Adulting with Autism – Details, episodes & analysis

Feeling stuck in your head? It might be time to listen to your body. In this powerful episode of Adulting with Autism, we’re joined by Ellen Slater, somatic therapist, author, and founder of the Head & Heart Healing Model. Ellen takes us on a gentle but transformational journey through somatic therapy, helping us understand how trauma, especially in autistic and neurodivergent bodies, lives not just in memory—but in our nervous systems.

We unpack trauma bonding, emotional shutdown, and the real reason talk therapy alone often isn't enough. Ellen also shares accessible tools to start your healing—like her favorite micro-practice: "Quiet the mind, open the heart" while brushing your teeth.

Whether you’re autistic, ADHD, highly sensitive, or just overwhelmed by life’s chaos, this episode is your permission to slow down, feel more, and heal deeply.

🎧 You’ll Learn:

• Why your body reacts before your brain
• How trauma bonding forms (and how to break it)
• Tips for integrating somatic awareness into everyday life
• Why neurodivergent adults often carry unprocessed sensory trauma

💡 Ellen’s Offerings:

• Learn more about Head & Heart Healing at ellenslater.com
• Join her monthly virtual community and retreats
• Follow Ellen on Instagram: @headandheartwise

🎁 BONUS: We’re still running our Discord giveaway! Be our 1,000th member and win a $100 Visa Gift Card + exclusive podcast merch. Join now: Discord

🛒 Support the show by checking out our affiliates:

• Buy Me A Coffee
• 📘 Ellen’s upcoming book & retreat guides

📲 Follow & connect with us:

• IG: @adulting_autism
• FaceBook: Adulting with Autism

👉 Listen now and start your somatic journey toward healing. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Hey guys, hey—happy Wednesday! Welcome back to Adulting with Autism, the podcast where we say goodbye to “normal” and hello to neurodivergent brilliance. This week, we’re diving deep into the power of self-talk—not the scary, spiraling kind, but the kind that unlocks real transformation.

We’re joined by David Alan Brown, a spiritual teacher, identity coach, and truth-teller who helps people move from stuck to soul-powered. In this episode, David shares how reclaiming your inner dialogue can lead to emotional clarity, freedom from perfectionism, and finally stepping into your purpose—no glitter, just grounded growth.

👉 Whether you’re navigating autism, anxiety, or just adulting, this episode is your permission slip to live with intention and truth. We’re talking practical tools, emotional honesty, and why authenticity isn’t just another buzzword.

✨ Plus! We’re celebrating our 1,000th Discord member with a $100 Visa gift card giveaway and exclusive podcast merch!

Join our Discord now → https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism

🌀 Connect with David Alan Brown:

📸 Instagram: @theauthordavidalanbrown

🌐 Website: https://www.davidalanbrown.com

🎥 LinkedIn: thewriterdab

Facebook: david.a.brown.940

💬 Let’s stay connected:

📲 Follow the show on IG: @adulting_autism

🎥 Watch full episodes + clips: Adulting with Autism Podcast

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🎧 Tune in now and discover how to rewrite your inner script, one truth at a time.

Grab your favorite drink, hit play, and let’s get into the real, raw magic of becoming YOU.

Hey there, friends! 💛 Welcome back to Adulting with Autism! Today, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Sylvia Moore Myers—the powerful voice behind GoldScars.com and author of Gold Scars.

After enduring unimaginable trauma, including the heartbreaking loss of her teenage son, Sylvia embarked on an 18-year healing journey that’s nothing short of inspiring. Her mission? To show us that healing isn’t about “getting over” pain—it’s about growing through it and transforming our scars into pure gold. 🌟

🎧 In this powerful episode, we dive into:

• How trauma physically imprints itself on the body and mind

• How grief intersects with neurodivergence

• Why owning, naming, and mending your scars is the ultimate act of self-love

• How young adults can heal without repeating painful patterns

Whether you’re navigating grief, trauma, autism, or just working on your own healing, Sylvia’s message is a reminder that brokenness isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of becoming something even stronger.

✨ Resources & Affiliates: 📚 Get your copy of Gold Scars here → [Affiliate Link] 🌐 Learn more about Sylvia’s work at GoldScars.com

🎁 Join our Discord Giveaway! 🎉 Be the 1,000th member and win a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive merch → linktr.ee/adultingwithautism ☕ Feeling inspired? Support the show at BuyMeACoffee

🗓️ Reminder: We’re back to our regular schedule—new episodes every Wednesday and Saturday starting May 3rd!

If this episode touched your heart, follow the show, leave a review, and share with someone who needs a little reminder that their story isn’t over—it's just getting golden.

Until next time... Keep adulting. Keep growing. And keep turning your scars into gold. 💛✨

Hey guys, hey, happy Wednesday! It's finally my favorite time of the year, fall. I love this time of the year. The only thing is it's still dark when I wake up. I'm not a 6 a.m. person. I don't ever claim to be a 6 a.m. person. I hate it when the sun is not up. It takes me forever to wake up when the sun is not up. And literally my fiancé has to push me out of the bed to get started.

And I'll be real, I am not an exercise type of person. I need to exercise. And the guest that I interviewed made it sound so easy. I asked him a specific question in this interview. I said, how can somebody get into the habit of a routine of exercise? And he told me, you don't need a gym membership, but this is hard. He said, all you need is 30 minutes, three times a week. And he said, it sounds easy, but it's really hard.

Now, I interviewed this guest a month ago. No, two months ago. And I still haven't done it. I have thought of every excuse in the world of why I haven't started this program. And he said... I would end up doing this. And he was totally right. So, Marc, I have to have him start this program. I'm getting there. I like your studio. I mean, I'm already. No, it's cool. I like it.

Okay, I'm going to get stung at eight. So I can be involved in the team. I promise, I'm not always in my day. I'm getting my body in shape. So I don't feel like I'm running a marathon every time I'm learning. Thank you for coming on to my podcast. I'm sure you're very diseased. Yeah, no, but this is, I love doing this. This is something I love doing. I love spreading the word and hopefully quashing any sort of stigma around mental illness and all the associated things that go along with it. So this is something I make time for, definitely.

So you have said on your bio that there's a personal trainer or a host of the Realty Rumors, the wrong word, podcast. Everybody's also the host of 6am.run. But really, you have to live with it. Don't even go there. 6amrun.com. Because I guess what a lot of people share is, oh, I can go to a therapist and get rid of anxiety and depression. But what you really have to do is hit head-on.

Yeah, no, I appreciate you asking that. I mean, I think that, I mean, perfect example. I mean, I've been doing work. I don't know how much you read through the book, but I've been working on myself for quite some time. And a lot of that was around this struggle with anxiety. And, you know, I think that you can get online and you can see people talking about, like, you know, 30 days it'll be gone or this or that. And I'm not saying that that can't happen to people. I imagine it can. And I don't think these people are lying, but I think that, you know, even if you don't have an anxiety disorder, you know, I tend not to call it a disorder in the book because I think it's just a challenge. To get healthy and it also leads to other extremes. But when you have a, even if you don't have a challenge, you're gonna run up against anxiety, just a normal part of life. Stress and anxiety are a normal part of life, right? So that will always be there. You have a different relationship to it i think that's the key that's what i'm trying to stress in the book is that that's why i keep saying dance all right don't worry about it at all right because welcome to my podcast and thank you so much for coming now my i still have that thank you so much for having me i appreciate it to kind of get busy or run from it or a lot of my power through it and sometimes that's necessary but other times it's maybe just sitting down showing up and go like what's going on what's going on in my body right now like what's my body trying to tell me um is there something that's coming up for me and i think that i totally understand for you know there's so many different there's a huge spectrum of people who struggle with anxiety it will make you feel better you know or disorder as they call it or someone dealing with everyday stress and everything that has been the truth and i don't think this is just with anxiety i think there's other things in life and still going through learn to dance.

The one thing we know for certain is that change will always be present. And if you learn how to dance with that and not, you know, just say, this is the way things are going to be for the rest of my life. And, you know, this is how it's going to be. And I figured out a way to deal with everything. But you're always going to have change in life. So I don't know if that answers the question, but I think it's more of a dance as opposed to just completely getting rid of it from your system. I think it'd be labeled as like an anxiety spectrum versus a disorder. I know there are some people that it'll come and then go away. But for some people, it's a lifelong thing. They've had it all their life and they're always going to end it. Today is my ultimate procrastination days.

I hope you guys enjoyed this episode as much as I did. Remember, it's all about taking small steps and being kind to yourself. Love you guys to death, and as always, keep adulting!

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Hey friends, welcome back to Adulting with Autism! I'm April Ratchford, your friendly occupational therapist mom, navigating life on the spectrum and raising an incredible young adult son with autism. This episode is a bit different and super important.

Today, we dive deep into being our true selves and tackling generational trauma, especially for BIPOC communities. Our special guest, Dr. Kareen Aristide, shares her wisdom on mental health, personal growth, and the importance of self-care. She’s an inspiring coach, author, and mother of five, ready to enlighten us all.

Grab your favorite drink, no judgment here, and join us for some real talk and valuable insights. Let's embark on this journey together. Remember to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, and Spotify. And don’t forget to like us on Facebook at Adulting with Autism Podcast. Check out our website for some cool merchandise – 20% goes to a nonprofit supporting housing and transition programs.

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Thanks for tuning in, and let's keep adulting!

Hey friends! Happy Wednesday! 🌞 It's your favorite podcaster, April Ratchford, here, melting away in the Kentucky heat but ready to dive into another insightful episode of Adulting with Autism.

Today's episode is a special one. We're talking about the push and pull of independence between young adults on the spectrum and their parents. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to balance independence with parental guidance. That's why we've got the amazing Rebecca Silence with us, a self-healing and relationship expert, to share her wisdom on improving communication and fostering a harmonious home environment.

Rebecca's insights are truly transformative, and I can't wait for you to hear them. We'll discuss everything from emotional regulation to navigating disappointment and supporting your kids' dreams. Trust me, you don't want to miss this!

As always, don't forget to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, and Spotify. And show some love by liking our Facebook page, Adulting with Autism Podcast. Plus, check out our website, Adulting with Autism, for some awesome merchandise. Remember, 20% of the proceeds go to a nonprofit supporting housing and transition programs for those in need.

Thanks for tuning in, and let's keep this journey going together. Stay awesome, and keep shining bright! 🌟

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Love, April

If you have not yet done so, please subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, and Spotify. And also like us on Facebook at Adulting with Autism Podcast. Also, we have the website, Adulting with Autism with Merchandise. 20% will go to a nonprofit sponsoring those that need housing and a transition program. Thanks.

Hey guys, welcome to Adulting with Autism, the podcast where we dive into the roller coaster of adulthood through a neurodiverse lens. I'm April Ratchford, your friendly occupational therapist mom, proudly on the spectrum and raising an amazing young adult son with autism. Join us as we share stories, tips, and laughs, offering a supportive space for anyone navigating life's twists and turns. Grab your drink of choice, no judgment, and let's embark on this journey together. This is Adulting with Autism.

Hey guys, hey. Happy Saturday. I know I've been MIA the last week and I need to catch up. It's been a rough sort of week for the last couple of weeks, and I've been overwhelmed and having some doubts, and it's been tough. It's been really, really tough. Just like some of you guys, I do have doubts, and just like your moms and dads and other parental units, I get extremely exhausted and tired and the lack of community is hard.

And this leads me to my next guest. Kevin Johnson not only helped take care of his brother, he took care of another son he has that is on the autism spectrum. Now, his brother has an intellectual disability. He primarily helped raise his brother with his mom while his father was away. I think in the military, he'll give you more of an insight, but that helped him when his son was born and he and his wife found out that his son had autism, prepare for the difficulties that they had to face with everything, preparing their son for the hardships that we have to prepare you guys for.

And one thing he did say is that it's not a sprint. It's a marathon. And parents, we are going to be exhausted. And. We need to be a community. And that's what I'm trying to form is a community for us to lean on one another because it is a marathon and there's no other way around it. It's not going to be a sprint and it's going to take a while for our kids to launch and to find the resources that they need to be on their own. And there's nothing wrong with that, nothing at all.

And Kevin not only is raising his son with autism, he had two other sons while working, which is amazing and which all of us do. So we get exhausted. So kiddos, give us a break. Sometimes we zone out and it's only because we get exhausted as well. You got to remember, no matter how old you are, whether you're 18 or whether you're 25 or whether you're 30, we've been doing this your entire lives without a break. And we love you. We love you very much. But some of us are in our 40s. Some of us are heading into our 50s. Some of us may be heading into our 60s and it takes a toll. And we didn't plan for this and we thought we would always have a community and we didn't. So here I am trying to create a community so we can finish this marathon for you guys.

But let me tell you about Kevin. Kevin is the founder-in-chief, executive officer of the Johnson Leadership Group, LLC, and an independent certified coach, mentor, trainer, and speaker with the nationally recognized John Maxwell team, where he leads learning experiences that are tailored to meet the specific needs of the audience to help maximize efficiency, growth, awareness, and effectiveness. He's a native of Richmond, Virginia, and a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business. He earned a master's certification in government contracting from the George Washington University, Washington, D.C. He completed a 34-year career with the federal government in 2017 and has been married for 30 years and raised three sons. Since 2001, he has written 20 books as a principal or contributing author on such diverse topics as faith, book marketing, blended families, finance, and leadership. His current book series, Leadership with a Servant's Heart, has earned 15 literary awards and is a two-time new release bestseller on Amazon.com. Recently, Kevin was honored with a Leadership Award from Men Impact Change in 2020 and Outstanding Leadership Award from Education 2.0 Conference 2023. His life's mission is to create a generation of next level leaders around the globe.

So you guys take some advice from Kevin because he's done it not once, but twice. So here's my guest. Welcome to welcome him to the podcast, Kevin Johnson. Welcome to the podcast. Thank you so much for coming on.

Absolutely. My honor and my delight to see you this morning. So tell my audience all about how you actually have a brother that has special needs and now you have a child that is on the autism spectrum.

Yeah, it's been a lifelong journey for me. I am a native of Richmond, Virginia, and I don't have any sisters, but I have one younger brother, three and a half years younger than I am. And we are the sons of a United States Marine, my dad, and then my mom worked in the federal government. So we moved around quite a bit. And when I was three and a half years old, my younger brother was born on one of the Marine Corps bases, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. And the doctors advised us right after birth, when they examined him, that they were. Some issues with oxygen, sufficient oxygen getting to his brain during development in the womb. So he was born with a mental disability. And it was a challenge initially because it was primarily my mom and I at home helping to raise him, support him, negotiate on his behalf, love him, care for him because dad was away fighting in America's wars. Marines are on the front line. And so I learned a lot about this neurological disorder as a young boy helping to raise my brother. And then fast forward many years later, after I graduate from college, I meet this young lady who captures my eye. We start dating, we fall in love, we get married. And then from our union, we have three sons. And interestingly enough, they don't have any sisters, all boys again. The youngest son, Cameron, and he's 26 now, he didn't talk for his first two years. He didn't say a word. And something else was very odd about him as well. For his first three years, when the sun came up, he thought it was time to go to sleep. And when the sun went down, he thought it was time to get up and play. And so we finally had him diagnosed through one of the pediatricians. And sure enough, he was diagnosed at the age of two with autism. So here we go again, right? This time I'm educating my wife and my brothers on how to handle this situation. Again, negotiating on his behalf, advocating for him, serving him, and supporting him. And even to today, I'm doing both, more so with my son than I am with my brother. But it's just been an interesting journey to watch how these neurological imbalances and impact their lives and the lives of others around them. But at the same time, be laser focused on those areas where they're a genius. They're an absolute genius in other areas. It's just a matter of giving them opportunities and supporting them and loving them. So that's the two-minute executive summary version of how I've been involved in this process. Thank you.

What difficulties did you have with transitioning them from going from their school life to the adult world? Because I noticed that in some school systems that the transition is like rocky. Like you have, they guide you and then it's like a drop off.

Yep. Yep. There's no prep. You do fall off the cliff. Absolutely. So the biggest thing that I've been an advocate for and one of the primary messages that I send out to the community for parents that don't have children on the spectrum and parents that do, because we serve as mentors in that capacity, is to educate yourself. Get the education, heighten the level of awareness in terms of what's available, what services are available, what programs can we tap into to help them as best as we can become an all-around person. Because when they're in school, elementary, middle, and high, they have that infrastructure. It's in place. But once they graduate from high school and they start to move into that adult age, depending on what state they're in, 18 or 22, I'm sorry, or 21, it really becomes the challenge and the burden, the parent or the legal guardian. Or in our case, we're both. We're both legal guardian and parent. And just getting out there in a community, joining member organizations, partnering with other parents that are dealing with the same challenges, and you'll get access to information. And then from that information, you can start to use it and apply it to your son or daughter in terms of what works best. So we have our son actively engaged in a very, very well-run day program from nine to three every day, job training, therapeutic integration. He works with peers. He works with children. He gets a chance to go out into the community from time to time, social skills, sporting events. All of that is built in Monday through Friday from nine to three. And then every other Monday, he gets together with a group of 20 of his peers. And for about three hours, they go to the bowling alley and they bowl. They just have some fellowship and some bowling. Later this year, after the summer, we're going to enroll him in an art therapy where they do glassmaking, ceramics, portraits, pictures, and he'll be in an environment with his peers, but also older adults who are not on the spectrum and other peers who are. So to be a mixed environment, because he loves to do that. And so just kind of finding out what makes them tick as they move into those adult age. Sometimes we can just ask. You'll be surprised. They'll tell you in many cases, not all, but in many cases, they'll tell you what they're interested in. And then whatever we can do to find the information to help them out is always a good way to go. So that's what we've been doing day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year. It's a journey, but together we get there. We're working on independent living next. We're also working on getting him to be able to drive if that's possible. I share with him that's a four-phase process because you take your class, your learner's permit, and you take your written exam. Then you have to get behind the wheel with an official instructor. You have to pass that. And then you have to go back. Now you have to pass another written exam to get your license. So it's a process, but trying to get them to yes is always the key. So that's the journey that we've been on with our young assignments.

I know a lot of parents get really frustrated with their kids because it's like a tug of war because they want to be their own individual, but yet their maturity level isn't there quite yet. And they go back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And sometimes it's a war zone. What advice do you have to give to parents that they will get there, but there's got to be some compromise?

Yeah, yeah, that's a good observation. We've all been there. Absolutely. I think it's a matter of really two things that come to mind. Number one, the more time we spend with them, the more we get to know them. And I'm not talking about just living in our household, being under the same roof. I mean, spending some time really, really observing what it is they gravitate toward, what is it they stay away from, and having that quality time, getting to know them that much better to help them to navigate the road. The second thing is just getting them as best you can. I know it's not easy. As best you can to try and do different things. We go to the swimming pool. We go to the movies. We eat a meal together. every other week we go together to get haircuts we go to certain restaurants because of his limited diet together we go to church together, And like I said, now he's been in his day program for a while, and we're going to be branching out and doing some other things, art therapy. And sometimes you'll get some feedback around, I don't really want to do that. And then other times they'll get involved in that activity and you'll discover that they absolutely love it. And that's a strategy that we can use to break through. But whatever it might be, we do have to be patient. It just takes time because neurologically, they're not processing like you and I process. It's just different. My son has been for years going through this thought that if we recommend something different or if we ask him to modify his behavior or if we make a recommendation that he could or should do something different, you know, whether it's washing clothes or cooking or cleaning up around the house, he interprets that as him making a mistake. And then he'll start to apologize. And I'm like, you didn't do anything wrong. I just want you to consider, you know, when you're cooking your food instead of turning the stove on high, put it on medium. But he interprets that as did something wrong. So it's the big things, it's the small things, but we just have to be patient over time. And I know it's not for everybody. Some of us have more patience than others. Some of us have more time than others. I get it. Some of us can handle pressure better than others. I get it. We're all over the place. But just try to be as patient as possible and get access to the resources for your local community. You'll find some good people that are part of these organizations who are willing to help.

How can you, like, because I know being on the spectrum, there's such a variety. How can parents best support other parents? Because I feel like when they're little, there's a good community out there for parents. But as they grow older it seems like parents kind of fall off the the leeway and it's just like there's not enough community support for as they grow older and i'm not sure if it's, once they grow older as they just get more difficult than when they're younger.

Yeah, there needs to be more groups. Yeah, it's a combination of everything that you just said, April, because what happens is by the time they grow up and move into adulthood, truth be told, you and I are tight. It has been a journey and we're tired. Right. And we're kind of throwing out that helpline. Can somebody please help me? I've dealt with this all of my life, and I'm just tired. I need some space for me. I think the way you ended your question is appropriate, and that's the key advice I'd give everybody. Get involved with some of the local organizations that are available, that have information for us to tap into, And then other parents who are dealing with the same thing that we are dealing with, whose head we can put on their shoulder and they can put their head on our shoulder, we can be there to support one another and give each other encouragement. I'm a member of our local autism society chapter here in Howard County, Maryland. I have been for years. And there are so many resources available. I'm a big proponent of the Best Buddies program. Really, really good. I'm a big proponent of local churches that have a special needs ministry because there's a lot of good resources there. Fortunately, because of where we live, we're in close proximity to all of these different programs and these different organizations. I have found that summer camps, summer camps can be helpful. That would be that person's opportunity to go away for about a week. I don't usually do it any more than one week. Just kind of go away for a week. Parents aren't there. Legal guardians aren't there. They're entrusted to a qualified staff that's there to support, and they're in the company of other peers, and they do all kinds of stuff. They do academic. They do social skills, therapeutic integration they swim they play volleyball horseshoes it's a great opportunity to kind of help them on their journey to become more independent as well but having those support network groups very very helpful for the parents and very very helpful for the legal guardians while we're also pouring into our sons and daughters to help them to be the best they can.

Have you found any vocational educational supports for the young adult if they decided they wanted to go on after high school? Because I know a lot of them want to. To do higher education, but it seems like some of them need extra support and a lot of the schools don't offer a lot of support.

Yeah. So two things come to mind. First and foremost, reach out to your local community college. Community colleges tend to be a little bit more focused in this area than the larger accredited four-year universities and colleges. They sort of have a different focus. But right after high school, my son went through a program called Project CERT. Project CERT. And it was available at our local community college, Howard Community College, here in Howard County, Maryland. And it was for a full year. They wore uniforms. They wore khakis. They had a blue long-sleeve khaki shirt that they wore. They did all types of different academics in the classroom. room. And they also boarded the bus periodically during the day to take different trips around the city. And they did that together as a peer group. It was part of their education for a full year that the county paid for as part of their services. And it was only for one year. I wish it was longer. But Cameron had an opportunity to work an internship for the Howard County government. He was an administrative assistant. He did filing and copying. He worked in an office environment. They liked him so much, they asked him to come back. So he did a second internship from there, and it worked out very well. It was an office setting, and it was in the confines of the Project CERT program. But that's a great way to launch our sons and daughters after they finish high school, whether they get an actual degree or they get a certificate. In my case, Cameron had a high school certificate. He participated and graduated. And the full high school graduation, cap town, all that good stuff. All of his teachers were there. And then he matriculated to Howard Community College Project Search Program. And that kind of launched him to what he's doing today from nine to three every day, Monday through Friday, with job training, social skills. They go out in the community periodically, therapeutic integration to prepare him for independent living. So try the community college right there in your area to see what academic courses are available for special needs students and enroll and get them involved. Absolutely.

Now, do you and your wife have any fears about, you know, once Cameron is ready to live on his own and finances the apartment that he may want to be independent, the driving? Do y'all think about those things? Because I know my son is not too far behind Cameron. He's 22. And God love him. He works at Kroger,

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Hey friends! Welcome back to Adulting with Autism. I'm April Ratchford, your friendly occupational therapist mom, and today I've got some exciting news to share. We're diving into an incredible story of transformation with our amazing guest, Ken Rabow.

Ken Rabow is a mentor extraordinaire who has worked magic with my son, Z. After just a couple of mentorship sessions, Z is like a different person. Seriously, it's night and day! Ken's unique approach has been a game-changer, and I can't wait for you to hear all about it.

In this episode, Ken shares his insights on helping young adults navigate the complexities of life. From addressing anxiety and school failures to finding the right career path, Ken's action-based strategies offer practical advice and inspiration. Whether you're a parent or a young adult, this episode is packed with valuable tips and heartwarming stories.

So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and join us on this journey of discovery and growth. And don't forget to check out our Facebook group and website for more resources and updates. Let's keep supporting each other and making a positive impact!

Love you guys, keep shining, and I'll see you on Saturday!

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-rabow/

Hey, guys! Happy Saturday! I hope you all had a fantastic week. I'm April Ratchford, your friendly occupational therapist mom, proudly on the spectrum and raising an amazing young adult son with autism. Welcome back to another episode of Adulting with Autism, where we dive into the roller coaster of adulthood through a neurodiverse lens.

This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with the incredible Michaell Magrutsche. Michael has made a spectacular mark on the world with his art, books, and wisdom, all while navigating life with dyslexia and dysgraphia. For those who might not know, dyslexia is difficulty reading, and dysgraphia is a neurological disorder affecting writing. Despite these challenges, Michaell has discovered three inherent superpowers we all should embrace: creativity, healthy dialogue, and adaptability.

Michaell is fluent in both English and German, completely self-taught, and has achieved so much, from being an author and artist to hosting his own podcast. He's even been a former art commissioner and co-produced with the late American film producer Robert Evans, known for classics like "The Godfather" and "Chinatown". Amazing, right?

So, grab your drink of choice (no judgment here), sit back, and enjoy our conversation. We discuss everything from the importance of recognizing our unique strengths to the need for systemic updates in education and employment for neurodivergent individuals. Michaell's insights are truly inspiring and remind us that each of us is one of a kind in this vast world of 8 billion people.

If you haven't yet, please subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, and Spotify. And don't forget to like us on Facebook at Adulting with Autism Podcast. You can also check out our website, Adulting with Autism, where we have some cool merchandise. Plus, 20% of the proceeds go to a nonprofit sponsoring those in need of housing and transition programs.

Thanks for tuning in and until next time, keep shining bright!

https://michaellm.com/

Podcast-https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michaellart

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellart/

https://x.com/michaellart

https://www.facebook.com/michaellstateofart

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVoYLf4psWlWvtBYPksHAIw

If you have not yet done so, please subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, and Spotify. And also like us on Facebook at Adulting with Autism Podcast. Also, we have the website, Adulting with Autism with Merchandise. 20% will go to a nonprofit sponsoring those that need housing and a transition program. Thanks.

Hey guys, welcome to Adulting with Autism, the podcast where we dive into the rollercoaster of adulthood through a neurodiverse lens. I'm April Ratchford, your friendly occupational therapist mom, proudly on the spectrum and raising an amazing young adult son with autism. Join us as we share stories, tips, and laughs, offering a supportive space for anyone navigating life's twists and turns. Grab your drink of choice, no judgment, and let's embark on this journey together. This is Adulting with Autism.

Hey guys, happy Wednesday! Welcome back to Adulting with Autism. Don't come for me, I know I didn't do anything that I said I was going to do last week. It's been a hectic week between Z, my kid, being in Nashville and working two places. Listen, I'm not organized some of the days, just bear with me, I'll get back to being my organized self. However, the nice lady that I'm going to introduce you to is named Randi Lee Bowslaugh, and she was amazing.

Randi Lee is an author and a mental health advocate. Her book is called Embracing Me, and she has been an outspoken advocate for mental health, sharing her true story with honesty. She's spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionate stories and her experiences with her own mental health. Not only that, she has raised a son on the autism spectrum as well. She's also a grandmother, a wife, and a competitive kickboxer. Yeah, that's what I said. She is a certified personal trainer who has represented Team Canada internationally. Even after battling cancer, she returned to coaching and competing. She also has her own podcast as well, and I'll list everything in the show notes.

She was amazing to talk to simply because the education systems are completely different in Canada and the United States. But there's a lot of similarities, even though we're in different countries. So it was nice to speak to somebody in another country to see how their system is set up and to get their perspective because her son is going off to college and to get her side of the story was awesome. So give a warm welcome to the podcast to Randi Lee.

As we wrap up another awesome episode of Adulting with Autism, just remember, we're all in this together. Keep being your amazing self, celebrating wins big and small and facing whatever life throws your way with a smile. Thanks for tuning in. And until next time, stay awesome and keep shining bright. Oh, and if you want to help our podcast grow, don't forget to share it with your friends. Leave us a review and hit that subscribe button.

This is April Ratchford signing off from Adulting with Autism.

http://www.rbwriting.ca/

book-Embracing Me

https://www.facebook.com/rbwriting

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSTmVQUW8K8r1sBDchLyTwA