Adulting with Autism

April Ratchford MS OT/L
  • 4.8 (74)
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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. 21H AGO

    Triggers vs Anxiety: The "Emotional Immunity" Behind Self‑Sabotage + How Memory Reconsolidation Creates Real Change (Brian DesRoches)

    If you've ever said "I know better… so why do I keep doing this?"—this episode is for you. April sits down with Brian DesRoches, a psychotherapist with 35+ years of experience, to unpack what's actually happening when we get triggered, people-please, shut down, avoid hard conversations, or spiral into self-blame. Brian breaks down a powerful reframe: your brain doesn't "hate change"—it has emotional immunity to change when change feels unsafe. In other words, many self-defeating patterns aren't personality flaws… they're protective emotional learnings your nervous system is still running, often from long ago. In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between normal stress, anxiety, and being triggered (and why they're often lumped together) Why triggers are essentially threat predictions—"the feeling of what will happen" How behaviors like withdrawal, avoidance, people-pleasing, sarcasm, over-drinking, and perfectionism can be protective (not "brokenness") The neuroscience of memory reconsolidation—and why insight alone often doesn't create change What it means to "update" an old emotional learning at the synaptic level (vs just coping after you're activated) A practical starting point: do a trigger inventory, identify one pattern, notice body signals, and name the feared outcome Why feedback/authority situations can feel so intense for autistic people: the threat of being seen How to find the right support: look for experiential therapy and ask about memory reconsolidation-informed approaches This conversation is validating, practical, and hopeful: you're not lazy, dramatic, or defective—your brain is protecting you. And yes, you can update what it learned. Brian's website: BrianDeRoche.com (Books available on Amazon / by order at bookstores; includes a supplemental set of client stories.) If you found this episode helpful, follow the show and share it with someone stuck in a loop of self-blame.

    46 min

  2. 1D AGO

    The Autistic Adults Toolbox: Sensory "Hurricane Warnings," Masking Trade‑Offs & Burnout Recovery (with Natalie Diggins)

    What if "adulting" isn't failing—it's just doing life without the tools your brain actually needs? In this episode of Adulting With Autism, host April talks with Natalie Diggins—technologist and author of The Autistic Adults Toolbox—about practical, real-world systems that make autistic life more manageable without shame, fluff, or forced positivity. Natalie shares why she built a "toolbox" in the first place (starting with the moment she couldn't even find a template to tell a surgeon what she needed), and how autistic adults can stop reinventing the wheel—at work, in relationships, in social situations, and during burnout. In this episode, you'll learn: How to anticipate sensory overload instead of just enduring it (Natalie's simple day-by-day framework) The three times disclosure can make sense: helping someone, trust/intimacy, or the "thermonuclear option" How to plan for holidays and parties by protecting your "sensory calories" (before/during/after strategies + finding quiet spaces) The difference between meltdowns and tantrums, and how to explain meltdowns to a partner How Natalie spots burnout early with a "hurricane warning system"—plus her written down plan for recovery A minimalist executive-functioning setup: the "Top 3" notepad rule (when apps are too much) Relationship communication that works: shifting to "I want / I need" language and making needs understandable across neurotypes If you've ever felt "too much," "too sensitive," or like you're behind in life—this conversation is a reminder: you're not broken. You need tools. Find Natalie's book: The Autistic Adults Toolbox (online or at your local bookstore) If you liked this episode, follow/subscribe and share it with someone who needs practical supports—not pressure.

    34 min

  3. 3D AGO

    Sustainable Success Without Burnout: Rebalancing, Boundaries, Perfectionism, and Redefining "Success" — with Carol Enneking

    If you're ambitious, high-performing, and secretly exhausted—this episode is for you. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, we talk with Carol Enneking, former corporate VP in Talent and Leadership and author of The Rebalancing Act, about redefining success in a way that doesn't cost your health, relationships, or sense of self. Carol shares what she saw inside high-performance culture: many of the most "successful" people were also the most depleted. Together we unpack why "balance" isn't a stable destination, how to rebalance in real life, and how autistic and neurodivergent adults can navigate burnout, sensory load, and masking—without sacrificing ambition. In this episode, we cover: Why high performers often achieve more while enjoying it less "Balance" vs rebalancing (and why balance is basically a myth) Boundaries for ambitious people: when to dial it up vs dial it back People pleasing + perfectionism: how to loosen your grip without doing sloppy work Burnout signs (physical + cognitive) and why time can prevent escalation How to redefine success using values, legacy, and intentional choices A healthier relationship with failure: "failed" vs "I am a failure" Practical questions to stop spiraling: best case, worst case, likely outcome Connect with Carol: Website: carolenneking.com Book: The Rebalancing Act (wherever books are sold)

    31 min

  4. 5D AGO

    How to Declutter When You're Overwhelmed: ADHD/Autism-Friendly Systems (Takilla Combs)

    If you're an autistic or ADHD adult struggling with clutter, executive dysfunction, burnout, or decision fatigue, this episode of Adulting with Autism is for you. Professional Organizer and Life Organizing Strategist Takilla Combs (founder of Xtreme Audacity Organized Solutions) breaks down why organization isn't about pretty bins, Pinterest pantries, or perfect routines—it's about building sustainable systems that support how you actually live. We talk about how clutter can be physical, mental, emotional, and operational, why high performers can look "together" at work while feeling overwhelmed at home, and how to create flexible routines that work for neurodivergent brains—without shame or perfectionism. In this episode, you'll learn: Why clutter often starts as brain clutter and shows up in your environment The real reason "motivation" and quick productivity hacks don't stick Takilla's S.Y.S.T.E.M. framework: clutter costs Space, Time, Energy, Money How to build routines around your natural rhythms (and adjust as life changes) What to do when your systems fall apart due to mental health dips or a busy season A simple approach to paper clutter: handle what's already open first, one pile at a time Guest: Takilla Combs — Life Organizing Strategist + Professional Organizer Website: https://extremeaudacity.com (starts with X) Podcast: The Organized Life with Takilla Renee Social: @extremeaudacity | @takillarenee If this helped, follow Adulting with Autism, leave a review, and share this episode with someone navigating ADHD, autism, executive functioning challenges, or overwhelm.

    27 min

  5. MAR 25

    Turning Pressure Into Power (Without Burnout): Emotional Mastery, Regulation Tools, and Living Through AI Uncertainty — with Michael Dugan

    Pressure can be motivating… or it can be a fast track to overwhelm—especially for autistic and ADHD adults. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, we talk with Michael Dugan, corporate trainer with 20+ years experience and 20,000+ hours teaching performance under pressure, and author of Turning Snowflakes to Diamonds: Turning Pressure Into Power in an Age of AI. Michael shares his Becoming Diamond framework and explains emotional mastery in everyday language. We explore how to distinguish growth pressure from harmful overwhelm, how to set boundaries that protect your nervous system, and practical, repeatable tools for emotional regulation. In this episode, we cover: Pressure vs overload: what's "growth" and what's too much Emotional mastery (what it actually is—and what it isn't) The Swiss Army Knife method: Body, Breath, Brain The ART process: Accept, Release, Transform Breath and body cues for calming the nervous system Staying grounded in a world of AI, uncertainty, and information overload How attention shapes your state (and how to "bookend" your day) Where to find Michael: Book: Turning Snowflakes to Diamonds (Amazon / Audible) Online: Michael Timothy Dugan (YouTube + socials)

    35 min

  6. MAR 23

    Money + Autism: Building Simple Financial Systems, Reducing Stress, and Working Toward Financial Freedom (with George Thomas)

    Money management can be extra hard when you're autistic or neurodivergent—especially if executive functioning challenges make it difficult to track expenses, remember bills, or plan long-term. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, we talk with George Thomas, financial coach and CEO of a financial coaching company focused on making finance simple and accessible. George shares how to build a practical money system, why a budget still matters (when it's realistic), and how to reduce money anxiety by getting organized and focusing on what's leaving your account first. We also discuss the myth that you "have to work to make money," the difference between net income and net worth, how to use automation safely, and small steps you can take this week—even if you feel behind. In this episode, we cover: Why finance feels overwhelming (and how to make it more digestible) The importance of a personal "why," mission, and vision Net worth basics: income – expenses and where to start Executive functioning-friendly systems: reminders, organization, and review routines Automation: what's safe to automate vs what to review manually Handling setbacks and planning for "expected unexpected" costs Defining financial freedom beyond social media hype One change to make this week: review your expenses and find "money leaks" Learn more: Freedom Builders Academy  https://george-thomas-s-school1.teachable.com/p/freedombuildersacademy Freedom Builders Academy is a self-paced, instructor-led financial education program that teaches budgeting, expense management, investing fundamentals, and time/action planning. It includes guided video lessons, mini study guides, and quizzes, and typically takes 2–4 weeks to complete.

    34 min

  7. MAR 21

    Rebuilding After Trauma, Chronic Pain, and Identity Loss — PERMA, Psychological Safety, and Thriving at Work with Hacia Atherton

    What do you do when the dream you built your identity around disappears overnight? In this episode of Adulting With Autism, host Sia talks with Hacia Atherton—former elite equestrian, trauma survivor, and workplace culture strategist—about rebuilding after a devastating riding accident that left her with broken hips, a shattered pelvis, severe nerve damage, chronic pain, and a long recovery. Hacia shares how Positive Psychology's PERMA framework helped her rebuild in tiny, realistic increments, how to define success day-by-day when your capacity changes, and what real support looks like (versus "support" that sounds good but misses the mark). They also unpack psychological safety at work—what it looks like in real rooms, why silence in meetings is a red flag, and how autistic and neurodivergent adults can create pockets of safety even inside imperfect systems. Plus: how to document toxic dynamics, advocate for accommodations, and protect your nervous system when you feel trapped. Hacia is the founder of Empowered Women in Trades and the author of Billion Dollar Blindspot, a guide to the hidden costs of toxic workplace culture and how leaders can fix it. In this episode, we cover: Identity loss after trauma and how to rebuild without abandoning yourself Chronic pain, invisible struggle, and support that actually helps PERMA in everyday language (for teens and adults) Nervous system protection in toxic environments Psychological safety: what it feels like in a room (and what it looks like) Neurodivergence at work: communication, advocacy, and accommodations Why resilience sometimes means resting, pausing, or walking away Small practices for feeling seen when the world doesn't see you Connect with Hacia Atherton: Website: https://haciahatherton.com Instagram: @hacia.atherton LinkedIn: Hacia Atherton Book: Billion Dollar Blindspot (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart.com)

    33 min

  8. MAR 16

    Autistic Burnout, People-Pleasing & Self-Trust: Mindset Tools That Actually Help (Karin Velicka)

    Do you feel like you have to perform to be accepted—at work, in relationships, even in your own self-talk? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, we're joined by Karin Velicka, a certified self-love and mindset coach, former professional athlete, and author of the upcoming book Dear Me Letters. Karin shares her journey from a high-achieving finance path to coaching and emotional healing, and offers practical tools for autistic and ADHD adults who are navigating self-doubt, people-pleasing, burnout cycles, and major career transitions. We talk about why "quick fixes" rarely stick, how to build self-trust through small consistent steps, and how to make self-compassion feel real (not forced or fake). In this episode, we cover: Signs you may need deeper inner work (overachieving, people-pleasing, weak boundaries) How to break limiting beliefs like "I'm not enough" and untangle generational patterns Why letter-writing can be more powerful than traditional journaling Self-love for neurodivergent adults: improving the inner dialogue without toxic positivity A gentle entry point to breathwork for trauma, overwhelm, or sensory discomfort (eyes open is okay) How autistic professionals can reduce overwork guilt with boundaries and "schedule a date with yourself" Career transition clarity: radical honesty, courage, and walking with fear instead of letting it stop you Why slow progress is real progress—and how to celebrate it Guest: Karin Velicka Instagram: velicka.karin Website / Book updates: VelickaKarin.com (upcoming: Dear Me Letters) If you found this episode helpful, follow Adulting with Autism, leave a review, and share it with someone searching for autism self-love, mindset coaching, people-pleasing recovery, burnout, or career transition support

    32 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
    265
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 April Ratchford MS OT/L
  • Show Website
    Adulting with Autism

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