Adulting with Autism – Details, episodes & analysis

Send us a text

Are your beliefs holding you back? In this transformative episode of Adulting with Autism, host April Ratchford sits down with international coach, speaker, and human behavior expert Anna Shilina—author of Habit Freedom—to unpack how neurodivergent adults can shift from limitation to liberation.

🎯 Learn how to:

• Identify and challenge self-sabotaging thoughts
• Build the high-achiever identity you admire
• Reframe autism as a superpower, not a setback
• Create evidence to support empowering new beliefs
• Navigate tough family dynamics with clarity and compassion

🌐 Get Anna’s groundbreaking book: HabitFreedom on relatingacademy.com
📲 Follow Anna on Instagram & YouTube: @AnnaShilina
📣 DM her for coaching, tools, and transformation tips!

💬 Want to support the show or access bonus content? Check the show notes and visit us on Instagram @adulting_autism.

🎙️ This episode is for anyone ready to stop playing small and start owning their power—autism and all.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

@adulting_autism
adultingwithautism.podcast@outlook.com

Send us a text

What if you could stop self-sabotaging and start thriving—on stage and off?

In this transformative episode of Adulting with Autism, host April Ratchford sits down with Dr. Albert Bramante, a powerhouse talent agent with over 20 years in the entertainment industry and a Ph.D. in Psychology. A certified hypnotist and NLP practitioner, Dr. Bramante shares how actors and creatives can silence imposter syndrome, rewire their thinking, and perform at their peak—even under pressure.

You’ll learn how to detach from toxic outcomes, build a “happy file” for moments of self-doubt, and redefine success through mindset shifts that matter. Whether you’re neurodivergent or navigating the highs and lows of high achievement, this episode is your backstage pass to emotional freedom and lasting confidence.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Bramante:
Instagram: @albertbramante
Website: https://albertbramante.com/

🎧 Subscribe to Adulting with Autism for more insights on mental health, mindset, and neurodivergent success.
💼 Looking for sponsorship or affiliate partnerships? Email us or visit https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism

adultingwithautism.podcast@outlook.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

@adulting_autism
adultingwithautism.podcast@outlook.com

Send us a text

Feeling stuck in fear? You're not alone — and this episode with life coach Eric Simpson will help you break free. After leaving a high-powered corporate job in the U.S., Eric took a leap of faith (literally — he skydives!) and rebuilt his life in the U.K., helping others conquer fear and design bold, fulfilling lives.

If you're autistic, ADHD, or neurodivergent, and fear keeps blocking your next step, this episode is your permission slip to dream bigger. We unpack how to reframe fear, shift your mindset, and take bold action—even if the first step feels impossible.

🧠✨ We’re now ranked Top 15 on Apple Podcasts in Education — let’s raise more autistic and neurodivergent voices together.

Eric Simpson's Website

https://www.facebook.com/eric.simpson.58323431

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWcA5AmAn5aWarLh5DIktyw

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

https://www.tiktok.com/@ericsimpsoncoaching

🔥 Affiliate Bonus & Community Links:🎁 Join our Discord for giveaways and behind-the-scenes chats: https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism☕ Love the show? Fuel it at Buy Me a Coffee: 

👉 Follow, rate, and review so we can keep amplifying real conversations that matter.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

@adulting_autism
adultingwithautism.podcast@outlook.com

Send us a text

Hey friends! 🌟 Welcome back to another episode of Adulting with Autism. I'm April Ratchford, your friendly occupational therapist mom, proudly on the spectrum and raising an amazing young adult son with autism. Today, we're diving into the power of nutrition in transforming our mental health. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer!

We had the incredible Jayne Reynolds, a holistic nutritionist and brain health expert, share her journey from debilitating anxiety and depression to thriving with simple diet changes. Jayne breaks down the gut-brain connection and offers practical tips to help us all feel our best. Whether it’s introducing probiotics, balancing blood sugar, or finding the right multivitamin, Jayne’s got you covered.

So, grab your favorite drink (no judgment here!), sit back, and get ready to learn how you can make small changes for big improvements in your mental health. If you’ve been feeling stuck, this episode is your roadmap to a brighter, healthier you.

Don't forget to check out our Facebook group, Adulting with Autism Podcast, and visit our website at AdultingwithAutism.com for cool merch that supports a great cause. 20% of proceeds go to a nonprofit helping those in need of housing and transition programs. Stay awesome and keep shining bright! 🌟

Love, April

https://simple.bio/sycamoreandsagenutrition

https://www.facebook.com/Jayniac999/

https://www.instagram.com/sycamoreandsagenutrition/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-reynolds-03698413/

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

@adulting_autism
adultingwithautism.podcast@outlook.com

Send us a text

Hey friends, welcome to another episode of Adulting with Autism! I'm April Ratchford, your friendly occupational therapist mom, proudly on the spectrum and raising an amazing young adult son with autism. Together, we dive into the rollercoaster of adulthood through a neurodiverse lens, sharing stories, tips, and laughs.

This week, I'm thrilled to introduce our guest, Christopher Glatis, an award-winning filmmaker and lifelong seeker diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in college. Chris shares his incredible journey of learning to dance with anxiety, turning his greatest weakness into his greatest teacher. From silent meditations to psychotherapy, Chris has tried it all and offers invaluable insights into managing stress and anxiety.

Grab your drink of choice, no judgment here, and join us for a heartwarming conversation that will leave you feeling inspired and connected. Don't forget to check out Chris's book, When Your Mind Screams, and visit us on Facebook at Adulting with Autism Podcast. As always, keep adulting and stay awesome!

Book-When your Mind Screams

https://www.christopherglatis.com/

https://www.facebook.com/christopher.glatis

https://x.com/ChrisGlatis

https://www.instagram.com/christopherglatis/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-g-7677a26/

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

@adulting_autism
adultingwithautism.podcast@outlook.com

Send us a text

Hey friends! Welcome to another mini-sode of Adulting with Autism. I'm April Ratchford, your friendly occupational therapist mom, proudly on the spectrum and raising an amazing young adult son with autism. Today, we're diving into the tricky waters of self-doubt.

Ever had one of those weeks where nothing seems to go right? I sure did! Between work overload and podcast glitches, I found myself questioning everything. But guess what? Self-doubt is just your brain's way of trying to keep you safe from new and challenging things. Let's break it down together and see how we can train our brains to embrace change.

I'll also share an inspiring story from Jimmy Clare, the host of The Crazy Fitness Guy podcast, who reminded me of the power of knowing your 'why.' This episode is a heartfelt reminder that growth comes with challenges, and every stumble is just a step towards learning and success.

So grab your drink of choice, no judgment here, and let's tackle self-doubt head-on. Remember, there's no such thing as failure—only lessons and growth. Keep being your amazing self, and let's keep adulting together!

As always, thanks for tuning in. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends, leave a review, and hit that subscribe button. This is April Ratchford, signing off from Adulting with Autism. Stay awesome and keep shining bright!

Support the show

@adulting_autism
adultingwithautism.podcast@outlook.com

Send us a text

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.

Happy Saturday, friends! I'm so excited to share today's episode, especially since I'm about to head off on a much-needed vacation to Chicago. But before I go, let's dive into a fascinating conversation with Jim Fuller, author of "The Art of Conscious Communication for Thoughtful Men." Jem's journey from corporate leader to mindfulness guru is nothing short of inspiring.

We talk about everything from the importance of being authentic and vulnerable to how mindfulness can transform your communication skills. Jem's insights are like a breath of fresh air, and his stories—from being a barefoot backpacker to a fire dancer—are sure to captivate you.

And guess what? Jem is generously offering our listeners free access to his Introduction to Mindfulness course! Just head to his website, jemfuller.com, find the meditation course, and use the coupon code "podcast" at checkout.

As always, thank you for your support. Don't forget to like us on Facebook at Adulting with Autism Podcast and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, and Spotify. Your support helps us keep the conversation going and reach more people. And remember, we have some cool merchandise on our website, Adulting with Autism. Twenty percent of the proceeds go to a nonprofit supporting housing and transition programs for those in need.

Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, keep adulting, keep listening, and keep being awesome. Love you guys!

Book: The Art of Conscious Communication for Thoughtful Men

https://jemfuller.com/

https://www.facebook.com/jemfuller.me

https://x.com/JemFuller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lxeRsIi1S0

https://www.instagram.com/jemfuller/

https://www.instagram.com/jemfuller/

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

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

@adulting_autism
adultingwithautism.podcast@outlook.com

Send us a text

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 becau

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

@adulting_autism
adultingwithautism.podcast@outlook.com

Send us a text

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.

https://www.kareenaristide.com/

https://x.com/kareenaristide

https://www.youtube.com/kareenaristidetv

https://www.instagram.com/kareenaristide/

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

https://www.kareenaristide.com/readingpeople

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

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

@adulting_autism
adultingwithautism.podcast@outlook.com

Send us a text

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! 🌟

https://www.rebeccahsilence.com/3-must-know-secrets

https://rebeccahsilence.com/

https://www.facebook.com/rebeccah.silence

https://x.com/RebeccahSilence

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVkgK5D0BapdRpLyO4l1J4Q

https://www.instagram.com/rebeccahsilence/

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

https://www.tiktok.com/@rebeccahsilence

Love, April

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

@adulting_autism
adultingwithautism.podcast@outlook.com