Divergent Conversations

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[FLASHBACK] Episode 2: Autistic Burnout Dec 22, 2023

Show notes

Do you ever find yourself in a state of paralyzing burnout that can happen even when you're doing activities that you enjoy?

Have you ever taken a vacation to fight the fatigue of life only to find that your post-vacation burnout-recovery state is reversed sooner and more severely than others?

Do you wonder how you can reduce your burnout in a way that works and actually lasts?

Then this episode is for you.

Top 3 reasons to listen to this episode:

Understand what autistic burnout looks like and how it differs from the burnout that might be experienced from things like work.
Identify ways to provide self-care when you are experiencing autistic burnout, as well as how to incorporate sensory soothers.
Learn how autistic burnout and ADHD can affect each other.

Autistic burnout can be a very tiring and frustrating experience. It can have a significant impact on your productivity, relationships, and overall quality of life. Therefore, it is important to understand what it is, how it affects you, and how to deal with it effectively. By doing so, you can preserve your energy and improve your quality of life.

To cope with autistic burnout, it is crucial to identify the activities or practices that help you recharge and calm your senses. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can manage your energy levels and reduce the likelihood of burnout.

Additional Resources:

Check out Dora M. Raymaker's study on autistic burnout: “Having All of Your Internal Resources Exhausted Beyond Measure and Being Left with No Clean-Up Crew: Defining Autistic Burnout."

Megan's Resources for Autism and Burnout:

How to Spot Autistic Burnout: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/autistic-burnout-symptoms
What Causes Autistic Burnout: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/what-causes-autistic-burnout
Autistic Burnout Recovery: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/autistic-burnout-recovery
Autistic Burnout Workbook: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/autistic-burnout-guide-and-worksheets

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✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources

If you’d like to supplement your learning on burnout, you can check out Neurodivergent Insights' resources on burnout. We have articles, an Autistic Burnout course, workbooks, and print books! Visit: neurodivergentinsights.com/burnout-resources

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Divergent Conversations Undergroundis a space for messy conversations, real connection, and unfinished thoughts in a neurodivergent-affirming community. If you’d like to go deeper with us into more nuanced, searching conversations, join here: divergentconversations.substack.com

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Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 32: Navigating Neurodivergent Attachment: Unraveling Complex Relationships Dec 15, 2023

Show notes

The world of relationships and attachment styles from a neurodivergent perspective is complex and sometimes misunderstood as characteristics of neurotypes and attachment styles overlap and shape social interactions and dynamics.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk about partnerships, attachment theory, and relationships across various neurotypes.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Understand the unique challenges neurodivergent individuals face in feeling connected and present in social situations, and how their experiences with attachment styles can differ significantly from societal norms.
Identify how the impact of sensory and neurodivergent perspectives on attachment styles can shape relationships in profound and often misunderstood ways.
Hear the personal stories and experiences of Patrick and Dr. Neff in relationships before diagnosis and after, including the fantasy of relationships and whether behavior is based on attachment styles or neurotypes.

By exploring the complexities of the neurodivergent experience and attachment styles, it can become clearer how you communicate and what you need to enjoy more balanced and healthy relationships where your and your partner’s needs can “mostly” be met.

Additional Resources

Neurodivergent Insights Interpersonal Workbook: Neurodivergent Insights Workbook: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/interpersonal-workbook
Can Autistic Children Be Securely Attached? By Debra Brause Psy.D. (Psychology Today)
The Attachment Project: Great articles and resources on attachment theory

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✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources

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Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 31: Releasing Expectations Around The Neurodivergent Holiday Experience Dec 08, 2023

Show notes

There are a lot of different opinions and feelings about the neurodivergent experience during the holiday season. The reality is that they will be vastly different for each individual, and there isn’t a right way to experience the holidays.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, dive into the complexities of navigating the holiday season as neurodivergent individuals, offering valuable strategies for managing stress, setting boundaries, and finding moments of connection.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Understand the challenges of masking or unmasking publicly and at holiday events, as well as the importance of setting boundaries to protect one's energy and sensory needs during gatherings.
Identify strategies for managing stress and anxiety during the holiday season, including ways to do self-care and prioritize value-based activities.
Learn how to release expectations, find compromise, and create moments of joy and connection that result in more meaningful personal experiences in cross-neurotype relationships and prioritize well-being for every neurotype.

We all have different likes and dislikes, as well as perceptions and experiences, so do your best to release any expectations around how you should experience and feel about the holiday season, and try to create an environment and experience that honors your unique wants and needs.

Resources:

One of Dr. Neff’s first blog posts ever written was on navigating their first holiday season after the discovery that they were Autistic, so if you want some more Autistic holiday musings here you go:

Autism and the Holidays: Reflections: neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/neurodivergent-holiday-reflections

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✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources

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Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 30: Rewriting Neurodivergent Narratives: Navigating Labels, Trust, and Healing through Somatic Work [featuring Sandra Coral] Dec 01, 2023

Show notes

Labels can have a profound impact in the way neurodivergent individuals are perceived by others and themselves. Labels both originate from and shape narratives that can shift the trajectory of how life is experienced.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Sandra Coral, somatic therapist, founder of Neurodivergent Narratives, author, and podcast host, about the impact and source of labels, the use of somatic therapy, and the treatment of individuals from children to adults who have and don’t have the label of ADHD in relation to race, gender, sexuality, etc.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Understand the need to acknowledge and embrace the complexity of individuals' experiences, challenging narrow storylines that do not reflect their true experiences and promoting empowerment through personal narrative exploration.
Learn about the significance of somatic work for understanding and meeting the needs of neurodivergent individuals including establishing safety and trust, and co-creating a language for accessing the body in therapeutic processes.
Identify the impact of societal markers and the teacher's own background on how children's behaviors are interpreted in educational settings for the most marginalized within the neurodivergent community.

The stories we tell ourselves shape our experiences with the world, so pay attention to your stories and ask yourself where they come from—did they come from you or someone else—then trust yourself to be the expert in your own life.

Sandra's Information and Resources:

Sandra (she/they) is the education consultant, narrative therapy practitioner, and somatic attachment coach behind Neurodivergent Narratives, a space for supporting neurodivergent people through therapeutic support, educational consulting, and online advocacy.

They are a Black, trans-racial adoptee, parent, queer, femme with late-in-life neurodivergent diagnoses, who share their experiences navigating this society. Their first book aimed at those supporting neurodivergent children called, "It's Never Just ADHD, Finding the Child Behind the Label" is to be published in early 2024 by Sage Publishing House.

Order links are available here:

More Resources from Sandra:

Podcast Host of Neurodivergent Narratives https://neurodivergentnarrativespodcast.buzzsprout.com
Substack: https://ndnarratives.substack.com
@nd.narratives on Instagram
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ndnarratives

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✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources

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Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 29: Unmasking Rejection: Answering Questions About RSD Nov 24, 2023

Show notes

Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) impacts many aspects of your life and can be a driving force in how you manage relationships and internally process the world around you, so there are many nuances for it.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, answer some of the questions from listeners about RSD, including everything from self-shaming to the connection with other diagnoses.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Understand what masked RSD looks like and the impact it has on shame and finding connection.
Identify what connections and impact RSD might have on conditions like PMDD, as well as how the experience of rejection can be viewed differently between ADHD and Autistic individuals.
Learn some strategies to help deal with the experience of RSD to create a better environment around you and pay attention to your core needs.

When it comes to RSD, everything goes back to connection. It’s both the thing that humans need and also something that can seem so difficult to attain and maintain. If you are struggling with complex and shifting intrusive narratives or internalized emotions that can last for years, try to focus on your core needs at the moment and check in with yourself so that you can offer yourself the opportunity to think more objectively and take action that is more likely to benefit you.

Resources plus Exclusive Coupon Code

Dr. Neff's Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Workbook Bundle (Clinical Use): https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-clinical
Dr. Neff's Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Workbook Bundle (Personal Use): https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-bundle
Use Code: “DivergentConversationsListener” To get 20% off anything in the shop, including the RSD bundle.
Dr. Neff's free blog posts on RSD: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/category/Rejection+Sensitive+Dysphoria

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Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 28: RSD and Social Media: Exploring the Complex Relationship and Nurturing Mental Wellness Online Nov 17, 2023

Show notes

If you struggle with rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), navigating social media can be complicated.

Social media is both a place where many neurodivergent individuals are able to find connection and be seen, but it can also be a place where impulsivity and reactiveness can run rampant, both on the giving and receiving end of online conversations and posts.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, delve deep into the complex relationship between social media, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), setting boundaries, and mental well-being.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Understand how to address RSD burnout with social media, as well as the important role that boundary-setting plays in helping you show up online with reduced intensity of RSD.
Hear about some ways that Autistic individuals may experience social media differently, and even more positively, than allistic people and neurotypicals.
Learn some RSD-symptom-reducing strategies to check yourself and check in with others when you are struggling with fear of being misunderstood.

As you navigate the complexities of social media, remember to check in with yourself and establish your boundaries for the way you interact with others online and who you allow into your space. Don’t be afraid to unfollow someone or snooze posts from a friend. Make it your priority to protect your mental well-being and engage in a healthier way.

Resources plus Exclusive Coupon Code

Dr. Neff's Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Workbook Bundle (Clinical Use): https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-clinical
Dr. Neff's Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Workbook Bundle (Personal Use): https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-bundle
Use Code: “DivergentConversationsListener” To get 20% off anything in the shop, including the RSD bundle.
Dr. Neff's free blog posts on RSD: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/category/Rejection+Sensitive+Dysphoria
The EFT attachment infinity loop can be downloaded here: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/couples-resources

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✨ Neurodivergent Insights Autistic Burnout Resources

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Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 27: Inside Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria: Insights on RSD, Mental Health, and Relationships Nov 10, 2023

Show notes

Do you ever feel like you are more sensitive to rejection, teasing, criticism, or your own perception that you have failed or fallen short? Or maybe you know someone who seems to be particularly hard on themselves and reactive to others?

Everyone experiences some reaction to rejection, but individuals with RSD find themselves more likely to perceive harsh rejection and criticism where there might be none and can sometimes feel like they live in a chronic state of rejection.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, dive deep into the complexities of rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) and its impact on neurodivergent individuals and the people around them.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Understand the impact of RSD and how it can lead to chronic pain, affect relationships, and cause avoidance behaviors in professional and personal settings.
Hear about some ways that RSD can impact relationship dynamics and major life changes and decisions.
Learn about treatments and strategies to help with RSD, as well as ways to adapt therapeutic modalities to be more effective with neurodivergent individuals.

Rejection sensitivity dysphoria can be difficult to navigate both internally and externally and can have a profound impact on the way you experience the world, but there are ways to address it that can help with reducing the intensity around feelings of rejection and finding ways to improve relationships through collaborative communication around RSD.

Resources plus Exclusive Coupon Code

Dr. Neff's Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Workbook Bundle (Clinical Use): https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-clinical
Dr. Neff's Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Workbook Bundle (Personal Use): https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/p/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-bundle
Use Code: “DivergentConversationsListener” To get 20% off anything in the shop, including the RSD bundle.
Dr. Neff's free blog posts on RSD: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/category/Rejection+Sensitive+Dysphoria
The EFT attachment infinity loop can be downloaded here: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/couples-resources

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Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 26: Exploring Different Neurotypes: Ask an Autistic [featuring Amanda Diekman] Nov 03, 2023

Show notes

Do you wonder how life might differ between an Autistic individual without ADHD and an Autistic individual with ADHD?

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Amanda Diekman, mother of three neurodivergent children, and an author and coach in the neurodivergent-affirming parenting world, about her experiences as an Autistic individual without ADHD.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Understand some of the struggles, grief, and loss surrounding switching between a masked and unmasked self.
Identify some of the ways that autism without ADHD can present differently from other neurotypes, including sensory issues, special interests, demand avoidance, and life tasks.
Get a glimpse into the world of parenting for neurodivergent moms.

There are many nuances surrounding the experiences of Autistic individuals since autism is a disability you can’t necessarily see. We want to give this disclaimer that this episode only highlights the experience of one Autistic person, but it still gives a glimpse into the unique ways that various neurotypes experience the world.

More about Amanda:

Amanda Diekman's mission is to lead weary parents into the joy and ease of the low-demand life. She's an ordained pastor and parent coach, a late diagnosed autistic adult, and a mom of three neurodivergent children. Since recovery from her own burnout and PTSD, Amanda has been spreading the message of low-demand parenting — dropping demands and aligning expectations to meet children with radical acceptance. She lives in the North Street Community, an intentional community of all abilities in downtown Durham.

Amanda's Website: www.amandadiekman.com
Amanda’s Book: Low Demand Parenting
Parenting Summit: Low Demand Parenting Summit
Mastermind: Amanda’s Mastermind Program

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Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 25: Exploring Different Neurotypes: Ask a Neurotypical [featuring Jennifer Agee] Oct 27, 2023

Show notes

Would you describe the way you feel as you walk through the world as having raw, exposed nerve endings? Or would you say that you just flow through the world able to smoothly transition throughout to day to handle whatever comes your way?

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Jennifer Agee, a neurotypical mental health professional, about her experience moving through the world as a neurotypical in comparison to the experiences of autistic individuals.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Understand some of the ways allistic neurotypicals might experience small talk, context cues, and pivot in social situations.
Identify the ways in which neurodiverse couples communicate and adjust for sensory needs so that both partners can have their needs fulfilled.
Hear some personal stories from Patrick, Dr. Neff, and Jennifer about how they experience travel, dating, marriage, and daily life in different ways.

We want to give this disclaimer that this episode only highlights the experience of one neurotypical person, but it still gives a glimpse into the unique ways that various neurotypes experience the world.

More about Jennifer Agee:

Jennifer is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, Professional Entrepreneurial Retreat Host and Coach, host of the "Sh*t You Wish You Learned in Grad School" podcast, an internationally known speaker, and owner of Counseling Community, Inc. and Counseling Community KC. Jennifer stepped away from seeing clients in January 2023 and is now focused full time on clinical supervision, strategic business coaching, leading retreats and continuing education. Jennifer is a mental health regional spokesperson for a national healthcare company and pursues entrepreneurial opportunities utilizing her educational and therapeutic training to benefit the community in non "butt in seat" ways. She has a passion for helping therapists not only become excellent clinicians but solid practice owners.

Website: https://counselingcommunity.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/destination.ce.retreats
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselingcommunity

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Mentioned in this episode:

Neurodivergent Insights' Autistic Burnout Resources

Episode 24: Exploring Different Neurotypes: Ask an ADHDer [featuring Dr. Donna Henderson] Oct 20, 2023

Show notes

Ever wonder what the differences are between the ways non-Autistic ADHDers and Autistic ADHDers process and move through the world?

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Dr. Donna Henderson, a non-Autistic, ADHDer psychologist, about her personal experience as an ADHDer, as well as explore the overlap and differences between ADHD and autism.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

Understand what life looks like as an ADHDer in regards to things like executive functioning, sensitivity and reactiveness, conversational tempo, working memory, and task switching.
Identify the ways Autism and ADHD can influence how we process information and engage in conversations, as well as how this shows up in relationships.
Learn about what it really means to do self-care and how to break free from the generic standards of healthy living to act in alignment with what you actually need and want.

There is a surprising number of differences between the way Autistic individuals and ADHDers might experience the world. This episode only covers the experience of one ADHDer, so we encourage you to further explore the nuances and diverse perspectives of ADHDers.

More about Dr. Donna Henderson:

Dr. Donna Henderson has been a clinical psychologist for over 30 years. She is passionate about identifying and supporting autistic individuals, particularly those who camouflage, and she is co-author (with Drs. Sarah Wayland and Jamell White) of two books: Is This Autism? A guide for clinicians and everyone else and Is This Autism? A companion guide for diagnosing. Dr. Henderson’s professional home is The Stixrud Group in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she provides neuropsychological evaluations and consultations for children, adolescents, and adults who would like to understand themselves better. She is a sought-after lecturer on the less obvious presentations of autism, autistic girls and women, PDA, and on parenting children with complex profiles. She also provides case consultations and neurodiversity-affirmative training for other healthcare professionals.

Dr. Donna Henderson's Website: drdonnahenderson.com
You can grab Dr. Donna Henderson's books here: isthisautism.com
Dr. Donna Henderson’s Masterclass on PDA (with Neurodivergent Insights): https://learn.neurodivergentinsights.com/pda-masterclass/ (As a listener, use “PDA10” to get $10.00 off the Masterclass!

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