In episode 5, Marni and Chris talked with Caitlin Hughes, a multi-exceptional (Autistic, ADHD, Gifted) Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and founder of Cathartic Collaborations, a neurodivergent-affirming private practice in Brisbane, Australia.

We explore what it really means to live with a pervasive drive for autonomy as an adult. We talk about how privilege, safety, and life design shape the PDA experience, how early coping strategies evolve over time, and why autonomy-supportive environments matter for everyone. With insights drawn from both lived experience and professional practice, we unpack the nuances often missed in child-focused PDA conversations and offer perspectives that validate, challenge, and inspire.

Key themes included:

* The internal struggle with self-imposed demands. Even when tasks are self-initiated and aligned with personal desires, the pressure of execution can trigger significant distress.

* Having the freedom to make choices is essential for regulating our nervous systems. This autonomy allows us to honor our needs and set boundaries, which is vital for mental well-being.

* Caitlin introduced us to the concept of Internal Family Systems (IFS), which views our psyche as composed of different parts. This framework can help us understand our reactions and emotions better.

Caitlin Hughes (she/they) is a multi-exceptional (Autistic, ADHD, Gifted) Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and the founder of Cathartic Collaborations, a neurodivergent-affirming private practice based in Brisbane, Australia. Drawing on both lived and professional experience, Caitlin provides somatic, trauma-informed therapeutic support for neurocomplex and neuroqueer folks, helping clients embrace their unique neurotypes and build self-defined lives of meaning and purpose.

Caitlin is a passionate advocate for neurodivergent mental health, with a special interest in supporting other social workers to grow in their affirming practice. They facilitate the Neurodivergent Affirming Social Workers Collective on Facebook and co-host Divergent Dialogues, a podcast and Substack publication exploring neurodivergent mental health through a blend of research, personal experience, and reflective conversation.

Currently completing a PhD focused on Autistic mental health, Caitlin is a published researcher with a strong interest in qualitative inquiry and systems change.

Links from this episode:

Cathartic Collaborations (Caitlin’s website)

Divergent Dialogues

Inside the Nervous System: Reframing PDA with IFS (Caitlin’s blog)

Find Caitlin on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn

Caitlin’s episodes on Positive Disintegration and cosmic cheer squad

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