The Atypical View

Lauren Florio, LMFT

Follow Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, on a journey into stereotype-breaking psychoeducation on all things neurodiversity, therapy, and psychology. Connect with her Atypical View through her lived experiences, all while building empathy for yourself and the neurodiverse community.  You can find Lauren: @ www.TheAtypicalView.com for therapy or coaching services. or  @TheAtypicalView on Instagram  Lauren Florio, LMFT #154915 This podcast is not meant to replace therapy or clinical diagnosis. This is for educational purposes and to share my lived and personal experiences.

  1. 20 Jan

    How to Spot an Autistic Meltdown

    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 Support the show

  2. 25/11/2025

    Gratitude and Reflection

    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 Support the show

  3. 18/11/2025

    Autism Levels Explained

    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 Support the show

  4. 11/11/2025

    Dissociation & Nervous System Regulation

    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.  Support the show 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 Support the show

  5. 28/10/2025

    Autistic Special Interests

    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 Support the show

  6. 14/10/2025

    Misdiagnosis - Racial and Socioeconomic Barriers

    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

About

Follow Lauren Florio, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, on a journey into stereotype-breaking psychoeducation on all things neurodiversity, therapy, and psychology. Connect with her Atypical View through her lived experiences, all while building empathy for yourself and the neurodiverse community.  You can find Lauren: @ www.TheAtypicalView.com for therapy or coaching services. or  @TheAtypicalView on Instagram  Lauren Florio, LMFT #154915 This podcast is not meant to replace therapy or clinical diagnosis. This is for educational purposes and to share my lived and personal experiences.