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Hey friends! Today’s episode brings in Aaron Helton — an autistic executive coach who’s rewriting what leadership can look like for neurodivergent adults.

Raised by a Tiger Mom and homeschooled with a grading scale where a “B” meant failure, Aaron knows what it means to live under pressure. From years of masking and people-pleasing to running from burnout, Aaron shares how he finally stepped into leadership with boundaries, humor, and radical self-awareness.

We talk about:

• Why autistic adults often become overthinkers and overachievers

If you’ve ever thought, “Is it okay to want more and not break myself to get it?” — this one is for you.

☕ Want to support the show and keep this content flowing? Tap my Linktree to grab merch, join our Discord, or Buy Me a Coffee — everything’s in one spot:👉 https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism

🎧 Connect with Aaron:🔗 https://integratedleader.com

Autistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!)

Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.

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🎓 College doesn’t have to be overwhelming for autistic students — and Mercyhurst University proves it.In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Palm, Director of the AIM Program at Mercyhurst, to explore how their college creates real support systems for neurodivergent students.

From autism-specific housing and taco night social clubs, to personalized academic mentoring and life skills training — Mercyhurst’s AIM Program is helping students not only survive, but thrive.

💡 Whether you're an autistic young adult, a parent planning for transition, or an educator looking for inspiration — this episode breaks down what college can look like when students are truly seen, supported, and empowered.

📍 Contact Ryan PalmMercyhurst AIM ProgramWebsite: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aimEmail: [email protected]

💬 Mentioned in this episode:📘 Good Mood Revolution by Matt O’Neill – adultingwi056-20 👉 adultingwi056-20 

🛡️ FTC Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

🎁 Don’t forget: join our Discord community for giveaways, bonus content, and a safe space to connect with others who just get it.

🔗 Linktree, merch, and more → https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism

Autistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!)

Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.

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Hey guys hey! Welcome back to Adulting with Autism, where we keep it real about life, growth, and healing through a neurodivergent lens.

Today’s guest is Matt Melvin, author of Bullied Behind Bars: A Gay Christian Trump Supporter Goes to Prison. His story? Unapologetically raw, wildly unique—and absolutely necessary.

We talk about:

• 🚨 How autism, impulsivity, and lack of support led to devastating legal consequences

This conversation is short, but it hits hard. It’s about being misunderstood. Misjudged. And still choosing to show up and build something meaningful from the wreckage.

📘 Grab Matt’s Book – Bullied Behind Bars👉 bulliedbehindbars.com📩 Email Matt directly: [email protected]

Note: Some links may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, a small portion helps support this show—at no additional cost to you.

🎁 Still time to join our Discord giveaway!The 1,000th member gets a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive Adulting with Autism merch.👉 https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism

💬 If Matt’s story resonated, leave a review, follow the show, and share it with someone who needs to know they’re not alone—even if they’ve hit rock bottom.

#MattMelvin #BulliedBehindBars #NeurodivergentVoices #AutismAndJustice #AdultingWithAutism #PrisonReform #FaithAndNeurodivergence #TraumaRecovery #ImpulseControl #AutismAcceptance #AutisticAdultsMatter #SponsorFriendlyPodcast #SecondChances #PodcastVisibility #PodMatch

Autistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!)

Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.

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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

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

📲 Connect with Shell Mendelson:🌐 Website & coaching: https://careercoachingwithshell.com📘 ADHD Career Clarity Workbook: https://unlockyourcareerpath.com📸 Instagram: @careercoachingwithshell

🛒 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!Join our Discord community for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive merch during OT & Autism Awareness Month! The 1,000th member wins big. Link in bio or https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism.

💬 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

Autistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!)

Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.

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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

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:The Power of Potential: How a Non-Traditional Workforce Can Lead You to Run Your Business Better👉 Buy it here using my affiliate: https://amzn.to/425uGX3e linkAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you. ✅

🌐 Learn more about Tom & Rising Tide U:Website: https://risingtideu.comInstagram: @risingtidecarwashFacebook: Rising Tide Car Wash

🎁 GIVEAWAY TIME!Join our Discord during OT & Autism Awareness Month and be the 1,000th member to win a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive podcast merch! Link in bio or https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism.

💬 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

Autistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!)

Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.

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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

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:🌐 Website: https://www.thrivingonthespectrum.com📱 Instagram: @thrivingonthespectrum📥 App: Available on iOS + Android under Thriving on the Spectrum

🎁 GIVEAWAY TIME!We're still celebrating 30 Days of OT & Autism Awareness Month with a Discord giveaway! Be our 1,000th member and win a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive podcast merch. Join here: https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism.

👍 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

Autistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!)

Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.

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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

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:🌐 Website: https://www.empowermindsolutionsllc.com📸 Instagram: @empowermindsolutionsllc🎵 TikTok: @empowerminds.solu👩‍💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Kristen Williamson📘 Facebook: EmpowerMind Solutions

🎉 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY & WIN:We’re celebrating OT & Autism Awareness Month with giveaways!🎁 Join our Discord and you could be our 1,000th member to win a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive merch.👉 https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism

💛 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

Autistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!)

Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.

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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

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:🌐 Website: https://rachelduncantherapy.com📸 Instagram: @moneyhealingclub🧠 Join her coaching & community: https://moneyhealingclub.com💌 Promo: Use code ADULTING for 50% off your first month in the Money Healing Club—plus a portion supports the podcast!

🎁 Giveaway Time!We’re still celebrating 30 Days of OT & Autism Awareness Month, and we’re gifting a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive merch to our 1,000th Discord member.👉 Join here: https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism

💬 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

Autistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!)

Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.

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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

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!Join our community and be the 1,000th person to win a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive Adulting with Autism merch. Link’s in the show notes or [insert your Linktree].

🧠 Connect with Josselyn Crane:🌐 Website & Services: https://josselync.com📸 Instagram: @josselync.coach🎥 TikTok: @josselync.coach📧 Email: [email protected]

🎧 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

Autistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!)

Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.

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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

🎁 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:🌐 Website: https://autismrocksandrolls.com📸 Instagram: @autismrocksandrollspod📧 Email: [email protected]🎙️ Podcast: Autism Rocks and Rolls (Available on all platforms)🎤 Book Sam for Speaking: Available via website

🎧 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.

Autistic adulting chaos? My MFish Dragon Charger slays—sleek, bold design with soul (no Apple boredom!), powers phone/laptop through BTS sessions. Daily obsession for my neurodivergent brain—ordering more! Quick pre-roll from Adulting with Autism. Affiliate link below (I earn from purchases—thanks!)

Get fierce for fall with the Empowerment Collection and Power in the Frequency! Bold colors, ultimate comfort, and designs made for neurodivergent pride. Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.

Support the show

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