Experts discuss sensory meltdowns and shutdowns, sharing personal experiences and coping strategies. They explore triggers, self-care, and navigating overwhelming environments for a harmonious interaction with the world.

Explore the relief and grief of later-in-life neurodivergent diagnoses with therapist Jamie Roberts. Discover the nuances of neurodivergent identities, unmasking, and setting boundaries for authenticity. Dive into the emotional complexities and balance of relief and grief post-diagnosis. Embrace self-discovery and liberation, finding community and normalizing experiences within the autistic culture. Unveil dyslexia normalization and therapeutic practices for personal growth and acceptance.

Join Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff as they chat with Tiffany Hammond about the intricate landscape of autism advocacy. Explore the debate over autism symbols, dive into diverse Autistic experiences, and learn about Tiffany's journey through advocacy bridging storytelling and education for genuine societal change.

Explore the connection between neurodivergence and addiction, challenging clean recovery narratives. Discover strategies for coping with emotional avoidance and regulating emotions. Learn about harm reduction, community, and the importance of connection in addiction recovery.

Many neurodivergent people grew up with the feeling of being different, not belonging, and some even feeling like the world was against them. They may have also received painful labels like, “challenging,” “too much,” and “not enough,” among others.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Dayna Abraham, ADHDer, national board educator, author, and parenting specialist for neurodivergent children, about how to bridge the gap between parents and children who don’t yet understand neurodivergence by meeting parents where they are with language and narrative so that they can access the information they need to start to see their kids for who they are.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Understand the importance of bridging gaps in awareness and education, as well as the need for compassion, understanding, and advocacy for neurodivergent individuals to challenge and change conventional attitudes and systems. Learn how to shift from fault to needs and values when parenting a neurodivergent child so that parents can recognize and understand children's needs, as well as foster a support-based approach instead of fault-based parenting. Hear the personal experiences of Patrick, Dr. Neff, and Dayna as they highlight their own experiences as children who were given the label of “challenging,” as well as the perspective of Dayna and Dr. Neff who now fill the role of the parent. It’s only in more recent years that people have started to talk about and explore neurodiversity, so the gap that we now have to bridge to educate and advocate is still large. It’s important to offer parents of neurodivergent children the resources they need to challenge themselves to view and approach their children differently.Pre-Order Self-Care For Autistic People: Dr. Neff is running a promotional this month. If you pre-order Self-Care for Autistic People you will also get a free digital workbook through Neurodivergent Insights. To learn more about this sign up here: newsletter.neurodivergentinsights.com/self-care——————————————————————————————————🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube—————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsor: The Receptionist for iPad ✨ The Receptionist for iPad:I would also like to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option. Mentioned in this episode:Hurricane Relief for WNC communitiesThis money will go to nonprofits who are boots on the ground. It will go to struggling individuals who do not have enough money for gas to get out, or who do not have enough money to provide their basic needs right now. Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc

Learn about the importance of reflection and intention setting, understanding workaholism and boundaries. Discover how to evaluate areas of your life that fill or drain your cup, and hear the hosts' plans for 2024. Reflect on what to include or remove from your life for better balance.

Would you describe the way you feel as you walk through the world as having raw, exposed nerve endings? Or would you say that you just flow through the world able to smoothly transition throughout to day to handle whatever comes your way?In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Jennifer Agee, a neurotypical mental health professional, about her experience moving through the world as a neurotypical in comparison to the experiences of autistic individuals.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Understand some of the ways allistic neurotypicals might experience small talk, context cues, and pivot in social situations. Identify the ways in which neurodiverse couples communicate and adjust for sensory needs so that both partners can have their needs fulfilled. Hear some personal stories from Patrick, Dr. Neff, and Jennifer about how they experience travel, dating, marriage, and daily life in different ways. We want to give this disclaimer that this episode only highlights the experience of one neurotypical person, but it still gives a glimpse into the unique ways that various neurotypes experience the world.More about Jennifer Agee:Jennifer is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, Professional Entrepreneurial Retreat Host and Coach, host of the "Sh*t You Wish You Learned in Grad School" podcast, an internationally known speaker, and owner of Counseling Community, Inc. and Counseling Community KC. Jennifer stepped away from seeing clients in January 2023 and is now focused full time on clinical supervision, strategic business coaching, leading retreats and continuing education. Jennifer is a mental health regional spokesperson for a national healthcare company and pursues entrepreneurial opportunities utilizing her educational and therapeutic training to benefit the community in non "butt in seat" ways. She has a passion for helping therapists not only become excellent clinicians but solid practice owners. Jennifer’s Website: https://counselingcommunity.com  Jennifer’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/destination.ce.retreats  Jennifer’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselingcommunity ——————————————————————————————————🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube—————————————————————————————————— Mentioned in this episode:Hurricane Relief for WNC communitiesThis money will go to nonprofits who are boots on the ground. It will go to struggling individuals who do not have enough money for gas to get out, or who do not have enough money to provide their basic needs right now. Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc

Dr. Donna Henderson, a non-Autistic ADHDer psychologist, shares her ADHD experience and discusses the overlap between ADHD and autism. Topics include executive functioning, sensitivity, self-care, and relationship dynamics. Explore the diverse perspectives of ADHDers and gain insights into navigating neurodivergent labels and social interactions.

Dr. Mel Houser, an autistic family physician, discusses the intersection of neurodivergent experiences and chronic health conditions. Topics include ME/CFS, mast cell activation syndrome, struggles with the healthcare system, and becoming a detective in your own life.

Finding a neurodivergent affirmative therapist is important for individuals who are Autistic, have ADHD, or have another diagnosis.However, it isn't always easy to connect with a therapist who is willing to explore their client's special interests, even though it can help them feel more comfortable and relaxed during therapy sessions.There are some therapists out there who shy away from or just don't understand neurodivergent minds and thinking, despite what claims may be on their profiles, which can make finding the right therapist a challenge.But neurodivergent affirmative therapists are out there. You just need to know what to look for.If you are looking for a neurodivergent affirmative therapist and aren't sure where to start, then this episode is for you.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Learn how and where to find a neurodivergent affirmative therapist who can support your unique needs. Identify what to look for and expect in a neurodivergent affirmative therapist and what therapy modalities are generally most helpful for autistic and ADHD individuals. Identify some common misconceptions about what kind of therapy works best for neurodivergent folks, as well as hear about Megan and Patrick's personal experiences. Remember, finding a neurodivergent affirmative therapist can be a challenge, but with the right tools and information, it's absolutely achievable. Keep advocating for yourself, and know that healing and overcoming shame and stigma related to seeking therapy is a testament to your strength and resilience.Additional Resources:Check out these resources on Megan's website: neurodivergentinsights.com/resources ——————————————————————————————————🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube—————————————————————————————————— Mentioned in this episode:Hurricane Relief for WNC communitiesThis money will go to nonprofits who are boots on the ground. It will go to struggling individuals who do not have enough money for gas to get out, or who do not have enough money to provide their basic needs right now. Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc