The Neurodivergant Connection / Stories

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Chats with people who deal with ASD and ADHD. I talk to those in the profession like therapist or even chats with mothers who have kids on the spectrum. Just honest chats with questions thrown in. Where two people can sit and share thoughts on the spectrum Come join us we I talk with people from all over the ASD and ADHD field. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. Part 2: From chaos to craft How one design built neurodivergent work tools

    21H AGO

    Part 2: From chaos to craft How one design built neurodivergent work tools

    Training for a World That Doesn’t Slow Down: Neurodivergent Tools, Food Rescue, and Real Vocational Pathways What if the world didn’t have to slow down for us — we just needed better tools to meet it on our terms? In this episode I talk with Shannon Dobbs about three decades of navigating disability, designing assistive tech, and building practical community systems that actually work. You’ll hear why Shannon built an AI-driven “just-in-time” training scaffold (think wearable or tablet-based guidance tuned for ADHD and autism), how a hotel chain used blast chillers to rescue millions of meals, and why community-scale grocery and vocational models matter more than traditional degrees right now. I reveal parts of Shannon’s blueprint for vocational pathways that pay while teaching real skills, and we tease the systems, certifications, and community networks that make this possible. You’ll discover the outcomes — more dignified work, anti-fragile neighborhoods, and meaningful roles for neurodivergent people — and you’ll be left asking: What would a local blast-chiller node look like in my city? How could “living resumes” change hiring? Which tools could help me or my student show capability, not just compliance? About the Guest Shannon Dobbs — retired military veteran, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder focused on regenerative food systems and assistive tech. Shannon combines satellite/signal experience with decades in small business and community organizing to build vocational pathways and scalable food-rescue solutions. Contact: shannon@ria.earth | ria.earth Timestamps 0:03 - Intro: why this conversation matters for neurodivergent communities 2:12 - The AI "goggles" concept: just-in-time, personalized skill scaffolding 12:53 - The spark: building community grocery solutions after confronting local barriers 24:00 - MGM’s blast-chiller model: rescuing meals and why nonprofits resisted 40:10 - Vocational pathways: earning while learning, HACCP, cold-chain skills, and living resumes 52:46 - Resilience reframed: community wisdom over lone toughness 61:27 - How to get involved: donate, volunteer, or help with tech at ria.earth Keywords: neurodivergent, ADHD, autism, vocational training, food rescue, regenerative, assistive tech, augmented reality, community resilience. I’d love for you to keep the conversation going — subscribe, share this episode with someone who cares about inclusive workforce design, or visit ria.earth to get involved. #Neurodiversity #FoodRescue #VocationalTraining #AssistiveTech Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 6m
  2. Small autism school needs help so I hiked a mountain

    2D AGO

    Small autism school needs help so I hiked a mountain

    About the Guest Gary Martinez Jr. — autism parent, Manitou Incline devotee, and fundraiser for Kishami Academy. He averages multiple laps per day, uses the trail to raise awareness, and shares practical sensory strategies learned parenting his daughter. Timestamps 0:04 - Episode open and intro to Gary's climb 1:19 - Gary explains the one-year Manitou Incline challenge 3:53 - Elevation, lap counts, and sponsor match 7:02 - Gary on discovering his own neurodivergent traits 18:52 - Daily sensory supports that help his daughter succeed 23:13 - Surprises from months of climbing 27:04 - How sponsors and community stepped up 36:40 - How listeners can help the school 37:53 - Where to find Gary and donate Want to help? Visit Gary's profiles (Gary Martinez Jr. on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) for the GoFundMe link and more. Please listen to the episode to hear the full story and consider donating or volunteering — every step counts. #AutismSupport #Neurodiversity #CommunityFundraising #ManitouIncline #ParentingTips Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    43 min
  3. From mystery to clarity a mom remeets her son after diagnosis

    JAN 30

    From mystery to clarity a mom remeets her son after diagnosis

    When a Diagnosis Opens the Door: A Mother’s Story of Autism, School Battles, and Small Wins I sit down with Anita G., a retired teacher and podcast host, to hear how one diagnosis changed everything for her family—and why that could matter to you. In this episode I talk with Anita about recognizing subtle signs of autism, the relief and confusion that followed her son Tyler’s diagnosis at 10, and the ways schools and doctors sometimes miss children who don’t fit a stereotyped image. You’ll hear why she started a podcast called G Family Chronicles, how being a former educator shaped her advocacy, and the quiet strategies that helped Tyler move toward college and independence. We also cover the emotional toll of fighting for accommodations, when to bring in an advocate or attorney, and the simple supports—like pets and captioned TV—that changed daily life. I reveal a few of the systems and paperwork she relied on, but I save the step-by-step for the episode because the details matter. Key Timestamps 0:02 – Episode intro 1:30 – Who Tyler is and early signs 4:06 – Receiving the diagnosis: relief and next steps 6:46 – Hopes and fears before the word “autism” 11:27 – How Anita’s view of autism changed 24:53 – What led to reevaluation in school 34:17 – The impact of “invisible” autism on treatment 68:12 – Avoiding burnout: advocates, attorneys, and supports 93:19 – Where to find Anita’s podcast and resources About the Guest Anita G. is a retired teacher, mother of Tyler (diagnosed with autism at 10), and host of the podcast G Family Chronicles. She shares candid stories from the classroom and home, focusing on practical advocacy for neurodivergent kids and their families. Want practical examples and real paperwork stories? Listen to the full episode to find out which strategies Anita used, when she brought in legal help, and what she wishes parents knew in year one after a diagnosis. Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation—links in the show notes. #Neurodiversity #AutismParenting #IEPAdvocacy Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 38m
  4. Part 1: From nightclub owner to food equity advocate

    JAN 23

    Part 1: From nightclub owner to food equity advocate

    From Nightclubs to Food Justice: Shannon Dobbs on Neurodivergence, Disability, and Building Better Systems (Part 1) What happens when a former nightclub owner rethinks food access, work, and learning through a neurodivergent lens? In this conversation, I sit down with Shannon Dobbs—an Army vet turned nonprofit advocate—who shares how health scares, a late ADHD diagnosis, and hard-won lessons from the VA pushed him to redesign how communities get fed and how people learn. You’ll hear how he went from running a smoke-filled bar to installing a commercial kitchen that kept downtown Reno fed during COVID—and why that experience sparked a bigger mission. We get into the real reasons food deserts persist, why some organizations resist root-cause solutions, and the unexpected tech that can turn “waste” into meals. Shannon also teases a new path for sensory-friendly, on-the-job learning using assistive hardware and small language models—built for those of us who learn best hands-on. You’ll discover: - How Shannon reframed food insecurity with practical tools most people overlook - The pattern-seeing skill that helps him cut through red tape - A simple kitchen swap that changes meal prep for ADHD brains - Why vocational, self-directed learning could be a better fit than traditional classrooms What would shift if grocery models fit the community—not the other way around? And how close are we to offline AI that coaches you through a task in real time? About the Guest Shannon Dobbs is a retired nightclub owner, Army veteran, and nonprofit founder focused on food systems, vocational pathways, and sensory-friendly tech. He works at the intersection of neurodivergence, disability, and community-led solutions. Timestamps 0:03 – Meet Shannon: from nightclubs to nonprofit advocacy 1:48 – The wake-up call that changed his health—and his work 5:58 – The part of his story most people miss 7:25 – Late ADHD diagnosis, head injury, and what actually changed 10:27 – Building a bar community that won “Best Dance Club” 12:56 – The HEPA hack that made a smoking bar breathable 13:34 – Military life, creativity, and a sudden detour 20:46 – Real-life kitchen challenges with ADHD 22:17 – The one-pot tool that makes cooking simpler 35:09 – Why grocery stores don’t reach food deserts—and a different model 43:11 – “We rescued 5M meals”: what Vegas taught him about waste 55:24 – Sensory overwhelm and a new assistive hardware concept 63:30 – How on-device AI could guide real work, step by step 70:14 – Wrap-up: Part 2 coming soon Call to action: If you’re neurodivergent, a parent, educator, or caregiver, this one’s for you. Listen now, share with someone who needs it, and subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2. #Neurodiversity #FoodInsecurity #ADHD #Disability #Veterans Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 15m
  5. Stories: Men feel stuck after trauma here’s what actually helps

    JAN 23

    Stories: Men feel stuck after trauma here’s what actually helps

    From Near-Fatal TBI to Helping Men Heal: Daniel’s Story of Grit, Care, and Possibility A teenage car crash changed everything. In this episode, I sit with Daniel, an LCSW who turned his traumatic brain injury into a calling to support men facing trauma, PTSD, and TBI. You’ll hear how he went from ICU and tinnitus-filled nights to guiding others through the fog—without losing himself in the process. I reveal the words that fueled his recovery, the quiet struggles most people never see, and why he chose to focus on men’s mental health. You’ll discover the core misunderstandings about men and trauma, what real nervous system regulation can look like, and the approaches Daniel uses that move healing from “talking about it” to actually feeling better in your body. We also get personal: the sounds that soothe, routines that keep the darkness from following you home, and the one message he’d give his 18-year-old self. If you’re a parent, educator, caregiver, or a man carrying a heavy load, this conversation opens a path forward—one you might not expect. Want to know the modalities Daniel recommends, where he sends men to start, and why this accident may have put him exactly where he’s needed most? Press play. Key Timestamps 0:02 – The crash that changed his life 4:06 – Hyper-sensitivity, tinnitus, and the early aftermath 6:56 – A doctor’s prediction—and the moment that lit a fire 8:30 – The hardest part of recovery no one talks about 9:41 – What he lost—and what he gained 14:33 – Why the helping professions called to him 16:23 – Why he works with men: one word that says it all 21:08 – What people get wrong about men and trauma 30:32 – How he doesn’t carry clients’ pain home 45:07 – Where men should start: the modalities that help 46:59 – How to connect with Daniel About the Guest Daniel is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in men’s trauma, PTSD, and traumatic brain injury. Through his private practice, he supports clients with approaches that include body-based and trauma-focused care. Resources: Learn more at RevitalizeMentalHealth.com If this episode helped, subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Your support helps our neurodivergent community feel seen, informed, and connected. #Neurodiversity #MensMentalHealth #TraumaHealing #TBI #PTSD Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    51 min
  6. Late ADHD diagnosis at 37 now school and work finally make sense

    JAN 23

    Late ADHD diagnosis at 37 now school and work finally make sense

    ADHD, Fear, and Finding Recovery: A Real Conversation with Chase Thayer If school felt like quicksand and calm never lasted, this episode will feel like a breath you didn’t know you needed. I sit down with Chase Thayer to talk about ADHD, fear, grief, and recovery—without sugarcoating. You’ll hear how early shame shaped his choices, why baseball became a lifeline, and the moment he realized substances weren’t the core issue. We get into trauma, inner child work, and what actually helps in the first year of sobriety. I also ask him why healing the whole family matters and what most parents miss when they push for college before stability. In this episode, I reveal the questions I wish more educators and parents asked kids who struggle to “care,” and you’ll discover the simple shift that can make school and work more humane for ADHD brains. Chase shares the framework he uses with families today—and the misconception that keeps so many stuck. By the end, you’ll see recovery with clearer eyes, and you might rethink what support looks like at home, in the classroom, and in the workplace. About the Guest Chase Thayer is a healthcare professional with nearly 20 years in substance use and mental health. He’s in long-term recovery, has ADHD, and founded Austin Integration Coaching to guide individuals and families through treatment planning, transition, and sustained change. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his partner and three kids. Key Timestamps 0:02 – Why this conversation matters now 3:06 – Growing up in fear and the cost of “keeping the peace” 6:40 – ADHD and school: when effort looks like apathy 11:31 – The “dumb jock” shield: what it hid and what it stole 15:30 – Baseball as identity and confidence 18:33 – Alcohol as “freedom” and a false self 19:39 – Painkillers and the slide no one saw coming 21:05 – Losing his brother and the grief that fueled risk 26:31 – Realizing substances weren’t the main problem 29:54 – Addiction, trauma, and inner child work 31:44 – The first year: what most people get wrong 33:21 – Why family healing can’t be optional 37:48 – Austin Integration Coaching: filling the gap 39:58 – The biggest rehab misconception 41:40 – A message for anyone feeling stuck 44:03 – Reclaiming life in everyday moments 44:44 – Where to find Chase If this helped you, share it with someone who needs a steady voice today. Subscribe for more real, accessible conversations on neurodiversity, mental health, and community. Connect with Chase at austinintegrationcoaching.com. #ADHD #TraumaInformed #Recovery #Neurodiversity #FamilySystems Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    49 min
  7. Raising Digital Creators, Not Addicts: The New Blueprint for Safe and Inspiring Kids’ Technology

    JAN 9

    Raising Digital Creators, Not Addicts: The New Blueprint for Safe and Inspiring Kids’ Technology

    Robert’s story starts with a simple question that changed everything: why can’t people talk to someone right at the point of purchase online? Back in the late ‘90s, he was building websites and saw firsthand how disconnected people felt behind their screens. That spark led him to invent web chat, a tool now woven into the fabric of daily life, and eventually build a multibillion-dollar company centered around making human connections through technology. But after years of leading in the world of AI and customer service, his perspective shifted dramatically when he watched his own kids interact with technology. Instead of seeing creativity and community, he saw harm and addiction. Those personal, raw moments as a parent fueled a new mission—one focused on building tech experiences that empower kids to create and connect safely. Robert’s journey isn’t just about inventing cool tech; it’s about finding ways for technology to actually serve families, spark imagination, and build healthier communities.,Robert’s journey with technology began out of curiosity and a desire to solve problems he saw in everyday life. He invented web chat because he believed people deserved real, meaningful conversations—even online. As his company grew and shaped the future of AI, his focus gradually shifted from business success to something more personal. Becoming a dad opened his eyes to how technology affects kids, especially when he saw his own children drawn into unhealthy patterns with screens and apps. Those real-life experiences hit hard and inspired him to rethink everything he knew about tech. Now, Robert is passionate about creating tools that give kids a safe space to express themselves and explore their creativity. His story is a reminder that sometimes, it takes seeing the impact up close to realize what really matters and to use innovation for good. Robert Locasico has seen the digital world from just about every angle, starting as the inventor of web chat in 1997 and then leading LivePerson to the top of the conversational AI industry. But what really sets Robert apart is his drive to rethink how kids interact with technology, a passion sparked by watching his own three children navigate today’s digital landscape. He’s not just an industry veteran—he’s a parent who understands the challenges families face with screens, apps, and AI. Now, Robert is channeling his decades of experience into building tech that’s not only safe, but also genuinely sparks creativity and connection for all kids, including those who are neurodivergent. His down-to-earth style and focus on ethical AI make him a thoughtful voice in the often overwhelming world of kids’ technology. Visit Kidco.AI to learn more about the Kid device and company. Purchase the Kid device directly from Kidco.AI (available for sale now). Join the Kidco.AI Facebook group for parents to share experiences and support each other. Connect directly with the Kidco.AI team after joining to provide feedback and engage with the community. Explore COPPA certification standards for digital properties to understand the safety measures implemented for children. Contact Me: https://www.youtube.com/@AspergersStudio https://aspergersstudio.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/reidmiles/ https://www.facebook.com/InsideTheAspergersStudio https://www.twitter.com/AspergersStudio Support the show via my Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AspergersStudio Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 5m
  8. From awkward talks to real closeness in neurodiverse relationships

    JAN 7

    From awkward talks to real closeness in neurodiverse relationships

    Neurodiverse Intimacy: Rethinking Sex, Consent, and Connection with Cheri Intimacy isn’t “broken” when you’re neurodivergent—it just plays by different rules. In this episode, I sit down with Cheri, a couple sex therapist and relationship coach, to reframe sex, consent, and communication for neurodiverse couples. You’ll hear how sensory sensitivities, masking, burnout, and mixed communication styles can shape closeness—and why that doesn’t mean you’re a mismatch. Cheri shares how her new workbook helps partners feel safe, seen, and equipped to build connection that fits their brains and bodies. We talk about practical ways to communicate (that aren’t awkward), how to handle mismatched desire without blame, and what repair looks like when things go sideways. I reveal where I’ve struggled to find the right support, and you’ll discover why a small shift in language can change the whole experience in the bedroom. Curious how texting can be a strength? Why kissing can be a bigger sensory hurdle than handholding? And what to offer instead of a flat “no”? It’s all here—without shame, and without guesswork. Timestamps 0:02 – Welcome and why finding the right support matters 0:53 – Why Cheri created a sex workbook for neurodiverse couples 3:19 – How intimacy shows up differently (and what “different” really means) 5:29 – Sensory realities: kissing vs. handholding 6:10 – Building a workbook that feels safe, not clinical 7:07 – Communication that works: beyond talking it out 11:16 – Reframing “something’s wrong with us” 12:52 – Desire, arousal, and capacity: what changes and why 15:23 – Talking about sex without shutdowns or defensiveness 20:06 – Moving from unspoken rules to clear consent 21:36 – Consent in long-term relationships when energy fluctuates 22:55 – What makes this a workbook (and how to use it together) 24:16 – The exercise that surprised Cheri most 30:21 – Balancing structure with flexibility 31:13 – Shame, trauma, and gentle repair 32:50 – Handling mismatched desire without judgment 33:56 – In-the-moment repair when things go sideways 36:53 – The “we’re not broken” shift 39:22 – Beyond sex: building a lasting sense of connection 40:07 – Where to start if you’re nervous About the Guest Cheri is a couple sex therapist and relationship coach with 20+ years of experience. Her dissertation focused on neurodiverse couples, and she specializes in practical tools that honor difference without shame. Learn more at couplescounselingcenter.online. If this episode helps, share it with someone who needs to hear they’re not alone. Subscribe for more accessible conversations on Autism, ADHD, relationships, and real-world support. #Neurodiversity #Autism #ADHD #Relationships #SexEducation Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    45 min
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Chats with people who deal with ASD and ADHD. I talk to those in the profession like therapist or even chats with mothers who have kids on the spectrum. Just honest chats with questions thrown in. Where two people can sit and share thoughts on the spectrum Come join us we I talk with people from all over the ASD and ADHD field. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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