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CPTSD & ADHD in ND: Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero on Polyvagal, EMDR & Rewriting Self-Stories | Adulting with Autism

Adulting with Autism

Release Date: 12/27/2025

Internalized negative self-talk trapping ND lives? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April unpacks Complex PTSD/ADHD mental health with Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero, NYC/FL psychotherapist (25+ years social work/child welfare/intergenerational trauma/CPTSD expert). Using EMDR/IFS/Polyvagal/somatic therapies, Karen undoes limiting beliefs for authenticity/goals; life coaching for non-NY/FL via TikTok, plus parent support for emotional regulation.

Key insights:

  • Negative self-talk: Childhood messages (e.g., "lazy" from ADHD struggles) internalized—higher CPTSD risk in ND (adverse experiences like unmet needs).
  • CPTSD vs. PTSD: Relational/micro-traumas (e.g., single-parent absences/narcissistic abuse) vs. single events (war/accidents); leads to anxiety/depression/avoidance.
  • Polyvagal theory: Bottom-up body focus (window of tolerance/fight-flight-freeze/dorsal shutdown); regulate via sensations (e.g., neutral feet vs. chest tension)—ADHD/autism concrete (EMDR eye movement/tappers).
  • EMDR for ND: Bilateral stimulation desensitizes trauma memories; evolving for autism/ADHD (virtual/no light bar); process emotions concretely ("what happened next?").
  • Rewriting stories: Narrative/motivational interviewing challenges origins ("is it true? strengths? passions?"); experiment authenticity (small steps like "hi" to vendor).
  • Attachment styles: Healthy (communication/vulnerability); avoidant (infidelity/avoid intimacy); anxious (constant doubt/people-pleasing); disorganized (both)—ND rejection sensitivity amplifies.
  • Addictions/substances: Beyond alcohol/drugs (food/shopping/exercise/secrets); red flags (hiding behaviors); regulate dopamine healthily (breaks/routines).
  • Advocacy/relationships: Therapy fit crucial (ask trainings/referrals); healthy dating (experiment/vulnerability); parents model regulation to minimize messages.

For autistic/ADHD young adults navigating independence/trauma, Karen's vibe: "You're not broken—rewrite for worth." Free resources at kdtesoriero.lcsw.net; email coffeewithkaren@gmail.com.

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#CPTSDADHDND #NegativeSelfTalkAutism #PolyvagalNervousSystemNeurodivergent #EMDRTraumaRecoveryADHD #AttachmentStylesYoungAdults #RewritingStoriesNeurodiverse #AdultingWithAutism #HealthyBoundariesAutistic #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #BTSArmy

 

Episode: CPTSD & ADHD in ND with Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero

[00:00] Intro: ND Negative Self-Talk Trap [00:30] Karen's Expertise: 25+ Years CPTSD/ADHD Trauma Work [02:00] Negative Messages: Childhood Internalization (ADHD/Autism Struggles) [05:00] CPTSD vs. PTSD: Relational/Micro-Traumas (Adverse Experiences) [08:00] Polyvagal Theory: Bottom-Up Regulation (Window of Tolerance/Freeze) [11:00] EMDR for ND: Bilateral Stimulation/Desensitization (Concrete Processing) [14:00] Rewriting Stories: Narrative Interviewing (Challenge Origins/Strengths) [17:00] Attachment Styles: Healthy vs. Avoidant/Anxious/Disorganized (ND Rejection) [20:00] Addictions/Substances: Beyond Drugs (Food/Shopping/Secrets/Red Flags) [23:00] Healthy Relationships/Dating: Experiment/Vulnerability/Communication [26:00] Outro: Authenticity Takeaways & CTAs

Resources:

Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND mental health tips! Share your rewrite win in comments. #NDCPTSD #AutismNegativeTalk #ADHDPolyvagal #EMDRNeurodivergent #AttachmentYoungAdults #AdultingWithAutism