Adulting with Autism

• Accessible Design for ND: Rebecca Prejean on UDL, Multimedia & Business for Autism/ADHD | Adulting with Autism

  Barriers in education/work got you down as an ND young adult? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April chats accessible design for neurodivergent with Rebecca Prejean, CEO/Founder of E.B. Graphics and Consulting—creating inclusive multimedia (videos/graphics/animations/e-learnings/VR/AR) via UDL/WCAG for corporations/higher ed/nonprofits. As mom to a son with severe hydrocephalus/autism (defied "won't walk/talk" prognosis), Rebecca fights perceptions, boosting revenue/productivity/engagement through accessible experiences for ADHD/autism/dyslexia/special needs. Key insights: Business start: Freelance post-layoff (no degree needed—hard work/upskilling/AI for ideas), networking muscle (volunteer to paid). Skills honing: Try all (Google/Udemy/creators), open to tech (AI ideation, not replacement); workshops/monthly for sharpness. Imposter/authentic: Fight through (clients want you, not mask); cancel mismatches—resilience from discomfort (homeless/abuse led to success). No shortcuts: 10x harder than 9-5; embrace failure/discomfort for longevity (most podcasts/creators fail—work ethic wins). Content creation: Custom/retrofit (color changes/screen readers/focus order); companion guides/animations for cognitive ease. Higher ed changes: Perception shift (not "defiant"—need clear instructions/accommodations); meet where they are. Advice: Freelance side-hustle first; upskill relentlessly (e.g., UCLA extensions); authentic self attracts right clients. For autistic/ADHD young adults eyeing creative/business paths, Rebecca's story: "Work hard, be open—no paper needed." Launching "The Quirk Factory" podcast next week—follow on LinkedIn/email. Subscribe for ND career hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. E.B. Graphics: ebgraphicsandconsulting.com. Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at https://adulting-with-autism-shop.fourthwall.com—design your path fierce! #AccessibleDesignND #UDLNeurodivergent #InclusiveELearningAutism #BusinessAutisticYoungAdults #MultimediaADHD #ImposterSyndromeContent #AdultingWithAutism #SpecialNeedsEducation #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #AuDHD #Autism #ADHD #BTSArmy #MentalHealth #OT #OTTips   Episode: Accessible Design for ND with Rebecca Prejean [00:00] Intro: Barriers in ND Education/Work [00:30] Rebecca's Story: Son's Autism to E.B. Graphics Founder [02:00] Business Journey: Freelance/Layoff to Corporate/Higher Ed Consulting [05:00] Skills Honing: No Degree Needed—Upskilling/AI/Networking Muscle [08:00] Imposter/Authentic Self: Fight Through, Cancel Mismatches [11:00] No Shortcuts: Hard Work/Discomfort for Resilience (Failure Lessons) [14:00] Content Creation: Custom Multimedia (Animations/VR, Screen Readers) [17:00] Higher Ed Changes: Perception Shift (Clear Instructions/Accommodations) [20:00] Advice: Side-Hustle Freelance, Be Open/Relentless [23:00] Outro: Takeaways & CTAs Resources: E.B. Graphics & Consulting: ebgraphicsandconsulting.com (services/portfolio) LinkedIn: Rebecca Prejean Podcast: "The Quirk Factory" (launching soon—Spotify/Apple) Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND career tips! Share your upskill win in comments. #NDAccessibleDesign #AutismMultimedia #ADHDBusinessHacks #UDLSpecialNeeds

  --------  

  42:17

  --------

  42:17
• Resilience Without Romanticism: Joshua Dvorkin on Trauma Recovery & Narrative Sovereignty for ND | Adulting with Autism

  Facing life-altering trauma like injury/disability? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April explores resilience without romanticism with Joshua Dvorkin, Registered Psychotherapist/Reclamation Coach and Headway Mental Health founder. After a 2004 epileptic seizure/spinal cord injury (paralyzed chest-down, ventilator-bound with 20% survival odds), Joshua defied prognosis—off ventilator in 10 days, independent in 6 months, earning 3 degrees (Master's Psychology)—now guiding ND folks (autism/ADHD) through chronic illness/disability/transitions/LGBTQ2S+ support via radical compassion/authentic empowerment/narrative sovereignty. Key insights: Injury rebirth: Mind strength/10-day recovery; present gratitude crushes fear (beyond "stay positive"). Radical acceptance: Embrace reality, small steps close gaps (dream big, actionable traits). Narrative sovereignty: Own your story—beliefs shape reality (no pathologizing, validate strengths). Manifesting concrete: Steps over woo (research/skills import, affirmations/repetition for beliefs). Grief/pressure: Feel ungrateful/angry/anxious—use fear for freedom; peer support/community for purpose. Tools: 7-day negative thinking DM (Instagram @headway.mental.health), 7-column thought record (reframe emotions/evidence). Support mistakes: Pathologize/judge; instead, normalize/validate (safe spaces, no rushing). Society changes: Inclusive mental health first (non-judgmental, community over segregation). For autistic/ADHD adults in grief/isolation, Joshua's lived expertise flips "impossible" to purposeful—free 45-page stress workbook at headwaymentalhealth.com. Book 20-min consult: (437) 523-8933/[email protected]. Subscribe for ND resilience tips! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at https://adulting-with-autism-shop.fourthwall.com—reclaim your gear fierce! #ResilienceWithoutRomanticism #ReclamationCoachingND #TraumaRecoveryAutism #NarrativeSovereigntyADHD #RadicalCompassionDisability #MentalHealthSpinalInjury #AdultingWithAutism #GriefProcessingNeurodivergent #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #Neurodiversity #MentalHealth #Autism #AuDHD #ADHD #OTTips #OT #BTSArmy   Episode: Resilience Without Romanticism with Joshua Dvorkin [00:00] Intro: Life-Altering Trauma & ND Rebirth [00:30] Joshua's Story: Seizure Injury to Independent Thriving [02:00] Resilience Without Romanticism: Messy Acceptance (Feel Fear, Crush It) [05:00] Radical Acceptance/Transformation: Small Steps, Dream Big [08:00] Narrative Sovereignty: Own Beliefs (No Pathologizing, Validate Strengths) [11:00] Manifesting Concrete: Steps/Skills Import (Affirmations/Repetition) [14:00] Grief Processing: Present Gratitude, Peer Support/Community [17:00] Tools: 7-Day Negative Thinking (DM Instagram), 7-Column Thought Record [20:00] Support Mistakes: Judgment/Rushing; Instead Normalize/Validate [23:00] Society Shifts: Inclusive Mental Health, Community Over Segregation [26:00] Outro: Takeaways & CTAs Resources: Headway Mental Health: headwaymentalhealth.com (psychotherapy/coaching—20-min consult, free 45-page stress workbook) Contact: (437) 523-8933 | [email protected] Instagram: @headway.mental.health Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND resilience! Share your narrative shift in comments. #NDTraumaRecovery #AutismResilience #ADHDNarrativeSovereignty #SpinalInjuryMentalHealth

  --------  

  37:30

  --------

  37:30
• Slow Style Home for ND: Zandra Zuraw on Sensory-Friendly Decor & Clutter Hacks | Adulting with Autism

  Overwhelmed by sensory chaos in your ND home? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April chats slow style home for neurodivergent folks with Zandra Zuraw, interior design coach/author/podcaster helping create meaningful, sustainable spaces without breaking the bank or planet. With 30+ years (Master's in cultural anthropology/public policy), mental health battles, and as parent to a child with special needs, Zandra rebranded "Style Matters" to "Slow Style Home" (2023 book/podcast)—a framework for DIY design focusing on personal meaning over trends. Key insights: Dorm/ND tips: Sensory priority (quiet routines, minimal clutter, comfortable seating/blankets/soft lights)—conversations with roommates for shared space. Clutter management: Game it up (one corner at a time, "what do you love?" questions), limit to passions (display 5 items, store rest). Partner compromise: Curiosity over criticism ("why love it?"), common ground (e.g., shared art/rugs), no negatives—slow evolution. Colors/walls: Test samples (light-dependent), avoid all-white (harsh); start with inspiration (wardrobe favorites, not trends). Priorities: Big investments first (couch/mattress for well-being), then rugs/art (tone-setters, thrifted/sustainable). Slow pace: One room/corner at a time, no shopping first—build from passions (vision boards as decor). For autistic/ADHD young adults/parents, Zandra's framework fights overwhelm: "Take time to save up for what matters." Free podcast episodes at slowstylehome.com. Subscribe for ND home hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Book on Amazon/Barnes & Noble; podcast anywhere. Linktree: adultingwithautism.linktr.ee (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at adultingwithautism.shop—style your space fierce! #SlowStyleHomeND #SensoryFriendlyDecor #ClutterHacksAutism #SustainableHomeADHD #DIYNeurodivergent #PeacefulSpacesSpecialNeeds #AdultingWithAutism #AuDHD #Autism #ADHD #PodMatch #Podcasts #MentalHealth #BTSArmy #BTSNeurodivergent #Neurodiversity #OT #OTTips   Episode: Slow Style Home for ND with Zandra Zuraw [00:00] Intro: Sensory Overwhelm in ND Homes [00:30] Zandra's Story: 30+ Years to Slow Style Framework [02:00] Dorm ND Tips: Sensory Focus (Quiet/Minimal Clutter) [05:00] Clutter Hacks: Game It (One Corner, "Love It?" Questions) [08:00] Partner Compromise: Curiosity Over Criticism (Shared Rugs/Art) [11:00] Colors/Walls: Test Samples (Light-Dependent, Avoid All-White) [14:00] Priorities: Big Pieces First (Couch/Mattress), Then Rugs/Art [17:00] Slow Pace: One Room/Corner, Inspiration from Passions (Vision Boards) [20:00] Outro: Takeaways & CTAs Resources: Slow Style Home: slowstylehome.com (book/podcast/framework) Book: "Slow Style Home" (Amazon/Barnes & Noble) Podcast: Spotify/Apple (episodes on DIY/sustainability) Linktree(socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND home tips! Share your clutter hack in comments. #NDHomeDesign #AutismSensoryDecor #ADHDClutterTips #SlowStyleSpecialNeeds

  --------  

  42:12

  --------

  42:12
• Personal Mastery for ND High Achievers: Jerry Henderson on Burnout, Trauma Healing & Sustainable Success | Adulting with Autism

  Chasing external success but hitting ND burnout walls? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April explores personal mastery for neurodivergent high achievers with Jerry Henderson, creator of The Personal Mastery Framework™, author/speaker/coach/Personal Mastery Podcast host. Trained at Harvard in human behavior/neuroanatomy/resilience/habits (MBA Global Business, Master's Psychology in progress), Jerry helps trauma survivors (like his own childhood/burnout/imposter journey) blend IFS/NLP/positive psych for emotional resilience, limiting belief rewiring, and whole life success—beyond grind to clarity/peace. Key insights: Mindset pillar: Reframe fixed to growth (stress mindset, CBT for shame-driven achieving). NLP for beliefs: Anchor positive states, disrupt emotional loops (e.g., "happy button" for anxiety/perfectionism). Whole life vs. high performance: Holistic (relationships/sleep/nervous system) for thriving, not survival. Trauma-informed: IFS parts work (protectors/exiles), curiosity over judgment for resilience (ACEs impact). Habit formation: Start small/stack (atomic habits), align with self-worth to avoid sabotage. Clarity/peace: Intrinsic motivation, self-acceptance—external wins without void-filling. Authentic connection: Vulnerability in safe relationships (one fully disclosing starts it). Burnout fix: Honest self-reflection, ask help; job hopping ignores root causes (toxic patterns follow). For autistic/ADHD high performers in imposter/shame cycles, Jerry's framework (post-$1B philanthropy) sustains growth. Free call/resource at jerryhenderson.org. Subscribe for ND personal mastery tips! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Instagram: @jerryahenderson. Linktree (Podbean/shop/socials). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at adultingwithautism.shop—master your gear! #PersonalMasteryND #HighAchieverBurnout #TraumaHealingAutism #LimitingBeliefsADHD #EmotionalResilienceNeurodivergent #HabitFormationImposter #AdultingWithAutism #SustainableSuccessND #PodMatch #AuDHD #Autism #ADHD #Podcasts #BTSARMY #BTS Neurodivergent #MentalHealth #OT #OTTips   Episode: Personal Mastery for ND High Achievers with Jerry Henderson [00:00] Intro: ND Burnout in the Achievement Chase [00:30] Jerry's Story: Trauma to Personal Mastery Framework™ [02:00] Pillar 1: Mindset Reframing (Growth vs. Fixed, Stress Views) [05:00] NLP for Limiting Beliefs: Anchoring & Emotional Loops [08:00] Whole Life Success vs. High Performance Grind [11:00] Trauma-Informed: IFS for Anxiety/Perfectionism (Parts Work) [14:00] Emotional Mastery/Resilience: ACEs, Thriving vs. Survival [17:00] Habit Formation: Small Stacks, Self-Worth Alignment [20:00] Clarity/Peace: Intrinsic Motivation, Self-Acceptance [23:00] Core Beliefs: Symptoms to Roots, New Experiences [26:00] Authentic Connection: Vulnerability in Safe Relationships [29:00] Burnout Step: Honest Reflection, Ask Help (Job Hopping Trap) [32:00] Outro: Resources & CTAs Resources: Personal Mastery Framework™: jerryhenderson.org (coaching/podcast/book on self-love) Instagram: @jerryahenderson Linktree(Podbean/shop/socials) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND mastery! Share your limiting belief win in comments. #NDHighAchievers #AutismPersonalMastery #ADHDRelilience #TraumaCoachingND #ImposterSyndromeHabits

  --------  

  47:29

  --------

  47:29
• Late Diagnosed Autism in Adults: Wendela Whitcomb Marsh on Masking, Workplace Wins & Self-Acceptance | Adulting with Autism

  Exhausted from late diagnosed autism masking as an adult? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April chats with Wendela Whitcomb Marsh (Dr. Wendy), award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and US Autism Association board member, on neurodivergent self-acceptance, workplace accommodations, and advocacy for high-masking autistic adults—especially women/girls/trans/ND folks. After 40 years in special ed/psychology, Dr. Wendy founded (and sold) Adult Autism Assessment & Services, drawing from her autistic family (late husband + 2/3 adult kids). Her Adulting While Autistic series (Independent Living, Dating, Relating, Parenting, Working While Autistic) and SWAN Church (Scripture & Worship for All Neurotypes) empower underserved voices. Key insights: Adult vs. child autism: Masking hides symptoms (e.g., routines for eye contact/socializing); exhaustion from "faking normal." Late-dx challenges: Women/trans/non-binary often missed (3-6x overlap with autism); bullying/shame leads to self-doubt. Workplace/family support: Frame needs as productivity wins (e.g., noise-canceling headphones/WFH); believe autistic voices—no "faking." Clinician tips: Read autistic authors, seek ND-affirming pros; self-ID valid if no paper needed (for disability/accommodations). Advocacy ahead: Boa constrictor squeeze (hard times)—stay safe, speak out; churches need inclusivity (SWAN as model). For autistic young adults unmasking or parents advocating, Dr. Wendy's optimism shines: "Nothing wrong with you—world's not built for you." Free library access to her books; inquire for Book Club readings. Subscribe for ND adulting advocacy! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Books at Amazon/Barnes & Noble/Powell's/indies; SWAN Church: swanchurch.org. Linktree: adultingwithautism.linktr.ee (Podbean/shop/socials). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at adultingwithautism.shop—fierce ND gear! #LateDiagnosedAutism #AutismMaskingAdults #NeurodivergentWorkplace #AutismWomenTrans #AdultingWhileAutistic #SWANChurchND #AutismSelfAcceptance #AuDHD #OT #MentalHealth #BTS #BTSNeurodivergent #Neurodiversity #ADHD #PodMatch #Podcasts   Episode: Late Diagnosed Autism in Adults with Wendela Whitcomb Marsh [00:00] Intro: Masking Exhaustion in Late-Dx ND Adults [00:30] Dr. Wendy's Story: 40-Year Career to Adult Autism Advocacy [02:00] Missed Symptoms: Adult vs. Child Autism (Masking Routines/Sensory) [05:00] Late-Dx Challenges: Women/Trans/Non-Binary Overlap (3-6x Higher) [08:00] Masking Effects: "Faking Normal" & Unmasking Safety [11:00] Family Support: Listen/Believe—Accommodations for All [14:00] Workplace Wins: Frame Needs as Productivity (Headphones/WFH) [17:00] Clinician Tips: ND-Affirming Pros, Read Autistic Authors [20:00] Lived Experience: Autistic Family Shapes Her Books/Advocacy [23:00] Church Inclusivity: SWAN Church Model for ND/LGBTQIA+ [26:00] Future Advocacy: Boa Constrictor Squeeze—Stay Safe/Speak Out [29:00] Testing Advice: Self-ID Valid; Sliding Scales for Assessments [32:00] Outro: Books/Resources & CTAs Resources: Books: Adulting While Autistic series/Recognizing Autism in Women and Girls (Amazon/Barnes & Noble/Powell's/indies/libraries) SWAN Church: swanchurch.org (online ND-affirming worship) Contact: [email protected] (Book Clubs/speaking) Linktree(Podbean/shop/socials) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND advocacy! Share your masking story in comments. #AutismAdults #LateDxMasking #NDWorkplace #AutismWomen #SWANChurch

  --------  

  47:32

  --------

  47:32

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About Adulting with Autism