Meet My Autistic Brain

In this episode therapist, author and autistic woman Sharon O'Connor shares her deeply personal journey to a late autism diagnosis and the burnout that changed everything. Sharon shares what it was like to begin recognizing herself in her young son's autism evaluation, how two dramatically different diagnostic assessments shaped her understanding and how she has healed from autistic burn...

If you’ve been curious about how AI might actually help neurodivergent people—not just in theory, but in real, everyday life—this is an episode you won’t want to miss. This special episode is from a podcast I’m genuinely excited to share with you called Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson. Rae brings in experts—scientists, doctors, and researchers—and together they go beyond the headlines to explore what...

Meet Ryan Bush author of Become Who You Are and Designing the Mind. Hear how learning he’s autistic led him to a better understanding of himself and how we can all become who we truly are. Become Who You Are is for everyone. It’s a must-read for late-diagnosed autistics who’ve spent a lifetime wanting to know. Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Become-Who-You-Are-Self-Esteem/dp/1737846241/ref=mo...

Step into the complex world of Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum with author Sarah Hendrickx. She talks about why autism is often missed in women and girls and how traits can differ. You’ll hear her own personal story of late diagnosis and how it has impacted her life. Sarah's website Sarah's book Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads!...

Can being autistic make a person a great detective? According to writer Tim Sullivan the answer is yes. He’s created a main character, Detective Sergeant George Cross, whose sense of justice, attention to detail and systematic approach to crime-solving gives him a distinct advantage. In an authentic portrayal of an autistic character Tim reveals why he writes about George and tells how George has...

Have you thought about unmasking, i.e. telling people you’re autistic, by advocating for diversity? Here’s one story about how unmasking played out, including: The blank looks, the self-doubt, and the mental replay afterward Whether advocacy is worth the emotional cost The tension between staying safe behind the mask… or speaking plainly If you’ve ever left a room and replayed every word, wonderin...

In this conversation, author, screenwriter and teacher Claire McGowan shares what it’s been like to receive an autism diagnosis at 43 — and how that discovery is reshaping her understanding of her life, identity, and creative work. In this episode, we discuss: Claire’s late autism diagnosis and the path that led to it The mix of grief, anger, relief, and curiosity that followed Growing up in North...

Autism affects how autistics experience relationships by definition. Some of the best traits can either lead to problems or support us in succeeding. In this episode you’ll learn about why autistics pick the wrong partner and how you can change it. It’s a thoughtful episode about relationships, compatibility, and learning what to notice. Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more th...

Unmasking is an ongoing process of noticing when we’re performing, deciding what serves us, and making gradual adjustments, according to Essy Knopf therapist and author of “Unmasking: What We Lose by Pretending and How to Get It Back”. Essy shares his autism diagnosis at 25 and later recognition of ADHD, highlighting how masking and non-stereotypical presentations delayed identification. In this c...

In this episode I chat with Natalie Diggins, technologist and author of The Autistic Adult's Toolbox. Natalie gives step-by-step strategies and tools that work for autistics. From parties to friendships to doctor’s appointments Natalie shares the toolbox she developed using her systems approach to problem solving. You’ll learn how to have a plan before socializing, how to save energy for what...

Every day autistic people face the big question. We can stay hidden or we can be real. There’s no right or wrong answer…except maybe this one time? When have you been in a situation like this and what did you choose? Write to me at info@theautisticwoman.com Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book abo...

Ever notice how nature calms you, music shifts your mood and soft textures make you feel amazing? Sensory processing plays a role in how autistic adults experience the world—yet it’s often misunderstood. In this episode, Donna Redman and occupational therapist Cindy Duffy unpack what sensory processing really is, how it affects emotional regulation and behavior, and why so many autistic adults spe...

Have you been told you’re “too sensitive?” Do you struggle to complete tasks or projects? Have you given up trying to find out why life seems hard? In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Gilly Kahn reveals why many women with ADHD are stressing themselves to appear normal and how the clinical world’s focus on young boys has left millions of women without answers. We talk about: The "Doubl...

You’re done and you don’t know why. The brain is turned off and no words come to mind. You might not move. You might cry. You might be desperate to be alone. This is what shutdown feels like. How do you recognize a shutdown and is there anything you can do to prevent it? This episode has some answers. Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are...

What do you think of interoception? No, really, how do you feel about it? There are ways to get in touch with your mind, body and emotions. Learn how they’re connected and whether interoception is an issue for you. Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion...

You must have heard the all-too-often repeated myth that vaccines cause autism. It doesn’t stop there. The faulty information that’s spread about autism is worth knowing. Listen now.  Remastered. Contact me at info@theautisticwoman.com with myths you've heard! Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a...

Did you see that coming? At times an autistic person doesn’t have a clue about what can happen as a result of something they do. Here’s why it’s difficult to prepare for what may be obvious to others.  The podcast benefits from each free trial of Sunsama. Sign up today! Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has writt...

In this conversation we break down what it really means to be perceptive and why highly sensitive people excel in this area. Rachel Radway—who is autistic with ADHD—shares her incredible journey and wisdom from her award-winning book, Perceptive . She tells about learning she's autistic, tuning into her senses and understanding how she makes choices. She reveals the challenges and benefits of...

Autistics can sometimes feel as though their emotions are out of control. This is a brain problem rather than a behavior problem. Learn how an autistic brain is wired to be susceptible to “amygdala hijack” with some tips for handling it.  (Remastered) Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about aut...

Decide to listen to this one again! It's all about making decisions. Should I or shouldn’t I? Now or later? New or used? So many choices, so little time. Learn why it can be hard for autistics to make decisions and what you can do that helps. Remastered Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book ab...

In this episode I’m talking with Briane Webb, a teacher who takes a unique approach to learning. Briane is dedicated to a special kind of school experience, one that values individual differences and neurodiversity. She created a school called Webbsprout where her ideas can thrive. Our chat focused on Briane and what it’s like to be an autistic person. I’ve picked some gems from the full interview...

The focus on symptoms can make us lose sight of the strengths autistic people have like innovating, creating, designing systems, improving business, teaching and more. Strengths are the other side of autistic symptoms and what makes us exceptional. Hear the ways autistics bring value to the world. Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an a...

Ready to turn your passion into a profession? We talked with experts Marlene Sharp and Judi Uttal from Autism in Entertainment Workgroup about a vital topic: increasing employment for autistic individuals in the entertainment industry. We dive into why autistic traits make us uniquely suited for this industry, where to get support and what you need to know to get started. Whether it’s film, game d...

It’s complicated. Each day an autistic person handles both autism and life’s challenges. It takes energy and skill. Here are some tips to help cope with autistic life. (Remastered) Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman...

In this episode, I’m chatting with Wendela Whitcomb Marsh whose career has included working with autistics and providing assessments. Many people struggle with whether to get one, what to look for in someone doing the assessment and how to adjust to the news of a diagnosis. If you’ve struggled with these questions this episode provides the answers. Website and books Email Info@WendelaWhitcombMarsh...