Adulting with Autism

Feeling masked-out, sensory-flooded, or side-eyeing all things “spiritual” as an autistic, AuDHD, or ADHD adult? In this episode of Adulting With Autism, Ashmita Arora—teacher and founder of The Intuitive Practice and Eva & Isla®—shares a grounded take on spiritual awakening for autistic adults that does not bypass mental health, trauma, or lived experience.​ We talk about how health crises and a Kundalini “pop” pushed Ashmita to see energy as another language for understanding patterns, burnout, and shutdowns. She explains why sensitivity is not a flaw but information your nervous system is giving you, and how logic and intuition can work together instead of fighting each other.​ You will hear simple, realistic practices for: A 1-minute breathing reset to tell your body “I’m safe” during overwhelm. “Space floating” and gentle movement for peace when everything feels too loud. Channeling meltdown energy into low-pressure creativity (like doodling, swimming, or writing) to find clarity afterward.​ For ADHD and AuDHD sensory overwhelm, Ashmita normalizes non-linear growth—why your path will never look like a straight line—and offers small daily rituals to support nervous system regulation, unmasking, and self-trust. This is spiritual support for autistic adults that respects boundaries, pacing, and consent.​ If you are craving tools for spiritual awakening as an autistic adult and want help managing energy, intuition, and everyday life, this conversation is for you. Listen now for practical, compassionate ideas you can test and keep—or throw away if they do not fit your brain. Timestamps: 0:00–5:00 - Ashmita’s story: health crises, Kundalini “pop,” and finding language for energy 5:00–10:00 - Sensitivity as information: why autistic people feel so much, so deeply 10:00–15:00 - Grounding ritual: 1-minute “I’m safe” breathing for overwhelm resets 15:00–20:00 - Working with pain and patterns without self-blame 20:00–25:00 - Trusting intuition while honoring logic and science 25:00+ - Q&A: non-linear progress, daily flows, and honoring your own pace​ If this episode helps you: Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on Podbean / Apple / Spotify so more autistic and AuDHD adults can find it. Share with a deep-feeling friend and comment your “awakening pop” or small win from the episode. Merch for your practice: Get 20% off journals, tees, and “Soul Alchemist”–style gear to track your breaths, routines, and reflections with code PODCAST26 at the Adulting With Autism Fourthwall shop (Linktree). Your support helps keep this podcast free for the neurodivergent community. Resources mentioned: Ashmita’s offerings & Portal to Self: ashmitaorora.com Eva & Isla® holistic support: ashmitaarora.com

Struggling with social silence, freezing in conversations, or feeling like an 'observer' as an autistic/AuDHD/ADHD adult? 😶 This episode of Adulting With Autism demystifies selective mutism (SM) and its autism overlap, empowering neurodivergent adults with tools for social communication anxiety and confident connections! Join Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (Dr. E, DO), world-renowned SM expert, founder of SMart Center, SMA director, and author (Understanding Katie), inspired by her daughter's SM triumph. Board-certified physician/researcher (PCOM faculty, featured on CNN/Good Morning America), she breaks down SM as social communication anxiety disorder—not refusal—often co-occurring with autism (30-40% cases). For AuDHD/ADHD adults: Differentiate SM (mute in 1+ settings due to anxiety/language; progresses post-comfort) from autism (social puzzle nuances like greetings/reciprocity); strategies include action plans (predict questions: "How's work? Good—excited!"), sandwich chats (hi/goodbye fillers), verbal intermediaries (objects for ordering), and sensory supports (breaks/headphones). Key insights: 0:00-5:00: Dr. E's story—From misdiagnosis to SM expertise via her daughter's journey. 5:00-10:00: SM vs. autism: Spot differences (SM flows post-comfort; autism = literal convos/sensory shutdowns). 10:00-15:00: Adult signs: Mute/whispering in work/peers; trauma/LGBTQ+ layers amplify (advocate 504s/workplace tweaks). 15:00-20:00: Strategies: Action plans/sandwich questions (e.g., "Hi, how's college? Good—excited!"), intermediaries for independence. 20:00-25:00: Overlap challenges: Social puzzle (greetings/expanders), sensory overload (504s for quiet spaces/choices). 25:00+: Resources: Evaluations for late-diagnosis relief; tools for careers/relationships. Ready for selective mutism autism adults tools and neurodivergent social anxiety strategies? Listen now—essential for AuDHD communication strategies and ADHD social puzzle wins! Join the Voice Squad & Engage: Loved this? Subscribe, rate 5 stars, and leave a review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify—your support helps us reach more neurodivergents! Share with a friend navigating silence (comment your social win below). Follow @adulting_autism on IG/@adultingautismBTS TikTok for bonus AuDHD communication tips—join empowered listeners! Merch for Momentum: Bridge your voice with 20% off journals, tees, and "Communication Bridge" merch (track your chats!) using code PODCAST26 at our Fourthwall shop: https://adulting-with-autism-shop.fourthwall.com (Linktree in bio). Your purchase powers more episodes! Resources: Understanding Katie on Amazon; selectivemutismcenter.org for quizzes/podcasts; [email protected] for consultations. #SelectiveMutismAutismAdults #NeurodivergentSocialAnxiety #AuDHDCommunicationStrategies #ADHDsocialPuzzle #AdultingWithAutism #SMTreatmentAutismOverlap #DrEShiponBlum #SocialCommunicationAnxiety #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #MentalHealth #BTSArmy #OTTips

As an autistic advocate and OT mom, few films hit as close to home as Learning You, a new autism‑centered movie opening in theaters nationwide on January 16, 2026. This special episode of Adulting With Autism features actor John Wells and director Tyler Sansom, sharing the heart behind a story that follows a father’s journey to truly see his autistic son—and himself—through the lens of faith, family, and hard‑earned understanding. Inspired by real experiences of parents raising children with special needs, Learning You highlights family strength, resilience, and the hope that grows when someone finally feels seen. The film is brought to life by a cast and crew that intentionally includes parents and individuals from the autism community, adding rare authenticity to the screen. You’ll hear about performances from John Wells (also a real‑life dad to an autistic son), WWE legend Al Snow (grandfather to autistic grandchildren), Caleb Milby, Stacy Haiduk (Days of Our Lives), Daniel Roebuck (Matlock), Cameron Arnett (The Forge), and Read Choi, among others. Directed and produced by Tyler Sansom, with a screenplay by J. Wayne Davidson, Justen Overlander (The Chosen), Sansom, and Brad J. Silverman (Grace Unplugged), this film is more than entertainment—it’s a mission project. One hundred percent of proceeds go to ACT (Awareness, Connection, Touch), a nonprofit supporting parents of children with autism and other special needs, making every ticket a form of practical support as well as representation. In this episode, we talk about: How Learning You was born from real stories of special needs families John’s experience as both an actor and a father to an autistic son Tyler’s vision of film as a ministry of encouragement for caregivers and parents Why authentic casting and crew representation matter in autism storytelling How proceeds support ACT’s work with families in the autism and special needs community If you care about autism acceptance, faith‑informed storytelling, and inclusive media, this episode will give you a behind‑the‑scenes look at a film created with our community at the center. If this episode resonates, follow/subscribe to Adulting With Autism on Podbean, Apple, or Spotify and leave a 5‑star review so more families, caregivers, and autistic adults can find it. Support the mission & the podcast: Get 20% off journals, tees, and “Resilient Advocate” merch with code PODCAST26 at the Adulting With Autism Fourthwall shop (Linktree). Your support helps keep these conversations free and amplifies stories like Learning You.

Crushed by life's boulders—trauma, overwhelm, or self-doubt as an autistic/AuDHD/ADHD young adult? 😢 This episode of Adulting With Autism turns "impossible" into "I'm possible" with Meredith Alexander's inner game resilience strategies for neurodivergent thriving! Meredith Alexander: Resilience coach/author (mindset books), blending philosophy (Plato/aikido) with modern gurus (Tony Robbins/Esther Hicks), inspired by her daughter's 'unsurvivable' boulder accident in Colombia (now Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2025). From single-mom grit post-abuse to 24/7 caregiving, she shares splitting into 'emotional vs. power observer' modes, using 3 pivotal questions (What can I control? Believe possible? Assume untrue?) to reframe despair, bust myths (happiness isn't forced positivity—it's joy as oxygen + 1% steps!), and find purpose in blind spots (My Friend the Boulder kids' books for schools/hospitals). For AuDHD/ADHD young adults: Overcome adversity with autistic resilience strategies (breathe fear as unfamiliar, play/explore for legacy—scars = shine!), balance grit/compassion (neural pathways via better thoughts), and redefine success (boulders as epic gifts—roar louder!). Meredith's miracle legacy: Proves we're quirky global kin emerging bolder. Ready for neurodivergent inner game and AuDHD overcoming trauma tools? Listen now—essential for ADHD motivation myths debunked and resilience after trauma autistic adults wins! Timestamps for Easy Listening: 0:00-5:00: Meredith's boulder story—From shock to power shift. 5:00-10:00: 3 inner game questions: Control, believe possible, assume untrue. 10:00-15:00: Myths busted: Happiness as incremental joy (not forced!). 15:00-20:00: Purpose in blind spots: My Friend the Boulder series legacy. 20:00-25:00: Grit + compassion: 1% steps without burnout. 25:00+: Q&A: Joy as oxygen, redefining disability (sparkle & wheels!). Join the Resilience Squad & Engage: Loved this? Subscribe, rate 5 stars, and leave a review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify—your support helps us reach more neurodivergents! Share with a friend facing boulders (comment your resilience win below). Follow @adulting_autism on IG/ 2adultingautismBTSTikTok for bonus AuDHD overcoming adversity tips—join 6K empowered listeners! Merch for Momentum: Rise from boulders with 20% off journals, tees, and "I'm Possible Warrior" merch (track your steps!) using code PODCAST26 at our Fourthwall shop: https://adulting-with-autism-shop.fourthwall.com (Linktree in bio). Your purchase powers more episodes! Resources: My Friend the Boulder series on Amazon; myfriendtheboulder.com for books/events; LinkedIn/MeredithAlexander for coaching. #ResilienceAfterTraumaAutisticAdults #NeurodivergentInnerGame #AuDHDOvercomingAdversity #ADHDMotivationMyths #AdultingWithAutism #BoulderMiracleStory #MeredithAlexander #ImPossibleMindset #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #MentalHealth #BTSArmy #OTTips

Battling chronic inflammation, gut chaos, or sleep sabotage as an autistic/AuDHD/ADHD young adult? 😩 This episode of Adulting With Autism simplifies Ayurveda for autistic adults with Dr. Shivani Gupta, expert reversing disease through ancient wisdom: PhD turmeric researcher, Hay House author of The Inflammation Code, and founder of Fusionary Formulas supplements. From childhood antibiotics overload to India detox insights, Dr. Gupta breaks down neurodivergent inflammation reduction: Circadian rhythm alignment (10 PM-2 AM 'pitta fire' for glymphatic brain detox—naps don't replace!), anti-inflammatory diet ADHD tips (fresh foods as fuel; avoid extremes like rigid fasting), turmeric supremacy (PhD-backed: 2000% absorption with pepper/fat for gut/brain health), and college hacks (intentional meal plans: Poison vs. nutrition mindset). Spot signals (headaches/fatigue as alerts), build routines (sleep tracking with Fitbit/Oura), and reverse via supplements (her line: 15% off with 'ADULTINGWITHAUTISM' at fusionaryformulas.com). Ready for Ayurveda for autistic adults and circadian rhythm AuDHD tools? Listen now—essential for neurodivergent health and anti-inflammatory diet ADHD wins! Timestamps for Easy Listening: 0:00-5:00: Dr. Gupta's story—From illness to Ayurveda empowerment. 5:00-10:00: Inflammation basics: Why it's key for autistic adults (gut/brain signals like fatigue/headaches). 10:00-15:00: Circadian rhythm: 10 PM bedtime for detox (glymphatic clear-out; no late scrolling!). 15:00-20:00: Diet hacks: Fresh meals crave more; college meal plans as fuel (avoid poison processed). 20:00-25:00: Supplements spotlight: Turmeric PhD insights (absorption tips; her trusted line). 25:00-30:00: Reversing inflammation: Lifestyle pillars (sleep/detox for longevity). 30:00+: Q&A: Naps? Fasting? Body types (Vata/Pitta/Kapha quiz at drshivani.com). Join the Wellness Squad & Engage: Loved this? Subscribe, rate 5 stars, and leave a review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify—your support helps us reach more neurodivergents! Share with a friend battling inflammation (comment your circadian hack below). Follow @adulting_autism on IG/ @adultingautismBTS TikTok for bonus AuDHD wellness rituals—join 6k thriving listeners! Merch for Momentum: Align your health with 20% off journals, tees, and "Inflammation Warrior" merch (track your rhythms!) using code PODCAST26 at our Fourthwall shop: https://adulting-with-autism-shop.fourthwall.com (Linktree in bio). Your purchase powers more episodes! Resources: The Inflammation Code on Amazon; drshivani.com (body type quiz); Fusionary Formulas (fusionaryformulas.com—15% off code 'ADULTINGWITHAUTISM' for turmeric/supplements). #AyurvedaForAutisticAdults #NeurodivergentInflammationReduction #CircadianRhythmAuDHD #AntiInflammatoryDietADHD #AdultingWithAutism #TurmericForNeurodivergents #DrShivaniGupta #AyurvedicHealingAutism #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTS Neurodivergent #MentalHealth #BTSArmy #OTTips