Being highly sensitive or autistic has often been misunderstood, dismissed, or labeled as “too much.” Many of us grew up hearing painful messages that we were too emotional, too anxious, too quiet, too intense, or too sensitive for the world around us. In this special episode, therapist and author Julie Bjelland, LMFT, offers a powerful message of validation and belonging: there is nothing wrong with you.

This episode celebrates the global reach of the Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast, listened to in 193 countries, shared more than 98 percent of other podcasts, and with listeners staying longer than 96 percent of shows worldwide. These statistics tell a meaningful story. Sensitive and autistic people exist in every culture. Millions of us share similar experiences with sensory overload, emotional depth, empathy, exhaustion, masking, and nervous system sensitivity. We are not alone. We are a worldwide community.

Julie explains why so many highly sensitive adults are discovering they are autistic, especially women and those who were socialized to mask and overachieve. She explores the overlap between high sensitivity and autism, how outdated diagnostic criteria missed autistic women for decades, and why learning the truth about your neurotype often brings profound relief instead of fear. Understanding yourself replaces shame with clarity and self-compassion.

This episode also highlights why sensory sensitivity and sensory overload are among the most common struggles for sensitive and autistic adults, and why this topic became the most listened-to episode of 2025. Julie shares how sensory overwhelm impacts emotional health, physical health, relationships, and identity, and offers insight into how to care for your nervous system in ways that honor your neurodivergent wiring.

Listeners will find hope, science-informed validation, and a compassionate reminder that your brain and body make sense. Julie also shares her personal journey as a deeply sensitive person, her passion for neuroscience and brain training, and her mission to support sensitive and autistic people worldwide through education, assessments, courses, and community resources.

Whether you are highly sensitive, autistic, exploring your identity, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a healing message:

✨ You are not flawed. You are wired differently. And your sensitivity is real, valid, and valuable.

Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a psychotherapist, author, and global educator specializing in sensitivity, autism in women, and nervous system science. She is the founder of the Sensitive Empowerment Community and host of the Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast, listened to in more than 193 countries. Julie develops neurodiversity-affirming tools, assessments, and brain-training resources to help highly sensitive and autistic adults reduce overwhelm, increase self-understanding, and live with greater compassion for their neurotype. https://www.juliebjelland.com/

In this deeply heartfelt and validating episode, guest host Carol Roesler welcomes Lara Rodwell, founder of The Lonely Club and journalist, for an empowering conversation about autism, sensitivity, loneliness, and self-discovery.

Lara shares her personal journey through misdiagnosis, the loneliness that often follows, and how self-identifying as a sensitive autistic neurotype became a turning point toward self-acceptance. Together, Carol and Lara explore the challenges women face when they don’t fit the outdated models of autism diagnosis, and how finding accurate understanding can feel like a “homecoming.”

Takeaways

• The origins and mission of The Lonely Club—creating safe spaces for young neurodivergent people.

• Lara’s experience with misdiagnosis through the NHS and her later validation through Julie Bjelland’s autism assessment.

• The loneliness many sensitive and autistic women experience when their traits are misunderstood.

• The concept of the sensitive autistic neurotype as defined by Julie Bjelland.

• Turning perceived “weaknesses” (like sensitivity or introversion) into strengths and creative power.

• The generational struggle of being told “you’re too sensitive.”

• How external diagnostic criteria often overlook women and non-male expressions of autism.

• Advocacy for sensitive autistic university students and young adults navigating social challenges.

• Reframing “lazy” or “avoidant” behaviors as signs of burnout, masking, or perfectionism—not lack of motivation.

• The importance of self-compassion and self-advocacy in the neurodivergent journey.

Lara Rodwell is the founder of The Lonely Club, an online and in-person community designed to reduce loneliness among young neurodivergent adults. Through writing, events, and upcoming sensory-friendly drop-in spaces, Lara provides connection, safety, and belonging for those who often feel unseen. She can be reached at [email protected].

Follow her work:

• The Sensitive Empowerment community⁠
• Autism Assessments for Adults with Julie Bjelland, LMFT

In this heart-centered conversation, Dr. Judith Orloff returns to the podcast to talk with host Carol Roesler about the gifts of being a highly sensitive person, her new children’s book The Highly Sensitive Rabbit, the role of empathy in healing, and practical tools for emotional regulation, self-love, and hope in a chaotic world. The interview was recorded live on a full moon inside the Sensitive Empowerment Community.

🗣️ Key Topics Discussed

• ✨ The inspiration behind The Highly Sensitive Rabbit and how it helps children and adults embrace emotional sensitivity

• 🐇 Why Aurora the rabbit represents every sensitive child (and the inner child in adults)

• 📚 Behind-the-scenes stories from Dr. Orloff’s book tour and live readings with children

• ❤️ How sensitivity is a superpower—not a flaw—and why it must be protected, not shamed

• 🧘 Empathy practices for regulating overwhelm and emotional intensity

• 🧠 The heart vs. the mind: how they work together and how to lead from the heart

• 💔 Healing from childhood messages like “you’re too sensitive” or “crybaby”

• 🛑 The importance of boundaries for highly sensitive people (and why the skunk in the book teaches them!)

• 🌕 Rituals of connection, including sending heart energy to others in pain

• 🔬 How to handle skeptics who dismiss intuition, energy work, or emotional sensitivity

In this heartfelt solo episode, Julie Bjelland, LMFT, shares profound insights from her work with women discovering their autistic identity later in life. Many sensitive women spend decades feeling different, masking their struggles, and being misdiagnosed by outdated, male-centered assessments. Julie introduces the concept of the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype—a strengths-based way of understanding autism that validates lived experience and removes the stigma of “disorder.”

Through stories from her assessment work, Julie explores themes of masking, burnout, chronic health struggles, misdiagnoses, and the life-changing relief that comes with finally being understood. She also highlights the critical role of acceptance in childhood and the connection between sensitivity, autism, ADHD, and trauma.

This episode is a must-listen for late-identified autistic women, sensitive and neurodivergent individuals, and practitioners seeking to better support their clients. Discover how self-understanding can bring healing, self-compassion, and the energy to thrive.

More Info

• Read : Why Outdated Autism Assessments Are Harming Sensitive Women and High-Masking Adults by Julie Bjelland, LMFT

• Learn more about The Sensitive Autistic Neurotype

BIO

Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a psychotherapist, author, and founder of the Sensitive Empowerment Community. She specializes in supporting highly sensitive and neurodivergent people, with a focus on the growing recognition of late-discovered autism in women. Julie coined the term Sensitive Autistic Neurotype to describe a strengths-based way of understanding sensitivity and autism, helping people shift from self-criticism to self-compassion.

Through her global courses, podcast, writings, and professional trainings, Julie has supported thousands of sensitive and neurodivergent people in over 190 countries. Her mission is to create a world where sensitivity and neurodivergence are seen as strengths to be celebrated.

Learn more at JulieBjelland.com and join the supportive global community at SensitiveCommunity.com.

Do you feel called to work for yourself? In this episode, Willow explores the real path of self-employment for HSPs. The challenges, the breakthroughs, and the deep inner transformation that happens when you follow your truth. Discover why self-employment often tests us in the very areas we’re here to transform, how to stay true to yourself when things get hard, and why authenticity is the greatest freedom of all. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re ready to take the leap, or what it really means to turn your sensitivity into your strength, this episode will help you see your path more clearly.

Bio & Links - Willow McIntosh
Willow is a facilitator, international speaker, and founder of Inluminance. He specialises in facilitating Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), to recognise their innate High Sensory Intelligence® An ability to perceive truth of self in others and the energetic patterns at play in their environment. His area of expertise is training HSPs to align their work and purpose with these unique perceptual gifts. Having facilitated change and transformation in thousands of HSPs for more than 9 years, he is committed to bringing the importance of the trait into mainstream awareness globally. Learn more at www.inluminance.com or book your free discovery call here - https://inluminance.com/book-a-call/

In this special anniversary episode of the Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast, guest host Carol Roesler leads a heartfelt celebration of the Sensitive Empowerment Community’s six-year anniversary. Joined live by members from around the world, Carol shares reflections, community stories, and heartfelt messages of gratitude for Julie Bjelland, LMFT — founder of the community and podcast.

Together, they honor the deep connections, personal growth, and life-changing experiences that have blossomed within this safe space for highly sensitive and neurodivergent individuals. Through live interactions, personal stories, and Julie’s guiding wisdom, this episode shines a light on what it truly means to belong, be seen, and thrive as a sensitive soul.

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Sensitive Empowerment Community
• Julie's Courses for The Sensitive & Neurodivergent

• Free webinars WITH JULIE for the sensitive & Neurodivergent
• The Adventures of Niko, the Highly Sensitive Dog
• Podcast Episode: We Were Never Meant to Fit In with Julie Bjelland and Willow McIntosh
• Podcast Episode: Embracing Sensitivity: A Conversation with Dr. Judith Orloff
• Podcast Episode: Intuitive Parenting Creating Cozy & Joyful Spaces for Sensitive Children to Thrive

In this enlightening conversation, guest host Carol Roesler and Dr. Judith Orloff explore the profound themes of sensitivity, empowerment, and the importance of nurturing sensitive children. They discuss Dr. Orloff's new book, 'The Highly Sensitive Rabbit,' which serves as a guide for both children and adults to embrace their sensitivities as superpowers. The dialogue emphasizes the need for support, understanding, and the role of sensitive individuals in creating a better world. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the significance of self-care, boundaries, and the journey of reparenting oneself to foster a loving and accepting environment for sensitive souls.

Takeaways

• Sensitivity is often misunderstood as weakness.
• Empowered sensitive individuals can change the world.
• Support is crucial for sensitive children.
• Quiet time is essential for sensitive souls.
• Setting boundaries is a vital skill for empaths.
• Reparenting ourselves helps heal past wounds.
• Children need to be celebrated for their uniqueness.
• Sensitivity can be a superpower when embraced.
• Empaths often feel the emotions of others deeply.
• Creating safe spaces for sensitive children is important.

In this special episode of the Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast, guest hosts Carol Ressler and Carolina Mariposa explore how parents and caregivers can create safe, supportive spaces for sensitive and neurodivergent children during life transitions—like moving to a new home, starting school, or welcoming a sibling. They share real-life examples of cozy nooks, sensory-friendly play areas, and calming rituals that help children regulate their emotions and feel secure. From crash pads and weighted blankets to twinkle lights, flower essences, and joyful pops of color, this heartfelt conversation offers practical, creative ideas to nurture sensitive kids. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional, you’ll find inspiration for making home a sanctuary that meets the unique needs of sensitive children—and yourself.

Links mentioned in this episode:

The Adventures of Niko, the Highly Sensitive Dog

Ted Talk: Where Joy Hides and How to Find It 

Carolina Mariposa’s website

Carolina's email

For more episodes and resources from Julie Bjelland, visit JulieBjelland.com

So many sensitive and neurodivergent people know the pain of trying to fit in, hiding parts of themselves to feel accepted. In this episode, we explore how our true power lies not in blending, but in embracing the unique way we see, feel, and sense the world. You’ll be invited to recognize your sensitivity as a natural design, a gift meant to connect you more deeply with life, others, and yourself.

About Your Hosts

Willow McIntosh is a facilitator, international speaker, and founder of Inluminance. He specialises in facilitating Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), to recognise their innate High Sensory Intelligence® An ability to perceive truth of self in others and the energetic patterns at play in their environment. His area of expertise is training HSPs to align their work and purpose with these unique perceptual gifts. Having facilitated change and transformation in thousands of HSPs for more than 9 years, he is committed to bringing the importance of the trait into mainstream awareness globally. Learn more at inluminance.com

Julie Bjelland, LMFT
Julie is a psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She specializes in high sensitivity and the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype, offering compassionate support through consultations, adult autism assessments, self-paced courses, and a global community. Her work includes a top-ranked podcast reaching listeners in 190 countries and a globally followed blog. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation, Julie Bjelland, LMFT, and guest co-host Willow McIntosh explore why many sensitive and neurodivergent people—especially those with the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype—were never meant to “fit in.” Together, they share personal stories, clinical insights, and practical guidance on releasing the pressure to conform, reclaiming your authentic self, and honoring your natural needs. They discuss masking, nervous system care, the importance of intentional connection, and the unique role sensitive and autistic individuals play in creating a more compassionate world. Recorded live in the Sensitive Empowerment Community, this episode offers validation, encouragement, and a powerful reminder: your differences are your strengths, and the world needs your light.

About Your Hosts

Julie Bjelland, LMFT
Julie is a psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She specializes in high sensitivity and the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype, offering compassionate support through consultations, adult autism assessments, self-paced courses, and a global community. Her work includes a top-ranked podcast reaching listeners in 190 countries and a globally followed blog. Learn more at https://www.juliebjelland.com/

Willow McIntosh

Willow is a facilitator, international speaker, and founder of Inluminance. He specialises in facilitating Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), to recognise their innate High Sensory Intelligence® An ability to perceive truth of self in others and the energetic patterns at play in their environment. His area of expertise is training HSPs to align their work and purpose with these unique perceptual gifts. Having facilitated change and transformation in thousands of HSPs for more than 9 years, he is committed to bringing the importance of the trait into mainstream awareness globally. Learn more at http://inluminance.com/