The Other Autism

Heath Wilder is the Director of Customer Experience at the Sydney Theatre Company in Sydney, Australia, and they were one of the first listeners of The Other Autism podcast — maybe even the first! Listen as Kristen and Heath aggressively abstain from small talk and dive right in to gender, autigender (aka gendervague), the female autism phenotype or presentation, the double empathy problem, alexithymia, masking, meltdowns, shutdowns, and more. Check out Heath's website: Heath Wilder — a journey in the performing artsEpisode intro and outro music: "You Set My World On Fire" by Loving Calibermosaic: Exploring Jewish Issuesmosaic is Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County's news podcastListen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify The Other Autism theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.If you would like to submit a question to possibly be answered in a future episode, please email kristen.hovet@gmail.comBecome a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month!Follow me on social media:The Other Autism podcast on InstagramKristen Hovet on LinkedIn

You've probably heard about the rising rates of both autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. Is there any truth to all the talk about an overlap between the two? You can probably tell by the title that, yes, there is! Topics discussed also include:The three presentations or subtypes of ADHDDifferences between ADHD in kids versus ADHD in adultsSome of the main differences and similarities between "ADHDers" and autistic folksWhy some experts think that ADHD is a form of autismIf you'd like to know more about this topic, check out:"Heritability of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults" by Isabell Brikell et al."Overlap between autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Searching for distinctive/common clinical features" by Francesco Craig et al."The impact of the comorbidity of ASD and ADHD on social impairment" by Christina Harkins et al."Co-occurrence of ASD and ADHD traits in an adult population" by Maria Panagiotidi et al."Trait-based dimensions discriminating adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and co-occurring ADHD/ASD" by Artemios Pehlivanidis et al.Episode intro and outro music: "Sigma" by Crystal Shardsmosaic: Exploring Jewish Issuesmosaic is Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County's news podcastListen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify The Other Autism theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.If you would like to submit a question to possibly be answered in a future episode, please email kristen.hovet@gmail.comBecome a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month!Follow me on social media:The Other Autism podcast on InstagramKristen Hovet on LinkedIn

Recent research indicates that many autistic people might have co-occurring substance use disorder. Let's talk about what this entails and reasons for autistic folks turning to substances in the first place. Topics discussed also include:Substance use disorder according to the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)How those with ADHD + autism may be at an even greater risk for developing substance use disorder (SUD)The problem with current SUD treatment optionsOther risk factors unique to autistic individuals that put them at greater risk for developing substance misuse and/or substance use disorderIf you'd like to know more about this topic, check out:"Autism and co-occurring substance use" by Espen Ajo Arnevik and Sissel Berge Helverschou"Systematic review of risk and protective factors associated with substance use and abuse in individuals with autism" by Madelaine Ressel et al.Episode intro and outro music: "What Goes Around Comes Back Around" by NIGHTCAPmosaic: Exploring Jewish Issuesmosaic is Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County's news podcastListen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify The Other Autism theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.If you would like to submit a question to possibly be answered in a future episode, please email kristen.hovet@gmail.comBecome a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month!Follow me on social media:The Other Autism podcast on InstagramKristen Hovet on LinkedIn

Hear Nicola Rowan-Brooks's story about being diagnosed by Sarah Hendrickx at the age of 55. Nicola shares the impact of her autism diagnosis and what life was like growing up undiagnosed in the UK.Nicola runs an online business restoring teddy bears. Her website is called Ambrosia Bears.If you'd like to know more about this topic, check out:"Girls and Women and Autism: What’s the difference?" [YouTube video] by Sarah HendrickxEpisode intro and outro music: "Relacrux" by CRUXORIUM (no changes or modifications were made)mosaic: Exploring Jewish Issuesmosaic is Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County's news podcastListen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify The Other Autism theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.If you would like to submit a question to possibly be answered in a future episode, please email kristen.hovet@gmail.comBecome a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month!Follow me on social media:The Other Autism podcast on InstagramKristen Hovet on LinkedIn

Ciara Harte is a neurodivergent counsellor based in Victoria, British Columbia. In this episode, Kristen and Ciara chat about Ciara's critical discourse analysis of ABA. Ciara has firsthand experience working with applied behaviour analysis principles and practices, and was heavily involved in ABA for a few years. Topics discussed also include:A brief history of ABAThe interactional and discursive view of violence and resistance + response-based practiceThe problem of informed consent and ABAThe ways autistic children enact resistance during applied behaviour analysisBe sure to listen right till the end. Kristen and Toby discuss Toby's future as a podcaster.  If you'd like to know more about this topic, check out:"Reframing compliance: Exposing violence within applied behaviour analysis" by Ciara HarteCiara Harte Counselling website"Autistic experiences of applied behaviour analysis" by Laura Anderson"Quiet hands" by Julia BascomHandbook of applied behavior analysis: History, philosophy, principles, and basic methods by Wayne W. Fisher et al."The line between intervention and abuse: Autism and applied behaviour analysis" by Patrick Kirkham"Evidence of increased PTSD symptoms in autistics exposed to applied behavior analysis" by Henny Kupferstein"Invisible abuse: ABA and the things only autistic people can see" by C. L. Lynch"I am a disillusioned BCBA: Autistics are right about ABA" by Jo Ram"Publication bias in studies of an applied behavior-analytic intervention: An initial analysis" by Elyssa Sham and Tristram SmithEpisode intro and outro music: "London 2 Catalan" by Independent Music Licensing Collective (IMLC) (no changes or modifications were made) mosaic: Exploring Jewish Issuesmosaic is Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County's news podcastListen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify The Other Autism theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.If you would like to submit a question to possibly be answered in a future episode, please email kristen.hovet@gmail.comBecome a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month!Follow me on social media:The Other Autism podcast on InstagramKristen Hovet on LinkedIn

Hear Leslie's story about stumbling upon autism later in life, and the series of aha moments that ensued. Leslie previously worked in animation on feature films such as FernGully: The Last Rainforest, The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Pocahontas, and Space Jam. She is now a freelance graphic designer crafting bespoke graphics and brand development for rogues, disruptors, and obsessives in California.Topics discussed also include:Reasons why some people don't pursue formal autism diagnosisIntense empathy experienced by many on the spectrumResponses of loved ones to news of a potential autism diagnosisSome challenges with online autism screening testsIf you'd like to know more about this topic, check out:Leslie's reading list:Women and girls with autism spectrum disorder: Understanding life experiences from early childhood to old age by Sarah Hendrickx and Judith GouldOdd girl out: An autistic woman in a neurotypical world by Laura JamesAutism in heels: The untold story of a female life on the spectrum by Jennifer Cook O'TooleOlder autistic adults: In their own words — The lost generation by Wilma Wake, Eric Endlich, and Robert S. LagosSources for this episode's intro:Autism psychometric tests —Embrace Autism website"Reasons autism self-diagnosis is valid" by Aly Laube"A mixed methods study of barriers to formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in adults" by Laura Foran Lewis"Autism identity and the 'lost generation': Structural validation of the autism spectrum identity scale and comparison of diagnosed and self-diagnosed adults on the autism spectrum" by T. A. M. McDonald"Biocertification and neurodiversity: The role and implications of self-diagnosis in autistic communities" by Jennifer C. Sarrett"How is psychological wellbeing experienced by autistic women? Challenges and protective factors: A meta-synthesis" by Natalie Yau et al.Episode intro and outro music: "Life Progression" by Shaolin Dub (mosaic: Exploring Jewish Issuesmosaic is Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County's news podcastListen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify The Other Autism theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.If you would like to submit a question to possibly be answered in a future episode, please email kristen.hovet@gmail.comBecome a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month!Follow me on social media:The Other Autism podcast on InstagramKristen Hovet on LinkedIn

Have you ever heard that autistic people often have adverse or unexpected reactions (or total lack of response) to prescription and over-the-counter medications? Well, it could be genetics, pharmacogenetics, that is!Topics discussed also include:Ultra-rapid and very slow drug metabolizersHow medication sensitivity is not hypochondriaMast cell activation syndrome and medication fillersAutistic folks' reactions to psychotropic drugsIf you'd like to know more about this topic, check out:"Pharmacogenomics of autism spectrum disorder" by Brown et al."Pharmacogenetic influences on the response to pharmacological treatment in autism spectrum disorders" by Hervas et al."Get to know an enzyme: CYP2D6" by Horn and Hansten"What is pharmacogenomics?" —National Institute of General Medical Sciences"The medications used to treat symptoms of autism spectrum disorder" by Regan"Recognition and management of medication excipient reactivity in patients with mast cell activation syndrome" by Schofield and AfrinEpisode intro and outro music: "Hachimantai Snow" by Maarten Schellekens (no changes or modifications were made) The Other Autism theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.If you would like to submit a question to possibly be answered in a future episode, please email kristen.hovet@gmail.comBecome a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month!Follow me on social media:The Other Autism podcast on InstagramKristen Hovet on LinkedIn

What's the difference between the medical and social models of autism? And what gave rise to the social model of autism?Topics discussed also include:"Mad pride's" influence on the neurodiversity movementHow autism may have a similar fate as homosexualityThe neurodiversity movement's stance towards applied behaviour analysis (ABA)The new academic field of Critical Autism StudiesIf you'd like to know more about this topic, check out:"Neurodiversity: An insider's perspective" by Den Houting"Out of DSM: Depathologizing homosexuality" by Drescher"Challenging psychiatric classification: Healthy autistic diversity and the neurodiversity movement" by Dyck and Russell"Understanding and promoting the human rights of autistic people" by Iyall-Smith"Autistic self-advocacy and the neurodiversity movement: Implications for autism early intervention research and practice" by Leadbitter et al."Privileging autistics of color: A human rights approach to applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy" by RubeyEpisode intro and outro music: "Bedroom Eyes" by Audiobinger (no changes or modifications were made) The Other Autism theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.If you would like to submit a question to possibly be answered in a future episode, please email kristen.hovet@gmail.comBecome a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month!Follow me on social media:The Other Autism podcast on InstagramKristen Hovet on LinkedIn

I discuss the physical and mental health conditions that often exist alongside autism.Topics discussed also include:The overlap between autism and ADHDThe overlap between autism and being transThe reasons why it's important to discuss co-occurring conditions and autismCo-occurring conditions in autistic childrenIf you'd like to know more about this topic, check out:"Umbrella systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on comorbid physical conditions in people with autism spectrum disorder" by Rydzewska et al."Prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders among people with autism spectrum disorder: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses" by Hossain et al."Autism spectrum disorders and ADHD: Overlapping phenom enology, diagnostic issues, and treatment considerations" by Antshel and Russo"Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder amongst individuals with gender dysphoria: A systematic review" by Thrower et al."Autism medical comorbidities" by Al-BeltagiEpisode intro and outro music: "Autumn Leaves" by Maarten Schellekens (no changes or modifications were made)mosaic: Exploring Jewish Issuesmosaic is Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County's news podcastListen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify The Other Autism theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.If you would like to submit a question to possibly be answered in a future episode, please email kristen.hovet@gmail.comBecome a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month!Follow me on social media:The Other Autism podcast on InstagramKristen Hovet on LinkedIn

Dr. Elaine Aron and her husband coined the term highly sensitive person (HSP) in the 1990s. Since then, her books and online content on the subject have become widely read and discussed. I'm not the first to see an overlap between the HSP trait and autism, and I won't be the last! Topics discussed also include:An overview of the HSP checklistGetting into some details about Dr. Aron's now-deleted FAQ website content on HSP and autismSpecific ways that Dr. Aron's work can be helpful to autistic peopleThe HSP trait and how much it aligns with the so-called "female autism phenotype"If you'd like to know more about this topic, check out:The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron "Are You Highly Sensitive" — a checklist by Elaine Aron, 1996"My Hypersensitivity Is Real: Why Highly Sensitive People Have ADHD" by Zoë Kessler"Journey to Diagnosis for Women With Autism" by Dori Zener"Sensory Sensitivity May Share Genetic Roots With Autism" by Nicholette Zeliadt"An Update on Psychopharmacological Treatment of Autism" by Aishworiya et al."Biomedical Interventions - Medications" an ASD fact sheet, from Synapse.Episode intro and outro music: "Sweet Dreams - Middle-East Remix" by Maarten Schellekens (no changes or modifications were made)mosaic: Exploring Jewish Issuesmosaic is Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County's news podcastListen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify The Other Autism theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.If you would like to submit a question to possibly be answered in a future episode, please email kristen.hovet@gmail.comBecome a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month!Follow me on social media:The Other Autism podcast on InstagramKristen Hovet on LinkedIn

Did you know that most, if not all, autistic people have sensory processing differences and that many have some combination of hyper-reactivity and hypo-reactivity to different types of sensory stimuli? In this episode, I talk about sensory processing differences and how they could be THE core feature of autism.  Topics discussed also include:How sensory differences impact adaptive functioningAnswering a listener question about my own sensory differencesAn overview of sensory seeking and stimmingIf you'd like to know more about this topic, check out:"The Impact of Atypical Sensory Processing on Adaptive Functioning Within and Beyond Autism" by Neufeld et al."Sensory Processing in Autism: A Review of Neurophysiologic Findings" by Marco et al.Episode intro and outro music: "Outer Space" by Maarten Schellekens (no changes or modifications were made) The Other Autism theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.If you would like to submit a question to possibly be answered in a future episode, please email kristen.hovet@gmail.comBecome a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month!Follow me on social media:The Other Autism podcast on InstagramKristen Hovet on LinkedIn

In this episode, I answer a listener question about autism's impact on my education and learning experiences. Topics discussed include:The challenges AND benefits of being autistic in the context of school and learningAspects of my autistic brain that made learning easy, and the subject I struggled with mostContributing factors leading to a long interruption during undergradEpisode intro music: "Walking on Clouds" by Audiobinger (no changes or modifications were made)Episode outro music: "Love Is Not" by Broke For Free (no changes or modifications were made) The Other Autism theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.If you would like to submit a question to possibly be answered in a future episode, please email kristen.hovet@gmail.comBecome a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month!Follow me on social media:The Other Autism podcast on InstagramKristen Hovet on LinkedIn

What are some traits that autistic adults might experience, especially those with late-diagnosed autism? And what does the female autism phenotype have to do with all of this? Topics discussed also include:Some of my own autistic traits, starting from infancy till nowThe impetus for seeking an adult autism diagnosisLooking for a psychologist for adult autism diagnosisIf you'd like to know more about this topic, check out:"The Female Autism Phenotype and Camouflaging: A Narrative Review" by Hull et al."The Experiences of Late-Diagnosed Women With Autism Spectrum Conditions: An Investigation of the Female Autism Phenotype" by Bargiela et al.Episode intro music: "Upbeat" by Jon Luc Hefferman (no changes or modifications were made)Episode outro music: "Golden Hour" by Broke For Free (no changes or modifications were made)mosaic: Exploring Jewish Issuesmosaic is Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County's news podcastListen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify The Other Autism theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.If you would like to submit a question to possibly be answered in a future episode, please email kristen.hovet@gmail.comBecome a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month!Follow me on social media:The Other Autism podcast on InstagramKristen Hovet on LinkedIn

Autism and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) — are they a good match? Recent findings suggest that EMDR might be particularly helpful for autistic individuals in relieving PTSD symptoms and addressing multiple mental health concerns.Topics discussed also include:An imaginary autism island and what this has to do with diagnostic overshadowingWhat EMDR therapy entails and the proposed theories to explain how it worksThe challenges that many autistic people have with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) The Other Autism theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.If you would like to submit a question to possibly be answered in a future episode, please email kristen.hovet@gmail.comBecome a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month!Follow me on social media:The Other Autism podcast on InstagramKristen Hovet on LinkedIn

Autism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often co-occurring — in other words, they're often seen together. In fact, many autistic people on their diagnosis journey often wonder if they're autistic or living with complex PTSD. For this reason, it's important to have a good understanding of PTSD symptoms and why being autistic might increase chances of developing PTSD. Topics discussed also include:The ways that PTSD can magnify autistic traitsHow PTSD differs from complex PTSD (C-PTSD)Attributes of autistic brains that set the stage for repeated PTSD The Other Autism theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.If you would like to submit a question to possibly be answered in a future episode, please email kristen.hovet@gmail.comBecome a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month!Follow me on social media:The Other Autism podcast on InstagramKristen Hovet on LinkedIn

Why are autistic people especially prone to being abused and exploited by narcissists and other toxic individuals? What traits tend to leave those on the spectrum vulnerable to predatory types? Topics discussed also include: Identifying financial and economic abuse — and the difference between theseWhy couples therapy is not helpful when one person in the relationship has narcissistic personality disorderWhat some of the research shows about autistic people being susceptible to interpersonal violence The Other Autism theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.If you would like to submit a question to possibly be answered in a future episode, please email kristen.hovet@gmail.comBecome a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month!Follow me on social media:The Other Autism podcast on InstagramKristen Hovet on LinkedIn

Mast cell activation syndrome and autism. Is there an overlap? In this episode, I talk about the percentage of autistic people who have some kind of allergy or allergic condition, the difference between allergy and food intolerance, and what could potentially underlie some of the food issues and intolerances seen so often in autism. I also go into some detail about mast cell activation syndrome (or MCAS), the symptoms experienced by those who have MCAS, and why MCAS is so hard to diagnose.  The Other Autism theme music: "Everything Feels New" by Evgeny Bardyuzha. All episodes written and produced by Kristen Hovet.If you would like to submit a question to possibly be answered in a future episode, please email kristen.hovet@gmail.comBecome a supporter of the show for as little as $3 a month!Follow me on social media:The Other Autism podcast on InstagramKristen Hovet on LinkedIn