Divergent Conversations

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, Neurodivergent Beyond Burnout Retreat, 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. ✨Neurodivergent Beyond Burnout Retreat San Ignacio, Belize | January 12–16, 2025 If you're a neurodivergent entrepreneur, you may want a retreat experience that caters to your unique needs. Gabrielle Juliano-Villani and I have co-created the Neurodivergent Beyond Burnout Retreat in Belize at an all-inclusive resort. We are neurodivergent entrepreneurs. She specializes in burnout prevention and polyvagal theory, and I specialize in business strategizing, creativity, and entrepreneurship. This retreat is exclusively for neurodivergent entrepreneurs who want rest, connection, sensory soothing, burnout prevention tips, and to immerse themselves in an amazing location. Go to allthingspractice.com/belize-neurodivergent-2025 and use code NEURODIVERGENT at checkout to save $250. For questions, email patrick@casalecoaching.com. ✨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, Neurodivergent Beyond Burnout Retreat, & 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. ✨ Neurodivergent Beyond Burnout Retreat San Ignacio, Belize | January 12–16, 2025 If you're a neurodivergent entrepreneur, you may have been looking for a retreat experience that caters to your sensory system and unique needs. Gabrielle Juliano-Villani and I have co-created the Neurodivergent Beyond Burnout Retreat in Belize from Jan. 12–16, 2025 at an all-inclusive resort. We are both neurodivergent entrepreneurs. She specializes in burnout prevention and polyvagal theory, and I specialize in business strategizing, creativity, and entrepreneurship. We're combining the best of both worlds exclusively for neurodivergent entrepreneurs who want rest, connection, sensory soothing, neurodivergent burnout prevention tips, and to immerse themselves in an amazing location. Go to allthingspractice.com/belize-neurodivergent-2025 and use code NEURODIVERGENT at checkout to save $250 off the retreat. For questions, email patrick@casalecoaching.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

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, Neurodivergent Beyond Burnout Retreat, & 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. ✨ Neurodivergent Beyond Burnout Retreat San Ignacio, Belize | January 12–16, 2025 If you're a neurodivergent entrepreneur, you may have been looking for a retreat experience that caters to your sensory system and unique needs. Gabrielle Juliano-Villani and I have co-created the Neurodivergent Beyond Burnout Retreat in Belize from Jan. 12–16, 2025 at an all-inclusive resort. We are both neurodivergent entrepreneurs. She specializes in burnout prevention and polyvagal theory, and I specialize in business strategizing, creativity, and entrepreneurship. We're combining the best of both worlds exclusively for neurodivergent entrepreneurs who want rest, connection, sensory soothing, neurodivergent burnout prevention tips, and to immerse themselves in an amazing location. Go to allthingspractice.com/belize-neurodivergent-2025 and use code NEURODIVERGENT at checkout to save $250 off the retreat. For questions, email patrick@casalecoaching.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

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., Neurodivergent Beyond Burnout Retreat, & 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. ✨ Neurodivergent Beyond Burnout Retreat Happening in San Ignacio, Belize | January 12th–January 16th, 2025 If you're a neurodivergent entrepreneur, you've probably been looking for a retreat experience that really caters to your sensory system and your unique needs. That's why Gabrielle Juliano-Villani and I have co-created a Neurodivergent Beyond Burnout Retreat in Belize from January 12th–January 16th, 2025 at an all-inclusive resort. We are both neurodivergent entrepreneurs. She specializes in burnout prevention and polyvagal theory, and I specialize in business strategizing, creativity, and entrepreneurship. We're going to combine the best of both worlds exclusively for neurodivergent entrepreneurs who want rest, connection, sensory soothing, neurodivergent burnout prevention tips, and to immerse themselves in a really amazing location in San Ignacio, Belize. If you're interested, go to allthingspractice.com/belize-neurodivergent-2025 and use code NEURODIVERGENT at checkout to save $250 off the retreat cost. If you have any questions, email me directly at patrick@casalecoaching.com. See you in Belize! ✨ 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

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 episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the concept of the ADHD tax and its impact on various facets of life such as time, money, and relationships. Both hosts share their personal experiences and practical tips on how to better manage impulsivity, as well as explore the impact of standard marketing practices on impulsive action. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Gain valuable insights into how the ADHD tax manifests in everyday life, from impulsive travel bookings to forgotten groceries, and learn strategies to prevent and mitigate these financial and emotional costs. Hear about the intricate balance of excitement and capacity in neurodivergent collaborations. Dive into tips for managing overwhelming enthusiasm and the importance of slow productivity and setting boundaries. Learn ethical marketing practices that consider the needs of neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing the importance of building relationships over manipulative sales tactics and creating a consumer-friendly environment. As you navigate the challenges of impulsivity and overstimulation, remember that understanding and implementing mindful strategies can help you lead a more balanced life. Take a moment to pause before making hasty decisions, and prioritize your well-being as you create a space where both your ideas and your downtime are respected. —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: D.Rowe Co., Freed, & 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. ✨ Freed I want to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode. Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over—no more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love—helping your clients. Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free. ✨ 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

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 episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the intricacies of the ADHD interest-based nervous system, how it impacts daily life, and practical ways to enhance motivation and productivity. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Discover effective techniques to manage your interest-based nervous system, from creating engaging environments to the use of dopamine stacking. Gain insights into different approaches for handling mundane tasks like household chores, including the concept of body doubling and competition. Learn how the 5 motivators encapsulated in the acronym P.I.N.C.H. (Passion [discussed in terms of Play for this episode], Interest, Novelty, Competition/Collaboration/Connection, and Hurry Up) can influence your actions and help overcome procrastination and anxiety. Try exploring ways to incorporate the 5 motivators for the ADHD system into your environment and approach to tasks. Understanding your unique nervous system is a step toward having more engagement and productivity, even when facing understimulating tasks. Resources: Visit vs. Force-Based Approach to ADHD: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/power-of-a-visit Interest-Based Nervous System Article: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/interest-based-nervous-system Interest-Based Nervous System And ADHD Workbook: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/interest-based-nervous-system —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: D.Rowe Co., Freed, & 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. ✨ Freed I want to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode. Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over—no more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love—helping your clients. Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free. ✨ 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

ADHD often brings unique challenges with impulsive behaviors which can make everyday interactions and tasks more complex. In an attempt to better understand the ways ADHD can present in daily life, this episode uses the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria as a framework for discussion—this is not an endorsement of the DSM-5. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the intricate dynamics of impulsivity in ADHD, blending personal experiences with clinical insights. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Explore the differences and connections between impulsivity and hyperactivity in the DSM-5, and understand how these traits can manifest differently in adults versus children. Gain a deeper understanding of how impulsivity can impact various aspects of life, from relationships to career choices, and hear about ways to channel this energy positively. Understand how the DSM-5 criteria is used to determine an ADHD diagnosis. As you listen, you might find parts of these criteria and stories that resonate with your own life, whether you have ADHD or simply face similar struggles. We encourage you to stay curious about your own experiences and continue exploring these important topics. DISCLAIMER: We're using the DSM-5 criteria as a framework for this conversation, but this is not our endorsement of the DSM-5. Resources: ADHD DSM In pictures series: Blog post: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/dsm-5-criteria-for-adhd-explained-in-pictures PDF: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/adhd-dsm-in-pictures —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: D.Rowe Co., Freed, & 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. ✨ Freed I want to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode. Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over—no more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love—helping your clients. Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free. ✨ 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

ADHD hyperactive traits are often misunderstood and the DSM-5’s portrayal of this type is heavily geared toward children and adolescents, which can make it harder to understand and address in adulthood. In an attempt to better understand the ways ADHD can present in daily life, this episode uses the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria as a framework for discussion—this is not an endorsement of the DSM-5. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the ADHD hyperactive type and share their personal experiences. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Learn about the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD hyperactive type and hear personal stories about managing these behaviors in social and professional settings. Gain insight into the concept of masking in ADHD, explore the internal struggle to self-monitor and achieve time equity in conversations, and understand its impact on relationships. Discover the challenges and strategies for being present in the moment, channeling hyperactive energy, and addressing the grief associated with limited movement as a result of aging or injuries. As you listen, you might find parts of these criteria and stories that resonate with your own life, whether you have ADHD or simply face similar struggles. We encourage you to stay curious about your own experiences and continue exploring these important topics. DISCLAIMER: We're using the DSM-5 criteria as a framework for this conversation, but this is not our endorsement of the DSM-5. Resources: ADHD DSM In pictures series: Blog post: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/dsm-5-criteria-for-adhd-explained-in-pictures PDF: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/adhd-dsm-in-pictures —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: D.Rowe Co., Freed, & 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. ✨ Freed I want to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode. Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over—no more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love—helping your clients. Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free. ✨ 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

ADHD has many nuances and is often misunderstood and stereotyped. In an attempt to better understand the ways ADHD can present in daily life, this episode uses the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria as a framework for discussion—this is not an endorsement of the DSM-5. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk about the DSM-5 criteria for the inattentive subtype of ADHD, as well as share their personal experiences. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Understand the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD, offering a deeper understanding of the inattentive, combined, and hyperactive subtypes. Hear about Dr. Neff and Patrick’s struggles with inattentive traits of ADHD, including household chores, daily activities, the overwhelming feeling of decision fatigue, and the resulting “ADHD Tax.” Discover some ways that Patrick and Dr. Neff cope with the day-to-day struggles of ADHD, from managing time and prioritizing tasks to overcoming the hurdles of incomplete projects and decision fatigue. As you listen, you might find parts of these criteria and stories that resonate with your own life, whether you have ADHD or simply face similar struggles. We encourage you to stay curious about your own experiences and continue exploring these important topics. DISCLAIMER: We're using the DSM-5 criteria as a framework for this conversation, but this is not our endorsement of the DSM-5. Resources: ADHD DSM In pictures series: Blog post: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/dsm-5-criteria-for-adhd-explained-in-pictures PDF: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/adhd-dsm-in-pictures —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: D.Rowe Co., Freed, & 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. ✨ Freed I want to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode. Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over—no more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love—helping your clients. Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free. ✨ 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

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 episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, dive into ADHD, breaking down what it means. This episode lays the groundwork for their upcoming series focused on ADHD. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Get an overview of the often misunderstood and oversimplified traits of ADHD, from executive functioning challenges to emotional hyperarousal. Hear personal stories from Patrick and Dr. Neff as they reflect on their own ADHD experiences and how misdiagnoses and societal stereotypes can cloud self-understanding. Discover the interconnectedness and overlapping traits between ADHD and autism, helping to clarify common misconceptions and pave the way for more nuanced discussions. This episode sets the stage for our mini-series on ADHD.  DISCLAIMER: We're using the DSM-5 criteria as a framework for this conversation, but this is not our endorsement of the DSM-5. Resources: ADHD DSM In pictures series: Blog post: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/dsm-5-criteria-for-adhd-explained-in-pictures PDF: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/adhd-dsm-in-pictures —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe, Freed, & The Receptionist for iPad ✨ Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe I want to thank Madam Clutterbuckets for sponsoring this episode. This family-owned business has created a store that not only celebrates the value of neurodiversity but also employs neurodivergent workers. They sell disability advocacy merchandise, work from neurodivergent artists, and products from companies that employ neurodivergent workers. They also have curated vintage oddities, fidgets, and outrageous merch that makes you laugh out loud. They are located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, or you can check them out at madamclutterbuckets.com, and use code GIMME10 for 10% off $25 purchases or more. ✨ Freed I want to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode. Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over—no more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love—helping your clients. Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free. ✨ 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

When parenting a neurodivergent child or young adult, traditional approaches don't always fit. Balancing the unique needs with the world's expectations can feel isolating and overwhelming. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, speak with Lisa Dube, LCSW and founder of Merrimack River Wellness, about the nuances of parenting, supporting, and understanding neurodivergent children, particularly those exploring their gender identity. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Understand how to recognize and support the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses in neurodivergent children, helping you to interpret their behaviors through a more informed and empathetic lens. Gain insights into the intersection of gender identity and neurodivergence, encouraging a curious and non-judgmental approach to parenting that embraces and respects your child's identity exploration. Discover practical advice on avoiding the "failure to launch" stereotype and fostering an environment of interdependence through "scaffolding,” particularly useful for parents of neurodivergent young adults. Reflect on how to bring these strategies into your family dynamics to strengthen the bond with your child. Consider how your parenting approach can evolve to actively enrich the journey of raising a neurodivergent child. About Lisa Dube Lisa is a neurodivergent LCSW who worked for the U.S. District Court for over 20 years as a treatment specialist before establishing a private practice focused on the needs of families and individuals navigating gender identity exploration and transition. Lisa has a special interest in supporting parents in developing new narratives and ways of connecting with their young adult autistic children who may be challenged with the transition to adulthood. Website: merrimackriverwellness.com Instagram: @merrimackriverwellness —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe, Freed, & The Receptionist for iPad ✨ Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe: I want to thank Madam Clutterbuckets for sponsoring this episode. This family-owned business has created a store that not only celebrates the value of neurodiversity but also employs neurodivergent workers. They sell disability advocacy merchandise, work from neurodivergent artists, and products from companies that employ neurodivergent workers. They also have curated vintage oddities, fidgets, and outrageous merch that makes you laugh out loud. They are located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, or you can check them out at madamclutterbuckets.com, and use code GIMME10 for 10% off $25 purchases or more. ✨ Freed: I want to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode. Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over—no more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love—helping your clients. Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free. ✨ 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

Autism and eating disorders have a complex relationship that for years has been overlooked often resulting in traumatic approaches to recovery and a misunderstanding of the experience and mindset of Autistic individuals struggling with disordered eating. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Livia Sara, a recognized autism advocate in the eating disorder recovery space, about the relationships between autism, eating disorders, and the neurodivergent experience. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Gain a deeper understanding of how eating disorders manifest differently in the neurodivergent community, including unique challenges and how Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) can be mistaken for eating disorders. Explore the power of autonomy and control in the context of both fueling disordered eating and being the deciding factor in recovery within the neurodivergent framework. Hear firsthand accounts of struggles with and recovery from eating disorders, addiction, and other unhealthy coping mechanisms to seek control of a body that feels foreign. About Livia Sara: Livia is an autism advocate and eating disorder survivor who now helps others overcome their mental barriers through her courses, coaching programs, and books. She is the creator behind the blog livlabelfree.com and the host of The Liv Label Free Podcast. Livia is a lifelong learner who loves listening to audiobooks, going on walks, and reading the latest science on all things neurodiversity and eating disorders! Website: livlabelfree.com Books: livlabelfreebooks.com Instagram: @livlabelfree Podcast: Liv Label Free | Autism and Eating Disorder Recovery Article and infographic collaboration between Liv and Dr. Neff: Anorexia vs. ARFID Venn Diagram: neurodivergentinsights.com/misdiagnosis-monday/anorexia-and-arfid —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe, Freed, & The Receptionist for iPad ✨ Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe: I want to thank Madam Clutterbuckets for sponsoring this episode. This family-owned business has created a store that not only celebrates the value of neurodiversity but also employs neurodivergent workers. They sell disability advocacy merchandise, work from neurodivergent artists, and products from companies that employ neurodivergent workers. They also have curated vintage oddities, fidgets, and outrageous merch that makes you laugh out loud. They are located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, or you can check them out at madamclutterbuckets.com, and use code GIMME10 for 10% off $25 purchases or more. ✨ Freed: I want to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode. Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over. No more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love — helping your clients. Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free. ✨ 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

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is an often misunderstood and misdiagnosed condition and yet has a profound impact on the lives of the people who are experiencing it. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Jes Hagen, a nutritional therapist and integrative menstrual health educator and coach, to explore hormonal imbalances, their impact on mental health, including ADHD and bipolar, and the benefit of integrative approaches to these issues. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Gain an in-depth understanding of the hormonal cycles and how fluctuations affect conditions like PMDD and ADHD, which can drastically impact day-to-day living and mental health. Learn about the challenges and limitations of traditional medical approaches to these hormonal and neurodevelopmental conditions and the potential for integrative medicine to offer more tailored and effective management strategies. Discover practical insights and tools for managing PMDD through dietary choices, lifestyle changes, and symptom tracking. Reflect on the influence of hormones on your mental health and well-being, and consider how awareness and proactive management of these natural processes might enhance your quality of life. About Jess Hagen: Jes is a nutritional therapist, NBC-HWC board-certified integrative menstrual health educator, and coach, who is also the founder of Her Mood Mentor, a virtual premenstrual clinic. Her own experience of PMDD which nearly cost her her life, has fueled her determination to guide thousands of students toward reduced symptom duration and severity. Grab the Free Symptom Mapping Kit Website: hermoodmentor.com Instagram: @hermoodmentor  Youtube: youtube.com/@hermoodmentor PDF Resources Symptom Mapper ADHD+PMDD Venn Diagram HMM Menstrual Phase Graphics —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe, Freed, & The Receptionist for iPad ✨ Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe: I want to thank Madam Clutterbuckets for sponsoring this episode. This family-owned business has created a store that not only celebrates the value of neurodiversity but also employs neurodivergent workers. They sell disability advocacy merchandise, work from neurodivergent artists, and products from companies that employ neurodivergent workers. They also have curated vintage oddities, fidgets, and outrageous merch that makes you laugh out loud. They are located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, or you can check them out at madamclutterbuckets.com, and use code GIMME10 for 10% off $25 purchases or more. ✨ Freed: I want to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode. Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over. No more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love — helping your clients. Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free. ✨ 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

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 episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk about the nuances and misconceptions surrounding special interests and sensory experiences for Autistic people. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Learn about the role of special interests in fostering connections for Autistic individuals, and how personal sensory nuances impact relationships with oneself and the world around them. Gain insights into how to create more inclusive autism assessments that acknowledge the diverse experiences of Autistic individuals, including behaviors, sensory experiences, or interests that might be more stereotypically associated with allistic individuals. Understand the different sensory systems and explore the broad spectrum of sensory experiences that influence everything from social interactions and relationships to meeting basic necessities of food, clothes, and shelter. Think about how we all experience the world differently and why it's important to make space for those differences so that we can honor who we are and have more compassion for one another. Resources: For this conversation, we are using Is This Autism By Dr. Donna Hendreson, Dr. Sarah Wayland, and Dr. Jamell White. You can find it here. But wait... The publisher is giving our listeners a special coupon during this series! Use Code: NDI24 to get 30% off and free shipping Valid through 6-Jul 2024 (must purchase using this link) We’ll be reading this book for our book club in June in the Neurodivergent Learning Nook. Learn more about our community here. DISCLAIMER: We're using the DSM-5 criteria as a framework for this conversation, but this is not our endorsement of the DSM. There have been a lot of very thoughtful critiques of the DSM in the last several years, including how autism is presented in the DSM as very deficit-based. We do not align with that view, but we did use that as a framework to walk through our experience of autism and to unpack the many ways that those criteria could show up in a person. This is our attempt to help demystify the process of diagnosis, which has historically been very obscure and hard to understand. —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Freed & The Receptionist for iPad ✨ Freed: I would also like to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode. Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over. No more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love — helping your clients. Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free. ✨ The Receptionist for iPad: I would also like 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 many Autistic individuals, the consistency of routines isn't just nice, it's a way to accommodate the sensory needs of their systems. Routines are reflected internally and externally, and the disruption of these routines can result in great distress. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk about the comfort and chaos of daily routines and rituals, shedding light on the importance and challenges of these patterns in the lives of Autistic individuals. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Gain insight into all-or-nothing thinking, including its role in providing predictability and comfort. Learn how this way of thinking influences ideology, relationships, and advocacy efforts, and why we need more nuanced conversations. Hear about how the struggle with flexibility can manifest differently for adolescent girls and boys, making it difficult to identify autism, leading to misunderstanding and overlooking what's going on. Explore personal stories from Patrick and Dr. Neff that illuminate the daily struggles of inflexibility and routine disruption, such as dealing with last-minute plan changes and the perplexing difficulty of seemingly simple tasks. Consider your routines: what keeps you grounded and how you manage when faced with the unexpected. Understanding the role of routines in the lives of Autistic individuals can help create more compassion and patience for ourselves and the people around us. Resources: For this conversation, we are using Is This Autism By Dr. Donna Hendreson, Dr. Sarah Wayland, and Dr. Jamell White. You can find it here. But wait... The publisher is giving our listeners a special coupon during this series! Use Code: NDI24 to get 30% off and free shipping Valid through 6-Jul 2024 (must purchase using this link) We’ll be reading this book for our book club in June in the Neurodivergent Learning Nook. Learn more about our community here. DISCLAIMER: We're using the DSM-5 criteria as a framework for this conversation, but this is not our endorsement of the DSM. There have been a lot of very thoughtful critiques of the DSM in the last several years, including how autism is presented in the DSM as very deficit-based. We do not align with that view, but we did use that as a framework to walk through our experience of autism and to unpack the many ways that those criteria could show up in a person. This is our attempt to help demystify the process of diagnosis, which has historically been very obscure and hard to understand. —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Freed & The Receptionist for iPad ✨ Freed: I would also like to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode. Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over. No more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love — helping your clients. Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free. ✨ The Receptionist for iPad: I would also like 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

Navigating social relationships can be a complex, nuanced journey for Autistic people, and the way it presents in day-to-day interactions and situations is incredibly diverse. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the complexities of friendship management for Autistic individuals, as well as explore the connection between relationships and common Autistic traits such as repetitive behavior, difficulty with flexibility, special interests that are intense or atypical, and sensory differences. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Unpack the different ways in which autistic individuals experience and navigate social connections, finding out why that can differ so greatly from neurotypical expectations. Explore the challenges and distinct profiles of autistic social interactions, diving into the importance of understanding the role of social motivation and casing light on the often invisible energy it requires to maintain connections. Gain insight into the world of special interests and repetitive behaviors, showcased through the personal experiences of Patrick and Dr. Neff. As you journey through the intricacies of Autistic social interactions, take a moment to reflect on the unique ways in which people communicate and connect, perhaps finding a new understanding of your own social narrative. Resources: For this conversation, we are using Is This Autism By Dr. Donna Hendreson, Dr. Sarah Wayland, and Dr. Jamell White. You can find it here. But wait... The publisher is giving our listeners a special coupon during this series! Use Code: NDI24 to get 30% off and free shipping Valid through 6-Jul 2024 (must purchase using this link) We’ll be reading this book for our book club in June in the Neurodivergent Learning Nook. Learn more about our community here. DISCLAIMER: We're using the DSM-5 criteria as a framework for this conversation, but this is not our endorsement of the DSM. There have been a lot of very thoughtful critiques of the DSM in the last several years, including how autism is presented in the DSM as very deficit-based. We do not align with that view, but we did use that as a framework to walk through our experience of autism and to unpack the many ways that those criteria could show up in a person. This is our attempt to help demystify the process of diagnosis, which has historically been very obscure and hard to understand. —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Freed & The Receptionist for iPad ✨ Freed: I would also like to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode. Being a clinician in today's medical or mental health care field can be so overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients as well as take adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over. No more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love — helping your clients. Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free. ✨ The Receptionist for iPad: I would also like 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

What is autism? This question comes up a lot these days, and conversations around autism are extremely nuanced, making it hard to pinpoint one right way of looking at it, so let’s explore autism from what it means historically and clinically to how it represents identity, and all the things in between. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, start the conversation around autism with an honest and insightful discussion about “what is autism” and the intricacies of social interactions experienced by those on the spectrum. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Gain insights into the realities of social motivation and its challenges as our hosts reveal their personal struggles with engaging in conversations, especially when they're not “interesting” enough to fuel the interaction. Understand the profound impact of autistic culture on communication forms, with Dr. Neff and Patrick breaking down the DSM-5 criteria of reciprocity, and offering their own thoughts on the criteria including a counterview of how care can be expressed in unique, meaningful ways for Autistic people. Delve into the transforming neurodiversity landscape and consider how our language choices and the metaphors we use to understand autism can influence identity and self-perception, potentially shifting away from deficit-focused narratives. To start to answer the question of “what is autism,” it’s important to consider the layers of effort and adaptation that accompany social encounters and reflect on your communication style. Resources: For this conversation, we are using Is This Autism By Dr. Donna Hendreson, Dr. Sarah Wayland, and Dr. Jamell White. You can find it here. The publisher is giving our listeners a special coupon during this series! Use Code: NDI24 to get 30% off and free shipping Valid through 6-Jul 2024 (must purchase using this link) We’ll be reading this book for our book club in June in the Neurodivergent Learning Nook. Learn more about our community here. DISCLAIMER: We're using the DSM-5 criteria as a framework for this conversation, but this is not our endorsement of the DSM. There have been a lot of very thoughtful critiques of the DSM in the last several years, including how autism is presented in the DSM as very deficit-based. We do not align with that view, but we did use that as a framework to walk through our experience of autism and to unpack the many ways that those criteria could show up in a person. This is our attempt to help demystify the process of diagnosis. —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Freed & The Receptionist for iPad ✨ Freed: I would also like to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode. Being a clinician in today's medical or mental healthcare field can be overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients while taking adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over. No more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can focus on helping your clients. Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free. ✨ The Receptionist for iPad: I would also like 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

Burnout can make even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable, as well as look and mean very different things when you approach it from the lens of neurodiversity, where the meanings, causes, and coping mechanisms become very nuanced. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Ann Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, explore the landscape of burnout, seasonal depression, and the importance of strategic withdrawal, offering solace and understanding to those who tread these difficult terrains. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Identify how what we call burnout might be related to co-occurring health conditions, such as alexithymia, chronic fatigue syndrome, seasonal depression, etc., and possibly require different approaches. Shed light on internalized ableism and grief, and how recognizing and honoring your limitations can be both a struggle and a profound form of self-care. Learn strategies for addressing burnout that are tailored to neurodivergent individuals, as well as how to communicate your needs to the people around you to protect your energy without causing worry. Remember that acknowledging and respecting your brain's unique wiring isn't a sign of weakness — it's a brave act of self-compassion. Reflect on how you can implement these lessons into your life, honor your natural rhythms, and create your own Ulysses pacts with yourself and trusted people to safeguard your future self. Let's continue this conversation and support each other in our collective journeys towards mental harmony. Resources: Check out the article “A conceptual model of risk and protective factors for autistic burnout” by Jane Mantzalas, Amanda Richdale, and Cheryl Dissanayake here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359924348_A_conceptual_model_of_risk_and_protective_factors_for_autistic_burnout Citation: Mantzalas, J., Richdale, A. L., & Dissanayake, C. (2022). A conceptual model of risk and protective factors for autistic burnout. Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research, 15(6), 976–987. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2722 —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Freed & The Receptionist for iPad ✨ Freed: I would also like to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode. Being a clinician in today's medical or mental health care field can be so overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients as well as take adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over. No more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and it takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love — helping your clients. Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free. ✨ The Receptionist for iPad: I would also like 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

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 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-life diagnosed AuDHD person, about how to create neurodivergent-affirming spaces, including in the workplace and in online communities. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Understand the essential need to reframe our workplace cultures to not just accommodate but truly embrace the strengths that neurodivergent individuals bring to the table. Discover the nuanced challenges adults face with a later-in-life neurodivergent discovery, including unraveling the web of self-deprecating beliefs to shift to self-compassion and understanding. Learn how to implement neurodivergent-friendly practices in the workplace and communities that can lead to more open communication, allow people to play to their strengths, and give individuals the resources and environment they need to show up as their best. There is still a lot of work to be done to create workplaces and other spaces that truly embrace and accommodate neurodiversity, but by implementing Lyric’s suggestions, we can start leaning into people’s strengths and allow for more growth, better solutions, and spaces that feel safe and welcoming. More about Lyric Rivera: Lyric Rivera is the founder of NeuroDivergent Consulting and author of the best-selling business ethics book Workplace Neurodiversity Rising, named “Trend for 2023” and praised in Forbes as “an excellent ‘how to manual’ based on lived Experience and professional competence.” Lyric also runs the blog NeuroDivergent Rebel and is known as the pioneer of the #AskingAutistics hashtag. Buy Lyric’s Book: books2read.com/neurodiversity-rising Website: neurodivergentrebel.com Facebook: facebook.com/NeurodivergentRebel Substack: neurodivergentrebel.substack.com Threads: threads.net/@neurodivergentrebel YouTube: youtube.com/@NeurodivergentRebel TikTok: tiktok.com/@.neurodivergentrebel Resources: Check out Dr. Neff’s new book, Self-Care for Autistic People, here: neurodivergentinsights.com/self-care-for-autistic-people —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Freed & The Receptionist for iPad ✨ Freed: I would also like to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode. Being a clinician in today's medical or mental health care field can be so overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients as well as take adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over. No more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and it takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love — helping your clients. Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free. ✨ The Receptionist for iPad: I would also like 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

Creativity is a medium of expression and connection that often works well for neurodivergent individuals. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Bret Malley about the intersection of autism and creativity. Bret shares his journey of autism advocacy, inspired by the desire to support his son, using creative outlets, as well as shares his process and inspiration for creating a documentary that seeks to provide a more authentic understanding of autism, reflecting on the creative process and the balance of vulnerability and representation that comes with such a responsibility. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Understand the importance of presence and how creative endeavors can help individuals, particularly those with autism and ADHD, to feel more connected and alive amidst the struggles of an overactive mind or an uncooperative body. Learn about the role that environmental factors can play for Autistic individuals in the ability to concentrate and be present in work, as well as the benefits of creating a designated space and time to dedicate to entering a zone of hyperfocused creativity (or the “vortex” as described by Megan Anna). Identify how from the devastation of the pandemic there was also a rise in virtual engagements that fostered unexpected creative synergies and closer relationships. Creativity and art can be powerful means for autism advocacy and personal expression. Think about how your creative expression can affect how you connect with the world around you, and lead to more compassion and understanding. More about Bret: Bret Malley is an award-winning filmmaker, full-time career and technical educator, college professor in Visual Communications and Multimedia Arts, professional photographer, and author of Adobe Master Class; Advanced Compositing in Adobe Photoshop CC. See Bret’s work at BretMalley.com Donate to the Film: thedivergentgift.com Instagram: @thedivergentgift YouTube: youtube.com/@TheDivergentGift Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089547930854 Resources: Check out Dr. Neff’s new book, Self-Care for Autistic People: neurodivergentinsights.com/self-care-for-autistic-people Take advantage of the pre-order special: newsletter.neurodivergentinsights.com/self-care (available throughout March 2024) Use coupon code “DivergentGift” at Neurodivergent Insights to receive 25% off on purchases. This code ensures that 20% of your purchase directly supports the film. —————————————————————————————————— 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Divergent Conversations Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube —————————————————————————————————— A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Freed & The Receptionist for iPad ✨ Freed: I would also like to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode. Being a clinician in today's medical or mental health care field can be so overstimulating. It can be so hard to focus on clients as well as take adequate notes. Freed.AI listens, transcribes, and writes medical documentation for you, written in your style and ready the moment the visit is over. No more overstimulation or letting things fall through the cracks. Freed is HIPAA compliant, secure, and it takes less than 30 seconds to learn. More importantly, Freed supports your executive function skills, so you can get back to doing what you love — helping your clients. Go to getfreed.ai and use code DCPOD for your first month free. ✨ The Receptionist for iPad: I would also like 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