In this illuminating episode of Adulting with Autism, host April Ratchford engages in a profound conversation with renowned clinical expert, Dr. Michelle Maitenberg. The focus of their discussion is the underexplored concept of emotional avoidance, especially its connection with individuals on the autism spectrum. The duo draws upon real-life scenarios exhibiting emotional avoidance, offering practical advice for handling such situations effectively.

Dr. Maitenberg, known for her comprehensive knowledge in cognitive therapy and other therapeutic methods, helps demystify the complex nature of emotional avoidance. They emphasize the potential for intentional management of this aspect leading to an improved quality of life. This engaging conversation also delves into the distracting role of technology in perpetuating emotional avoidance.

The aim of this dialogue is to empower listeners to recognize emotional triggers and acquire strategies for better emotional management. The episode wraps up with an elaborative conversation on the concept of mindfulness, its wide-ranging definition, and how it serves as a tool to counter emotional avoidance.

Join April and Dr. Maidenberg on this emotionally rich and informative exploration designed to aid individuals and families involved with autism in leading a more fulfilling life. Don't miss this enlightening exchange in the realm of Autism, only on "Adulting with Autism."

Beyond autism, the episode offers a comprehensive understanding of mindfulness, anxiety and mental wellbeing. Listeners get to understand the neurological response to intense emotions and are presented with actionable techniques to manage stress and anxiety.

The podcast also provides guidance on setting realistic mindfulness goals and the necessary patience and commitment required for mental wellness journey. Techniques to overcome self-defeating thoughts and promote self-acceptance, self-compassion, and self-empowerment are also discussed in detail.

This episode urges listeners to approach life mindfully, fostering positive change through positive thinking, and persisting on the journey to mental wellness. Get ready to dive deep into the intricacies of emotional avoidance, mental wellness and mindfulness from experts in the field.

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Welcome to a powerful and transformative episode of the 'Adulting with Autism' podcast hosted by April Ratchford. In this enlightening episode, April, an empathetic therapist, mother, and autism advocate, brings us into the intimate world of adults with autism, sharing their daily life struggles and victories. The episode's central theme is the pervasive issue of "people-pleasing," a common trap for parents, caregivers, and individuals alike.

We welcome special guest Kara Regas, a certified life coach, specializing in breaking the people-pleasing cycle. Delving deep into the complexities of this syndrome, Kara offers practical steps toward setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing self-care. She illuminates how people-pleasing often roots in childhood issues and impacts all aspects of our lives. Recognizing and understanding this tendency is the first step toward healing and positive change.

April and Kara engage in a stimulating conversation about the importance of self-awareness, boundary setting, and assertive communication. They highlight the crucial differences between therapy and coaching and how a coach helps individuals apply learned therapeutic strategies in real-life scenarios with effectiveness.

Further in the discussion, the episode explores the intricate connection between emotions, hormones, and the nervous system and their profound influence on our overall state of mind. Learn about the importance of a flexible nervous system, and how transitioning from sympathetic states to parasympathetic states can aid mental wellness.

The episode concludes with Kara sharing her experiences as a people-pleasing coach, her passion for her craft, and her clients' inspiring success stories. This episode brings to the forefront the prevalent issue of 'people-pleasing,' providing practical insights and strategies to overcome it. Listen now to embark on a journey of self-discovery, self-care, and personal empowerment.

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Welcome to ‘Adulting with Autism', the podcast that provides a unique neurodiverse perspective on life's challenges. This episode features a fascinating conversation between host, April Ratchford, and guest, Erin Rodgers, a renowned storyteller, writer, and workshop facilitator committed to helping people capture their stories.

Erin shares her personal experiences with autism and how she uses her insights to assist others in expressing themselves. With extensive experience working with notable organizations like UNIFOR, Ontario Federation of Labor, and Engineers Canada, Erin highlights how mastering self-expression can significantly enhance our ability to connect with others. Her work in the Pathfinders Collective also showcases her talent and passion for storytelling.

Covering the advantages of journaling and embracing individuality and interests, she motivates listeners to become the main characters of their stories. Moreover, she emphasizes the learning potential that lies within our mistakes, giving listeners the courage to step out of their comfort zones and take on new challenges.

This invigorating episode serves as an excellent avenue for those seeking to establish their tribe, preparing for college life, or eager for tips on dealing with the unpredictability of life. Stay tuned for engaging anecdotes and practical wisdom, as Erin provides a unique perspective on coping with obstacles, using daily affirmations, and confronting shame and ridicule—all while living a life that celebrates their uniqueness.

Settle in for an exceptional conversation with Erin Rogers, as she candidly shares her journey of discovery, mental health challenges, and the transformative power of storytelling. Don't miss this enriching blend of humor, valuable insights, and essential wisdom to aid neurodiverse listeners to confidently traverse the landscape of adult life.

If you wish to delve deeper into Erin Rogers' work, tune in to 'Adulting with Autism,' or find her at 'story star coaching' and '@AaronRodgersStoryPro' on Instagram. This episode is sure to inspire all adults with autism and neurodiverse individuals around the world to embrace their narrative and celebrate their unique journey.

In this remarkable episode of 'Adulting with Autism,' meet our inspiring guest, Kristof Morrow, a well-acclaimed author and late-diagnosed Tourette's warrior. Listen to his fascinating journey filled with resilience, determination, and strength that propelled him to an impressive writing career with his books distributed across about 50 countries worldwide.

This episode delves into the mechanics of  Kristof's writing process, his unique relationship with words, and strategies to tackle writers' block. He also discusses his best-selling fantasy-literature series 'The Second Sun' and reveals the interesting genesis of his novel's protagonist.

We explore how being on the autism spectrum and experiencing childhood trauma has enriched Kristof's narratives, helping him frame complex characters and craft profound stories. Despite the hardships and misunderstandings faced, Kristof firmly believes in the power of creativity and encourages listeners to persistently chase their dreams.

This episode is an intimate peep into the mind of a writer who passionately weaves intricate themes into his works and introduces a dialogue of Spanglish in his upcoming science fiction project. Hear how his current series affects him psychologically and get a glimpse of the upcoming third volume.

Feel the author's evident love and passion for writing; it's like hanging out with his favorite people! End this heartfelt episode with an important reminder to cherish reparations and uphold democracy. Tune into step into the intriguing world of a writer brimming with depth, humor and adventure!

Welcome to this exciting episode of our podcast, "Adulting with Autism: A Revolutionary Approach to Curing Anxiety". In this in-depth conversation, our host and veteran occupational therapist, April Ratchford, engages with special guest, Daniel Packard. Daniel, a mechanical engineer from UC Berkeley, shares his personal struggle with anxiety and the groundbreaking solution he developed from his 8-year research.

In this episode, Daniel talks about his decade-long battle with anxiety, investing a whopping $100,000 in various therapies that only provided him temporary relief. Sharing his own success story, Packard claims a staggering 90% success rate for his revolutionary approach, putting forward essential insights for anyone dealing with anxiety disorders or emotional pain.

Daniel illustrates the importance of treating emotional wounds rather than merely managing them, narrating his transformative journey towards emotional healing. He also reveals the truth about the prevalent mode of treatment in the industry and how his approach is set to alter it.

Through Packard's unique system, he aims to bring peace, happiness, and total liberation from fear, anxiety, or trauma to those in need. A clear example of reliability and efficiency, his unique pay-after-results model provides tangible results, eliminating any risks for those seeking help and offering an affordable, simple, and highly effective solution to mental health issues.

Tune in to this inspiring episode to learn from Daniel's determination to provide a better alternative for treating emotional pain, his dedication towards his clients’ success, and a system that leaves no room for confusion, guesswork, or failure. Discover the life-changing method that could be the solution you or a loved one needs to finally be free from anxiety.

As a mother, watching my son Z grapple with the seductive pull of digital addiction opened my eyes to the unique challenges faced by individuals with autism. It's a journey filled with intense battles and hard-won victories, and I'm here to share our story, hoping it resonates with yours. On our latest podcast episode, we wade through the entangled web of video games and social media addiction, shedding light on how the quest for digital dopamine hits can overshadow real-life achievements. We discuss the brain's role in fostering these compulsions and how self-regulation becomes a Herculean task. It's not just a narrative; it's an exploration of the changes that occur within, and a testament to the fact that stepping back from the screen can lead to profound personal growth.

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Struggling to kiss insomnia goodbye and sail smoothly into dreamland? You're not alone, and we've got the ultimate bedtime companion in our latest podcast episode. Helen Sernett, the brain behind the 'Sleep List' podcast, joins us to share her personal voyage from sleepless nights to becoming a beacon for those in search of rest. We get up close and personal with the non-drug strategies that soothe the bedtime blues, especially crucial for our listeners on the autism spectrum. From crafting a serene nightly ritual to tweaking your phone settings for minimal disruption, Helen's tips might just be the missing puzzle piece in your sleep saga.

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When my son Z transformed from someone who avoided loud crowds to a rock concert enthusiast, I realized the magic of embracing one's own journey towards independence and living a life that's authentically yours. That's what we're discussing on today's Adulting with Autism podcast—finding your life's purpose amid the beautiful chaos that defines our experiences, spectrum or not. Get ready to laugh and learn as we explore strength-based coaching, the insightful guidance of mentorship, and the stress-busting power of a good chuckle. My stories and the shared experiences of our listeners will make you feel like you're snuggled up with friends, chatting about the roller coaster of adulthood.

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Overwhelmed by the ever-looming specter of procrastination? We've all been there, and I, April Ratchford, am no stranger to the battle against the clock, particularly when it’s crunch time for ACT and SAT prep. In this heartfelt episode of Adulting with Autism, we strip down the label of 'procrastinator' to reveal its true nature—a symptom rooted in anxiety—and I share how understanding our physiological responses can be the key to unlock productivity. Discover the remarkable role of the vagus nerve in stress regulation and learn actionable strategies to tackle that frozen feeling. From a simple, comforting hand over your heart to integrating the wisdom of thought leaders like Mel Robbins, we explore how initiating even the smallest steps can create a ripple effect towards achieving your goals. It's not just about getting things done; it's about managing priorities and ensuring you're on track with essential tasks, including the all-important FAFSA applications and embracing job opportunities that sharpen social skills.

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Life has a way of shaking up our best-laid plans, and I, April Ratchford, am no stranger to this. After a short, unplanned hiatus, I'm back with a heartfelt apology and an episode that's near and dear to my heart—shedding light on accountability and grooming in adulthood for those on the autism spectrum. With a brand-new microphone in tow, I delve into the often-overlooked lesson of accountability that's essential for individuals like my son, Z. Through a personal story, I illuminate the struggles and triumphs of embracing responsibility, punctuality, and decision-making, emphasizing why it's crucial to foster these skills rather than depend on others.

@adulting_autism