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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.

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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.
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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.

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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 speake

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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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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!

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Hey guys, hey! 💛 It’s the final day of our 30 Days of Content celebrating Autism Awareness and OT Month, and we’re closing things out with a true pioneer in the field: Dr. Robert Melillo.

Dr. Melillo is the author of Disconnected Kids, co-founder of Brain Balance Achievement Centers, creator of the Melillo Method®, and host of the Everything Brain podcast. With over 35 years of experience as a clinician, researcher, and professor, he’s helped transform how we understand and support neurological development in both children and adults.

🎧 In this episode, we discuss:

• The brain-body connection in autism, ADHD, OCD & more

• Why brain imbalances—not damage—are often the root issue

• How the Melillo Method helps retrain the brain non-invasively

• What makes Disconnected Kids a timeless resource

• Insights for autistic adults seeking brain-based interventions

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, OT, or neurodivergent adult—this conversation is full of scientific insight and genuine hope.

📘 Grab the updated edition of Disconnected Kids → https://amzn.to/4jRhYkI🧠 Learn more about Dr. Melillo’s work: DrRobertMelillo.com📱 Follow him @DrRobertMelillo on all major platforms📩 Contact: drm@DrRobertMelillo.com | 📞 (516) 398-3454🎧 Listen to The Melillo Method Podcast: Everything Brain

🎉 Join our Discord Giveaway!💬 Be the 1,000th member and win a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive merch → https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism

☕ Love this content? Support the show at BuyMeACoffee.com/AdultingAutism and help us keep going strong. Every bit goes to content, community, and caffeination. 😉

🗓️ We’re now back to our regular schedule—new episodes every Wednesday and Saturday.Thank you for joining us during this incredible month. Your support made this possible.

Until next time...Keep adulting. Keep growing. And keep believing in your brain. 🧠💛

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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.

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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, I apologize for being late. It's been one of those weeks. Between work, getting Z into a mentorship, and dealing with bronchitis and exhaustion, I'm just now getting around to this episode. I dropped Z off in Nashville to see family, so expect an update soon. And let me tell you, not as young as I used to be!

Our next guest, JJ Flizanes, is an empowerment strategist specializing in emotional healing and rewiring core wound patterns. She’s been empowering people in health, relationships, and business since 2005. If you think therapy doesn’t work or are tired of the same old patterns, open your mind and listen to JJ. She has some groundbreaking insights on emotional intelligence. Welcome, JJ!

JJ shares how emotions drive our actions and the importance of understanding and processing them. She introduces a three-step process involving identifying feelings, recognizing needs, and strategizing to meet those needs. It’s about empowering yourself to get your needs met, not relying on others to change. This approach can transform relationships, reduce conflicts, and promote happiness.

We also dive into how parents can rethink their approach to their children, especially those on the spectrum, by fostering a sense of choice and understanding rather than imposing authority. It’s about creating a win-win situation where everyone’s needs are respected and met.

For more insights from JJ, visit her website JJFlazanes.com. She offers a free class on why traditional talk therapy might be ineffective and provides numerous resources for emotional empowerment.

Hey guys, I hope you enjoyed listening to JJ and some knowledge she dropped about how you can communicate a little bit better emotionally and get your needs met without arguing. It will help with the communication between you and your parents. And parents, it is a game changer. I promise it might limit the amount of screaming matches that you have at your kiddo and lessen the stressors on you. Sometimes there are not words that they're understanding emotionally and they just need those words laid out in front of them.

As always, I will put her information in the show notes so you can find her, take her masterclass for free. She was awesome. So if you need an in-depth view on for yourself or your kid or young adults, if you feel like you need an in-depth look at your emotional well-being, try it. You might like it.

So as always, thank yo

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Hey friends! In this episode of Adulting with Autism, we’re chatting with Adam Levine (no, not that one!) about the fascinating world of flow states. Adam is the founder and CEO of InnerXLab, and he's here to break down how understanding the science of ultimate human performance can transform your productivity and creativity.

Despite some tech hiccups and a busy schedule, we managed to record this enlightening conversation where Adam shares his journey from an average performer to a high achiever, all thanks to flow states. He dives deep into the mechanics of how you can train yourself to get in the zone and maximize your potential.

Curious about how to boost your focus, minimize distractions, and achieve your goals more efficiently? Tune in to learn actionable tips and insights from Adam’s experience and expertise.

And hey, if you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, and Spotify. Also, give us a like on Facebook at Adulting with Autism Podcast. Your support means the world to us!

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Stay awesome, keep adulting, and I’ll catch you in the next episode!

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Hey guys, happy Saturday! I know this episode is super late, and I'll tell you why. Thanks, Microsoft. Yesterday, I was late getting anything done because with the outage, everybody's computer at work was down. So we had to do all our paperwork by hand, and none of us have done that in a good 15 years. By the time the computers came back up, it was super late, and my computer crashed. So by the time I got things up and running, I'm just now recording this podcast. My apologies. That's just how life goes. It's never-ending, and you just got to roll with the punches. But I still thank you guys for tuning in.

I hope you're able to listen to the podcast and hope things are better by Monday. One can only hope, right? That's all we got. I do have a thing on charisma and contrary to belief, charisma, you're not born with it. You can actually create charisma and it's very easy because my next guest is a master of it. Her name is Milena Dalinaros, and she gets hired to teach people to be charismatic. She's got degrees in psychology and rhetoric and a background in the armed forces. Her journey began by teaching techniques for conversation, interviewing, and building relationships to military personnel. Charisma, although not explicitly named, played a crucial role in most of the successful implementations of the knowledge she conveyed.

Milena noticed how charisma transformed social interactions, networking, and conversations into superpowers. So, she decided to start coaching with science-backed classes that helped her students widen their comfort zones and develop their talents within the realm of interpersonal relationships. And now she's starting to write a unique book about charisma and exploring the many elements that constitute charisma. She's also building a charisma coaching program. You guys, she just finished her website. So you will be some of the first to see it and navigate it. I will put that in the show notes. So be a nice, warm, welcoming guest to Milena and listen about charisma.

Learning about charisma is not that hard. You can instantly learn and do with just simple body language, and it's an instant feedback. Not only will you build your own confidence, but people will also see confidence in you. I know communication is really, really hard for most of you guys to convey with your body language and your faces. That's why it's something you can practice every day by looking in the mirror. You can also role play with friends and with your parental units. They would love to help you out. It's something that can be learned and it's practice. It's just a part of communication. And sometimes you can learn it from just watching people because that's all it is, is people watching.

I hope you learned some great tidbits from Milena. Like I said, I'll post her website in the show notes. Please, please like the Facebook, check out the website. And as always, see you, well, not technically see you, check back on Wednesday for a new episode. And as always, keep adulting.

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Hey friends! Welcome to another episode of Adulting with Autism. Happy Wednesday! I hope you had a fantastic weekend. Mine was great and eventful—I'll have to share the story sometime this week.

This episode is specially for parents and caregivers. Our guest is Russ Solomon, a parent wellness mentor who's all about helping parents find their innate peaceful nature. Russ blends his lifelong spiritual journey with decades of experience as a musical therapist, drum circle facilitator, and Reiki practitioner. He offers a transformative experience called "In-Tune Parents," aimed at unlocking joy and well-being for both parents and their kids.

We had a fantastic discussion on why Russ focuses on parents instead of kids, the importance of parental support, and practical ways to bridge the gap in transitioning young adults into independent adults. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this insightful conversation. You might even want to take notes!

And don't forget to check out Russ's free masterclass on his website. It could be a game-changer for you. Thanks for tuning in, and always keep adulting!

Love you guys!

April Ratchford

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PS: Don't forget to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, and Spotify. Like us on Facebook at Adulting with Autism Podcast and visit our website, Adulting with Autism, to check out our merchandise. 20% of proceeds go to a nonprofit sponsoring housing and transition programs for those in need.

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Hey friends! Happy Saturday! 🎉 This week, we dive into one of our favorite (and most dreaded) topics: clutter! Whether you're transitioning to a new phase of life, like going off to college, or just need to clear out space, this episode is for you. 🏠

Join us as we chat with the amazing Kerry Thomas, owner of Conquer the Chaos, and a TEDx speaker on decluttering. Keri shares her unique insights on tackling all types of clutter—physical, digital, mental, and emotional. Get ready to feel motivated and learn practical tips to reclaim your space and peace of mind.

If you enjoy this episode, don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, and Spotify. Also, like us on Facebook at Adulting with Autism Podcast, and check out our website, Adulting with Autism, where 20% of merchandise sales go to nonprofits supporting housing and transition programs. 💖

Thanks for tuning in, and happy decluttering! 😊

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Hey friends! Welcome back to another episode of Adulting with Autism, where we explore the ups and downs of adulthood through a neurodiverse perspective. I'm your host, April Ratchford, your friendly occupational therapist mom on the spectrum, here to share stories, tips, and laughs as we navigate this journey together.

Today, I had the pleasure of chatting with Annie Delre, a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Annie shares her wisdom on stress management, goal setting, and digital wellness. We dive into techniques like neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and emotional freedom techniques (EFT), and she offers some fantastic advice on staying mindful and balanced in our busy lives.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or just need a fresh perspective on managing your time and stress, this episode is for you. Annie's insights on setting SMART goals and practicing digital detox are game-changers!

Don't forget to check out our new Adulting with Autism website for blogs, cool merch, and to join our Facebook group. Let's grow this community together! Share, like, and spread the love.

Thanks for tuning in. Until next time, keep adulting and stay awesome!

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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, happy Saturday, and welcome back to the podcast. I got a question for you. Yeah, I know I'm asking you a question on a Saturday, so deal with it. How are you guys breathing? Are you breathing through your mouth? Are you breathing through your nose? I'll wait. If the answer is you're breathing through your mouth, you might need to listen to this episode. And why? Because breathing through your mouth can have an effect on your mental health, your metabolic function, your posture, and your mood and your anxiety. And no, we're not talking about meditation today. So zip it. We're talking about something that can help you overall in changing the way you sleep and function. You're supposed to be breathing through your nose. and I'll tell you why.

Breathing through your nose is a common thing, not breathing through your mouth. You're losing valuable oxygen when you breathe through your mouth. Also, you're not getting enough oxygen to your brain when you breathe through your mouth. Number two, you're probably walking around sleep deprived and you're ruining your teeth when you breathe through your mouth, not breathe through your mouth, but breathe through your mouth. And you're probably pretty angry, like my son Z. My next guest, Anastasis Tzanis, is a nutrition therapist and a globally sought-after breathwork expert. He's helped countless individuals improve their mental, postural, and metabolic function through private consultations. So just changing your breath can change all those things.

Things even olympic athletes breathe through their nose when they compete and they've been training all their lives to do this it's not something you can do overnight and you this is something you have to start with little by little and train your retrain your body it's not something then you can just slap some tape over your mouth, and go on about your day. It doesn't work that way. If it did, you wouldn't be doing it now, now would you? So sit back, actually listen to this because this might actually change your mood and you might learn a little something. You might actually be a little happier because he hasn't learned anything yet because I'm his mom. He don't listen. So listen to Mama April. since you're probably not listening to your parental unit and learn some things from our guest Anastasis.

Hi, you can hear me now, right? I can see you now. All right. Sorry, it took me a little bit of time to unmute myself. But anyway, how are you? Good morning. I'm doing well. Thank you for coming on to my podcast. Thanks for inviting me. So can you tell everyone what you do and how you got into it? Sure. So what I do is I'm offering nutritional and breathing consultations. And they are primarily targeted for people that have chronic conditions. Some of them will be genetic with a genetic makeup, up or some would be like as a result of lifestyle challenges.

So how can breathing affect chronic conditions? So breathing, as I'm sure everybody hearing us knows, is a key component of life. We come to this life taking our first breath and the time we stop breathing, it's probably when life is over. And in the process of going about life, this is a

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Hey friends, welcome back to Adulting with Autism! I'm April Ratchford, your friendly occupational therapist mom on the spectrum, sharing this amazing journey with my son. Grab your drink of choice, no judgment here, and let's dive into today's episode!

Have you ever wondered if you can retrain your brain? Spoiler alert: Yes, you can! It's called neuroplasticity, and today's guest, Dr. Rebecca Jackson, is here to tell us all about it. Dr. Jackson, an industry leader in brain health, joins us to share her insights on how to enhance brain function for a happier, more productive life.

We talk about everything from the power of sensory input to the importance of physical movement. Plus, Dr. Jackson offers practical tips and exercises to help strengthen your brain at any age. Whether you're on the spectrum or not, there's something valuable here for everyone.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation! And if you want more, check out Dr. Jackson's book, "Back on Track," filled with tips to help kids and adults thrive. Find all the details in the show notes. Until next time, keep being your incredible self and keep adulting!

Oh, and if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and hit that subscribe button. Let's grow this community together! You can also join our Facebook community at Adulting with Autism Podcast for more support and resources.

Thanks for tuning in, and stay awesome! This is April Ratchford, signing off from Adulting with Autism.

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Hey friends! 🌟 Happy Saturday and welcome back to Adulting with Autism! I just got back from a much-needed vacation and boy, did I miss you all (but not the humidity!). Big shoutout to Linda for taking care of our kitties and veggie garden while we were away. You rock, Linda! 🎉

Today's episode is all about embracing change, especially for us women hitting our mid-40s. Life might not be exactly where we envisioned it, and that's totally okay. Sometimes, it's time for a shake-up! Joining me is Elizabeth Cush, a licensed clinical professional counselor and women's life coach. She's here to share her wisdom on how we can navigate these transitions, set boundaries, and find our inner joy again. 🌈

Elizabeth dives into practical self-care tips, the importance of setting boundaries, and how to take small steps towards big life changes. Whether you're feeling burned out or just ready for something new, this episode is packed with insights to help you on your journey. 🚀

Grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let's dive into this transformative conversation. And remember, it's never too late to start living the life you truly want. 💖

Stay awesome, keep shining, and see you next week! 🌟

Love,

April Ratchford

Awaken Your Wise Woman Podcast

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Hey friend! 🌟 Ready to see how technology is transforming autism support from the inside out? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, we’re joined by Amanda Ralston—award-winning behavior analyst, international speaker, and founder of NonBinary Solutions and Noetic.ai.

After 25 years in traditional ABA therapy, Amanda made a bold shift—trading clinics for code to build tech-driven, data-informed, neurodivergent-affirming tools that actually meet people where they are.

🧠 What we cover in this episode:

• Why Amanda left the ABA field to pursue something radically different

• The problem with one-size-fits-all autism interventions

• How her platforms use machine learning and clinical insight to personalize support

• What families, clinicians, and neurodivergent adults need most right now

• How to ethically collect and apply data to support autistic individuals beyond childhood

Amanda’s work is revolutionizing how we think about autism care—moving away from outdated models and toward empowerment through technology.

📲 Connect with Amanda Ralston:🌐 nonbinarysolutions.com🤖 Explore Noetic: noetic.ai💼 Speaker & media: amandarlston.com📱 IG & LinkedIn: @amandarlston📰 Sign up for updates on pilot programs & beta tools

🎧 Also available on Spotify | Apple | Podbean☕ Support the show via Buy Me a Coffee🧩 FTC Affiliate Disclaimer: This episode may contain affiliate links that support our work at no additional cost to you.

💬 COMMENT: What would a tech-empowered autism future look like for you or your family?👍 LIKE if you believe innovation belongs in the autism world🔔 FOLLOW for weekly conversations that bridge neurodivergence, inclusion, and innovation

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Hey guys, welcome to another episode of 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.

This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with Anthony Kuo, a career satisfaction coach who transformed his life from a Juilliard-trained pianist parents to helping others find their true calling. Anthony shared some incredible insights on how parents can decode their kids' love for video games into valuable skills and career paths. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one!

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.

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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, hey, happy Saturday. Welcome back to the podcast. I'm late and you're judging. Normally I get these things in the morning. It has been a busy week. I'm planning on going on vacation. Don't worry, my episode's up and running while I'm on vacation, so you will be hearing my lovely voice on vacation. However, in order to go on vacation, I had to scramble and get a lot of my paperwork in before going on vacation, which meant I didn't get a lot of recording done prior to this. So that's why I'm recording a little later and getting it up, brain fart, a little later than normal. However, I hope you guys had a great end of the week and that you guys are staying cooler due to the heat wave. It's still a mesmerizing 90 degrees, even though it's 8.30 here in Kentucky. I'm still melting.

However, I would like to introduce you to Metta Rebirk. She is an aspiring author and coach who has dedicated over two decades to helping experienced leaders realize their true potential and free themselves from anxiety. Her new book, The Twin Point Life Force, comes from questioning your thoughts and reveals how we can set ourselves free by questioning what we believe to be true. She has come to see that for all, the human life force emerges and inner peace reveals itself by questioning our thoughts about reality, which is true about anxiety.

So many of us sit there and have thoughts about ourselves that aren't true and run around and take up space in our heads without really questioning that thought. And she coaches into really breaking down that thought and wondering, is that thought really true, or is it something that we believe just because it's a lingering thought we have? So she talks about how to experience peace and joy in the present, no matter what your external circumstances look like. How to create a new life experience if the one you're in now isn't kind. How to break free from a negative thought loop when you inevitably get caught in one. I like both anxiety, self-doubt, self-sabotage, self-destructive habits, and how to feel free, how to feel inner peace regardless of not knowing and uncertainty. And that's the thing about anxiety. We're so busy worrying about the future and not focusing on the now that it gets us all ramped up.

And all we can do is take advice from Metta and really think about reading her book. Even you parents and caregivers, sometimes we get so caught up in worrying about our kids' futures and our futures and how it's going to relate to our kids that our anxiety ramps up, which ramps their anxiety up. So, sit down, take a moment, have your drink of choice, and of course, always no judgment, and welcome our guest. Hello. Good morning. How are you? Fine, thank you. And you? I'm doing well. Lovely, lovely. And I'm so sorry for the inconvenience for our last scheduled meeting. That's quite all right. Where are you in the world? I'm in Denmark, in Copenhagen. And you, my dear, where are you except apart from being in a car? Listen, sometimes the car is my best office. I am in Kentucky in the United States. Wow. I know Kentucky Fried Chicken. That's the only thing we're known for except for the derby. I'm so sorry,

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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, hey, happy Wednesday. So glad you can make this podcast a song for you. It's called Friends. How many of us have them? Friends, ones we can depend on. Friends. Listen, you better be loving this song because it took me ages to get it right. And I used to sing that song all the time. If you don't know it, shame on your parents. And my cat, Peter, he's agreeing with me. He has all the opinions. Beats me into my next step. So I have Coach Lee Hopkins here, who is an expert on friendships.

Let's be real. You guys are out of high school. And making friends outside of high school is rather difficult because if you're not going to college and you're not working yet, how else are you guys making friends? And don't say the internet. That doesn't help. Because really, human beings are social creatures and you need to learn to do it face to face. We are not made to be looking at a little screen. That's a great beginning, don't get me wrong. And that's how a lot of you guys interact in the beginning. And I'm not faulting you for that. Not faulting you at all. But you have to get used to interacting with other people. And it's a healthy thing. And Coach Lee here can help you.

So he actually struggled with making friends himself because he was trying to find that perfect friend group. And we all struggled at one point of trying to find that perfect friend group. And he often felt isolated and alone. And it wasn't until he discovered the power of vulnerability that he began to break through the barriers that had held him back for so long. He learned that by speaking from the heart and being true to himself, he could have meaningful conversations that led to lasting friendships with other people. And now he's passionate about helping other people do the same.

So he helps people struggling to connect with co-workers, colleagues, friends, and family members to communicate in a way that feels authentic and true to who they are. So it's not just you guys. It can be anybody who wants an authentic friendship, even your parents or your caregivers. Because think about it. They've been helping you so much that they've lost friends along the way. And you guys have to learn that your parents just aren't your parents. Your parents were people prior to being your parents or caregivers. They had things, and I'm guilty of it too, that I generally forgot who my parents were prior to having me. We all do. We all forget who our parents were before they had us. And it's a thing. It's all a kid thing. We all forget at one point that they all had lives before we entered the picture. It's no big deal. You got to remember, your parents solely made you their focus to help you become the best version of you they could be. And along the way, they gave up things they wanted to do. Having friend groups and, and don't feel bad about it. They did this voluntarily and sometimes, you know, friends sometimes grow apart and sometimes that's okay. And sometimes they come back in your life.

I had a best friend in elementary school. Oh, she, Deborah, my best friend. We were like lit. And she went to another school in third grade. And just because life just happene

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Hey there, friends! Welcome back to another exciting episode of Adulting with Autism, the podcast where we explore the highs and lows of adulthood from a unique, neurodiverse perspective. I'm your host, April Ratchford, your friendly occupational therapist mom, proudly on the spectrum and raising an amazing young adult son with autism. Grab your drink of choice, no judgment here, and let's dive into today's episode!

Happy Saturday, everyone! It's been a whirlwind of a week for me, and I'm sure it has been for you too. Between managing our Facebook group, working on merchandise, and collaborating with friends who also have neurodiverse family members, there's never a dull moment. But hey, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Today, I have a fantastic guest joining us. Please welcome Darlene Greene, a Stem Cell Activation Technologist Consultant, retired U.S. Navy Commander, and co-author of the best-selling book, Powered Echoes. Darlene is here to share some groundbreaking insights into a technology that's changing lives—patches that can help with everything from pain relief to improving mental clarity. Trust me, you don't want to miss this!

Darlene talks about her journey discovering these patches after exhausting traditional therapies to help her husband with early Alzheimer's. The results were nothing short of miraculous—improved energy, better sleep, and even a return to his vibrant personality. And guess what? This technology is not just for Alzheimer's; it can help with ADHD, anxiety, systemic inflammation, and so much more.

What makes these patches so special? They're based on light therapy, a safe and non-invasive method that activates your body's own stem cells. Imagine improving your health without the need for drugs or surgeries! It's fascinating to hear how athletes like Tom Brady and Michael Phelps have benefited from these patches, and now this technology is available to all of us.

We also delve into the specifics of how these patches work, the various types available, and real-life testimonials from people who've experienced life-changing results. From reducing anxiety and PTSD symptoms to helping kids with autism become more independent, the possibilities are endless.

If you're curious to learn more, Darlene has a wealth of information on her website, I Am Reverse Aging. And don't worry, there's even a money-back guarantee if you're skeptical.

Thank you so much for tuning in today. As always, your support means the world to me. Be sure to check out the show notes for all the links and details mentioned in this episode. And stay tuned for an exciting giveaway coming up on July 15th!

Until next week, keep adulting, and don't forget to hit that subscribe button. This is April Ratchford signing off from Adulting with Autism.

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Hey guys, happy Wednesday! 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, I've got a couple of furry co-hosts—my black and white cat, Severus Snape and the ever-talkative Peter Pettigrew. They’re here to help me dive into a topic that none of us love but we all need—exercise. And no, not extra fries, but actual exercise!

We've got a special guest today, Molly McNamee, an online fitness coach who specializes in helping individuals with high-functioning anxiety navigate exercise in a way that supports their nervous system and hormones. Molly's journey with anxiety and exercise is deeply personal and incredibly inspiring. She's here to share her story and some practical tips on how to get moving without making your anxiety worse.

We dive into why exercise is essential, even though it might not be the most fun thing in the world. Molly explains how the wrong kind of exercise can actually spike your anxiety and what you can do to avoid that. From baby steps to proper hydration, and even tackling sugar addictions, Molly's got the answers to help you ease into a healthier lifestyle.

So, grab your drink of choice (no judgment here), and let's embark on this journey together. By the end of this episode, you'll have some simple, actionable steps to start incorporating exercise into your life in a way that feels good and manageable. And yes, this goes for all you parental units and caregivers too!

As always, thanks for tuning in. Let's keep facing life's twists and turns together, celebrating wins big and small, and supporting each other every step of the way. 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.

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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, hey. Happy Saturday. I told you guys I would end up doing two episodes a week for you guys. It just happens the second one's on a Saturday. And I hear you guys judging me. Who does episodes on Wednesdays and Saturdays? This therapist does. Tried Fridays. It's a dumpster fire for therapists on Fridays. So I had to go to Wednesdays and it just so happens Saturdays are a great day for therapists.

I love you guys' feedback of what you like, what you don't, because you're pretty honest with me. I like honesty, even if it's brutal. One thing I do like to give you guys is a rounded out opinion, well, not opinion, but a rounded out view of different people on the autism spectrum. And my next guest is a guest who is on the autism spectrum and he's quite accomplished. And I want you to hear his perspective of how he grew up with autism because he wasn't really diagnosed until he was four. His grandmother was a big influence on his life. She just kept on trucking and kept reading and working with him until he started talking.

Let me tell you about Philip. Philip is an accomplished author, consultant, and entrepreneur who previously has worked with FedEx, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and Chick-fil-A. He got his Master's of Divinity degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, his MBA from Harvard Business School, and his bachelor's degree majoring in political science and economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Philip has previously been featured in Business Insider, Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, and LinkedIn, as well as a number of podcasts.

When Philip is not fulfilling his purpose to grow God's people, grow God's businesses and grow God's kingdom, he enjoys reading, cheering on his Tar Heels, and raising his twin daughters with his wife, Myra. Now, Philip has also written a couple of books: "Disagree Without Disrespect" and "Future Proof, How to Adopt and Master Artificial AI to Secure Your Job and Career."

So I would love for you to give a warm welcome to Philip and listen to his story.

Hey, April.

Hey, how are you?

Good, how are you?

Good. Thank you for rescheduling. My niece got married last weekend and it was a zoo.

I can imagine. Dealing with change can be difficult to handle regardless of whether you're on the spectrum or not. It was a beautiful wedding, but I'm so glad it was over.

No problem. I get it. Because I know you have two little girls.

Mm-hmm. How old are they?

Seven.

You got a long way to go. Just wait. Just wait.

I know. I know. I know. Walking them down the aisle, that's a whole other thing. But I'm kind of glad I got time on my hands, not having to worry about that anytime soon.

My dress doesn't fit or I don't like the way it looks. Okay, all right, we're dealing with dolls right now so I can handle that a little bit better right now. So welcome to my podcast, I'm so glad you're on. I looked at your bio and I want to be you when I grow up also. You've accomplished so much.

Thank you.

I was like, wow, I was like, I'm on only thing number three, hopefully Lord willing I got a little more

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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, hey, happy Wednesday. Welcome back to the podcast. As you can see, I have all the noises happening today. It's a day where I'm trying to be productive and every single noise that can happen is happening. I have cats, I have trucks, I have beepity beeps, you name it, I got it. Really, I am trying to be productive and belt out episodes, which is unusual for me. Usually, I'm a last-second Sally. Ask my sister. I'm going to have her on the podcast too. She'll tell you. I am last second. And today, it's just a big ball of mess.

I am happy to have you guys back for another episode. It is episode 20. I can't believe I made it to 20. Thanks, guys. I really appreciate you guys. And I enjoy doing these. And I hope you're getting some info out of this. As I was, again, my cats with all the opinions. As I was doing this episode, my son Z was like, why do you have so many mental health people on here? You got like a kabillion. And I looked at him and I said, well, because not everyone speaks the same language. He's like, what? I was like, some people don't understand the language unless different people say the same thing a different way. And that's why I like to present information. That's the same from different people because not everyone gets it in the same way.

For instance, when I went to OT school, I was taking a neuroscience class and it did not matter who I talked to in class. I could not understand it for the life of me. It was the teacher, my classmates, they all tried to explain it to me. And I finally was like, I need somebody who speaks April language. So who knew me better than my sister? So she just explained it in my language. She grew up with me. So she just explained it in my terms. Same thing. I bring different people on to help you professionally. Maybe that, personally grow. And one person may not grasp it with one professional, but maybe they grasp it with another. And that's all I want to do is help everyone kind of personally grow. Parents, caregivers, young adults on the spectrum, adult in the spectrum, that want to take it to the next level. This is a big crazy world. We all need some help. We all need a little help sometimes.

Bringing on my next guest is Constantine Moran. Constantine is a passionate advocate of personal growth, self-discovery, and a professional developer. Let's start this again, shall we? Shall we? Let's do this again. Constantine is a passionate advocate of personal growth, self-discovery, and professional development with over 15 years of experience. Through his journey from a fear-ridden man hiding his authentic self to embracing vulnerability and authenticity, Constantine demonstrates that self-discovery can unlock the keys to your personal and professional success.

As

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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. In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of leadership, especially through the lens of ethical leadership, as inspired by a recent experience my son Ahzerei had at work.

We are joined by the insightful Shana Francesca, a keynote speaker, consultant, and workshop facilitator with expertise in international and ethical leadership. Shana shares her unique journey from a challenging upbringing in an evangelical Christian cult to becoming the founder and CEO of Concinnate LLC, where she promotes intentional living through curiosity, respect, and accountability.

Shana enlightens us on the importance of building real-life relationships beyond the confines of social media, the essence of visualization over manifestation, and the critical difference between leadership and ethical leadership. She also provides practical tips for identifying ethical environments in workplaces and higher education institutions.

Unfortunately, due to a storm in Kentucky, our conversation was cut short, but the insights Shana shared were truly eye-opening. Don't miss her recommendations for books that challenge traditional views and promote a more inclusive understanding of leadership and relationships.

Thank you for tuning in, and remember, you don't have to be a natural-born leader to make a difference. Leaders can be created through dedication and ethical practice. Stay awesome and keep shining bright!

Until next time, this is April Ratchford signing off from Adulting with Autism. Don't forget to share, review, and subscribe to help our podcast grow!

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Thriving with Neurodivergence: A Deep Dive with Dr. Matt - Adulting with Autism Podcast

In this engaging episode of the "Adulting with Autism" podcast, host April Ratchford and renowned clinical psychologist and advocate for neurodivergent individuals, Dr. Matt, explore the challenges, strategies, and triumphs of neurodivergent adulthood. From tackling misconceptions about neurodivergence to illuminating the importance of self-advocacy for neurodivergent individuals, the conversation is both educational and inspiring.

The discussion navigates various topics in-depth, from the psychological and financial impacts of abusive working environments to the benefits of Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc Rehab). Emphasis is also placed on how medication and therapy can aid individuals in managing high levels of anxiety, and the necessity of finding a suitable balance between tech-time and social activities for children

The conversation highlights the evolving job market with companies restructuring their interviewing processes to create a fair environment for autistic individuals. The discussion also delves into the fears and difficulties confronting autistic individuals or their caregivers when pursuing independent living, emphasizing the need to celebrate achievements over focusing on skill deficits.

This insightful episode provides practical steps towards independence and self-reliance for autistic teens and adults. Topics range from teaching budgeting and life skills to addressing the significant differences between enjoying and developing video games. The importance of nurturing dietary habits and identifying strengths gets outlined, providing a blueprint for sustainable personal and career growth. The episode concludes with a profound message about harnessing interests and strengths to foster meaningful connections and successful careers.

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Immerse yourself in the compelling episode of Adulting with Autism hosted by April Ratchford, an occupational therapist and proud adult on the autism spectrum. This enlightening episode delves into the intriguing world of face blindness or prosopagnosia, a condition affecting approximately 1% of the global population.

Ratchford welcomes special guest Sadie Dingfelder, a former journalist who discovered she had face blindness just before turning 40. Author of the revealing book “Do I Know You? A face-blind reporter's journey into the science of sight, memory, and imagination," Sadie offers valuable insight into the challenges of living with this condition. Her story, enrichened by captivating and humorous anecdotes, is a fascinating deep dive into neuroscience and the challenges of recognizing faces.

Ratchford shares her own experiences with face blindness, offering insights into other aspects of neurodivergence like aphantasia and severely deficient autobiographical memory. Celebrating some famous personalities like Brad Pitt and Jane Goodall, who also have face blindness, this episode highlights the solidarity and understanding in the world of neurodivergence

Listeners will also hear insights into Sadie’s experience with the Cambridge Face Memory Test, a diagnostic tool for face blindness. She relates the long-running mysteries of her life that unveiled with her diagnosis and discusses the unique strategies she employs to recognize people.

Sadie's story is filled with resilience and humor, offering a compelling testament to the rewards of embracing life's quirks. Listen to this captivating episode for a riveting exploration into the realms of face blindness and neurodivergence.

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Hey there, friends! 💛 Pull up a chair and get comfy, because today’s episode of Adulting with Autism is packed with inspiration and real-world advice!

We’re thrilled to welcome Ed Roe, Program Director at CIP Bloomington. With over two decades in K-12 education—and a personal connection to autism through his own son—Ed brings a deep, heartfelt understanding to the journey of building independent, confident lives for autistic young adults.

🎓 In this empowering conversation, you’ll discover:

• The 40-year legacy of the College Internship Program (CIP)

• How CIP Bloomington empowers students through life skills, academics, and career development

• Tips for young adults navigating the transition to independent living

• Why community integration, public transportation, and vocational coaching are game-changers for success

Whether you're a parent preparing your teen for adulthood or a neurodivergent young adult wondering what’s next, this episode is packed with encouragement, resources, and tangible steps forward. 🌟

✨ Resources & Affiliates: 🌐 Learn more about CIP’s programs: CIPWorldwide.org🎁 Join our Discord Giveaway! 🎉 Be the 1,000th member and win a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive podcast merch → linktr.ee/adultingwithautism☕ Support the Podcast! Fuel more conversations like this at BuyMeACoffee

🗓️ Reminder: We're back to new episodes every Wednesday and Saturday starting May 3rd!

🎧 Love this episode? Please follow, review, and share it with someone navigating the path to independence.Together, let’s empower the next generation of neurodivergent leaders—one step at a time. 🚀

Until next time...Keep adulting. Keep believing. And keep moving forward. 💛

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Welcome to an eye-opening episode of 'Adulting with Autism', your go-to podcast for approaching the adventures of adulthood through a lens of neurodiversity. Dive into the intricacies of trauma and the effects it has on individuals' physical and emotional states, and explore the uniqueness of stress responses and trauma inflicted upon various aspects of life.

We're joined by Michelle Brown, a functional nutrition specialist, traditional herbal medicine practitioner, and Ayurveda expert. Michelle helps her clients globally address complex health issues like fatigue, mood issues, gut health, and hormones. Learn from her multifaceted healing approach combining functional nutrition and trauma-informed lens.

Explore a deep dive into nervous system resilience, the powerful shifts necessitated in overcoming personal health struggles, and moving forward in life. Understand the body's inefficiency and learn strategies to let go of harmful patterns locked in blame or guilt. Discover the steps that neurodiverse individuals can take to release nervous system 'freeze' due to past traumas and biochemical imbalances.

This episode shines a spotlight on the healing role of therapy and somatic experiencing and the importance of understanding our unique neurobiology and physiological balance. We discuss the fundamental role of Ayurveda in stress and trauma management, busting the myth of health being a one-size-fits-all and acknowledging everyone's unique mind-body types.

Discover the crucial role of diet, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory foods in supporting mental health and reducing nervous system overwhelm, which is often overlooked in conditions like autism and mental health. This potpourri of insights serves as a powerful resource for anyone seeking to understand nervous system biology and the mind-body connection.

Finally, wrap up with practical tips to avoid re-traumatization and enhance resilience, covering more than just talk therapy - it's about a holistic approach to well-being! Tune in to leverage Michelle's Ayurvedic guide and kickstart your unique journey into holistic health routines.

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Welcome to another enlightening episode of 'Adulting with Autism'—a podcast celebrating the neurodiverse and fortifying its listeners with resourceful insights. Hosted by April Ratchford, a proud occupant of the spectrum, this episode delves into the transformative power of resilience and meditation.

In conversation with Natalie Bedard, founder of 'Lift OneSelf', we explore how she bravely fought a life-threatening illness and raised her children solo. Natalie's journey of self-healing allowed her to tap into the power of her nervous system and discard emotional blockages, inspiring others to do the same.

Listen as Natalie dissects her passion for helping others maximize their potential through incremental growth and transformation. Witness her lead listeners through a restorative meditation session—a testament to her compassionate, empowering approach towards helping others comprehend their unique experiences.

Natalie narrates her journey into meditation's soothing grasp following a series of unidentified neurological issues. She attributes a significant reduction of her trauma's energetic intensity to Transcendental Meditation and provides guidance for listeners on how to achieve tranquility in chaos by living purely in the moment.

She emphasizes the cruciality of self-care, stressing the importance of tending to individual needs by constantly engaging in mind-enriching practices such as meditation. Parents are especially urged to incorporate self-care into their schedules to build personal wellness and resilience.

Natalie also offers vital insights on accommodating the unique needs of neurodiverse individuals, be it sensory sensitivity, the need for movement, or a secure space to vent emotions. She suggests empathic ways of handling children's intense emotions, fostering a safe environment for expression.

The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to visit Natalie’s website 'liftoneself.com' for further guidance on meditation practices. The host, April, ends on a hopeful note, encouraging listeners to remain steadfast in their journey, no matter the hurdles they face.

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Ready to unravel the mysteries of magnesium? On this episode of "Adulting with Autism", host, April Ratchford, occupational therapist and mom on the autism spectrum, sits down with Natalie Jurado, expert on magnesium and founder of the therapeutic magnesium-infused moisturizer line, "Rooted". Learn about common symptoms of magnesium deficiency such as sleep problems, anxiety, muscle cramps, and chronic headaches and discover valuable tips and solutions for addressing these symptoms.

Don't just learn about magnesium, understand how to supplement it effectively through your diet or your skin. April and Natalie's intriguing conversation about the crucial role of magnesium in our bodies is not just educational, but offers solutions for anyone struggling with stress, anxiety, or sleep issues. Especially significant for health professionals, educators, and parents seeking alternative solutions for promoting healthier lifestyles.

In addition, they delve into the medical world's oversight on the importance of magnesium tests and how normal results can misleadingly point to an absence of deficiency. Furthermore, they highlight the critical link between magnesium and the proper utilization of vitamin D and calcium in our bodies, offering a fresh perspective on many prevalent health issues.

The episode wraps up with a look at lifestyle changes and home remedies to help balance your body's magnesium level and discusses the relationship between various forms of magnesium supplements and their absorption rates. Finally, future resources for maintaining your body's magnesium levels for better health are offered. Tune in to this enlightening episode to start this empowering journey towards better health and life.

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In this illuminating episode of Adulting with Autism, host April Ratchford engages in a profound conversation with renowned clinical expert, Dr. Michelle Maitenberg. The focus of their discussion is the underexplored concept of emotional avoidance, especially its connection with individuals on the autism spectrum. The duo draws upon real-life scenarios exhibiting emotional avoidance, offering practical advice for handling such situations effectively.

Dr. Maitenberg, known for her comprehensive knowledge in cognitive therapy and other therapeutic methods, helps demystify the complex nature of emotional avoidance. They emphasize the potential for intentional management of this aspect leading to an improved quality of life. This engaging conversation also delves into the distracting role of technology in perpetuating emotional avoidance.

The aim of this dialogue is to empower listeners to recognize emotional triggers and acquire strategies for better emotional management. The episode wraps up with an elaborative conversation on the concept of mindfulness, its wide-ranging definition, and how it serves as a tool to counter emotional avoidance.

Join April and Dr. Maidenberg on this emotionally rich and informative exploration designed to aid individuals and families involved with autism in leading a more fulfilling life. Don't miss this enlightening exchange in the realm of Autism, only on "Adulting with Autism."

Beyond autism, the episode offers a comprehensive understanding of mindfulness, anxiety and mental wellbeing. Listeners get to understand the neurological response to intense emotions and are presented with actionable techniques to manage stress and anxiety.

The podcast also provides guidance on setting realistic mindfulness goals and the necessary patience and commitment required for mental wellness journey. Techniques to overcome self-defeating thoughts and promote self-acceptance, self-compassion, and self-empowerment are also discussed in detail.

This episode urges listeners to approach life mindfully, fostering positive change through positive thinking, and persisting on the journey to mental wellness. Get ready to dive deep into the intricacies of emotional avoidance, mental wellness and mindfulness from experts in the field.

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53 Mind-Body Strategies For Lifelong Health

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Welcome to a powerful and transformative episode of the 'Adulting with Autism' podcast hosted by April Ratchford. In this enlightening episode, April, an empathetic therapist, mother, and autism advocate, brings us into the intimate world of adults with autism, sharing their daily life struggles and victories. The episode's central theme is the pervasive issue of "people-pleasing," a common trap for parents, caregivers, and individuals alike.

We welcome special guest Kara Regas, a certified life coach, specializing in breaking the people-pleasing cycle. Delving deep into the complexities of this syndrome, Kara offers practical steps toward setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing self-care. She illuminates how people-pleasing often roots in childhood issues and impacts all aspects of our lives. Recognizing and understanding this tendency is the first step toward healing and positive change.

April and Kara engage in a stimulating conversation about the importance of self-awareness, boundary setting, and assertive communication. They highlight the crucial differences between therapy and coaching and how a coach helps individuals apply learned therapeutic strategies in real-life scenarios with effectiveness.

Further in the discussion, the episode explores the intricate connection between emotions, hormones, and the nervous system and their profound influence on our overall state of mind. Learn about the importance of a flexible nervous system, and how transitioning from sympathetic states to parasympathetic states can aid mental wellness.

The episode concludes with Kara sharing her experiences as a people-pleasing coach, her passion for her craft, and her clients' inspiring success stories. This episode brings to the forefront the prevalent issue of 'people-pleasing,' providing practical insights and strategies to overcome it. Listen now to embark on a journey of self-discovery, self-care, and personal empowerment.

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Welcome to ‘Adulting with Autism', the podcast that provides a unique neurodiverse perspective on life's challenges. This episode features a fascinating conversation between host, April Ratchford, and guest, Erin Rodgers, a renowned storyteller, writer, and workshop facilitator committed to helping people capture their stories.

Erin shares her personal experiences with autism and how she uses her insights to assist others in expressing themselves. With extensive experience working with notable organizations like UNIFOR, Ontario Federation of Labor, and Engineers Canada, Erin highlights how mastering self-expression can significantly enhance our ability to connect with others. Her work in the Pathfinders Collective also showcases her talent and passion for storytelling.

Covering the advantages of journaling and embracing individuality and interests, she motivates listeners to become the main characters of their stories. Moreover, she emphasizes the learning potential that lies within our mistakes, giving listeners the courage to step out of their comfort zones and take on new challenges.

This invigorating episode serves as an excellent avenue for those seeking to establish their tribe, preparing for college life, or eager for tips on dealing with the unpredictability of life. Stay tuned for engaging anecdotes and practical wisdom, as Erin provides a unique perspective on coping with obstacles, using daily affirmations, and confronting shame and ridicule—all while living a life that celebrates their uniqueness.

Settle in for an exceptional conversation with Erin Rogers, as she candidly shares her journey of discovery, mental health challenges, and the transformative power of storytelling. Don't miss this enriching blend of humor, valuable insights, and essential wisdom to aid neurodiverse listeners to confidently traverse the landscape of adult life.

If you wish to delve deeper into Erin Rogers' work, tune in to 'Adulting with Autism,' or find her at 'story star coaching' and '@AaronRodgersStoryPro' on Instagram. This episode is sure to inspire all adults with autism and neurodiverse individuals around the world to embrace their narrative and celebrate their unique journey.

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In this remarkable episode of 'Adulting with Autism,' meet our inspiring guest, Kristof Morrow, a well-acclaimed author and late-diagnosed Tourette's warrior. Listen to his fascinating journey filled with resilience, determination, and strength that propelled him to an impressive writing career with his books distributed across about 50 countries worldwide.

This episode delves into the mechanics of  Kristof's writing process, his unique relationship with words, and strategies to tackle writers' block. He also discusses his best-selling fantasy-literature series 'The Second Sun' and reveals the interesting genesis of his novel's protagonist.

We explore how being on the autism spectrum and experiencing childhood trauma has enriched Kristof's narratives, helping him frame complex characters and craft profound stories. Despite the hardships and misunderstandings faced, Kristof firmly believes in the power of creativity and encourages listeners to persistently chase their dreams.

This episode is an intimate peep into the mind of a writer who passionately weaves intricate themes into his works and introduces a dialogue of Spanglish in his upcoming science fiction project. Hear how his current series affects him psychologically and get a glimpse of the upcoming third volume.

Feel the author's evident love and passion for writing; it's like hanging out with his favorite people! End this heartfelt episode with an important reminder to cherish reparations and uphold democracy. Tune into step into the intriguing world of a writer brimming with depth, humor and adventure!

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Welcome to this exciting episode of our podcast, "Adulting with Autism: A Revolutionary Approach to Curing Anxiety". In this in-depth conversation, our host and veteran occupational therapist, April Ratchford, engages with special guest, Daniel Packard. Daniel, a mechanical engineer from UC Berkeley, shares his personal struggle with anxiety and the groundbreaking solution he developed from his 8-year research.

In this episode, Daniel talks about his decade-long battle with anxiety, investing a whopping $100,000 in various therapies that only provided him temporary relief. Sharing his own success story, Packard claims a staggering 90% success rate for his revolutionary approach, putting forward essential insights for anyone dealing with anxiety disorders or emotional pain.

Daniel illustrates the importance of treating emotional wounds rather than merely managing them, narrating his transformative journey towards emotional healing. He also reveals the truth about the prevalent mode of treatment in the industry and how his approach is set to alter it.

Through Packard's unique system, he aims to bring peace, happiness, and total liberation from fear, anxiety, or trauma to those in need. A clear example of reliability and efficiency, his unique pay-after-results model provides tangible results, eliminating any risks for those seeking help and offering an affordable, simple, and highly effective solution to mental health issues.

Tune in to this inspiring episode to learn from Daniel's determination to provide a better alternative for treating emotional pain, his dedication towards his clients’ success, and a system that leaves no room for confusion, guesswork, or failure. Discover the life-changing method that could be the solution you or a loved one needs to finally be free from anxiety.

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As a mother, watching my son Z grapple with the seductive pull of digital addiction opened my eyes to the unique challenges faced by individuals with autism. It's a journey filled with intense battles and hard-won victories, and I'm here to share our story, hoping it resonates with yours. On our latest podcast episode, we wade through the entangled web of video games and social media addiction, shedding light on how the quest for digital dopamine hits can overshadow real-life achievements. We discuss the brain's role in fostering these compulsions and how self-regulation becomes a Herculean task. It's not just a narrative; it's an exploration of the changes that occur within, and a testament to the fact that stepping back from the screen can lead to profound personal growth.Yet, this episode isn't just about the struggles; it's a treasure trove of actionable advice for thriving as an adult with autism. From the importance of embracing new hobbies to the power of positive affirmations in conquering negative thought patterns, we chart a course towards a balanced and fulfilling life. I share strategies that have proven effective, such as crafting a schedule that respects both work and play, setting boundaries to prevent burnout, and celebrating every small win on the road to independence. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that not only highlights the hurdles but equips you with the tools to leap over them with confidence.

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Struggling to kiss insomnia goodbye and sail smoothly into dreamland? You're not alone, and we've got the ultimate bedtime companion in our latest podcast episode. Helen Sernett, the brain behind the 'Sleep List' podcast, joins us to share her personal voyage from sleepless nights to becoming a beacon for those in search of rest. We get up close and personal with the non-drug strategies that soothe the bedtime blues, especially crucial for our listeners on the autism spectrum. From crafting a serene nightly ritual to tweaking your phone settings for minimal disruption, Helen's tips might just be the missing puzzle piece in your sleep saga.Imagine a world where your dinner plate becomes a secret sleep agent, and a non-jarring alarm clock is your morning savior – we're not just dreaming, it's real talk in this episode. As we lay out the buffet of choices that can make or break your sleep health, you'll find practical advice to tweak your lifestyle for the better. I'll share my toolkit that ranges from a consistent bedtime routine to finding the right wake-up methods, all to help you rise and truly shine. It's time to ditch the nightcap myths and late-night snack traps, and instead, pick up habits that serenade you straight to the Land of Nod.As the night grows quiet and we draw the curtains on another show, we reflect on the profound dance between sleep and mental health. It's a heart-to-heart on the importance of our brain's night shift, tidying up the thoughts of the day for mental clarity and resilience. I even open up about my own tangle with sleeplessness during menopause, and how powering down electronics could be your ticket to the rest you deserve. So as you fluff your pillows and cue your sleep playlist, remember that every step towards conquering the night is a victory in the wild adventure of adulting with autism. Join us on this journey; we're all in this dream together.  Listed below is Helen's podcast for more juicy tips and her website with a free sleep quiz! Check them out!https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sleep-listswww.sleeplists.com

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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

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

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When my son Z transformed from someone who avoided loud crowds to a rock concert enthusiast, I realized the magic of embracing one's own journey towards independence and living a life that's authentically yours. That's what we're discussing on today's Adulting with Autism podcast—finding your life's purpose amid the beautiful chaos that defines our experiences, spectrum or not. Get ready to laugh and learn as we explore strength-based coaching, the insightful guidance of mentorship, and the stress-busting power of a good chuckle. My stories and the shared experiences of our listeners will make you feel like you're snuggled up with friends, chatting about the roller coaster of adulthood.This episode is all about cheering each other on as we navigate the zigzags of life, and I'm right here with you, sharing the wisdom nuggets I've gathered along the way. We'll get real about the challenges, celebrate the victories, and revel in the seemingly small moments that make up our grand adventures. There's no guest this time, just us and the open road of conversation, unpacking the messy, the marvelous, and the downright hilarious parts of growing up and getting it right, or sometimes delightfully wrong. So, pour your favorite drink, get comfy, and join me for an uplifting ride—you magnificent human beings!

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Overwhelmed by the ever-looming specter of procrastination? We've all been there, and I, April Ratchford, am no stranger to the battle against the clock, particularly when it’s crunch time for ACT and SAT prep. In this heartfelt episode of Adulting with Autism, we strip down the label of 'procrastinator' to reveal its true nature—a symptom rooted in anxiety—and I share how understanding our physiological responses can be the key to unlock productivity. Discover the remarkable role of the vagus nerve in stress regulation and learn actionable strategies to tackle that frozen feeling. From a simple, comforting hand over your heart to integrating the wisdom of thought leaders like Mel Robbins, we explore how initiating even the smallest steps can create a ripple effect towards achieving your goals. It's not just about getting things done; it's about managing priorities and ensuring you're on track with essential tasks, including the all-important FAFSA applications and embracing job opportunities that sharpen social skills.As we aim to balance life's demands, the conversation shifts to the essential dialogue between parents and their budding adult children. Setting clear priorities and understanding the weight of responsibilities are pivotal in the journey from dependence to independence. This episode is not just a talk; it’s a toolbox for managing time effectively, keeping life simple, and learning the invaluable lessons embedded in our missteps. We also delve into the heart of personal growth, encouraging listeners to share the insights gained and boldly face the challenges that come with adulting. Whether you're knee-deep in exam preparation or seeking to enhance your social repertoire, let's navigate this path together, one prioritized step at a time.

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Life has a way of shaking up our best-laid plans, and I, April Ratchford, am no stranger to this. After a short, unplanned hiatus, I'm back with a heartfelt apology and an episode that's near and dear to my heart—shedding light on accountability and grooming in adulthood for those on the autism spectrum. With a brand-new microphone in tow, I delve into the often-overlooked lesson of accountability that's essential for individuals like my son, Z. Through a personal story, I illuminate the struggles and triumphs of embracing responsibility, punctuality, and decision-making, emphasizing why it's crucial to foster these skills rather than depend on others.We also unravel the subtle yet significant role personal grooming plays in how the world perceives us. A simple routine of haircuts and beard trims might seem trivial, but for someone with autism, it's a powerful form of self-expression and respect. Join me in exploring these nuanced facets of adult life, and together, let's navigate the complexities of self-advocacy and presentation. Tune in every Friday to 'Adulting with Autism' on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Google Podcasts, and thank you for your unwavering support and patience.

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@adulting_autism
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