AuDHD Flourishing

The Autistic community has taken many approaches to reframing what the diagnostic criteria calls "Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts." There's the double-empathy problem, for example, in which Autistic people have an easier time understanding each other where allistics struggle and vice versa. Childhood Emotional Neglect, while a relatively new idea from 2012, aligns remarkably with autistic social "deficits." While I'm by no means trying to draw a single causal line, I also wonder in this episode if maybe some of our social difficulties are actually signs of CEN. Even if our parents were quite well-meaning, we were more likely to experience CEN via a lack of appropriate mirroring of our internal responses, especially if our internal world was especially intense or complex. This episode covers the effects of CEN primarily. To learn more about examples of how it can develop, or how to address it, you can read the books below, or search for articles about them. Books mentioned: Running On Empty Running On Empty No MoreBoth are affiliate linksResources:Transcript DocEmail Newsletter: Nothing Wrong With UsLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is also on YouTubeIf our sensory needs are not met, even an otherwise okay day will still feel... off somehow. And then that gap between how we feel and how we think we "should" feel can make it even worse (that one's not a topic in this episode, just a thing that happens).If our sensory needs ARE met, sometimes even tough circumstances can feel not that bad.To be clear, this is not about avoiding bad days, which are bound to happen sometimes!But meeting both our comfort and mental sensory needs makes everything easier. It's a big part of feeling better first.Resources:Transcript DocEmail Newsletter: Nothing Wrong With UsLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord)How Can I Help (request coaching support) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lessons learned from ~17 years of therapy over the last 20 years. How I'd approach therapy now based on that.What to look for in therapists, goal-setting in therapy, and reasons to quit your current therapist. Also connects back to last week's interview with Joe about AuDHD therapy.Links mentioned:Book Decolonizing Therapy (also mentioned last week, affiliate link)Blog post on finding a neurodivergent-affirming therapist (with links)More resources suggested by a community member:Dueling Minds, AuDHD SupportAutistic Girls Network in-person support groups for adultsADHD Support Groups in Canada (CADDAC)ADDA Virtual Support for ADHDResources:Transcript DocEmail Newsletter: Nothing Wrong With UsLike Your Brain community space (Patreon/Discord) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Sosta, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and late-realized AuDHDer, dives deep into therapeutic practices tailored for neurodivergent adults. He discusses the importance of personal connections in therapy and the nuances of managing emotions rather than eliminating them. Sosta also highlights the risks of using AI like ChatGPT for mental health support, emphasizing the need for human therapists. His insights on evolving perceptions of ADHD and autism underscore the significance of community support in fostering healing.

Reposting popular episodes June 2025. Back atcha in July with some spicy takes!Original show notes:Pasha Marlowe speaks brilliantly about how to navigate trauma, triggers, and sensory needs in relationships as an AuDHD person.Making it concrete, we both talk about a recent meltdown with our respective partners, and how we navigated those during and after.This is a deeply un-shaming episode—we still struggle with relational trauma despite all the "work" we've done. It's okay to have a lot of needs in relationships. And we talk about how hard it can be to figure out what those are and communicate them effectively.If your neurodivergent relationship needs extra support, Pasha is one of the rare practitioners who's ND, trained in family therapy, and works with couples!Resources mentioned:Pasha's websiteNeuroqueering podcast and Mattia's guest episode@neuroqueercoach on TikTok@neuroqueercoach on InstagramNeuroqueer Heresies bookFull Transcript hereAuDHD Flourishing Newsletter signup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In June I'm re-posting the most popular episodes from the show while I take a step back to look at the big picture. Update: the re-thinking has happened and retooling is in process :DOriginal show notes:Meltdowns and shutdowns appear to be a natural release valve for an overwhelmed autistic brain. They feel out of control and can be quite distressing.While there are ways to push them off, I experience a "point of no return" after which I need some big release or I'm going to feel terrible for days.Learning your triggers, as well as planning ahead for a safer experience if you do have a meltdown or shutdown can lessen our overall stress and shame.(One thing I forgot to record in the episode is that for me, shutdowns are almost always low-verbal or I can't speak at all.)Links:1. Meltdowns & Shutdowns* https://embrace-autism.com/meltdowns-and-shutdowns/2. How it feels to have an autistic meltdown and how you can help* https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/38f5MsC2mB5fnmCr5v77zDn/how-it-feels-to-have-an-autistic-meltdown-and-how-you-can-help3. All About ‘Autism Meltdowns’: Why They Happen and How to Cope https://psychcentral.com/autism/autism-meltdowns4. Autism Shutdown Vs Meltdown: What's the Difference? https://www.andnextcomesl.com/2022/06/autism-shutdown-vs-meltdown.htmlResources:Email listEpisode Transcript*autistic writer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the essential needs of individuals with ADHD and autism, highlighting the importance of engaging with personal interests for emotional regulation. Dive into the challenges of navigating executive function and the significance of autonomy and true rest. Discover the delicate balance of sensory stimulation and how it impacts communication and social comfort. Gain insights on processing needs and the journey of unmasking, emphasizing the variability of sensory requirements in neurodiversity. These discussions reveal the importance of personalized support for flourishing.

Discover the intriguing intersection of autism and ADHD, and how they create a unique neurotype experience. Hear about the challenges of following conventional advice that often feels irrelevant. Explore the inner conflicts many face as their body and brain demand contradictory needs. Delve into the fascinating characteristics of the autistic brain, like reduced neural pruning and sensory processing quirks. Finally, learn about self-defined success and how to flourish in your own way while advocating for neurodiversity.

Rest is not wasted time; it's essential for productivity, especially for those with ADHD and autism. The discussion challenges societal norms about productivity and highlights the importance of mental recovery. The podcast also dives into the complexities of domestic violence, offering insights on recognizing red flags and promoting self-love. It addresses the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing the importance of self-affirmation in navigating life's difficulties.

Juggling multiple interests can be overwhelming, especially when time is limited. The discussion explores the challenges and rewards of pursuing various passions, encouraging listeners to embrace interdisciplinary journeys. Tips for setting personal goals are shared, highlighting the importance of making tough choices to foster creative mastery. It's a reflective journey that empowers individuals to navigate their unique paths in the creative process.