Episode 12.5 – Goblin Magic & AI Logic: NeuroSpicy Tech Tips

Welcome to episode 12.5 of the Apparently Autistic podcast, where hosts Keith and Bridget Holloway share real experiences and insights on the autism spectrum. This week, they cover the influence of technology, particularly ChatGPT and new tools like Goblin Tools (goblin.tools), on the neurodivergent community.

In this quasi-episode, Keith and Bridget discuss the utility of AI in easing daily tasks and organizing thoughts, which can be especially beneficial for neurodivergent individuals. They talk about the benefits of ChatGPT for brainstorming and its role in crafting thoughtful posts and planning podcast episodes.

Additionally, the episode introduces Goblin Tools—a range of organizational aids, including a magic to-do list and tone analysis, which can simplify complex tasks and help manage everyday activities more effectively. Join the hosts as they explore these tech innovations and how they can positively impact the lives of those on the autism spectrum.

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of autism or any related condition.

Episode 12 – 5 Autism Myths You Need to Stop Believing

In this episode of Apparently Autistic, we’re setting the record straight on five of the most damaging and persistent myths about autism — myths that still show up in conversations, media, and even professional settings today.

We’re talking about the false claims that autistic people don’t feel empathy, that “everyone is a little autistic,” and that vaccines cause autism (spoiler: they don’t — and never did). We’ll also bust the harmful idea that someone can’t be autistic if they’re verbal, smart, or friendly, and the damaging belief that autistic people “just need more discipline.”

These myths don’t just spread misinformation — they actively hurt autistic people by fueling stigma, misdiagnosis, and mistreatment. In this episode, we’ll break down where these myths come from, why they’re so harmful, and what the real truth is, from the perspective of actually autistic lived experience.

If you’ve ever fallen for these myths — or heard someone else repeat them — this is your chance to learn, unlearn, and share the truth.

💬 Share your thoughts, experiences, or the worst autism myth you’ve heard by messaging us! And don’t forget to leave a review and help spread the word about what autism really is — and isn’t.

References

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of autism or any related condition.

Episode 11 – The Fun Was Exhausting: Navigating Family, Travel, and Autistic Recovery

Join hosts Keith and Bridget Holloway on the new episode of the Apparently Autistic podcast as they delve into the intricacies of navigating life disruptions through an autistic lens. Explore real-life experiences of joy and chaos during family gatherings and the crucial recovery phase that follows. Gain insight into the impact of changed routines, social interactions, and the mechanisms of support and recovery. This episode offers a deep look into both Keith's autistic perspective and Bridget's supportive role, fostering understanding and empathy. Perfect for anyone wanting to relate, connect, and learn about the intersection of routine and recovery in the neurodivergent world.

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of autism or any related condition.

Episode 10 – Wait—That’s an Autism Thing?

We’re 10 episodes in (!!), and to celebrate, we’re keeping it short, relatable, and packed with “aha!” moments.

In this episode, we break down four traits that are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or not even recognized as being connected to autism:

🌀 Echolalia – repeating phrases with purpose

If you've ever caught yourself thinking, “Wait... that's an autism thing?”—you’re not alone. These traits are real, common, and often overlooked. We’re breaking them down in quick, accessible segments to help connect the dots for our fellow neurodivergents and the people who care about us.

🎁 PLUS: We’re doing our first giveaway!

Thanks for supporting The Apparently Autistic Podcast through ten episodes. We’re just getting started 💙

References

Attwood, T. (2007). The complete guide to Asperger's syndrome. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Barkley, R. A. (2013). Taking charge of ADHD: The complete authoritative guide for parents (3rd ed.). The Guilford Press.

Botha, M. (2021). Academic work on executive functioning and minority stress in autistic people.

Murray, D. (2005). Attention, monotropism and the diagnostic criteria for autism. Autism and Computing. Retrieved from http://www.autismandcomputing.org.uk

Price, D. (2022). Unmasking autism: Discovering the new faces of neurodiversity. Harmony Books.

Prizant, B. M. (2015). Uniquely human: A different way of seeing autism. Simon & Schuster.

Rose, K. (n.d.). The Autistic Advocate blog. Retrieved from https://www.theautisticadvocate.com

Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). (n.d.). Echolalia. Retrieved June 2025 from https://www.asha.org

Autism Level UP. (n.d.). Resources on echolalia and communication. Retrieved June 2025 from https://www.autismlevelup.com

Neurodivergent Insights. (n.d.). Instagram resource hub. Retrieved June 2025 from https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergent_insights

Apparently Autistic Podcast – Episode 10 Giveaway Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.

Option A – Podcast Review Entry

Option B – YouTube Password Entry (STRONG ENTRY METHOD)

⚠️ Limit: One entry per method, maximum two (2) total entries per person. Entries beyond this limit will be disqualified.

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of autism or any related condition.

Episode 9 – Ask Us Anything: Apparently Autistic Edition

Burnout is real—and Keith is still deep in it. So instead of a heavily researched deep dive, we’re doing something a little different this week: we’re turning the show over to you.

In this episode, Keith and Bridget answer listener-submitted questions about autism, relationships, masking, sensory hells, stims, burnout, and more. Some are serious, some are silly, and some are surprisingly personal—but all of them are honest.

When executive dysfunction wins, community steps in. Thanks for showing up for us—we hope this episode shows up for you too.

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of autism or any related condition.

Episode 8 – Plot Twist: Executive Dysfunction Won

This episode was supposed to be about executive dysfunction… but then executive dysfunction took over and we didn’t plan anything—or edit anything, either. What you’re hearing is raw, real, and completely unfiltered.

Instead of a structured topic, we asked each other some weird, fun, and surprisingly honest questions about autism, stimming, masking, comfort foods, and more.

We also break down two autism-related news stories:

🧠 A new study linking autism to early-onset Parkinson’s,

and

📉 The MAHA report mess, where multiple fake citations—and possibly ChatGPT—ended up in an official government health report.

Listen in for a behind-the-scenes look at how we manage life with autism and neurodivergence, filled with humor, authenticity, and insightful moments. Whether you're on the spectrum or supporting someone who is, you're sure to find something relatable in this candid and unscripted episode.

It’s real. It’s chaotic. It’s unedited.

It’s Apparently Autistic.

Show Notes

00:07:50 https://apparentlyautistic.myshopify.com/

Autism & Parkinson’s:

https://news.ki.se/autism-linked-to-elevated-risk-of-parkinsons-disease

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2818092

https://neurosciencenews.com/autism-parkinsons-dopamine-29152

MAHA Report Controversy:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/05/30/maha-report-ai-white-house

https://www.notus.org/politics/rfk-jr-maha-report-fake-sources

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/public-health/maha-report-chronic-disease-us-kids-includes-fake-citations-other-errors

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/trump-administration-report-us-child-health-cited-nonexistent-studies-media-2025-05-30/

01:28:00 Aaron Boster MD https://youtube.com/@aaronbostermd?si=5FmCM26nc5hcIr8-

01:40:00 Amazon Playlists

 Calming movie music

https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/51e72fa4b5904100a6033acf0b0f18b4sune?ref=dm_sh_nM25v5Eyw9Ych8GODioqAhkIt

 Calming Instrumentals

https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/19453ca1b9194ef1afea67fef58b2e9csune?ref=dm_sh_670OW8Bn8ZCpIi5mWlSwkXh7b

Keith’s Pumped Up Playlist

https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/de530326a06245cfaf4e2beffbee6145sune?ref=dm_sh_AvSVjgzKiL9YO1UXeQzXeFyo8

Keith’s Feel Good Playlist

https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/786d120532b248d1aced5916a3553898sune?ref=dm_sh_4plRghmXJ4GagGyyWL50jfwWR

90s Country

https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/0cd0b098afa44868b81d9c135768876dsune?ref=dm_sh_YDGNlnX9Vn6MUpt0iLcjUQfx3

Slow favorites

https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/660b12cd939c423889739caca83e13f6sune?ref=dm_sh_hPIzvqcoRlpZ75CSRMbxsWFAQ

Credits

Executive Producer:

Keith Holloway

Co-Executive Producer:

Bridget Holloway

Hosts:

Keith and Bridget Holloway

Produced & Edited by:

Keith Holloway

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"Paradise Found"

Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

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https://www.facebook.com/growingupautie

A Dispatch Central Production

© 2025

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Disclaimers

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of autism or any related condition.

The views and experiences shared here are personal and may not reflect those of everyone on the autism spectrum. Autism is a broad and diverse spectrum, and each individual's journey is unique.

Some episodes may contain discussions of mental health, trauma, or other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.

We aim to create a respectful, inclusive space for autistic individuals, their families, professionals, and allies. If we ever get it wrong, we welcome thoughtful feedback.

This podcast may feature sponsored content or affiliate links, which will be disclosed during the episode.

Episode 7 – My Neuroanchor: A Spouse’s Perspective

In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with my wife, Bridget—my partner, my sounding board, and what I now call my Neuroanchor. We talk candidly about what it’s been like navigating our relationship through the discovery of my autism diagnosis later in life. From the confusion and clarity to the challenges and unexpected joys, Bridget shares her unique perspective as the neurotypical spouse of an autistic adult.

We explore what it means to show up for someone in a neurodiverse relationship, how we’ve learned (and are still learning) to communicate better, and why the term “Neuroanchor” means so much to us both.

Whether you're autistic, a partner, or just curious about how relationships can grow through self-discovery, this episode is raw, real, and full of heart.

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of autism or any related condition.

Episode 6: Autism and Mental Health – Unpacking the Overlap

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Please listen with care.

What if your biggest struggles weren’t from being autistic—but from being misunderstood?

In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode, we peel back the layers of how autism and mental health intertwine. From the silent weight of anxiety and burnout to the emotional aftermath of masking and late diagnosis, we explore why so many autistic people are fighting battles nobody sees.

We’re not just talking symptoms—we’re talking systems. Misdiagnosis. Stigma. The therapy that hurts. And what healing could look like if it truly honored neurodivergent minds.

Whether you’ve been there, love someone who has, or are finally seeing your own story in a new light—this episode is the conversation we all need to hear.

Show Notes

https://researchautism.org/oaracle-newsletter/the-intersection-of-autism-and-mental-health/#:~:text=According%20to%20a%202021%20study%20by%20the,*%20**Obsessive%2Dcompulsive%20disorder%20(OCD)**%2022%%20lifetime%20prevalence

https://researchautism.org/oaracle-newsletter/at-the-intersection-of-mental-health-and-autism/

https://undivided.io/resources/autism-and-co-occurring-diagnoses-1320

https://neurobridge.co.uk/whats-the-difference-between-mental-health-issues-and-neurodivergence/

https://www.adult-autism.health.harvard.edu/resources/anxiety-and-depression/

https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/12/us/autistic-teen-idaho-police-shooting-dies

https://aane.org/autism-info-faqs/library/anticipation-anxiety/

Brenda Dater, M. M. (2023, May 4). Autism and Depression. Retrieved from AANE.org: https://aane.org/autism-info-faqs/library/autism-and-depression/

Cathy Pratt, P. B.-D. (2021, July 13). At the Intersection of Mental Health and Autism. Retrieved from researchautism.org: https://researchautism.org/oaracle-newsletter/at-the-intersection-of-mental-health-and-autism/

Dania Jekel, M. (2020, August 3). Anticipation Anxiety. Retrieved from AANE.org: https://aane.org/autism-info-faqs/library/anticipation-anxiety/

Lorentz, B. (2021, August 4). The Intersection of Autism and Mental Health. Retrieved from researchautism.org: https://researchautism.org/oaracle-newsletter/the-intersection-of-autism-and-mental-health/#:~:text=According%20to%20a%202021%20study%20by%20the,*%20**Obsessive%2Dcompulsive%20disorder%20(OCD)**%2022%%20lifetime%20prevalence

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of autism or any related condition.

Episode 5 – Not Just a Hobby: Understanding Autistic Special Interests

To some, they’re just hobbies.

In this episode, we explore autistic special interests—the deep passions that often define our focus, bring us joy, and help us make sense of the world. Far from being “obsessions” or distractions, special interests are a powerful part of the autistic experience. We discuss how they’ve impacted our lives, shaped our identities, and provided comfort through chaos. Whether your interest is music, airplanes, history, or something wonderfully niche, this episode is a celebration and validation of the things that light us up.

Show Notes

2:05  DSM05

20:50 Runway DFW

20:52 Airline Videos Live

25:28 The Martian

25:54 FDR and Churchill book

34:00 FlightRadar24

46:06 Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity  by: Devon Price PhD

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of autism or any related condition.

Episode 4 – Behind the Mask: Separating Myself from the Facade

For many autistic people, masking becomes a survival strategy—something we do to fit in, avoid judgment, or stay safe. But over time, that mask can become so deeply ingrained that we lose track of who we really are underneath.

In this episode, we explore the experience of autistic masking: what it looks like, how it develops, and the emotional toll it takes. We open up about our own histories with masking, the burnout it caused, and the difficult but freeing process of unmasking—of figuring out what was the act… and what was us all along.

Whether you’re late-diagnosed, currently questioning, or supporting someone on this journey, this episode offers an honest and compassionate look at the often invisible burden of masking—and the power of finally letting it go.

Show Notes

18:38 Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity  by:Devon Price PhD

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/688819/unmasking-autism-by-devon-price-phd/

37:15 The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery : Flourishing as a Neurodivergent Adult by: Sol Smith

https://newworldlibrary.com/product/the-autistics-guide-to-self-discovery

National Autistic Society. (2025, May 1). Masking. Retrieved from Autism.org.uk: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/masking

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of autism or any related condition.