Reposting popular episodes June 2025. Back atcha in July with some spicy takes!

Original show notes:

Pasha Marlowe speaks brilliantly about how to navigate trauma, triggers, and sensory needs in relationships as an AuDHD person.

Making it concrete, we both talk about a recent meltdown with our respective partners, and how we navigated those during and after.

This is a deeply un-shaming episode—we still struggle with relational trauma despite all the "work" we've done. It's okay to have a lot of needs in relationships. And we talk about how hard it can be to figure out what those are and communicate them effectively.

If your neurodivergent relationship needs extra support, Pasha is one of the rare practitioners who's ND, trained in family therapy, and works with couples!

Resources mentioned:

1. Pasha's website
2. Neuroqueering podcast and Mattia's guest episode
3. @neuroqueercoach on TikTok
4. @neuroqueercoach on Instagram
5. Neuroqueer Heresies book

Full Transcript here

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In June I'm re-posting the most popular episodes from the show while I take a step back to look at the big picture. Update: the re-thinking has happened and retooling is in process :D

Original show notes:

Meltdowns and shutdowns appear to be a natural release valve for an overwhelmed autistic brain. They feel out of control and can be quite distressing.

While there are ways to push them off, I experience a "point of no return" after which I need some big release or I'm going to feel terrible for days.

Learning your triggers, as well as planning ahead for a safer experience if you do have a meltdown or shutdown can lessen our overall stress and shame.

(One thing I forgot to record in the episode is that for me, shutdowns are almost always low-verbal or I can't speak at all.)

Links:

1. Meltdowns & Shutdowns* https://embrace-autism.com/meltdowns-and-shutdowns/

2. How it feels to have an autistic meltdown and how you can help* https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/38f5MsC2mB5fnmCr5v77zDn/how-it-feels-to-have-an-autistic-meltdown-and-how-you-can-help

3. All About ‘Autism Meltdowns’: Why They Happen and How to Cope https://psychcentral.com/autism/autism-meltdowns

4. Autism Shutdown Vs Meltdown: What's the Difference? https://www.andnextcomesl.com/2022/06/autism-shutdown-vs-meltdown.html

Resources:

1. Email list
2. Episode Transcript

*autistic writer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In June I'm re-posting the most popular episodes from the show while I take a step back to look at the big picture (because my monotropic brain has trouble doing that while also pumping out new content).

What do AuDHDers need (beyond the obvious needs all humans have)? And why do those needs matter?

This episode covers some important ones:

• Being able to engage with our interests (in a particular way)
• Executive Function support, without trying to make the hardest things easy or enjoyable
• Autonomy
• True rest
• The narrow path of just enough stimulation
• Processing time
• To be witnessed in just the right way
• Recognition that our needs vary quite a bit day to day
• Coming to terms with disability
• Space and time throughout our self-discovery journey
• Safe enough spaces to explore what it means to be ourself

1. Executive function test post if you want to ask Qs or share your experience
2. Executive Skills Questionnaire Revised (ESQ-R)
3. Unmasking Autism book (affiliate link)
4. Experimenting Your Way to an Extraordinary Life (course)

Crisis Resources:

• USA-based anonymous crisis chat
• International crisis lines
• Various types of crisis resources in about 10 countries

Resources:

1. Like Your Brain community space
2. Transcript Doc
3. Email Newsletter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.