Today I’m sitting down with Nicole Penrod, MFT—a therapist and writer who works with neurodivergent adults, creatives, and mixed-neurotype couples. We dig into the real-world stuff: how to spot autistic burnout before it flattens you, unmask without losing your identity, set boundaries that actually stick, and navigate dating, breakups, and repair when ADHD and autism meet. Nicole also shares low-overwhelm tools (structured journaling, decision frameworks, nervous-system check-ins) you can start using today.
- Burnout vs. depression vs. “I’m just done”—how to tell the difference
Unmasking with safety: scripts for work, friends, and partnersMixed-neurotype conflict: reduce shame, raise clarity, repair fasterDating while autistic/ADHD: green flags, hard passes, and pacingCreativity as regulation: using story to process big feelingsWhat therapists wish ND clients knew about progress and relapse Nicole Penrod is a Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in creatives, the entertainment industry, neurodivergent adults, and mixed-neurotype relationships. She blends clinical tools with practical, compassionate coaching to help you heal, grow, and move forward.
Events & Summits
• Social Connections Summit (Patterns of Possibility): https://www.patternsofpossibility.com/scs2025
• Thrive / NeuroThrive Autism Workshop (my link): https://autismsupport.live/july-aprilratchford
🛒 Support the podcast & merch: linktr.ee/adultingwithautism
⚡ Tools for neurodivergent success: MFISH 4-in-1 Charger https://mfish.shop/discount/mfishAdultingwithAutismPodcast
• Show Merch: https://adulting-with-autism-shop.fourthwall.com/
• Website: NicolePenrodMFT.com
• Instagram: @activate_resilience
• IG: @adulting_autism
• TikTok: @adultingautismbts
• YouTube: Adulting With Autism
Keep fierce. Keep focused. Keep Adulting With Autism.
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.
mfish: Organize. Simplify. Win
Eco-friendly, high-quality tech tool to simplify school, work and life
Find Your Fierce This Fall: Empowerment
Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.
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