Adulting with Autism

Ever feel stuck in survival mode—chasing goals that don't feel like yours, battling imposter syndrome, or questioning your worth as an autistic/AuDHD/ADHD young adult? 😩 This episode of Adulting With Autism is your roadmap to breaking free: Rebuild your identity on purpose for authentic fulfillment, self-worth, and unstoppable growth! Join Leah Coss, keynote speaker, identity strategist, and CEO/Co-Founder of Build a Biz Kids—a national charity empowering thousands of youth with real-world skills, emotional resilience, and strong identities before societal pressures take hold. From her turbulent childhood and self-destructive teen years to high-achieving consultant battling depression, Leah shares how she transformed "default" survival identities (shaped by coping, expectations, and reactions) into purposeful power. Now, she helps neurodivergent adults untangle self-sabotage and step into lives they admire. Key breakthroughs (timestamps for easy navigation): 0:00-3:00: Leah's story—From chaos to clarity: Why identity is the key to escaping unhappiness. 3:00-10:00: Life inventory + '7 Degrees of Why' tool: Dig past superficial wants (e.g., "success = money?" ➡️ true driver like family time) to uncover authentic motivations—perfect for AuDHD/ADHD overthinkers! 10:00-15:00: Visualization mastery: Picture mentors (Denzel Washington's stoicism in traffic chaos!) to rewire your Reticular Activating System (RAS) for evidence-based growth—science + spirit for neurodivergent breakthroughs. 15:00-20:00: RAS explained: How beliefs attract reality (law of attraction decoded—no fluff, just brain hacks to spot opportunities over obstacles). 20:00-25:00: Self-sabotage survival: Get "sick and tired" of old feelings; daily mindfulness (taste your food?!) to shift emotional set points. 25:00-30:00: Holding success: Make it 'inevitable' like Conor McGregor—visualize to embody (body catches up to mind!). 30:00-35:00: Real-life wins: Leah's neighbor dog-barking turnaround—from defensiveness to advocacy via gratitude and rehearsal. 35:00+: Purpose evolution: Buildabizkids.com for youth; LinkedIn for adults—where to connect and apply these tools. If you're ready for neurodivergent self-worth wins, autistic identity shifts, and ADHD growth mindset tools that last, hit play now! Leah's charity, Build a Biz Kids, is a game-changer for young adults—sponsors, partner with them for youth empowerment initiatives (contact: buildabizkids.com). Subscribe for weekly episodes on AuDHD visualization techniques and beyond—your support helps us reach more! Rate/review to boost our algorithm, share with a friend questioning their path, and comment: What's YOUR top 'why' for change? Let's build futures together! 🌟 Resources: Build a Biz Kids (buildabizkids.com) for youth programs; Leah on LinkedIn (@LeahCoss). Book coming soon—stay tuned! dccteapb

Hate the gym/anxiety keeping you sidelined this NYE? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April hacks sustainable fitness for neurodivergent young adults with PJ Glassey, Exercise Science grad (1989), X Gym founder (1998), anti-aging/Alzheimer's expert (59 but looks 39), and Brain Type Test creator. PJ's 21-min workout (2x/week = 7 hrs traditional) tones/defines safely without bulking—invented from client experiments/research, now with Xercise App/online training since 2017. Key insights: Gym aversion fix: Quick/safe method (slow reps/holds for full fatigue—e.g., 7-10 sec pushups, 30-90 sec failure); focus/meditation trains PFC (reps like distractions in beginners). Motivation/discipline: 97% NY resolutions fail (unrealistic expectations); prolong via "why" questions (10-40 answers/post reminders); toward/away (e.g., avoid diabetic fate, become strong). Brain-body link: Exercise oxygenates/BDNF "Miracle-Gro" for cells/pathways; anti-aging/Alzheimer's 5 pillars (exercise/nutrition/hydration/sleep/brain training/relationships—hard ones best for PFC). ND application: Hyperfocus/procrastination? Method's focus counters (no TVs/mirrors/music); injury avoidance (controlled/form); burnout prevention (short sessions, patterns become identity). Brain Type Test: Rewires for success (custom habits/motivation); PJ's biohacking (tower running since 1987, Christian principles for business). For autistic/ADHD young adults ditching resolutions, PJ's vibe: "Change via brain rewiring—not muscling through." Free resources at xgym.com; braintype.me (test/book "Cracking Your Calorie Code"). Subscribe for ND fitness hacks—NYE reset! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Linktree:  (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday/NYE merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at adultingwithautism shop—rewire your style fierce! #21MinWorkoutND #BrainTypeTestAutism #AntiAgingExerciseADHD #AlzheimersPreventionNeurodivergent #SustainableFitnessYoungAdults #MotivationDisciplineBurnout #XGymMethodology #AdultingWithAutism #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent#BTSArmy   Episode: 21-Min Workout for ND with PJ Glassey [00:00] Intro: Gym Hate/Anxiety NYE Trap [00:30] PJ's Invention: 21-Min Method (2x/Week = 7 Hrs Traditional, Toning/Safe) [02:00] Slow Reps/Holds: Full Fatigue (7-10 Sec Pushups, 30-90 Sec Failure) [05:00] Motivation/Discipline: 97% Resolutions Fail (Why Questions/Posters) [08:00] Brain Training: Focus/PFC Reps (Meditation in Workouts, No Distractions) [11:00] Anti-Aging/Alzheimer's 5 Pillars: Exercise/Nutrition/Sleep/Brain/Relationships [14:00] ND Fit: Hyperfocus Counter (Short Sessions/Patterns as Identity) [17:00] Brain Type Test: Rewiring for Success (Custom Habits/Motivation) [20:00] Outro: Fitness Takeaways & CTAs Resources: X Gym: xgym.com (methodology/app/online training) Brain Type: braintype.me (test/book "Cracking Your Calorie Code") Media: xgym.com/meet-pj (podcasts/biohacking) Linktree: adultingwithautism.linktr.ee (socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND fitness tips—NYE resolutions! Share your gym hack in comments. #NDQuickWorkout #BrainTrainingAutism #AntiAgingADHD #SustainableGymYoungAdults #XGymNYEReset #AdultingWithAutism

Feeling "too much" in ND chaos? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April celebrates neurodivergent superpowers with Sara Hartley, late-diagnosed ADHD mom of two ND boys, healthcare executive, certified ADHD/neurodiversity coach, and author of 13-book "Purposefully Me" series (affirmation-based learning for kids on neurodiversity/hard topics like anxiety/bullying/executive functioning). From cathartic shower breakdown to writing diverse characters/glossaries/discussion questions, Sara's Align Parenting Method empowers regulation/acceptance. Key insights: Late ADHD diagnosis (25): Post-college boredom/hyperfocus/procrastination; masking in "even keel" (decision fatigue); Lyme/parenting triggered awareness. ND parenting boys: Meltdowns from unprocessed emotions; empathy over anger (hold space, "two truths true"); affirmations at bedtime ("I am kind/smart/lovable/brave/enough/safe"). Align Method (A-L-I-G-N): Awareness (body cues like tight chest), Listen/Label (emotions), Identify triggers (bad day/sensory), Ground (walk/5-4-3-2-1/object focus/water sip), Nurture (connection/choice/grace). Dopamine hits: Healthy (walks/podcasts) vs. addictive (scrolling/shopping); bedtime vulnerability for processing (impressionable state). Burnout/shame: Yelling/internalized "not enough"; reframe as human (Catholic guilt spirals); experiment small (hi to vendor) for authenticity. Books for kids/young adults: 13 titles (ADHD/autism/anxiety/dyslexia/bullying/school drills); build confidence/less alone (recurring characters/conversations). Advice for authors/creatives: No credentials needed—write voice/purpose; find believer (book coach); trial/error builds momentum. For autistic/ADHD young adults/parents, Sara's vibe: "Uniqueness is strength—affirm/align to shine." Free Align Guide at sarahlewishartley.com; Instagram @sarahlewishartley (tips/books). Subscribe for ND empowerment hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at adultingwithautism shop—affirm your style fierce! #NeurodivergentParentingND #LateDiagnosisADHDWomen #AlignMethodAutism #AffirmationBooksNeurodiverseKids #SuperpowersND #CatharticWritingBurnout #AdultingWithAutism #DopamineHitsYoungAdults #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #BTSArmy   Episode: Neurodivergent Parenting ND with Sara Hartley [00:00] Intro: "Too Much" ND Feelings Trap [00:30] Sara's Journey: Late ADHD Diagnosis (25, Post-College Hyperfocus) [02:00] Parenting ND Boys: Meltdowns/Strategies (Empathy/Affirmations) [05:00] Align Method (A-L-I-G-N): Awareness/Listen/Label/Identify/Ground/Nurture [08:00] Dopamine Hits: Healthy (Walks/Podcasts) vs. Addictive (Scrolling) [11:00] Burnout/Shame: Decision Fatigue/Yelling (Reframe Human/Grace) [14:00] "Purposefully Me" Books: 13 Affirmation Titles (Diverse/Glossary/Questions) [17:00] Advice for Authors/Young Creatives: No Credentials—Voice/Purpose/Believer [20:00] Outro: Empowerment Takeaways & CTAs Resources: Website: sarahlewishartley.com (books/Align Guide) Instagram: @sarahlewishartley (parenting tips/neurodiversity) Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND parenting tips! Share your superpower in comments. #NDSuperpowers #ADHDAlignMethod #AffirmationsAutismKids #LateDiagnosisNeurodivergent #AdultingWithAutism #ParentingBurnoutND

Internalized negative self-talk trapping ND lives? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April unpacks Complex PTSD/ADHD mental health with Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero, NYC/FL psychotherapist (25+ years social work/child welfare/intergenerational trauma/CPTSD expert). Using EMDR/IFS/Polyvagal/somatic therapies, Karen undoes limiting beliefs for authenticity/goals; life coaching for non-NY/FL via TikTok, plus parent support for emotional regulation. Key insights: Negative self-talk: Childhood messages (e.g., "lazy" from ADHD struggles) internalized—higher CPTSD risk in ND (adverse experiences like unmet needs). CPTSD vs. PTSD: Relational/micro-traumas (e.g., single-parent absences/narcissistic abuse) vs. single events (war/accidents); leads to anxiety/depression/avoidance. Polyvagal theory: Bottom-up body focus (window of tolerance/fight-flight-freeze/dorsal shutdown); regulate via sensations (e.g., neutral feet vs. chest tension)—ADHD/autism concrete (EMDR eye movement/tappers). EMDR for ND: Bilateral stimulation desensitizes trauma memories; evolving for autism/ADHD (virtual/no light bar); process emotions concretely ("what happened next?"). Rewriting stories: Narrative/motivational interviewing challenges origins ("is it true? strengths? passions?"); experiment authenticity (small steps like "hi" to vendor). Attachment styles: Healthy (communication/vulnerability); avoidant (infidelity/avoid intimacy); anxious (constant doubt/people-pleasing); disorganized (both)—ND rejection sensitivity amplifies. Addictions/substances: Beyond alcohol/drugs (food/shopping/exercise/secrets); red flags (hiding behaviors); regulate dopamine healthily (breaks/routines). Advocacy/relationships: Therapy fit crucial (ask trainings/referrals); healthy dating (experiment/vulnerability); parents model regulation to minimize messages. For autistic/ADHD young adults navigating independence/trauma, Karen's vibe: "You're not broken—rewrite for worth." Free resources at kdtesoriero.lcsw.net; email [email protected]. Subscribe for ND trauma hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at adultingwithautism.shop—rewrite your style fierce! #CPTSDADHDND #NegativeSelfTalkAutism #PolyvagalNervousSystemNeurodivergent #EMDRTraumaRecoveryADHD #AttachmentStylesYoungAdults #RewritingStoriesNeurodiverse #AdultingWithAutism #HealthyBoundariesAutistic #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #BTSArmy   Episode: CPTSD & ADHD in ND with Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero [00:00] Intro: ND Negative Self-Talk Trap [00:30] Karen's Expertise: 25+ Years CPTSD/ADHD Trauma Work [02:00] Negative Messages: Childhood Internalization (ADHD/Autism Struggles) [05:00] CPTSD vs. PTSD: Relational/Micro-Traumas (Adverse Experiences) [08:00] Polyvagal Theory: Bottom-Up Regulation (Window of Tolerance/Freeze) [11:00] EMDR for ND: Bilateral Stimulation/Desensitization (Concrete Processing) [14:00] Rewriting Stories: Narrative Interviewing (Challenge Origins/Strengths) [17:00] Attachment Styles: Healthy vs. Avoidant/Anxious/Disorganized (ND Rejection) [20:00] Addictions/Substances: Beyond Drugs (Food/Shopping/Secrets/Red Flags) [23:00] Healthy Relationships/Dating: Experiment/Vulnerability/Communication [26:00] Outro: Authenticity Takeaways & CTAs Resources: Website: kdtesoriero.lcsw.net (therapy/life coaching) Email: [email protected] TikTok: (life coaching outreach) Linktree:  (socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND mental health tips! Share your rewrite win in comments. #NDCPTSD #AutismNegativeTalk #ADHDPolyvagal #EMDRNeurodivergent #AttachmentYoungAdults #AdultingWithAutism

High-masking ND grind burning you out? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April tackles sustainable success for neurodivergent high-achievers with Garrett Wood, National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach/clinical hypnotherapist/executive functioning specialist and founder of Gnosis Therapy. With 18+ years helping masking professionals (autism/ADHD), Garrett's A³ Framework (Assess, Accommodate, Align) bridges nervous-system needs/environment demands—focusing on sensory intelligence/bio-budgets/emotional regulation/core beliefs/attachment/values/executive functioning to end boom-bust cycles. Key insights: High-masking exhaustion: Socialization gaps (hiding "not okay" parts); safe environments reduce friction—authentic self without danger. Sensory intelligence: Preferences/thresholds (too much/little stimulation); interoception (body cues like hunger/anxiety); accommodations (headphones/compression/breaks/sensory backpack). Bio-budgets/time under tension: ND shifts (16-18 hrs masking vs. NT 4-5 hrs); small reps/recovery (car breaks/garden/dust books) prevent overload. Autistic vs. NT burnout: Intensity/scale difference (ND extreme effort); recovery longer (6-7 months vs. quick)—focus well-being (not grit/willpower myth). Hypnotherapy: Self-hypnosis (daydream state for mindset/social/sleep); practice positive experiences (e.g., anxiety scenarios going well). A³ for control: Assess needs (triggers/supports), Accommodate (e.g., oils/masks), Align (values as guardrails); early overload signs (tension/shutdown). Workplace/young adults: Advocate (ROI from inclusion); trial/error (hot/cold days); natural responses (eat/move/sleep) over deadlines. For autistic/ADHD young adults/entrepreneurs in masking fatigue, Garrett's vibe: "Sustainable success through well-being—not expense." Free resources at gnosistherapy.com. Subscribe for ND burnout hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at adultingwithautism shop—align your style fierce! #HighMaskingNDBurnout #A3FrameworkAutism #SustainableSuccessADHD #SensoryIntelligenceNeurodivergent #HypnotherapyMindsetND #BioBudgetsExecutiveFunctioning #AdultingWithAutism #NervousSystemRegulationYoungAdults #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #BTSArmy   Episode: High Masking ND Burnout with Garrett Wood [00:00] Intro: ND High-Masking Exhaustion Trap [00:30] Garrett's Expertise: A³ Framework for Sustainable Success [02:00] Authentic Self Without Friction: Safe Environments Reduce Masking [05:00] Sensory Intelligence: Thresholds/Preferences & Interoception Cues [08:00] Bio-Budgets/Time Under Tension: ND vs. NT Recovery (Small Breaks) [11:00] Autistic vs. NT Burnout: Intensity/Scale Differences (6-7 Months Recovery) [14:00] Hypnotherapy: Self-Hypnosis for Mindset/Social/Sleep (Daydream Practice) [17:00] A³ in Action: Assess/Accommodate/Align (Triggers/Supports/Values) [20:00] Workplace/Young Adults: Advocacy & Early Overload Signs (Anxiety/Shutdown) [23:00] Outro: Burnout Breakthrough Takeaways & CTAs Resources: Gnosis Therapy: gnosistherapy.com (coaching/A³ framework) LinkedIn/Instagram: @gnosistheapy Linktree:  (socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND success tips! Share your masking hack in comments. #NDHighMasking #A3FrameworkAutism #SustainableBurnoutRecovery #SensoryND #HypnotherapyADHD #AdultingWithAutism