Divergent Conversations

By exploring biopsychosocial aspects of life, it can become easier to understand our nervous systems from a holistic perspective offering more options to improve our quality of life with simple and manageable changes.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, explore the biopsychosocial aspects of chronic fatigue and long COVID, and how these affect one's social life and overall health through the lens of Megan’s experiences.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:Learn about realistic and attainable goal-setting to overall health using a biopsychosocial approach, highlighting why it's important to avoid extremes and embrace small, achievable changes.Gain insight into how personal struggles and professional advice sometimes contradict, as well as discover a more holistic perspective that underscores the importance of authenticity.Discover the psychological and biological dimensions of Megan’s chronic fatigue and long COVID, and how these affect her social life and overall health.As you listen, consider how you can apply these discussions to your own life, setting realistic goals and fostering a sense of balance. Make self-care a priority, and remember that small, positive changes can create ripple effects that significantly enhance your mental and physical health.DISCLAIMER: This episode is not intended as medical advice.Resources:Biopsychosocial Venn Diagram Download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W8zJvBOcokPqW2OIi70hIhlqmJcowdKA/view?usp=sharing————————————————————————————————🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTubeMentioned in this episode:The Autistic Burnout WorkbookI'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

A lot can be learned about our nervous system and needs by looking at biopsychosocial aspects of life.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, explore the biopsychosocial aspects of sleep and how they intersect with mental health through the lens of Patrick’s experiences.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:Gain insight into Patrick Casale's ongoing battle with sleep issues, from his childhood to the present day, and learn how various factors—like sleep environment, hydration habits, and caffeine intake—impact his nights.Hear Dr. Neff's expert advice on practical strategies for better sleep, including the use of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) and small, manageable changes that can make a big difference over time.Understand the biopsychosocial dimensions of sleep disturbances, including how stress, rumination, and hypervigilance can disrupt your rest, and discover methods to counter these challenges through visualization and grounding exercises.If you struggle with sleep, consider doing a biopsychosocial assessment for yourself, and find the small changes you can implement to improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.DISCLAIMER: This episode is not intended as medical advice.Resources:Patrick’s Biopsychosocial Venn Diagram Download: drive.google.com/file/d/1W5SwQ1x3gmEc6fnpVyMjhPUfzFwI2A07/view?usp=sharingBiopsychosocial Venn Diagram Download: drive.google.com/file/d/1W8zJvBOcokPqW2OIi70hIhlqmJcowdKA/view?usp=sharingSleep Resource (Neurodivergent Article): neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/autism-adhd-and-sleepSleep Workbook (Neurodivergent Insights): neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/sleep (Use Code: DCPOD for 25% off)————————————————————————————————🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTubeMentioned in this episode:The Autistic Burnout WorkbookI'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

Dr. Megan Anna Neff, a mental health professional specializing in neurodivergent experiences, joins Patrick Casale to tackle the complex world of chronic health issues. They share their personal battles and emphasize a biopsychosocial approach, illustrating how biological, psychological, and social factors intertwine. Listeners will gain practical strategies for managing symptoms like depression and chronic pain, the importance of setting achievable goals, and how lifestyle choices can significantly impact well-being. It's an enlightening conversation packed with insights and encouragement.

Maureen Werrbach, a neurodivergent entrepreneur and founder of The Group Practice Exchange, shares her insights on navigating personal identity while managing a business. The conversation touches on the power of vulnerability and the importance of authenticity in professional settings. They discuss the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in leadership roles and the intersection of social justice with personal values. Reflecting on their experiences, the speakers emphasize the transformative journey of embracing one's true self amidst societal expectations.

Yunetta Smith, a licensed clinician and trauma expert, shares her insights on emotional awareness for neurodivergent entrepreneurs. She highlights how naming emotions can transform personal experiences and reduce stress. The conversation dives into her innovative EMDR work, making mental health resources more accessible for marginalized communities. Yunetta emphasizes the importance of understanding internal struggles behind perceived success and how emotional resilience can enhance both well-being and entrepreneurial growth.

Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, a licensed clinical social worker and entrepreneur, dives into the unique challenges faced by ADHD entrepreneurs. She shares real-life stories about managing rejection sensitivity and burnout while offering practical emotional regulation tips. The conversation covers strategies to enhance executive functioning, like the ADHD buddy system and effective delegation. Gabrielle also emphasizes exploring diverse revenue streams and balancing creativity with organization in business. Tune in for actionable insights and personal reflections!

Corey Wilks, a psychologist and executive coach, shares his expertise on neurodivergent entrepreneurship. He discusses the psychological hurdles faced by these innovators and how aligning personal values with business practices can prevent burnout. Corey introduces the 'availability paradox' concept, helping entrepreneurs make intentional choices. He emphasizes the importance of supportive relationships and the 'quiet ego' for enhancing life satisfaction. Personal stories highlight the balance between autonomy and self-imposed pressures, offering insights for long-term fulfillment.

Join Patrick Casale, a mental health professional focused on neurodivergent challenges, and Dr. Neff, an AuDHD expert, as they explore the unique journey of neurodivergent entrepreneurs. They dive into balancing creativity and structure to combat burnout, highlight the importance of values in business decisions, and discuss the role of failure as a learning experience. The conversation is both enlightening and relatable, touching on the emotional complexities of entrepreneurship and offering practical tips for maintaining mental well-being while pursuing passions.

Patrick Casale, a mental health professional focused on neurodivergence, and Dr. Neff, an AuDHD expert, tackle pressing questions from their community. They debate the damaging oversimplification of saying 'everyone is a little bit autistic.' The duo emphasizes the power of identity-first language while discussing the nuances of terminology around neurodivergence. They also share the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent therapists and offer practical tips for avoiding burnout in the profession, reinforcing the idea that support is crucial on this journey.

It’s natural to have a flood of questions following neurodivergent discovery, diagnosis, or while embracing a new identity. Additionally, there are individuals who might not identify as neurodivergent but just have curiosity about the very nuanced conversations happening in and around the neurodivergent community.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, respond to questions they have received from podcast listeners and their communities.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:Hear Dr. Neff and Patrick share their “surprising” experiences and personal growth as podcast hosts, including overcoming anxiety, balancing preparation and spontaneity, working on relational aspects of podcasting, establishing and honoring boundaries, finding confidence, and more.Gain insights into the late autism diagnosis journey, including common identity development processes like unmasking, exploring gender and sexuality, and how this affects relationships, as well as advice for communicating your diagnosis to friends and family, managing their reactions, and deciding when and how to educate others.Learn about the legal and medical implications of an autism diagnosis, the genetic factors, and how understanding family history can provide deeper insights into your own neurodivergence.Your inquiries are invaluable, not just to you, but to countless others facing similar challenges. We will continue to have episodes like this in the future, so we appreciate your questions to help guide these future episodes.——————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTubeMentioned in this episode:The Autistic Burnout WorkbookI'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