Adulting with Autism

Unexplained chronic pain/illness trapping you in ND chaos? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April dives into neuroplastic symptoms—brain-generated conditions from stress/trauma (1 in 6 adults, higher in autism/ADHD)—with Dr. David Clarke, MD (Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology), ATNS President (nonprofit ending pain epidemic), and podcast host "The Story Behind the Symptoms." Treating 7000+ patients, Dr. Clarke's book "They Can't Find Anything Wrong" reveals real symptoms (fibromyalgia/migraines/IBS/long COVID) unresponsive to physical treatments—focus on stress sources for recovery. Key insights: Neuroplastic basics: Brain rewires from stresses (current emotions/childhood adversity/being "different" like ND); no structural cause but real (scans prove circuits change). ND link: Masking/difference adds pressure; symptoms signal distress (e.g., pain only at work triggers). Screening: Free 12-question quiz at symptomatic.me (<3 min)—yes answers flag neuroplastic; traces stresses (ACEs/trauma). Recovery therapy: Reframe signals (98% improvement in CU-Boulder study); address causes (family dynamics/childhood mistreatment). Self-esteem rewiring: Letter to past abusers; admire "heroic" inner child (surviving emotional deserts); build joy time. Myths busted: Symptoms real/not neurotic; treatable (e.g., 79-year case resolved months); 25% doctor visits are neuroplastic. For autistic/ADHD young adults in pain/isolation, Dr. Clarke's message: "Stresses cause it—uncover/address for relief." Resources at symptomatic.me (quiz/books/podcast/conferences/practitioner directory). Subscribe for ND pain hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at adultingwithautismshop—rewire your style fierce! #NeuroplasticSymptomsND #ChronicPainAutism #StressBrainRewireADHD #SymptomaticMeQuiz #NeuroplasticRecoveryTherapy #ATNSChronicIllness #AdultingWithAutism #BrainGeneratedPainYoungAdults #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #BTSArmy   Episode: Neuroplastic Symptoms for ND with Dr. David Clarke [00:00] Intro: Unexplained ND Chronic Pain Trap [00:30] Dr. Clarke's Expertise: Brain-Generated Symptoms (1 in 6 Adults) [02:00] ND Link: Stress/Masking Rewires Brain (Autism/ADHD Higher Risk) [05:00] Screening Quiz: 12 Questions at Symptomatic.me (<3 Min) [08:00] Causes: Childhood Adversity/Current Emotions/Difference Stresses [11:00] Recovery Therapy: Reframe Signals (98% Improvement Study) [14:00] Self-Esteem Rewiring: Letters/Admire Inner Child Hero [17:00] Myths Busted: Real/Not Neurotic; Treatable (79-Year Case) [20:00] Resources: Books/Podcast/Conferences/Practitioners [23:00] Outro: Pain Relief Takeaways & CTAs Resources: Symptomatic.me: Quiz/books/podcast "The Story Behind the Symptoms"/courses/conferences/practitioner directory Book: "They Can't Find Anything Wrong" (Amazon) ATNS: atns.org (nonprofit info) Linktree:  (socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND health tips! Share your symptom story in comments. #NDNeuroplasticPain #AutismChronicIllness #ADHDStressRecovery #SymptomaticMe #BrainGeneratedSymptoms #AdultingWithAutism      

Disconnected from your body in ND chaos? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April explores quantum human design for neurodivergent reconnection with Dr. Karen Parker, Human Design/Quantum Human Design expert (psychology/holistic health background, founder of Quantum Human Design™). Integrating ancient wisdom/quantum physics, Dr. Parker decodes energetic blueprints for growth—workshops/courses/consults empowering authentic purpose/societal harmony. Key insights: Body disconnection: Epidemic from kindergarten (overstim/shame, "treehouse" numbness); leads to distractions (TV/phone/food) to avoid pain. Micro-trauma: Not just big events—shaming needs (e.g., bathroom denial) teaches "unsafe to be me"; compounds to burnout (body refuses mask). Redefine value: Shift from material/numerical (money/size) to preciousness (once-in-lifetime cosmic event)—nurture self like royal gems. Quantum human design: High-frequency language rewires stories (photon storms/neurotransmitters); hero's journey (creative writing/dance) upgrades victim to victor, boosts immunity/creativity. Healing steps: Compassion without judgment ("ready for change"); rest/outdoors/body listening; frequency physics (high vibe pulls others up—influential/authentic living). ND application: Burnout from masking (exhaustion trying to fit); safe embodiment for empaths/sensitives—rewrite low-frequency trauma narratives. For autistic/ADHD in overwhelm/isolation, Dr. Parker's blueprint: "Preciousness heals—get in body, rewrite story." Free chart at quantumhumandesign.com; TEDx https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-294NywwZ4. Subscribe for ND wellness hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Linktree:  (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at adultingwithautism reconnect your vibe fierce! #QuantumHumanDesignND #BodyReconnectionAutism #HighFrequencyHealingADHD #HumanDesignBurnout #MicroTraumaNeurodivergent #PreciousnessSelfWorth #AdultingWithAutism #EnergeticBlueprintND #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #BTSArmy

Feeling stuck in ND corporate grind or creative chaos? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April chats getting unstuck for neurodivergent entrepreneurs with Murielle Ungricht, autistic business coach (25 years experience, founded/sold businesses, certified master career coach). Late-diagnosed autistic, TEDx speaker/author of "Get Unstuck!" (self-help for procrastination/overthinking), and founder/CEO of Nuumani.com (AI-human coaching platform for accessible support), Murielle mentors "unconventional" creatives/ND folks to trade fear for joy—focusing on entrepreneurship/productivity/mental health/trauma/leadership/feminism. Key insights: Late diagnosis journey: From feeling "wrong" to embracing gifts (detail-oriented/resilient routines); measure personal wins, not NT standards. Unstuck formula: Recognize autistic strengths (structure/habits) for success; trial/error to build sustainable systems (e.g., batching content to avoid overwhelm). Perfectionism/self-sabotage: Rewire negative voice (mindfulness: "Is it true? What if opposite?"); drop bars gradually—produce "good enough" without procrastination. AI coaching (Nuumani): Democratizes access (free sessions/human network); combines her tech/coaching background for ND-friendly tools. Young autistics: Find formula for world not built for you—expose to new safely, forgive meltdowns, seek support; "so what?" mindset for fearless living. Advice: Don't worry—start now; connect dots with strengths (big picture + detail); consistency over blueprints (AI helps, but human touch essential). For autistic/ADHD young adults/entrepreneurs, Murielle's vibe: "Be unreasonable for amazing life—autism isn't barrier, it's superpower." Free session at muriellemarie.com; TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxligD1idto; Nuumani: nuumani.com. Subscribe for ND career hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Linktree:(socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at https://adulting-with-autism-shop.fourthwall.com—unstuck your style fierce! #AutisticEntrepreneurCoach #GetUnstuckND #AICoachingNeurodivergent #CreativeCareersAutism #PerfectionismADHDSabotage #TEDxAutisticMentor #AdultingWithAutism #MentalHealthYoungAdults #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSArmy #BTSNeurodivergent #Autism #AuDHD #ADHD #OT #OTTips

Exhausted from ND grind overload? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April explores mindful energy for neurodivergent burnout with Chris Vasiliadis, former systems engineer/instructional designer/Director of Performance Improvement turned burnout buster/health coach (18 years). MS diagnosis (2006) sparked his shift to energizing routines—Qigong/MBSR/3R rescue—focusing on sustainable thriving without chronic exhaustion, aligning actions/values for whole-hearted well-being. Key insights: MS journey: Year of "lab rat" tests (gluten sensitivity/naps), conscious energy management (Qigong for meridians). Mindful energy: Purposeful present attention without judgment (grounding/foot sensations, white space on calendar). Routines for dysfunction/overwhelm: Pause/reground (breathe/stretch/outdoor panoramic views), 16-90 min breaks (not rewards—necessities). Aligning actions/values: Self-compassion over perfectionism (grace for pace, delegate/delay to-dos). Book "Ignition": Self-coach burnout-proof (energy list/3R: remove/reduce/respond drains; bake energizers first). Unpredictable life: Expect chaos (reground: "What's next wise choice?"), community for support (no stagnation—daily joy notes). Thriving normal: Sane pace (role models of measured living), human beings not doings (buffers/transitions). For autistic/ADHD young adults in executive dysfunction/isolation, Chris's systems/patterns: "Honor humanness—small steps sustain." Free resources at prioritywellness.com. Subscribe for ND wellness hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. LinkedIn: Chris Vasiliadis. Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at https://adulting-with-autism-shop.fourthwall.com—energize your vibe fierce! #MindfulEnergyND #BurnoutPreventionAutism #SustainableWellnessADHD #IgnitionBookRoutines #ExecutiveDysfunctionEnergy #MSHealthCoachingNeurodivergent #AdultingWithAutism #PodMatch #Podcasts #AuDHD #Autism #ADHD #BTSNeurodivergent #MentalHealth #BTSArmy #OT #OTTips   Episode: Mindful Energy for ND Burnout with Chris Vasiliadis [00:00] Intro: ND Grind Exhaustion Trap [00:30] Chris's Journey: Engineering to MS-Inspired Health Coaching [02:00] Honoring Needs: Naps/Qigong/Gluten-Free Post-Diagnosis [05:00] Mindful Energy: Purposeful Attention (Grounding/White Space) [08:00] Routines for Overwhelm: Pauses/Breaks (Panoramic Views/Stretch) [11:00] Aligning Actions/Values: Compassion Over Perfectionism [14:00] "Ignition" Book: Self-Coach (Energy List/3R Rescue) [17:00] Unpredictable Life: Expect Chaos, Reground Wise Choices [20:00] Thriving Normal: Sane Pace, Human Beings Not Doings [23:00] Outro: Takeaways & CTAs Resources: Priority Wellness: prioritywellness.com (coaching/book "Ignition") LinkedIn: Chris Vasiliadis Book: "Ignition: Burnout-Proof Living" (Amazon) Linktree:  (socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND energy tips! Share your 3R win in comments. #NDBurnoutBuster #AutismMindfulRoutines #ADHDWellnessHacks #SustainableEnergyNeurodivergent

Barriers in education/work got you down as an ND young adult? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April chats accessible design for neurodivergent with Rebecca Prejean, CEO/Founder of E.B. Graphics and Consulting—creating inclusive multimedia (videos/graphics/animations/e-learnings/VR/AR) via UDL/WCAG for corporations/higher ed/nonprofits. As mom to a son with severe hydrocephalus/autism (defied "won't walk/talk" prognosis), Rebecca fights perceptions, boosting revenue/productivity/engagement through accessible experiences for ADHD/autism/dyslexia/special needs. Key insights: Business start: Freelance post-layoff (no degree needed—hard work/upskilling/AI for ideas), networking muscle (volunteer to paid). Skills honing: Try all (Google/Udemy/creators), open to tech (AI ideation, not replacement); workshops/monthly for sharpness. Imposter/authentic: Fight through (clients want you, not mask); cancel mismatches—resilience from discomfort (homeless/abuse led to success). No shortcuts: 10x harder than 9-5; embrace failure/discomfort for longevity (most podcasts/creators fail—work ethic wins). Content creation: Custom/retrofit (color changes/screen readers/focus order); companion guides/animations for cognitive ease. Higher ed changes: Perception shift (not "defiant"—need clear instructions/accommodations); meet where they are. Advice: Freelance side-hustle first; upskill relentlessly (e.g., UCLA extensions); authentic self attracts right clients. For autistic/ADHD young adults eyeing creative/business paths, Rebecca's story: "Work hard, be open—no paper needed." Launching "The Quirk Factory" podcast next week—follow on LinkedIn/email. Subscribe for ND career hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. E.B. Graphics: ebgraphicsandconsulting.com. Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at https://adulting-with-autism-shop.fourthwall.com—design your path fierce! #AccessibleDesignND #UDLNeurodivergent #InclusiveELearningAutism #BusinessAutisticYoungAdults #MultimediaADHD #ImposterSyndromeContent #AdultingWithAutism #SpecialNeedsEducation #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #AuDHD #Autism #ADHD #BTSArmy #MentalHealth #OT #OTTips   Episode: Accessible Design for ND with Rebecca Prejean [00:00] Intro: Barriers in ND Education/Work [00:30] Rebecca's Story: Son's Autism to E.B. Graphics Founder [02:00] Business Journey: Freelance/Layoff to Corporate/Higher Ed Consulting [05:00] Skills Honing: No Degree Needed—Upskilling/AI/Networking Muscle [08:00] Imposter/Authentic Self: Fight Through, Cancel Mismatches [11:00] No Shortcuts: Hard Work/Discomfort for Resilience (Failure Lessons) [14:00] Content Creation: Custom Multimedia (Animations/VR, Screen Readers) [17:00] Higher Ed Changes: Perception Shift (Clear Instructions/Accommodations) [20:00] Advice: Side-Hustle Freelance, Be Open/Relentless [23:00] Outro: Takeaways & CTAs Resources: E.B. Graphics & Consulting: ebgraphicsandconsulting.com (services/portfolio) LinkedIn: Rebecca Prejean Podcast: "The Quirk Factory" (launching soon—Spotify/Apple) Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND career tips! Share your upskill win in comments. #NDAccessibleDesign #AutismMultimedia #ADHDBusinessHacks #UDLSpecialNeeds