Divergent Conversations

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🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground————————————————————————————————✨ 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: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: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources

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🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground————————————————————————————————✨ 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: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: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources

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🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube💬 Join Divergent Conversations Underground————————————————————————————————✨ 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: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: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources

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.