: Masking: The act of concealing one's autistic traits to fit in or avoid negative attention.7: Meta-analyses show that waitlist control groups often overestimate the effect sizes of psychotherapies for depression and anxiety, and that changes occurring during waitlist periods are typically small, making waitlist-controlled trials a less strict test of effectiveness.Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Reijnders, M., Purgato, M., de Wit, L., Ebert, D. D., ... & Furukawa, T. A. (2024). Overestimation of the effect sizes of psychotherapies for depression in waitlist-controlled trials: a meta-analytic comparison with usual care controlled trials. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 33, e10.8: Patterson, B., Boyle, M. H., Kivlenieks, M., & Van Ameringen, M. (2016). The use of waitlists as control conditions in anxiety disorders research. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 41, 56-64.9: Boucher, J., Mayes, A., & Bigham, S. (2012). Memory in autistic spectrum disorder. Psychological Bulletin, 138(3), 458-496.10: Happé, F., & Frith, U. (2006). The weak coherence account: detail-focused cognitive style in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(1), 5-25.11: Rekers, G. A., & Lovaas, O. I. (1974). Behavioral treatment of deviant sex-role behaviors in a male child. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 7(2), 173–190.See also: El Dewar (2024), "ABA: The Neuro-Normative Conversion Therapy," NDConnection; and the Lovaas Institute's 2024 statement regarding conversion therapy.12: Sandoval-Norton, A. H., & Shkedy, G. (2019). How much compliance is too much compliance: Is long-term ABA therapy abuse? Cogent Psychology, 6(1).13: McGill, O., & Robinson, A. (2020). "Recalling hidden harms": Autistic experiences of childhood Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). Advances in Autism, ahead-of-print.14: Xie, Y., Zhang, Y., Li, Y., et al. (2021). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics, 147(5), e2020049880.81015: Weston, L., Hodgekins, J., & Langdon, P. E. (2016). Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy with people who have autistic spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 49, 41-54.16: Miguel, C., Harrer, M., Cuijpers, P., et al. (2025). Self-reports vs clinician ratings of efficacies of psychotherapies for depression: a meta-analysis. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 34, e9.Note: Links are provided for reference only. Views expressed may differ from my own experiences and observations. Sources affiliated with Autism Speaks are controversial in the neurodiversity community. Their research may be included for completeness. But perhaps be cautious.Binge on the most authentic autistic voice in podcasting.7 decades of raw truth, real insights, zero yadayada.#AutisticAF Out Loud Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. Click below to receive new posts… free. Tosupport my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnyprofaneknapp.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when your recovery journey needs a reboot—not because you relapsed, but because you learned something life-changing about your brain? In this second part of my deep conversation with Stacie Fanelli, LCSW, we explore what eating disorder recovery looks like after a late diagnosis of autism and/or ADHD (AuDHD). We talk about the grief, relief, and radical reframing that can come when you realize your past recovery strategies weren't failures—they just weren't made for your neurotype. Together, we unpack the nuances of recovery that often get overlooked:

In this Seventeenth episode of  'THE ND THRIVE GUIDE' we have Neurodevelopmental Specialist and Speech and Language therapist Alice Cantwell of Bold Minds ND. Alice is a AuDHD'er and is doing amazing within the ND Community.   Owen and Alice discuss where we are now when it comes to Childhood Neurodivergence and how schools are supporting them. We unpack what information and knowledge is out there for parents, teachers and society as a whole. How can we communicate our experiences as adults with ND to advocate for children. Thank you Alice.  Listen to the first episode Owen had with Alice - Epi 118 - Communication, Language & Employment For ND'ers - With Alice Cantwell - The ND Thrive Guide Epi 9. - Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7IkVftqDPDbtJlpMocTVWL?si=0292793299a54970   Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/epi-118-communication-language-employment-for-nders/id1500282568?i=1000704597475 WHAT IS THE ND THRIVE GUIDE 'ND Thrive Guide' Series, we will explore how to live a full, thriving and authentic life with our Neurodivergent Brain. A show all about hope and growth. Tips, advice and ideas from coaches, therapists and experts. Thank you to all our experts. MORE ON ALICE. Follow links for more on Alice's and her work     LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-cantwell-80aa7a229/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/1AVjCMJFD6/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/boldmindsnd?igsh=MWEyd2Y2NzN0dmx5aA==   ND AND FREE AND ANKHWAY MUSHROOM GUMMIES ND & Free is in partnership with Ankhway Mushroom Gummies. A tasty supplement with 10 functional mushrooms bundled in a gummy. They can help with gaining shaper focus, a clearer mind, a more balanced mood, a natural energy boost and so much more. Enjoy 15% of your order at checkout with code 'OWEN15'. Find out more about the gummies at www.ankhway.com    More about The ND & FREE Podcast series Welcome back to the ND & FREE podcast brought to you by the Awareness Space Network. A podcast and social media platform that explores how ND'ers can live their truth and feel free in their lives. We hear from inspiring COACHES, THERAPISTS, EXPERTS AND FELLOW ND'ers from all over the world, who sit down with me Owen Morgan to share their wisdom with us.  Our mission is to explore how the human spirit and understanding our whole self can bring us a life full of possibilities Check out our website https://www.ndandfree.com/ Follow our instagram and TikTok for information, facts and useful content in and around Adhd, Autism and AuDHD. - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nd_and_free/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@nd_and_free?_t=8scJhGZ4Sp6&_r=1  These conversations are not a substitute for professional medical or therapeutic support. Please seek support from professionals trained within Neurodiversity support. Listen to episodes with care. Keep up to date with our latest posts on Instagram. Thank you for supporting the show,  Owen

In this episode: I unpack (get it?) what it means to travel as a neurodivergent person, especially when you've internalized a bunch of rigid “rules” about what travel is supposed to look like. For a long time, I thought travel had to mean a picture-perfect vacation, and I put pressure on myself to pack light, leave comforts behind, and plan for an idealized version of my destination—rather than the reality of my actual needs. Plus, I'm creating a digital course about neurodivergent travel, and your input can help me make sure I'm covering what actually matters to people like us. Send an email with your thoughts and experiences around travel to alotadhdpod at gmail dot com or call the “A Lot Line” and leave a voicemail (347) 674-2201.   SHOW NOTES: Special Patreon Offer! 25% off of your first month OR an entire annual membership! CLICK HERE TO CLAIM and use code: 90FFB. Offer expires June 30th, 2025. For bonus episodes, transcripts, video classes, AMA's, a private chat community, and more! 30 FREE DAYS to BRAIN FM Wire Your Brain For Focus! Visit the “You Are A Lot” (an ADHD/AuDHD Podcast) webpage Subscribe to the “This Is A Lot” Newsletter 15% Off HUGIMALS weighted stuffed animals 15% off APPOINTED planners & notebooks $50 off Jen's ADHD Coach Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com Call The “A Lot” Line at (347) 674-2201

What happens when your eating disorder recovery path no longer fits—because you finally discover you're neurodivergent? In Part 1 of this rich and validating conversation, Dr. Marianne is joined by Stacie Fanelli, LCSW (@edadhd_therapist), a neurodiversity-affirming therapist who specializes in eating disorders, ADHD, and autism. Together, they unpack the layered emotional terrain of realizing you're neurodivergent after you've already done a round (or more) of eating disorder treatment. This episode explores why so many late-diagnosed AuDHD folks experience grief, betrayal, and burnout in recovery settings—and what it means to reclaim recovery on your own terms. Stacie shares her own story of late identification, how it reshaped her clinical lens, and why compliance-based care can feel like safety while quietly reinforcing masking. If you've ever wondered whether traditional recovery frameworks truly work for neurodivergent brains, this episode offers both clarity and comfort.

Life changed for James Hunt when he became a father to two non-verbal autistic sons. Now, through his platform Stories About Autism, James offers a raw and honest look at raising children with high support needs. In this chat with Ben, he shares invaluable insights on creating consistent routines, the importance of self-care as a parent, minimising triggers, and calming strategies during meltdowns. James also reminds us that communication goes beyond words and that our children are our greatest teachers. Plus, he unpacks the real cost of government neglect for neurodivergent family caregivers.______00:00 Introduction1:30 AuDHD and Non Verbal: James' Son, Jude4:12 Autistic & Non Verbal: James' Son, Tommy7:06 Communication Devices and Autism: “It's So Much More Than Words”9:57 What James Love's Most About His Boys11:47 James' New Normal14:17 Autism: Balancing Routine VS Trying New Things17:48 Jude & Tommy's Living Situation20:08 James' Top Tips For Autistic Meltdowns24:36 Navigating Co-Parenting and Living Situations27:08 The Moment James Knew His Life Had Changed29:28 How James Feels Autism Is Portrayed32:18 Autism & Isolation: James' Writing Journey33:49 James' Advice For Struggling Parents37:21 The Positive Power of Social Media41:20 James: “I'm Scared of Dying”46:26 How Do You Look After Yourself First?48:07 UK Government VS Carers: How Do We Move Forwards?52:27 James' Green Light Badge_______Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benLuke Manton @lukemanton92If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is ADHD so often overlooked in eating disorder treatment—and how can that gap cause more harm than healing? In this solo episode, Dr. Marianne explores the connection between ADHD and eating disorders, highlighting why traditional treatment approaches often fall short for neurodivergent individuals. You'll learn how executive dysfunction, impulsivity, time blindness, and sensory sensitivities can all shape eating patterns—and why behaviors like binge eating, erratic meal timing, or food rigidity may reflect nervous system needs, not a lack of willpower. If you've struggled with meal consistency, emotional eating, or feeling unseen in standard recovery spaces, this episode offers insight and validation. Discover how neurodivergent-affirming and sensory-attuned eating disorder recoverycan help you reconnect with food in ways that actually support your brain and body.

In this sixthteenth episode of  'THE ND THRIVE GUIDE' we have Nutritionist and food relationship coach Sophia Harris. Owen and Sophia discuss how eating patterns and behaviours could look for ND'ers and dive into emotional eating. We explore how elements of Neurodivergence play into how we approach foods including sensory issues, RSD influence and how we think about food. An insightful conversation with an inspiring person. Thank you Sophia.  WHAT IS THE ND THRIVE GUIDE 'ND Thrive Guide' Series, we will explore how to live a full, thriving and authentic life with our Neurodivergent Brain. A show all about hope and growth. Tips, advice and ideas from coaches, therapists and experts. Thank you to all our experts. MORE ON SOPHIA. Sophia supports amazing humans like you struggling with impulsive eating, food noise over restriction and binge eating. She runs her business Apollo Nutrition and hosts the Apollo Nutrition Podcast.  Check out Sophia links -  Website - https://apollonutrition.co.uk/ Linktree - https://linktr.ee/Apollonutrition Instagram Main - https://www.instagram.com/sophia_apollo_nutrition   Podcast Spotify - https://apollonutrition.co.uk/     More about The ND & FREE Podcast series Welcome back to the ND & FREE podcast brought to you by the Awareness Space Network. A podcast and social media platform that explores how ND'ers can live their truth and feel free in their lives. We hear from inspiring COACHES, THERAPISTS, EXPERTS AND FELLOW ND'ers from all over the world, who sit down with me Owen Morgan to share their wisdom with us.  Our mission is to explore how the human spirit and understanding our whole self can bring us a life full of possibilities Check out our website https://www.ndandfree.com/ Follow our instagram and TikTok for information, facts and useful content in and around Adhd, Autism and AuDHD. - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nd_and_free/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@nd_and_free?_t=8scJhGZ4Sp6&_r=1  These conversations are not a substitute for professional medical or therapeutic support. Please seek support from professionals trained within Neurodiversity support. Listen to episodes with care. Keep up to date with our latest posts on Instagram. Thank you for supporting the show,  Owen

In this episode: Have you ever felt completely frozen, staring at your project, knowing exactly what needs to get done — but physically unable to begin? It's not procrastination — it's ADHD Paralysis — and there are three kinds: mental paralysis, analysis paralysis, and task paralysis, all of which can lead to shutdowns. It's a neurological issue (executive functions not functioning) as well as an emotional one (a trauma response). Whether you're ADHD or AuDHD, this episode helps you understand that you don't need more willpower — you need more compassion. You're overwhelmed, and you deserve support. Special Patreon Offer! 25% off of your first month OR an entire annual membership! CLICK HERE TO CLAIM and use code: 90FFB. SHOW NOTES: Special Patreon Offer! 25% off of your first month OR an entire annual membership! CLICK HERE TO CLAIM and use code: 90FFB. For bonus episodes, transcripts, video classes, AMA's, a private chat community and more! Take the ACE test here (Adverse Childhood Experiences) 30 FREE DAYS to BRAIN FM Wire Your Brain For Focus! Visit the “You Are A Lot” (an ADHD/AuDHD Podcast) webpage Subscribe to the “This Is A Lot” Newsletter 15% Off HUGIMALS weighted stuffed animals 15% off APPOINTED planners & notebooks $50 off Jen's ADHD Coach Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com Call The “A Lot” Line at (347) 674-2201 SOURCES USED FOR THIS EPISODE: ADHD Paralysis: Mental Health ADHD Paralysis is Real: ADDA What is ADHD Shutdown? Calm Understanding ADHD Paralysis: The Dorm Complex PTSD Pete Walker

In June I'm reposting the most popular episodes from the show while I take a step back to look at the big picture (because my monotropic brain has trouble doing that while also pumping out new content). Mentioned in outro:Experimenting Your Way to an Extraordinary LifeOriginal show notes:AuDHD = autism + ADHD... and also I experience it as its own neurotype, and not simply two "disorders."Here are the sets of questions I asked in the episode, if you'd like to take time with them on your own:Do you feel like advice almost never works for you? Not only NT advice, but even advice from autistic OR ADHD people? That your brain either instantly knows advice won't work for you, or tries it and feels really disappointed because you did have a lot of things in common with the person who gave it to you but somehow still it felt like your body or brain were just not clicking with it?Are the internal parts of you always fighting? Do you feel like the things your body and brain want are often in complete opposition and that it's literally impossible to get your needs met, because different parts of you want such different things to feel safe, regulated, and cared for?Have you managed to build some modicum of success in an area through anxiety and adrenaline? This could be school, work, a creative pursuit, relationships. Have you received external validation for doing this thing well, all the while being absolutely terrified that it's all going to fall apart and you have no idea how to handle how your life feels and it all feels extremely precarious and painful at the day-to-day level? Do you feel the need to hide how much you're struggling, and/or if you've disclosed your struggles have they not been taken seriously?Is your energy quite cyclical, where when you feel like your brain is working you'll push yourself really really hard, and then be totally exhausted and need time to recover? And without adequate recovery time, Is burnout, or burnout-like depression (they can be similar) a frequent experience for you? Or do you live in fear of it?Thanks to Hanu Dixit for permission to use the song A Sitar Story.Full Transcript here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a season of quiet integration, Shelby returns to the mic to share a powerful evolution in her work: the weaving of neurodiversity-affirming assessment into her trauma-healing framework.In this intimate and thoughtful episode, she explores what it means to recognize, affirm, and support neurodivergent and neurocomplex individuals within the healing relationship.Shelby offers grounded definitions of neurodivergence, neurocomplexity, and related terms like AuDHD and giftedness—explaining why this language matters, especially in relational and therapeutic contexts. She reflects on how trauma healing shifts when we stop trying to pathologize difference and instead create space for the many ways nervous systems move through the world.Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of:What it means to be neurodivergent or neurocomplexWhy so many clients have felt unseen within traditional trauma frameworksHow affirming assessments offer a different kind of mirror—one rooted in compassion, nuance, and belongingThis episode is an open door into a more inclusive, affirming, and trauma-informed healing space.

The start of this episode features Biscuit's purring! :D Quick lil dive on how if you're neurodivergent, you might be better-off setting process-based goals instead of outcome-based goals. Outcome-based goals tend to be fairly rigid, and often feel very 'far away'. With process-based goals, we are here to have you feeling focusing on there here & now, and the present that's right in front of you—not a distant dream for a some-day, one-day future! 

In this episode: Jen talks about how ADHD shows up at work — from time blindness to burnout — and breaks down what your rights are under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). She walks you through real-world accommodations that can make a huge difference (including remote work), how to actually ask for them without overexplaining, and also rethinks the whole concept of why we even have to ask for things like this on our own in the first place. SHOW NOTES: For bonus episodes, transcripts, video classes, AMA's, a private chat community and more - go GET A LOT in the “You Are a LOT” podcast Patreon community. Start with a 7-day-free-trial at any level, and when you join take 15% off if you subscribe annually. Link to Bearaby for Knot Pillow, Lounger Warmable, Weighted Blankets 30 FREE DAYS to BRAIN FM Wire Your Brain For Focus! Visit the “You Are A Lot” (an ADHD/AuDHD Podcast) webpage Subscribe to the “This Is A Lot” Newsletter 15% Off HUGIMALS weighted stuffed animals 15% off APPOINTED planners & notebooks 20% off UnHide Weighted Blankets & Pillows Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com Call The “A Lot” Line at (347) 674-2201   SOURCES USED FOR THIS EPISODE: Why “Workplace Accommodations” Are Archaic - Lindsey Mackereth How People Can Ask For Accommodations At Work - ChADD How Protected Are People Under The ADA? - ADDitude Magazine The Trump Admin Demands Returning To Office Profile Of The 2023 Workforce Rights Under the ADA Explained - ACLU Signs Of A Neurodivergent Inclusive Workplace - ADDitude Magazine ADHD Accommodations At Work - The ADDA The ADHD Guide To Asserting Yourself Head Heart Hands Check-In Method

Amy Marschall, Psy.D., discusses why autistic people mask, and how this leads to stress and burnout; how to identify warning signs of burnout (and how this differs from depression and other mental health issues); and shares strategies to prevent or recover from burnout. AuDHD: Additional Resources Take This Self-Test: Autism in Women Read: AuDHD — An Overview Read: “A Living Contradiction”: The AuDHD Experience Read: ADHD, Autism, and Neurodivergence Are Coming Into Focus Access the video and slides for podcast episode #556 here: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/autistic-burnout-adhd-masking/ Thank you for listening to ADDitude's ADHD Experts podcast. Please consider subscribing to the magazine (additu.de/subscribe) to support our mission of providing ADHD education and support.

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Autism Little Learners Podcast! Today's episode is such a special one. I'm joined by Megan Griffith, an autistic and ADHD life coach who shares powerful insights from her own lived experience. We talk about what it's like to be diagnosed later in life, sensory sensitivities, masking, and the importance of honoring neurodivergent play. Megan's stories and metaphors bring so much clarity and compassion to topics many of us are still learning about. She also shares a peek at her upcoming book Welcome to AudHD and a free resource for parents and educators. You're going to love this conversation! Bio Megan Griffith (she/her) is an auDHD life coach, and she's autistic & ADHD (auDHD) herself. She loves helping adults learn more about their brains and better understand & meet their needs, especially around executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, and internalized shame. When she's not working, you can usually find her dying her hair, or writing her novel. Links  Megan's New Book (coming out in the fall of 2025): https://www.theneurocuriosityclub.com/book-waitlist 11 Types of Neurodivergence:  https://www.theneurocuriosityclub.com/types-of-nd The Nuerocuriosity Club - You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNeurocuriosityClub Website: https://www.theneurocuriosityclub.com/ Takeaways Megan identifies as AuDHD, a combination of autism and ADHD. Late diagnoses of autism and ADHD are becoming more common among adults. Sensory sensitivities can significantly impact daily life and social interactions. Masking is a complex behavior that can lead to emotional distress. Children need safe spaces to express themselves without judgment. Play should be enjoyable and not forced into typical norms. Understanding sensory needs is crucial for supporting neurodivergent individuals. Adults should trust and validate the experiences of neurodivergent children. Creating supportive environments can help children thrive. Megan's upcoming book aims to guide neurodivergent adults towards thriving. You may also be interested in these supports Visual Support Starter Set  Visual Supports Facebook Group Autism Little Learners on Instagram Autism Little Learners on Facebook  

Summer coaching groups start on July 24th. LIstners can save $200 by signing up at the registration kickoff event on June 18th. Learn more and get on the interest list at   Eric shares updates about prioritizing sustainable energy practices and coping with recent family challenges, including the passing of his grandmother and his father's health issues.  The main segment features Dr. Shannon Palma, founder and CEO of ITI Assistive Technologies, discussing her late autism and ADHD diagnoses. She shares insights into her decades-long journey with executive function challenges, her comprehensive self-diagnosis process, and the development of support tools for neurodivergent adults. Shannon and Eric delve deeply into the nuances of autistic and ADHD burnout, the differences between autistic burnout and occupational burnout, and the challenges of masking and managing sensory sensitivities. The episode also reveals the host's own recent autism diagnosis, providing a reflective and personal perspective on understanding neurodivergence. The episode wraps up with contact information and a teaser for a follow-up episode focusing more on Shannon's work and the host's continued exploration of his diagnosis.      00:00 Introduction and Announcements 02:30 Eric's Personal Updates and Challenges 05:12 Guest Introduction: Dr. Shannon Palma 06:32 Shannon's Diagnosis Journey 09:42 Sensory Sensitivities and Family Traits 16:56 Burnout and Neurodivergence ADS 26:56 Support and Community 28:36 Join Coaching Rewired This Summer 28:42 Introducing Adult Study Hall 30:54 Exploring Autism and ADHD 34:12 Self-Diagnosis and Professional Insights 35:29 Navigating Social Cues and Sensory Sensitivities 40:35 Understanding Neural Processing 46:56 Social Interactions and Coping Strategies 53:37 Wrapping Up and Contact Information