Adulting with Autism

April Ratchford MS OT/L
  • 4.8 (74)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

ADULTING WITH AUTISM A movement for neurodivergent adults, created by autistic occupational therapist April Ratchford, OTR/L. Adulting with Autism is a global community for autistic and ADHD adults navigating independence, relationships, college life, careers, emotional regulation, and real-world executive-function challenges. With over 2.7 million downloads, April blends lived experience, clinical insight, and honest conversation to guide neurodivergent adults into their next chapter of growth. Each episode brings practical tools, mental-health strategies, autistic storytelling, and real talk about boundaries, burnout, sensory needs, finances, friendships, and the messy parts of becoming an independent adult. Featuring leading experts in autism, mental health, neuroscience, accessibility, and creative industries — along with deeply human stories from autistic adults around the world. If you're a late-diagnosed autistic adult, a college student trying to survive executive-function chaos, or a neurodivergent person trying to build a life that actually fits — you are in the right place. 🎙️ Hosted by: April Ratchford, OTR/L — autistic occupational therapist, autism advocate, author, and executive contributor to Brainz Magazine.

  1. 1D AGO

    Conscious Living for Overwhelmed Young Adults: Alignment, Mentorship, Boundaries, and Nervous System Tools (with Samantha Kane, Roots Wings Wellness)

    Adulting can feel like chaos: bills, work pressure, relationships, identity, and the constant question—"What am I supposed to do with my life?" In this episode of Adulting With Autism, we talk with Samantha Kane, founder of Roots Wings Wellness and a Certified Holistic Life Coach (Conscious Guide). Samantha helps people build self-mastery by connecting to their higher selves through grounded, practical rituals—nervous system regulation, boundaries, journaling, and alignment practices that actually work in real life. Samantha shares why the first step for many young adults isn't a perfect plan—it's finding a mentor you trust. We also unpack what "alignment" really means, how to tell the difference between intuition vs anxiety, and what to do when you're stuck—whether you need movement, patience, or both. In this episode, we cover: The first step when you feel lost: finding a mentor (without needing money) What "alignment" is and how to recognize it (jobs, friendships, relationships) Intuition vs anxiety: practical questions to check your "gut" Outgrowing friends, boundaries, and why you don't get to keep every relationship Adult priorities: spending vs bills, and choosing consequences on purpose Purpose pressure in your 20s: why you don't need the "perfect job" immediately Avoiding work identity burnout: managing energy and keeping life separate from work Finding your true self after years of labels: journaling as self-observation Feeling stuck: stagnant energy vs "meantime" waiting (and how to tell the difference) Tools to regulate: grounding/nature, box breathing 4–4–4–44–4–4–44–4–4–4, creative breath visuals Connect with Samantha Kane: Website: https://rootswingswellness.com (free guide + free call available) Instagram: @rootswingswellness

    34 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Hypnotherapy for Fight-or-Flight: Nervous System Regulation, Chronic Pain, and Consent-Based Healing (with Ethan Reisboard, CHT)

    If you live in fight-or-flight—anxiety, hypervigilance, chronic stress, shutdown, or even chronic pain—your body isn't being "dramatic." It's protecting you. But healing is hard when your nervous system can't access safety. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, we talk with Ethan Reisboard, CHT, a hypnotherapist who helps clients regulate their nervous systems and create lasting change using evidence-informed hypnotherapy tools. Ethan shares his own recovery story: in 2021 he developed post-concussion syndrome with debilitating migraines and eye dysfunction. After trying numerous approaches with no results, hypnotherapy helped shift his body out of fight-or-flight so recovery could finally begin. Now he works with clients (mostly over Zoom) to build safety, reduce triggers, and develop skills that last beyond a single session. In this episode, we cover: What hypnotherapy is (and what it is not) Why the hypnotic state supports the parasympathetic nervous system How fight-or-flight can show up as anxiety and chronic pain How you know you're "out" of fight-or-flight: when triggers become less relevant/reactive "I can't be hypnotized" — stage hypnosis vs therapeutic hypnosis How to find a qualified hypnotherapist (training, supervision, credentials) Tools Ethan uses with clients: breathwork (including vagus nerve activation), somatic tracking, guided practices Working with neurodivergent clients: visualization differences, trust, sensory concerns Nature and travel as nervous system support—without using external "escape" as the only strategy Consent, safety, and agency: why hypnosis can't make you do what you don't want How hypnotherapy can complement OT/PT/clinical rehab when progress is stuck Connect with Ethan Reisboard, CHT: Website: https://ethanreishypnotherapy.com Social: Ethan Reis Hypnotherapy Free consultation scheduling and resources available on his website

    26 min

  3. 5D AGO

    Life Reboot: Nerd Edition — Burnout Recovery, Boundaries, and Values-to-Action for Overwhelmed Techies (with Coach Loren Silverman)

    Burnout doesn't always show up as a dramatic crash. Sometimes it's slow erosion: late nights, weak boundaries, snapping at people, losing hobbies, and waking up feeling like life is a chore. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, we talk with Loren Silverman, a former digital transformation leader turned coach and creator of Life Reboot: Nerd Edition—a 90-day coaching experience designed for nerds, geeks, tech professionals, and high performers who want clarity, better boundaries, and sustainable follow-through. Loren shares how a pivotal experience in 2022—supporting Ukrainian refugees in Poland after the invasion—helped him realize what mattered most: moving people forward. We break down his gamified coaching framework (think D&D stats, quests, XP, rerolls, and boss battles) and why consistency—not perfection—is what creates real change. In this episode, we cover: Early warning signs of burnout in tech and high-demand careers Why burnout is "insidious" and how boundaries erode over time What "align your actions with your values" actually means (and how to find your values) Beginner-friendly boundary script: "Let me think about that for a minute." How to tolerate the guilt/discomfort of saying no and protecting your energy Breaking overwhelming tasks into micro-steps (SMART stories / project management thinking) All-or-nothing thinking and how to practice "good enough" without quitting Tracking progress without turning it into another self-criticism tool (rerolls + XP) Building support through "co-op challenges" and safe accountability Connect with Loren Silverman: Website / strategy call: https://silverman.coach Ask about: Life Reboot: Nerd Edition community, weekly mastermind, and "Lantern Fall Thursdays"

    26 min

  4. MAR 4

    Childhood Domestic Violence (CDV): The Hidden Trauma, the "10 Lies," and How to Start Healing — with Brian F. Martin

    Many adults grew up around domestic violence and minimized it because they "only witnessed it." But childhood domestic violence (CDV) isn't just witnessing—it's an experience that can shape the nervous system, self-concept, and lifelong beliefs about worth, guilt, fear, and safety. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, we talk with Brian F. Martin, founder and CEO of the Childhood Domestic Violence Association (CDV.org) and bestselling author of Invincible: The 10 Lies You Learn Growing Up with Domestic Violence, and the Truths to Set You Free. Brian explains why naming CDV matters, how children form survival-based beliefs before their brains are fully developed, and why many high-functioning adults still carry "unexplained" anxiety, shame, hypervigilance, and self-blame. We also explore how CDV often overlaps with other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)—including bullying, chronic invalidation, and neurodivergence in non-accommodating environments—and what the first steps toward healing can look like, especially for young adults still living at home. In this episode, we cover: What childhood domestic violence is (and why "witnessing DV" understates the impact) How CDV affects the nervous system, fear responses, and long-term self-beliefs The concept of the "10 lies" many survivors learn (guilt, worthlessness, being unlovable, hopelessness) Why non-physical violence (threats, intimidation, constant verbal conflict) can be especially destabilizing How CDV interacts with other trauma and adversity (ACEs), including autism-related invalidation How to notice CDV beliefs when conflict or criticism triggers old survival wiring Why community and one safe conversation can change the meaning of your story Resources and a quick screening tool at CDV.org Learn more: Childhood Domestic Violence Association: https://cdv.org Brian F. Martin's book: Invincible (summary and resources available at CDV.org)

    31 min

  5. MAR 2

    From Trauma, Anxiety, and Pain Pill Addiction to Purpose: E.A. Johnson on the Success VIBE System (Vision, Intention, Belief, Execution)

    In this episode of Adulting With Autism, we talk with E.A. Johnson, motivational speaker and pharmaceutical sales rep, about rebuilding your life after trauma, bullying, anxiety, insomnia, and addiction. E.A shares his rock-bottom moment—writing down everything he was taking and realizing that if someone he loved saw it, they'd think he was trying to kill himself. That realization became the turning point that pushed him toward change. We break down E.A's Success VIBE System, where success is a VIBE: Vision, Intention, Belief, Execution—and how to use it to create momentum when you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or trapped in survival mode. This is a conversation about mindset and practical steps: micro-wins, discipline, community support, morning routines, reframing "failure," and building self-worth without tying it to achievements. In this episode, we cover: E.A's rock-bottom moment and what made him finally change How trauma and anxiety can drive insomnia and addiction Why "planning" can become procrastination—and how to take the first step Micro-wins: using "one more minute" to build momentum Why belief shapes behavior (and how to build belief through kept promises) Reframing setbacks: you don't fail unless you stop Community and relationships as accelerators for healing Practical routines: mindfulness in nature, affirmations, gratitude journaling Boundaries, burnout recovery, and staying steady as responsibilities grow Connect with E.A. Johnson: Instagram: @EAJohnsonSpeaks Website: https://EAJohnsonSpeaks.com Email: info@EAJohnsonSpeaks.com

    32 min

  6. FEB 28

    How to Navigate Life Transitions with Better Questions (Spiritual + Practical Personal Development) — with Coach & Award-Winning Author Jennie Lee

    Big change can be exciting—and completely destabilizing, especially for autistic and ADHD adults who thrive with clarity, predictability, and nervous-system safety. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, host April sits down with Jennie Lee, a trusted personal coach to creatives, CEOs, military officers, teachers, therapists, and more. Jennie bridges spiritual self-development with physical self-expression, offering pragmatic tools for inner alignment and conscious, strategic change. Jennie is the author of Spark Change, a highly practical book built around transformational questions you can use in real time—whether you're stuck in indecision, rebuilding after burnout, unmasking, changing careers, or redefining relationships. She's also the author of True Yoga: Practicing with the Yoga Sutras for Happiness & Spiritual Fulfillment and Breathing Love: Meditation in Action, and she's a multi–award-winning author including the Nautilus Book Award. In this episode, we explore: Why the right questions create real change (not just "thinking about it") Turning insight into action during transitions and identity shifts Inner alignment: spiritual development that stays grounded in daily life Using reflection without getting trapped in overthinking Spark Change: 12 themes, 9 questions each—how to use it as a daily prompt or conversation starter Moving beyond self-imposed limitations and expanding creative self-expression About Jennie Lee: Jennie has been teaching and coaching in the spiritual/personal development space for nearly three decades. She's known for being fun, highly engaging, and spontaneous—while still delivering practical tools that actually help people implement change.

    33 min

  7. FEB 25

    Intimacy, Consent, Shame, and Neurodivergent Dating (Autism/ADHD) — with Certified Sexologist Mandy Hart (Hart's Desire)

    Intimacy isn't just sex—and for a lot of autistic and ADHD adults, dating can feel like a confusing set of unspoken rules that nobody will explain. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, host April sits down with Mandy Hart, a Certified Sexologist and founder of Hart's Desire—Intimacy and Relationship Coaching, for a candid, compassionate conversation about shame, consent, boundaries, and connection. Mandy blends behavioral science, public health, and trauma-empowered somatic coaching to help people reconnect with their bodies, build confidence, and create authentic intimacy on their own terms—whether that's with a partner, multiple partners, or solo. We talk about what it means to feel safe in your body, how to communicate needs and boundaries, how to discuss STIs without panic or shame, and how consent can be sexy, clear, and ongoing (not a checklist). In this episode, we cover: Intimacy vs. sex: expanding what "connection" can mean Shame and self-worth: how it shows up in dating and relationships "Safety in your body" and nervous system regulation Consent skills: how to ask, how to check in, and how to make it hot (not awkward) Neurodivergent dating: navigating cues, boundaries, and communication Asexuality, sensory needs, and relationships without partner sex STI disclosure and sexual health conversations with compassion Connect with Mandy Hart: Website: https://harts-desire.com/  Email: mandy@hearts-desire.com Book a free discovery call via the site Blog: Embodying Hart's Desire

    45 min

  8. FEB 23

    Estate Planning for Families (Wills vs Trusts), Government Benefits, and Kids Protection Planning — with Attorney Cecilia Amo (AMO LAW)

    What happens to your children, your home, your photos, and your money if something happens to you—tomorrow? In this episode of Adulting With Autism, we sit down with Attorney M. Cecilia Amo, founder of AMO LAW Legacy Planning (Costa Mesa, California), to talk about estate planning for real life—not just paperwork that sits in a drawer. Cecilia breaks down the difference between a will and a trust, why probate can be expensive and stressful, and how to build a plan that keeps your loved ones out of court and out of conflict. We also dig into why estate planning matters for families navigating autism, ADHD, disability, and government benefits, including how an inheritance can accidentally disrupt benefits if planning isn't done correctly—and what tools (like special needs planning) may help protect long-term stability. Cecilia is also the author of Your After-Credits Scene: A Nerd's Guide to Wills, Trusts & Legacy, where she teaches estate planning using pop culture references (think Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel) to make it actually understandable. In this episode, we cover: Estate planning myths: it's not just for the wealthy or elderly Will vs. trust: what each does (and doesn't do) Why probate is the government's "default" plan What happens if you're incapacitated without a power of attorney Kids protection planning and choosing guardians Why digital assets (photos, accounts) need planning too How to find an estate planning attorney who isn't just selling templates Learn more / Connect: AMO LAW: https://amo-law.com/ Book info: https://amo-law.com/aftercredits

    39 min
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4.8
out of 5
74 Ratings

About

ADULTING WITH AUTISM A movement for neurodivergent adults, created by autistic occupational therapist April Ratchford, OTR/L. Adulting with Autism is a global community for autistic and ADHD adults navigating independence, relationships, college life, careers, emotional regulation, and real-world executive-function challenges. With over 2.7 million downloads, April blends lived experience, clinical insight, and honest conversation to guide neurodivergent adults into their next chapter of growth. Each episode brings practical tools, mental-health strategies, autistic storytelling, and real talk about boundaries, burnout, sensory needs, finances, friendships, and the messy parts of becoming an independent adult. Featuring leading experts in autism, mental health, neuroscience, accessibility, and creative industries — along with deeply human stories from autistic adults around the world. If you're a late-diagnosed autistic adult, a college student trying to survive executive-function chaos, or a neurodivergent person trying to build a life that actually fits — you are in the right place. 🎙️ Hosted by: April Ratchford, OTR/L — autistic occupational therapist, autism advocate, author, and executive contributor to Brainz Magazine.

Information

  • Creator
    April Ratchford MS OT/L
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    256
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 April Ratchford MS OT/L
  • Show Website
    Adulting with Autism

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