Adulting with Autism

ADULTING WITH AUTISM A movement for neurodivergent adults, created by autistic occupational therapist April Ratchford, OTR/L. Adulting with Autism is a global community for autistic and ADHD adults navigating independence, relationships, college life, careers, emotional regulation, and real-world executive-function challenges. With over 2.7 million downloads, April blends lived experience, clinical insight, and honest conversation to guide neurodivergent adults into their next chapter of growth. Each episode brings practical tools, mental-health strategies, autistic storytelling, and real talk about boundaries, burnout, sensory needs, finances, friendships, and the messy parts of becoming an independent adult. Featuring leading experts in autism, mental health, neuroscience, accessibility, and creative industries — along with deeply human stories from autistic adults around the world. If you’re a late-diagnosed autistic adult, a college student trying to survive executive-function chaos, or a neurodivergent person trying to build a life that actually fits — you are in the right place. 🎙️ Hosted by: April Ratchford, OTR/L — autistic occupational therapist, autism advocate, author, and executive contributor to Brainz Magazine.

Career Counseling for Non-Linear Paths: Prototyping, Burnout & Meaning (Carli Fink) 04/24/2026

Career Counseling for Non-Linear Paths: Prototyping, Burnout & Meaning (Carli Fink) Today’s guest is Carli Fink, a Certified Career Development Practitioner in Canada and the founder of Foreseeable Futures Career Consultancy (Toronto & online). Carli’s all about the radical idea that your life can hold many possibilities—no matter your age, identity, or professional background—and she’s here to challenge the “one straight path” career story. In this conversation, we get into what it really looks like to “figure it out” (at 18, 28, 38, 50+—all of it) and why your career is not a one-time decision. What we cover: Why “options” aren’t the real starting point—self-knowledge is The truth about regulated vs. non-regulated careers (and why most paths aren’t one “right” route) Why society clings to linear career narratives—security, culture, pressure, and the fear of uncertainty The post-2020 shift: passion → stability → meaning (and how burnout changes the equation) How to explore career moves without making everything permanent: prototyping stretch projects at work upskilling (free/paid learning) volunteering + personal projects For autistic folks with uneven strengths: stop chasing job titles—learn to describe your strengths in full sentences, then map where they fit How to normalize “nonlinear” paths: data, stories, and visibility of real pivots A practical “stuck” question you can ask yourself today: What’s my #1 priority driving this decision? How to know if you’re on the right path: internal signals (energy, values, impact) + external signals (traction) How long to give a new job before deciding it’s not for you: ~6 months to 1 year (depending on the role) Where to find Carli: Foreseeable Futures Career Consultancy (Toronto & online): foreseeablefutures.ca LinkedIn: Carli Fink, CCDP #AutismAcceptanceMonth #OccupationalTherapyMonth #AdultingWithAutism #CareerCounselling #NeurodivergentCareers #AutisticAdults #CollegeStudents #NonLinearCareer #PortfolioCareer #CareerDevelopment #CareerExploration #UniversalDesign #WorkplaceWellbeing #BurnoutRecovery#Podmatch /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40954735

Grief Isn’t Just Death: Katie Brzozowski on Hidden Grief, Caregiver Burnout & Resilience (ACT Therapy) 04/23/2026

Grief Isn’t Just Death: Katie Brzozowski on Hidden Grief, Caregiver Burnout & Resilience (ACT Therapy) Grief is not just about death—and that misunderstanding keeps a lot of people stuck, ashamed, and confused about what they’re feeling. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, Kathryn “Katie” Brzozowski, a clinical social worker (DSW) and owner of a group private practice, breaks down what grief can look like in everyday life—especially for neurodivergent people and overwhelmed caregivers. Katie draws from years of medical social work experience (including oncology) to explain how any loss can create grief: a job, a relationship, health changes, even losing hair or a body part. We also talk about the hidden toll of caregiving—why it’s emotionally and physically draining, how depletion builds over time, and why “self-care” isn’t a luxury when you’re responsible for someone else’s needs. Katie brings in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to reframe resilience in a realistic way: life is going to keep “life-ing,” and a full life includes the full range of emotions—not constant happiness. Instead of getting trapped in “Why did this happen to me?” forever, she encourages a shift toward the how: how you want to live now, what you value, and what support you need next. This conversation is especially for listeners who feel exhausted, overloaded, stuck in rumination, or afraid to ask for help because they feel like a burden. In this episode, we cover: Why our culture is uncomfortable with grief—and why that makes loss lonelier Grief beyond death: job loss, divorce, health changes, body changes, identity shifts Sneaky signs of grief people don’t expect: forgetfulness / feeling “untethered” rumination, catastrophizing, “life will never be good again” thoughts The emotional + physical drain of caregiving (and why depletion makes everything harder) The psychological load of invisible health challenges (and the pressure to “prove” you’re struggling) Resilience through ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy): happiness isn’t the goal 24/7 values-based living even with difficult emotions What helps when your mind and body are both exhausted: prioritizing asking/accepting help without shame noticing how your thoughts about self-care can ruin or restore it Overthinking + over-functioning + pushing emotions down: why it “works” short-term but costs long-term Transitions (small and big) and why they activate anxiety—especially with autism/ADHD Moving from “Why did this happen?” to “How do I move forward?” A grounded reminder: things change—a lot, and more often than you can predict Normal stress vs overload: when it’s time to talk to someone “Feeling like a burden”: the key difference between being told you’re a burden vs assuming you are why feelings aren’t always facts What compassionate support looks like for autistic adults: support shaped by the person’s needs—not control Find Katie / Speakeasy Counseling: Website: speakeasycounselingandpsychotherapy.com or speakeasytoday.com TikTok: Speakeasy Counseling YouTube: Speakeasy Counseling Podcast: Long Story Longer (with a psychiatric nurse practitioner) Location: New Jersey (in-office + online options mentioned) /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40864575

“I Will Not Abandon You”: Lulu Essey on Self-Love, Micro-Moments of Safety, and Real Healing 04/22/2026

“I Will Not Abandon You”: Lulu Essey on Self-Love, Micro-Moments of Safety, and Real Healing Self-love isn’t manicures, martinis, or “treat yourself” energy. And it’s not a vibe. It’s a practice. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, Lulu Essey—speaker, mindset advisor, and executive creative director—breaks down what self-love actually means in real life: the refusal to abandon yourself. Lulu shares from lived experience, not theory: she’s navigated severe bipolar disorder for over 30 years while building a high-level career, and she’s still working with it daily. We talk about why so many neurodivergent young adults second-guess themselves after spending years in environments that weren’t built for them—and how rebuilding self-trust doesn’t happen through a 30-day reset. Lulu teaches a nervous-system-friendly approach: micro moments of safety that compound over time, creating real emotional resilience without relying on performative confidence. Lulu also shares her experience exploring ketamine treatment after medication changes stopped holding her through a severe downturn—and why self-advocacy is a core part of self-love. She’s clear about doing this responsibly: work with your care team, don’t make medication changes unsupervised, and research options while keeping your agency. This is a grounded conversation about finding peace, building stability, and learning how to stay on your own team—even when life is throwing everything at you. In this episode, we cover: A real definition of self-love: “returning to self” and refusing to abandon yourself Self-trust: quiet, grounded knowing—even when others disagree Why “quick transformation” culture backfires (and what sustainable change looks like instead) Signs of chronic dysregulation: racing mind, inability to settle, poor sleep, irritability, anxiety, appetite shifts The micro-moments of safety reset: hand on heart 3 slow breaths (longer exhale than inhale) feel feet on the ground orient to the room (name what you can see/smell/touch) The difference between intuition vs. fear (threat alarm vs. calm grounded clarity) Performing confidence vs. real confidence (feedback stings—but doesn’t collapse your self-worth) “Regulate your nervous system” as a buzzword—Lulu’s reframe: find calm, peace, stability Small predictable anchors during big change: consistent wake time, making your bed, repeatable routines The “space between”: why change can feel worse before it feels better (unfamiliar ≠ dangerous) Lulu’s ketamine path: years of meds + ECT experience (and memory impact) researching ketamine for treatment-resistant depression advocating for herself when things escalated Bridging science + intuition (and Western + Eastern approaches) through mindfulness and intentional practice A simple way to “join your own team” this week: replace harsh self-talk with a slightly kinder thought Find Lulu Essey: Podcast: The Lulu Essey Podcast YouTube: Lulu Essey Instagram + TikTok: Lulu Essey Website: luluessy.com (as stated) /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40864560

Stop Masking in the Bedroom: Jocelyn Silva on Autism/ADHD, Communication, and Sensory Boundaries 04/21/2026

Stop Masking in the Bedroom: Jocelyn Silva on Autism/ADHD, Communication, and Sensory Boundaries What if the reason sex feels confusing, overwhelming, or shame-loaded isn’t because you’re “too much”… but because you were never taught how to be honest about what you want—especially with a neurodivergent nervous system? In this episode of Adulting With Autism, Jocelyn Silva—sexual empowerment coach and sex educator—talks about healing sexual shame, building real intimacy, and learning what she calls relentless authenticity: telling the truth (even when it’s uncomfortable) so your relationships can actually feel safe. Jocelyn shares her own story: growing up deeply religious and carrying heavy sexual shame, then swinging hard in the opposite direction after leaving the church—reckless choices, dishonest patterns, and ultimately being caught in infidelity at 27. She describes that moment as a rock bottom that led her into Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), back into spirituality, and into a new framework: you can be sexually free and ethical—because intimacy doesn’t work without integrity. For autistic and ADHD listeners who’ve spent years masking—saying “yes” when you mean “no,” people-pleasing to keep attachment, and feeling “high maintenance” for sensory needs—this conversation gives language and tools you can actually use. From “universal feeling words” and I-statements, to journaling, to somatic reconnection practices, Jocelyn makes it practical without pretending it’s painless. In this episode, we cover: Sexual shame: how it forms (religion, culture, messaging) and how it shows up in adult relationships The pendulum swing: why freedom without a framework can turn into self-abandonment Infidelity as rupture—and how recovery can become a “living amends” Neurodivergent intimacy: why honesty can be a strength (and also feel risky) Attachment vs. authenticity (Gabor Maté): how masking starts in childhood and follows you into adulthood How to separate what you want vs. what you were taught you should want (“Speak Your Desires” exercise) What “relentless authenticity” looks like in real relationships: emotional regulation, emotional safety, distress tolerance Communication tools that reduce blow-ups: Use language people can actually understand (not vague phrases) I feel ___ when you ___ because ___ The “7 days of no lying” challenge (and a 24-hour repair rule if you slip) Sensory needs without shame: there’s no “universal” sex—needs are not burdens First gentle reconnection step when you feel disconnected from your body: get naked, close your eyes, and slowly touch your body from toes up How to tell the difference between “I don’t want this” vs. “I want it but I’m scared/overwhelmed” First step for self-betrayal patterns: journal it—tell yourself the truth first Find Jocelyn Silva: Website: jocelynsilva.com Instagram: @iamjocelynsilva /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40864545

AI “Robot Mom” for Neurodivergent Adults: Josh Rosenfeld & Noell Vaughn on AlwaysHere.app 04/20/2026

AI “Robot Mom” for Neurodivergent Adults: Josh Rosenfeld & Noell Vaughn on AlwaysHere.app What if your autistic or ADHD young adult could get support in the moment—without waiting for a therapist appointment, without a parent getting 100 calls a day, and without guilt that you “can’t do enough”? In this episode of Adulting With Autism, Josh Rosenfeld (neurodivergent technologist, former Zillow exec, longtime programmer) and Noell Vaughn (caregiver advocate and mom to a neurodivergent daughter) share what they’re building: Always Here—a next-generation AI companion designed specifically for the neurodivergent community, with real guardrails and caregiver visibility. Josh explains the origin story: a student asked him to create a voice bot that sounded like her for her autistic adult son—and the son opened up to what he called “robot mom.” That moment turned into a mission: build an AI companion that can support neurodivergent people from young adulthood through the long term—especially when caregivers are exhausted, overwhelmed, or eventually gone. Noell brings the caregiver reality check: in autism/ND caregiver groups, the most common fear is “What happens when I’m not here?” The second is burnout and guilt—trying to manage jobs, other kids, and care with not enough support, especially after 18–21 when services often drop off dramatically. They break down how this works in real life: families can add known strategies, routines, and supports so the AI responds in a familiar way—while also drawing from neurodivergent coaching-informed frameworks when families don’t know what to say or do next. There’s also a caregiver dashboard that can include teachers, therapists, and care team members so strategies stay consistent across home and school (continuity of care). Most importantly, they address the big fear with AI: safety. Always Here is built with robust guardrails, post-conversation analysis, and caregiver summaries/alerts—so support is more consistent than a human can be, but not a replacement for human connection. In this episode, we cover: The “Robot Mom” moment that launched Always Here Why caregivers’ biggest fear is the future: care plans after parents are gone Why the 18–21 transition is so hard: fewer supports, more responsibility, more burnout What Always Here can do now: talk, text, “see,” and support emotional regulation Reducing overwhelm: forwarding repeated calls while still alerting caregivers for emergencies Custom voices/roles: mom/dad, or even characters (Pokémon trainer, athlete) to increase engagement Caregiver control: what the bot does/doesn’t do, when it encourages calling a real parent Continuity of care: teacher/therapist strategies reinforced at home via the dashboard Independence supports: routines, reminders, calendars, environment cues (like lights) Guardrails + monitoring + summaries: preventing risky AI dynamics and keeping parents in the loop “Vibe coding” and rapid building: how Josh uses AI to build safely at scale—while avoiding feature creep Pricing + access: why it’s not a $5.99 app, plus scholarships and future partnerships (insurance, universities) Pricing / access (as stated in the episode): Currently building via cohorts + waiting list Two-month trial mentioned Cost discussed as $249/month (with group discounts potentially lower) Scholarships planned as funding grows Sign up / links mentioned: Always Here waiting list: alwayshere.app Free caregiver AI tools (GAPS): gaps.lovable.app (G-A-P-S) /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40864510

IRONMAN Kona as a Push-Assist Duo: Brent & Kyle Pease on Cerebral Palsy, Brotherhood, and Inclusion 04/19/2026

IRONMAN Kona as a Push-Assist Duo: Brent & Kyle Pease on Cerebral Palsy, Brotherhood, and Inclusion What changes when sport becomes a vehicle for inclusion—on the course and in everyday life? In this episode of Adulting With Autism, we’re joined by Kyle Pease and his brother Brent Pease—a world-renowned push-assist racing duo, disability advocates, and co-founders of The Kyle Pease Foundation (KPF). Their journey has inspired audiences globally, including their historic accomplishment as the first brother team to complete the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii as a push-assist duo. Kyle, born with cerebral palsy, has defied expectations through sport—completing 150+ races alongside Brent and using his platform to advocate for people with disabilities. Brent, a multi-sport athlete and endurance coach, leads KPF as Executive Director, expanding the foundation’s work to support individuals with disabilities through adaptive sports equipment, mobility and medical support, scholarship opportunities, and awareness efforts—and pushing inclusion beyond athletics into the workplace through KPF’s Inclusive Employment Program. (KPF’s stated purpose is to create awareness and raise funds to promote success for persons with disabilities through sports and beyond.) Together, Brent and Kyle share what it really takes to build a mission-driven organization rooted in lived experience—and how their work is helping change the narrative around disability, belonging, and opportunity. They also discuss how KPF partners with individuals and other nonprofits to provide support—especially for those who need adaptive sports equipment, mobility devices, or medical care—and why programs like Kyle Pease Kids aim to build inclusion early by empowering young athletes with disabilities alongside youth volunteers. This conversation is about brotherhood, endurance, advocacy, and the kind of community support that helps people with disabilities not just participate—but thrive. In this episode, we cover: What “push-assist” racing is—and why it matters Kyle’s story: cerebral palsy, identity, resilience, and advocacy through sport Brent’s perspective: coaching, leadership, and building KPF’s mission at scale What it took to complete IRONMAN World Championship (Kona) together How KPF supports people with disabilities through sports and beyond: adaptive sports equipment and mobility devices medical support and scholarships education/awareness around cerebral palsy and disability inclusive employment initiatives Why inclusion is a systems issue—not an inspiration story The ripple effect: community, volunteers, and redefining what “athlete” means Learn more / Connect: The Kyle Pease Foundation (KPF): kylepeasefoundation.org Programs mentioned: Inclusive Employment Program, Kyle Pease Kids /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40864595

Betrayal Trauma vs. “Regular” Trauma: Mr. Jay Galvez on Infidelity, Betrayal Blindness & Healing 04/18/2026

Betrayal Trauma vs. “Regular” Trauma: Mr. Jay Galvez on Infidelity, Betrayal Blindness & Healing If you’ve ever thought, “Why didn’t I see it?” or “Was it my fault?” after someone you depended on betrayed you—this episode puts language (and nervous-system logic) to what you’re living. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, Jason “Mr. Jay” Galvez, a Certified Betrayal Trauma Practitioner, explains why betrayal trauma is its own category of trauma—and why traditional support can “miss the mark” if it doesn’t understand the attachment and dependency piece. Mr. Jay defines betrayal trauma as trauma that comes from a primary attachment or dependency—a partner, spouse, parent, or even a job you rely on for security. He breaks down three reasons betrayal trauma hits differently: it gets personalized (“What’s wrong with me?”), it’s often lived in silence (a “secret society” where you don’t get casseroles and sympathy), and it uniquely reshapes not just your present and future—but your past, because you start re-reading old memories, photos, and milestones through a new lens. We also talk about betrayal blindness—how your nervous system can block the full truth to keep you functioning—and why that can turn into brutal self-judgment later (“I was so dumb”), even though it was a protective survival response. Then we go practical: how betrayal can trigger self-betrayal loops, how to identify the core insecurities that betrayal hooks into (abandonment, rejection, “I’m unlovable”), and what helps rebuild your relationship with yourself—especially if you’re still living in survival mode. In this episode, we cover: What a betrayal trauma practitioner does—and why this trauma is a specialty What betrayal trauma is (dependency + attachment) and common examples (partner, family, job, even faith/body) Why betrayal trauma is different: Personalization (“Was it me?”) Isolation/secret-keeping It impacts past + present + future Betrayal blindness: your nervous system’s “blinders” and why it’s protective (Little Red Riding Hood analogy) How betrayal affects self-worth, self-esteem, and identity The “self-betrayal” loop: when the pain attaches to old core wounds How to find core insecurities: Write your inner child a letter (pen + paper) Ask: “What was I judged for?” and drill down with “why” Emotional expression as strength (especially for boys/men): “If you want to cry—be a man and cry.” Tools for hard conversations: the “When you…, I feel…, I’d prefer…” script Why Mr. Jay pushes handwritten journaling (and his tip: try writing with your non-dominant hand to bypass filters) His 90-day prompting journal (“From Tears to Transformation”) and why the first 90 days are “acute” For parents: how to invite teens in without power struggles (do it with them, use connection questions, “I need a hug—can I hug you?”) A gut-check for relationships (even online): How do I feel about me when I’m around this person? Find Mr. Jay: Website + free resources: mrjrelationshipcoach.com Social media: daily “Vitamin J” tips (as he describes) /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40864505

Am I “Too Sensitive” or Traumatized? Christal Badour on PTSD, Bullying, Masking & Recovery 04/17/2026

Am I “Too Sensitive” or Traumatized? Christal Badour on PTSD, Bullying, Masking & Recovery A lot of autistic and neurodivergent adults don’t call it “trauma.” They call it being too sensitive, overreacting, lazy, dramatic, or just stressed—after years of bullying, masking, gaslighting, and being talked over in systems that were supposed to help. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, clinical psychologist Christal Badour breaks trauma down in real-life language—not just a clinical textbook definition. We talk about the spectrum of stress responses, from single “big T” events to chronic, ongoing experiences like emotional abuse and bullying (which autistic people are at higher risk of experiencing). Christal explains what early trauma reactions can look like (sleep problems, feeling jumpy, withdrawing), and how to tell when symptoms aren’t naturally settling—when your internal alarm system keeps going off weeks or months later. We also unpack what PTSD actually is (it’s not “just bad memories”), why shame and self-blame get so sticky, and what trauma recovery can realistically look like—sometimes sudden shifts, sometimes tiny changes you only notice in hindsight. This episode also gets practical: what evidence-based trauma treatments tend to focus on, what “trauma-informed” should mean at work and in healthcare, how to advocate for yourself when environments can’t change, and how to find a therapist who won’t dismiss your autism and lived experience. In this episode, we cover: Trauma defined for everyday life: danger, body violation, and ongoing stressors (bullying, emotional abuse) Early signs after trauma that are common—and when it becomes a stuck “alarm system” Shame, “too sensitive,” and self-blame: why there is no “should” in trauma responses What PTSD can look like beyond movie-style flashbacks: intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance, anger, withdrawal Evidence-based treatment approaches for PTSD (trauma-focused therapies) and why fit matters What a trauma-informed workplace actually means: safety, predictability, autonomy, clear expectations How systems (healthcare, schools, legal) can unintentionally re-traumatize people—and what helps (explanations, validation, informed responses) How to protect your mental health when you can’t change the environment: bring support, ask for info, advocate for your needs What “good” trauma-informed therapy looks like: safety, curiosity, respect for identity (including autism) Nightmares + sleep: how nightmare-focused treatments work (relaxation + “alternative ending” rehearsal) When coping tools (drinking, gaming) help short-term but grow long-term problems—and what therapy does differently Low-cost first steps without therapy: prioritize sleep, experiment with relaxation/mindfulness tools, build real recharge time “Closure” reality check: trauma may not disappear, but it can stop defining your life A powerful closing line: “Trauma was part of my life, but now my life is about living fully.” Find Christal Badour: sciencepersurvivors.com (therapy + trauma recovery resources; she also offers help finding a better-fit therapist if needed) /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40864490

Burnout Isn’t Time Management: Ron Sosa on Unmasking, ADHD/Autism Leadership, and Energy Systems 04/16/2026

Burnout Isn’t Time Management: Ron Sosa on Unmasking, ADHD/Autism Leadership, and Energy Systems What if your burnout isn’t a planner problem—it's a masking problem? In this episode of Adulting With Autism, Ron Sosa (neuro-inclusive leadership coach) breaks down what he actually helps leaders do: find who they are under the mask, reduce cognitive load, stop repeating burnout cycles, and lead in ways that are more sustainable—for neurodivergent brains and the teams they support. Ron shares his own “roller coaster” career path—from 24 years in veterinary medicine (customer service → vet assistant → practice manager → ownership) into learning & development and leadership coaching. He opens up about being diagnosed with ADHD in his early 20s, then receiving a preliminary autism diagnosis in his 30s, and how community connection completely changed what he thought autism “looked like” (including the iconic sensory sock story). We go deep on why so many autistic/ADHD adults keep overriding body signals until the nervous system is already on fire—and why the fix isn’t simply “better time management.” Ron explains how masking shows up in everyday work moments (even monitoring facial expressions on Zoom), how to tell stress vs. burnout, and why a neuro-inclusive workplace is often “quietly beautiful” because people are thriving without constant conflict, resentment, or quiet quitting. This episode is a permission slip to stop performing leadership—and start designing it. In this episode, we cover: What a neuro-inclusive leadership coach actually does (and why it matters) ADHD + autism diagnosis later in life: identity, belonging, and reframing stereotypes Sensory overwhelm and the “sock story” (and why feet can be a whole thing) “Burnout isn’t a time management thing”: masking → cognitive load → exhaustion The warning signs we ignore most: hunger, bathroom needs, chest tightness, early dysregulation cues Stress vs. burnout: why burnout feels like “exhaustion in your bones” “Stop performing leadership and start designing it”: rebuilding work systems for humans Safety & disclosure: why unmasking isn’t always safe (and how to advocate without saying it directly) Decision fatigue supports: partnerships at home/work that reduce daily load Energy protection systems: identify your peak energy, build around your rhythm, and plan recovery Boundaries without guilt: working with the inner critic instead of shame The workplace rule Ron wants to throw out: the rigid one-hour lunch break (micro-breaks instead) Find Ron Sosa (from the episode): Website / book / podcast / coaching: SYN.me (Ron mentions syn-apt) Podcast: Left Unattended Neuro-inclusive leadership resources + blogs via his site /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40864465

Hyperlexia Is a Superpower: Jason Dietrich on Autism, STEM Careers, NASA Mentors & Advocacy 04/15/2026

Hyperlexia Is a Superpower: Jason Dietrich on Autism, STEM Careers, NASA Mentors & Advocacy If you could read like a fifth-grader in kindergarten—but couldn’t explain what you just read—what would school (and self-esteem) feel like? In this episode of Adulting With Autism, Jason Dietrich shares what it’s like to grow up with hyperlexia (an autism profile often marked by advanced word reading paired with reading comprehension struggles). Jason talks about being identified around age five, the impact of unsupportive teachers and even a misleading evaluation, and the moment things began to change when educators finally saw his strengths—especially in hands-on STEM learning. Now a communications specialist and hyperlexia-informed educator, Jason explains why STEM/STEAM can be a powerful fit for many neurodivergent minds: pattern recognition, visual thinking, building systems, and learning by doing—not just memorizing. He also shares how podcasting and video editing became a communication “bridge,” and how turning down the noise of constant tech/social media can support executive functioning and stress. Jason also takes us inside his aerospace journey—from teaching middle school STEM to building real connections through the Virginia Space Flight Academy at Wallops Island (coding, drones, robotics, rocketry), and collaborating on a game-based learning module (using Bloxels) that focused on creativity, feedback, and critical thinking—without grades defining students. Whether you’re a student who “loves science but hates math,” a young adult who feels behind, or a neurodivergent professional navigating advocacy at work, this conversation is a roadmap for taking the next step—even if your path is all zigzags. In this episode, we cover: What hyperlexia is (and why reading ≠ comprehension) Reframing hyperlexia/autism as a superpower, not a limitation Why hands-on STEM works when textbooks and rote learning don’t Patterns, visual thinking, and “outside-the-box” problem-solving in STEAM Using podcasting as a lower-anxiety communication tool Executive functioning support: guided meditation, alone time, and taking breaks from social media STEM pathways that can be neurodivergent-friendly—and how to spot toxic environments Career entry points without a perfect resume: LinkedIn, events, courses (Udemy), connections “It’s not too late”: Jason’s GPS “recalculating route” reframe for anyone restarting in their 20s–60s How to stay connected to STEM if math isn’t your jam Where to find Jason: PodMatch profile LinkedIn /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40864440

Sudden Cardiac Arrest to Survival: Jeff Luther on ARVC, Trauma, and Rebuilding Life in Micro-Steps 04/14/2026

Sudden Cardiac Arrest to Survival: Jeff Luther on ARVC, Trauma, and Rebuilding Life in Micro-Steps Trigger note: sudden cardiac arrest, medical trauma, anxiety, PTSD responses. What happens when you’re “the strong one”… and your body forces you to stop? In this powerful episode of Adulting With Autism, Jeff Luther—dad of three, entrepreneur, speaker, executive coach, and athlete—shares the moment that changed everything: June 12, 2021, when he collapsed during a CrossFit workout in front of his 16-year-old son, went about eight minutes without pulse or breath, and was shocked three times with an AED before waking up. Jeff later received a diagnosis of ARVC (Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy) and was told exercise was off the table if he wanted to live. But the hardest part wasn’t only the diagnosis—it was what came after: fear, denial, anger, and the crushing mental spiral of what if. Jeff opens up about the dark place he hit, how trauma changed his relationship with control, and why “life is short” didn’t feel inspiring—it felt heavy. We talk about what helped him climb out: micro-steps, 30-second reps, and a gratitude practice that started with tiny, almost absurd wins (like being grateful for a computer mouse) and grew into a mindset that rebuilt his life—without pretending the pain didn’t happen. Jeff also shares a raw parenting moment: realizing he was asking his son “Are you okay?” questions he already knew the answer to—because the real answer would require action. He explains how he learned to ask the hard questions, get his son support, and redefine what resilience actually looks like. In this episode, you’ll learn: What it’s like to experience sudden cardiac arrest and wake up to a new reality The fear loop of “what if”—and how to walk it down without gaslighting yourself Why “rest is okay, quitting isn’t” became Jeff’s anchor The 30-second rule: how tiny actions rebuild confidence after burnout/health chaos Executive functioning-friendly routines: make your bed + “one plant a day” How trauma shows up in parenting (sirens, hypervigilance, avoidance) and what helped A powerful reframe: “What if I’m not a burden? What if I’m someone’s happiness?” Why we “find what we’re looking for” (confirmation bias) and how to challenge it gently Find Jeff Luther: LinkedIn: Jeff Luther Instagram: @jeffluther (as stated) Website: JeffLuther.com (includes a complimentary coaching call sign-up, while available) /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40864390

Dyslexia & Neurodivergent High Performance: “Pick One” + The 2% Rule (Coach Willie Blake) | AdultingWithAutism.com 04/13/2026

Sex, Sensory Needs & Shame: Autistic Sexual Self‑Discovery, Consent Language & the MESS Method (Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers) 04/12/2026

Sex, Sensory Needs & Shame: Autistic Sexual Self‑Discovery, Consent Language & the MESS Method (Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers) Many autistic young adults are handed a confusing, media-driven version of sex and intimacy—then expected to “just know” their own bodies, boundaries, consent language, and relationship skills… often while navigating sensory differences and a lifetime of being misunderstood. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, April sits down with Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers—retired professor, marriage & family therapist, sex therapist, and medical family therapist—about what autistic adults actually need to build safer, more satisfying intimacy: self-understanding, shame-free education, clear consent, and relationships rooted in trust rather than “shoulds.” This is a compassionate, practical conversation about sexual self-knowledge, healing sexual shame, and creating intimacy that works with neurodivergent bodies and nervous systems. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the starting point is you: understanding your sensory preferences around touch (what feels safe, desired, and consensual) learning how to communicate what you like/don’t like—and how to listen to a partner’s needs co-creating touch that works for both people (instead of guessing or performing) How society “throws people to the wolves” on sexuality: kids (including autistic kids) often learn from media, not developmentally appropriate guidance entertainment ≠ real-life sexual health or real intimacy What sexual shame is—and how to recognize it shame forms when natural curiosity/behavior is met with anger, disgust, humiliation, or silence the internal message becomes: “Something is fundamentally wrong with me.” Dr. Tina’s research-based definition of sexual shame (2017): a visceral (body-based) feeling of humiliation/disgust toward one’s body and identity as a sexual being internalized beliefs of being abnormal, inferior, unworthy harm to trust, communication, and emotional/physical intimacy fear/uncertainty about your right to make safety decisions and express boundaries Early signs shame may be “driving the bus”: chronic self-criticism about your body, desires, or neurodivergence apologizing for your needs, shrinking yourself, “slinking back” feeling unsafe saying no—or feeling punished when you do Dr. Tina’s framework for healing sexual shame: MESS (Model for Erasing Sexual Shame) Frame: rebuild sex education (often from the ground up, by age/developmental stage) Name: tell your story with safe people; reduce isolation and normalize what happened Claim: claim your body as good; retrain “not enough” messaging from culture/consumerism Aim: create a new legacy—live with more confidence, language, and self-respect Sustaining intimacy “over the long haul” (including neurodivergent couples): long-term relationships require ongoing growth (“grow up, show up, shape up”) intimacy dies when partners stop feeling seen/considered and start running parallel lives Navigating mismatched desire + sensory sensitivities without making it “I’m bad at relationships” separating orgasm/sexual release from intimacy and bonding building a menu of connection options (touch/no touch, naked cuddling, tub time, one-way touch, etc.) shifting the goal from “a script we must follow” to “we both feel more bonded and safe afterward” Consent and boundary skill-building as a practice: giving yourself permission to like what you like and not like what you don’t like practicing language such as: “Thank you for the invitation, but no.” Community considerations: why communities that center explicit consent and boundaries can be safer for practicing communication why “vanilla culture” often contains unspoken expectations and boundary violations Family systems, divorce, and change: what matters most is being resourced—safe community, shared knowledge, and consistent support preparing autistic adults for transitions with honest communication, scaffolding, and validation One tiny step when you feel sexually shut down: start with self-acceptance and honest, non-performative communication (especially in partnerships) releasing “shoulds” and building a support system that helps you critique harmful cultural scripts Where to find Dr. Tina + resources: Website: TinaShermerSellers.com Instagram: @drtinashameless Books: Sex, God, and the Conservative Church: Erasing Shame from Sexual Intimacy Shameless Parenting: Everything You Need to Raise Shame-Free, Confident Kids and Heal Your Shame Too If you can’t afford the books: DM her—she offers promo codes for audio versions to help people access resources. /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40705305

The Leonardo Trait: Autistic/ADHD Creativity, Multi‑Passion “Spirals,” Unmasking (5%) & Anti‑Hustle Productivity (Angie Dixon) 04/11/2026

The Leonardo Trait: Autistic/ADHD Creativity, Multi‑Passion “Spirals,” Unmasking (5%) & Anti‑Hustle Productivity (Angie Dixon) What if you’re not “too much,” not “lazy,” not “a broken neurotypical”… but a perfectly valid autistic/ADHD creative? In this episode of Adulting With Autism, April talks with Angie Dixon, author of The Leonardo Trait, who spent 20 years writing a book on “profound creativity”—then learned in her 50s that she’s autistic (after an ADHD diagnosis in her 20s). That late diagnosis changed everything: the book, the meaning of her life story, and her relationship to masking, hustle culture, burnout, and multi‑passionate creativity. This episode is for anyone who “collects passions like stray cats,” swings between hyperfocus and shutdown, or has been pressured to “pick a lane.” In this episode, you’ll learn: Angie’s diagnosis journey: ADHD diagnosis in her mid‑20s autism diagnosis in her mid‑50s realizing she’d been writing the “wrong book” for 18 years—because she didn’t yet have the language for neurodivergent creativity The “instruction manual vs warranty card” feeling: being the “weird kid,” outsider dynamics, and learning to “perform being a person” how masking can show up as overworking and chasing success (hustle as camouflage) The reframe that changes everything: “I’m not a broken neurotypical person. I’m a perfect autistic person.” finding neurodivergent community and the relief of being understood (including sensory validation like a “two‑degree margin of comfort”) What the Leonardo Trait is: multi‑passionate creators who spiral through interests rather than moving in a straight line why starting lots of things (and not finishing all of them) can be a feature—not a flaw why Leonardo da Vinci is the model: big ideas, many starts, real output, non-linear life Practical strategies for a multi‑passionate life that still pays bills: keep “maps” for future-you: notes on where you stopped and what comes next project logs for materials/tools/details (so you can re-enter a project without friction) Autistic burnout (not “typical burnout”): warning signs Angie ignored: exhaustion, loss of interest, pushing through 80-hour weeks why autistic burnout can feel physiological and identity-shaking recovery: rest + changing the conditions that caused it (not just “taking a weekend”) examples of “stepping down” work intensity to recover (role changes that reduce load) Unmasking in real life (especially for younger adults): why “full feral rainbow unmasking” isn’t always realistic or safe at 22 Angie’s approach: unmask 5%—one small, repeatable change (like letting your humor show with one trusted person) Non-linear productivity designed for autistic energy patterns: organizing tasks by low / medium / high energy (not just priority) building momentum by starting with an “interest spark,” then sliding into boring tasks using timers/alarms in a way that fits your brain (and why Pomodoro doesn’t work for everyone) Angie’s anti-hustle rules (realistic and disability-aware): delegate/pay for what drains you (when possible) cap working hours and limit simultaneous big projects some tasks can be deleted, not optimized (e.g., “I don’t do social media”) Choosing projects: “Can I do it?” vs “Is it a YES?” Angie’s filter: If someone else does it, would I be fine? if yes, it’s not your yes—save your energy for what you’d regret not doing Restarting creativity after it was “beat out of you”: return to what you loved in early childhood (kindergarten clues) permission to choose forms that fit you now (e.g., abstract painting instead of “learn to draw first”) What Angie hopes happens after someone feels seen: take one action toward being more yourself—at home, in art, in community, or by naming your needs Angie’s “tool + challenge” for listeners: Practical tool: find one small way to be more yourself where you are “Feral rainbow” challenge: throw off one part of the mask that’s choking you most—safely, intentionally, and on your timeline Where to find Angie: Website: ProfoundCreativity.com The Leonardo Trait release date mentioned: January 27 /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40705275

Stop Comparing Your Timeline: My Son Turns 24 & What Success Really Looks Like for Autistic Adults 04/10/2026

Trauma‑Informed Workplaces: Nervous System Safety, “Flipped Lids,” Boundaries & Belonging That’s Real (Jennifer, The Expert Talk) 04/09/2026

Trauma‑Informed Workplaces: Nervous System Safety, “Flipped Lids,” Boundaries & Belonging That’s Real (Jennifer, The Expert Talk) “Trauma-informed” gets misunderstood fast—people assume it means sharing personal stories, crying at work, or lowering standards. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, April talks with Jennifer, founder of The Expert Talk, a corporate training company that helps organizations build trauma-informed practices and cultures of belonging—the felt sense of belonging, not the kind that’s just written on a wall. This conversation is especially relevant for autistic/ADHD young adults entering the workforce who are trying to find (or create) environments that feel safe, predictable, and sustainable. In this episode, you’ll learn: What “trauma-informed” actually means (and what it doesn’t): it’s not about telling your story at work it’s a lens: assume everyone has a story and lead with care, clarity, and respect Why trauma isn’t only “big events”—it’s also nervous system responses to overwhelm, threat, and uncertainty The core shift in mindset at work: from “What’s wrong with this person?” to “What might be happening for this person?” What a regulated (safer) workplace tends to look like: predictability + transparency clear communication consistent follow-through respect for boundaries choice where possible less masking to be accepted “Trauma-organized” workplaces: how systems can trigger dysregulation even without “bad people” Jennifer’s hand model of the brain (a simple visual you can use anywhere): regulated state = access to executive functioning (communication, memory, decision-making) dysregulated state = “flipped lid,” operating from emotional survival responses Why scripts and “best practices” fail when someone is dysregulated: you might agree to anything just to escape (“flight mode”) then forget what you agreed to because you couldn’t process it in the moment How autistic/ADHD strengths show up best when you feel safe: pattern recognition, deep focus, direct honesty plus a practical concept: creating “islands of safety” within your sphere of influence A message to leaders: being trauma-informed is not lowering standards it’s having hard conversations with clarity staying steady without making reactions personal reducing power struggles that come from mutual dysregulation Entrepreneurship + nervous system reality: why starting a business takes “audacity and delusion” it takes longer, costs more, and requires learning you can’t predict the importance of mentors and entrepreneurial community to reduce shame and isolation Self-care vs self-leadership: “bubble baths” = survival care (helps short-term) real self-care = boundaries, energy management, and the “sacred pause” before reacting How Jennifer catches old patterns (people-pleasing/overworking): frequent body/nervous system check-ins noticing “my lid is flapping in the breeze” taking 15–20 minutes to reset and communicating needs clearly Reframing “too sensitive”: sensitivity as data, not a defect building safety through micro-boundaries (small, doable boundaries that retrain your nervous system) Resources + where to find Jennifer: Website: theexperttalk.com (two E’s, two T’s) Free guides (including nervous system work at work) “Language to Leave Behind” resource (phrases that don’t land / don’t build connection) Blog + online courses (regulation, boundaries, conflict navigation, feedback) /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40705235

Autistic at Work: Disclosure, Code‑Switching, ADA Protection & How to Document Microaggressions (Attorney Nadine Jones) 04/08/2026

Autistic at Work: Disclosure, Code‑Switching, ADA Protection & How to Document Microaggressions (Attorney Nadine Jones) “You can be your authentic self at work.” A lot of autistic young adults were told that—and then hit the real world: code-switching, tone policing, vague bias, and pressure to mask just to keep a paycheck. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, April talks with Nadine Jones—attorney, former head of legal for a multi‑billion‑dollar corporation, consultant, and mom of a child on the spectrum—about what corporate America actually looks like for neurodivergent employees… and how to protect yourself while still building a life. This is a practical, no-fluff conversation about safety, strategy, and what to do when inclusion exists on paper but not in practice. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Nadine believes corporate America isn’t ready for the wave of neurodivergent talent (but will have to adapt) The real question of “code-switching”: should employees adapt—or should companies learn to accommodate? How direct autistic communication gets misread as rude or insubordinate, and what leaders can do to distinguish style vs “poor fit” vs bias Disclosure realities: why some people don’t disclose (and what that means: being held to neurotypical standards) how disclosure can create legal protection under the ADA once you’re employed why disclosure during applications can feel like a catch‑22 What “accommodations” can look like in real life: breaks, lighting, processing time, communication clarity, tools/tech supports A story-based look at “quirky” coworkers (knitting to self-regulate, jumping into conversations) and how teams can learn to accommodate instead of judging The family/community education gap (including cultural dynamics) and why “little” supports (yes, even dino nuggets) can prevent major meltdowns and increase belonging How to spot workplace microaggressions: harsher tone toward you vs others exclusion from meetings only negative feedback / no praise different standards depending on “who submits the work” How to document discrimination so you have options: write it down immediately (contemporaneous notes carry more weight) track dates, times, quotes, witnesses, patterns why “but did you document it?” is the legal department’s first question A hard truth about HR: HR protects the organization, not you—how to think about HR strategically What companies often get wrong about DEI: why DEI survives when it’s tied to business outcomes and the bottom line what happens when it’s treated as a “checkbox” or only as social good Practical guidance for the “paycheck vs safety” dilemma: how to quietly job search how to reset your nervous system on weekends when to choose peace over the paycheck severance/COBRA considerations and creating a buffer when you can Connect with Nadine: LinkedIn: Nadine Jones / General Counsel Support Services Email: (no “s” on service) IG/TikTok: GC Support Insights (handle may appear as @gcsupportinsights) Facebook: General Counsel Support Services If you’re entering the workforce and you want both dignity and stability, this episode gives you language, legal reality, and next steps. /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40705205

Mindfulness for Autistic & Anxious 20‑Somethings: 10 Minutes a Day, Burnout Prevention & “You Can’t Fail” (Dr. Holly Rogers) 04/07/2026

Mindfulness for Autistic & Anxious 20‑Somethings: 10 Minutes a Day, Burnout Prevention & “You Can’t Fail” (Dr. Holly Rogers) Mindfulness isn’t “clear your mind,” sit perfectly still, and magically become calm. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, April talks with Dr. Holly Rogers—psychiatrist and long-time leader in college student mental health—about what mindfulness actually is, why Gen Z is experiencing such high anxiety, and how neurodivergent young adults can use mindfulness to prevent overwhelm without turning it into another performance task. Dr. Rogers developed a mindfulness curriculum for college students that’s now taught at 300+ colleges worldwide, and she breaks it down in a way that makes sense for real life: busy brains, sensory differences, burnout cycles, and “I tried it and it didn’t work.” In this episode, you’ll learn: Why young adulthood is uniquely stressful: uncertainty, constant transitions, and major life decisions How technology can leave us over-connected online and under-connected in real life (and what that does to the nervous system) What mindfulness is: present-moment awareness with friendly curiosity (not self-judgment) What mindfulness is not: stopping thoughts, forcing stillness, or “doing it perfectly” Why apps alone rarely create a lasting practice for beginners—and why community + a live teacher improves follow-through The “minimum effective dose”: research suggests 10 minutes/day can make a meaningful difference What mindfulness helps with: sleep, anxiety, emotion regulation, resilience, and creating a pause between feeling and reacting Alternative entry points for neurodivergent people: anchors using sound, sight, or breath movement-based options what to do if interoceptive awareness (body sensing) is hard A burnout-friendly model: comfort zone → stretch zone → overwhelm how mindfulness helps you notice when you’re approaching overwhelm early enough to reset Purpose without pressure: avoiding “purpose paralysis” and living with purpose through integrity, kindness, attention, and connection Reframing non-linear timelines: “it takes as long as it takes,” and self-criticism makes everything harder For anyone who thinks they “failed” at mindfulness: you didn’t fail—your first method just didn’t fit yet Resources mentioned: Website + free guided meditations + programs: MIEA.com Free online meditation community: Dr. Rogers’ Wednesday Meditation Circle (1st & 3rd Wednesdays) Books: The Mindful 20-Something (2nd edition coming soon) and Mindfulness for the Next Generation If your nervous system is fried from school, work, social navigation, or autistic burnout—and “mindfulness” sounds like a scam—this episode gives you a realistic starting point. /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40705165

Brain Hijack in Relationships: End the Spiral, Stop “Bracing,” and Build Emotional Safety (with Diane McDowell) 04/06/2026

Brain Hijack in Relationships: End the Spiral, Stop “Bracing,” and Build Emotional Safety (with Diane McDowell) Ever go from “fine” to flooded in seconds—tight chest, racing thoughts, defensive tone—and then say things you regret? That’s not a character flaw. It’s a brain hijack. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, April talks with Diane McDowell, relationship coach (therapist-trained) and creator of the Brain to Heart Code, about what happens when your survival brain decides your partner is “dangerous”—and how to interrupt the hijack before it blows up your relationship. This one is especially relevant for autistic and neurodivergent adults who live in the “preemptive flinch,” scan constantly for threat, and mask as calm on the outside while shutting down internally. In this episode, you’ll learn: What a brain hijack is (and why a slow text reply or a sigh can feel like a tiger chasing you) Diane’s 3-part model: End the hijack Create safety that lasts Return to you (honesty, self-trust, speaking your truth) Why communication skills and “mindset work” fail when you’re dysregulated: your prefrontal cortex goes offline The most common hijack signals: chest pressure, changed breathing, clenched jaw/shoulders, racing thoughts, believing your story is 100% true The “blue hair” rule: why defensiveness often shows up when you fear there’s a smidge of truth (and how to use that as information) How to shift from reacting to curiosity (self-curious + other-curious), including Diane’s “sentence stems” to keep your tone grounded How to work with bracing (and why focusing on “what do I need?” helps more than looping on “why am I like this?”) A micro-practice for rewiring: rehearse skills 5x/day (wake up, meals, bedtime) so you can access them when activated What self-leadership means in conflict: stop spending your “brain juice” trying to control someone else—lead your nervous system instead Why “self-sabotage” is often your body overprotecting (like an overzealous guard dog)—and how to soothe it without shame How to speak your truth without demanding an apology, plus Diane’s reframe on when apologies matter Partner support without becoming a therapist: code words, noticing cues, time-outs, and not “shooting” each other mid-hijack Boundaries that actually work: self-action boundaries (“If you yell, I will leave the room/house/end the call”) A core reframe for shame: you are 100% lovable, valuable, and worthy—and relationships improve when you stop performing to prove it Free resources + quiz + mini-class: EmotionalSafetyCo.com (Free Resources tab) If you’ve ever thought “I’m too reactive to be loved,” this episode is your reminder: you’re not broken—you’re hijacked. And you can learn to come back to yourself. /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40705130

Stop Chasing KPIs: The Performance Trap, OKRs vs Curiosity & the OLA “Puzzle” Framework (with Radhika Dutt) 04/05/2026

Stop Chasing KPIs: The Performance Trap, OKRs vs Curiosity & the OLA “Puzzle” Framework (with Radhika Dutt) If KPIs, OKRs, and vague performance reviews make you feel like you’re constantly proving yourself—and still never “doing it right”—this episode will click. April is joined by Radhika Dutt (electrical engineer, startup builder, author of Radical Product Thinking, and an ADHD-identified leader) to unpack why goals and targets often backfire, crush curiosity, and fuel burnout—especially for neurodivergent brains that thrive on meaning, pattern-finding, and problem-solving. Instead of “hit this number,” Radhika introduces a different way to work (and lead): puzzle setting + puzzle solving, using her OLA framework—a practical method you can apply in corporate, healthcare, education, and everyday life. In this episode, you’ll learn: What OKRs and KPIs actually are—and why they often create performance theater instead of real progress How target culture trains people to hide “bad numbers,” making leaders the last to know when something is wrong Why goal systems get gamed (the Microsoft support-queue example) and how that destroys morale for people who care about quality The emotional cost of performance culture: masking, burnout, and losing intrinsic motivation The shift that helps neurodivergent people thrive: move from goal-setting to puzzle-setting How to set a strong puzzle using the 3 O’s: Observation (what’s happening) Open Questions (what we genuinely don’t know yet) Objective (the puzzle summary) How to solve puzzles without binary “pass/fail” thinking using 3 questions: How well did it work? What did we learn? What will we try next? How to respond to vague performance feedback by turning it into a puzzle you can clarify and act on (including an OT/healthcare example) Why psychological safety is required for this approach—and how leaders can model it without “shooting the messenger” What the performance trap looks like at work and in personal life (chasing the next target → fast track to burnout) When goals do work: repetitive tasks (reps at the gym) vs complex work that needs exploration (puzzles) Radhika also shares real outcomes from puzzle-led work (including growth and churn improvement) and why it’s okay—and necessary—to ask open questions you don’t yet have answers to. Free toolkit + framework: Radhika’s OLA (Observe, Hypothesize, Learn, Adapt) resource (link in show notes) Connect with Radhika: LinkedIn (link in show notes) Upcoming book: releasing ~2027 (Radhika welcomes listener stories using the framework) If you’re tired of performing and ready to problem-solve like your brain actually wants to—this one’s for you. /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40705080

Emerging Adulthood on the Spectrum: Autonomy, “Long Runways,” Therapy Fit & Moving Out Step‑by‑Step (Dr. Jack Hinman) 04/04/2026

Emerging Adulthood on the Spectrum: Autonomy, “Long Runways,” Therapy Fit & Moving Out Step‑by‑Step (Dr. Jack Hinman) Turning 18 doesn’t flip an “independent adult” switch—especially for autistic young adults. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, April talks with Dr. Jack Hinman, Psy.D. from Engage (Southern Utah) about what actually helps autistic young adults move toward adulthood without losing autonomy, burning out, or getting stuck at home. Dr. Jack breaks down why the transition from high school → “real life” often feels like a cliff, how parents can shift from control to influence, and what supports matter most when young adults are building real-world skills. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why “if you met one autistic person, you met one autistic person” matters in support planning The idea of bandwidth: sensory bandwidth, demand bandwidth, and social bandwidth—and why respecting it changes everything Emerging adulthood as a longer runway (18–30+) and why interdependence is often the real goal How to help parents stop treating adult kids like kids—without abandoning them What goes wrong when autistic young adults have a bad therapy experience (and how to re-enter therapy slowly) How to make therapy fit the person: pacing, reducing demand (even 15-minute family sessions), side-by-side seating, and meeting in less intense settings Transition planning that actually works: building independence in small reps (menus, phone calls, scheduling, money habits) What to do when a young adult is chronically online: start with empathy, name the belonging need it meets, and build bridges to structured offline connection College readiness reality check: high school scaffolding hides skill gaps—start smaller (community college, high-interest classes, EF coaching/tutoring) Dating while living at home: shift from “control” to relationship-based influence and keep connection close Reframing anxiety: you can’t grow without it—validate + normalize instead of treating anxiety as failure A practical first step for moving out: make a 1–10 list and start with the easiest “number 1” action today If you’re a young adult who wants independence—or a parent trying to support it without micromanaging—this episode gives you language, frameworks, and next steps that don’t rely on shame. Learn more: engagelifenow.com Dr. Jack on LinkedIn: Jack Hinman /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40705045

Neuroinclusion Without Disclosure: The RESPECT Framework, Neuro‑Belonging & Workplace Red Flags (with Pasha Marlowe) 04/03/2026

Neuroinclusion Without Disclosure: The RESPECT Framework, Neuro‑Belonging & Workplace Red Flags (with Pasha Marlowe) “Be yourself at work”… unless that part of you is autistic, ADHD, anxious, too direct, too emotional, or needs something different. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, April talks with Pasha Marlowe (she/they)—therapist (32+ years), coach to neurodivergent adults and couples, and author of Creating Cultures of Neuro Inclusion—about what real neuroinclusion looks like in workplaces, families, and community. This conversation is practical and validating, especially if you don’t feel safe disclosing a diagnosis (or you don’t have one), but you still need support to function and avoid burnout. In this episode, you’ll learn: What neuroinclusion actually means (it’s not just “neurodivergent-friendly”—it’s collaboration between all neurotypes) Why leaders are losing people: it’s often not “work ethic,” it’s lack of respect, agency, autonomy, and psychological safety The RESPECT Framework: a simple “user manual” approach to talk about needs/preferences without requiring diagnosis or disclosure How to write a one-page “how my brain & body work” guide (without turning it into a 10-page autobiography) The difference between being told you belong vs neuro-belonging: belonging to yourself first (even in ableist spaces) A powerful reframe for people-pleasers: “Disappoint others before you disappoint yourself.” Why “fix-the-person” workplace solutions fail—and how overworking in the first 30/60/90 days can lead to exploitation and burnout How leaders can hold hard conversations when someone is labeled “too direct,” “difficult,” or “emotional” (hint: set expectations before conflict) Workplace red flags for fake neuroinclusion: disorder-first language, functioning labels, sloppy “neurodiverse individuals,” euphemisms, and excluding mental health from the neurodivergent umbrella How to advocate using universal design language (e.g., “the flickering lights are disabling” / “I need captions to absorb the content”) without outing yourself If you’re exhausted from masking all day, Pasha also shares how to talk to people at home about why you “crash” after work—and how to find spaces where you can actually unmask and be understood. Pasha’s book: Creating Cultures of Neuro Inclusion (paperback/Kindle/Audible) Website: PashaMarlowe.com Email: Social: TikTok/IG @neuroqueercoach | LinkedIn/Facebook: Pasha Marlowe /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40705015

Triggers vs Anxiety: The “Emotional Immunity” Behind Self‑Sabotage + How Memory Reconsolidation Creates Real Change (Brian DesRoches) 04/02/2026

Triggers vs Anxiety: The “Emotional Immunity” Behind Self‑Sabotage + How Memory Reconsolidation Creates Real Change (Brian DesRoches) If you’ve ever said “I know better… so why do I keep doing this?”—this episode is for you. April sits down with Brian DesRoches, a psychotherapist with 35+ years of experience, to unpack what’s actually happening when we get triggered, people-please, shut down, avoid hard conversations, or spiral into self-blame. Brian breaks down a powerful reframe: your brain doesn’t “hate change”—it has emotional immunity to change when change feels unsafe. In other words, many self-defeating patterns aren’t personality flaws… they’re protective emotional learnings your nervous system is still running, often from long ago. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between normal stress, anxiety, and being triggered (and why they’re often lumped together) Why triggers are essentially threat predictions—“the feeling of what will happen” How behaviors like withdrawal, avoidance, people-pleasing, sarcasm, over-drinking, and perfectionism can be protective (not “brokenness”) The neuroscience of memory reconsolidation—and why insight alone often doesn’t create change What it means to “update” an old emotional learning at the synaptic level (vs just coping after you’re activated) A practical starting point: do a trigger inventory, identify one pattern, notice body signals, and name the feared outcome Why feedback/authority situations can feel so intense for autistic people: the threat of being seen How to find the right support: look for experiential therapy and ask about memory reconsolidation-informed approaches This conversation is validating, practical, and hopeful: you’re not lazy, dramatic, or defective—your brain is protecting you. And yes, you can update what it learned. Brian’s website: BrianDeRoche.com (Books available on Amazon / by order at bookstores; includes a supplemental set of client stories.) If you found this episode helpful, follow the show and share it with someone stuck in a loop of self-blame. /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40702225

The Autistic Adults Toolbox: Sensory “Hurricane Warnings,” Masking Trade‑Offs & Burnout Recovery (with Natalie Diggins) 04/01/2026

The Autistic Adults Toolbox: Sensory “Hurricane Warnings,” Masking Trade‑Offs & Burnout Recovery (with Natalie Diggins) What if “adulting” isn’t failing—it’s just doing life without the tools your brain actually needs? In this episode of Adulting With Autism, host April talks with Natalie Diggins—technologist and author of The Autistic Adults Toolbox—about practical, real-world systems that make autistic life more manageable without shame, fluff, or forced positivity. Natalie shares why she built a “toolbox” in the first place (starting with the moment she couldn’t even find a template to tell a surgeon what she needed), and how autistic adults can stop reinventing the wheel—at work, in relationships, in social situations, and during burnout. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to anticipate sensory overload instead of just enduring it (Natalie’s simple day-by-day framework) The three times disclosure can make sense: helping someone, trust/intimacy, or the “thermonuclear option” How to plan for holidays and parties by protecting your “sensory calories” (before/during/after strategies + finding quiet spaces) The difference between meltdowns and tantrums, and how to explain meltdowns to a partner How Natalie spots burnout early with a “hurricane warning system”—plus her written down plan for recovery A minimalist executive-functioning setup: the “Top 3” notepad rule (when apps are too much) Relationship communication that works: shifting to “I want / I need” language and making needs understandable across neurotypes If you’ve ever felt “too much,” “too sensitive,” or like you’re behind in life—this conversation is a reminder: you’re not broken. You need tools. Find Natalie’s book: The Autistic Adults Toolbox (online or at your local bookstore) If you liked this episode, follow/subscribe and share it with someone who needs practical supports—not pressure. /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40698925

Sustainable Success Without Burnout: Rebalancing, Boundaries, Perfectionism, and Redefining “Success” — with Carol Enneking 03/30/2026

How to Declutter When You’re Overwhelmed: ADHD/Autism-Friendly Systems (Takilla Combs) 03/28/2026

Turning Pressure Into Power (Without Burnout): Emotional Mastery, Regulation Tools, and Living Through AI Uncertainty — with Michael Dugan 03/25/2026

Money + Autism: Building Simple Financial Systems, Reducing Stress, and Working Toward Financial Freedom (with George Thomas) 03/23/2026

Rebuilding After Trauma, Chronic Pain, and Identity Loss — PERMA, Psychological Safety, and Thriving at Work with Hacia Atherton 03/21/2026

Rebuilding After Trauma, Chronic Pain, and Identity Loss — PERMA, Psychological Safety, and Thriving at Work with Hacia Atherton What do you do when the dream you built your identity around disappears overnight? In this episode of Adulting With Autism, host Sia talks with Hacia Atherton—former elite equestrian, trauma survivor, and workplace culture strategist—about rebuilding after a devastating riding accident that left her with broken hips, a shattered pelvis, severe nerve damage, chronic pain, and a long recovery. Hacia shares how Positive Psychology’s PERMA framework helped her rebuild in tiny, realistic increments, how to define success day-by-day when your capacity changes, and what real support looks like (versus “support” that sounds good but misses the mark). They also unpack psychological safety at work—what it looks like in real rooms, why silence in meetings is a red flag, and how autistic and neurodivergent adults can create pockets of safety even inside imperfect systems. Plus: how to document toxic dynamics, advocate for accommodations, and protect your nervous system when you feel trapped. Hacia is the founder of Empowered Women in Trades and the author of Billion Dollar Blindspot, a guide to the hidden costs of toxic workplace culture and how leaders can fix it. In this episode, we cover: Identity loss after trauma and how to rebuild without abandoning yourself Chronic pain, invisible struggle, and support that actually helps PERMA in everyday language (for teens and adults) Nervous system protection in toxic environments Psychological safety: what it feels like in a room (and what it looks like) Neurodivergence at work: communication, advocacy, and accommodations Why resilience sometimes means resting, pausing, or walking away Small practices for feeling seen when the world doesn’t see you Connect with Hacia Atherton: Website: Instagram: @hacia.atherton LinkedIn: Hacia Atherton Book: Billion Dollar Blindspot (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart.com) /episode/index/show/8af5e873-6c65-4b08-8efe-73963fcbd7d4/id/40390195

Autistic Burnout, People-Pleasing & Self-Trust: Mindset Tools That Actually Help (Karin Velicka) 03/16/2026

Adulting with Autism

TOPICS