Adulting with Autism

Are you exhausted from trying to be everything to everyone—and still feeling like it's not enough? In this episode of Adulting With Autism, host April talks with Ruth Hirshberg, former social worker and creator of Grounding with Ruth, about the real root cause behind chronic burnout and people-pleasing: core beliefs about worth. Ruth shares how a Crohn's disease diagnosis forced her to face the truth she'd been avoiding—you can't perform your way to peace. Together, we unpack why "just set boundaries" and "just do self-care" often fails, especially for high achievers, perfectionists, and neurodivergent adults who learned early that being useful was the safest way to belong. Ruth brings an honest, no-fluff approach—calling out toxic positivity and wellness-industry nonsense—and offers practical tools rooted in social work, breathwork, and meditation to build internal safety and sustainable self-worth. In this episode, we cover: What people-pleasing actually is (and why it's not just "being nice") Why boundaries don't stick if you don't believe you're allowed to have needs The hidden beliefs that keep high-achievers trapped in burnout Self-worth vs. productivity: separating value from output Nervous system regulation that doesn't cost money (breathwork you can do anywhere) Meditation for exhausted or traumatized people (starting small, safely, and realistically) Toxic positivity and why "good vibes only" makes healing harder Community as a tool for healing shame and isolation Connect with Ruth Hirshberg: Website: https://groundingwithruth.com Instagram/Facebook: @groundingwithruth Facebook Group: The Enough Project Podcast: Inspired Questions (interviews + guided meditations)

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: info@EAJohnsonSpeaks.com

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: mandy@hearts-desire.com 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

In this episode of Adulting With Autism, April is joined by Helene Zupanc and Beth Valdez—licensed professional counselors in Arizona with 25+ years of combined experience—about how to interrupt negative thought loops using simple, personalized mantras that actually feel authentic. Helene and Beth are the co-authors of Sticky Note Mantras: The Art and Science of Choosing Your Thoughts, a practical mental health toolkit built from real therapy sessions: the "one thing" clients needed to remember after they walked out the door. We talk about why the brain gets stuck in repetitive patterns like "I'm not good enough," "I'm not loved," or "I can't," and how the survival brain (including the amygdala) can send false alarms based on old experiences. This conversation includes: How to create mantras that work for autistic and neurodivergent adults (without toxic positivity) Why repetition builds new neural pathways—and what consistency realistically looks like Tools for regulation beyond talk therapy: somatic yoga, sound therapy, and "bottoms‑up" nervous system support How to "catch it, check it, change it" when the spiral starts Self-compassion prompts that don't feel fake—and how gratitude can shift internal dialogue Practical mantra examples like "That's just a brain glitch," "People will people," and "Just don't stand still." If you want mental health strategies that are simple, research-informed, and usable on hard days—this episode delivers. Guests: Helene Zupanc, LPC + Beth Valdez, LPC Book: Sticky Note Mantras: The Art and Science of Choosing Your Thoughts Website: https://stickynotemantras.com Therapy (AZ Telehealth): Available via their website Topics: autism and adulting, neurodivergent mental health, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, trauma, rumination, self-compassion, gratitude practice, mantras, nervous system regulation, somatic tools.

In this episode of Adulting With Autism, April talks with Princess Merrilee—Ambassador of Love, minister, existential philosopher (Ph.D.), mentor, speaker, and award‑winning international bestselling author—about what it actually means to live by love in a world that constantly triggers fear, distrust, and overwhelm. Princess Merrilee shares the pivotal moment that shifted her life: during a painful divorce with four kids, bills stacked on the desk, and life feeling like too much—she opened her Bible and felt a clear message: "All you have to do is love." From that promise, she built a practical framework for how love shows up in daily life through communication, patience, diplomacy, and self‑mastery—especially when your nervous system wants to react first and think later. This conversation explores why so many autistic and neurodivergent adults feel disconnected, how trust breaks through "authentic" but painful communication, and why internal safety starts with learning to pause before spiraling into worst‑case scenarios. We also discuss her concept of "The Game"—a rules‑based way to simplify the complexity of love, identify untrustworthy patterns, and stop self‑sacrificing in relationships that repeatedly cause harm. If you've been struggling with masking, anxiety, conflict, belonging, or purpose—this episode offers a different lens: love as a practice, love as a discipline, and love as the foundation for a calmer, more connected adult life. Guest: Princess Merrilee Website: https://merrileeofsalana.com Facebook: Princess Merrilee (search by name) Book: The Game (available by request via email through her website) Topics: autism and adulting, neurodivergent communication, emotional regulation, anxiety and overwhelm, relationships and trust, self‑forgiveness, self‑worth, purpose, spirituality and mental health, belonging.

In this episode of Adulting With Autism, we sit down with Travis Cournoyer (Lucid Motors engineer, former startup CEO, and author of Courageous Curiosity: Find the Answers Where Everyone Else Is Afraid to Look) to talk about the kind of questions autistic adults and neurodivergent people often carry in silence—the ones we're afraid will make us look "stupid," "too much," or "difficult." Travis shares the moment that changed his life—moving from shame and silence in graduate school to building a career in high-pressure tech environments by doing the one thing many of us avoid: asking the question anyway. We unpack his definition of a "stupid question" (an honest question you've been shamed for asking), how to disrupt the shame spiral, and practical ways to start speaking up at work, in school, and in everyday life—without abandoning your authenticity. If you've ever felt like an alien trying to survive adulthood, this one will feel like belonging. Guest: Travis Cournoyer Book: Courageous Curiosity (Launch: Nov 14) Website: https://www.askanyway.org Topics: autism & adulting, masking, communication, workplace anxiety, shame resilience, neurodivergence, self-advocacy, confidence, asking questions, authenticity.

In this episode of Adulting with Autism, April sits down with Leah Marone — psychotherapist, speaker, and author of Serial Fixer: Break Free from the Habit of Solving Other People's Problems — to unpack why autistic and neurodivergent adults are often vulnerable to people-pleasing, masking, over-accommodating, and chronic burnout. Leah explains how "fixer mode" can start in childhood as a trauma response or learned pattern tied to love, praise, and survival — and how it becomes an exhausting loop of false ownership, hypervigilance, and anxiety. In this conversation, we cover: What it really means to be a "serial fixer" and how to recognize the pattern Why high emotional intelligence can become premature problem-solving How anxiety pulls us into the past (rumination) or future (worst-case planning) The connection between masking, people-pleasing, and losing your authentic self How to set boundaries without collapsing into guilt or conflict avoidance Why recovery matters for autistic adults navigating overstimulation and social decoding Micro-regulation tools for anxiety (cold on the chest, breath, movement, blood flow shifts) How caregivers can support neurodivergent young adults without "over-solving" Practical strategies for boundaries and burnout prevention in the workplace This episode is especially helpful for autistic adults, ADHDers, late-diagnosed individuals, caregivers, and high-achievers who feel stuck in overfunctioning and want to find their own version of calm, balance, and "enoughness." Guest: Leah Marone Website: leahmarone.com Book: Serial Fixer: Break Free from the Habit of Solving Other People's Problems

If you live in a rural area, you already know the struggle: the internet will have you stuck in the dark ages… and then everybody acts surprised when you can't stream, work, or upload a thing. In this episode of Adulting with Autism, I'm talking with Mashood Ahmad, founder and CEO of Gigabit IQ — known as the UK's "Safe Broadband Provider." Mashood has spent 25+ years in telecom and broadband, and he's on a mission to make internet access not only fast, but also safer for families. And y'all… we get into the part parents are exhausted by: online safety. Because once kids hit the internet, it can turn into the Wild West real quick — especially for autistic and neurodivergent kids who may be more vulnerable to manipulation, grooming, cyberbullying, and unsafe content. We talk about why "basic" parental controls aren't enough when you've got 20 devices in one house, and how network-level tools (aka controls that work across your home Wi-Fi) can reduce the chaos. We also get REAL about: Why "super fast fiber" isn't always super, fast, or fiber Roblox, in-game chats, and how "kid games" can still be unsafe FamilyGuard+ features like age-based filtering, screen time limits, app blocking, alerts, and VPN bypass blocking (because these kids are SMART smart) How parents can set digital boundaries without turning into full-time detectives Why safety needs to be the standard — like seatbelts — not an optional add-on Connect with Mashood / Gigabit IQ: Website: gigabitiq.com Learn about FamilyGuard+: Gigabit IQ FamilyGuard+

In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April is joined by Jennifer Zach, executive coach, author, and somatic leadership expert, to explore how somatic awareness and nervous system regulation can support autistic and neurodivergent adults in work, relationships, and daily life. Jennifer is the author of Somatic Awareness: Leading with Body Intelligence and creator of the 3N Model™ — Notice, Name, Navigate, a practical framework that helps people recognize stress signals in the body, regulate overwhelm, and make aligned decisions instead of operating from survival mode. Together, April and Jennifer discuss: What somatic awareness really means (and why the body knows before the brain) How autistic burnout shows up in the nervous system The difference between discomfort and actual danger Why masking and people-pleasing exhaust the body How body intelligence supports authentic communication and self-leadership Practical micro-practices to regulate stress in real time Why resilience is more than "pushing through" How somatic tools can improve work environments, leadership, and emotional safety This episode is especially valuable for autistic adults, late-diagnosed individuals, professionals navigating sensory overload, and anyone feeling disconnected from their body due to chronic stress or overwhelm. Guest: Jennifer Zach Website: somaticallyaware.com Book: Somatic Awareness: Leading with Body Intelligence If you're looking for grounded, practical strategies to calm your nervous system, reduce burnout, and live with more clarity — this episode is for you.

If reading the news leaves you overwhelmed, angry, or completely checked out—you're not broken. The system is. In this episode of Adulting with Autism, I'm joined by Kira Shishkin, founder and CEO of informed.now, a platform built for people who want to stay informed without being manipulated, overstimulated, or emotionally drained. Kira shares how her own struggles with attention, overload, and disability shaped a radically different approach to news—one that prioritizes facts, primary sources, and respect for the reader's time and nervous system. We talk about: Why modern news is designed to hijack attention "Structural sensationalism" and how advertising drives outrage Why many autistic and neurodivergent people avoid the news entirely How to consume information without doom scrolling or shutdown What media minimalism and "news mindfulness" actually look like Why informed.now delivers fact-based news via simple text messages This episode is especially for autistic adults, ADHDers, and anyone whose mental health takes a hit from constant media overload—but still wants to understand what's happening in the world. 🔗 Learn more or sign up at informed.now

What if hiring autistic adults wasn't about charity—but about brilliance, innovation, and real business results? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, I sit down with Tara May, CEO of AspiriTech, a tech company with 90% autistic employees doing QA, cybersecurity, and data services across the country. What started at a kitchen table is now a $6M company proving what autistic talent can actually do when workplaces are designed differently. Tara and I talk honestly about: Why autistic adults are still massively underemployed—and why that's a business failure, not a talent issue How AspiriTech rethinks "disability" and centers strengths instead of deficits What employers get wrong about accommodations (and why most cost nothing) How autistic job seekers can advocate for themselves without burning out Why parents don't need to panic when their autistic kid wants a nontraditional career Free, real-world pathways into cybersecurity and tech for autistic adults This is not inspiration porn. This is a real conversation about work, burnout, systems, and what actually works for autistic adults navigating employment. If you're autistic, a parent, an employer, or someone tired of being told to "just try harder," this episode is for you. 🔗 Learn more about AspiriTech and their free cybersecurity academy: aspiritech.org

Living with anxiety spikes, focus fog, or constant sensory overload as an autistic, AuDHD, or ADHD adult—and wondering if music could actually help your brain calm down? This episode of Adulting With Autism explores music therapy for autistic adults with Dr. Barb Minton, a psychologist and neuroscientist who started as a pipe organ major and went on to create the Calm the Storm album with guitarist Peppino D'Agostino.​ Dr. Barb explains how music can entrain brain waves—how tempo, rhythm, and sound textures can gently guide the nervous system toward calmer or more focused states. She shares how specific choices (like slower tempos around 60–80 beats per minute for calm, or slightly faster tempos around 110–120 for focus) may support sleep, pain management, migraines, and attention, and why the body "hears" vibration through mechanoreceptors as well as through your ears.​ You will hear stories of how music has been used to support neurodivergent adults, including those with autism and ADHD, and how to experiment safely: choosing tracks that feel regulating rather than overwhelming, adjusting volume, and noticing your own responses instead of following rigid rules. Dr. Barb also talks about why music is still underused in mainstream care despite promising research and real-world results.​ This episode is especially helpful if you: Feel overstimulated or shut down and want non-medication tools to try Are curious whether specific music choices could help with anxiety, focus, or sleep Want a more science-informed understanding of why certain music "works" for your brain If this conversation supports you, follow/subscribe to Adulting With Autism on Podbean, Apple, or Spotify and leave a 5-star review so more neurodivergent adults can find it. Merch for your calm and focus journey: Get 20% off journals, tees, and "Brainwave Harmony"–style merch with code PODCAST26 at the Adulting With Autism Fourthwall shop ( Linktree). Your support helps keep this podcast free for the community. Resources mentioned: Calm the Storm and more music at musicandhealing.net Dr. Barb's work and workshops at drbminton.com

Caught in "not enough" or "too much" loops as an autistic or AuDHD adult—stuck in old patterns, feeling like your needs are a burden, or burning out trying to keep everyone else okay? This episode of Adulting With Autism dives into self-love for autistic adults with Christina Ketchen, a certified life and relationship coach trained in HeartMath®, Gottman, and the Hoffman Process, who brings both neuroscience and hard-won personal wisdom to healing.​ Christina talks about trauma loops—those familiar patterns and relationship dynamics that feel terrible but somehow also "normal"—and how they can quietly drain self-worth over time. She shares compassionate tools like heart-focused breathing to support the nervous system, "kind no's" that protect your energy ("This doesn't work for me—thank you"), and gentle self-talk that shifts you from "I am broken" to "I am human and learning."​ You will hear how patterns often started as protection, how faith/meaning can reframe pain without dismissing it, and why embracing your "messy" humanity is part of building real self-love, not a sign of failure. Christina also offers guidance for neurodivergent adults who feel guilty setting boundaries or fear that saying no will make people leave.​ This episode is especially helpful if you: Keep ending up in the same painful situations or relationships Struggle to hold boundaries without intense shame, fear, or backlash inside your own mind Are learning what self-love looks like for you as an autistic or AuDHD adult, beyond clichés and quick fixes If this conversation supports you, follow/subscribe to Adulting With Autism on YouTube Apple, or Spotify and leave a 5-star review so more neurodivergent adults can find it. Merch for your self-love journey: Get 20% off journals, tees, and "Self-Love Alchemist"–style merch with code PODCAST26 at the Adulting With Autism Fourthwall shop ( Linktree). Your support helps keep this podcast free for the community. Resources mentioned: Coaching and masterclasses with Christina at christinaketchen.com Her podcast The Self Love Shift

Feeling stuck in survival mode as an autistic or AuDHD adult—checking all the boxes on paper but still burned out, unfulfilled, or unsure what you actually want? This episode of Adulting With Autism explores self-love and life direction with Chandra Lynn, a certified transformation coach, former Apple/Mercedes marketing leader, and author of Root to Rise: How to Love Life When It's Messy, When It's Hard.​ Chandra breaks down her Root to Rise framework, which looks at key areas of life—like career, relationships, health, and creativity—and helps you line them up with core emotional needs such as security, variety, growth, connection, and contribution. She shares simple journaling prompts like "What do I want? Why? What am I willing to try?" to help you get out of autopilot and start making choices that actually fit you, not just what others expect.​ You will hear how her own path from high-pressure corporate roles into more aligned, heart-centered work unfolded in zigzags, not straight lines—and why that is normal, especially for neurodivergent adults. Chandra offers practical tools for exploring purpose through experiments and "try-ons," building authentic relationships, and practicing self-love in the middle of messy, imperfect life rather than waiting to "fix everything" first.​ This episode is especially helpful if you: Feel like you are surviving but not really living Are questioning your career, relationships, or direction as a late-diagnosed autistic or AuDHD adult Want a grounded framework to check in with your needs and make kinder, more aligned choices If this conversation supports you, follow/subscribe to Adulting With Autism on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify and leave a 5-star review so more neurodivergent adults can find it. Merch for your Root to Rise journey: Get 20% off journals, tees, and "Root Your Rise"–style merch with code PODCAST26 at the Adulting With Autism Fourthwall shop (Linktree). Your support helps keep this podcast free for the community. Resources mentioned: Root to Rise: How to Love Life When It's Messy, When It's Hard Chandra's quiz, courses, and coaching at glowliving.com

Growing up with labels like "too emotional," "overreacting," or "ice queen," and now struggling to understand what you actually feel as an autistic or AuDHD adult? This episode of Adulting With Autism dives into emotion regulation for autistic adults with Jenn Veilleux, clinical psychologist, professor, and author of Open to Emotion, who blends her theater background with science to support authentic emotional expression. Jenn shares her own journey from being called "too emotional" to seeing emotional intensity as a form of being a "super-taster" of feelings. She talks about the difference between awareness and attention—how you can notice emotions without getting completely swept away—and offers metaphors like watching emotions move through like wind instead of something you have to hold onto forever. You will hear practical tools for: Unmasking your emotions after years of pushing them down or performing what others expect Using body signals (interoception) as early warning signs so you can regulate sooner Sitting with emotions long enough to understand them without drowning in them Challenging myths about ADHD and "overreacting" so you can embrace your full range This episode is especially helpful if you: Struggle to identify what you feel until you are already overwhelmed Have been told your emotions are "too much" or "not enough" your whole life Want language and tools to unmask emotionally at a pace that feels safe If this conversation supports you, follow/subscribe to Adulting With Autism on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify and leave a 5-star review so more neurodivergent adults can find it. Merch for your emotional journey: Get 20% off journals, tees, and "Emotional Range Journal"–style merch with code PODCAST26 at the Adulting With Autism Fourthwall shop (Linktree). Your support helps keep this podcast free for the community. Resources mentioned: Open to Emotion by Jenn Veilleux Workshops and more at jenncveilleux.com

Stuck in limiting beliefs as an autistic or AuDHD adult—thoughts like "I am not good enough because of autism" or feeling like different "parts" of you are constantly fighting each other? In this episode of Adulting With Autism, Tamara Andreas joins to talk about Core Transformation, a gentle inner-work process she co-developed that has been taught worldwide for over 30 years.​ Tamara explains the idea of "parts" in a grounded way: the part that wants to keep you safe, the part that is scared of change, the part that believes you have to mask. She walks through how to acknowledge these parts with respect, ask what they are trying to do for you, and then guide them toward deeper "core states" such as peace, love, or OK-ness—without forcing yourself to "think positive."​ You will hear a guided example of the process, how Core Transformation grew out of her and Connirae Andreas' work, and why this approach can be especially supportive for autistic and ADHD adults who have been shamed, gaslit, or told to "fix" themselves. We also talk about pacing, safety, and why it is okay to pause or come back to the process as needed.​ This episode is especially helpful if you: Carry a lot of shame or harsh self-talk tied to autism or being "too sensitive" Feel fragmented, like different parts of you are pulling in opposite directions Want a structured, yet compassionate way to explore inner peace and self-acceptance If this conversation supports you, follow/subscribe to Adulting With Autism on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify and leave a 5-star review so more neurodivergent adults can find it. Merch for your inner work journey: Get 20% off journals, tees, and "Core Self Guide"–style merch with code PODCAST26 at the Adulting With Autism Fourthwall shop (Linktree). Your support helps keep this podcast free for the community. Resources mentioned: Core Transformation® book and materials Free micro-book and videos at andreasnlp.com Trainings and more at coretransformation.org

Struggling with routines, self-doubt, or turning your creative passions into a real career as a late-diagnosed autistic or AuDHD adult? This episode of Adulting With Autism features JD Barker, a New York Times bestselling thriller author with 19 books to his name, co-writing credits with James Patterson, and a late autism diagnosis at 22.​ JD shares his journey from finance to full-time writing in his 40s, including ghostwriting multiple NYT bestsellers before building his own career and imprint. He talks about realistic writing routines (like aiming for 2–3K words a day and then shutting down work at a set time), how he structures his days to protect his focus, and how he uses autistic strengths such as pattern-spotting and deep focus to build complex plots.​ You will hear practical details on co-writing (splitting strengths and tasks), creating believable characters (using sketches and "actor" benchmarks to make them feel real), and reframing feedback—seeing reviews and early drafts as part of finding your voice rather than proof you should quit. JD also offers encouragement for autistic and ADHD creatives who worry they are "too late" or "too inconsistent" to ever finish a project.​ This episode is especially helpful if you: Are a late-diagnosed autistic or AuDHD creator trying to build a sustainable routine Dream of writing novels or long-form work but feel stuck or overwhelmed Want concrete examples of how an autistic author structures work, rest, and creativity If this conversation supports you, follow/subscribe to Adulting With Autism on Podbean, Apple, or Spotify and leave a 5-star review so more neurodivergent adults can find it. Merch for your writing journey: Get 20% off journals, notebooks, and "Storyteller's Edge"–style merch with code PODCAST26 at the Adulting With Autism Fourthwall shop (Linktree). Your support helps keep this podcast free for the community. Resources mentioned: JD Barker's books and updates at jdbarker.com