KW is a Licensed Professional Counselor who was identified as AuDHD in his 30s. He lives with his neurodivergent spouse and five fur-kids in Midwest-USA. He is an artist, writer, photographer, and musician. At present, he is excited to be creating his first podcast: a music deep dive show that will air on the Autistic Culture Podcast Network this summer. He shares his diagnosis journey, his passions, and the process of "unbecoming" as he unmasks.

00:13 Introductions

01:28 KW's diagnosis journey including suicidality and trauma from being misunderstood * Trigger Warning *

04:45 KW's process of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor

05:12 KW's confusion about diagnosis despite being an LPC

05:28 The therapist that suggested KW should be assessed for ADHD

06:43 Why KW became a counselor

08:32 The necessity of unpacking your own "stuff" as a counselor

09:00 How becoming a counselor was rewarding for KW

10:08 KW's reflections on providing a safe space for his clients and being your authentic self

11:37 KW's first session conversation with his clients

12:12 KW's case load of Autistic middle and high school boys before he understood Autism and instinctually following the client's lead

15:28 KW's lived experience presentation to his co-workers *Trigger Warning*

17:42 Turrell's response to KW's list of personal characteristics he had accumulated

19:10 KW's response to the value of having supportive people in your life

21:13 KW's most powerful realization and best advice

23:03 Daria's response to KW's lived experience of having personal support

23:58 The importance of seeking out support

25:01 The importance of letting go of fear when it's necessary to move on from what doesn't feel right

25:55 KW reconceptualizing himself as a musician, writer, photographer, and an artist starting with his love of music and his favourite band

26:25 Daria's response to KW

27:25 Reconnecting with his creativity as he unmasks

30:30 Maya Angelou's inspiring quote and KW's focus on "unbecoming"

31:11 KW's passion for music

33:36 KW's upcoming podcast mini-series on the Autistic Culture Podcast Network

35:27 Turrell's upcoming podcast mini-series on the Autistic Culture Podcast Network

36:09 The Autistic appreciation of sharing passionate interests

36:47 Wrap-Up

KW on Substack: https://substack.com/@mraskmore?r=3cfq85&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=stories&shareImageVariant=light

DIRFloortime https://affectautism.com/what-is-dirfloortime/

The Late Diagnosis Club https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/

Maya Angelou's most famous quote on creativity is: "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have."

KW's favourite band The Color Morale

https://fearlessrecords.com/artists/the-color-morale/

Turrell's and my past episode on our love of the band Nirvana https://affectautism.com/autistic-viewpoints/

Another band KW is a fan of "Good Charlotte" https://www.goodcharlotte.com/

* Thank you to Hungarian recording artist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Post Analog Disorder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for the intro/outro music permission: ⁠https://postanalogdisorder.bandcamp.com/album/still-i-rise