This podcast episode explains the difference between PTSS and PTSD through the host’s personal experience as a neurodivergent person, showing how trauma can accumulate and keep the nervous system stuck in survival mode. Using the “Everchanging Butterfly” concept, the host reframes healing as an ongoing cycle of growth, encouraging listeners to remove their masks, honor their limits, and see transformation as a continuous process. 🦋

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/JenniferPTTS?utm_source=linktree_profile_share⁠⁠

This episode explores the complex social and political ties between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein through the unique lens of Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NLD), offering personal survivor insights and practical strategies for processing heavy news cycles.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/JenniferPTTS?utm_source=linktree_profile_share⁠⁠

Resources for Your Show Notes:

• Referenced Episode: Episode 20: What Ever-Changing Butterfly Means to Me

• Source: The Trump-Epstein Connection (PBS Newshour)

• Source: Understanding NLD and Social Cues (Child Mind Institute)

• Support: RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) - 1-800-656-HOPE

This episode is a continuation of a conversation between the host, Jennifer Purcell, and her guest Jennifer, exploring what it’s like to live with an invisible learning disability. Together they share personal experiences and reflections on neurodivergence, discussing the challenges of executive function, daily life, and how understanding and awareness can support individuals with multi-learning differences. The episode is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about invisible learning challenges and to offer connection and insight for others who live with or support someone with similar experiences.

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/JenniferPTTS?utm_source=linktree_profile_share⁠⁠

• Etsy shop:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://wovendifferently.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠
• Patron link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/LivingWithAnInvisibleLearningChallenge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/livingwithnld?view_public_for=107332511122585#⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/livingwithmultilds/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#⁠⁠⁠⁠
• YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOqAA0b3-C-qDkhKwCmaaZg⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Shero: Be Your Own Hero:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1O7Mb26wUJIsGzZPHuFlhX?si=c3b2fabc1f334284⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Chats, Barks, & Growls:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/74BJO1eOWkpFGN5fT7qJHh?si=4440df59d52c4522⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Think Out:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/71UWHOgbkYtNoHiUagruBj?si=3d96889cfd2f487b⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Sleepy Butterfly:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Rush Trap: Slowing Down to Move Forward explores why many neurodivergent people feel driven to start tasks before fully planning, a pattern rooted in executive function differences rather than laziness. The episode explains how ADHD-related impulsivity, dopamine needs, time blindness, and autism-related overwhelm or masking can fuel this urge to rush. It offers compassionate, research-informed strategies—like brief planning pauses, simple checklists, micro-steps, and body doubling—to help slow down, reduce stress, and work more effectively.

⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/JenniferPTTS?utm_source=linktree_profile_share⁠

Here are the links from the articles referenced in the script:

1. https://www.problemshared.net/resources/neurodiversity-and-executive-function

2. https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2024/10/21/what-are-executive-function-delays-research-shows-they-re-similar-in-adhd-and-autism.html

3. https://thinkadhd.co.uk/adhd-and/adhd-and-motivation/

4. https://add.org/adhd-paralysis/

5. https://www.shimmer.care/adhd-101/completing-tasks

6. https://affinitypsych.com/why-do-people-with-adhd-struggle-to-complete-tasks/

7. https://www.pbsmidwest.com/blog/overcoming-task-avoidance-using-momentum-based-strategies

8. https://actifyaba.com/how-to-support-task-initiation-in-autism-with-practical-tips/

9. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/demand-avoidance

10. https://aidecanada.ca/resources/learn/asd-id-core-knowledge/addressing-underlying-causes-of-low-motivation-and-task-avoidance

11. https://www.adhdcentre.co.uk/tips-for-adhd-impulse-control-in-adults/

12. https://laconciergepsychologist.com/blog/10-strategies-managing-adhd-impulsivity/

13. https://www.additudemag.com/how-do-i-stop-being-impulsive-adhd/

This episode of Living with Invisible Learning Challenges explores how rising health insurance premiums and government policy decisions affect everyone, while hitting neurodivergent individuals especially hard. Because many neurodivergent people rely on ongoing, specialized care, even small increases in premiums, deductibles, or cost-sharing can limit access to therapy, diagnoses, and mental health services. Drawing on research from KFF and the Center for American Progress, the episode highlights gaps in mental health parity, threats to Medicaid, and how policy choices directly shape who can afford essential care—underscoring the need for advocacy, informed decision-making, and community support.

⁠https://linktr.ee/JenniferPTTS?utm_source=linktree_profile_share⁠

Articles & Research Referenced (Links):

• Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) – Effects of premiums and cost sharing on low-income populations:
  https://www.kff.org/report-section/the-effects-of-premiums-and-cost-sharing-on-low-income-populations-updated-review-of-research-findings-table-3/

• KFF / STAT – Health insurance premiums continue to rise:
  https://www.statnews.com/2025/10/22/health-insurance-premiums-up-6-percent-kff-reports/

• Center for American Progress – The Behavioral Health Care Affordability Problem:
  https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-behavioral-health-care-affordability-problem/

• Commonwealth Fund – Behavioral health parity challenges:
  https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/behavioral-health-parity-takes-step-backward-under-trump-administration

• American Bar Association – Weakening Medicaid and health equity:
  https://www.americanbar.org/groups/crsj/resources/human-rights/2025-october/weakening-medicaid-erodes-progress/

• Reuters / KFF Poll – Public support for extending ACA tax credits:
  https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/most-americans-back-extending-aca-tax-credits-kff-poll-shows-2025-10-03/

The episode features an interview conversation that explores personal experiences of living with an invisible learning challenge, focusing on neurodivergence, self-understanding, and advocacy, while highlighting the importance of sharing stories to build awareness and connection.

⁠https://linktr.ee/JenniferPTTS?utm_source=linktree_profile_share⁠

• Etsy shop:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://wovendifferently.etsy.com⁠⁠
• Patron link: ⁠⁠patreon.com/LivingWithAnInvisibleLearningChallenge⁠⁠
• Facebook:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/livingwithnld?view_public_for=107332511122585#⁠⁠⁠

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/livingwithmultilds/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#⁠⁠⁠
• YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOqAA0b3-C-qDkhKwCmaaZg⁠⁠⁠

• Shero: Be Your Own Hero:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1O7Mb26wUJIsGzZPHuFlhX?si=c3b2fabc1f334284⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Chats, Barks, & Growls:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/74BJO1eOWkpFGN5fT7qJHh?si=4440df59d52c4522⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Think Out:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/71UWHOgbkYtNoHiUagruBj?si=3d96889cfd2f487b⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Sleepy Butterfly:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5FNnA8XFCzRORCRaZXlHE9?si

In this episode, I share the deeply personal journey of turning her neurodivergent life and podcast conversations into a book, honoring her unique writing process, using AI as a supportive creative tool, and affirming that neurodivergent stories deserve space, accessibility, and power.

https://linktr.ee/JenniferPTTS?utm_source=linktree_profile_share⁠

• Etsy shop:⁠ https://wovendifferently.etsy.com⁠

• Patron link: ⁠patreon.com/LivingWithAnInvisibleLearningChallenge⁠

• Facebook:⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/livingwithnld?view_public_for=107332511122585#⁠⁠

• Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/livingwithmultilds/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#⁠⁠

• YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOqAA0b3-C-qDkhKwCmaaZg⁠⁠

• Shero: Be Your Own Hero:⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/1O7Mb26wUJIsGzZPHuFlhX?si=c3b2fabc1f334284⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Chats, Barks, & Growls: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/74BJO1eOWkpFGN5fT7qJHh?si=4440df59d52c4522⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Think Out: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/71UWHOgbkYtNoHiUagruBj?si=3d96889cfd2f487b⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Sleepy Butterfly: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5FNnA8XFCzRORCRaZXlHE9?si=a82d5133f7f6411e⁠⁠ / https://www.facebook.com/sleepybutterfly96

This episode reframes “two steps forward, one step back” as a natural and meaningful pattern of growth for neurodivergent people and those with invisible learning challenges. Jennifer explains why nonlinear progress happens—due to brain variability, environmental mismatches, and sensory or emotional fatigue—and why a “step back” is often a signal to rest, adjust, or recalibrate rather than a failure. Through reflection and practical strategies, listeners are reminded that progress isn’t erased by setbacks and forward movement still counts, even when the path isn’t linear.

https://linktr.ee/JenniferPTTS?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

References / Suggested reading

• ​Stark, P. (2022, June 5). The Personal Growth Two-Step. Psychology Today. (Psychology Today)
• ​Neurauter, J. (2017, March 7). Two Steps Forward, One Step Back – Our Heart of Courage. Harmonious Pathways. (Harmonious Pathways)
• ​“The Other Side of Autism” – keyassetskentucky.com: Progression and regression, then more progression and more regression. (Key Assets Kentucky)Scott-Moncrieff, L. (2014). Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: The Dynamics of Learning and Backsliding. (PDF) (ResearchGate)

Here the final part to interview with Christinia from last year. She is an attorney and advocate for military families navigating special education. With experience at UC Berkeley, Notre Dame Law School, and William & Mary, Christina shares how she supports Marines’ families, the challenges they face, and what she’s learned from helping children with diverse learning needs thrive.

• Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://livingwithmultilearningdifferences.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

• • Patron link: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/LivingWithAnInvisibleLearningChallenge⁠⁠⁠
  • Etsy shop:⁠⁠⁠ https://wovendifferently.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠
  • Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/livingwithnld?view_public_for=107332511122585#⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/livingwithmultilds/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#⁠⁠⁠⁠

• YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOqAA0b3-C-qDkhKwCmaaZg⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Shero: Be Your Own Hero:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/1O7Mb26wUJIsGzZPHuFlhX?si=c3b2fabc1f334284⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Chats, Barks, & Growls: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/74BJO1eOWkpFGN5fT7qJHh?si=4440df59d52c4522⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Think Out: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/71UWHOgbkYtNoHiUagruBj?si=3d96889cfd2f487b⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Sleepy Butterfly: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5FNnA8XFCzRORCRaZXlHE9?si=a82d5133f7f6411e⁠⁠ / https://www.facebook.com/sleepybutterfly96

Here the second part to interview with Christinia from last year. She is an attorney and advocate for military families navigating special education. With experience at UC Berkeley, Notre Dame Law School, and William & Mary, Christina shares how she supports Marines’ families, the challenges they face, and what she’s learned from helping children with diverse learning needs thrive.

• Website: ⁠⁠⁠http://livingwithmultilearningdifferences.com/⁠⁠⁠

• • Patron link: ⁠⁠patreon.com/LivingWithAnInvisibleLearningChallenge⁠⁠
  • Etsy shop:⁠⁠ https://wovendifferently.etsy.com⁠⁠
  • Facebook:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/livingwithnld?view_public_for=107332511122585#⁠⁠⁠

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/livingwithmultilds/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#⁠⁠⁠

• YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOqAA0b3-C-qDkhKwCmaaZg⁠⁠⁠

• Shero: Be Your Own Hero:⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/1O7Mb26wUJIsGzZPHuFlhX?si=c3b2fabc1f334284⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Chats, Barks, & Growls: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/74BJO1eOWkpFGN5fT7qJHh?si=4440df59d52c4522⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Think Out: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/71UWHOgbkYtNoHiUagruBj?si=3d96889cfd2f487b⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Sleepy Butterfly: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5FNnA8XFCzRORCRaZXlHE9?si=a82d5133f7f6411e⁠⁠ / https://www.facebook.com/sleepybutterfly96