Unapologetically Sensitive
This podcast explores how sensitivity weaves itself into our lives, discussing the richness it adds and the strengths we have because of our sensitivity, as well as the challenges it poses. It is aimed at creatives, deep thinkers, deep feelers, neurodivergent individuals, autistics, Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), introverts, and those identifying as INFJ or ENFJ. The host talks openly and honestly about experiencing life, offering a space to learn, relate, laugh, and live a bolder, brighter life. Topics include being told you're 'too' sensitive, difficulty making decisions, acute senses, and a strong sense of justice.
Episodes
280 When Your Nervous System Borrows Someone Else's Vibes
When Your Nervous System Borrows Someone Else's Vibes Patricia (she/her) shares a real-life update on navigating uncertainty, emotional overwhelm, and finding small moments of connection during difficult times. She reflects on the impact of global stress, parenting a child in the military, and how co-working and body doubling through the BREAM community unexpectedly lifted her energy. This episode
279 The Quiet Season: Healing, Routine, and "Nothing to Talk About"
The Quiet Season: Healing, Routine, and "Nothing to Talk About" Patricia (she/her) reflects on a quiet, low-drama season of life and how emotional regulation, routine, and healing can create a sense of calm—but also unexpected challenges for creativity and productivity. She shares honest insights about AuDHD, executive functioning struggles, and the difficulty of initiating tasks when life slows d
278 The Radical Neurodivergent Act of Stopping Before You're Exhausted
The Radical Neurodivergent Act of Stopping Before You're Exhausted Patricia (she/her) shares what it's like when life is actuall calm. Without drama or big stories to tell, she reflects on learning to honor her energy limits. Patricia talks about pacing physical activity, noticing the urge to push past fatigue, and practicing self-compassion when her body needs rest. She also shares everyday momen
277 Yes, I Twisted My Ankle. Yes, I Peed a Little
Yes, I Twisted My Ankle. Yes, I Peed a Little Patricia Young (she/her) explores how change— even neutral change — can feel dysregulating, especially for autistic and neurodivergent people. From shifting family schedules and unexpected travel changes to navigating awkward neighbor dynamics and social gray areas, she shares real-life examples of practicing flexibility instead of binary thinking. WHA
276 Insurance Denials, Unexpected Connection Hacks and a Kitten with a Foot Fetish
Insurance Denials, Unexpected Connection Hacks and a Kitten with a Foot Fetish Patricia Young (she/her) shares a "mishmash" of real-time reflections on disappointment, expectations, nervous system shifts, and the everyday emotional intensity of being AuDHD. From insurance frustrations and PDA autonomy struggles to surprising connection hacks like a digital picture frame, Patricia explores what it
275 Unbothered, Unmasked, and Still Showing Up: Why Neurodivergent People Do the Hard Things for Others
Unbothered, Unmasked, and Still Showing Up: Why Neurodivergent People Do the Hard Things for Others Patricia Young (she/her) explores what it means to show up for others as an AuDHDer. She reflects on value-driven behavior, executive functioning challenges, internalized ableism, grief, rest, and the deep relief of living an "unbothered life." Through personal stories about partnership, support, se
274 The Day My Nervous System Chose Violence (Internally)
The Day My Nervous System Chose Violence (Internally) Patricia Young (she/her) explores what happens when big feelings meet medication changes, OCD spirals, and unmet needs. Through a vulnerable personal story about adjusting OCD medication, asking for support, and reacting more intensely than expected, Patricia reflects on autism, relational OCD, RSD, and trauma responses. She also discusses how
273 The Holidays: A Group Project My Nervous System Didn't Agree To
The Holidays: A Group Project My Nervous System Didn't Agree To In this New Year's episode, Patricia Young (she/her) explores why the holiday season can be especially challenging for autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD nervous systems. Through personal stories about gift giving, overstimulation, masking, PDA, rejection sensitivity, and the need for sameness and predictability, she unpacks how small changes
272 Bold Moves: Purple Hair, a Tattoo, and No Take-Backs
Bold Moves: Purple Hair, a Tattoo, and No Take-Backs Patricia (she/her) reflects on what it really means to make bold moves—and how we talk to ourselves when those decisions don't land the way we hoped. Through the very real experiences of dyeing her hair purple for the first time and getting a tattoo she isn't sure she likes, she explores autistic decision-making, sensory overwhelm, masking, regr
271 Keeping it Real During the Holidays: p.s. I Love the Grinch!
Keeping it Real During the Holidays: p.s. I Love the Grinch! Patricia (she/her) dives into the emotional and sensory whirlwind of navigating change as an AuDHDer during the holiday season. She unpacks the exhaustion that comes from shifting family dynamics, unpredictable routines, kitten chaos, people coming and going, and the desire to show up with more capacity than she actually has. Patricia sp
270 Boring Means Stable: Learning to Love Ordinary Days
Boring Means Stable: Learning to Love Ordinary Days In this honest, meandering, and heart-centered solo episode, Patricia Young (she/her) opens up about feeling "not enough," while navigating overwhelm, managing PDA (Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. From decluttering and kayaking to the quiet comfort of boring days and the challenges of social invitations, Patricia invites listeners into the gentle,
269 No Room for In-Between: Literal Thinking and Communication Ruptures
No Room for In-Between: Literal Thinking and Communication Ruptures In this raw and honest episode, Patricia (she/her) shares her ongoing challenges with neurodivergent miscommunication, community rupture, and the emotional toll of being misunderstood. From neighborhood conflicts to horse training lessons, from cancel culture to navigating friendships and travel as an autistic person, Patricia ope
268 The Push-Pull of ADHD and Autism: Stretching Without Breaking
The Push-Pull of ADHD and Autism: Stretching Without Breaking In this candid conversation, Patricia Young (she/her) and B Lourenco (she/her) dive deep into the realities of living with ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence. They explore the push-pull between self-accommodation and stretching ourselves, how shame and internalized ableism impact daily life, and what it means to create rea
267 Rupture without Repair, and the Discomfort of Being Misunderstood
Rupture without Repair, and the Discomfort of Being Misunderstood In this deeply personal episode, Patricia (she/her) unpacks the fallout from a neighborhood rupture and the painful loss of community connection. Through the lens of being autistic and AuDHD, she explores rejection sensitivity, communication breakdowns, friendship trauma, and why repair isn't always possible. She also shares how
266 When ADHD Wants Adventure and Autism Just Wants a Nap
When ADHD Wants Adventure and Autism Just Wants a Nap Patricia (she/her) explores what it means to show up authentically as a neurodivergent person—especially when navigating the tension between wanting novelty (hello ADHD/AuDHD brains!) and craving sameness (thank you autism). She shares candid stories about celebrating her anniversary, managing low energy, social interactions, and dealing with
265 When the Dogs Stop Saying Hi: The Human Need for Connection and Belonging
When the Dogs Stop Saying Hi: The Human Need for Connection and Belonging Patricia (she/her) explores the complexities of community, being perceived, and the challenges of navigating relationships amidst misunderstandings and cancel culture. She shares personal experiences of rupture and repair within her community, reflecting on the emotional impact of feeling excluded and the importance of ackno
264 Disempowered to Empowered: Meltdowns, Boundaries & Donuts
Disempowered to Empowered: Meltdowns, Boundaries & Donuts In this heartfelt episode, Patricia (she/her) shares three powerful personal stories that highlight the challenges—and wins—that come with being a sensitive, creative, neurodivergent human. From navigating family dynamics around living arrangements, to reclaiming power after a disempowering volunteer experience, and even exploring the emo
263 Friendship, Boundaries, and Other Olympic Sports for Autistic Brains
Friendship, Boundaries, and Other Olympic Sports for Autistic Brains Patricia gets real about friendship challenges, navigating communication mismatches, and how OCD and autistic wiring can shape our relationship expectations. She shares a behind-the-scenes peek into her new podcast project, the insecurities that surfaced while collaborating with her co-host, and how unexpected moments of valid
262 Breaking Down Internalized Ableism
Breaking Down Internalized Ableism Summary In this conversation, Patricia explores the concept of internalized ableism, particularly among neurodivergent individuals. She discusses how societal stigma and expectations can lead to negative self-perceptions and feelings of inadequacy. Patricia shares personal experiences and insights on how internalized ableism manifests in various aspects of lif
261 Some Challenges in Neurodivergent Communication
Some Challenges in Neurodivergent Communication Summary In this episode, Patricia discusses the challenges faced by AuDHDers and other neurodivergent individuals in communication, particularly regarding lack of responding to messages. She explores the concept of internalized ableism and how it affects self-perception and interactions. Patricia shares personal experiences and insights on the impor
260 Coping and Prepatory Strategies for Overstimulating Situations
Coping and Prepatory Strategies for Overstimulating Situations Summary In this episode, Patricia discusses her experiences with content creation, coping strategies for overstimulation, and managing sensory sensitivities during significant life events like weddings. She shares insights on emotional preparation, adjusting to changes in family dynamics, and maintaining a healthy work-life balan
259 Overstimulation & Recharge and the Impact on Relationships
Overstimulation & Recharge and the Impact on Relationships In this conversation, Patricia explores the themes of overstimulation, the importance of recharging, and the dynamics of friendship, particularly in the context of neurodivergence. She shares her personal experiences with protesting, the challenges of feeling safe in crowds, and the emotional complexities of friendships, including rejec
258 Performative Expectations vs. Honoring Your Neurodivergent (AuDHD) Needs
Performative Expectations vs. Honoring Your Neurodivergent (AuDHD) Needs In this conversation, Patricia discusses the challenges of navigating personal truths, autonomy, and performative expectations, particularly as an AuDHDer. Patricia reflects on her struggles with body image, the importance of self-trust, the need for autonomy (PDA), honoring her needs as a neurodivergent human, and prio
257 Lessons from the Past, and Moving Forward
Lessons From the Past and Moving Forward In this episode, Patricia reconnects after a long break to discuss personal growth through relationships, dealing with OCD, and navigating self-disclosure. Patricia shares experiences with past friendships, lessons learned, and the journey of forming new connections while managing neurodivergence. Tips for content creation and future podcast plans are also
256 Taking a Podcast Break: Self-Acceptance & Self-Worth
Taking a Podcast Break: Self-Acceptance & Self-Worth Patricia announces that she will be taking a break from the podcast. She discusses the challenges of OCD and attachment injuries in relationships and shares tools that have been helpful for her, such as identifying wants, needs, desires, and expectations. She also talks about the importance of rupture and repair work in therapy and coaching
255 Attachment Injuries and OCD: The Healing Continues
Attachment Injuries and OCD: The Healing Continues Summary Patricia discusses her experience with OCD and attachment injuries while Jen, is on vacation. She explores her fears and insecurities about asking for support and needing connection. Patricia reflects on the importance of consistent communication and creating containers to improve nervous system regulation. She also delves into her c
254 Annoyance & Acceptance: Managing Emotions in Friendships
Annoyance & Acceptance: Managing Emotions in Friendships Jen and Patricia discuss the importance of naming and accepting emotions, including annoyance, as well as the challenges of communication and managing expectations in their friendship. They share personal experiences and strategies for navigating difficult feelings, emphasizing the value of patience and trust in their conversations. They d
253 The Importance of Self-Regulation, Self-Compassion and Connection
The Importance of Self-Regulation, Self-Compassion and Connection Patricia discusses her feelings of annoyance and disappointment when her scheduled recording with Jen is cancelled. The conversation highlights the complexities of managing emotions and maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships. She also discusses her experience of transitioning from an expansive state to a contractive st
252 Navigating Reconnection after Rupture: Messiness is a Healthy Part of Relationships
Navigating Reconnection after Rupture: Messiness Is a Healthy Part of Relationships Patricia and Jen discuss the challenges of reconnecting after a rupture in their relationship. They explore the fear of not being able to get back to normal and the desire for rupture and repair in significant relationships. They also discuss the importance of authenticity, setting boundaries, and being clear
251 Taking Up Space and Expressing Your Feelings is Important for Healing Attachment Injuries
Taking up Space and Expressing Your Feelings is Important for Healing Attachment Injuries Patricia shares her experiences of her recent trip to Chicago. She discusses the challenges she faced in navigating changes in plans and the emotions that arose during her son's graduation from boot camp. Patricia also explores the importance of creating a secure attachment in her relationship with Jen a
250 Anger & Attachment: Navigating Different Neurotypes Within a Relationship
Anger and Attachment: Navigating Different Neurotypes Within a Relationship Patricia and Jen explore the dynamics of attachment injuries, ADHD, and autism within their friendship. They explore the challenges of communication, time orientation, and emotional regulation. They touch on the concept of platonic life partnership and the challenges navigating different attachment styles and the impact
249 PDA & Empowering Autonomy: Navigating Uncertainty and Travel Preparation
PDA & Empowering Autonomy: Navigating Uncertainty and Travel Preparation Patricia discusses her experiences with attachment injuries, being activated, anxiety, and preparing for travel. She shares insights into managing her emotions and navigating relationships through the lens of autism with a PDA profile. Patricia asserts her need for autonomy, feelings of powerlessness, and the challenges
248 Friendship Paradigms: Monogamy and Polyamory and Platonic Partnerships
Friendships Paradigms: Monogamy and Polyamory and Platonic Partnerships Patricia discusses the concept of monogamy and polyamory in friendships and platonic partnerships. She explores how the traditional view of monogamy has a hierarchy when one person enters a romantic relationship. Neurodivergent folks often have closer friendships that are more like platonic partnerships. Patricia shares h
247 Attachment: Self-Compassion, Recognizing & Healing Unblended Parts
Attachment: Self-Compassion, Recognizing & Healing Unblended Parts Patricia and Jen discuss their personal experiences with attachment injuries and how it affects their relationship. They explore the challenges of communication and the impact of past traumas. Patricia shares insights from her recovery journey, drawing parallels between her eating disorder and her attachment struggles. They em
246 Healing Attachment Wounds: Navigating Tough Conversations with Love
Healing Attachment Wounds: Navigating Tough Conversations with Love Patricia discusses her ongoing work on attachment wounds and her recent conversation with her mother about her childhood. She emphasizes the privilege of being able to have these conversations and acknowledges that not everyone has that opportunity. Patricia also explores expectations in her relationship with Jen, highlightin
245 Expansion and Contraction: Honoring Your Rhythms
Expansion and Contraction: Honoring Your Rhythms In this conversation, Patricia and Jen discuss their personal experiences with stress, burnout, and the challenges of navigating relationships. They explore the importance of self-compassion, the need for rest and downtime, and the impact of attachment wounds on their interactions. They also touch on the concept of Internal Family Systems (IFS) a
244 Managing Expectations: Showing Up For Yourself During Hard Times
Managing Expectations: Showing Up for Yourself During Hard Times Jen and Patricia discuss attachment wounds in their friendship. They explore the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and managing expectations. They highlight the need for compassion & understanding when dealing with attachment issues & emphasize the ongoing work of healing & growth. In this conversation, Patricia
243 Attachment Wounds: OCD, Projection, Managing Dysregulation
Attachment Wounds: OCD, Projection, Managing Dysregulation Patricia candidly discusses her experiences with attachment wounds, OCD tendencies, projection and trauma responses with Jen, and how this is showing up in their relationship. Patricia shares what her OCD thoughts tend to look like. Through introspection and vulnerability, Patricia reflects on the impact of past traumas on her emotion
242 Attachment Wounds: A Follow Up Conversation
Attachment Wounds: A Follow Up Conversation Jen and Patricia reflect on their recent challenge (see episode 241), and they discuss the importance of taking responsibility for their own needs and emotions. They explore the impact of attachment wounds and the challenges of navigating relationships. They talk about what trauma and reenactment looks like in a relationship. They also discuss the n
241 Attachment Wounds: When You Can't Work it out in the Moment
Attachment Wounds: When You Can't Work It Out In The Moment Patricia reflects on her attachment wounds & something that happened with Jen. She emphasizes that the issue was not a rupture in her relationship, but rather her own trauma and wounding. She reassures listeners that they are doing fine & have navigated the situation with honesty & grace. Patricia also touches on the importance of do
240 Navigating Grief, Uncertainty & Travel Through the Lens of Attachment
Navigating Grief, Uncertainty & Travel Through the Lens of Attachment Patricia and Jen discuss navigating uncertainty and overwhelm, managing change and unexpected situations, balancing personal needs, the power of communication and validation, finding meaning and value in relationships, coping with anxiety and catastrophic thinking, choosing to assume the best, managing energy and boundaries, s
239 Being "Too Much" is a Narrative that needs to be Re-examined
Being "Too Much" is a Narrative that needs to be Re-examined Summary Patricia discusses the wound of too much and how it can impact relationships. Too much is about BOTH people and the capacity of the other person. This is a narrative that needs to be reexamined, and the context of both people needs to be addressed. She explores the intersection of neurodivergence, trauma, and socializati
238 Learning to Trust Yourself and Finding Peace in Your Own Rhythm
Learning to Trust Yourself and Finding Peace in Your Own Rhythm Patricia discusses her experience when her husband is away. She shares her journey of managing attachment wounds, and the challenges of household responsibilities. Patricia also explores the impact of autistic burnout and ADHD on her ability to stay on top of things. She emphasizes the importance of honoring autonomy and consider
237 Unmasking & Authentic Communication: Navigating Differences in Relationships
Unmasking & Authentic Communication: Navigating Differences in Relationships Patricia and Jen discuss the challenges of unmasking and being authentic in relationships including the role of PDA (Pervasive Drive for Autonomy). They explore the narratives we have about ourselves and how they can impact our interactions with others. They also delve into the differences in communication styles and
236 Exploring Neurodivergence in Relationships: Understanding Unique Perspectives
Exploring Neurodivergence in Relationships: Understanding Unique Perspectives In this conversation, Patricia and Jen discuss their struggles with linear content and their values of focusing on relational topics. They explore the challenges of staying true to their authentic selves while creating content. The conversation also delves into the dynamics of their relationship and the growth they hav
235 Red & Green Flags in Relationships
Red & Green Flags in Relationships Patricia discusses red flags and ideal qualities in relationships. She emphasizes the importance of honoring rhythms and self-care, as well as effective communication and conflict resolution. Patricia also addresses gaslighting, setting boundaries, and the significance of trust, honesty, and similar values in a relationship. She explores the impact of politi
234 Navigating Miscommunication and Misunderstanding
Navigating Miscommunication and Misunderstanding Jen helps me process through a communication blip I had with my son. My husband & I have very different styles when talking to our boys, & I felt inadequate, and I sometimes struggle to attune. We talk about context when communicating, projection, who is a safe person to get angry at, & I talk about my own reactivity and confusion at my reactio
233 Neurodivergence and Friendship: The Struggle is Real
Neurodivergence and Friendship: The Struggle is Real I talk about the challenges and complexities of friendships for neurodivergent folks, and the changing nature of friendships, the importance of reciprocity and communication. I discuss navigating difficult conversations, recognizing and addressing needs, and setting boundaries. I talk about the tendency to feel central in someone's life, an
232 The Importance of Rest & Learning to Receive & Ask for Help
The Importance of Rest & Learning to Receive & Ask for Help Patricia and Jen discuss their health updates and the challenges they have faced. They also delve into the pressure to be productive and the fear of not functioning. The conversation shifts to vulnerability and insecurity in relationships, as well as the process of learning to receive and ask for help. They reflect on the growth and h
231 Autism Identification Should Come with a Warning Label (Including Autistic Burnout)
Autism Identification Should Come with a Warning Label (Including Autistic Burnout) There are things that happen to most autistic people once they identify as autistic, and there should be a warning label! If you're late diagnosed, and high masking, there's a good chance you are, or will be in autistic burnout. There's also skill regression, and not being able to push through anymore. This ca
230 Exploring Identity, and Turning Toward Yourself in Affirming Ways
Exploring Identity, and Turning Toward Yourself in Affirming Ways Jen and I touch on so much in this episode: challenges setting boundaries; structure vs. the need for novelty (ADHD vs. autism), attachment injuries and bids for connection; the challenges and gifts of hard conversations; what neuro-affirming therapy looks like; PDA and focusing on others to reduce demands; masking; what comes u
229 Real Talk on Health Challenges: Speaking FOR Your Parts vs. Speaking FROM Your Parts
Real Talk on Health Challenges: Speaking FOR Your Parts vs. Speaking FROM Your Parts Jen and I talk about the difference between complaining, speaking honestly about what's going on, and the other person's capacity to sit with things that they may feel they need to fix or change. Many of you have been told that you complain too much or that you're too negative. Neurodivergent brains tend to r
228 Getting from Here to There When You've Lost Your Routine
Getting from Here to There When You've Lost Your Routine How do you get back in a groove after you've gotten out of it? We often assume we can jump back in, but sometimes it's harder than that. I also talk about getting consent in relationships before giving feedback and advice. Attuning to the other person is the best gift you can give someone. This means dropping your agenda. I also talk ab
227 Attachment Injuries, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Self-Care
Attachment Injuries, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Self-Care Jen and I discuss attachment wounds and using an Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework. We talk about the difference of speaking for our parts vs. speaking from our parts. We talk about overperformance, the pressure to show up and masking, and the importance of feeling seen and heard in relationships. We talk about unpacking an a
226 The Power of Showing Up: Embracing Imperfection and Struggles with PDA and RSD
The Power of Showing Up: Embracing Imperfection and Struggles with PDA and RSD Jen and I discuss our struggles with showing up and doing life even when it's hard. We model grace and vulnerability, reminding you that it's okay to not have it all together. The conversation touches on topics such as PDA, rejection-sensitive dysphoria RSD, and the pressure of gift-giving. We also discuss the impo
225 Navigating Autism and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance, or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy)
Navigating Autism and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy) I discuss being diagnosed Autistic with a PDA (pathological demand avoidance) profile. I express frustration with the DSM criteria for ADHD and autism, as I don't see myself in the criteria. I highlight the common misdiagnosis of PDA as oppositional defiant disorder in children, emphasizing the need for a d
224 Building Trust in Neurodivergent Settings: Overcoming Group Apprehension
Building Trust in Neurodivergent Settings: Overcoming Group Apprehension Ellie and Patricia highlight the importance of creating inclusive spaces that foster trust, comfort, and collaboration for neurodivergent folks. They discuss the benefits of tailoring curriculum to individual and group needs. This episode also touches on the depth and organic nature of group conversations, and the role of p
223 Neurodivergent Insights: Navigating ADHD, Autism, PDA and Communication
Neurodivergent Insights: Navigating ADHD, Autism, PDA, and Communication Jen and I discuss the challenges of living with ADHD, Autism and PDA, including communication difficulties and perception of reality. We talk about how these show up for us differently, and how we navigate some of the challenges. I also share about disclosing to my MD about being autistic, and how that was received. We a
222 Redinfining Success for the Neurodivergent
Redefining Success for the Neurodivergent Jen and I discuss the concept of success and how it is often measured by neurotypical norms. We challenge these measures, and explore alternative ways to define and measure success for the neurodivergent. We emphasize the importance of authenticity, having hard conversations, and embracing imperfection. We also discuss the value of uncertainty and not
221 Navigating Relationship Bumps: Whose Stuff is This?
Navigating Relationship Bumps: Whose Stuff is This? Once again, I had a bump in a relationship, and I got to see that I had a part in it. Our fear of rejection, abandonment, or someone getting angry with us, can prevent us from having difficult conversations. We minimize our feelings for fear of being too sensitive. When we do this work enough, eventually, remaining silent, no longer works. I
220 Navigating Competing Needs in a Relationship
Navigating Competing Needs in a Relationship Jen & I talk about having competing needs while I was visiting her, and what came up for me, and how we navigated having uncomfortable feelings. We look at this through the lens of neurodivergence (Autism, HSP, ADHD and PDA). We also explore the difficulty I had as a neurodivergent person assessing if I had a good time on the trip or not. We also look
219 When Your Stuff Bumps Up Against Your Friend's Stuff
When Your Stuff Bumps Up Against Your Friend's Stuff How do you navigate feeling hurt in a relationship, and the other person doesn't understand (or realize) that you have been hurt? What do you do when the other person thinks you want space, but you feel hurt, and that's not what you need, but you think the other person is distancing from you? Is it ok to text or email someone when you feel hur
218 Navigating Change: How to Stay True to Yourself While Traveling
Navigating Change: How to Stay True to Yourself While Traveling Travelling and being a guest in someone's home can be challenging due to change: adjusting to new routines, and being out of your routine. I spend a week with Jen, and we talk about checking in with each other, and my need for structure, and Jen's lack of structure. We talk about structure vs. flexibility, and as an autistic, how do
217 Navigating Executive Dysfunction: Managing Busy Minds
Navigating Executive Dysfunction: Managing Busy Minds Managing appointments, schedules and life can be challenging when you've got ADHD, AuDHD, or simply challenges with executive functioning. Jen and I talk about our struggles and the things that work for us. We talk about what may be more neuroaffirming. We also talk about the challenges of getting advice, or working with someone who doesn't u
216 Friendships Can Be Bleeping Hard
Friendships Can Be Bleeping Hard! Friendship struggles are real! How does being neurodivergent or specifically autistic impact friendships? Common themes of being misunderstood in spite having good intentions, and allowing others to see you in ways that are not how you see yourself. I talk about navigating breakups, not being able to do repair after a rupture, and using these painful experiences
215 Neurodivergence & Autsim: Navigating Challenges in Relationships
Neurodivergence & Autism: Navigating Challenges in Relationships We explore the challenges of maintaining friendships for people who are neurodivergent (AuDHD, autistic, HSP etc.) We emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence, empathy, active listening, open communication, patience, setting boundaries, and forgiveness in building and maintaining meaningful relationships. CO-HOST Jen Pe
214 AFAB Autism Assessment: PDA, and other Common Questions Answered
AFAB Autism Assessment: PDA, and other Common Questions Answered Dr. Jessica Myszak, who provides autism assessments for late-diagnosed, high masking women answers the following questions: What is PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance or Persistent/Pervasive Drive for Autonomy)? What does PDA look like? What is important to ask if someone wants to pursue a formal autism diagnosis? What are common c
213 Autism, Relationships & PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy
Autism, Relationships & PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy The challenges people have maintaining relationships can be related to relational trauma, PDA, the desire for consistency and/or adherence to high or unrealistic expectations. PDA is a profile of autism, and people with PDA may have no problem making friends, but they may have difficulty keeping them. Can
212 AFAB Autism Assessment: Common Questions Answered
AFAB Autism Assessment: Common Questions Answered Dr. Jessica Myszak, who provides autism assessments for late-diagnosed, high masking women answers the following questions: How does autism present differently in women? Is self-diagnosis valid? Why haven't the lived experiences of women been included in the diagnostic criteria? What might social differences, repetitive and stimming behaviors loo
211 Emotional Intelligence in Relationships: Honoring Neurodivergent Needs and Communication Styles
Emotional Intelligence in Relationships: Honoring Neurodivergent Needs and Communication Styles How do you center yourself in relationships when you're being told you're difficult to be around, or people stop communicating with you? How do you navigate ambiguous communication? I go on a rant because I was feeling frustrated. I talk about neurodivergence and my experience being autistic. I also
210 Not Feeling Good Enough: Self-Criticism, Healing and Vulnerability
Not Feeling Good Enough: Self-Criticism, Healing and Vulnerability We talk about the origins of feeling not good enough, and even if you understand why you feel this way, you still may be stuck. At the end, Jen and I have a tearful moment that is bursting with vulnerability sharing something we have never talked about before. We talk about our own rigidity, inflexibility and having high expecta
209 Navigating Difficult Conversations: Communicating Honestly in Relationships
Navigating Difficult Conversations: Communicating Honestly in Relationships Being assertive with medical providers can be hard; does one disclose an autism diagnosis? I discuss the importance of vulnerability, as well as the challenges of transparency and balancing honesty and privacy. My birthday came with expectations and disappointments, and some unexpected healing. I explore the challenges o
208 Disentangling from Emotionally Immature People
Disentangling from Emotionally Immature People Dr. Lindsay Gibson, discusses her most recent book, and she offers practical strategies, reflective exercises, and tips for dealing with emotionally immature people (EIPs). We explore topics such as understanding emotional immaturity, healing from emotional immaturity, and developing emotional maturity. We discuss the importance of self-care, self-
207 Empowerment in Vulnerability: Becoming the Heroine of Your Story
Empowerment in Vulnerability: Becoming the Heroine of Your Story This episode includes wanting people to intuit what you want without having to ask; struggling with having to ask for what you want; not being chosen, and how to turn this around; identifying who your people are; assessing what others have to offer in relationships instead of assuming that you're the one with the deficits. We also
206 Expressing Feelings when Systems Fail and Frustrate Us
Expressing Feelings When Systems Fail and Frustrate Us I had a meltdown after reaching my frustration limit. Jen & I discuss how to discharge frustration, while navigating inefficient systems. What prevents us from speaking up, and our concern about how we are perceived. How to advocate for yourself, and get support from others, especially when you're dysregulated. How do you stay grounded and f
205 Navigating Neurodiversity: The Struggle to Figure out the Rules
Navigating Neurodiversity: The Struggle to Figure out the Rules We discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, & allowing oneself to feel the full range of emotions. We talk about the struggle to figure out what the unspoken expectations are. We talk about how neurodivergent brains process information compared to neurotypical brains, as well as communication styles that may be more effecti
204 I Needed to Become the Person I Needed Most
I Needed to Become the Person I Needed Most Kelly took the HSP Course 3 years ago. When life threw her a curveball 18 months ago, she had no idea the profound impact the Course would have on her. Kelly embraced her emotions without judgement, and she began to heal and grow. She allowed people to be there for her. She shares the mantras she used, and she talks about the beauty she experienced wh
203 Regulating your Nervous System: Setting Boundaries, and Self-Care while Travelling
Regulating your Nervous System: Setting Boundaries and Self-Care while Travelling On a Saturday, I decided to fly to Philadelphia the next day. This episode addresses travelling considerations when you're neurodivergent. I had to set some boundaries and I also had to implement a lot of self-care. We talk about strategies for travelling, and how to anticipate, prepare, execute, and communicate y
202 I Am Learning That There is Nothing Wrong with Me
I Am Learning That There is Nothing Wrong with Me Finding a community of people who are wired like you is healing and validating since HSPs often feel isolated in traditional social settings. As a result of taking the Online HSP Course, Kathy shares how she learned that nothing is wrong with her, and how she learned to trust herself. The Group models what a functional "family" is like, and ever
201 Female Autism: Challenging Stereotypes, and the Need for Education
Female Autism: Challenging Stereotypes, and the Need for Education Another Highly Sensitive Therapist and I discuss the challenges (and gifts) of being diagnosed autistic. We discuss how autism in sensitive females (Assigned Female at Birth AFAB) presents differently, as well as how autism in females tends to be very different than autism in males. We address common things that are said that may f
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