The Neurodiverging Podcast

Navigating friendships as a neurodivergent adult can be challenging. Discover how managing social energy with simple routines can make a big difference. Learn about time agnosia and effective strategies for keeping track of plans. Tips for reducing sensory overload during meetups emphasize the importance of environment and communication. Embrace authenticity to ease the emotional toll of masking. Finally, find connection in interest-based spaces for genuine friendships that honor your uniqueness.

Did you know that Neurodiverging is over 5 years old, and we have over a hundred episodes? To celebrate, we're bringing back some oldies but goodies and sprinkling them in with our newer content. Like what we're doing? Leave an honest review on your favorite platform, wherever that may be. Then, take a screenshot and email it to us at contact@neurodiverging.com to receive a little thank you gift! See the transcript, show notes, and more information here: https://www.neurodiverging.com/autistic-burnout-and-autistic-rest-with-carole-jean-whittington/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss strategies for neurodivergent individuals and their families to foster positive and productive relationships with educators. The episode covers practical tips on how to navigate school systems, communicate effectively via email, and advocate for necessary accommodations. Hosts Dr. Anne Elrod Whitney and Danielle Sullivan also highlight resources available through Neurodiverging and share personal experiences to help listeners better understand how to support neurodivergent students in educational settings. Show notes and transcript: https://www.neurodiverging.com/neurodivergent-relationships-with-teacher/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Neurodiverging Podcast, host Danielle Sullivan chats with Jessica Graham, a writer, meditation teacher, actor, and trauma-informed guide. Jessica discusses their new book, Being (Sick) Enough, which delves into living with chronic illness, neurodivergence, and childhood trauma. Topics include the healing power of meditation, the intersection of trauma and neurodivergence, and embracing pleasure. This conversation is a valuable resource for anyone navigating similar challenges or seeking to live authentically with neurodivergence and chronic illness. Show notes and transcript: https://www.neurodiverging.com/finding-refuge-in-your-body-with-jessica-graham/ Buy Jessica’s books (affiliate links): Being (Sick) Enough: Thoughts on Invisible Illness, Childhood Trauma, and Living Well When Surviving Is Hard Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IXwdaG Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/4824/9798889840008 Good Sex: Getting Off without Checking Out Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VQiuFC Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/4824/9781623172343 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this continuation of our conversation on food and meal planning, Danielle Sullivan and Anne Elrod Whitney explore flexible approaches to feeding yourself and your family without falling into perfectionism. From theme nights and ingredient-based planning to freezer meals, “forage” dinners, and safe food lists, they share practical strategies for reducing overwhelm. Along the way, they talk about sharing responsibility for cooking, making meals enjoyable, and moving away from rigid food rules toward a more sustainable, compassionate approach to eating. Show notes and transcript: https://www.neurodiverging.com/making-food-easier-how-to-feed-yourself/ Thank you to our Patrons for funding this podcast. Find out more and pledge today at patreon.com/neurodiverging Get ad-free podcast downloads and access to our Neurodivergent Parent Affinity Group for as little as $3 a month when you join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/neurodiverging  Learn more about Dr. Anne Elrod Whitney's books and services at https://anneelrodwhitney.com Learn how to create visual schedules in our Get It Out of Your Head: Visual Supports for Adults Course: https://neurodiverging.thrivecart.com/visual-supports-for-adults/ Use our referral to Plan to Eat and get 20% off your first annual subscription payment: plantoeat.com/ref/neurodiverging You can find our energy and capacity tracking workbook here: Energy & Capacity Reflection Guide: https://neurodiverging.thrivecart.com/energy-reflection-guide/ We’d love to hear from you! Share a question, comment, or situation you’d like support with, and we may feature it on our podcast. Leave a voice note: https://www.neurodiverging.com/leave-a-voice-note/ ________________________ Neurodiverging Coaching is an online, sliding scale coaching practice owned by autistic neurodiversity coach Danielle Sullivan. Learn more at Neurodiverging.com, or join us on Patreon for even more goodies! http://patreon.com/neurodiverging Our organization’s larger mission is to help neurodivergent folks find the resources we need to live better lives as individuals, and to further disability awareness and social justice efforts to improve all of our lives as part of the larger world community. We support strength-based, evidence-based assessment and skill-building, social and disability justice paradigms, and a commitment to taking care of one another. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Anne Elrod Whitney, a clinician and educator focused on neurodivergent individuals, joins the discussion to unpack the challenges of meal planning. They explore sensory issues and executive function hurdles, shedding light on why mealtimes can feel overwhelming. Anne shares insights from a community event about dinner fatigue and emotional burdens of feeding. Practical strategies arise, including visual schedules and division of responsibility in feeding, all aimed at making meals less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone.

How can parents talk openly and effectively about sexual and reproductive health with their neurodivergent children? In this episode, Danielle welcomes Amy Lang, a sex education expert who specializes in supporting neurodivergent families. Together, they explore how parents can approach conversations about consent, puberty, safety, and relationships in ways that are supportive, positive, and practical. Show notes and transcript: neurodiverging.com/how-to-talk-about-sex-and-puberty-with-neurodivergent-kids Amy Lang’s website: Birds + Bees + Kids: https://birdsandbeesandkids.com/ Follow Amy on Instagram: @birdsbeeskids Free resource from Amy: Top Five Things Neurodivergent Kids Need to Know (and Top Five for Parents) Want to learn more from Amy? This is the only resource of its kind! The Birds & Bees Solutions Center for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids Get the tools to talk with your neurodivergent kid about sex, consent, and safety—without awkwardness or overwhelm. Support the Podcast: This podcast is made possible through the support of our patrons. By joining us on Patreon, you help provide low- and no-cost coaching for neurodivergent people worldwide, and you gain access to community groups, classes, and more. Learn more at www.patreon.com/neurodiverging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the inaugural episode of the Neurodiverging Community Q & A on the Neurodivergent Podcast with Danielle Sullivan and Dr. Anne Elrod Whitney! In this one, we address the challenges of morning routines for neurodivergent families during the back-to-school season. Discover practical tips, the importance of schedules, and how to adapt tasks to suit your family's needs. Plus, learn about possible IEP accommodations to ease the morning rush. Tune in for insightful advice and supportive conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Shell Mendelson, an ADHD career coach and author of 'Unlock Your Career Path,' shares her journey from vocational rehab to specializing in neurodivergent coaching. She tackles the challenge of finding fulfilling careers, helping listeners recognize signs of burnout and the importance of a job fit. Shell introduces the 'career bubble' technique to reconnect with lost passions and emphasizes the benefits of autonomy in the workplace. She encourages neurodivergent individuals to leverage their unique skills and consider entrepreneurship for sustainable, rewarding work.

In this episode, I reflect on the recent losses of a close friend, a beloved pet, and an estranged parent, and what each experience revealed about grief, boundaries, and belonging. Through these stories, we explore how values-aligned community offers support where traditional family sometimes cannot. This is a tender invitation to consider how we build connection, and why it’s worth it. Connect in Community is a 10-day virtual community experience for neurodivergent adults who want more friendship, less burnout, and a gentle way to practice connection. We run from July 23rd-August 1st. Learn more and register: www.neurodiverging.com/community Show notes and transcript: https://www.neurodiverging.com/creating-neurodivergent-affirming-community/ We’d love to hear from you! Share a question, comment, or situation you’d like support with, and we may feature it on our podcast: https://www.neurodiverging.com/leave-a-voice-note/ ________________________ Neurodiverging Coaching is an online, sliding scale coaching practice owned by autistic neurodiversity coach Danielle Sullivan. Learn more at www.neurodiverging.com, or join us on Patreon for even more goodies! http://patreon.com/neurodiverging Our organization’s larger mission is to help neurodivergent folks find the resources we need to live better lives as individuals, and to further disability awareness and social justice efforts to improve all of our lives as part of the larger world community. We support strength-based, evidence-based assessment and skill-building, social and disability justice paradigms, and a commitment to taking care of one another. Mailing Address: Danielle Sullivan 603 S Public Rd, #63 Lafayette, CO 80026-9998 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices