269 No Room for In-Between: Literal Thinking and Communication Ruptures

Nov 11, 2025

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No Room for In-Between: Literal Thinking and Communication Ruptures

In this raw and honest episode, Patricia (she/her) shares her ongoing challenges with neurodivergent miscommunication, community rupture, and the emotional toll of being misunderstood. From neighborhood conflicts to horse training lessons, from cancel culture to navigating friendships and travel as an autistic person, Patricia opens up about the messy, contradictory realities of life, belonging, and growth. Listeners will walk away feeling less alone in their struggles with relationships, self-advocacy, and embracing both discomfort and joy.

WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE

· Why Patricia didn't want to record this episode—and why she did anyway

· The ongoing story of neighborhood rupture and the painful dynamics of miscommunication

· How neurodivergent communication differences play into misunderstanding and conflict

· The discomfort of being misunderstood as an autistic person who values precision and exactness

· The struggle of wanting repair but receiving ongoing hurtful communication instead

· Recognizing when "these are not our people" and finding peace in letting go

· Cancel culture: when it's useful, when it's harmful, and Patricia's lived perspective

· How language change matters—and conversations with her husband about accountability in speech

· The empowerment that comes from horse training and facing fear with big draft horses

· Lessons from working with animals: calm presence, assertiveness, and learning new leadership skills

· Navigating differences in friendships around money, dining, and travel

· The autistic push-pull between craving sameness and being invited into novelty

· Strategies for managing overwhelm when faced with too many choices or new experiences

· How safe friendships allow for authenticity and unmasking

· The sadness and privilege of having barriers to change, novelty, and travel—and finding supportive companions

· Building resilience through small trial runs and intentional fun

· The importance of bumping up against resistance to live a fuller, lighter life

· Patricia's reflections on aging, matching tattoos with her kids, and wanting to add more joy

SOUND BITES

· There are times when we need to speak up, and there are times when we need to let people misunderstand us and sit with the discomfort."

· "If you're autistic, precision and exactness are high values—being misunderstood can feel unbearable."

· "This isn't personal. This is about neurodivergent miscommunication. And that gave me relief—at least for a little while."

· "I'm more than two-thirds through my life, and I want to whip it up a little bit. If you're going to do some fun stuff, you better do it soon."

· "Sensitivity is nothing to apologize for. You are perfect exactly as you are in a world not made for us."

SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT'S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED

You are not broken. You were shaped by systems that weren't built for you. You deserve rest, joy, and support exactly as you are.

TOPICS COVERED (please adjust for addition of introduction)

00:00 Navigating Neurodivergent Communication Challenges

09:40 The Impact of Cancel Culture on Relationships

19:11 Finding Community and Connection

25:07 Embracing Change and Personal Growth

PODCAST HOST

Patricia Young (she/her) 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 podcasts Unapologetically Sensitive and Unapologetically AuDHD 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

Patricia's website, podcast episodes and more: www.unapologeticallysensitive.com

LINKS

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Music-- Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com