For individuals who've wondered if they are autistic (or know they are but haven't been formally diagnosed), it can be a complex journey to first decide whether or not to seek a formal autism diagnosis and then to learn how to restructure the way they see and interact with the world.Getting diagnosed and embracing yourself as autistic can feel like tearing down a wall (or removing your mask). And you can finally see yourself clearly, but so can everyone else.You might feel relief, you might feel grief, you might feel like you don't know what to do next, so if you're trying to decide if you want to get a formal diagnosis, then this episode is for you.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Hear 2 different diagnosis stories from Megan and Patrick, including a before and after look at the way they showed up in the world. Understand the many different ways that autism presents and is perceived across different ages, gender, race, and other backgrounds. Identify what it means to unmask and how to do it for yourself. There are many misconceptions and cultural stereotypes around autism that make a misdiagnosis or complete overlooking of autism very common. Even Patrick and Megan didn't get diagnosed until adulthood.If you are wondering about a diagnosis for yourself, a family member, etc., then hopefully these stories can help you find the answers for you.——————————————————————————————————🎙️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

Explore the concept of autistic burnout and its impact on sensory sensitivities. Understand the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the workplace. Discover coping mechanisms for managing autistic burnout and ADHD. Learn about the importance of self-care and setting boundaries.

Discover the complexities of neurodivergent attachment styles and relationships as Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff share personal stories and insights. Learn about unique challenges, sensory impacts, and the importance of communication in fostering healthy connections.

Explore the challenges of navigating the holiday season as neurodivergent individuals. Learn strategies for managing stress, setting boundaries, and finding moments of connection. Discover the importance of releasing expectations and embracing individual experiences.

Sandra Coral, somatic therapist, founder of Neurodivergent Narratives, discusses the impact of labels on neurodivergent individuals and the use of somatic therapy. Topics include narratives, empowerment through personal exploration, the significance of somatic work, interpreting behaviors in educational settings, and navigating privilege and power.

Dr. Megan Anna Neff, a mental health professional specializing in AuDHD, joins Patrick Casale to dive deep into rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD). They explore how RSD is masked and its profound effects on shame and connection. The conversation also highlights the links between RSD, PMDD, and different perspectives from ADHD and autistic individuals. Plus, they share practical strategies for managing RSD to foster a nurturing environment and emphasize the importance of understanding core needs to break the cycle of shame.

If you struggle with rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), navigating social media can be complicated. Social media is both a place where many neurodivergent individuals are able to find connection and be seen, but it can also be a place where impulsivity and reactiveness can run rampant, both on the giving and receiving end of online conversations and posts.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, delve deep into the complex relationship between social media, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), setting boundaries, and mental well-being.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Understand how to address RSD burnout with social media, as well as the important role that boundary-setting plays in helping you show up online with reduced intensity of RSD. Hear about some ways that Autistic individuals may experience social media differently, and even more positively, than allistic people and neurotypicals. Learn some RSD-symptom-reducing strategies to check yourself and check in with others when you are struggling with fear of being misunderstood. As you navigate the complexities of social media, remember to check in with yourself and establish your boundaries for the way you interact with others online and who you allow into your space. Don’t be afraid to unfollow someone or snooze posts from a friend. Make it your priority to protect your mental well-being and engage in a healthier way.Resources plus Exclusive Coupon Code Dr. Neff's Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Workbook Bundle (Clinical Use): https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-clinical  Dr. Neff's Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Workbook Bundle (Personal Use): https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-bundle Use Code: “DivergentConversationsListener” To get 20% off anything in the shop, including the RSD bundle.  Dr. Neff's free blog posts on RSD: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/category/Rejection+Sensitive+Dysphoria  The EFT attachment infinity loop can be downloaded here: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/couples-resources  ——————————————————————————————————🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube——————————————————————————————————A Thanks to Our Sponsor, Tula Consulting!✨ Tula Consulting:We would love to thank Tula Consulting for sponsoring this episode.Workplace communication can be messy. Considering the lens of neurodiversity can be helpful for understanding this. Maybe you found yourself frustratedly typing "per my last email" in an office communication, perplexed about how a colleague or client doesn't seem to understand your very clearly written email.Consider this. Visual information processing isn't everyone's strength. Perhaps a quick call could make a world of difference. Or how about including a video or voice message with your email? And this technology exists! Simple steps like these can make your work environment more accessible and bring out the best in everyone.Tula Consulting is on a mission to help organizations build more neuro-inclusive products and work environments. Tula does this by bringing curious minds to solve curious problems. Find out more by visiting tulaneurodiversity.org. 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

Do you ever feel like you are more sensitive to rejection, teasing, criticism, or your own perception that you have failed or fallen short? Or maybe you know someone who seems to be particularly hard on themselves and reactive to others?Everyone experiences some reaction to rejection, but individuals with RSD find themselves more likely to perceive harsh rejection and criticism where there might be none and can sometimes feel like they live in a chronic state of rejection.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, dive deep into the complexities of rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) and its impact on neurodivergent individuals and the people around them.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Understand the impact of RSD and how it can lead to chronic pain, affect relationships, and cause avoidance behaviors in professional and personal settings. Hear about some ways that RSD can impact relationship dynamics and major life changes and decisions. Learn about treatments and strategies to help with RSD, as well as ways to adapt therapeutic modalities to be more effective with neurodivergent individuals. Rejection sensitivity dysphoria can be difficult to navigate both internally and externally and can have a profound impact on the way you experience the world, but there are ways to address it that can help with reducing the intensity around feelings of rejection and finding ways to improve relationships through collaborative communication around RSD.Resources plus Exclusive Coupon Code Dr. Neff's Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Workbook Bundle (Clinical Use): https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-clinical  Dr. Neff's Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Workbook Bundle (Personal Use): https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-bundle Use Code: “DivergentConversationsListener” To get 20% off anything in the shop, including the RSD bundle.  Dr. Neff's free blog posts on RSD: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/category/Rejection+Sensitive+Dysphoria  The EFT attachment infinity loop can be downloaded here: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/couples-resources  ——————————————————————————————————🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube——————————————————————————————————A Thanks to Our Sponsor, Tula Consulting!✨ Tula Consulting:We would love to thank Tula Consulting for sponsoring this episode.Workplace communication can be messy. Considering the lens of neurodiversity can be helpful for understanding this. Maybe you found yourself frustratedly typing "per my last email" in an office communication, perplexed about how a colleague or client doesn't seem to understand your very clearly written email.Consider this. Visual information processing isn't everyone's strength. Perhaps a quick call could make a world of difference. Or how about including a video or voice message with your email? And this technology exists! Simple steps like these can make your work environment more accessible and bring out the best in everyone.Tula Consulting is on a mission to help organizations build more neuro-inclusive products and work environments. Tula does this by bringing curious minds to solve curious problems. Find out more by visiting tulaneurodiversity.org. 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

Explore the unique experiences of Autistic individuals without ADHD, including switching between masked and unmasked selves, sensory issues, demand avoidance, and parenting challenges. Discover insights on late autism diagnosis, unmasking authenticity, shutting out visual stimuli, navigating routines and stress behaviors, special interests, managing criticism, and supporting neurodivergent parents.

Jennifer Agee, a neurotypical mental health professional, joins Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff to discuss the contrasting experiences of neurotypicals and autistic individuals. They cover topics such as small talk, communication in neurodiverse relationships, travel experiences, and daily life. With personal stories and insights, the episode offers a glimpse into diverse ways of perceiving the world.