Adulting with Autism

Feeling "too much" in ND chaos? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April celebrates neurodivergent superpowers with Sara Hartley, late-diagnosed ADHD mom of two ND boys, healthcare executive, certified ADHD/neurodiversity coach, and author of 13-book "Purposefully Me" series (affirmation-based learning for kids on neurodiversity/hard topics like anxiety/bullying/executive functioning). From cathartic shower breakdown to writing diverse characters/glossaries/discussion questions, Sara's Align Parenting Method empowers regulation/acceptance. Key insights: Late ADHD diagnosis (25): Post-college boredom/hyperfocus/procrastination; masking in "even keel" (decision fatigue); Lyme/parenting triggered awareness. ND parenting boys: Meltdowns from unprocessed emotions; empathy over anger (hold space, "two truths true"); affirmations at bedtime ("I am kind/smart/lovable/brave/enough/safe"). Align Method (A-L-I-G-N): Awareness (body cues like tight chest), Listen/Label (emotions), Identify triggers (bad day/sensory), Ground (walk/5-4-3-2-1/object focus/water sip), Nurture (connection/choice/grace). Dopamine hits: Healthy (walks/podcasts) vs. addictive (scrolling/shopping); bedtime vulnerability for processing (impressionable state). Burnout/shame: Yelling/internalized "not enough"; reframe as human (Catholic guilt spirals); experiment small (hi to vendor) for authenticity. Books for kids/young adults: 13 titles (ADHD/autism/anxiety/dyslexia/bullying/school drills); build confidence/less alone (recurring characters/conversations). Advice for authors/creatives: No credentials needed—write voice/purpose; find believer (book coach); trial/error builds momentum. For autistic/ADHD young adults/parents, Sara's vibe: "Uniqueness is strength—affirm/align to shine." Free Align Guide at sarahlewishartley.com; Instagram @sarahlewishartley (tips/books). Subscribe for ND empowerment hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at adultingwithautism shop—affirm your style fierce! #NeurodivergentParentingND #LateDiagnosisADHDWomen #AlignMethodAutism #AffirmationBooksNeurodiverseKids #SuperpowersND #CatharticWritingBurnout #AdultingWithAutism #DopamineHitsYoungAdults #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #BTSArmy   Episode: Neurodivergent Parenting ND with Sara Hartley [00:00] Intro: "Too Much" ND Feelings Trap [00:30] Sara's Journey: Late ADHD Diagnosis (25, Post-College Hyperfocus) [02:00] Parenting ND Boys: Meltdowns/Strategies (Empathy/Affirmations) [05:00] Align Method (A-L-I-G-N): Awareness/Listen/Label/Identify/Ground/Nurture [08:00] Dopamine Hits: Healthy (Walks/Podcasts) vs. Addictive (Scrolling) [11:00] Burnout/Shame: Decision Fatigue/Yelling (Reframe Human/Grace) [14:00] "Purposefully Me" Books: 13 Affirmation Titles (Diverse/Glossary/Questions) [17:00] Advice for Authors/Young Creatives: No Credentials—Voice/Purpose/Believer [20:00] Outro: Empowerment Takeaways & CTAs Resources: Website: sarahlewishartley.com (books/Align Guide) Instagram: @sarahlewishartley (parenting tips/neurodiversity) Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND parenting tips! Share your superpower in comments. #NDSuperpowers #ADHDAlignMethod #AffirmationsAutismKids #LateDiagnosisNeurodivergent #AdultingWithAutism #ParentingBurnoutND

Internalized negative self-talk trapping ND lives? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April unpacks Complex PTSD/ADHD mental health with Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero, NYC/FL psychotherapist (25+ years social work/child welfare/intergenerational trauma/CPTSD expert). Using EMDR/IFS/Polyvagal/somatic therapies, Karen undoes limiting beliefs for authenticity/goals; life coaching for non-NY/FL via TikTok, plus parent support for emotional regulation. Key insights: Negative self-talk: Childhood messages (e.g., "lazy" from ADHD struggles) internalized—higher CPTSD risk in ND (adverse experiences like unmet needs). CPTSD vs. PTSD: Relational/micro-traumas (e.g., single-parent absences/narcissistic abuse) vs. single events (war/accidents); leads to anxiety/depression/avoidance. Polyvagal theory: Bottom-up body focus (window of tolerance/fight-flight-freeze/dorsal shutdown); regulate via sensations (e.g., neutral feet vs. chest tension)—ADHD/autism concrete (EMDR eye movement/tappers). EMDR for ND: Bilateral stimulation desensitizes trauma memories; evolving for autism/ADHD (virtual/no light bar); process emotions concretely ("what happened next?"). Rewriting stories: Narrative/motivational interviewing challenges origins ("is it true? strengths? passions?"); experiment authenticity (small steps like "hi" to vendor). Attachment styles: Healthy (communication/vulnerability); avoidant (infidelity/avoid intimacy); anxious (constant doubt/people-pleasing); disorganized (both)—ND rejection sensitivity amplifies. Addictions/substances: Beyond alcohol/drugs (food/shopping/exercise/secrets); red flags (hiding behaviors); regulate dopamine healthily (breaks/routines). Advocacy/relationships: Therapy fit crucial (ask trainings/referrals); healthy dating (experiment/vulnerability); parents model regulation to minimize messages. For autistic/ADHD young adults navigating independence/trauma, Karen's vibe: "You're not broken—rewrite for worth." Free resources at kdtesoriero.lcsw.net; email [email protected]. Subscribe for ND trauma hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at adultingwithautism.shop—rewrite your style fierce! #CPTSDADHDND #NegativeSelfTalkAutism #PolyvagalNervousSystemNeurodivergent #EMDRTraumaRecoveryADHD #AttachmentStylesYoungAdults #RewritingStoriesNeurodiverse #AdultingWithAutism #HealthyBoundariesAutistic #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #BTSArmy   Episode: CPTSD & ADHD in ND with Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero [00:00] Intro: ND Negative Self-Talk Trap [00:30] Karen's Expertise: 25+ Years CPTSD/ADHD Trauma Work [02:00] Negative Messages: Childhood Internalization (ADHD/Autism Struggles) [05:00] CPTSD vs. PTSD: Relational/Micro-Traumas (Adverse Experiences) [08:00] Polyvagal Theory: Bottom-Up Regulation (Window of Tolerance/Freeze) [11:00] EMDR for ND: Bilateral Stimulation/Desensitization (Concrete Processing) [14:00] Rewriting Stories: Narrative Interviewing (Challenge Origins/Strengths) [17:00] Attachment Styles: Healthy vs. Avoidant/Anxious/Disorganized (ND Rejection) [20:00] Addictions/Substances: Beyond Drugs (Food/Shopping/Secrets/Red Flags) [23:00] Healthy Relationships/Dating: Experiment/Vulnerability/Communication [26:00] Outro: Authenticity Takeaways & CTAs Resources: Website: kdtesoriero.lcsw.net (therapy/life coaching) Email: [email protected] TikTok: (life coaching outreach) Linktree:  (socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND mental health tips! Share your rewrite win in comments. #NDCPTSD #AutismNegativeTalk #ADHDPolyvagal #EMDRNeurodivergent #AttachmentYoungAdults #AdultingWithAutism

High-masking ND grind burning you out? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April tackles sustainable success for neurodivergent high-achievers with Garrett Wood, National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach/clinical hypnotherapist/executive functioning specialist and founder of Gnosis Therapy. With 18+ years helping masking professionals (autism/ADHD), Garrett's A³ Framework (Assess, Accommodate, Align) bridges nervous-system needs/environment demands—focusing on sensory intelligence/bio-budgets/emotional regulation/core beliefs/attachment/values/executive functioning to end boom-bust cycles. Key insights: High-masking exhaustion: Socialization gaps (hiding "not okay" parts); safe environments reduce friction—authentic self without danger. Sensory intelligence: Preferences/thresholds (too much/little stimulation); interoception (body cues like hunger/anxiety); accommodations (headphones/compression/breaks/sensory backpack). Bio-budgets/time under tension: ND shifts (16-18 hrs masking vs. NT 4-5 hrs); small reps/recovery (car breaks/garden/dust books) prevent overload. Autistic vs. NT burnout: Intensity/scale difference (ND extreme effort); recovery longer (6-7 months vs. quick)—focus well-being (not grit/willpower myth). Hypnotherapy: Self-hypnosis (daydream state for mindset/social/sleep); practice positive experiences (e.g., anxiety scenarios going well). A³ for control: Assess needs (triggers/supports), Accommodate (e.g., oils/masks), Align (values as guardrails); early overload signs (tension/shutdown). Workplace/young adults: Advocate (ROI from inclusion); trial/error (hot/cold days); natural responses (eat/move/sleep) over deadlines. For autistic/ADHD young adults/entrepreneurs in masking fatigue, Garrett's vibe: "Sustainable success through well-being—not expense." Free resources at gnosistherapy.com. Subscribe for ND burnout hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at adultingwithautism shop—align your style fierce! #HighMaskingNDBurnout #A3FrameworkAutism #SustainableSuccessADHD #SensoryIntelligenceNeurodivergent #HypnotherapyMindsetND #BioBudgetsExecutiveFunctioning #AdultingWithAutism #NervousSystemRegulationYoungAdults #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #BTSArmy   Episode: High Masking ND Burnout with Garrett Wood [00:00] Intro: ND High-Masking Exhaustion Trap [00:30] Garrett's Expertise: A³ Framework for Sustainable Success [02:00] Authentic Self Without Friction: Safe Environments Reduce Masking [05:00] Sensory Intelligence: Thresholds/Preferences & Interoception Cues [08:00] Bio-Budgets/Time Under Tension: ND vs. NT Recovery (Small Breaks) [11:00] Autistic vs. NT Burnout: Intensity/Scale Differences (6-7 Months Recovery) [14:00] Hypnotherapy: Self-Hypnosis for Mindset/Social/Sleep (Daydream Practice) [17:00] A³ in Action: Assess/Accommodate/Align (Triggers/Supports/Values) [20:00] Workplace/Young Adults: Advocacy & Early Overload Signs (Anxiety/Shutdown) [23:00] Outro: Burnout Breakthrough Takeaways & CTAs Resources: Gnosis Therapy: gnosistherapy.com (coaching/A³ framework) LinkedIn/Instagram: @gnosistheapy Linktree:  (socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND success tips! Share your masking hack in comments. #NDHighMasking #A3FrameworkAutism #SustainableBurnoutRecovery #SensoryND #HypnotherapyADHD #AdultingWithAutism  

Unexplained chronic pain/illness trapping you in ND chaos? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April dives into neuroplastic symptoms—brain-generated conditions from stress/trauma (1 in 6 adults, higher in autism/ADHD)—with Dr. David Clarke, MD (Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology), ATNS President (nonprofit ending pain epidemic), and podcast host "The Story Behind the Symptoms." Treating 7000+ patients, Dr. Clarke's book "They Can't Find Anything Wrong" reveals real symptoms (fibromyalgia/migraines/IBS/long COVID) unresponsive to physical treatments—focus on stress sources for recovery. Key insights: Neuroplastic basics: Brain rewires from stresses (current emotions/childhood adversity/being "different" like ND); no structural cause but real (scans prove circuits change). ND link: Masking/difference adds pressure; symptoms signal distress (e.g., pain only at work triggers). Screening: Free 12-question quiz at symptomatic.me (<3 min)—yes answers flag neuroplastic; traces stresses (ACEs/trauma). Recovery therapy: Reframe signals (98% improvement in CU-Boulder study); address causes (family dynamics/childhood mistreatment). Self-esteem rewiring: Letter to past abusers; admire "heroic" inner child (surviving emotional deserts); build joy time. Myths busted: Symptoms real/not neurotic; treatable (e.g., 79-year case resolved months); 25% doctor visits are neuroplastic. For autistic/ADHD young adults in pain/isolation, Dr. Clarke's message: "Stresses cause it—uncover/address for relief." Resources at symptomatic.me (quiz/books/podcast/conferences/practitioner directory). Subscribe for ND pain hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at adultingwithautismshop—rewire your style fierce! #NeuroplasticSymptomsND #ChronicPainAutism #StressBrainRewireADHD #SymptomaticMeQuiz #NeuroplasticRecoveryTherapy #ATNSChronicIllness #AdultingWithAutism #BrainGeneratedPainYoungAdults #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #BTSArmy   Episode: Neuroplastic Symptoms for ND with Dr. David Clarke [00:00] Intro: Unexplained ND Chronic Pain Trap [00:30] Dr. Clarke's Expertise: Brain-Generated Symptoms (1 in 6 Adults) [02:00] ND Link: Stress/Masking Rewires Brain (Autism/ADHD Higher Risk) [05:00] Screening Quiz: 12 Questions at Symptomatic.me (<3 Min) [08:00] Causes: Childhood Adversity/Current Emotions/Difference Stresses [11:00] Recovery Therapy: Reframe Signals (98% Improvement Study) [14:00] Self-Esteem Rewiring: Letters/Admire Inner Child Hero [17:00] Myths Busted: Real/Not Neurotic; Treatable (79-Year Case) [20:00] Resources: Books/Podcast/Conferences/Practitioners [23:00] Outro: Pain Relief Takeaways & CTAs Resources: Symptomatic.me: Quiz/books/podcast "The Story Behind the Symptoms"/courses/conferences/practitioner directory Book: "They Can't Find Anything Wrong" (Amazon) ATNS: atns.org (nonprofit info) Linktree:  (socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND health tips! Share your symptom story in comments. #NDNeuroplasticPain #AutismChronicIllness #ADHDStressRecovery #SymptomaticMe #BrainGeneratedSymptoms #AdultingWithAutism      

Disconnected from your body in ND chaos? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April explores quantum human design for neurodivergent reconnection with Dr. Karen Parker, Human Design/Quantum Human Design expert (psychology/holistic health background, founder of Quantum Human Design™). Integrating ancient wisdom/quantum physics, Dr. Parker decodes energetic blueprints for growth—workshops/courses/consults empowering authentic purpose/societal harmony. Key insights: Body disconnection: Epidemic from kindergarten (overstim/shame, "treehouse" numbness); leads to distractions (TV/phone/food) to avoid pain. Micro-trauma: Not just big events—shaming needs (e.g., bathroom denial) teaches "unsafe to be me"; compounds to burnout (body refuses mask). Redefine value: Shift from material/numerical (money/size) to preciousness (once-in-lifetime cosmic event)—nurture self like royal gems. Quantum human design: High-frequency language rewires stories (photon storms/neurotransmitters); hero's journey (creative writing/dance) upgrades victim to victor, boosts immunity/creativity. Healing steps: Compassion without judgment ("ready for change"); rest/outdoors/body listening; frequency physics (high vibe pulls others up—influential/authentic living). ND application: Burnout from masking (exhaustion trying to fit); safe embodiment for empaths/sensitives—rewrite low-frequency trauma narratives. For autistic/ADHD in overwhelm/isolation, Dr. Parker's blueprint: "Preciousness heals—get in body, rewrite story." Free chart at quantumhumandesign.com; TEDx https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-294NywwZ4. Subscribe for ND wellness hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Linktree:  (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at adultingwithautism reconnect your vibe fierce! #QuantumHumanDesignND #BodyReconnectionAutism #HighFrequencyHealingADHD #HumanDesignBurnout #MicroTraumaNeurodivergent #PreciousnessSelfWorth #AdultingWithAutism #EnergeticBlueprintND #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #BTSArmy