Divergent Conversations

Explore the complexities of Autistic burnout recovery through personal struggles and practical strategies. The hosts share strategies like boundary-setting and creating safe spaces, showcasing the importance of self-awareness and agency. Discover how animals can enhance mental well-being, along with innovative community-building ideas. They candidly discuss the emotional depth of recovery, navigating sensory sensitivities, and the pressures of writing a workbook. Join them for a relatable and insightful journey toward healing and empowerment.

Dive into the challenges of living with Autistic burnout, where perpetual sensory overload meets daily life. Discover the nuanced differences between Autistic burnout and depression, illustrated through personal stories. The hosts share their amusing take on navigating a fictional 'burnout city,' highlighting both the humor and hardship of chronic exhaustion. Listeners gain insight into recognizing burnout triggers and the importance of self-advocacy amidst the chaos, all while receiving practical advice for better mental well-being.

Navigating higher education as a neurodivergent student can often feel isolating and overwhelming in a system not designed for neurodivergent minds. For many, finding an affirming academic environment that truly recognizes and supports neurodivergent strengths, and not just challenges, can be life-changing.In this episode, Patrick Casale, an AuDHD mental health professional, sits down with Dr. Adam Lalor, educational psychologist and Vice President for Neurodiversity Research and Innovation at Landmark College — the first college in the world designed solely for students with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, and executive function challenges. They explore what makes Landmark’s approach to neurodiversity-affirming education unique, discuss the limitations of traditional post-secondary institutions, and share tangible insights about fostering inclusive, supportive environments that honor neurodivergent culture and identity.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:Gain a firsthand look inside Landmark College, a groundbreaking institution built for neurodivergent students, and learn practical ways higher education can shift toward inclusivity, including sensory accommodations and universal design.Hear vulnerable, relatable stories from Patrick and Adam about the often-traumatic realities of navigating college as a neurodivergent person and how trauma-informed, affirming spaces can help restore the joy of learning.Discover actionable advice for families, educators, and neurodivergent students on self-advocacy, accessing accommodations, and nurturing strengths—not just remediating deficits—in academic and personal growth.If you or a loved one has struggled to fit into traditional education or wondered what truly affirming, neurodivergent-centered learning can look like, this episode will inspire and empower you to seek out or create spaces where neurodiverse minds can thrive. Gain insight, validation, and hope for a more inclusive academic future.About Adam Lalor:Adam R. Lalor, Ph.D. is an educational psychologist and Vice President for Neurodiversity Research and Innovation at Landmark College. His research focuses on the college success and transition of neurodivergent and disabled college students. Dr. Lalor is co-author of the book From Disability to Diversity: College Success for Students with Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder and co-editor of the forthcoming book The New Accessibility in Higher Education: Disrupting the System for an Inclusive Future, scheduled to be released this summer by Oxford University Press. He serves in leadership capacities within the Association on Higher Education and Disability, College Autism Network, Learning Disabilities Association of America, and National Center for Learning Disabilities.LC Online’s Learning Differences and Neurodiversity (LDN) certificate is an online, postbaccalaureate professional development program for educators and professionals who work with students with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities such as dyslexia, or executive function challenges.The program uniquely integrates current research findings with evidence-based practices, classroom strategies, and technologies. Courses offer graduate credit and the convenience of online learning, as well as the opportunity to interact with an engaged cohort through video conferences and discussions. Learn more here: landmark.edu/certificateLearn more about Landmark College here: landmark.edu————————————————————————————————🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground————————————————————————————————Thanks to Our Sponsor: Jane✨ Jane:Jane is a clinic management software and EMR designed to be an extra set of helping hands in your health and wellness business. Available online and on any device, Jane has branded online booking, scheduling, insurance billing, customizable documentation templates and online forms, integrated payments, telehealth, and more — wrapped up in one beautiful package that even your patients/clients will love. Backed by our unlimited human support available by phone, email, and chat (even on Saturdays!), Jane is here to help you get back to the work you love. Get 2 months off new Jane subscriptions when you use code DCPOD at signup. Visit: janesoftware.partnerlinks.io/divergentconversations✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout ResourcesIf you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources————————————————————————————————💬 Join Divergent Conversations UndergroundDivergent 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————————————————————————————————Mentioned in this episode:JaneJane is a clinic management software and EMR designed to be an extra set of helping hands in your health and wellness business. Available online and on any device, Jane has branded online booking, scheduling, insurance billing, customizable documentation templates and online forms, integrated payments, telehealth, and more — wrapped up in one beautiful package that even your patients/clients will love. Backed by our unlimited human support available by phone, email, and chat (even on Saturdays!), Jane is here to help you get back to the work you love. Get 2 months off new Jane subscriptions when you use code DCPOD at signup. Visit: https://janesoftware.partnerlinks.io/divergentconversationsNeurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout ResourcesIf you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources

Exploring the intersection of wellness and neurodivergence, this discussion dives into the inadequacies of traditional health advice. It highlights creative adaptations like low-executive-function meal prep and sensory-aware shopping tips. The speakers share personal experiences with emotional challenges related to nutrition and the struggle of seeking help. They emphasize self-compassion and visual cues as tools for simplifying wellness routines. Engaging insights reflect on the importance of personalized approaches and community support for authentic living.

Explore the limitations of conventional wellness tips and why they often miss the mark for neurodivergent individuals. Personal stories reveal the emotional impact of oversimplified advice, and practical adaptations are shared for mindfulness and gratitude. Discover unique insights about sensory experiences and the complexities of traditional practices like bathing. The conversation highlights the need for tailored strategies that respect diverse processing styles, aiming for authentic well-being in everyday life.

This conversation explores the healing power of humor and its intricate relationship with mental health. The hosts share candid stories about using laughter to navigate the complexities of ADHD and OCD. They discuss how playfulness fosters self-acceptance, helping to alleviate shame. The transformative role of shared humor in strengthening connections, particularly among neurodivergent individuals, is highlighted. They also touch on the ethics of authenticity in content creation and the importance of community in finding joy amidst life's challenges.

The hosts dive into how creativity anchors our humanity, especially for neurodivergent individuals. They share personal stories about finding flow in creativity and how play and movement can reignite that spark. Discussions on the bittersweet interplay of joy and grief in emotions highlight the complexity of human experiences. There's a focus on the transformative power of community and connection, and how these relationships, alongside artistic expression, can provide healing and meaning in challenging times.

Dive into the world of neurodivergent connections with insightful discussions on the nuances of online and in-person communities. Discover practical strategies for finding supportive spaces and the importance of belonging. The hosts candidly share their personal experiences navigating the complexities of relationships and community burnout. Explore the challenges of social dynamics and how shared adversity can foster growth. Humorously reflecting on the journey, they emphasize the significance of emotional connections and inclusion in building vibrant communities.

Explore the unique challenges neurodivergent individuals face in today’s digital landscape. The conversation covers mindful media consumption, with practical tools for setting boundaries with technology. Laughter and authenticity emerge as vital components of wellness, with dark humor highlighted as a coping mechanism. The importance of meaningful community connections and embracing joy in daily life is emphasized, offering strategies for intentional living amidst digital overwhelm.

Grieving the loss of a beloved pet or navigating collective trauma can feel overwhelming, especially for neurodivergent individuals who experience heightened attachment and sensitivity. This episode highlights the raw realities of grief, loss, and emotional processing, and explores the complexities unique to neurodivergent wellness journeys.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the challenges of navigating grief—particularly pet loss—while managing the heightened sensitivities and emotional intensity common among Autistic and ADHD adults. They talk about how grief impacts daily life, the importance of ritual, attunement in relationships, the role of animal companionship, and how the neurodivergent experience can complicate or intensify the grieving process.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:Understand the unique ways neurodivergent grief manifests, including sensory and attachment factors, and gather validation for experiences that may not be widely recognized or understood by neurotypical circles.Learn pragmatic strategies for processing grief—including rituals, attunement with supportive friends, setting boundaries, and balancing self-compassion with the demands of social expectations.Explore the intersection of collective trauma, emotional wellness, and coping in a world full of ongoing stressors, with candid advice on when to lean into hard feelings and when to step back for necessary self-preservation.For individuals navigating loss, especially through a neurodivergent lens, this episode offers insight, solidarity, and practical support. Remember that honoring your unique grief journey is vital—and that connection, self-compassion, and community are essential parts of healing.————————————————————————————————🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground————————————————————————————————Thanks to Our Sponsor: Jane✨ Jane:Jane is a clinic management software and EMR designed to be an extra set of helping hands in your health and wellness business. Available online and on any device, Jane has branded online booking, scheduling, insurance billing, customizable documentation templates and online forms, integrated payments, telehealth, and more — wrapped up in one beautiful package that even your patients/clients will love. Backed by our unlimited human support available by phone, email, and chat (even on Saturdays!), Jane is here to help you get back to the work you love. Get 2 months off new Jane subscriptions when you use code DCPOD at signup. Visit: janesoftware.partnerlinks.io/divergentconversations✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout ResourcesIf you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources————————————————————————————————💬 Join Divergent Conversations UndergroundDivergent 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————————————————————————————————Mentioned in this episode:JaneJane is a clinic management software and EMR designed to be an extra set of helping hands in your health and wellness business. Available online and on any device, Jane has branded online booking, scheduling, insurance billing, customizable documentation templates and online forms, integrated payments, telehealth, and more — wrapped up in one beautiful package that even your patients/clients will love. Backed by our unlimited human support available by phone, email, and chat (even on Saturdays!), Jane is here to help you get back to the work you love. Get 2 months off new Jane subscriptions when you use code DCPOD at signup. Visit: https://janesoftware.partnerlinks.io/divergentconversationsNeurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout ResourcesIf you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources