Divergent Conversations
Dr. Megan Neff and Patrick Casale, two neurodivergent therapists, share their personal experiences as Autistic-ADHDers. They discuss their lived experiences as AuDHD mental health professionals and entrepreneurs, offering clinical guidance and support. The podcast features conversational episodes and interviews with other neurodivergent advocates. Topics include autism, ADHD, sleep struggles, chronic illness, RSD, alexithymia, autistic burnout, intersectionality, neuroqueer, creativity, OCD, and more.
Episodes
Episode 144 (Season 5): Neurodivergent Advocacy in Turbulent Times and The Future of Divergent Conversations
Living through uncertain times as a neurodivergent person can feel overwhelming, with the world constantly shifting and the weight of global and personal challenges piling up. In moments like these, knowing how to show up, preserve your energy, and find a sense of agency can be both confusing and crucial.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals
Episode 143: FLASHBACK — Chronic Health: All Brains Belong [featuring Dr. Mel Houser]
Neuroimmune systems often intertwine with chronic health and neurodivergence, leaving neurodivergent individuals grappling with things like energy management, chronic fatigue, or other long-term health conditions.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Dr. Mel Houser, an Autistic family physician, about the intricate dynam
Episode 142: FLASHBACK — AuDHD Burnout City: How Autistic and ADHD Burnout Collide and Compensate
ADHD and Autistic burnout can feel like an endless cycle of overwhelm, exhaustion, and frustration—especially for those who live at the intersection of both identities. Many AuDHD individuals struggle to distinguish between ADHD burnout and autistic burnout, but understanding their overlap and unique challenges is crucial to finding compassionate, practical ways to support our mental health.In thi
Episode 141: FLASHBACK — OCD: I-CBT and Neurodivergent Approaches to OCD [featuring Brittany Goff]
Neurodivergent individuals often find mental health topics like OCD, autism, and ADHD intertwined in ways that can complicate their personal narratives and self-identity.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss with Brittany Goff, an LCSW, the Clinical Director at Zen Psychological Center, and an instructor at the Cognitive B
Episode 140: FLASHBACK — Giftedness: Navigating Giftedness in Marginalized Communities [featuring Sheldon Gay]
As a gifted, BIPOC individual, it can be uniquely challenging to navigate day-to-day experiences and find meaningful connections, especially prior to the discovery of giftedness.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, along with Sheldon Gay, an entrepreneur, podcast host, and the Vice-Chair of the neurodivergent-affirming non-profit
Episode 139: FLASHBACK — Autistic Grief and Wellness: Holding Space for Hard Emotions
Grieving the loss of a beloved pet or navigating collective trauma can feel overwhelming, especially for neurodivergent individuals who experience heightened attachment and sensitivity. This episode highlights the raw realities of grief, loss, and emotional processing, and explores the complexities unique to neurodivergent wellness journeys.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan A
Episode 138: FLASHBACK — Neurodivergent Realities, Rupture & Repair, and Podcast Updates
Prioritizing wellness and authentic connection is essential for neurodivergent individuals, especially during times of low energy or change. This episode highlights how embracing interdependence, rest, and honest communication can support deeper well-being and resilience within both friendships and professional collaborations.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD menta
Episode 137: FLASHBACK — Autistic Burnout City: Perpetual Sensory Hell
Living with perpetual Autistic burnout can feel like navigating a world that’s always just a little too overwhelming, exhausting, or out of sync. For neurodivergent people, teasing apart burnout from depression and understanding how chronic sensory and emotional overload shapes daily life is not just challenging but key for self-advocacy and well-being.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and
Episode 136: FLASHBACK — Autistic Burnout City: How Sensory Input Impacts Burnout
Burnout isn’t just about exhaustion—it’s a sensory experience that can leave neurodivergent people feeling stretched to the breaking point. When every sound, smell, or texture feels overwhelming, how do we navigate recovery and build resilience in a world that rarely slows down?In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the con
Episode 135 (Season 4): Neurodivergent Identity Arc for Later-in-Life Discovery
The journey to understanding and integrating a later-in-life neurodivergent identity is often filled with relief, confusion, pride, growth, and other complex emotions—all woven together in a unique, personal arc.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the “neurodivergent identity arc”—a model that explores how people move from the sta
Episode 134 (Season 4): Navigating Suicidality and Safety for Neurodivergent Minds
Content Warning: This episode talks about suicide and may be triggering. If you're in crisis or feeling unsafe, please reach out to a crisis line or local resources. We have provided some below.Suicidal ideation and risk are common among neurodivergent people, and talking openly about suicidality is hard, especially in a society where honesty about these thoughts is often met with fear, stigma, or
Episode 133 (Season 4): Is Everyone a Little Bit ADHD?
The phrase "everyone’s a little bit ADHD" is coming up more and more lately—but for those who are genuinely ADHD, this can feel dismissive and invalidating. In a world speeding up with constant distractions and increasing demands, society has begun to blur the lines with what the actual difference is between experiencing ADHD traits and living with ADHD as a neurotype.In this episode, Patrick Casa
Episode 132 (Season 4): Is Everyone a Little Bit Autistic?
Hearing "everyone is a little bit Autistic" can feel invalidating and diminish the distinct experiences of Autistic individuals. These comments, often rooted in misunderstanding or attempted empathy, reveal how language shapes—and sometimes distorts—public understanding of Autism.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the common phra
Episode 131 (Season 4): Why ADHD Isn’t About Being Lazy or Unmotivated
Struggling with being labeled "lazy" or "unmotivated" as someone with ADHD can fuel deep shame and misunderstanding. These stereotypes overlook the real challenges and complexities neurodivergent people face every day, especially when it comes to executive functioning and self-worth.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the pervasiv
Episode 130 (Season 4): Intelligence Myths About ADHD and Autism
Challenging the stigma that ADHD and Autism are linked to intelligence is critical for fostering self-acceptance and equity in neurodivergent communities. Myths about intellectual ability not only misunderstand neurodiversity but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and barriers to support.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the pe
Episode 129 (Season 4): Breaking Down Language and Labels in Autism Advocacy
The language we use to describe Autistic experiences can shape not only how we see ourselves, but how our needs are understood—or overlooked—by others.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the topic of functioning labels in Autistic spaces. Through direct exploration of their own journeys, they unpack the reasons behind the prevalen
Episode 128 (Season 4): Do Autistic People Want Social Connection?
Autistic people are often stereotyped as uninterested in social connection, but the reality is far more nuanced, and longing for connection can coexist with the need for isolation or sensory protection. Understanding your own capacity and motivation for relationships isn’t just helpful, it’s often a key part of self-acceptance.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD ment
Episode 127 (Season 4): Landmark College: Neuro-Inclusive College to Career Transitions [featuring Jan Coplan]
Navigating the transition from education to the workplace is challenging for anyone, but neurodivergent individuals face unique barriers, from inaccessible application processes to the pressure of masking during interviews and employment. Understanding what actually helps—and hinders—neurodivergent people thrive at work is crucial for both job-seekers and employers who want truly inclusive environ
Episode 126 (Season 4): Am I Still Me? Post-Diagnosis Identity Spiral
Discovering you're Autistic or ADHD as an adult can turn your whole sense of self upside down. Navigating the emotional aftermath—wondering, "Am I still me?"—often brings up more questions than answers, and can feel both destabilizing and deeply transformative.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the post-diagnosis identity spiral
Episode 125 (Season 4): Hidden Shame of ADHD: Restlessness, Relationships, and Post-Discovery Impact
Discovering you’re ADHD later in life can be a profound and disorienting experience—especially when it means re-examining your relationships, identity, and even your sense of self. For many ADHD adults, the post-diagnosis journey brings unique challenges and unexpected waves of both relief and shame.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, dis
Episode 124 (Season 4): Epiphanies and Apologies: Processing Life After Autism and ADHD Discovery
After discovering you’re Autistic or have ADHD, you most likely started to re-examine the past—and the realization of missed cues or misunderstood moments can bring up nostalgia, relief, and even regret. Revisiting friendships, relationships, and life events through a newly understood neurodivergent lens is often emotional but also essential for self-understanding.In this episode, Patrick Casale a
Episode 123 (Season 4): Not an Epidemic: Behind the Rise in Autism Diagnoses [featuring Dr. Donna Henderson]
Language matters, especially when it shapes how we, as neurodivergent people, are seen and understood. Conversations about an alleged "Autism epidemic" are everywhere—and can lead to misinformation, stigma, and feelings of shame for Autistic people and families. This episode aims to untangle the myths versus realities, providing crucial clarity and validation in a world full of loaded headlines.In
Episode 122 (Season 4): Claiming Your Neurodivergent Identity: Discovery and What Comes Next
Learning you’re Autistic or ADHD—whether through diagnosis, self-identification, or discovery—can spark relief, uncertainty, and a cascade of new questions. Navigating not only the process of finding out, but also what happens next, is a profound and often emotional journey for many neurodivergent adults.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals
Episode 121 (Season 3): Burnout City: Burnout Symptoms at a Cellular Level [featuring Dr. Mel Houser]
Understanding the root causes behind Autistic burnout symptoms can feel confusing, especially when physical symptoms are present but dismissed or misunderstood. Many in the neurodivergent community face not only emotional exhaustion but a web of hidden medical conditions that often go undiagnosed, leaving them searching for seemingly elusive answers and support.In this episode, Patrick Casale and
Episode 120 (Season 3): Burnout City Finale: Boundaries, Self-Advocacy, and Accommodations
Advocating for your needs and setting boundaries as a neurodivergent person can be incredibly challenging—especially in environments that don’t always understand or prioritize accommodations for invisible disabilities. Navigating burnout and building a life that supports your well-being is not just about self-care; it’s about learning how to advocate for yourself in ways that are sustainable and a
Episode 119 (Season 3): AuDHD Burnout City: How Autistic and ADHD Burnout Collide and Compensate
ADHD and Autistic burnout can feel like an endless cycle of overwhelm, exhaustion, and frustration—especially for those who live at the intersection of both identities. Many AuDHD individuals struggle to distinguish between ADHD burnout and autistic burnout, but understanding their overlap and unique challenges is crucial to finding compassionate, practical ways to support our mental health.In thi
Episode 118 (Season 3): Autistic Burnout City: Life When the Mask Comes Off
Burnout can hit hard for late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD adults, especially when the energy cost of masking becomes too much to bear. Dropping the mask and stepping into authenticity brings both relief and upheaval, raising new challenges that aren’t always easy to navigate alone.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the intricate
Episode 117 (Season 3): Autistic Burnout City: Energy Limits and Management
Autistic burnout can feel like you’re running on empty: emotionally, physically, or both. Managing energy, burnout, and self-acceptance in a neurotypical world can be exhausting, especially for neurodivergent people navigating chronic fatigue, sensory overload, and internalized expectations.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the
Episode 116 (Season 3): Autistic Burnout City: The Sensitive Nervous System
Burnout can feel relentless for Autistic people, especially when our bodies and minds seem to react more intensely to stress than those around us. Understanding how our nervous systems work—and why we may struggle with regulation—can transform self-blame into self-compassion and change the way we approach mental health, relationships, and daily life.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan An
Episode 115 (Season 3): Autistic Burnout City: How Sensory Input Impacts Burnout
Burnout isn’t just about exhaustion—it’s a sensory experience that can leave neurodivergent people feeling stretched to the breaking point. When every sound, smell, or texture feels overwhelming, how do we navigate recovery and build resilience in a world that rarely slows down?In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the connection be
Episode 114 (Season 3): Building Burnout Recovery City: When Your Dog Pees on You and You Don’t Care
Navigating Autistic burnout can feel overwhelming, especially when recovery advice is often oversimplified or disconnected from the realities of daily life. For many Autistic people, finding real, sustainable strategies to move through burnout isn’t just about willpower; it’s about understanding our needs, honoring our limits, and reclaiming a sense of agency.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr
Episode 113 (Season 3): Autistic Burnout City: Perpetual Sensory Hell
Living with perpetual Autistic burnout can feel like navigating a world that’s always just a little too overwhelming, exhausting, or out of sync. For neurodivergent people, teasing apart burnout from depression and understanding how chronic sensory and emotional overload shapes daily life is not just challenging but key for self-advocacy and well-being.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan
Episode 112 (Season 2): Rethinking Higher Education for Neurodivergent Learners [featuring Adam Lalor]
Navigating higher education as a neurodivergent student can often feel isolating and overwhelming in a system not designed for neurodivergent minds. For many, finding an affirming academic environment that truly recognizes and supports neurodivergent strengths, and not just challenges, can be life-changing.In this episode, Patrick Casale, an AuDHD mental health professional, sits down with Dr. Ada
Episode 111 (Season 2): Not Your Neurotypical Wellness: Adaptations and Reflections
Navigating wellness advice as a neurodivergent person can often feel invalidating, overwhelming, or just plain inaccessible. So much of what’s recommended—from meal prep to journaling—assumes executive function, sensory profiles, or social fluency that simply aren’t universal. However, the right adaptations not only make wellness more achievable but also help us honor our genuine needs instead of
Episode 110 (Season 2): Neurodivergent Wellness Tips That Backfire and How to Adapt Them
Typical wellness advice is often made to sound simple on the surface, but it can feel alienating, frustrating, or downright unhelpful in real life for many neurodivergent people. For many Autistic and ADHD adults, tips like “just relax,” “try meditation,” or “write in a gratitude journal” can miss the mark, complicating our efforts to find meaningful self-care and regulation.In this episode, Patri
Episode 109 (Season 2): The Power of Play: Holding the Heavy with Laughter and Connection
Finding joy and playfulness can feel complicated when the world feels heavy and overwhelming. For neurodivergent people, accessing moments of laughter and lightness—especially while navigating guilt or social pressure to be productive—becomes an essential, yet nuanced, form of self-preservation and resistance.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professi
Episode 108 (Season 2): Using Creativity to Anchor into Aliveness and Humanity
Creativity isn’t just a spark or a talent—it’s a vital tether to our humanness, especially in a world that can feel overwhelming or isolating for neurodivergent people. Whether you feel energized and alive, or stuck in a season of fatigue, the pursuit and practice of creativity can connect us to ourselves, our aliveness, and our communities.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff,
Episode 107 (Season 2): Curating Connection: Neurodivergent Communities Online and In-Person
Finding real connection and community as a neurodivergent person can be both beautiful and complicated. We often long for community that gets us, but knowing where to look or how to show up as ourselves can feel uncertain. Having spaces where we feel seen, supported, and not too much isn’t just affirming — it’s important for our well-being.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, t
Episode 106 (Season 2): Not Your Neurotypical Wellness: Connection, Consumption, and Self-Care
Navigating constant news cycles and the pressure to engage with digital content that often changes by the minute and is expressed with different narratives can be uniquely challenging for neurodivergent individuals. Finding authentic ways to support your mental health, honor limited energy reserves, and cultivate meaningful community has never been more crucial.In this episode, Patrick Casale and
Episode 105 (Season 2): Autistic Grief and Wellness: Holding Space for Hard Emotions
Grieving the loss of a beloved pet or navigating collective trauma can feel overwhelming, especially for neurodivergent individuals who experience heightened attachment and sensitivity. This episode highlights the raw realities of grief, loss, and emotional processing, and explores the complexities unique to neurodivergent wellness journeys.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff,
Episode 104 (Season 2): Neurodivergent Realities, Rupture & Repair, and Podcast Updates
Prioritizing wellness and authentic connection is essential for neurodivergent individuals, especially during times of low energy or change. This episode highlights how embracing interdependence, rest, and honest communication can support deeper well-being and resilience within both friendships and professional collaborations.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD menta
Episode 103: Navigating Core Beliefs and Self-Worth
Struggling with feelings of not being “good enough” or questioning your legitimacy, even as your achievements grow, is a common but often isolating experience for neurodivergent professionals.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the complexities of “not good enough” schemas, imposter syndrome, and the compulsive drive for achieveme
Episode 102: FLASHBACK — OCD (Part 3): Differentiating OCD, Autism, and Tourettes Behaviors and Enhancing Healthcare [featuring Dr. Stacy Greeter]
Navigating the healthcare system and advocating for needs can be a frustrating and invalidating experience, especially for neurodivergent individuals who exhibit interwoven behaviors associated with OCD, autism, or Tourettes.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, and Dr. Stacy Greeter, an AuDHD and OCD child/adolescent and adu
Episode 101: FLASHBACK — Chronic Health (Part 1): Biopsychosocial Approach to Chronic Health Issues
Dealing with chronic health issues can often feel like a neverending battle, especially when it seems like there’s no clear path to improvement.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss their personal battles with chronic health conditions. They provide an insightful analysis using the biopsychosocial model, share their experi
Episode 100: FLASHBACK — Chronic Health (Part 4): All Brains Belong [featuring Dr. Mel Houser]
Neuroimmune systems often intertwine with chronic health and neurodivergence, leaving neurodivergent individuals grappling with things like energy management, chronic fatigue, or other long-term health conditions.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Dr. Mel Houser, an Autistic family physician, about the intricate dynam
Episode 99: FLASHBACK — Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs (#4): Rewiring Beliefs to Face Your Inner Critic [featuring Yunetta Smith]
Neurodivergent individuals can sometimes feel overwhelmed by emotions or struggle to understand their own stress responses, and entrepreneurship can add another level of intensity to this experience.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Yunetta Smith, a licensed clinician, coach, trauma expert, and EMDR trainer, about th
Episode 98: FLASHBACK — In-Between Phase of an Autism Diagnosis: From Asking to Assessment [featuring Jak Levine-Pritzker]
For adults who are questioning if they are Autistic, ADHD, etc., there is often an exploratory and somewhat confusing phase where they feel in between two different identities.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Jak Levine-Pritzker, ADHD coach and founder of Authentically ADHD LLC, about the nuances of navigating ident
Episode 97: FLASHBACK — Navigating Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Crafting Safe Spaces [featuring Lyric Rivera]
A traditional workplace can be really challenging for neurodivergent individuals, and if a workplace culture is made to be one-size-fits-all, the chances are high that it won’t fit for many neurodivergent people.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Lyric Rivera, founder of NeuroDivergent Consulting, author, and later-in
Episode 96: FLASHBACK — Sensory Shutdowns and Meltdowns: Navigating Neurodivergent Experiences
Sensory meltdowns and shutdowns can be deeply misunderstood and unsettling experiences, whether you've faced them personally or seen a loved one struggle.For many Autistic individuals, dealing with overwhelming sensory stimuli is a recurring battle. The space between feeling in control and experiencing a complete sensory meltdown or shutdown can be alarmingly narrow, with profound impacts on perso
Episode 95: FLASHBACK — “What is Autism?” (Part 4): Special Interests and Complex Sensory Experiences
Navigating a world packed with all sorts of seemingly mismatched sensations, either overstimulating or understimulating, and having passionate interests that can appear as all-consuming to others, can be challenging and greatly impact the way we build relationships and even just get through the day.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professio
Episode 94: FLASHBACK — “What is ADHD?” (Part 1): Personal Stories and Professional Insights
Navigating the identification, assessment, and diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be confusing and overwhelming. This mini-series on ADHD focuses on demystifying the diagnostic criteria and making the process clearer and more understandable.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, dive into ADHD, breaking down what it means. This epis
Episode 93: FLASHBACK — ADHD Interest-Based Nervous Systems
Navigating the world with ADHD can present unique challenges, particularly when it comes to motivation and productivity. Whether it's the difficulty of getting started on mundane tasks or the complexities of staying engaged over time, the rollercoaster of emotional ups and downs can be hard to manage.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health profess
Episode 92: FLASHBACK — Understanding ADHD Tax: Impact, Personal Stories, and Management Strategies
It’s common for ADHDers to feel these waves of inspiration that may lead to a romanticized version of the future that would come by acting on them. However, if action is taken, it alternatively might be accompanied by the ADHD tax—financial burden, over-commitment, broken dreams and promises, feelings of guilt and regret, etc.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two A
Episode 91: FLASHBACK — ADHD & Romanticism: Reconciling Fantasies with Reality
For ADHDers, romanticism is a common struggle where you find yourself constantly daydreaming about an ideal future and struggling with the reality of the present.In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the intricacies of romanticizing experiences and the repercussions that come with it. As neurodivergent mental health profes
Episode 90: Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: Our First Meeting and The Belize Retreat Experience
Navigating anxiety, social awkwardness, and the intricacies of neurodivergence while trying to connect with others can be overwhelming.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, reflect on their experiences from a recent neurodivergent retreat in Belize. They share personal tales of stepping out of comfort zones, managing social expectations, an
Episode 89: Reflections and Insights From 2024
For neurodivergent individuals, the journey toward intentional living and work-life balance comes with both unique challenges and profound opportunities for growth.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, reflect on their past 2024 year, discuss pivotal moments of personal development, and share their hopes and strategies for a more intentiona
Episode 88: Psychoanalysis (Part 3): Impact of Childhood Trauma on Autistic Adults [featuring Debra Brause]
Navigating the intricate dynamics of human relationships and the impacts of our early experiences can be challenging but also lead to healthier, more fulfilling connections. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, along with Debra Brause, Psy.D., discuss how early childhood experiences for Autistic individuals can shape their adult lives
Episode 87: Psychoanalysis (Part 2): ADHD Ways to Focus Without Force [featuring Kourosh Dini]
For ADHDers who feel overwhelmed by the challenges of maintaining focus and managing anxiety around a flood of to-dos and expectations, finding effective strategies can make all the difference.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, along with Dr. Kourosh Dini, a clinical psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, musician, and creator of Waves of Focus, d
Episode 86: Psychoanalysis (Part 1): Bridging Science With Soul [featuring Dr. Karissa Burnett]
As a neurodivergent individual, it can sometimes feel like your true self is hidden beneath layers of societal expectations.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, along with Dr. Karissa Burnett, a depth psychologist, trauma specialist, the founder of Divergent Pathways, and a late-diagnosed Autistic ADHDer, discuss the deep inner workings of
Episode 85: Giftedness (Part 6): Series Reflections and Insights
Navigating the world as a gifted individual can be emotionally taxing and filled with both internal and external challenges that are often dismissed or minimized by oneself and others. The giftedness label is often viewed as a privilege resulting in failure to recognize and offer support for the very real struggles that can come with it.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two
Episode 84: Giftedness (Part 5): Navigating Giftedness in Marginalized Communities [featuring Sheldon Gay]
As a gifted, BIPOC individual, it can be uniquely challenging to navigate day-to-day experiences and find meaningful connections, especially prior to the discovery of giftedness.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, along with Sheldon Gay, an entrepreneur, podcast host, and the Vice-Chair of the neurodivergent-affirming non-profit, Umbrella
Episode 83: Giftedness (Part 4): Parenting 2e Kids: High Standards and Emotional Needs [featuring Dr. Danika Maddocks]
If you are the parent of a gifted or twice-exceptional (2e) child, you know the unique challenges and pressures these children face.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, and Dr. Danika Maddocks, a gifted/2e parent coach and owner of The Gifted Learning Lab, discuss the complexities of raising and supporting gifted and 2e kids, including the
Episode 82: Giftedness (Part 3): Deconstructing Giftedness: Life Beyond The Label [featuring Katy Higgins Lee]
Giftedness is paired with a unique cognitive and emotional makeup accompanied by many societal misconceptions. Many individuals find themselves grappling with high expectations, internalized stigma, and a constant quest for intellectual stimulation, often reconciling feelings of exceptional capability with misunderstood struggles.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD m
Episode 81: Giftedness (Part 2): You’re a Zebra, Not a Weird Horse [featuring Dr. Matt Zakreski]
The rich, layered experience of gifted and neurodivergent individuals often includes profound emotional sensitivity, rapid thinking, and unique challenges in daily life.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, and Dr. Matthew Zakreski, a speaker and clinical psychologist, discuss the complexities of neurodivergence and giftedness, including im
Episode 80: Giftedness (Part 1): Defining Giftedness: Beyond High IQs [featuring Emily Kircher-Morris]
There are many stereotypes about giftedness, what it really means, and the connection it might have to neurodivergent traits related to autism or ADHD, but it’s actually a much more complex and nuanced label.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, and Emily Kircher-Morris, a Licensed Professional Counselor with a rich background in both educa
Episode 79: OCD (Part 5): Bridging Mental Health and Comedy [featuring Samuel Silverman]
Balancing vulnerability and authenticity can be challenging, but also deeply rewarding. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Samuel Silverman, a psychiatrist and stand-up comedian diagnosed with OCD and ADHD, about the intersection of comedy, mental health, and the digital age.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:Ga
Episode 78: OCD (Part 4): I-CBT and Neurodivergent Approaches to OCD [featuring Brittany Goff]
Neurodivergent individuals often find mental health topics like OCD, autism, and ADHD intertwined in ways that can complicate their personal narratives and self-identity.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss with Brittany Goff, an LCSW, the Clinical Director at Zen Psychological Center, and an instructor at the Cognitive Behavioral
Episode 77: OCD (Part 3): Differentiating OCD, Autism, and Tourettes Behaviors and Enhancing Healthcare [featuring Dr. Stacy Greeter]
Navigating the healthcare system and advocating for needs can be a frustrating and invalidating experience, especially for neurodivergent individuals who exhibit interwoven behaviors associated with OCD, autism, or Tourettes.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, and Dr. Stacy Greeter, an AuDHD and OCD child/adolescent and adult psychia
Episode 76: OCD (Part 2): Exposure Therapy—You Don’t Have to Lick Toilets [featuring Aiden Reis]
OCD is often misunderstood and can manifest in many forms from a variety of experiences that create associations with a compulsion and an outcome.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, are joined by Aiden Reis, a trans, Autistic therapist who specializes in OCD, anxiety, phobias, and panic. They discuss practical strategies for effectively m
Episode 75: The Neurodivergent Experience of Hurricane Helene
For neurodivergent individuals, navigating the upheaval caused by natural disasters can be particularly challenging. The constant unpredictability, sensory overload, and disrupted routines can feel overwhelming.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the psychological, emotional, and physical impact of natural disasters on neurodiverg
Episode 74: OCD (Part 1): An Introduction to OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often oversimplified and misrepresented, turning a complex mental health condition into a stereotype of mere cleanliness or orderliness. For those who struggle with it, the reality is far more nuanced, affecting many aspects of daily life and self-perception.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, provid
Episode 73: Chronic Health (Part 4): All Brains Belong [featuring Dr. Mel Houser]
Neuroimmune systems often intertwine with chronic health and neurodivergence, leaving neurodivergent individuals grappling with things like energy management, chronic fatigue, or other long-term health conditions.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Dr. Mel Houser, an Autistic family physician, about the intricate dynamics of chr
Episode 72: Chronic Health (Part 3): Megan’s Biopsychosocial Assessment
By exploring biopsychosocial aspects of life, it can become easier to understand our nervous systems from a holistic perspective offering more options to improve our quality of life with simple and manageable changes.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, explore the biopsychosocial aspects of chronic fatigue and long COVID, and how these af
Episode 71: Chronic Health (Part 2): Patrick’s Biopsychosocial Assessment
A lot can be learned about our nervous system and needs by looking at biopsychosocial aspects of life.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, explore the biopsychosocial aspects of sleep and how they intersect with mental health through the lens of Patrick’s experiences.Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:Gain insight into Patrick C
Episode 70: Chronic Health (Part 1): Biopsychosocial Approach to Chronic Health Issues
Dealing with chronic health issues can often feel like a neverending battle, especially when it seems like there’s no clear path to improvement.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss their personal battles with chronic health conditions. They provide an insightful analysis using the biopsychosocial model, share their experiences, and
Episode 69: Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs (#5): Unmasking The Person and Professional [featuring Maureen Werrbach]
Navigating the complexities of personal identity and public presentation can be incredibly challenging, especially for those in the neurodivergent community with later-in-life discovery who have crafted a well-established public identity and role.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, meet with Maureen Werrbach to discuss the complexities of
Episode 68: Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs (#4): Rewiring Beliefs to Face Your Inner Critic [featuring Yunetta Smith]
Neurodivergent individuals can sometimes feel overwhelmed by emotions or struggle to understand their own stress responses, and entrepreneurship can add another level of intensity to this experience.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Yunetta Smith, a licensed clinician, coach, trauma expert, and EMDR trainer, about the imp
Episode 67: Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs (#3): Balancing ADHD and Entrepreneurship [featuring Gabrielle Juliano-Villani]
ADHD entrepreneurs can face unique challenges while balancing creativity, passion, and ideas with organization, implementation, and struggles with executive functioning.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, owner of GJV Consulting and Training and an ADHD entrepreneur, about ADHD's impact on entrepreneur
Episode 66: Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs (#2): The Psychology of Entrepreneurship [featuring Corey Wilks]
Entrepreneurship can on the surface appear to bring the promise of freedom and autonomy, but it also comes with unique psychological challenges that many neurodivergent entrepreneurs struggle to navigate.In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Dr. Corey Wilks, a psychologist and executive coach, to explore the intersection of psycho
Episode 65: Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs (#1): An Introduction
Entrepreneurship can be an attractive alternative for neurodivergent individuals to the traditional 9–5 jobs that cater to a society that is systemically structured to be more accommodating to neurotypical needs. However, being a neurodivergent entrepreneur comes with its own set of challenges and triumphs, from managing executive functioning to dealing with burnout. In this episode, Patrick
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