Adulting with Autism

Struggling with routines, self-doubt, or turning your creative passions into a real career as a late-diagnosed autistic or AuDHD adult? This episode of Adulting With Autism features JD Barker, a New York Times bestselling thriller author with 19 books to his name, co-writing credits with James Patterson, and a late autism diagnosis at 22.​

JD shares his journey from finance to full-time writing in his 40s, including ghostwriting multiple NYT bestsellers before building his own career and imprint. He talks about realistic writing routines (like aiming for 2–3K words a day and then shutting down work at a set time), how he structures his days to protect his focus, and how he uses autistic strengths such as pattern-spotting and deep focus to build complex plots.​

You will hear practical details on co-writing (splitting strengths and tasks), creating believable characters (using sketches and “actor” benchmarks to make them feel real), and reframing feedback—seeing reviews and early drafts as part of finding your voice rather than proof you should quit. JD also offers encouragement for autistic and ADHD creatives who worry they are “too late” or “too inconsistent” to ever finish a project.​

This episode is especially helpful if you:

Are a late-diagnosed autistic or AuDHD creator trying to build a sustainable routine

Dream of writing novels or long-form work but feel stuck or overwhelmed

Want concrete examples of how an autistic author structures work, rest, and creativity

If this conversation supports you, follow/subscribe to Adulting With Autism on Podbean, Apple, or Spotify and leave a 5-star review so more neurodivergent adults can find it.

Merch for your writing journey:
Get 20% off journals, notebooks, and “Storyteller’s Edge”–style merch with code PODCAST26 at the Adulting With Autism Fourthwall shop (Linktree). Your support helps keep this podcast free for the community.

Resources mentioned:

JD Barker’s books and updates at jdbarker.com

Feeling stuck in toxic relationships as an autistic, AuDHD, or ADHD adult—constantly people-pleasing, doubting your reality, or feeling like you are “too much” or “too sensitive”? In this episode of Adulting With Autism, therapist, coach, and author Shannon Petrovich joins to talk about toxic relationships, trauma bonds, and boundaries for neurodivergent adults.​

Shannon, author of Out of the FOG Into the CLEAR and creator of the TherapistTalks channel on YouTube, explains why many autistic and sensitive people are vulnerable to manipulation and gaslighting. She breaks down common red flags—guilt-tripping, blame-flipping, love-bombing, and chronic minimization of your feelings—and how to start trusting your own perception again.​

We explore what trauma bonds are, why leaving can feel almost impossible, and how to use journaling and reality-checking to untangle “love” from harm. Shannon shares practical tools for rebuilding self-worth and setting boundaries in small, doable steps, along with simple nervous system supports like movement, nature, and grounding to help you feel safer as you make changes.​

This episode is especially helpful if you:

Wonder whether a relationship is “toxic” or if you are just “overreacting”

Have a history of narcissistic abuse, chronic gaslighting, or intense people-pleasing

Are learning to set boundaries for the first time as an autistic or AuDHD adult

If this conversation supports you, follow/subscribe to Adulting With Autism on Podbean, Apple, or Spotify, and leave a 5-star review so more neurodivergent adults can find it. Share the episode with someone you are worried about or a friend who is also unpacking toxic dynamics.

Merch for your healing journey:
Get 20% off journals, tees, and “Boundary Boss”–style merch with code PODCAST26 at the Adulting With Autism Fourthwall shop (Linktree). Your support helps keep this podcast free for the community.

Resources mentioned:

Out of the FOG Into the CLEAR by Shannon Petrovich

Shannon’s resources at therapytalks.com

Feeling masked-out, sensory-flooded, or side-eyeing all things “spiritual” as an autistic, AuDHD, or ADHD adult? In this episode of Adulting With Autism, Ashmita Arora—teacher and founder of The Intuitive Practice and Eva & Isla®—shares a grounded take on spiritual awakening for autistic adults that does not bypass mental health, trauma, or lived experience.​

We talk about how health crises and a Kundalini “pop” pushed Ashmita to see energy as another language for understanding patterns, burnout, and shutdowns. She explains why sensitivity is not a flaw but information your nervous system is giving you, and how logic and intuition can work together instead of fighting each other.​

You will hear simple, realistic practices for:

A 1-minute breathing reset to tell your body “I’m safe” during overwhelm.

“Space floating” and gentle movement for peace when everything feels too loud.

Channeling meltdown energy into low-pressure creativity (like doodling, swimming, or writing) to find clarity afterward.​

For ADHD and AuDHD sensory overwhelm, Ashmita normalizes non-linear growth—why your path will never look like a straight line—and offers small daily rituals to support nervous system regulation, unmasking, and self-trust. This is spiritual support for autistic adults that respects boundaries, pacing, and consent.​

If you are craving tools for spiritual awakening as an autistic adult and want help managing energy, intuition, and everyday life, this conversation is for you. Listen now for practical, compassionate ideas you can test and keep—or throw away if they do not fit your brain.

Timestamps:
0:00–5:00 - Ashmita’s story: health crises, Kundalini “pop,” and finding language for energy
5:00–10:00 - Sensitivity as information: why autistic people feel so much, so deeply
10:00–15:00 - Grounding ritual: 1-minute “I’m safe” breathing for overwhelm resets
15:00–20:00 - Working with pain and patterns without self-blame
20:00–25:00 - Trusting intuition while honoring logic and science
25:00+ - Q&A: non-linear progress, daily flows, and honoring your own pace​

If this episode helps you:

Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on Podbean / Apple / Spotify so more autistic and AuDHD adults can find it.

Share with a deep-feeling friend and comment your “awakening pop” or small win from the episode.

Merch for your practice:
Get 20% off journals, tees, and “Soul Alchemist”–style gear to track your breaths, routines, and reflections with code PODCAST26 at the Adulting With Autism Fourthwall shop (Linktree). Your support helps keep this podcast free for the neurodivergent community.

Resources mentioned:

Ashmita’s offerings & Portal to Self: ashmitaorora.com

Eva & Isla® holistic support: ashmitaarora.com

Struggling with social silence, freezing in conversations, or feeling like an 'observer' as an autistic/AuDHD/ADHD adult? 😶 This episode of Adulting With Autism demystifies selective mutism (SM) and its autism overlap, empowering neurodivergent adults with tools for social communication anxiety and confident connections!

Join Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (Dr. E, DO), world-renowned SM expert, founder of SMart Center, SMA director, and author (Understanding Katie), inspired by her daughter's SM triumph. Board-certified physician/researcher (PCOM faculty, featured on CNN/Good Morning America), she breaks down SM as social communication anxiety disorder—not refusal—often co-occurring with autism (30-40% cases). For AuDHD/ADHD adults: Differentiate SM (mute in 1+ settings due to anxiety/language; progresses post-comfort) from autism (social puzzle nuances like greetings/reciprocity); strategies include action plans (predict questions: "How's work? Good—excited!"), sandwich chats (hi/goodbye fillers), verbal intermediaries (objects for ordering), and sensory supports (breaks/headphones).

Key insights:

0:00-5:00: Dr. E's story—From misdiagnosis to SM expertise via her daughter's journey.

5:00-10:00: SM vs. autism: Spot differences (SM flows post-comfort; autism = literal convos/sensory shutdowns).

10:00-15:00: Adult signs: Mute/whispering in work/peers; trauma/LGBTQ+ layers amplify (advocate 504s/workplace tweaks).

15:00-20:00: Strategies: Action plans/sandwich questions (e.g., "Hi, how's college? Good—excited!"), intermediaries for independence.

20:00-25:00: Overlap challenges: Social puzzle (greetings/expanders), sensory overload (504s for quiet spaces/choices).

25:00+: Resources: Evaluations for late-diagnosis relief; tools for careers/relationships.

Ready for selective mutism autism adults tools and neurodivergent social anxiety strategies? Listen now—essential for AuDHD communication strategies and ADHD social puzzle wins!

Join the Voice Squad & Engage: Loved this? Subscribe, rate 5 stars, and leave a review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify—your support helps us reach more neurodivergents! Share with a friend navigating silence (comment your social win below). Follow @adulting_autism on IG/@adultingautismBTS TikTok for bonus AuDHD communication tips—join empowered listeners!

Merch for Momentum: Bridge your voice with 20% off journals, tees, and "Communication Bridge" merch (track your chats!) using code PODCAST26 at our Fourthwall shop: https://adulting-with-autism-shop.fourthwall.com (Linktree in bio). Your purchase powers more episodes!

Resources: Understanding Katie on Amazon; selectivemutismcenter.org for quizzes/podcasts; [email protected] for consultations.

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As an autistic advocate and OT mom, few films hit as close to home as Learning You, a new autism‑centered movie opening in theaters nationwide on January 16, 2026. This special episode of Adulting With Autism features actor John Wells and director Tyler Sansom, sharing the heart behind a story that follows a father’s journey to truly see his autistic son—and himself—through the lens of faith, family, and hard‑earned understanding.

Inspired by real experiences of parents raising children with special needs, Learning You highlights family strength, resilience, and the hope that grows when someone finally feels seen. The film is brought to life by a cast and crew that intentionally includes parents and individuals from the autism community, adding rare authenticity to the screen. You’ll hear about performances from John Wells (also a real‑life dad to an autistic son), WWE legend Al Snow (grandfather to autistic grandchildren), Caleb Milby, Stacy Haiduk (Days of Our Lives), Daniel Roebuck (Matlock), Cameron Arnett (The Forge), and Read Choi, among others.

Directed and produced by Tyler Sansom, with a screenplay by J. Wayne Davidson, Justen Overlander (The Chosen), Sansom, and Brad J. Silverman (Grace Unplugged), this film is more than entertainment—it’s a mission project. One hundred percent of proceeds go to ACT (Awareness, Connection, Touch), a nonprofit supporting parents of children with autism and other special needs, making every ticket a form of practical support as well as representation.

In this episode, we talk about:

How Learning You was born from real stories of special needs families

John’s experience as both an actor and a father to an autistic son

Tyler’s vision of film as a ministry of encouragement for caregivers and parents

Why authentic casting and crew representation matter in autism storytelling

How proceeds support ACT’s work with families in the autism and special needs community

If you care about autism acceptance, faith‑informed storytelling, and inclusive media, this episode will give you a behind‑the‑scenes look at a film created with our community at the center.

If this episode resonates, follow/subscribe to Adulting With Autism on Podbean, Apple, or Spotify and leave a 5‑star review so more families, caregivers, and autistic adults can find it.

Support the mission & the podcast:
Get 20% off journals, tees, and “Resilient Advocate” merch with code PODCAST26 at the Adulting With Autism Fourthwall shop (Linktree). Your support helps keep these conversations free and amplifies stories like Learning You.