Caught in “not enough” or “too much” loops as an autistic or AuDHD adult—stuck in old patterns, feeling like your needs are a burden, or burning out trying to keep everyone else okay? This episode of Adulting With Autism dives into self-love for autistic adults with Christina Ketchen, a certified life and relationship coach trained in HeartMath®, Gottman, and the Hoffman Process, who brings both neuroscience and hard-won personal wisdom to healing.​

Christina talks about trauma loops—those familiar patterns and relationship dynamics that feel terrible but somehow also “normal”—and how they can quietly drain self-worth over time. She shares compassionate tools like heart-focused breathing to support the nervous system, “kind no’s” that protect your energy (“This doesn’t work for me—thank you”), and gentle self-talk that shifts you from “I am broken” to “I am human and learning.”​

You will hear how patterns often started as protection, how faith/meaning can reframe pain without dismissing it, and why embracing your “messy” humanity is part of building real self-love, not a sign of failure. Christina also offers guidance for neurodivergent adults who feel guilty setting boundaries or fear that saying no will make people leave.​

This episode is especially helpful if you:

• Keep ending up in the same painful situations or relationships
• Struggle to hold boundaries without intense shame, fear, or backlash inside your own mind
• Are learning what self-love looks like for you as an autistic or AuDHD adult, beyond clichés and quick fixes

If this conversation supports you, follow/subscribe to Adulting With Autism on YouTube Apple, or Spotify and leave a 5-star review so more neurodivergent adults can find it.

Merch for your self-love journey:
Get 20% off journals, tees, and “Self-Love Alchemist”–style merch with code PODCAST26 at the Adulting With Autism Fourthwall shop ( Linktree). Your support helps keep this podcast free for the community.

Resources mentioned:

• Coaching and masterclasses with Christina at christinaketchen.com
• Her podcast The Self Love Shift

Feeling stuck in survival mode as an autistic or AuDHD adult—checking all the boxes on paper but still burned out, unfulfilled, or unsure what you actually want? This episode of Adulting With Autism explores self-love and life direction with Chandra Lynn, a certified transformation coach, former Apple/Mercedes marketing leader, and author of Root to Rise: How to Love Life When It’s Messy, When It’s Hard.​

Chandra breaks down her Root to Rise framework, which looks at key areas of life—like career, relationships, health, and creativity—and helps you line them up with core emotional needs such as security, variety, growth, connection, and contribution. She shares simple journaling prompts like “What do I want? Why? What am I willing to try?” to help you get out of autopilot and start making choices that actually fit you, not just what others expect.​

You will hear how her own path from high-pressure corporate roles into more aligned, heart-centered work unfolded in zigzags, not straight lines—and why that is normal, especially for neurodivergent adults. Chandra offers practical tools for exploring purpose through experiments and “try-ons,” building authentic relationships, and practicing self-love in the middle of messy, imperfect life rather than waiting to “fix everything” first.​

This episode is especially helpful if you:

• Feel like you are surviving but not really living
• Are questioning your career, relationships, or direction as a late-diagnosed autistic or AuDHD adult
• Want a grounded framework to check in with your needs and make kinder, more aligned choices

If this conversation supports you, follow/subscribe to Adulting With Autism on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify and leave a 5-star review so more neurodivergent adults can find it.

Merch for your Root to Rise journey:
Get 20% off journals, tees, and “Root Your Rise”–style merch with code PODCAST26 at the Adulting With Autism Fourthwall shop (Linktree). Your support helps keep this podcast free for the community.

Resources mentioned:

• Root to Rise: How to Love Life When It’s Messy, When It’s Hard
• Chandra’s quiz, courses, and coaching at glowliving.com

Growing up with labels like “too emotional,” “overreacting,” or “ice queen,” and now struggling to understand what you actually feel as an autistic or AuDHD adult? This episode of Adulting With Autism dives into emotion regulation for autistic adults with Jenn Veilleux, clinical psychologist, professor, and author of Open to Emotion, who blends her theater background with science to support authentic emotional expression.

Jenn shares her own journey from being called “too emotional” to seeing emotional intensity as a form of being a “super-taster” of feelings. She talks about the difference between awareness and attention—how you can notice emotions without getting completely swept away—and offers metaphors like watching emotions move through like wind instead of something you have to hold onto forever.

You will hear practical tools for:

• Unmasking your emotions after years of pushing them down or performing what others expect
• Using body signals (interoception) as early warning signs so you can regulate sooner
• Sitting with emotions long enough to understand them without drowning in them
• Challenging myths about ADHD and “overreacting” so you can embrace your full range

This episode is especially helpful if you:

• Struggle to identify what you feel until you are already overwhelmed
• Have been told your emotions are “too much” or “not enough” your whole life
• Want language and tools to unmask emotionally at a pace that feels safe

If this conversation supports you, follow/subscribe to Adulting With Autism on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify and leave a 5-star review so more neurodivergent adults can find it.

Merch for your emotional journey:
Get 20% off journals, tees, and “Emotional Range Journal”–style merch with code PODCAST26 at the Adulting With Autism Fourthwall shop (Linktree). Your support helps keep this podcast free for the community.

Resources mentioned:

• Open to Emotion by Jenn Veilleux
• Workshops and more at jenncveilleux.com

Hey guys, hey. Happy Wednesday! How's the week going for you? Over here in Kentucky, we are gearing up for yet another blizzard, and let's just say it's been too much. I'm beyond ready for spring—mainly because driving with a coat on is the worst!

But today, let’s dive into something equally important. We're chatting about caregiver coaching for parents with autistic kids. It's an area that doesn't get enough spotlight; we often focus on resources for the kids and forget about the parents who really need support, too. That's why I'm thrilled to introduce Samantha Wittenberg, who brings a fresh perspective and much-needed guidance.

Samantha is here to sprinkle some of her wisdom and talk about her journey with her daughter, who was late-diagnosed as autistic. If you've ever felt overwhelmed as a parent or caregiver, or unsure about how to keep your own cup full while supporting an autistic child, Samantha's got your back. Her business, Empathy at Work, is all about empowering caregivers with the tools they need—not just to survive, but to thrive.

Plus, we touch on the quirks and challenges of parenting through those teenage years, the difficulties of late diagnosis, and how Samantha found ways to cope and connect with her daughter through the chaos. This isn't just about the kids; it's about the resilience and the unspoken challenges faced by parents and caregivers every day.

Remember guys, there's no cookie-cutter shape or mold when it comes to autism—or parenting. Let's get the conversation going and support each other on this journey.

And hey, don't forget to check out the links in the show notes to keep in touch with Samantha or join our community for even more resources. Stay warm, keep adulting, and I'll see you Saturday!

https://tidycal.com/samanthawittenberg/clarityconnection

https://www.meetup.com/specialneedsparents/

Hey guys, happy Saturday! Wow, it's been a whirlwind couple of weeks, hasn't it? Yesterday, I whisked Ahzerei, my son Z, off to the fantastic College Internship Program tour in Bloomington, Indiana. It's a three-hour drive from home, but totally worth it. The program is amazing and will surely help him reach his dreams. We also had a blast at the spooky soiree event with our friends in Lexington. So, yes, I'm a bit late with this, but life has been a bit of a rollercoaster!

Speaking of life-changing programs, I recently chatted with two incredible moms, Suellen Barnes and Susan Ballerstedt, who started the Next Step training program in Simpsonville, Kentucky. Frustrated by the lack of support for autistic young adults after high school, they took matters into their own hands. Their program is all about empowering young adults with autism to gain independence and job skills. It's so heartwarming to hear about their mission and the difference they're making.

Their approach is so unique, combining cognitive training, occupational therapy, and social skills development. The best part? Their program is small and personalized, ensuring that each participant gets the attention they deserve. It's inspiring to see how they're creating opportunities not just in Kentucky, but potentially around the world!

If you're in Kentucky or anywhere else and feel like there are no resources for autistic young adults, know that you're not alone. Programs like Next Step are working hard to change that narrative, and we can all be a part of that change. Let's support each other and spread the word. Together, we can make a difference!

Thanks for tuning in, and remember, there's nothing you can't do. Keep adulting, and I'll catch you on Monday with a mini-episode. Love you all!

https://www.nextstepky.org/about

nextsteptrainingprogramky@gmail.com

Susan Ballerstedt, Program Coordinator, ballerstedt@twc.com

Want to be a guest on Adulting with Autism? Send April Ratchford a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostde.../1708097947800879cbdd654ca

Hey there! It's your favorite occupational therapist from Adulting with Autism. We're on a mission to climb the ranks on Spotify and Apple, and we need your help. Share this podcast with your friends, family, caregivers—anyone who might benefit from it! Plus, don't forget to join our Facebook group and check out our merch at adultingwithautism.com. Your support helps us build a foundation for housing, education, and mentorship programs. You deserve the best, and I'm here to help you get it. Love you guys!

Happy Saturday! I know, it's unusual for me to start on a Saturday, but here we are. I've been super busy crafting custom shirts for our podcast guests. Yes, I overwork myself, and yes, I have meltdowns. But today's guest, Dr. Taylor Albright, is here to help us navigate executive functioning. She's an expert in helping adults and young adults with ADHD and autism tackle time management and organization. Trust me, her insights are game-changers!

Dr. Allbright shares her journey from a high school teacher to a college professor and now an executive functioning coach. Her passion for helping neurodivergent individuals shines through as she discusses updated interventions and how the research community is evolving. We dive into the overlaps between ADHD and autism and how to better support ourselves as we adult. Spoiler: It's all about modifying tasks, environments, and social supports.

Whether you're struggling with time management at work, organization at home, or navigating higher education, Dr. Allbright has tips for you. We also touch on personal finance for the neurodivergent brain, career planning, and the importance of self-compassion. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and asking for help is always a good thing.

Thanks for tuning in, and a big thank you to Dr. Allbright for sharing her wisdom. Keep adulting, and I'll catch you in the next episode. Until then, enjoy your weekend and remember to take some time to just be. Love you all!

https://www.taylorallbright.com/

Want to be a guest on Adulting with Autism? Send April Ratchford a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1708097947800879cbdd654ca

Welcome to an eye-opening episode of 'Adulting with Autism', your go-to podcast for approaching the adventures of adulthood through a lens of neurodiversity. Dive into the intricacies of trauma and the effects it has on individuals' physical and emotional states, and explore the uniqueness of stress responses and trauma inflicted upon various aspects of life.

We're joined by Michelle Brown, a functional nutrition specialist, traditional herbal medicine practitioner, and Ayurveda expert. Michelle helps her clients globally address complex health issues like fatigue, mood issues, gut health, and hormones. Learn from her multifaceted healing approach combining functional nutrition and trauma-informed lens.

Explore a deep dive into nervous system resilience, the powerful shifts necessitated in overcoming personal health struggles, and moving forward in life. Understand the body's inefficiency and learn strategies to let go of harmful patterns locked in blame or guilt. Discover the steps that neurodiverse individuals can take to release nervous system 'freeze' due to past traumas and biochemical imbalances.

This episode shines a spotlight on the healing role of therapy and somatic experiencing and the importance of understanding our unique neurobiology and physiological balance. We discuss the fundamental role of Ayurveda in stress and trauma management, busting the myth of health being a one-size-fits-all and acknowledging everyone's unique mind-body types.

Discover the crucial role of diet, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory foods in supporting mental health and reducing nervous system overwhelm, which is often overlooked in conditions like autism and mental health. This potpourri of insights serves as a powerful resource for anyone seeking to understand nervous system biology and the mind-body connection.

Finally, wrap up with practical tips to avoid re-traumatization and enhance resilience, covering more than just talk therapy - it's about a holistic approach to well-being! Tune in to leverage Michelle's Ayurvedic guide and kickstart your unique journey into holistic health routines.

https://botanacea.lpages.co/mood-fix-assessment/