Exploring The Spectrum

How can the stories of autistic individuals who have defied expectations inspire hope for others navigating their own journeys?

Iuliia Bazhan, founder and Executive Director of Evo Autism Foundation, joins us to talk about her journey as an autistic woman, mother of an autistic son, and advocate for greater inclusion. We explore how early predictions about an autistic child's future can shape expectations and the importance of recognizing and nurturing individual talents. We also discuss the barriers autistic adults face in employment, why embracing neurodivergent talent requires accommodating different needs, and how Iuliia is using personal stories and public exhibitions to inspire hope and create meaningful change. 

LINKS:

Linkedin

EvoAutism Foundation  

What does it feel like to live at the intersection of autism and ADHD, when two seemingly opposing needs exist within the same person?

In this episode, psychotherapist, psychologist, and PhD researcher Karla Pretorius joins us to discuss the more subtle and internalized presentations of ADHD and autism, particularly in women. We explore masking, anxiety, imposter syndrome, AuDHD, and why someone can appear to be functioning well while expending enormous energy just to keep up. Karla shares both her professional expertise and lived experience as we discuss how asking better questions, understanding our individual nervous systems, and getting curious about what actually works can help people build lives that fit who they are rather than who they've learned they are supposed to be.

LINKS:

Connect with Karla 

Instagram 

KarlaPretorius.com

Learn More: 

What is AuDHD - https://neurodivergentinsights.com/what-is-audhd/

More Insights - https://substack.com/@bridgettehamstead

Psychedelic experiences can amplify everything from sound and light to emotion and memory, so how can we adapt them for neurodivergent individuals who may already experience the world in an amplified way?

Dr. WaiFung Tsang, MSc, DClinPsy is a clinical psychologist, researcher, and co-founder of Onaya Science, joins us to explore what Western psychedelic medicine can learn from Indigenous Amazonian traditions and how these lessons may be particularly important for neurodivergent individuals. We discuss the role of community and ceremony in psychedelic healing, how sensory and communication differences may shape the psychedelic experience for autistic individuals, and why adaptations designed for neurodivergent populations may ultimately represent better care for everyone. WaiFung also shares why the period after a psychedelic experience may be even more important than the experience itself, and how thoughtful integration can help translate moments of connection, authenticity, and insight into lasting change.

LINKS: 

Onaya Science https://onaya.science/

Onaya Instagram

Learn More: 

https://psystandard.com/articles/neurodivergent-clients-and-psychedelics-what-competent-support-actually-requires/

Connect with WaiFung: 

Linkedin 

Instagram 

Music:

United Freedom Collective 

What happens when the way you experience and communicate what is happening in your body doesn’t match what healthcare providers have been trained to recognize?

Claire Sehinson, MSc, IFMCP is a late-diagnosed autistic, ADHD, and dyslexic researcher, functional medicine-trained practitioner, and educator, who joins us to explore the intersection of neurodivergence and chronic illness. We discuss how differences in interoception can affect the way autistic and other neurodivergent individuals experience, interpret, and communicate physical symptoms, and how these differences can lead to missed diagnoses, ineffective treatments, and medical trauma. Claire shares why treatment resistance may sometimes be a sign that an intervention simply isn’t right for someone’s neurotype, and how shifting away from rigid protocols toward curiosity, lived experience, and greater trust in an individual’s own body can create more effective and compassionate care.

LINKS: 

Connect with Claire

Linkedin

Instagram   

Learn More: 

Claire's Psychiatry Redefined Courses 

How does the brain adapt to change, and what can cognitive flexibility teach us about autism?

Neuroscientist Lucina Uddin, PhD joins us to explore the brain networks that support cognitive flexibility and why difficulties with adapting to change are common in autism. We discuss how neuroscience is shifting away from searching for a single "autism brain region" toward understanding dynamic brain networks, and what emerging research suggests about bilingualism, executive function, and perspective taking. From the relationship between stress, mental health, and cognitive flexibility to the importance of studying the brain and body as an integrated system, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at where autism research is headed and why we're still in an exciting phase of discovery.

LINKS: 

Connect with Dr. Lucina Uddin 

Brain Connectivity and Cognition Laboratory 

Parents are often told they need to advocate for their autistic children. But who is making sure the healthcare system is equipped to support them when they do? 

In this episode, Honey Rinicella joins us to discuss one of the greatest unmet needs many families face: access to providers who are trained to look beyond a diagnosis and investigate the underlying factors contributing to a child's health. Honey shares her 20-year journey as a parent advocate, and why she came to realize that while supporting parents is essential, educating healthcare providers may be one of the most powerful ways to create lasting change.

We discuss her experience raising identical twin boys who presented completely differently, why even the most well-intentioned physicians are often working from an outdated blueprint, and how her work with MAPS is helping bridge the education gap by training providers in root cause medicine for children.

Whether you're a parent searching for answers or a healthcare provider who senses there may be more you could be doing for your patients, this conversation is for you. 

LINKS: 

Connect with Honey Rincella 

Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs (MAPS) 

What becomes possible when an autistic child grows up with a mother who always believed he was capable? 

In this episode, Hunter Trost joins us to share his perspectives on common myths about autism, the importance of support systems, and the impact of a mother who never gave up. Hunter makes it clear that every autistic individual has their own story, but also offers incredible insights about what might actually be happening when you see someone shut down and avoid socializing. He shares stories of his childhood that shaped who he has become, and offers hope and advice for parents and individuals alike who are currently navigating a world that wasn’t built for them. 

What becomes possible when a mother decides to ignore what the experts said about her son’s future?

In this episode, Cindy Rucker Trost joins us to share the twists and turns of her parenting journey with Hunter, highlighting the importance of choosing to believe that your child is capable of more. Cindy discusses the early years where the future was unknown and the present had no instructions, how her family navigated social and educational hurdles, and how patience and perseverance resulted in a reality that no doctor or therapist could have predicted. Cindy’s story serves as a reminder of the power a parent has in shaping a child’s self esteem, and as an inspiration for any parents navigating the complexities of raising a child who experiences the world differently. 

LINKS:

Cindy Rucker Trost  

Facebook 

Instagram

Learn More:

UCLA PEERS Program

Child Find 

Book Mentions: 

Protecting The Gift  Gavin De Becker

Hunter’s Performances: 

https://youtu.be/SqVlbcNy0ag?si=vYqRMzCsNVfsEMMM

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=546795102719168

Hunter's photo shoot to bring awareness to Hollywood on the Spectrum https://seedandspark.com/fund/hollywood-on-the-spectrum#story

Why are so many young adults feeling stuck - and what actually helps them move forward? 

In this episode, Andrew Taylor joins us to explore the hidden forces shaping this generation and how parents and young adults can work together to rebuild momentum, resilience, and a sense of direction. 

We discuss the impact of technology on adolescent development, how overprotective parenting may unintentionally leave young adults underprepared for the real world, and why developing a clear process - starting with foundational habits for wellbeing - is key to creating lasting change.

While this conversation is geared toward young adults and their parents, the tools from Launch: A Guide to Getting Unstuck, Navigating Life, and Thriving can be applied by anyone navigating a transition or searching for their next step.

LINKS: 

Connect with Andrew Taylor 

Listen to Andrew’s podcast Living Insights

Learn more about Andrew’s Octagon Mentoring Program 

Instagram 

Linkedin  

Book Recommendations: 

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt 

The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter 

Where can families of neurodivergent children turn to when the structure and support of school systems fall away after graduation?

Allison Kleinman, LCSW, and Alex LoPinto, LCSW of Future Centered Care join us to unpack the critical gaps families face when supporting adults with developmental disabilities—especially during major life transitions like “the cliff” after school. We explore the emotional and practical challenges parents encounter as their child develops greater autonomy, and how to make these transitions feel meaningful even without traditional milestones. From building community and expanding independence to reimagining what a supported, fulfilling adult life can look like, this conversation offers both insight and possibility for families navigating what comes next.

LINKS: 

Connect with Alex and Allison 

Future Centered Care website 

Linkedin 

Instagram