The Atypical View

At The Atypical View, we recognize that meltdowns are not behavioral problems, they are nervous system responses that call for support and safety.

For many autistic individuals, especially those who are late diagnosed, big emotions are often misunderstood. In childhood, many autistic kids are incorrectly labeled as having too many “tantrums”, when the reality is actually a nervous system response to overwhelm rather than an intentional behavior. This is called a meltdown, and this can extend beyond childhood. Let's explore the difference between meltdowns and tantrums, while also learning how to support an autistic loved one in a meltdown, at any age.

Hi, thanks for listening to The Atypical View. I am Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California #154915 and Neurodivergent Coach worldwide. 

You can support the podcast here v

Support Us Here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support

You can find me:

@ www.TheAtypicalView.com to get started with therapy or coaching services.

or 

@TheAtypicalView on Instagram 

While I am a therapist, this content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, clinical diagnosis, medical advice, or individualized coaching. 

Research:

Bradley, L., Shaw, R., Baron-Cohen, S., & Cassidy, S. (2021). Autistic adults’ experiences of masking and its consequences. Autism in Adulthood, 3(4), 320–329. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2020.0071

Marco, E. J., Hinkley, L. B. N., Hill, S. S., & Nagarajan, S. S. (2011). Sensory processing in autism: A review of neurophysiologic findings. Pediatric Research, 69(5), 48–54. https://doi.org/10.1203/PDR.0b013e3182130c54

Mazefsky, C. A., Herrington, J., Siegel, M., Scarpa, A., Maddox, B., Scahill, L., & White, S. W. (2013). The role of emotion regulation in autism spectrum disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 52(7), 679–688. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2013.05.006

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Gratitude and Reflection During Thanksgiving Week

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are reminded to pause and reflect. Yet it is equally important to acknowledge that the traditional story of Thanksgiving is not accurate and the story of the "Pilgrims and Indians" has caused lasting harm to Indigenous communities. The commonly told narrative erases violence, colonization, and loss. 

At The Atypical View, we believe in practicing both awareness and compassion, recognizing that truth-telling can coexist with gratitude. However you choose to spend this day, whether in quiet reflection, with loved ones, or in community, it can be a reminder to connect with gratitude in a way that feels authentic. 

Gratitude, at its core, is the recognition and appreciation of what brings value, safety, or meaning to our lives. It does not require perfection, positivity, or forced thankfulness. Gratitude is most powerful when it honors lived experience rather than bypasses it.

Hi, thanks for listening to The Atypical View. I am Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California #154915 and Neurodivergent Coach worldwide. 

You can support the podcast here v

Support Us Here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support

You can find me:

@ www.TheAtypicalView.com to get started with therapy or coaching services.

or 

@TheAtypicalView on Instagram 

While I am a therapist, this content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, clinical diagnosis, medical advice, or individualized coaching. 

Research:

Tomczyk, J., Nezlek, J. B., & Krejtz, I. (2022). Gratitude can help women at-risk for depression accept their depressive symptoms, which leads to improved mental health. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 878819. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.878819

Diniz, G., Korkes, L., Tristão, L. S., Pelegrini, R., Bellodi, P. L., & Bernardo, W. M. (2023). The effects of gratitude interventions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Einstein (São Paulo), 21, eRW0371. https://doi.org/10.31744/einstein_journal/2023RW0371

Wood, A. M., Froh, J. J., & Geraghty, A. W. (2010). Gratitude and well-being: A review and theoretical integration. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 890–905. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.03.005

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The History of Autism and it's Levels of Support Needs

The Atypical View, we understand for many late diagnosed autistic individuals, knowing your level can be a helpful tool when advocating for services, accommodations, therapy, or coaching. Someone who is technically Level 1 might still need substantial support on certain days or in certain settings. Supporting authenticity and flexibility helps make the levels more useful rather than limiting. Those supports should be responsive, individualized, and rooted in a respectful, strength-based lens of neurodiversity. 

Hi, thanks for listening to The Atypical View. I am Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California #154915 and Neurodivergent Coach worldwide. 

You can support the podcast here v

Support Us Here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support

You can find me:

@ www.TheAtypicalView.com to get started with therapy or coaching services.

or 

@TheAtypicalView on Instagram 

While I am a therapist, this content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, clinical diagnosis, medical advice, or individualized coaching. 

Research:

American Psychiatric Association. (1952-2022).
 Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders  (1st–5th ed., text rev.; DSM-I–DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Publishing. https://doi.org/10.53053/UUXK4243

Weitlauf, A. S., Gotham, K. O., Vehorn, A. C., & Warren, Z. E. (2014).
 Brief report: DSM-5 “levels of support”: A comment on discrepant conceptualizations of severity in ASD. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(2), 471–476. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1882-z

Rosen, N. E., Lord, C., & Volkmar, F. R. (2021).
 The diagnosis of autism: From Kanner to DSM-III to DSM-5 and beyond. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51(12), 4253–4270. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-04904-1

Zeldovich, L. (2018). The evolution of ‘autism’ as a diagnosis, explained. Spectrum. https://doi.org/10.53053/UUXK4243

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Supporting Dissociation Through Nervous System Regulation

Dissociation can be understood as a temporary disconnection from thoughts, emotions, sensations, or identity. It is the nervous system’s way of protecting us when an experience feels too overwhelming to process in the moment. While it can feel distressing, dissociation often begins as a survival response, not a flaw. At The Atypical View, we modify nervous system regulation tools to meet each neurodiverse client’s unique sensory profile before integrating personalized dissociation support.

Healing begins not with forcing presence, but with creating safety in the body. From there, mindfulness becomes less of a task, and more of a return to self.

Hi, thanks for listening to The Atypical View. I am Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California #154915 and Neurodivergent Coach worldwide. 

You can support the podcast here v

Support Us Here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support

You can find me:

@ www.TheAtypicalView.com to get started with therapy or coaching services.

or 

@TheAtypicalView on Instagram 

While I am a therapist, this content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, clinical diagnosis, medical advice, or individualized coaching. 

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Research:

 Levin, K. K., Gornish, A., & Quigley, L. (2022). Mindfulness and depersonalization: A nuanced relationship. Mindfulness, 13(6), 1479–1489. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-022-01890-y

 Poquérusse, J., Pastore, L., Dellantonio, S., & Esposito, G. (2018). Alexithymia and autism spectrum disorder: A complex relationship. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1196. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01196

Stephen W. Porges. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company. https://doi.org/10.1037/2011-04659-000

Vancappel, A., Hingray, C., Reveillère, C., & El-Hage, W. (2023). Disentangling the link between mindfulness and dissociation in PTSD: The mediating role of attention and emotional acceptance.Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 25(1), 52–68. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299732.2023.2231907

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Hi, thanks for listening to The Atypical View. I am Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California #154915 and Neurodivergent Coach worldwide. 

You can support the podcast here v

Support Us Here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support

You can find me:

@ www.TheAtypicalView.com to get started with therapy or coaching services.

or 

@TheAtypicalView on Instagram 

While I am a therapist, this content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, clinical diagnosis, medical advice, or individualized coaching. 

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The Power of Special Interests in Autism:

Special interests are one of the most unique and meaningful parts of autism. While often misunderstood by the broader public, they bring joy, stability, and identity to autistic individuals. For many late diagnosed autistic adults, recognizing their special interests as a strength rather than a flaw is a life changing moment. At The Atypical View, we believe these passions are not something to fix but something to celebrate.

Hi, thanks for listening to The Atypical View. I am Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California #154915 and Neurodivergent Coach worldwide. 

You can support the podcast here v

Support Us Here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support

You can find me:

@ www.TheAtypicalView.com to get started with therapy or coaching services.

or 

@TheAtypicalView on Instagram 

You can find Bobby:

@LugosiTheatre on TikTok

or

@LugosiTheatre on Instagram

or

@LugosiTheatre on Youtube

While I am a therapist, this content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, clinical diagnosis, medical advice, or individualized coaching. 

The ARC:

https://thearc.org/

Haunters Against Hate:

https://www.hauntersagainsthate.com/

Don't Be A Monster:

https://www.dontbeamonster.org/

Research:

Arunachalam, S., Steele, A., Pelletier, T., & Luyster, R. J. (2024). Do focused interests support word learning? A study with autistic and nonautistic children. Autism Research, 17(5), 955-971. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.3121

Bross, L. A., Huffman, J. M., & Hagiwara, M. (2022). Examining the special interest areas of autistic adults with a focus on their employment and mental health outcomes. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 57, 289-305. https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-221218

Grove, R., Hoekstra, R. A., Wierda, M., & Begeer, S. (2018). Special interests and subjective wellbeing in autistic adults. Autism Research, 11(5), 766-775. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.1931

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Hi, thanks for listening to The Atypical View. I am Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California #154915 and Neurodivergent Coach worldwide. 

You can support the podcast here v

Support Us Here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support

You can find me:

@ www.TheAtypicalView.com to get started with therapy or coaching services.

or 

@TheAtypicalView on Instagram 

While I am a therapist, this content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, clinical diagnosis, medical advice, or individualized coaching. 

References

The book mentioned in todays episode can be purchased here: https://amzn.to/4mKvfwc

Hershfield, J., & Corboy, T. (2013). The mindfulness workbook for OCD: A guide to overcoming obsessions and compulsions using mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy. New Harbinger Publications.

Jassi, A., Fernández de la Cruz, L., Russell, A., Krebs, G., Mataix-Cols, D., & Heyman, I. (2021). An evaluation of a new autism-adapted cognitive behaviour therapy manual for adolescents with obsessive–compulsive disorder. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 52(5), 916–927. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-020-01066-6

International OCPD Foundation. (n.d.). OCD vs. OCPD: What’s the difference? OCPD.org. https://www.ocpd.org/articles/ocd-vs-ocpd

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Hi, thanks for listening to The Atypical View. I am Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California #154915 and Neurodivergent Coach worldwide. 

You can support the podcast here v

Support Us Here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support

You can find me:

@ www.TheAtypicalView.com to get started with therapy or coaching services.

or 

@TheAtypicalView on Instagram 

You can find Sabrina

@Saaaabs on Instagram

or

@Sabs on TikTok

and donate to Border Angels here:

https://www.borderangels.org/

While I am a therapist, this content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, clinical diagnosis, medical advice, or individualized coaching. 

References

Aylward, B. S., Gal-Szabo, D. E., & Taraman, S. (2021). Racial, ethnic, and sociodemographic disparities in diagnosis of children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 42(8), 682–689. https://doi.org/10.1097/DBP.0000000000000996

 Liu, B. M., Paskov, K., Kent, J., et al. (2023). Racial and ethnic disparities in geographic access to autism resources across the U.S. JAMA Network Open, 6(1), e2251182. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.51182

 Lin, J. D., Wu, C. Y., & Lee, T. L. (2023). Predictors of autism spectrum disorder and ADHD: Sociodemographic factors and shared risk mechanisms. Journal of Attention Disorders, 27(8), 1023–1036. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2023.03.015

Support the show

Hi, thanks for listening to The Atypical View. I am Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California #154915 and Neurodivergent Coach worldwide. 

You can support the podcast here v

Support Us Here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support

You can find me:

@ www.TheAtypicalView.com to get started with therapy or coaching services.

or 

@TheAtypicalView on Instagram 

While I am a therapist, this content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, clinical diagnosis, medical advice, or individualized coaching. 

References:

 Cognitive disengagement syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: An examination of relationships with alexithymia and emotion regulation difficulties. Appl Neuropsychol Adult. 2024 Aug 1:1-7. doi: 10.1080/23279095.2024.2385444. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39087375.

Kinnaird E, Stewart C, Tchanturia K. Investigating alexithymia in autism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Psychiatry. 2019;55:80-89. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.09.004Yılmaz Y, Bahadır E.

Trevisan DA, Mehling WE, McPartland JC. Adaptive and Maladaptive Bodily Awareness: Distinguishing Interoceptive Sensibility and Interoceptive Attention from Anxiety-Induced Somatization in Autism and Alexithymia. Autism Res. 2021 Feb;14(2):240-247. doi: 10.1002/aur.2458. Epub 2020 Dec 18. PMID: 33336935.

(this last one is more theoretical than an empirical study, but unfortunately there is little research being done around neurodivergence and somatics at this time, still an interesting read (: ) 

Fiene L, Brownlow C. Investigating interoception and body awareness in adults with and without autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res. 2015 Dec;8(6):709-16. doi: 10.1002/aur.1486. Epub 2015 Mar 25. PMID: 25808391.

Support the show

Hi, thanks for listening to The Atypical View. I am Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist here in California #154915 and Neurodivergent Coach worldwide. 

You can support the podcast here v

Support Us Here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470563/support

You can find me:

@ www.TheAtypicalView.com to get started with therapy or coaching services.

or 

@TheAtypicalView on Instagram 

While I am a therapist, this content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, clinical diagnosis, medical advice, or individualized coaching. 

References:

• Cridland EK, Jones SC, Caputi P, Magee CA. Being a girl in a boys' world: investigating the experiences of girls with autism spectrum disorders during adolescence. J Autism Dev Disord. 2014 Jun;44(6):1261-74. doi: 10.1007/s10803-013-1985-6. PMID: 24221816.
• Rynkiewicz A, Łucka I. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in girls. Co-occurring psychopathology. Sex differences in clinical manifestation. Psychiatr Pol. 2018 Aug 24;52(4):629-639. English, Polish. doi: 10.12740/PP/OnlineFirst/58837. Epub 2018 Aug 24. PMID: 30368533.
• Simply Psychology. Autism in women and girls: Why is it often diagnosed late? 
  https://www.simplypsychology.org/late-diagnosis-autism-female.html
  
  
• Nerenberg, J. (2020). Divergent minds: Thriving in a world that wasn't designed for you. HarperOne.
  https://amzn.to/4gh67vJ
  
  
  

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