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/joshua@headwaymentalhealth.com.

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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 | joshua@headwaymentalhealth.com


• 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