Adulting with Autism

Many adults grew up around domestic violence and minimized it because they "only witnessed it." But childhood domestic violence (CDV) isn't just witnessing—it's an experience that can shape the nervous system, self-concept, and lifelong beliefs about worth, guilt, fear, and safety.
In this episode of Adulting With Autism, we talk with Brian F. Martin, founder and CEO of the Childhood Domestic Violence Association (CDV.org) and bestselling author of Invincible: The 10 Lies You Learn Growing Up with Domestic Violence, and the Truths to Set You Free.
Brian explains why naming CDV matters, how children form survival-based beliefs before their brains are fully developed, and why many high-functioning adults still carry "unexplained" anxiety, shame, hypervigilance, and self-blame.
We also explore how CDV often overlaps with other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)—including bullying, chronic invalidation, and neurodivergence in non-accommodating environments—and what the first steps toward healing can look like, especially for young adults still living at home.
In this episode, we cover:
What childhood domestic violence is (and why "witnessing DV" understates the impact)
How CDV affects the nervous system, fear responses, and long-term self-beliefs
The concept of the "10 lies" many survivors learn (guilt, worthlessness, being unlovable, hopelessness)
Why non-physical violence (threats, intimidation, constant verbal conflict) can be especially destabilizing
How CDV interacts with other trauma and adversity (ACEs), including autism-related invalidation
How to notice CDV beliefs when conflict or criticism triggers old survival wiring
Why community and one safe conversation can change the meaning of your story
Resources and a quick screening tool at CDV.org
Learn more:
Childhood Domestic Violence Association: https://cdv.org
Brian F. Martin's book: Invincible (summary and resources available at CDV.org)

In this episode of Adulting With Autism, we talk with E.A. Johnson, motivational speaker and pharmaceutical sales rep, about rebuilding your life after trauma, bullying, anxiety, insomnia, and addiction.
E.A shares his rock-bottom moment—writing down everything he was taking and realizing that if someone he loved saw it, they'd think he was trying to kill himself. That realization became the turning point that pushed him toward change.
We break down E.A's Success VIBE System, where success is a VIBE:
Vision, Intention, Belief, Execution—and how to use it to create momentum when you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or trapped in survival mode.
This is a conversation about mindset and practical steps: micro-wins, discipline, community support, morning routines, reframing "failure," and building self-worth without tying it to achievements.
In this episode, we cover:
E.A's rock-bottom moment and what made him finally change
How trauma and anxiety can drive insomnia and addiction
Why "planning" can become procrastination—and how to take the first step
Micro-wins: using "one more minute" to build momentum
Why belief shapes behavior (and how to build belief through kept promises)
Reframing setbacks: you don't fail unless you stop
Community and relationships as accelerators for healing
Practical routines: mindfulness in nature, affirmations, gratitude journaling
Boundaries, burnout recovery, and staying steady as responsibilities grow
Connect with E.A. Johnson:
Instagram: @EAJohnsonSpeaks
Website: https://EAJohnsonSpeaks.com
Email: [email protected]

Big change can be exciting—and completely destabilizing, especially for autistic and ADHD adults who thrive with clarity, predictability, and nervous-system safety.
In this episode of Adulting With Autism, host April sits down with Jennie Lee, a trusted personal coach to creatives, CEOs, military officers, teachers, therapists, and more. Jennie bridges spiritual self-development with physical self-expression, offering pragmatic tools for inner alignment and conscious, strategic change.
Jennie is the author of Spark Change, a highly practical book built around transformational questions you can use in real time—whether you're stuck in indecision, rebuilding after burnout, unmasking, changing careers, or redefining relationships. She's also the author of True Yoga: Practicing with the Yoga Sutras for Happiness & Spiritual Fulfillment and Breathing Love: Meditation in Action, and she's a multi–award-winning author including the Nautilus Book Award.
In this episode, we explore:
Why the right questions create real change (not just "thinking about it")
Turning insight into action during transitions and identity shifts
Inner alignment: spiritual development that stays grounded in daily life
Using reflection without getting trapped in overthinking
Spark Change: 12 themes, 9 questions each—how to use it as a daily prompt or conversation starter
Moving beyond self-imposed limitations and expanding creative self-expression
About Jennie Lee:
Jennie has been teaching and coaching in the spiritual/personal development space for nearly three decades. She's known for being fun, highly engaging, and spontaneous—while still delivering practical tools that actually help people implement change.

Intimacy isn't just sex—and for a lot of autistic and ADHD adults, dating can feel like a confusing set of unspoken rules that nobody will explain.
In this episode of Adulting With Autism, host April sits down with Mandy Hart, a Certified Sexologist and founder of Hart's Desire—Intimacy and Relationship Coaching, for a candid, compassionate conversation about shame, consent, boundaries, and connection.
Mandy blends behavioral science, public health, and trauma-empowered somatic coaching to help people reconnect with their bodies, build confidence, and create authentic intimacy on their own terms—whether that's with a partner, multiple partners, or solo. We talk about what it means to feel safe in your body, how to communicate needs and boundaries, how to discuss STIs without panic or shame, and how consent can be sexy, clear, and ongoing (not a checklist).
In this episode, we cover:
Intimacy vs. sex: expanding what "connection" can mean
Shame and self-worth: how it shows up in dating and relationships
"Safety in your body" and nervous system regulation
Consent skills: how to ask, how to check in, and how to make it hot (not awkward)
Neurodivergent dating: navigating cues, boundaries, and communication
Asexuality, sensory needs, and relationships without partner sex
STI disclosure and sexual health conversations with compassion
Connect with Mandy Hart:
Website: https://harts-desire.com/ 
Email: [email protected]
Book a free discovery call via the site
Blog: Embodying Hart's Desire

What happens to your children, your home, your photos, and your money if something happens to you—tomorrow?
In this episode of Adulting With Autism, we sit down with Attorney M. Cecilia Amo, founder of AMO LAW Legacy Planning (Costa Mesa, California), to talk about estate planning for real life—not just paperwork that sits in a drawer. Cecilia breaks down the difference between a will and a trust, why probate can be expensive and stressful, and how to build a plan that keeps your loved ones out of court and out of conflict.
We also dig into why estate planning matters for families navigating autism, ADHD, disability, and government benefits, including how an inheritance can accidentally disrupt benefits if planning isn't done correctly—and what tools (like special needs planning) may help protect long-term stability.
Cecilia is also the author of Your After-Credits Scene: A Nerd's Guide to Wills, Trusts & Legacy, where she teaches estate planning using pop culture references (think Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel) to make it actually understandable.
In this episode, we cover:
Estate planning myths: it's not just for the wealthy or elderly
Will vs. trust: what each does (and doesn't do)
Why probate is the government's "default" plan
What happens if you're incapacitated without a power of attorney
Kids protection planning and choosing guardians
Why digital assets (photos, accounts) need planning too
How to find an estate planning attorney who isn't just selling templates
Learn more / Connect:
AMO LAW: https://amo-law.com/
Book info: https://amo-law.com/aftercredits