The Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast with Julie Bjelland

So many sensitive and neurodivergent people know the pain of trying to fit in, hiding parts of themselves to feel accepted. In this episode, we explore how our true power lies not in blending, but in embracing the unique way we see, feel, and sense the world. You’ll be invited to recognize your sensitivity as a natural design, a gift meant to connect you more deeply with life, others, and yourself.About Your HostsWillow McIntosh is a facilitator, international speaker, and founder of Inluminance. He specialises in facilitating Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), to recognise their innate High Sensory Intelligence® An ability to perceive truth of self in others and the energetic patterns at play in their environment. His area of expertise is training HSPs to align their work and purpose with these unique perceptual gifts. Having facilitated change and transformation in thousands of HSPs for more than 9 years, he is committed to bringing the importance of the trait into mainstream awareness globally. Learn more at inluminance.comJulie Bjelland, LMFTJulie is a psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She specializes in high sensitivity and the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype, offering compassionate support through consultations, adult autism assessments, self-paced courses, and a global community. Her work includes a top-ranked podcast reaching listeners in 190 countries and a globally followed blog. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation, Julie Bjelland, LMFT, and guest co-host Willow McIntosh explore why many sensitive and neurodivergent people—especially those with the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype—were never meant to “fit in.” Together, they share personal stories, clinical insights, and practical guidance on releasing the pressure to conform, reclaiming your authentic self, and honoring your natural needs. They discuss masking, nervous system care, the importance of intentional connection, and the unique role sensitive and autistic individuals play in creating a more compassionate world. Recorded live in the Sensitive Empowerment Community, this episode offers validation, encouragement, and a powerful reminder: your differences are your strengths, and the world needs your light.About Your HostsJulie Bjelland, LMFTJulie is a psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She specializes in high sensitivity and the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype, offering compassionate support through consultations, adult autism assessments, self-paced courses, and a global community. Her work includes a top-ranked podcast reaching listeners in 190 countries and a globally followed blog. Learn more at https://www.juliebjelland.com/Willow McIntoshWillow is a facilitator, international speaker, and founder of Inluminance. He specialises in facilitating Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), to recognise their innate High Sensory Intelligence® An ability to perceive truth of self in others and the energetic patterns at play in their environment. His area of expertise is training HSPs to align their work and purpose with these unique perceptual gifts. Having facilitated change and transformation in thousands of HSPs for more than 9 years, he is committed to bringing the importance of the trait into mainstream awareness globally. Learn more at http://inluminance.com/

In this episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal and profoundly urgent. After years of working with women around the world—especially sensitive and neurodivergent women—I’ve seen a heartbreaking pattern: a lack of belief in self, chronic disempowerment, silencing, medical dismissal, and burnout. And yet, it’s women who are most needed right now. We are the ones with the empathy, strength, and vision to rise and create change.I explore how gender bias in research has harmed women’s health, how reproductive rights are being stripped away, how trauma and unprocessed stress are impacting our bodies, and why so many of us have been conditioned to stay small.This episode is both a wake-up call and a collective invitation to rise—together.You’ll hear about:The epidemic of disempowerment and chronic illness in womenGender-based violence and the reasons survivors stay silentHow medical research has excluded women for decadesThe criminalization of miscarriage and reproductive injusticeThe impact of economic disempowerment and unpaid laborIntersectionality and why our liberation must include all womenMedical gaslighting and the misdiagnosis of sensitive, neurodivergent womenA vision for collective healing, empowerment, and actionIf you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, unseen, or unsure where to begin—this episode is for you. You are not alone. And you were never meant to do this alone.If you’re wondering what to do next, here are a few gentle first steps:Join my Sensitive Empowerment Community—a global space for education, connection, and healing. We rise stronger when we rise together.Explore one of my courses—I’ve created several to support you in burnout recovery, empowerment, and nervous system care.Work with me one-on-one—whether through coaching or consultation, I offer personalized support tailored to your needs.You can also explore a list of free resources available on my website. Remember, healing gives us the energy we need to take action in our lives and in the world. You don’t have to do this alone—and you were never meant to.I’d love to hear from you. Tell me how you’re taking care of your body and heart—and how we can rise above together.Let’s do this. Let’s make a difference. The world needs us now more than ever.Share This Episode If you found this episode helpful, please share it with your community. Together, we can help more people feel seen, supported, and empowered.Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She specializes in high sensitivity and adult-discovered autism and developed Sensitive Autistic Phenotype Assessments, which recognize the internal, high-masking traits often missed in traditional evaluations. Julie offers therapy, consultations, and autism assessments, and her global resources include online courses, a top-ranked podcast, and the Sensitive Empowerment Community. Her mission is to help sensitive and neurodivergent individuals thrive with self-understanding, compassion, and authenticity. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com.

In this deeply validating episode, Julie Bjelland, LMFT, explores 25 common traits within the sensitive autistic phenotype—a presentation of autism often overlooked in women and those socialized to mask. These traits offer insight into why so many highly sensitive people are discovering, often in adulthood, that they are actually autistic. If you’ve felt “different” your whole life or struggled to fit into neurotypical expectations, this episode may provide the clarity and self-compassion you’ve been seeking.Julie discusses topics such as:Feeling out of place, misunderstood, or “not quite right”Social anxiety and communication challengesSensory sensitivities and energy crashesBurnout, masking, and the impact of misdiagnosisDeep alone-time needs and strong emotional responses to injusticeYou’ll also hear more about Julie’s unique approach to autism assessments, her free autism quiz, and how you can access community support and resources.Resources Mentioned:💻 Free Autism Quiz📞 Schedule a Consultation or Diagnostic Assessment🧠 Discovering Autism as an Adult Course🤝 Adult-Discovered Autism Group (Free inside the Sensitive Empowerment Community)📘 Guide for Understanding Autism in WomenALL Autism Resources for the Sensitive Autistic PhenotypeShare This Episode If you found this episode helpful, please share it with your community. Together, we can help more people feel seen, supported, and empowered.Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She specializes in high sensitivity and adult-discovered autism and developed Sensitive Autistic Phenotype Assessments, which recognize the internal, high-masking traits often missed in traditional evaluations. Julie offers therapy, consultations, and autism assessments, and her global resources include online courses, a top-ranked podcast, and the Sensitive Empowerment Community. Her mission is to help sensitive and neurodivergent individuals thrive with self-understanding, compassion, and authenticity. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com.

We are all living in tumultuous times and it’s very easy to become overwhelmed. When our nervous system is out of balance, we are more likely to have heightened emotional responses to what’s going on around us.In this insightful interview, Dr Melanie Joy shares how highly sensitive people can experience dysregulation due to high empathy, weakened boundaries, taking on the responsibility to create harmonious relationships and perfectionist tendencies.Managing the intake of distressing media, challenges around co-parenting, difficult and intense conversations, diet and lifestyle are all discussed with helpful and practical strategies to help regulate the nervous system and keep us grounded and supported. Throughout the interview, Melanie shares a number of useful resources for guidance along the way.You can learn more about Melanie at https://www.melaniejoy.org Get more of Melanie's Resources on the podcast page of my website at HSPpodcast.com~If you find this podcast helpful, please consider rating and sharing it with others so more sensitive and neurodivergent people can find it. I hope you'll consider joining our kindhearted family and our sensitive empowerment community where we host regular live events and meet and greets where you can make kind-hearted friends around the world, visit SensitiveCommunity.com

I focus on the concept of “glimmers”—those fleeting, positive moments that provide hope when life feels overwhelming. As someone who identifies as highly sensitive and neurodivergent, I share personal stories of grief, self-reflection, and the practical ways I train my brain to notice and savor moments of joy or relief. You’ll learn how cultivating glimmers can help regulate the nervous system, ease anxiety, and create anchors of stability and hope during challenging times.Resources Mentioned Sensitive Empowerment Community: A safe space to share experiences and connect with peers who “get it.” One-on-One Sessions: Personalized video sessions with me from anywhere in the world. Online Courses: Seven courses designed to help sensitive and neurodivergent people reduce challenges and thrive. Practitioner Directory: Find therapists and coaches experienced in high sensitivity and neurodivergence. Free Self-Compassion Video: A simple technique for building kindness toward yourself. Website: Click the menu to explore all my resources in one place. Newsletter: Get gentle reminders, supportive insights, and special discounts. Guided Meditations: Explore guided meditations and more episodes on self-compassion, emotional regulation, and empowerment.

This episode dives into the concept of the “sensitive autistic phenotype,” highlighting how many highly sensitive adults are discovering they are autistic later in life. The discussion emphasizes the need to view autism holistically, recognizing the intersection with gender, race, and other identities, and focuses on strength-based approaches and self-advocacy for better well-being. Emerging Perspective on Autism: Understanding why highly sensitive individuals may not have fit the classic autism stereotypes. Defining the Sensitive Autistic Phenotype: Emotional, sensory, and social sensitivity as core traits. Why This Matters: The importance of accurate identification for adults who’ve felt misunderstood, and the new approaches practitioners can take. Myths About Empathy: Correcting the misconception that autistic people lack empathy; in fact, many experience heightened empathy. Masking and Burnout: Exploring how camouflaging natural behaviors leads to exhaustion and long-term health impacts. The Double Empathy Problem: Shifting from ‘deficit’ to ‘difference’ in communication styles between autistic and non-autistic people. Self-Advocacy and Support: Practical tips on recognizing internal cues, using accommodations, balancing stimulation, and thriving within a society not set up for sensitive needs. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Video Autism Assessments Global Consultations: Available via video, phone, or live text chat. Autism Resources: research, education, articles, podcast episodes, and more. Online Courses: Explore six courses designed for sensitive and neurodivergent individuals. Autism Group within the Sensitive Empowerment Community: A supportive space for connection and thriving. Julie Bjelland, LMFT A consultant and specialist in high-sensitivity and late-discovered autism. A neurodivergent psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment, Julie is passionate about guiding sensitive and neurodivergent individuals to reduce challenges, improve their mental and physical health, flourish to their fullest potential, and embrace their authentic selves. Through her global support hub, Julie provides online courses, a supportive community, a podcast, articles, and webinars—all thoughtfully designed to reduce overwhelm, balance the sensitive nervous system, and foster resilience. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Julie is devoted to creating safe, inclusive spaces where differences are celebrated and strengths are fully embraced. Discover more at JulieBjelland.com.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the powerful topic of sensory sensitivity and sensory overload, exploring how these experiences shape our lives and impact our wellness. Episode Highlights: What is sensory sensitivity, and why do neurodivergent individuals experience it? The challenges of sensory overwhelm and its physical and emotional effects. Examples of sensory overload in everyday life, from coffee shops to social events. The long-term health impacts of repeated sensory overwhelm. Practical tools and strategies to manage sensory challenges. Embracing sensory joy and reframing sensitivity as a strength. Listener questions, including topics like sensory overload with age and how sensitivities vary among individuals. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Free Autism Quiz Video Autism Assessments Global Consultations: Available via video, phone, or live text chat. Online Courses: Explore six courses designed for sensitive and neurodivergent individuals. Sensitive Empowerment Community: A supportive space for connection and thriving. Free Webinars, including Sensory Overload and How to Set Healthy Boundaries. Support the Podcast:If you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a moment to review and share it. Your support helps us reach listeners in over 188 countries and continue to spread awareness and empowerment. Connect with Me:Website: JulieBjelland.comJoin the conversation in our Sensitive Empowerment Community! Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a consultant and specialist in high-sensitivity and late-discovered autism. A neurodivergent psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment, Julie is passionate about guiding sensitive and neurodivergent individuals to reduce challenges, improve their mental and physical health, flourish to their fullest potential, and embrace their authentic selves. Through her global support hub, Julie provides online courses, a supportive community, a podcast, articles, and webinars—all thoughtfully designed to reduce overwhelm, balance the sensitive nervous system, and foster resilience. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Julie is devoted to creating safe, inclusive spaces where differences are celebrated and strengths are fully embraced. Discover more at JulieBjelland.com.

In this episode, Julie Bjelland explores the life-changing experience of discovering you're autistic as an adult. She shares personal insights and stories from others who have embarked on this journey, highlighting the emotional and physical costs of masking, the unique traits of late-discovered autism, and the power of finally understanding yourself. Julie discusses common challenges faced by autistic individuals, including sensory sensitivities, chronic health issues, and societal misconceptions. She also provides strategies for unmasking, embracing your authentic self, and finding supportive communities. Julie encourages listeners to embrace neurodiversity, honor their needs, and connect with others on the same path. Resources like the Sensitive Empowerment Community and the Autistic Women’s Group are available to support listeners on their journey. What You’ll Learn: Key traits and experiences of late-discovered autistic adults The emotional and physical toll of masking Why autistic individuals are often misdiagnosed The importance of sensory accommodations and honoring your needs Strategies to embrace authenticity and build genuine connections Resources Mentioned: Autism Assessments and Consultations⁠ with Julie Bjelland Course: Discovering You’re Autistic as an Adult helps you process the experience and provides scripts to help you talk about it with people and share it with mental health and medical practitioners. (self-paced) Sensitive Empowerment Community – A safe space for sensitive and neurodivergent people Autistic Women’s Group – Connect with others on this journey Connect with Julie:Visit JulieBjelland.com for resources, courses, and support. Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a consultant and specialist in high-sensitivity and late-discovered autism. A neurodivergent psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment, Julie is passionate about guiding sensitive and neurodivergent individuals to reduce challenges, improve their mental and physical health, flourish to their fullest potential, and embrace their authentic selves. Through her global support hub, Julie provides online courses, a supportive community, a podcast, articles, and webinars—all thoughtfully designed to reduce overwhelm, balance the sensitive nervous system, and foster resilience. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Julie is devoted to creating safe, inclusive spaces where differences are celebrated and strengths are fully embraced. Discover more at JulieBjelland.com.

In this episode, Julie Bjelland explores the powerful parallels between biodiversity in nature and neurodiversity in humanity. Discover how every unique mind contributes to the resilience, innovation, and balance of our world, much like every species plays a vital role in thriving ecosystems. Julie dives into: The lessons biodiversity teaches us about neurodiversity. How rigid societal norms stifle creativity and harm neurodivergent individuals. Why embracing and supporting neurodivergent people is essential for a resilient society. Practical ways to create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. Learn how we can collectively create a world that celebrates and supports neurodiversity as a vital strength. Resources Mentioned: Consultations: Individual, practitioner, and business support. Visit https://www.juliebjelland.com/consultations-with-julie The Sensitive Empowerment Community: A global space for sensitive and neurodivergent individuals, offering events, discussions, and a sense of belonging. https://www.juliebjelland.com/sensitive-empowerment-community Courses: Discovering Your Autistic Identity as an Adult. https://www.juliebjelland.com/discovering-youre-autistic-as-an-adult All Courses: https://www.juliebjelland.com/hsp-online-courses Guide to Understanding Autism in Women https://www.juliebjelland.com/understanding-autism-in-women-online-guide All Autism Resources: https://www.juliebjelland.com/autistichsp Free Resources: Blogs, articles, podcasts, and research at JulieBjelland.com. Take Action:If you enjoyed this episode, please like, review, subscribe, and share it to help spread awareness and create a world where neurodiversity is celebrated. Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a consultant and specialist in high-sensitivity and late-discovered autism. A neurodivergent psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment, Julie is passionate about guiding sensitive and neurodivergent individuals to reduce challenges, improve their mental and physical health, flourish to their fullest potential, and embrace their authentic selves. Through her global support hub, Julie provides online courses, a supportive community, a podcast, articles, and webinars—all thoughtfully designed to reduce overwhelm, balance the sensitive nervous system, and foster resilience. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Julie is devoted to creating safe, inclusive spaces where differences are celebrated and strengths are fully embraced. Discover more at JulieBjelland.com.