Adulting with Autism

Feeling stuck in ND corporate grind or creative chaos? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April chats getting unstuck for neurodivergent entrepreneurs with Murielle Ungricht, autistic business coach (25 years experience, founded/sold businesses, certified master career coach). Late-diagnosed autistic, TEDx speaker/author of "Get Unstuck!" (self-help for procrastination/overthinking), and founder/CEO of Nuumani.com (AI-human coaching platform for accessible support), Murielle mentors "unconventional" creatives/ND folks to trade fear for joy—focusing on entrepreneurship/productivity/mental health/trauma/leadership/feminism. Key insights: Late diagnosis journey: From feeling "wrong" to embracing gifts (detail-oriented/resilient routines); measure personal wins, not NT standards. Unstuck formula: Recognize autistic strengths (structure/habits) for success; trial/error to build sustainable systems (e.g., batching content to avoid overwhelm). Perfectionism/self-sabotage: Rewire negative voice (mindfulness: "Is it true? What if opposite?"); drop bars gradually—produce "good enough" without procrastination. AI coaching (Nuumani): Democratizes access (free sessions/human network); combines her tech/coaching background for ND-friendly tools. Young autistics: Find formula for world not built for you—expose to new safely, forgive meltdowns, seek support; "so what?" mindset for fearless living. Advice: Don't worry—start now; connect dots with strengths (big picture + detail); consistency over blueprints (AI helps, but human touch essential). For autistic/ADHD young adults/entrepreneurs, Murielle's vibe: "Be unreasonable for amazing life—autism isn't barrier, it's superpower." Free session at muriellemarie.com; TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxligD1idto; Nuumani: nuumani.com. Subscribe for ND career hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Linktree:(socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at https://adulting-with-autism-shop.fourthwall.com—unstuck your style fierce! #AutisticEntrepreneurCoach #GetUnstuckND #AICoachingNeurodivergent #CreativeCareersAutism #PerfectionismADHDSabotage #TEDxAutisticMentor #AdultingWithAutism #MentalHealthYoungAdults #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSArmy #BTSNeurodivergent #Autism #AuDHD #ADHD #OT #OTTips

Exhausted from ND grind overload? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April explores mindful energy for neurodivergent burnout with Chris Vasiliadis, former systems engineer/instructional designer/Director of Performance Improvement turned burnout buster/health coach (18 years). MS diagnosis (2006) sparked his shift to energizing routines—Qigong/MBSR/3R rescue—focusing on sustainable thriving without chronic exhaustion, aligning actions/values for whole-hearted well-being. Key insights: MS journey: Year of "lab rat" tests (gluten sensitivity/naps), conscious energy management (Qigong for meridians). Mindful energy: Purposeful present attention without judgment (grounding/foot sensations, white space on calendar). Routines for dysfunction/overwhelm: Pause/reground (breathe/stretch/outdoor panoramic views), 16-90 min breaks (not rewards—necessities). Aligning actions/values: Self-compassion over perfectionism (grace for pace, delegate/delay to-dos). Book "Ignition": Self-coach burnout-proof (energy list/3R: remove/reduce/respond drains; bake energizers first). Unpredictable life: Expect chaos (reground: "What's next wise choice?"), community for support (no stagnation—daily joy notes). Thriving normal: Sane pace (role models of measured living), human beings not doings (buffers/transitions). For autistic/ADHD young adults in executive dysfunction/isolation, Chris's systems/patterns: "Honor humanness—small steps sustain." Free resources at prioritywellness.com. Subscribe for ND wellness hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. LinkedIn: Chris Vasiliadis. Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at https://adulting-with-autism-shop.fourthwall.com—energize your vibe fierce! #MindfulEnergyND #BurnoutPreventionAutism #SustainableWellnessADHD #IgnitionBookRoutines #ExecutiveDysfunctionEnergy #MSHealthCoachingNeurodivergent #AdultingWithAutism #PodMatch #Podcasts #AuDHD #Autism #ADHD #BTSNeurodivergent #MentalHealth #BTSArmy #OT #OTTips   Episode: Mindful Energy for ND Burnout with Chris Vasiliadis [00:00] Intro: ND Grind Exhaustion Trap [00:30] Chris's Journey: Engineering to MS-Inspired Health Coaching [02:00] Honoring Needs: Naps/Qigong/Gluten-Free Post-Diagnosis [05:00] Mindful Energy: Purposeful Attention (Grounding/White Space) [08:00] Routines for Overwhelm: Pauses/Breaks (Panoramic Views/Stretch) [11:00] Aligning Actions/Values: Compassion Over Perfectionism [14:00] "Ignition" Book: Self-Coach (Energy List/3R Rescue) [17:00] Unpredictable Life: Expect Chaos, Reground Wise Choices [20:00] Thriving Normal: Sane Pace, Human Beings Not Doings [23:00] Outro: Takeaways & CTAs Resources: Priority Wellness: prioritywellness.com (coaching/book "Ignition") LinkedIn: Chris Vasiliadis Book: "Ignition: Burnout-Proof Living" (Amazon) Linktree:  (socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND energy tips! Share your 3R win in comments. #NDBurnoutBuster #AutismMindfulRoutines #ADHDWellnessHacks #SustainableEnergyNeurodivergent

Barriers in education/work got you down as an ND young adult? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April chats accessible design for neurodivergent with Rebecca Prejean, CEO/Founder of E.B. Graphics and Consulting—creating inclusive multimedia (videos/graphics/animations/e-learnings/VR/AR) via UDL/WCAG for corporations/higher ed/nonprofits. As mom to a son with severe hydrocephalus/autism (defied "won't walk/talk" prognosis), Rebecca fights perceptions, boosting revenue/productivity/engagement through accessible experiences for ADHD/autism/dyslexia/special needs. Key insights: Business start: Freelance post-layoff (no degree needed—hard work/upskilling/AI for ideas), networking muscle (volunteer to paid). Skills honing: Try all (Google/Udemy/creators), open to tech (AI ideation, not replacement); workshops/monthly for sharpness. Imposter/authentic: Fight through (clients want you, not mask); cancel mismatches—resilience from discomfort (homeless/abuse led to success). No shortcuts: 10x harder than 9-5; embrace failure/discomfort for longevity (most podcasts/creators fail—work ethic wins). Content creation: Custom/retrofit (color changes/screen readers/focus order); companion guides/animations for cognitive ease. Higher ed changes: Perception shift (not "defiant"—need clear instructions/accommodations); meet where they are. Advice: Freelance side-hustle first; upskill relentlessly (e.g., UCLA extensions); authentic self attracts right clients. For autistic/ADHD young adults eyeing creative/business paths, Rebecca's story: "Work hard, be open—no paper needed." Launching "The Quirk Factory" podcast next week—follow on LinkedIn/email. Subscribe for ND career hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. E.B. Graphics: ebgraphicsandconsulting.com. Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at https://adulting-with-autism-shop.fourthwall.com—design your path fierce! #AccessibleDesignND #UDLNeurodivergent #InclusiveELearningAutism #BusinessAutisticYoungAdults #MultimediaADHD #ImposterSyndromeContent #AdultingWithAutism #SpecialNeedsEducation #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #AuDHD #Autism #ADHD #BTSArmy #MentalHealth #OT #OTTips   Episode: Accessible Design for ND with Rebecca Prejean [00:00] Intro: Barriers in ND Education/Work [00:30] Rebecca's Story: Son's Autism to E.B. Graphics Founder [02:00] Business Journey: Freelance/Layoff to Corporate/Higher Ed Consulting [05:00] Skills Honing: No Degree Needed—Upskilling/AI/Networking Muscle [08:00] Imposter/Authentic Self: Fight Through, Cancel Mismatches [11:00] No Shortcuts: Hard Work/Discomfort for Resilience (Failure Lessons) [14:00] Content Creation: Custom Multimedia (Animations/VR, Screen Readers) [17:00] Higher Ed Changes: Perception Shift (Clear Instructions/Accommodations) [20:00] Advice: Side-Hustle Freelance, Be Open/Relentless [23:00] Outro: Takeaways & CTAs Resources: E.B. Graphics & Consulting: ebgraphicsandconsulting.com (services/portfolio) LinkedIn: Rebecca Prejean Podcast: "The Quirk Factory" (launching soon—Spotify/Apple) Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND career tips! Share your upskill win in comments. #NDAccessibleDesign #AutismMultimedia #ADHDBusinessHacks #UDLSpecialNeeds

Facing life-altering trauma like injury/disability? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April explores resilience without romanticism with Joshua Dvorkin, Registered Psychotherapist/Reclamation Coach and Headway Mental Health founder. After a 2004 epileptic seizure/spinal cord injury (paralyzed chest-down, ventilator-bound with 20% survival odds), Joshua defied prognosis—off ventilator in 10 days, independent in 6 months, earning 3 degrees (Master's Psychology)—now guiding ND folks (autism/ADHD) through chronic illness/disability/transitions/LGBTQ2S+ support via radical compassion/authentic empowerment/narrative sovereignty. Key insights: Injury rebirth: Mind strength/10-day recovery; present gratitude crushes fear (beyond "stay positive"). Radical acceptance: Embrace reality, small steps close gaps (dream big, actionable traits). Narrative sovereignty: Own your story—beliefs shape reality (no pathologizing, validate strengths). Manifesting concrete: Steps over woo (research/skills import, affirmations/repetition for beliefs). Grief/pressure: Feel ungrateful/angry/anxious—use fear for freedom; peer support/community for purpose. Tools: 7-day negative thinking DM (Instagram @headway.mental.health), 7-column thought record (reframe emotions/evidence). Support mistakes: Pathologize/judge; instead, normalize/validate (safe spaces, no rushing). Society changes: Inclusive mental health first (non-judgmental, community over segregation). For autistic/ADHD adults in grief/isolation, Joshua's lived expertise flips "impossible" to purposeful—free 45-page stress workbook at headwaymentalhealth.com. Book 20-min consult: (437) 523-8933/[email protected]. Subscribe for ND resilience tips! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at https://adulting-with-autism-shop.fourthwall.com—reclaim your gear fierce! #ResilienceWithoutRomanticism #ReclamationCoachingND #TraumaRecoveryAutism #NarrativeSovereigntyADHD #RadicalCompassionDisability #MentalHealthSpinalInjury #AdultingWithAutism #GriefProcessingNeurodivergent #PodMatch #Podcasts #BTSNeurodivergent #Neurodiversity #MentalHealth #Autism #AuDHD #ADHD #OTTips #OT #BTSArmy   Episode: Resilience Without Romanticism with Joshua Dvorkin [00:00] Intro: Life-Altering Trauma & ND Rebirth [00:30] Joshua's Story: Seizure Injury to Independent Thriving [02:00] Resilience Without Romanticism: Messy Acceptance (Feel Fear, Crush It) [05:00] Radical Acceptance/Transformation: Small Steps, Dream Big [08:00] Narrative Sovereignty: Own Beliefs (No Pathologizing, Validate Strengths) [11:00] Manifesting Concrete: Steps/Skills Import (Affirmations/Repetition) [14:00] Grief Processing: Present Gratitude, Peer Support/Community [17:00] Tools: 7-Day Negative Thinking (DM Instagram), 7-Column Thought Record [20:00] Support Mistakes: Judgment/Rushing; Instead Normalize/Validate [23:00] Society Shifts: Inclusive Mental Health, Community Over Segregation [26:00] Outro: Takeaways & CTAs Resources: Headway Mental Health: headwaymentalhealth.com (psychotherapy/coaching—20-min consult, free 45-page stress workbook) Contact: (437) 523-8933 | [email protected] Instagram: @headway.mental.health Linktree: (socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND resilience! Share your narrative shift in comments. #NDTraumaRecovery #AutismResilience #ADHDNarrativeSovereignty #SpinalInjuryMentalHealth

Overwhelmed by sensory chaos in your ND home? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April chats slow style home for neurodivergent folks with Zandra Zuraw, interior design coach/author/podcaster helping create meaningful, sustainable spaces without breaking the bank or planet. With 30+ years (Master's in cultural anthropology/public policy), mental health battles, and as parent to a child with special needs, Zandra rebranded "Style Matters" to "Slow Style Home" (2023 book/podcast)—a framework for DIY design focusing on personal meaning over trends. Key insights: Dorm/ND tips: Sensory priority (quiet routines, minimal clutter, comfortable seating/blankets/soft lights)—conversations with roommates for shared space. Clutter management: Game it up (one corner at a time, "what do you love?" questions), limit to passions (display 5 items, store rest). Partner compromise: Curiosity over criticism ("why love it?"), common ground (e.g., shared art/rugs), no negatives—slow evolution. Colors/walls: Test samples (light-dependent), avoid all-white (harsh); start with inspiration (wardrobe favorites, not trends). Priorities: Big investments first (couch/mattress for well-being), then rugs/art (tone-setters, thrifted/sustainable). Slow pace: One room/corner at a time, no shopping first—build from passions (vision boards as decor). For autistic/ADHD young adults/parents, Zandra's framework fights overwhelm: "Take time to save up for what matters." Free podcast episodes at slowstylehome.com. Subscribe for ND home hacks! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Book on Amazon/Barnes & Noble; podcast anywhere. Linktree: adultingwithautism.linktr.ee (socials/shop/Podbean). Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at adultingwithautism.shop—style your space fierce! #SlowStyleHomeND #SensoryFriendlyDecor #ClutterHacksAutism #SustainableHomeADHD #DIYNeurodivergent #PeacefulSpacesSpecialNeeds #AdultingWithAutism #AuDHD #Autism #ADHD #PodMatch #Podcasts #MentalHealth #BTSArmy #BTSNeurodivergent #Neurodiversity #OT #OTTips   Episode: Slow Style Home for ND with Zandra Zuraw [00:00] Intro: Sensory Overwhelm in ND Homes [00:30] Zandra's Story: 30+ Years to Slow Style Framework [02:00] Dorm ND Tips: Sensory Focus (Quiet/Minimal Clutter) [05:00] Clutter Hacks: Game It (One Corner, "Love It?" Questions) [08:00] Partner Compromise: Curiosity Over Criticism (Shared Rugs/Art) [11:00] Colors/Walls: Test Samples (Light-Dependent, Avoid All-White) [14:00] Priorities: Big Pieces First (Couch/Mattress), Then Rugs/Art [17:00] Slow Pace: One Room/Corner, Inspiration from Passions (Vision Boards) [20:00] Outro: Takeaways & CTAs Resources: Slow Style Home: slowstylehome.com (book/podcast/framework) Book: "Slow Style Home" (Amazon/Barnes & Noble) Podcast: Spotify/Apple (episodes on DIY/sustainability) Linktree(socials/shop/Podbean) Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND home tips! Share your clutter hack in comments. #NDHomeDesign #AutismSensoryDecor #ADHDClutterTips #SlowStyleSpecialNeeds