Hey guys hey! If you’ve ever felt burned out, stuck in the wrong job, or like your ADHD brain just doesn’t "fit" into traditional career paths—you’re not alone. Today’s guest is Shell Mendelson, a powerhouse ADHD career coach with over 30 years of experience helping adults ditch the job-hopping, escape toxic work environments, and build careers that actually work for their brains—not against them.

In this episode, Shell breaks down:

🔥 Why traditional jobs often lead to burnout for ADHD adults

✋ The real problem with PIP (Performance Improvement Plans) and how to avoid them

🧠 How to design a self-accommodation plan that empowers you—not punishes you

💬 What to say in interviews to get the support you need

🌱 How to finally find career clarity and stop second-guessing your path

This is your sign to stop settling and start designing a career that sparks joy and sustainability.

📲 Connect with Shell Mendelson:

🛒 Affiliate Note: Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate or partner, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the podcast so we can keep bringing these powerful stories to you.

🎁 Bonus Giveaway Alert!

💬 If this episode gave you clarity, hope, or just that “aha” moment—follow, download, and leave a review. Your support helps us keep growing and sharing neurodivergent stories that matter.

#ADHDCareers #ShellMendelson #CareerCoachADHD #NeurodivergentWorkforce #PIPAlternative #CareerBurnout #AdultingWithAutism #FindingCareerClarity #ADHDCoaching #WorkplaceInclusion #MentalHealthAtWork #AutismAndEmployment #PodMatch #ExecutiveFunctionSupport #SponsorFriendlyPodcast #ThrivingNotSurviving

Hey guys hey! Get ready for a game-changing conversation with Tom D’Eri, founder of Rising Tide Car Wash and executive director of Rising Tide U. In this episode of Adulting with Autism, Tom shares how he turned his brother Andrew’s autism journey into a national model for inclusive employment—one that’s profitable, powerful, and proving that autistic adults aren’t a hiring risk… they’re a hiring asset. 💼💥

🎯 In this episode, we dive into:

Why outdated hiring systems keep neurodivergent adults locked out

How to build clear, respectful, and sustainable workplaces

Reducing employee turnover by 80% (yes, really)

What it means for parents to shift from guardians to coaches

Why entry-level jobs are just the beginning—not the limit—for autistic talent

Whether you're a business leader, parent, educator, or neurodivergent adult yourself, this conversation will expand your mindset and give you real tools for a more inclusive future.

📘 Grab Tom’s Book:

🌐 Learn more about Tom & Rising Tide U:

🎁 GIVEAWAY TIME!

💬 Enjoyed the episode? Drop a review, follow for more, and share with someone who needs to hear this message.

#TomDEri #RisingTideU #AutismEmployment #NeurodivergentWorkforce #InclusionThatWorks #AdultingWithAutism #NeurodiversityAtWork #EmploymentEquity #AutismAcceptance #InclusiveHiring #BusinessWithHeart #SponsorFriendlyPodcast #ParentingNeurodivergentAdults #AutismSupport #PodMatch

Hey guys hey! In this powerful episode of Adulting with Autism, I’m joined by Tracey Van Hawkins—mom, innovator, and founder of the Thriving on the Spectrum app and platform.

Tracey shares her deeply personal story of navigating her son’s autism diagnosis, the moment everything changed with the help of one observant preschool teacher, and how she turned that journey into a mission to help autistic kids and families thrive with dignity, structure, and support.

🎯 In this episode, we talk about:

How sensory overload and emotional regulation shaped her parenting journey

The early red flags no one talks about—and how to trust your gut

What it means to build tools that speak the language of autistic kids

Why she created the Thriving on the Spectrum app for both parents and neurodivergent users

The shift from “surviving the day” to building confidence, agency, and joy

Whether you’re a parent, therapist, teacher, or neurodivergent adult—you’ll walk away with practical insights and hope for a more inclusive future.

📲 Connect with Tracey Van Hawkins + Thriving on the Spectrum:

🎁 GIVEAWAY TIME!

👍 Like what you hear? Follow, download, and leave a review—it helps more neurodivergent voices rise to the top.

#AdultingWithAutism #ThrivingOnTheSpectrum #TraceyVanHawkins #AutismParenting #NeurodivergentSupport #SensoryProcessing #AutismApps #ParentingWithPurpose #VisualSchedules #AutismTools #NeurodiversityInTech #EmpoweredParenting #AutismAwarenessMonth #PodcastForParents #InclusiveTech #SponsorFriendlyPodcasts #PodMatch

Hey guys hey! In this episode of Adulting with Autism, we’re embracing our “neurospicy” superpowers with the hilarious, brilliant, and wildly relatable Dr. Kristen Williamson—licensed professional counselor, DEIB speaker, and proud ringleader of a wonderfully chaotic neurodivergent family.

Whether you’re navigating sensory overload, dodging burnout in a neurotypical workplace, or trying not to lose your mind parenting your own spicy little humans—Dr. K is here to help you laugh, breathe, and realize your brain was never broken, just untranslated.

🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to turn neurodivergent chaos into confident leadership

The truth about masking and mental health in professional settings

Parenting neurodivergent teens with humor, boundaries, and snacks

Why ADHD, autism, and anxiety often travel together—and what to do about it

How embracing your “too much-ness” is actually your power move

Dr. K blends clinical insight with lived experience, bringing the validation and tools every late-diagnosed or high-masking adult needs right now.

📲 Connect with Dr. Kristen Williamson:

🎉 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY & WIN:

💛 Don’t forget to follow, download, share with your neurospicy crew, and leave a review—it keeps this show growing and helps sponsors find us!

#AdultingWithAutism #Neurospicy #KristenWilliamson #MentalHealthMatters #NeurodivergentVoices #ADHDPodcast #AutismAcceptance #ParentingWhileNeurodivergent #MaskingAndBurnout #MentalHealthAwareness #NeurodiversityInTheWorkplace #TherapistWithADHD #LateDiagnosisLife #SensoryOverloadSurvival #PodcastForSponsors #PodMatch

Hey guys hey! In this episode of Adulting with Autism, we’re diving into the intersection of money, mental health, and neurodivergence with therapist and financial wellness coach Rachel Duncan—founder of the Money Healing Club.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by budgeting, struggled with impulsive spending, or just thought “I’m not good with money,” this episode will flip the script. Rachel specializes in helping autistic and ADHD adults rebuild financial trust, manage the emotional load of money, and develop systems that actually work with your nervous system—not against it.

💸 In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to budget without burnout

The psychology behind money shame and impulsive spending

Why neurodivergent brains need a different approach to finances

Tools to turn budgeting into a form of self-care

How money and masking often go hand-in-hand

What financial “freedom” really looks like when you're ND

Whether you’re late-diagnosed or deep in unmasking, this conversation is your financial permission slip: you are not broken—you’ve just never been taught in a way that makes sense for you.

📲 Connect with Rachel Duncan:

🎁 Giveaway Time!

💬 Share this episode with a friend, leave a review, or tag us on socials if it resonated—we love hearing from you!

#AdultingWithAutism #RachelDuncan #MoneyHealing #NeurodivergentBudgeting #ADHDFinances #AutisticMoneyTips #TherapyAndMoney #BudgetingForNeurodivergentBrains #FinancialWellnessCoach #AutismAndMoney #ImpulseSpendingHelp #MoneyShameRecovery #MentalHealthAndMoney #ADHDMoneyManagement #LateDiagnosisSupport #NeurodivergentPodcast #PodMatch

Hey guys hey! In this powerful episode of Adulting with Autism, I sit down with Josselyn Crane—neurodivergent coach, educator, content creator, and co-founder of a thriving social club for autistic and ADHD adults.

We're diving deep into the emotional rollercoaster of a late-in-life autism or ADHD diagnosis, and what comes next when you finally have answers but no roadmap. Josselyn shares how she helps adults unmask, reframe their identity, and build sustainable, shame-free systems that work for real life.

🎯 In this episode:

The real emotional load of late autism diagnosis

Why traditional jobs may not fit neurodivergent needs

Masking, burnout, and rebuilding identity in adulthood

Parenting while neurodivergent

Creating community beyond neurotypical norms

Her work helping autistic adults thrive through systems, coaching, and career consulting

Whether you're just figuring things out or looking to connect with others who get it, this is your permission slip to drop the mask, find your people, and move forward with clarity.

🎁 Discord Giveaway Alert!

🧠 Connect with Josselyn Crane:

🎧 If this conversation resonated, follow, download, and share! Let’s keep building a neurodivergent-affirming world, one episode at a time.

#AdultingWithAutism #JosselynCrane #LateDiagnosis #UnmaskingAutism #NeurodivergentCoach #ADHDAdulting #AutismAcceptance #MentalHealthPodcast #NeurodiversityInTheWorkplace #ThrivingNotJustSurviving #MaskingAndBurnout #AdultAutismSupport #PodMatch

Hey guys hey! In this episode of Adulting with Autism, I’m joined by the incredible Sam Mitchell—college student, public speaker, podcast host, and founder of the nonprofit Autism Rocks and Rolls Corporation. Sam’s not just advocating for the autism community—he’s changing the narrative entirely.

We dive into Sam’s journey from high school to college, how he built a nonprofit from scratch, what it’s like navigating life on the autism spectrum, and how he’s found confidence, purpose, and community by embracing exactly who he is.

💬 What you’ll hear in this episode:

The reality of transitioning from high school to college as an autistic student

How Sam started Autism Rocks and Rolls as a teen—and turned it into a movement

Tips for building confidence as a neurodivergent young adult

Why success looks different for everyone—and why that’s more than okay

Sam’s perspective on employment, independence, and being your own advocate

The importance of representation and community for autistic young adults

🎁 GIVEAWAY ALERT: As part of our 30 Days of OT & Autism Awareness Month celebration, we’re giving away a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive podcast merch to the 1,000th person to join our Discord! Don’t miss your chance—link is in the show notes.

🧠 Connect with Sam Mitchell + Autism Rocks and Rolls:

🎧 Whether you're autistic, parenting a young adult, or simply curious about what real success can look like beyond stereotypes—Sam’s story will leave you inspired, empowered, and ready to take action.

Tap play and join the movement—because autism doesn’t need a cure—it needs a platform.

Hey guys hey! In this powerful episode of Adulting with Autism, I’m joined by Tim Thomas—former Special Forces operator turned breathwork expert, sleep coach, and veteran mental health advocate. Tim takes us on a journey into the science (and soul) of transformational breathing techniques, showing how your lungs might just be the best pharmacy you never knew you had.

From overcoming PTSD and helping his autistic daughter find calm, to teaching elite athletes and exhausted parents how to reset their nervous systems—Tim shares how breathwork can dramatically improve your sleep, stress levels, focus, and emotional health.

💡 What you’ll learn:

How to use breath to reduce anxiety and increase energy

Tim’s personal story of healing from trauma and insomnia

“Turbo breathing” for daily stress relief

Sunrise light, grounding, and free daily rituals to regulate your circadian rhythm

Why better sleep = better life (and how to start tonight)

How to breathe into your full body for calm, clarity, and connection

✨ Whether you're neurodivergent, a caregiver, a veteran, or just tired of being tired, this episode is packed with techniques you can try immediately—and they won’t cost a thing.

🎁 Giveaway Alert: We’re still celebrating OT & Autism Awareness Month with 30 days of content and a giveaway! Be the 1,000th person to join our Discord and win a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive podcast merch!

🧘‍♂️ Connect with Tim Thomas:

Hey guys hey! In this powerful episode of Adulting with Autism, we’re talking all about neurodivergent fatherhood, dyslexia, ADHD, and breaking generational trauma with the incredible Mike Forrester—men’s transformation coach and host of the Living Fearless Today podcast.

Mike gets candid about receiving his dyslexia and ADHD diagnoses later in life, and how those discoveries reshaped his role as a father, caregiver, and husband. If you've ever wondered how to balance healing, parenting, and understanding your brain all at once—this is your episode.

💥 In this episode:

Living with undiagnosed dyslexia into adulthood

Navigating ADHD while parenting neurodivergent kids

Breaking toxic generational cycles

Processing trauma while building emotional resilience

Being a husband, father, and caregiver without burning out

Using humor, grace, and honesty to survive it all

Whether you’re neurodivergent yourself, raising a differently wired child, or just tired of being misunderstood, Mike’s story reminds us that vulnerability is strength—and healing is always possible.

🧠 Connect with Mike Forrester:

🎉 Giveaway Alert: We’re still celebrating OT & Autism Awareness Month with 30 straight days of content—and the 1,000th person to join our Discord wins exclusive merch + a $100 Visa gift card. Join the community now (link in show notes)!

📢 Sponsors: This episode hits core audiences in mental health, education, parenting, and men's wellness. Interested in partnering? Let’s chat.

🎧 Tap play for honest conversation, practical insight, and the reminder that you’re never alone on this journey.

Hey guys hey! In this episode of Adulting with Autism, we’re talking all things autistic life coaching, transitions, and empowerment with the amazing Doug Blecher, founder of Autism Personal Coach.

Doug joins us to share how his Autistic-led coaching team helps teens and adults navigate real-world challenges like independence, executive functioning, sensory overwhelm, career exploration, and more—without the pressure to “fit in” to neurotypical expectations.

💡 In this episode:

What real autism support looks like for teens & adults

Why coaching is different from therapy—and who it's for

Tips for parents learning to step back so their kids can step up

How to identify red flags in transitional programs

Why sensory support > social scripts

Building community, routines, and support systems that actually work

This one’s for autistic adults, parents, and professionals ready to unlearn what doesn’t serve—and build something that does.

🎁 Plus, we're celebrating Autism & OT Awareness Month with 30 days of content and a giveaway for the 1,000th person to join our Discord—custom merch + a $100 Visa gift card!

📬 Connect with Doug Blecher: