Adulting with Autism

April Ratchford MS OT/L
  • 4.8 (76)
  • 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. 11h ago

    Designing Your "Third Act": Handstands at 72, Cabaret, and Reinventing Yourself with Norman Calvo

    What if your 70s were more adventurous than your 30s? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, Auntie April MS, OT/L talks with Norman Calvo, a longtime mortgage banker who decided "standard success" wasn't enough—and reinvented himself in his 60s and 70s. Norman went from overworked, out of breath on New York subway stairs to running half-marathons, completing the New York City Marathon, perfecting a handstand at 72, singing cabaret, and hosting his own podcast, Against the Norm. Norman shares how a casual conversation with a marathon-running colleague and a chance meeting with two opera singers accidentally opened the door to an entirely new life. He and April dig into the quiet red flags of burnout and boredom, the "little voice" that tells you there's more to life than your current job, and how ignoring that voice leads to regret. He also explains how he helps people design their "third act" by reconnecting with what they loved as kids and turning those buried passions into experiments, hobbies, or even new careers. This is a powerful conversation for autistic and neurodivergent adults in their 20s, 30s, and beyond who are already thinking, "Did I pick the wrong field?" or feel trapped in an identity built only on grades, job titles, or performance. In this episode, you'll learn: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How Norman went from 59, out of shape and overworked, to marathons, cabaret, and handstands p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The subtle signs you've outgrown a version of success (boredom, overwork, "there has to be more than this") p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why tying your entire identity to school, performance, or a job leads to burnout p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How continuous learning and new neural pathways keep life vibrant at any age p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> A simple exercise to uncover what you actually love: listing 10 things you enjoyed as a kid p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How to turn those old loves into small, low-pressure experiments in your current life p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why obstacles (money, time, age) should be treated as problems to navigate—not full stops p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What Norman wishes his 20-year-old self had known about aging, balance, and possibility

    27 min

  2. 2d ago

    What the F**k Do You Mean Rejection Is Redirection?

    Disappointment is part of life. Unfortunately, nobody teaches autistic people how to deal with it. Instead, we're handed vague inspirational quotes like "Everything happens for a reason," "Rejection is redirection," and "There's a silver lining." But what happens when the thing you wanted most disappears? What happens when a carefully planned future suddenly falls apart? In this solo episode, April talks about losing a long-planned trip to Seoul, why autistic people often grieve the future they've already built in their minds, and how to pivot when life doesn't go according to plan. If you've ever failed a class, lost a relationship, missed an opportunity, been denied accommodations, experienced burnout, or watched a dream disappear, this episode is for you. Disappointment isn't a verdict. It's information. The question is: what do you do next? #Autism #ActuallyAutistic #Neurodivergent #AdultingWithAutism #AutisticAdults #ADHD #MentalHealth #Disappointment #Resilience #CollegeSuccess

    17 min

  3. 4d ago

    Money, Debt & Neurodivergent Brains: Autistic-Friendly Finance with Al Zdenek (Cake Club App)

    Money isn't just numbers—it's shame, anxiety, and chaos for a lot of autistic and ADHD adults. In this episode of Adulting with Autism, Auntie April MS, OT/L sits down with financial expert and author Al Zdenek, executive chair of CakeClub Inc. and creator of the CakeClub personal finance app, to talk about practical money skills for real people—not just the rich. Al shares how he went from nearly bankrupt to financially free by his late 40s, and breaks down simple, realistic steps neurodivergent young adults can use to get a handle on cash flow without spreadsheets taking over their lives. They cover what "wealth" really means beyond billionaire fantasies, common money mistakes new earners make (like runaway credit cards, subscriptions, and paying off "good debt" too fast), and why an emergency fund matters more than flexing on social media. Al also explains the basics of managing cash flow as a freelancer or new entrepreneur, separating business and personal money, and what to do if you're already deep in debt and feeling ashamed or stuck. This episode is especially helpful for autistic and ADHD adults who hate looking at statements, feel like they've already "messed up," or grew up being told not to talk about money. In this episode, you'll learn: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why wealth is personal—and how to define it for your life, not Elon's p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The most common money traps for Gen Z and new earners (cars, credit, subscriptions) p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The difference between "good" debt and "bad" debt p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why rushing to pay off a mortgage can leave you financially vulnerable p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How to start: one card, an emergency fund, and getting that 401(k) match p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Cash-flow basics for freelancers and neurodivergent entrepreneurs p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> A simple way to separate business and personal money (without getting overwhelmed) p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What to do if you're already in deep debt, including negotiation, help, and—when necessary—bankruptcy as a reset, not a moral failure p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What "financial freedom" actually looks like beyond just money in the bank

    30 min

  4. Jun 17

    🎙️ Autistic Burnout Doesn't Show Up All at Once

    In this solo episode of Adulting with Autism, April shares her personal experience with autistic burnout and the warning signs she missed along the way. From suddenly losing interest in music and favorite hobbies to driving in silence, chronic exhaustion, nightmares, irritability, and physical pain, burnout didn't arrive with a dramatic announcement. It crept in quietly until her body demanded attention. April also shares a powerful story from earlier in her career when years of stress, masking, caregiving, overwork, and self-neglect led to a life-threatening health crisis that landed her in the ICU. In this episode, you'll learn: • Common signs of autistic burnout • How burnout can look similar to depression • Why functioning at work doesn't always mean you're okay • The impact of chronic masking and constant demands • Small ways to support nervous system recovery • Why listening to your body's whispers matters before it starts screaming This episode is not medical advice. It is one autistic adult's lived experience and perspective as an occupational therapist. Keep Fierce. Keep Focused. Keep Adulting with Autism.

    12 min

  5. Jun 15

    Dating While Autistic: 10 Red Flags I Learned the Hard Way

    Dating can be confusing for anyone, but when you're autistic, ADHD, or both, it can be even harder to know what's a red flag and what's just awkward first-date behavior. In this solo episode, April shares ten dating rules she wishes someone had taught her years ago. From dating apps and first dates to excessive texting, alcohol, scammers, love bombing, and why "the representative" is not the real person, this episode is packed with practical advice and hilarious real-life stories. You'll hear about: • Why dating apps aren't reality • How to spot red flags early • Why time reveals character • When to tell someone you're autistic • Why you should never send money to someone you've met online • What happened when Heather's date stole her car • The date with nine kids looking for a wife • The burger-and-bathroom-window escape story Whether you're dating for the first time, getting back out there, or helping your autistic young adult navigate relationships, this episode will help you approach dating with a little more confidence and a lot more caution. Keep Fierce. Keep Focused. Keep Adulting.

    18 min

  6. Jun 13

    Autistic Burnout, Sleep Debt & Nervous System Recovery with Tim Thomas | Adulting with Autism

    For many autistic and neurodivergent adults, burnout doesn't start with one bad day—it builds slowly through sleep deprivation, chronic stress, anxiety, and nervous system overload. In this episode of Adulting with Autism, I welcome back Tim Thomas, veteran recovery specialist and founder of Breathwork in Bed, to discuss why so many autistic adults feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and stuck in survival mode. Tim shares his personal journey from military deployment in Afghanistan to helping people understand the connection between sleep, stress, loneliness, and nervous system regulation. We discuss practical strategies for improving sleep, reducing overwhelm, managing burnout, and using breathwork as a tool for self-regulation. Topics include: ✅ Autistic burnout and chronic fatigue ✅ Sleep debt and nervous system overload ✅ Trauma, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion ✅ Why loneliness impacts mental health ✅ Breathwork and self-regulation techniques ✅ Sleep challenges in neurodivergent adults ✅ The connection between energy, recovery, and resilience ✅ Practical strategies for better sleep and reduced stress Whether you're an autistic adult, ADHD adult, parent, caregiver, or professional supporting neurodivergent individuals, this conversation offers valuable insights into improving sleep, restoring energy, and finding sustainable ways to recover from burnout. 🎙️ Guest: Tim Thomas 📱 Learn more about Breathwork in Bed 🎧 Subscribe to Adulting with Autism for conversations that help autistic young adults, parents, and professionals navigate adulthood with confidence.

    36 min

  7. Jun 10

    "When You Have No More F***s to Give": Autistic Burnout, Disappointment, and Getting Back Up Again

    What do you do when you're autistic, exhausted, and completely out of emotional bandwidth—with zero f***s left to give? In this raw solo episode of Adulting with Autism, Auntie April MS, OT/L gets honest about the days when life keeps "life-ing": guests reschedule, kids melt down over school bureaucracy, work drains you, and everything feels like too much at once. She breaks down the lie that life is supposed to feel happy and "high vibe" all the time, and instead offers practical tools for moving through seasons of overwhelm, disappointment, and autistic burnout. April talks about what to do when your nervous system is fried, why you have to stop taking everything so personally, and how intentional recovery time isn't a luxury for autistic and ADHD adults—it's maintenance. She digs into anger as information, how to find healthy outlets instead of blowing up your relationships, and the difference between temporary shutdowns and giving up on yourself. In the second half, April shares her own story: failing out of college twice, becoming a nurse, parenting a disabled and autistic child, the death of her mother, divorce, homelessness, health crises, autistic burnout, and watching carefully laid plans (like a dream trip to Seoul) fall apart. Then she connects it to what's possible now: her son's second chance at college, a podcast with millions of downloads, and building a life that still isn't perfect—but is very much not over. If you've ever felt like life is a dumpster fire and you're too tired to keep going, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why "life should be happy all the time" is a harmful lie p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How to cope when you're overwhelmed, overstimulated, and done p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Practical ways to create intentional recovery time without guilt p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How to focus on the next task instead of your entire life at once p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why anger is information—and how to channel it safely p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The difference between a temporary shutdown and giving up p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How to hold both disappointment and gratitude without gaslighting yourself p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why your story isn't over just because your plans fell apart

    20 min

  8. Jun 8

    Autistic & Getting Your First Job: Boundaries, Burnout, and B******t You Don't Have to Put Up With

    Summer means a lot of my autistic squad is starting (or escaping) jobs—first jobs after high school, college, or that soul-sucking gig you can't stand anymore. In this solo episode of Adulting with Autism, Auntie April MS, OT/L breaks down the stuff no one told us about autistic employment: why choosing a job just for the money backfires, how sensory needs and social energy should shape your work, and why your first job is data—not your destiny. You'll hear real-talk about transportation, masking in interviews, accommodations, and how to protect your reputation in a world that loves workplace drama. We get into saying no without guilt, planning an exit from a toxic job without going scorched earth, and drawing hard lines around dating at work, office "family," and coworkers who will absolutely throw you under the bus. Finally, April talks about mental health non-negotiables, burnout, and why you are never paid enough to tolerate abuse, bigotry, or gaslighting—no matter what your title is. If you're an autistic or otherwise neurodivergent adult trying to figure out work, boundaries, and survival in messy workplaces, this episode is your field guide. In this episode, you'll learn: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why money alone should never be your only reason for choosing a job p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How sensory needs (noise, smells, chaos) should guide your job search p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why your first job is information, not a life sentence p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Practical interview tips for autistic adults (eye contact, handshakes, masking just enough) p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What accommodations you can ask for and how to ask p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How to protect your reputation and say no without over-explaining p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why you shouldn't date coworkers or your boss (and how it wrecks your credibility) p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The truth about burnout, HR, and when a job is costing your mental health

    18 min
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4.8
out of 5
76 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
    315
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 April Ratchford MS OT/L
  • Show Website
    Adulting with Autism

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