Adulting with Autism

• Autistic Employment Inclusion: Transition Strategies | Ben Schatzel

  Send us a textAutistic post-school employment gaps? Ben Schatzel (Stannum Core Solutions founder, human behaviorist/autism advocate) shares: From therapy roots to tackling the 'service cliff' (2020 workforce pivot), his Spectrum Certified process (universal design visuals, Autism 101 training, skill-matched onboarding) boosts inclusion—phasing subminimum wage (Illinois Dignity in Pay Act) for competitive pay/independence. For autistic young adults listing strengths/weaknesses (score w/ trusted folks for dream roles), parents prepping transitions, or allies reforming labor, this convo's your toolkit—routine resets, trust networks, and 'no man left behind' mindset for ROI (lower turnover/productivity gains).Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Ben's Journey to Neurodiverse Hiring 0:59 - Person-Centered Transitions in Employment 2:48 - Communication Feedback Loops for ND 5:30 - Prepare Jobs/Staff for Inclusion 8:35 - Dream Big: Strengths/Weaknesses Audit 11:25 - Policy Disconnects: Subminimum Wage Reform 14:38 - Dignity in Pay Act & Systemic Barriers 17:56 - Autism Unemployment: 10x Higher Reality 20:23 - Healthcare/Independence Challenges 22:17 - Skills for Long-Term Success (Routine/Ask Help) 25:14 - Resources: Voc Rehab/County Boards 28:37 - Where to Find Ben (Site/LinkedIn)Subscribe on Apple/Spotify for weekly neurodivergent adulting tools—rate/review if strategies mapped your path! Resources/agency in notes. Squad, share w/ a job-seeker (tag 'em below—let's include!). Merch: 'Dynamite' tees for transition days (Linktree in notes). #AutisticEmployment #NeurodivergentInclusion #AdultingWithAutism #BTSNeurodivergent #PodMatchNavigating autistic employment post-school? Ben Schatzel unpacks inclusion: Decade in therapy/job development led to Stannum Core (Chicago-based, tackling 'service cliff' via Spectrum Certified: Job prep visuals, staff Autism 101, onboarding for manufacturing/tech). From 2020 non-profit pivot to Illinois Dignity in Pay Act (phasing 14c subminimum wage—10x ND unemployment vs. NT), Ben advocates competitive integrated roles (ROI: Retention/productivity up, turnover down). Strategies: Strengths/weaknesses lists (score w/ family/friends for skill-matched jobs—e.g., organization for various industries), routine for independence (ask help networks), social inference training (clear comms vs. ambiguity). For late-dx young adults eyeing careers, parents bridging gaps, or allies pushing reform (healthcare tied to jobs, scams awareness), Ben's 'united victory' mindset flips barrieAutistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!) Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.mfish: Organize. Simplify. WinEco-friendly, high-quality tech tool to simplify school, work and lifeFind Your Fierce This Fall: Empowerment Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show@[email protected]

  --------  

  36:53

  --------

  36:53
• Autistic Couples Communication: Repair Tips | Raffi Bilek

  Send us a textAutistic couples arguing? Raffi Bilek (marriage coach, The Couples Communication Handbook author) shares game-changers: Talk/listen turns (no simultaneous fights), reflect back to track feelings, I-statements for impact (not blame—"I feel hurt when..."), and split convos (explore problem first, solve later)—to avoid fight-or-flight spirals. For autistic/ND partners decoding body language/flat affect, allies learning patience, or anyone building bonds without insults, this convo's your toolkit—repair over perfection ("Relationships thrive on repair, not zero conflict").Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Raffi's Mission for Awesome Marriages 0:15 - Why Communication Matters in Disagreements 1:32 - Game-Changer: Talk/Listen & Reflect 2:50 - Listening Without Planning Rebuttal 4:09 - Humor/Laughter in Arguments (or Not?) 5:36 - Schedule Pauses to Avoid Escalation 7:02 - Right vs. Wrong Ways to Argue 8:27 - Active Listening: Chunk & Reflect 9:57 - Unresolved Issues Keep Coming Up 11:19 - Body Language Challenges for Autistics 12:10 - Insults: Speak About Yourself, Not Them 13:25 - When to Seek Counseling (Before Big Problems) 14:48 - Book Couples Communication Handbook 16:39 - Individual Therapy Alongside Couples Work 18:15 - Dating: Disclose Autism Early 19:44 - Argument Styles & Basics to Fix 21:26 - Self-Soothing Before Heated Moments 23:21 - Walking Away: Break vs. Brush-Off 24:48 - Teach Kids to Argue? (Interpersonal Ed) 27:17 - Book Details & Bigger Audience Reach 28:37 - Red Flags: When Counseling Won't Fix 30:23 - Where to Find Raffi (Site/Book/Coaching)Subscribe on Apple/Spotify for weekly neurodivergent adulting tools—rate/review if tips bridged a gap! Resources/book in notes. Squad, share w/ a communicator (tag 'em below—let's connect!). Merch: 'Dynamite' tees for convo days (Linktree in notes). #AutisticCouplesCommunication #NeurodivergentRepair #AdultingWithAutism #BTSNeurodivergent #PodMatchStruggling with autistic couples communication? Raffi Bilek unpacks frameworks: Over 10 years coaching, his Couples Communication Handbook teaches talk/listen turns (one speaks, other reflects—no overlap), I-statements ("I feel..." vs. accusations), and dual convos (understand problem before solving)—for ND mismatches like flat affect/body language gaps. Repair essentials: Pause for calm (schedule returns, no dish-throwing emergencies), self-soothe (breathing/exercise before fight-or-flight), and active listening (chunk/reflect to confirm understanding). For autistic young adults dating/decoding signals, partners practicing validation, or allies fostering bonds, Raffi's "defense isn't helpful—impact motivates change" flips blame to connection. Why counsel early? Cheaper than divorce; individual therapy for personal issues (e.g., trauma/OCD) alongside couples work. From Adulting with Autism podcast: OT-aligned for sensory/verbal styles, argument repair, healthy dating.Links:Full Episode: Buzzsprout/Apple/SpotifAutistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!) Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.Support the show@[email protected]

  --------  

  34:30

  --------

  34:30
• Autistic Insomnia Hacks: 3:3 Breathing for Sleep | Raj Khedun

  Send us a textAutistic insomnia overload? Raj Khedun (Keep Fit Kingdom manager, 3:3 Insomnia Hack inventor) shares: From 3-year-old curiosity (dinosaur/planet books sparking life's big Qs) to 10-year monk mode (metaphysics/yoga/philosophy/martial arts, women's relationship coaching), his 3:3 method (3 breaths in/3 out w/ "zaha" vagus activation) calms ADHD chatter/anxiety in 30-90 sec—no meds, releases endorphins/dopamine/anandamide (bliss molecule). For autistic/ND adults battling sleep/rumination, parents seeking quick tools, or allies fostering calm, this live demo flips monkey mind to focus. Raj's mission: End 800M global insomnia epidemic w/ electromagnetism (life energy beyond oxygen).Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Raj's Curiosity Genesis 0:42 - School Boredom to Big Questions 4:09 - Monk Mode & Avatar Awakening 7:02 - 3:3 Demo: Nostril Check & Breathing 17:52 - Post-Demo: Heart Rate/Bliss Shift 20:43 - Science: Vagus/Theta Recoding 26:37 - Program for Lasting Habits 30:14 - Where to Find Raj (Site/Socials)Subscribe on Apple/Spotify for weekly neurodivergent adulting tools—rate/review if 3:3 sparked your calm! Resources/program in notes. Squad, share w/ a night-owl (tag 'em below—let's rest easy!). Merch: 'Dynamite' tees for focus nights (Linktree in notes). #AutisticInsomnia #33BreathingHack #NeurodivergentSleep #AdultingWithAutism #BTSNeurodivergent#PodMatchStruggling with autistic insomnia/mental chatter? Raj Khedun unpacks 3:3 Insomnia Hack: Childhood books (dinosaurs/planets) ignited quests (who are we? Why here? Post-death?), leading to India Avatar encounter at 18 (10-year monk mode: Metaphysics/yoga/philosophy/martial arts, relationship coaching for emotional/logical harmony). 3:3 (3 nasal inhales/3 mouth exhales w/ "zaha" throat sound) activates vagus/parasympathetic—live demo drops heart rate, quiets ADHD rumination, releases endorphins/dopamine/anandamide (Sanskrit bliss)—theta waves recode vrittis (past seeds) for sustainable calm. No box breathing boredom; rhythmical for neurodivergents. Mission: Solve 800M insomnia pandemic via Keep Fit Kingdom (1B to 100 happy years). For late-dx adults/parents/OTs tackling sleep/anxiety, Raj's electromagnetism (life energy) flips matrix distractions to purpose. From Adulting with Autism podcast: OT-aligned for ND focus, relationships, self-regulation.Links:Full Episode: Buzzsprout/Apple/Spotify (subscribe!)Raj's Site: keepfitkingdom.com (3:3 program, $97)3:3 Page: 33insomniahack.com (testimonials/videos)Socials: @rajkhedun (IG/FB—DM coaching)Merch: Linktree in notes ('Dynamite' tees for calm reminders)Your reviews/shares amplify the squad—tag a chatter-battler! #AutisticADHDCalm #VagusNerveHack #NeurodivergentBliss #PodcastInsomnia #MentalHealthBreathing #UnmaskedFocus #ADHDMentalChatter #MonkModeWisdom #ResilienceSleep #EmpathySquadAutistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!) Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.Support the show@[email protected]

  --------  

  33:47

  --------

  33:47
• Autistic Recovery: 90-Day Framework for Purpose | Andrew Drasen

  Send us a textAutistic recovery from trauma/loss? Andrew Drasen (A Vision of Hope trilogy author) shares his 90-day framework: From addiction/incarceration to purpose (journaling in jail dayroom, identity restoration, cognitive shifts, goal-action plans, legacy framing). Post-fiancée's suicide, he reframes setbacks as growth ("We go through what we're meant to become")—universal for stigma/burnout/reentry. For autistic young adults rebuilding identity, parents navigating obstacles, or allies fostering direction, this convo's your toolkit—no linear fixes, just momentum.Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Andrew's Jail-to-Journaling Pivot 0:58 - Writing as Processing Tool 3:43 - 90-Day Framework Steps (Identity to Legacy) 6:16 - Self-Talk & Stigma Reframe 8:51 - Setbacks as Universal Growth 11:09 - Community for Virtual Support 14:02 - Everyday Habits (Progress Logs) 16:38 - Writing Memoir Challenges 18:47 - Labels' Separating Power 20:35 - Growth Mindset Post-Incarceration 22:12 - True Recovery: Lifelong Process 23:53 - Where to Find Andrew (Books/Site)Subscribe on Apple/Spotify for weekly neurodivergent adulting tools—rate/review if framework sparked your step! Resources/trilogy in notes. Squad, share w/ a rebuilder (tag 'em below—let's grow together!). Merch: 'Dynamite' tees for purpose days (Linktree in notes). #AutisticRecovery #90DayFramework #NeurodivergentPurpose #AdultingWithAutism #BTSNeurodivergent #PodMatchRebuilding after autistic trauma/stigma? Andrew Drasen unpacks 90-day framework from A Vision of Hope trilogy (memoir Reflections workbook): Jail-written (finished pre-release), post-addiction/incarceration/suicide loss—identity rediscovery (self-talk vs. societal labels), cognitive restructuring (examine thinking/proportions), goal-setting/action (dated plans boost success), legacy framing (impact/community). "Everyone has something to recover from" (addiction/grief/burnout)—habits like daily progress logs/journaling for momentum. Virtual Skool communities for aftercare/reentry (schools/justice/treatment pilots). For late-dx adults facing shame, parents addressing systemic gaps, or OTs guiding purpose, Andrew's "setbacks as setups" flips hope to belief. From Adulting with Autism podcast: Practical for ND transitions, reentry, self-discovery.Links:Full Episode: Buzzsprout/Apple/Spotify (subscribe!)Andrew's Site: avisionofhopebook.com (trilogy pre-order, virtual program)Socials: @andrewdrasen (IG/FB/LinkedIAutistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!) Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.mfish: Organize. Simplify. WinEco-friendly, high-quality tech tool to simplify school, work and lifeFind Your Fierce This Fall: Empowerment Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show@[email protected]

  --------  

  28:03

  --------

  28:03
• Autistic Self-Acceptance: Advocacy Wins w/ Martin Slyngstad

  Send us a textAutistic self-acceptance struggles? Martin Slyngstad (certified behavior specialist, Spire Autism founder, Chatterbox: My Life with Autism author) shares: Diagnosed at 5 amid bullying/misunderstandings, he channeled resilience into advocacy—training teachers/first responders (quiet rooms/stimming support after mistreatment news), global speaking (Dubai speech unlocked nonverbal kid's song), & Special Olympics/DJ passions. From writer's block to self-publishing (mother-son perspectives on transitions/hobbies), Martin's tips: Join ND Meetups for solo steps, use bullying as fuel, reach out over fighting back. For autistic young adults doubting voices, parents seeking supports, or allies building understanding, this convo's your toolkit—one voice creates change.Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Martin's Multi-Role Journey 1:45 - Autism Evolution: Kid Confusion to Adult Insight 3:26 - Bullying Resilience & Non-Fight Response 5:19 - Book Chatterbox: Mother-Son Raw Perspectives 8:22 - Spire Autism: Training from Personal Pain 13:15 - Solo Trips & ND Connections via Meetup 16:44 - Encouragement for Stuck/Undiagnosed 20:15 - Calming After Intense Trainings 22:42 - Business Expansion & Global Impact 27:56 - Poem "I Am": Warrior for Change 32:15 - Where to Find Martin (Socials/Site)Subscribe on Apple/Spotify for weekly neurodivergent adulting tools—rate/review if Martin's story sparked your step! Resources/book in notes. Squad, share w/ a doubter (tag 'em below—let's amplify voices!). Merch: 'Dynamite' tees for advocacy days (Linktree in notes). #AutisticSelfAcceptance #NeurodivergentAdvocacy #AdultingWithAutism #BTSNeurodivergent #PodMatchFeeling stuck in autistic self-doubt? Martin Slyngstad unpacks journey: Diagnosed at 5 w/ limited understanding, bullying/teachers' gaps fueled masking/resilience—now certified specialist/Spire Autism founder training educators/first responders (quiet rooms for overwhelm, stimming as focus, search water first for missing ND). Chatterbox: My Life with Autism (mother-son views on schooling/hobbies/writer's block to publishing) inspires post-18 navigation. Tips: Meetup apps for ND solo trips/connections, bullying as motivation (reach out, don't fight—avoids suspension), global impact (Dubai poem unlocked communication). For late-dx adults hiding authenticity, parents advocating transitions, or allies fostering acceptance, Martin's "I Am" warrior poem reminds: Small steps/one voice = bold change. From Adulting with Autism Autistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!) Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.mfish: Organize. Simplify. WinEco-friendly, high-quality tech tool to simplify school, work and lifeFind Your Fierce This Fall: Empowerment Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show@[email protected]

  --------  

  34:57

  --------

  34:57

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About Adulting with Autism