Oh, That’s Just My Autism

I'm stuck. I've fallen and I can't get up. The executive dysfunction black hole is sucking me in and I can't get out. I just want to get stuff done! Send help, friends. Get 10% off your Loops order: www.loopearplugs.com/OTJMA Visit the OTJMA Store: https://6c5b48-4.myshopify.com/ Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/ohthatsjustmyautism Follow me on IG: @oh.thatsjustmyautism I love you...

Trying to fit myself into a conventional role in society has got me feeling some type of way. Can we agree that the rules on how things are "supposed" to be are dumb? Can I just be my artsy, quirky self and not worry about it? Try Loops! For 10% off your order visit www.loopearplugs.com/otjma Visit the OTJMA Store: https://6c5b48-4.myshopify.com/ Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/ohthats...

If you listened to my episode on the DSM, you know my thoughts about it/the diagnostic process. Now it's time to hear from an actual clinician who conducts ASD assessments for adults. Dr. Stai gives some interesting insights into the diagnostic process from a psychotherapists point of view, plus gives some tips for those seeking an assessment. Oh, and I might add, Dr. Stai is neurodivergent he...

They say “laughter is the best medicine” but does laughing on the inside count? I’m not sure if I even know how to laugh, or if I’m doing it right? Shouldn’t this come naturally?? Visit the OTJMA Store: https://6c5b48-4.myshopify.com/ Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/ohthatsjustmyautism Follow me on IG: @oh.thatsjustmyautism I love you all and appreciate your support!

I’m in the throes of a serious IBS flare-up and can’t help but think that my new stressful job might be to blame. Is this too much for my extra nervous nervous system?

A little update on my recent trip to London! Lots of fun, new experiences, confusion, and awkwardness. Magic Mind: www.magicmind.com/mjtacia Use Code: MELISSA20 Visit the OTJMA Store: https://6c5b48-4.myshopify.com/ Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/ohthatsjustmyautism Follow me on IG: @oh.thatsjustmyautism I love you all and appreciate your support!

Rant alert! This tool that is supposed to help practitioners diagnose autism is (in my opinion) actually doing the opposite. There are so many reasons why this tool is a hinderance and is causing so many of us to slip through the cracks when it comes to obtaining a diagnosis. Visit the OTJMA Store: https://6c5b48-4.myshopify.com/ Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/ohthatsjustmyautism Follow me on I...

As I prepare to fly to London, my anxiety brain is buzzing. Can I handle being trapped on a plane for nine hours? Magic Mind link: www.magicmind.com/mjtacia Use Code: MELISSA20 Visit the OTJMA Store: https://6c5b48-4.myshopify.com/ Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/ohthatsjustmyautism Follow me on IG: @oh.thatsjustmyautism I love you all and appreciate your support!

Feeling inspired by a bold new coworker and striving to embrace some of her awesome “I don’t care what people think” energy. Try Magic Mind! www.magicmind.com/mjtacia Use Code: MELISSA20 Visit the OTJMA Store: https://6c5b48-4.myshopify.com/ Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/ohthatsjustmyautism Follow me on IG: @oh.thatsjustmyautism I love you all and appreciate your support!

Over the years I've attempted to be so many different versions of myself that I've come to realize I don't really know who I am or what I actually like most of the time. Forcing myself to conform to different ideas of who I *should* be or trying to look a certain way in order to gain (perceived) acceptance has left me lost and confused. I am on a mission to live more authentically, bot...

Listener Stories are here! I want to thank everyone who wrote in - I wish I could have shared all of your stories. It seems like so many of us have battled addiction or have addictive behaviors. This was a very vulnerable topic and I appreciate you all sharing your experiences so candidly. The OTJMA Store is live!: https://6c5b48-4.myshopify.com/ Join the Patreon for extra perks!: http://patreon.c...

The struggle is real. Will I ever make more friends? What am I doing wrong? Do solutions to this problem even exist? I swear, I'm trying! If you want extra content and other perks, consider joining Patreon: www.patreon.com/ohthatsjustmyautism Follow me on IG: @oh.thatsjustmyautism I love you all and appreciate your support!

I've seen several posts written by autistic people lately wondering about whether or not they should have kids. In this episode I discuss (from my own point of view/parenting experience) some of the things to consider when making the huge decision to venture into parenthood, especially as a neurodivergent person. Get 15% off Loops noise-reducing ear plugs by entering my code LOOPXOTJMA at chec...

You know I gotta give you all a general life update every once in a while. Starting new jobs, quitting new jobs, starting more new jobs, planning multiple vacations, and surprisingly not getting triggered by my germy microbiology class. Lots to talk about here! If you want extra content and other perks, consider joining Patreon: www.patreon.com/ohthatsjustmyautism I love you all and appreciate you...

Join me as I talk to George from 'Unpacking Neuroqueerness' as we talk about all the things we wish people knew about autistic meltdowns. Then go follow George's podcast! https://open.spotify.com/show/4q31WLOKRERreD1DQjOOkt?si=c12a96fc5f8a431d PS. I was on his podcast recently - to hear that episode specifically, go here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/28mlWennssRtHdCH82jx3Q?si=a666e...

What is the opposite of task avoidance? Because I think I have that. I love a nice list of tasks...when I have time to complete them all. When I don't, that's when things start to spiral and the overwhelm kicks in. If you want extra content and other perks, consider joining Patreon: www.patreon.com/ohthatsjustmyautism I love you all and appreciate your support!

I just got back from vacation and it got me thinking about how returning from a trip can be almost as tricky as the actual trip itself. Is anyone with me on this? If you want more content, go check out the Patreon where five bucks per month will get you two bonus episodes per month along with access to the OTJMA Discord server - patreon.com/ohthatsjustmyautism

I'm hopping on a plane later this week and that got me thinking about the ups and downs of traveling as an autistic person. Today I'm talking about my experience with travel and what makes the it more (or less) stressful for me personally, and how I cope the most daunting task of all: leaving the comfortable safe bubble of my home for an extended period of time. If you want more content, j...

This episode title may sound controversial, but hear me out. You might end up in agreement that "Autistic Traits" don't actually exist, at least not in the way that we've been made to believe that they do. Here is the link to the podcast episode where I originally heard someone speak about this idea: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1kAOOJbiqtCDrOTfF0Mo0v?si=kCwZhOYpSQaxSiiWOsRA9...

Is it a bad sign that I cried after my first day at my new job? The FIRST day! Seriously questioning my choice to leave entrepreneurship to return to the employee life. Also: I finally made some merch! Get your OTJMA gear here: https://www.bonfire.com/otjma-podcast-shirt/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=campaign_page&utm_campaign=otjma-podcast-shirt&utm_content=default

It’s alive! I finally made a friendship chart and it’s glorious! If you'd like to join me over on Patreon, here is the link: patreon.com/ohthatsjustmyautism - for $5 per month you get access to bonus episodes and our Discord server where we discuss all things ASD/Neurodivergence/Podcast related. Follow on IG @oh.thatsjustmyautism or email me at ohthatsjustmyautism@gmail.com.

If this research smells funky that’s because it’s really old. I’m not saying that ALL autism research is bad, I’m just saying that maybe it’s time for some fresh new studies that include adults, women/AFAB, and people of color. Just a thought.

One aspect of autism is the fact that we often process emotions differently than others. When it comes to big emotions, like those that come along with the loss of a loved one, it can be even more complex to navigate and sort out, especially with the lack of autism-specific grief resources. I want to thank our guest Beverly for sharing her experience with grief and loss so candidly in an effort to...

Happy New Year! I have been home recovering from a social engagement in my PJs all day and thinking a bit about the year-gone-by and what's to come.  I will be speaking at the Neurodivergent Lived Experience Summit this Friday, January 6th. The summit is free to attend and you can register here: https://neurodivergentmagic.com/summit-registration-page/?affiliate=ohthatsjustmyautism If you wou...

It’s the holiday season which means there is a LOT going on which also means that I’m drowning in executive dysfunction over here. Anyone else?  Link to the Neurodivergent Lived Experience Summit info/registration: https://neurodivergentmagic.com/summit-registration-page/?affiliate=ohthatsjustmyautism Link to my Patreon page: www.patreon.com/ohthatsjustmyautism Follow on IG: @oh.thatsjustmyau...