Divergent Conversations

There are many stereotypes about giftedness, what it really means, and the connection it might have to neurodivergent traits related to autism or ADHD. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, and Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, discuss the nuanced world of giftedness and neurodivergence, including IQ, societal pressures, and the unique personal experiences that shape gifted individuals. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Explore the evolving definitions of giftedness and twice-exceptionality, and how universal screening can help identify marginalized and neurodivergent students. Understand the social and emotional struggles faced by gifted individuals, including the challenges of perfectionism and social connections. Learn about the theory of overexcitabilities, and how heightened sensitivities impact the cognitive and emotional experiences of gifted individuals. Reflect on the importance of creating environments that support neurodivergent traits, challenge societal norms linking productivity to self-worth, and advocate for systemic changes that nurture the unique qualities of gifted individuals. About Emily Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, is the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, which explores the psychological, educational, and social needs for enriching the lives of neurodivergent people. She is the author of several books for parents and educators related to the development of children and teens who are neurodivergent and cognitively gifted. She started her career in education and now works as a mental health counselor in private practice outside of St. Louis, Missouri, specializing in supporting neurodivergent, twice-exceptional, and gifted people of all ages. The Neurodiversity Podcast Neurodiversity University Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported Teaching Twice-Exceptional Learners in Today’s Classroom Twitter: @EmilyKM_LPC Facebook: @EmilyKircherMorris Podcast Facebook Page: @NeurodiversityPodcast ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Gifted Learning Lab, Resilient Mind Counseling, & Learning Nook ✨The Gifted Learning Lab The Gifted Learning Lab is all about empowering parents to raise their gifted and 2e kids with confidence and less conflict. If you’re looking for real, neurodivergent-affirming strategies, you can check out Danika’s free email mini-course on reducing power struggles at giftedlearninglab.com/power. And for those wanting a deeper dive, her coaching program, 'Support Your Intense Gifted/2e Kid,' offers hands-on support for the journey. ✨Resilient Mind Counseling Resilient Mind Counseling is a neurodivergent-affirming therapy and medication management practice operated all throughout North Carolina. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially Autistic ADHDers, as well as the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. For medication management, you need to be within a 60-mile driving distance to the office. Text or call 828-515-1246 or visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com to get started. ✨Learning Nook Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available. ✨Hurricane Relief for WNC communities Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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: Gain insights into how the blend of personal vulnerability and social critique in comedy helps individuals connect with their audience and understand their own mental health experiences more deeply. Hear Samuel Silverman's unique perspective on balancing a career in psychiatry with a presence on comedy stages and in social media, including the ethical boundaries he maintains while advocating for mental health awareness. Discover practical advice on recognizing and managing OCD, understanding its pervasive nature of doubt, and learning how self-expression can be a cathartic way to handle internal struggles.  As you reflect on this conversation, consider how your own experiences and challenges might be transformed through creative expression and connection. Remember that sharing your journey, setting healthy boundaries, and advocating for understanding can be powerful tools in the mental health landscape. Note from Samuel: I was raised in a progressive Jewish family in Baltimore, MD. I went to the same small progressive school that my mother and aunt attended — my grandmother actually taught there while the two of them were in school, and my mother later taught there while my brother and I attended. When I was 18, I traveled halfway across the country to attend Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. There I met my wife, Kelley Stevens, better known as “The Private Practice Pro.” I attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed my psychiatry residency training at Loma Linda University. As I was completing my residency, I began to explore the world of stand-up comedy, and started performing throughout Southern California before traveling to other parts of the country to tell jokes, when I’m not too busy seeing patients. I myself have diagnoses of both OCD and ADHD. More than anything, OCD has colored so much of my experience. Because of this, my symptoms and struggles with this condition provide much of the material for my comedy. Instagram: @samsilvermancomedy ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsors: Resilient Mind Counseling & Learning Nook ✨Resilient Mind Counseling Resilient Mind Counseling is a neurodivergent-affirming therapy and medication management practice operated all throughout North Carolina. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially Autistic ADHDers, as well as the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. We take insurance, so please check our website for coverage for different services. For medication management, you need to be within a 60-mile driving distance to the office. Text or call 828-515-1246 or visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com to get started. ✨Learning Nook Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available. ✨Hurricane Relief for WNC communities Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, and Brittany Goff discuss the intersections of OCD, autism, and ADHD and the use of I-CBT in the treatment of OCD for neurodivergent individuals. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Understand how sensory discrepancies can lead to the development of obsessive stories, particularly for autistic individuals, and how inference-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (I-CBT) offers a tailored approach to counteract these doubts. Discover the unique challenges and strategies for neurodivergent individuals, including those with undiagnosed autism or ADHD, in managing OCD symptoms and building self-trust through a neuro-affirmative lens. Learn about the intersection of personal experiences, vulnerable self-themes, and logical reasoning with OCD, and how neurodivergent traits such as hyperempathy and rejection sensitivity influence the creation of obsessive narratives. Consider how your sensory experiences and neurodivergent traits affect your perception of reality and self-trust. I-CBT can offer tools and strategies to foster more certainty, understanding, and self-trust. DISCLAIMER: I-CBT is currently only evidence-based for OCD. About Brittany: Brittany Goff is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Clinical Director at Zen Psychological Center, a neuroaffirming OCD practice in Maryland. Additionally, she serves as an Instructor at the Cognitive Behavioral Institute, providing continuing education in Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) for OCD. She authored the first-ever I-CBT workbook and was one of the first adopters of I-CBT in the United States. She is the first clinician to offer I-CBT training specifically tailored for individuals with Autism and ADHD, a neuroaffirming approach to treating OCD. Facebook groups: I-CBT & Neurodivergence I-CBT & Neurodivergence Community Training in I-CBT: icbtonlinelearning.com Waitlist for training on how to adapt I-CBT for neurodivergence I-CBT Workbook Zen Psychological Center: zenpsychologicalcenter.com ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsors: Resilient Mind Counseling & Learning Nook ✨Resilient Mind Counseling Resilient Mind Counseling is a neurodivergent-affirming therapy and medication management practice operated all throughout North Carolina. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially Autistic ADHDers, as well as the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. We take insurance, so please check our website for coverage for different services. For medication management, you need to be within a 60-mile driving distance to the office. Text or call 828-515-1246 or visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com to get started. ✨Learning Nook Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available. ✨Hurricane Relief for WNC communities This money will go to nonprofits who are boots on the ground. It will go to struggling individuals who do not have enough money for gas to get out, or who do not have enough money to provide their basic needs right now. Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 psychiatrist, discuss the multi-faceted challenges of accessing appropriate healthcare, the nuances of differentiating between behaviors related to OCD, autism, and Tourettes, and the significance of authenticity in professional environments. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Gain valuable insights into how to navigate the healthcare system more effectively by preparing questions, bringing an ally, and scheduling frequent consultations, emphasizing the importance of patient self-advocacy in medical appointments. Understand the distinctions among stimming, tics, and OCD compulsions, and learn to differentiate value-driven actions from fear-based compulsions, helping to provide clarity and reduce pathologizing behaviors that bring joy. Discover the importance of authenticity and individuality in both medical and therapeutic fields, hearing firsthand experiences from professionals who embrace their neurodivergent identities to foster better client outcomes and work cultures. As you reflect on this episode, consider the importance of advocating for your needs within the healthcare system. Remember, your voice and experience are crucial in navigating these complex environments. More about Stacy: Dr. Stacy Greeter is an AuDHD and OCD child/adolescent and adult psychiatrist in Sarasota, FL. Her autistic special interests include fantasy creatures and everything psychiatry. She uses metaphors from fantasy universes such as Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and The Little Mermaid to make complex psychiatric concepts more relatable and advocate for autistic patients and other autistic doctors. Website: stacygreetermd.com YouTube: youtube.com/@stacygreetermd Psychiatry Boot Camp: stacygreetermd.com/psychiatry-boot-camp Free Resource on Healthcare Advocacy ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsors: Resilient Mind Counseling & Learning Nook ✨Resilient Mind Counseling Resilient Mind Counseling is a neurodivergent-affirming therapy and medication management practice operated all throughout North Carolina. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially Autistic ADHDers, as well as the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. We take insurance, so please check our website for coverage for different services. For medication management, you need to be within a 60-mile driving distance to the office. Text or call 828-515-1246 or visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com to get started. ✨Learning Nook Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available. ✨Hurricane Relief for WNC communities This money will go to nonprofits who are boots on the ground. It will go to struggling individuals who do not have enough money for gas to get out, or who do not have enough money to provide their basic needs right now. Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 managing OCD through Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy using a value-driven and neurodivergent-affirming approach. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Learn practical strategies for rebuilding self-trust after anxiety-inducing experiences, drawing from Aiden Reis’s invaluable insights into Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy adapted for neurodivergent individuals. Discover the importance of accommodating sensory needs in therapy without reinforcing anxiety, and understand how to effectively differentiate between sensory sensitivities and anxiety responses. Gain a richer appreciation of how addressing "what if" scenarios and unhooking from distressing thoughts can lead to profound empowerment and emotional resilience, helping you live a good life despite potential challenges. OCD can be challenging, but there are ways to manage it, and ERP, when done using a neurodivergent-affirming approach, can be an effective tool in managing OCD for neurodivergent individuals. More about Aiden: Aiden is a trans and autistic, private practice therapist based in Massachusetts. Working with Autistic and ADHDer clients, he is passionate about providing neurodivergent-affirming and LGBT-positive therapy. He specializes in OCD, anxiety, phobias, and panic. Aiden is a member of the International OCD Foundation. Website: www.divergecounseling.com ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsors: Resilient Mind Counseling & Learning Nook ✨Resilient Mind Counseling Resilient Mind Counseling is a neurodivergent-affirming therapy and medication management practice operated all throughout North Carolina. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially Autistic ADHDers, as well as the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. We take insurance, so please check our website for coverage for different services. For medication management, you need to be within a 60-mile driving distance to the office. Text or call 828-515-1246 or visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com to get started. ✨Learning Nook Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available. ✨Hurricane Relief for WNC communities This money will go to nonprofits who are boots on the ground. It will go to struggling individuals who do not have enough money for gas to get out, or who do not have enough money to provide their basic needs right now. Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 neurodivergent individuals. Patrick, who lives in Asheville, NC, which was destroyed by Hurricane Helene, shares his experience. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Hear firsthand accounts from Patrick, a resident of Asheville, NC, about the challenges of enduring Hurricane Helene as a neurodivergent individual, including the disorientation from losing communication and navigating resource scarcity. Learn about the incredible efforts in Western North Carolina to band together, raise funds, and offer psychological support amid the chaos, showcasing the power of communal strength and how individuals can offer support that still works with their sensory needs. Understand the coping mechanisms and strategies for reestablishing normalcy, including navigating grief and routine disruption, that neurodivergent individuals can employ in the face of crisis. If you want to donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for Western North Carolina communities affected by Hurricane Helene, visit: atppod.com/wnc NOTE: Please be aware that this episode includes a first-hand account of the tragedy and devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina. ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsors: Resilient Mind Counseling & Learning Nook ✨Resilient Mind Counseling Resilient Mind Counseling is a neurodivergent-affirming therapy and medication management practice operated all throughout North Carolina. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially Autistic ADHDers, as well as the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. We take insurance, so please check our website for coverage for different services. For medication management, you need to be within a 60-mile driving distance to the office. Text or call 828-515-1246 or visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com to get started. ✨Learning Nook Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available. ✨Hurricane Relief for WNC communities This money will go to nonprofits who are boots on the ground. It will go to struggling individuals who do not have enough money for gas to get out, or who do not have enough money to provide their basic needs right now. Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, provide a compassionate, insightful conversation about the perceptions, identities, and experiences tied to OCD. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Gain a better understanding of OCD as a mental health condition, how it differs from commonly held misconceptions, and why self-determination and neurodivergent-affirming practices are crucial. Hear personal stories about living with OCD, from intrusive thoughts and auditory hallucinations to coping mechanisms, and learn how these experiences align—or clash—with other neurodivergent conditions like autism and ADHD. Discover strategies for reducing stigma and opened discussions around OCD and mental health, emphasizing the importance of community, support, and educated perspectives. When exploring more about OCD, especially within yourself or in support of others, remember that understanding and compassion are key. Equip yourself with knowledge, seek out supportive communities, and always prioritize your mental well-being. Resource: Neurodivergent Insights Article: What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsors: Resilient Mind Counseling & Learning Nook ✨Resilient Mind Counseling Resilient Mind Counseling is a neurodivergent-affirming therapy and medication management practice operated all throughout North Carolina. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially Autistic ADHDers, as well as the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. We take insurance, so please check our website for coverage for different services. For medication management, you need to be within a 60-mile driving distance to the office. Text or call 828-515-1246 or visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com to get started. ✨Learning Nook Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available. ✨ Hurricane Relief for WNC communities: This money will go to nonprofits who are boots on the ground. It will go to struggling individuals who do not have enough money for gas to get out, or who do not have enough money to provide their basic needs right now. Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 chronic health, energy management, and the often-overlooked connection between neuroimmune systems and neurodivergence. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Gain a deeper understanding of post-exertional malaise (PEM) and how recognizing one's limits can help in avoiding the debilitating crash that often follows overexertion. Using real-life experiences, understand the systemic challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals within a traditional healthcare model, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy and community support. Discover practical strategies and tools from Dr. Houser on identifying environmental triggers and making manageable adjustments to improve health, particularly for autistic and ADHD adults. As you navigate your own healthcare journey, remember to honor your limits, seek out community, and advocate for the care you deserve. DISCLAIMER: This episode is not intended as medical advice. More about Dr. Mel Houser: Dr. Mel Houser (she/they) is an Autistic family physician with a clinical focus on providing primary care for neurodivergent patients across the lifespan. She is the Founder and Executive Director of All Brains Belong VT, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in Montpelier, Vermont that uses universal design principles to provide neurodiversity-affirming medical care, social connection opportunities for all ages, and neurodiversity-related educational training. At age 37, Dr. Houser was diagnosed as autistic, ADHD, dyspraxic, dyslexic, and dyscalculic. She is also the parent of an autistic 6-year-old, who is her guru of so many keys to the universe. Website: allbrainsbelong.org Get Connected: allbrainsbelong.org/get-connected Clinician Resources: allbrainsbelong.org/clinician-resources Instagram: @allbrainsbelongvt Bateman Horne Center Website: batemanhornecenter.org Check out All Brains Belong’s project: allbrainsbelong.org/all-the-things ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsors: Resilient Mind Counseling & Learning Nook ✨Resilient Mind Counseling Resilient Mind Counseling is a neurodivergent-affirming therapy and medication management practice operated all throughout North Carolina. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially Autistic ADHDers, as well as the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. We take insurance, so please check our website for coverage for different services. For medication management, you need to be within a 60-mile driving distance to the office. Text or call 828-515-1246 or visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com to get started. ✨Learning Nook Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available. ✨Hurricane Relief for WNC communities: Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 affect one's social life and overall health through the lens of Megan’s experiences. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Learn about realistic and attainable goal-setting to overall health using a biopsychosocial approach, highlighting why it's important to avoid extremes and embrace small, achievable changes. Gain insight into how personal struggles and professional advice sometimes contradict, as well as discover a more holistic perspective that underscores the importance of authenticity. Discover the psychological and biological dimensions of Megan’s chronic fatigue and long COVID, and how these affect her social life and overall health. As you listen, consider how you can apply these discussions to your own life, setting realistic goals and fostering a sense of balance. Make self-care a priority, and remember that small, positive changes can create ripple effects that significantly enhance your mental and physical health. DISCLAIMER: This episode is not intended as medical advice. Resources: Biopsychosocial Venn Diagram Download ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsors: Resilient Mind Counseling & Learning Nook ✨Resilient Mind Counseling Resilient Mind Counseling is a neurodivergent-affirming therapy and medication management practice operated all throughout North Carolina. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially Autistic ADHDers, as well as the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. We take insurance, so please check our website for coverage for different services. For medication management, you need to be within a 60-mile driving distance to the office. Text or call 828-515-1246 or visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com to get started. ✨Learning Nook Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available. ✨Hurricane Relief for WNC communities: This money will go to nonprofits who are boots on the ground. It will go to struggling individuals who do not have enough money for gas to get out, or who do not have enough money to provide their basic needs right now. Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Casale's ongoing battle with sleep issues, from his childhood to the present day, and learn how various factors—like sleep environment, hydration habits, and caffeine intake—impact his nights. Hear Dr. Neff's expert advice on practical strategies for better sleep, including the use of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) and small, manageable changes that can make a big difference over time. Understand the biopsychosocial dimensions of sleep disturbances, including how stress, rumination, and hypervigilance can disrupt your rest, and discover methods to counter these challenges through visualization and grounding exercises.  If you struggle with sleep, consider doing a biopsychosocial assessment for yourself, and find the small changes you can implement to improve your sleep quality and overall well-being. DISCLAIMER: This episode is not intended as medical advice. Resources: Biopsychosocial Venn Diagram Download Patrick’s Biopsychosocial Venn Diagram Download Sleep Resource (Neurodivergent Article): neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/autism-adhd-and-sleep Sleep Workbook (Neurodivergent Insights): neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/sleep (Use Code: DCPOD for 25% off) ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsors: Resilient Mind Counseling & Learning Nook ✨Resilient Mind Counseling Resilient Mind Counseling is a neurodivergent-affirming therapy and medication management practice operated all throughout North Carolina. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially Autistic ADHDers, as well as the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. We take insurance, so please check our website for coverage for different services. For medication management, you need to be within a 60-mile driving distance to the office. Text or call 828-515-1246 or visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com to get started. ✨Learning Nook Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available. ✨Hurricane Relief for WNC communities: This money will go to nonprofits who are boots on the ground. It will go to struggling individuals who do not have enough money for gas to get out, or who do not have enough money to provide their basic needs right now. Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 introduce this new series on chronic health issues for neurodivergent individuals. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Gain practical insights into managing chronic health struggles through the biopsychosocial model, which considers the interconnected biological, psychological, and social factors affecting well-being. Discover the power of setting concrete, manageable goals to tackle issues such as sleep, depression, and chronic pain, and learn strategies to cultivate self-efficacy and align your actions with your values. Learn how diet, exercise, and behavioral health perspectives play crucial roles in managing complex medical conditions, and hear about the hosts' personal plans to focus on movement and diet for improved health. As you embark on your own journey to better health, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Identify one tangible goal you can work on today, and consider the broader biopsychosocial factors influencing your well-being. Reflect on how you can take actionable steps, no matter how small, towards living a more value-aligned life. ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsors: Resilient Mind Counseling & Learning Nook ✨Resilient Mind Counseling Resilient Mind Counseling is a neurodivergent-affirming therapy and medication management practice operated all throughout North Carolina. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially Autistic ADHDers, as well as the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. We take insurance, so please check our website for coverage for different services. For medication management, you need to be within a 60-mile driving distance to the office. Text or call 828-515-1246 or visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com to get started. ✨Learning Nook Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available. ✨Hurricane Relief for WNC communities: This money will go to nonprofits who are boots on the ground. It will go to struggling individuals who do not have enough money for gas to get out, or who do not have enough money to provide their basic needs right now. Donate to Patrick's GoFundMe to help provide urgent aid for WNC communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Visit: atppod.com/wnc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, and Maureen Werrbach discuss the complexities of balancing personal identity and public presentation as a neurodivergent individual, highlighting challenges and triumphs of embracing one's true self amidst societal and professional expectations. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Hear the personal stories of Maureen, Patrick, and Dr. Neff as they discuss how their diagnoses of ADHD and autism have reshaped their personal and professional lives. Discover the power of vulnerability, and the fine balance required to share personal experiences publicly without losing oneself. Explore the intersection of identity and leadership, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. Learn from Maureen’s experience integrating social justice and personal values into business, and creating accountable and inclusive leadership teams. Reflect on your journey of self-discovery and how to embrace and advocate for your true self. More about Maureen: Maureen developed her coaching program, The Group Practice Exchange, based on her experience with starting her private practice and growing it into a successful group practice. She spent countless hours researching how to start a private practice (the legal and procedural steps) and then learning how to grow it into a group (figuring out the appropriate steps). Maureen thoroughly enjoys helping clinicians become confident and organized group practice business owners. Website: thegrouppracticeexchange.com ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsors: Resilient Mind Counseling & Learning Nook ✨Resilient Mind Counseling Resilient Mind Counseling is a neurodivergent-affirming therapy and medication management practice operated all throughout North Carolina. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially Autistic ADHDers, as well as the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. We take insurance, so please check our website for coverage for different services. For medication management, you need to be within a 60-mile driving distance to the office. Text or call 828-515-1246 or visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com to get started. ✨Learning Nook Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 impact of naming emotions on mental health, especially for neurodivergent individuals, entrepreneurs, and people of color, emphasizing the importance of allowing folks to have autonomy over their own experiences and healing. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Discover how naming your emotions can reduce stress and turn tough experiences into opportunities for healing and growth. Gain insights into the reality behind perceived success and the internal struggles many neurodivergent entrepreneurs face—validation that you are not alone if you feel overwhelmed, isolated, or disconnected despite your outward achievements. Learn about Yunetta's groundbreaking work with EMDR therapy, offering marginalized communities access to mental health resources tailored to their unique needs and experiences. As you listen, consider how emotional awareness can enhance both your personal well-being and your entrepreneurial success, keeping in mind that there is more than one right way to access your emotions and honor your nervous system and uniqueness. Read Yunetta's Bio Here: divergentpod.com/68 Websites: yunettaspring.com & groundbreakerstherapy.com Social Media: @yunettaspringsmith & @groundbreakerstherapy EMDR Mailing List: text EMDR to 33777 ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsors: Resilient Mind Counseling & Learning Nook ✨Resilient Mind Counseling Resilient Mind Counseling is a neurodivergent-affirming therapy and medication management practice operated all throughout North Carolina. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially Autistic ADHDers, as well as the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. We take insurance, so please check our website for coverage for different services. For medication management, you need to be within a 60-mile driving distance to the office. Text or call 828-515-1246 or visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com to get started. ✨Learning Nook Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, owner of GJV Consulting and Training, about ADHD's impact on entrepreneurship, offering practical strategies and personal insights. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Hear real-life stories about managing the emotions of rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) and burnout, with practical tips for emotional regulation and recovery. Learn practical strategies for improving executive functioning with tools such as the ADHD buddy system, AI assistance, and effective delegation. Discover ways to evaluate and pursue diverse revenue streams while maintaining focus and aligning with her core values. Consider entrepreneurial strategies to balance creativity with organization in your own ventures. Whether it's through better delegation or emotional health reflection, intentional steps can lead you to success. More about Gabrielle: Gabrielle Juliano-Villani is a licensed clinical social worker, consultant, coach, entrepreneur, speaker, retreat host, and educator based in Sarasota, FL. She has been in the mental health field for over a decade specializing in stress, chronic health conditions, and trauma. After realizing her own burnout in 2021, she sold her thriving group practice and made it her mission to educate others on the impact stress has on our everyday lives. Read more here. Website: gabriellejulianovillani.com Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Retreat in Belize: allthingspractice.com/belize-neurodivergent-2025 ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsors: Resilient Mind Counseling & Learning Nook ✨Resilient Mind Counseling Resilient Mind Counseling is a neurodivergent-affirming therapy and medication management practice operated all throughout North Carolina. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially Autistic ADHDers, as well as the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. We take insurance, so please check our website for coverage for different services. For medication management, you need to be within a 60-mile driving distance to the office. Text or call 828-515-1246 or visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com to get started. ✨Learning Nook Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Dr. Corey Wilks, a psychologist and executive coach, about the intersection of psychology, entrepreneurship, and core values. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Discover how to leverage the "availability paradox" to make more intentional choices, allowing you to prioritize opportunities that align with your values and long-term goals. Using real-life examples, understand the concept of “memento mori” and pursuing long-term fulfillment and meaningful work, even if it doesn't feel good on a daily basis. Uncover the importance of core values in preventing burnout and achieving long-term fulfillment, especially for neurodivergent individuals, with practical tips on how to identify and stay aligned with your values. If you choose to pursue entrepreneurship, consider how aligning your work with your core values could enhance your fulfillment and satisfaction. About Corey: Dr. Corey Wilks is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Executive Coach who helps the top entrepreneurs in the world clarify what matters, overcome limiting beliefs, and build a values-aligned life and business. His work explores the psychology of success and what gets in our way. And he shares these insights in his weekly newsletter, which you can check out at coreywilkspsyd.com. Website: coreywilkspsyd.com YouTube: youtube.com/@coreywilkspsyd LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/coreywilkspsyd Resources Values Exercise: think2perform.com/values ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsors: Resilient Mind Counseling & Learning Nook ✨Resilient Mind Counseling Resilient Mind Counseling is a neurodivergent-affirming therapy and medication management practice operated all throughout North Carolina. We specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals, especially Autistic ADHDers, as well as the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities. We take insurance, so please check our website for coverage for different services. For medication management, you need to be within a 60-mile driving distance to the office. Text or call 828-515-1246 or visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com to get started. ✨Learning Nook Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entrepreneurship can be an attractive alternative for neurodivergent individuals to the traditional 9–5 jobs that cater to a society that is systemically more accommodating to neurotypical needs. However, being a neurodivergent entrepreneur comes with its own challenges and triumphs, from managing executive functioning to dealing with burnout.  In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, introduce their new series on neurodivergent entrepreneurship, sharing their personal journeys and insights. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Get tips to balance the needs of different neurotypes in business, including ADHD’s need for creativity and excitement with the Autistic desire for structure to avoid burnout, as well as how to set boundaries that protect your mental health and values. Hear candid discussions on running a values-driven business, the moral injuries that can arise, and sustainable strategies for maintaining integrity while pursuing entrepreneurship. Discover the importance of failure as a data point and how adopting a value-aligned mindset can transform your entrepreneurial endeavors, especially when reevaluating business decisions. If you choose to pursue entrepreneurship, remember to prioritize your well-being, stay true to your values, and embrace growth through failure. ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsors: Web Therapia & Learning Nook ✨Web Therapia Thanks to Web Therapia for sponsoring this episode. In today's competitive healthcare landscape, establishing a robust online presence is crucial for attracting new patients and expanding your practice. Web Therapia specializes in tailored digital marketing solutions specifically for doctors and therapists. From professional website design to effective search engine optimization (SEO) strategies and ADA compliance, they ensure your practice stands out in local and telehealth markets. Visit webtherapia.com, and mention this ad for 10% off web design or SEO for the 1st month. ✨Learning Nook Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s natural to have questions following neurodivergent discovery, diagnosis, or while embracing a new identity. Additionally, some individuals might not identify as neurodivergent but are curious about the very nuanced conversations happening in and around the community. In this second Ask The Audience episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, respond to questions they've received from podcast listeners and their communities. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Dive into the controversial topic of whether "everyone is a little bit autistic" and understand why this statement can be harmful and dismissive to the autistic community. Gain insight into the nuances of language used to describe neurodivergence, including the pros and cons of terms like ASD, high functioning, and on the spectrum, and why identity-first language can be empowering. Explore the unique challenges and potential advantages of being an Autistic or ADHD therapist, and learn practical tips for preventing burnout and finding success in the field. As you navigate your neurodivergent journey, remember you are not alone. Your inquiries are invaluable, not just to you but to countless others like you. We will have more episodes like this, so we appreciate your questions. ———————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Our Sponsors: Web Therapia, Learning Nook,& The Receptionist for iPad ✨Web Therapia: Thanks to Web Therapia for sponsoring this episode. In today's competitive healthcare landscape, establishing a robust online presence is crucial for attracting new patients and expanding your practice. Web Therapia specializes in tailored digital marketing solutions specifically for doctors and therapists. From professional website design to effective search engine optimization (SEO) strategies and ADA compliance, they ensure your practice stands out in local and telehealth markets. Visit webtherapia.com, and mention this ad for 10% off web design or SEO for the 1st month. ✨Learning Nook: Explore the power of the neurodivergent community with the Neurodivergent Insights Learning Nook—a neurodiverse space that welcomes all neurotypes. Our community fosters personal growth with access to workbooks, eBooks, workshops, and more. We also host body double sessions, parent gatherings, and monthly live events. Clinicians can join our special tier for exclusive resources and networking. Limited to 20 new members monthly. Enroll at neurodivergentinsights.com/membership. Scholarships available. ✨The Receptionist for iPad Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s natural to have a flood of questions following neurodivergent discovery, diagnosis, or while embracing a new identity. Additionally, there are individuals who might not identify as neurodivergent but just have curiosity about the very nuanced conversations happening in and around the neurodivergent community. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, respond to questions they have received from podcast listeners and their communities. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Hear Dr. Neff and Patrick share their “surprising” experiences and personal growth as podcast hosts, including overcoming anxiety, balancing preparation and spontaneity, working on relational aspects of podcasting, establishing and honoring boundaries, finding confidence, and more. Gain insights into the late autism diagnosis journey, including common identity development processes like unmasking, exploring gender and sexuality, and how this affects relationships, as well as advice for communicating your diagnosis to friends and family, managing their reactions, and deciding when and how to educate others. Learn about the legal and medical implications of an autism diagnosis, the genetic factors, and how understanding family history can provide deeper insights into your own neurodivergence. Your inquiries are invaluable, not just to you, but to countless others facing similar challenges. We will continue to have episodes like this in the future, so we appreciate your questions to help guide these future episodes. —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Web Therapia & The Receptionist for iPad ✨ Web Therapia: I want to thank Web Therapia for sponsoring this episode. In today's competitive healthcare landscape, establishing a robust online presence is crucial for attracting new patients and expanding your practice. Web Therapia specializes in tailored digital marketing solutions specifically for doctors and therapists. From professional website design to effective search engine optimization (SEO) strategies and ADA compliance, they ensure your practice stands out in local and telehealth markets. Visit webtherapia.com, and mention this ad to get 10% off web design or SEO for the 1st month. ✨ The Receptionist for iPad I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For adults 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 episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Jak Levine-Pritzker, founder of Authentically ADHD LLC, about navigating identity when exploring the possibility of an autism diagnosis, as well as the effect of internalized ableism and external input during the assessment process. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Learn about Jak's experiences with the questioning of fitting into or out of diagnostic criteria, especially when examining overlapping traits between ADHD and autism. Gain insights into the nuances of the assessment process for neurodivergent conditions, exploring the quantitative and qualitative aspects beyond standardized tests. Discover the evolving understanding of neurotypes, including the impact of self-identification on assessments and the relevance of organizing principles like monotropism and flow state. As you reflect on your journey or support others, remember to ask questions, be mindful that neurodivergent experiences and diagnoses are full of grey areas, and keep an open mind if you seek a diagnosis. About Jak: Jak Levine-Pritzker(she/her) is an ADHD coach, mental health advocate, and founder of Authentically ADHD LLC. She empowers ADHDers to heal internalized ableism and shame and design a life that actually works for their brains using a strengths-based approach. Read Jak's full bio. Membership: authenticallyadhd.com/membership Website: authenticallyadhd.com Instagram: instagram.com/authenticallyadhd —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Web Therapia & The Receptionist for iPad ✨ Web Therapia: I want to thank Web Therapia for sponsoring this episode. In today's competitive healthcare landscape, establishing a robust online presence is crucial for attracting new patients and expanding your practice. Web Therapia specializes in tailored digital marketing solutions specifically for doctors and therapists. From professional website design to effective search engine optimization (SEO) strategies and ADA compliance, they ensure your practice stands out in local and telehealth markets. Visit webtherapia.com, and mention this ad to get 10% off web design or SEO for the 1st month. ✨ The Receptionist for iPad I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 professionals, they offer a unique perspective on how projecting ideal futures can create a disconnect with the present, leading to disappointment and restlessness. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Discover the impact of romanticizing future outcomes on mental health, particularly for those with ADHD and other neurodivergent traits, and how it can disrupt your ability to enjoy the present moment. Hear Dr. Neff and Patrick's personal stories about their struggles with restlessness and the unending need for new experiences, and learn how this affects their daily lives. Explore strategies to reconcile your idealized visions of the future with the messy reality of the present, and find out how to cultivate a sense of settled contentment. Take some time to reflect on your own tendencies to romanticize the future. Consider how this impacts your well-being and what steps you can take to stay grounded in the present and find balance one moment at a time. —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: D.Rowe Co. & The Receptionist for iPad ✨ D.Rowe Co. I want to thank D.Rowe Co. for sponsoring this episode. D.Rowe Co. (which includes D.Rowe Tax LLC and D.Rowe Law PLLC) offers tax, law, and accounting services designed for creative and personal support industries. With both academic and practical experience from well-established businesses to start-ups, they offer support through top-level expertise and a fresh approach to client service. Check out their free webinar on June 17th at noon ET by visiting droweco.com. Use code DC10 to get 10% off services at droweco.com. ✨ The Receptionist for iPad I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices