Spectrum Savvy

Spectrum Savvy
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Your survival guide for autism and adulthood, hosted by Kat: a writer, educator and advocate. New episodes every Wednesday!

  1. 24/09/2025

    15: Fact checking the Tylenol/autism connection

    In a surprise press conference, President Donald Trump, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Dr. Mehmet Oz announced new federal actions claiming that Tylenol use during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism. The administration says the FDA will issue safety warnings, change acetaminophen labels, and launch a public campaign — but how accurate is this claim? In this emergency episode of Spectrum Savvy, autistic advocate and host Kat breaks down: What Trump, Kennedy, and Oz actually said about acetaminophen and autism The latest scientific studies on prenatal Tylenol exposure and neurodevelopment Why correlation doesn’t equal causation in autism research Medical community reactions, including guidance from ACOG and pediatric experts The administration’s claims about leucovorin as an autism treatment What expecting parents and autistic families really need to know This episode fact-checks the announcement, explores the real science behind acetaminophen and autism, and discusses the risks of misinformation.

    30 min

  2. 17/09/2025

    14: Finding Autistic Joy

    Autism is often framed in terms of challenges—but joy is just as much a part of the story. In this episode of Spectrum Savvy, Kat explores the many forms of autistic joy, from the freedom of stimming to the passion of special interests, the comfort of sensory experiences, and the belonging found in community. Join us in celebrating the vibrant, joyful side of autistic life.

    25 min

  3. 03/09/2025

    13: The Disclosure Dilemma

    So… you’ve got an autism diagnosis. Do you have to tell people? Short answer: nope. Long answer: maybe, sometimes, if it feels right. In this week’s episode of Spectrum Savvy, we’re diving into the tricky world of disclosing autism to loved ones. We’ll talk about:💬 Do you need to disclose (spoiler: no)⚖️ The pros and cons of telling people🛠️ How to actually start the conversation without spiraling😬 What to do if it doesn’t go well (because yeah… that happens)💌 And how to take care of yourself afterward Whether you’re weighing whether to tell family, friends, or coworkers—or you’ve already blurted it out mid-conversation and instantly regretted it—this episode has your back.

    28 min

  4. 27/08/2025

    12: It's giving "girl autism"

    It's finally time! We're finally talking about autism in women. Why do so many autistic women and girls slip through the cracks? In this episode, we’re breaking down how masking, social expectations, and the infamous “good girl” archetype make autism harder to spot in women. Grab your fun drink and your sweet treat and join me for a bit of science, a bit of ranting, and, as always, a whole lot of validation.

    26 min

  5. 20/08/2025

    11: It was never a phase, mom. (Special Interests)

    Special interests aren’t just hobbies — they’re lifelines, survival tools, and sometimes even superpowers. In this Spectrum Savvy episode, Kat unpacks the science behind autistic passions, why they’re so often misunderstood, and how they shape identity, learning, and resilience. Whether it’s dinosaurs, data sets, or your favorite TV show, this quick deep dive will leave you rethinking what it really means to go “all in.” Don't worry-- we'll be back to explore this topic more in-depth!

    32 min

  6. 13/08/2025

    10: The Lowdown on Meltdowns

    When you think of an autistic meltdown, you might picture a child in distress. But what happens when that child grows up? In this episode of Spectrum Savvy, host Kat breaks down what meltdowns, shutdowns, and burnout look like in autistic adulthood—how they differ from childhood presentations, why they’re so often misunderstood, and the toll society’s “just cope” expectations take on our mental and physical health. From sensory overload to masking fatigue, we’ll explore the real causes of meltdowns in grown autistic people, the different ways they can manifest, and practical strategies for prevention and support. Whether you’re autistic yourself, a loved one, or an ally, this episode offers validation, understanding, and tools for creating environments where meltdowns are met with compassion instead of judgment.

    49 min

  7. 06/08/2025

    9: The DSM-5 called and they want their characters back | Autism coding in the media

    Ever spot a character on TV and think, “That’s an autistic person in denial—and so is the writer”? In this episode of Spectrum Savvy, we dive into the wide, wonderful (and occasionally cringe-inducing) world of autism coding in media. From the beloved (Castiel, Spencer Reid) to the painfully stereotypical (looking at you, Sheldon Cooper), we explore how autistic traits show up in characters—whether it’s intentional, accidental, or just vibes. We’ll unpack what autism coding actually is, why fandom headcanons matter, and how seeing yourself (even in the weirdest ways) can be both validating and healing. Plus, we laugh a little, side-eye some bad representation, and celebrate the weird little guys who made us feel seen before we had the words for it. Email me: kaitlinspectrumsavvy@gmail.com

    39 min

  8. 30/07/2025

    8: RFK Jr. and Trump's New Eugenics

    In this powerful and unsettling episode, Kat investigates the disturbing rhetoric coming from two of the most visible political figures in the country—Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Donald Trump—and how their statements about autism, mental illness, and disability echo dangerous ideologies from history. With the use of archival audio and video clips, Kat examines how both men have promoted long-debunked claims linking vaccines to autism, while simultaneously pushing policies that threaten the autonomy, dignity, and safety of disabled people. From RFK Jr.’s Senate confirmation hearing to Trump’s recent executive order calling for the forced institutionalization of unhoused and mentally ill Americans, this episode connects the dots between misinformation, political power, and systemic dehumanization. Drawing parallels to early 20th-century propaganda that laid the groundwork for atrocities against disabled people, RFK and Trump’s New Eugenics is a sobering reminder of how ableism can be weaponized—and why we must confront it head-on. Content Warning: Discussion of eugenics, institutionalization, and ableist rhetoric. SOURCE FOR DONALD TRUMP'S QUOTE ABOUT HIS DISABLED NEPHEW: https://time.com/7002003/donald-trump-disabled-americans-all-in-the-family/

    44 min
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About

Your survival guide for autism and adulthood, hosted by Kat: a writer, educator and advocate. New episodes every Wednesday!

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  • Creator
    Spectrum Savvy
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Spectrum Savvy
  • Show Website
    Spectrum Savvy