Navigating Comfort Zones: Reflections on Connection and Anxiety

Navigating anxiety, social awkwardness, and the intricacies of neurodivergence while trying to connect with others can be overwhelming.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, reflect on their experiences from a recent neurodivergent retreat in Belize. They share personal tales of stepping out of comfort zones, managing social expectations, and the profound insights gained from being part of a neurodivergent community.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Gain a deeper understanding of how to honor your sensory and social needs in overwhelming environments, as both hosts candidly discuss their ambivalence, anxieties, and moments of growth during the retreat.
2. Hear firsthand accounts of how participating in a neurodivergent-exclusive community event can lead to meaningful connections and a sense of belonging, shedding light on the therapeutic power of shared experiences.
3. Learn valuable lessons on setting personal boundaries and allowing yourself the space to recharge, as Patrick and Dr. Neff explore the challenges and benefits of embracing self-care during social and professional events.

As you reflect on your own experiences with stepping outside your comfort zone, consider how you can create small moments of connection and community in your everyday life. Establish boundaries, honor your needs, and continue seeking spaces and relationships that allow you to show up authentically.

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Thanks to Our Sponsors: Betwixt (available in phone app stores), Landmark College, & D.Rowe Co. (D.Rowe Tax)

✨ Betwixt:

Betwixt isn't your typical mental health app. It's an immersive, interactive, story-based experience that turns self-exploration into an epic adventure. Helping to relieve anxiety, reduce stress, and improve self-awareness, Betwixt combines tools from therapy, psychology, and neuroscience in a way that is playful, creative, and imaginative. It's a mental health game that you can only win by solving the mysteries of your mind. The founders believe everyone deserves to live an epic story. That's why they made it their mission to keep the core app free for anyone who can't afford it.

You can download Betwixt from any app store and start your own Epic inner journey today.

✨ Landmark College:

Landmark College is the world's first accredited college designed exclusively for students who learn differently. Landmark, located in Putney, Vermont, offers courses in person and online, awarding associate and bachelor's degrees, and offering pre-college, gap year, and professional development programs. With a student-to-faculty ratio of just 7 to 1, and the renowned Landmark College Institute for Research and Training, Landmark offers personalized and research-informed support for neurodivergent students that is not available at traditional colleges. Learn more about this opportunity at landmark.edu.

✨ D.Rowe Co. (D.Rowe Tax):

D.Rowe Tax is a neurodivergent tax and estate planning firm that specializes in finances for private practice owners and mental health professionals. Founded by Daniel Rowe, a neurodivergent CPA and attorney, the firm crafts personalized tax strategies to help protect your finances and grow your profits. D.Rowe Tax works virtually with clients across the country and prides itself on its attention, proactiveness, and collaboration in optimizing your tax situation. Divergent Conversations listeners can visit DRoweCo.com to book a free initial consultation and to request a free schedule of common business tax deductions.

✨ The Autistic Burnout Workbook:

I'm Dr. Megan Anna Neff, owner of Neurodivergent Insights, and I'm excited to announce the release of my book, The Autistic Burnout Workbook. I'm running a special deal for those who support my work. After you order, you will get a coupon code that you can use toward our store for the same amount. For example, the workbook costs $18.99, so after purchase, you'd get a credit of $18.99 to use in our digital shop or in our Etsy shop, which gets you another digital workbook of your choosing for free. This is technically a pre-order promotion that was originally set to end on March 10th, but for listeners of the podcast, I'm going to extend this deal, so if you buy the book in the next month, you can also redeem this special. Thank you for supporting my work. It means so much to me and I hope that you will find this a helpful resource for you as you continue to build a life that is a bit more resilient to autistic burnout.

• Use the following link to grab this offer: neurodivergentinsights.notion.site/17ea17a4bb8b8034ab2bf9b03c560a64
• After this deal ends, you can use this link to purchase this workbook: simonandschuster.com/books/The-Autistic-Burnout-Workbook/Megan-Anna-Neff/9781507223062

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💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground

Divergent Conversations Underground is a space for messy conversations, real connection, and unfinished thoughts in a neurodivergent-affirming community. If you’d like to go deeper with us into more nuanced, searching conversations, join here: divergentconversations.substack.com

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Mentioned in this episode:

D.Rowe Co. (D.Rowe Tax)

D.Rowe Tax is a neurodivergent tax and estate planning firm that specializes in finances for private practice owners and mental health professionals. Founded by Daniel Rowe, a neurodivergent CPA and attorney, the firm crafts personalized tax strategies to help protect your finances and grow your profits. D.Rowe Tax works virtually with clients across the country and prides itself on its attention, proactiveness, and collaboration in optimizing your tax situation. Divergent Conversations listeners can visit DRoweCo.com to book a free initial consultation and to request a free schedule of common business tax deductions.

The Autistic Burnout Workbook

I'm Dr. Megan Anna Neff, owner of Neurodivergent Insights, and I'm excited to announce the release of my book, The Autistic Burnout Workbook. I'm running a special deal for those who support my work. After you order, you will get a coupon code that you can use toward our store for the same amount. For example, the workbook costs $18.99, so after purchase, you'd get a credit of $18.99 to use in our digital shop or in our Etsy shop, which gets you another digital workbook of your choosing for free. This is technically a pre-order promotion that was originally set to end on March 10th, but for listeners of the podcast, I'm going to extend this deal, so if you buy the book in the next month, you can also redeem this special. Thank you for supporting my work. It means so much to me and I hope that you will find this a helpful resource for you as you continue to build a life that is a bit more resilient to autistic burnout. Use the following link to grab this offer: https://neurodivergentinsights.notion.site/17ea17a4bb8b8034ab2bf9b03c560a64 After this deal ends, you can use this link to purchase this workbook: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Autistic-Burnout-Workbook/Megan-Anna-Neff/9781507223062

Landmark College

Landmark College is the world's first accredited college designed exclusively for students who learn differently. Landmark, located in Putney, Vermont, offers courses in person and online, awarding associate and bachelor's degrees, and offering pre-college, gap year, and professional development programs. With a student-to-faculty ratio of just 7 to 1, and the renowned Landmark College Institute for Research and Training, Landmark offers personalized and research-informed support for neurodivergent students that is not available at traditional colleges. Learn more about this opportunity at landmark.edu.

Betwixt

Betwixt isn't your typical mental health app. It's an immersive, interactive, story-based experience that turns self-exploration into an epic adventure. Helping to relieve anxiety, reduce stress, and improve self-awareness, Betwixt combines tools from therapy, psychology, and neuroscience in a way that is playful, creative, and imaginative. It's a mental health game that you can only win by solving the mysteries of your mind. The founders believe everyone deserves to live an epic story. That's why they made it their mission to keep the core app free for anyone who can't afford it. You can download Betwixt from any app store and start your own Epic inner journey today.