Shows
Adulting with AutismDeclutter Your Mind: How Trauma, Neurodivergence, and Emotions Fuel Clutter – with Helen SandersonHey guys, hey! It’s April—your favorite autistic OT and host of Adulting with Autism, the podcast that believes life skills are sexy and your home should feel like peace, not pressure.
In today’s heart-expanding episode, we’re joined by Helen Sanderson, the UK’s leading clutter therapist and author of The Secret Life of Clutter. Helen brings years of therapeutic insight to explore how our outer environments reflect our inner worlds—especially for those with autism, ADHD, and trauma.
Whether it’s the laundry chair judging you or a garage full of “I’ll-get-to-it-l...2025-05-1437 minAdulting with AutismLiving With Hyperthymesia: Frank Healy on Healing, Memory, and Mental HealthHey guys, hey – happy Wednesday! I’m April, your favorite autistic OT and host of Adulting with Autism – the podcast where life skills are sexy, healing is real, and neurodivergent voices finally get the mic. Whether you're a parent guiding your autistic young adult or you're that young adult figuring it out one meltdown and meme at a time, this is your judgment-free zone to laugh, learn, and level up. 🧠💬
In today’s episode, we’re diving deep with Frank Healy, one of only 100 people on the planet diagnosed with hyperthymesia—aka he remembers every single day of his life since...2025-05-0729 min
Leta's Tap StylesDancing Through Life with Autism: with insights from April RatchfordSend us a textIn this episode of the Leta’s Tap Styles podcast, we welcome “Friend of the Podcast” April Ratchford. April brings her knowledge as an occupational therapist, as an autistic person, and as the mother of an autistic child to the table. (He will always be her child, even if he is now an adult.) Together with Leta's personal experiences - and a few mic drops - we discuss who gets to decide what an autistic person's limitations are, and why acceptance is accommodations, not ignoring autistic limitations exist.As always, when April...2025-04-2359 minAdulting with AutismUnmasking Autism: Sol Smith on Identity, Healing & Finding Your VoiceHey there, lovely listener! 😊 In today’s episode of Adulting with Autism, we’re joined by Sol Smith—autistic author, former college professor, viral TikTok educator, and the voice behind the much-anticipated book, The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery (launching April 22, 2025!).
Sol shares his late-in-life autism diagnosis, the burnout spiral that followed, and the powerful road to healing, community-building, and radical self-acceptance. Whether you’re neurodivergent or neurotypical, Sol’s insights on unmasking, coaching, and creating identity after diagnosis are honest, practical, and deeply empowering.
🧠 In this episode, we explore:
What happens after the autism diagnos...2025-04-2249 minAdulting with AutismThriving While Queer, BIPOC & Autistic with Zipporah JarmonHey guys hey! 💬 In this powerful episode of Adulting with Autism, I sit down with Zipporah Jarmon, founder of Within Me Coaching, who’s transforming lives through inclusive, identity-affirming life coaching for queer, BIPOC, and neurodivergent adults.
We get into the real-life tools and mindset shifts needed to navigate transitions like moving out, career changes, or simply setting boundaries while being your full self. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unseen, or unsure where to start—this episode is your blueprint to getting unstuck.
🔥 In This Episode:
Life coaching vs. therapy—how to know which one...2025-03-2936 min
Phantom Electric GhostApril Ratchford|Outdated job interviewing techniques|Passionate advocate for autistic young adultsApril Ratchford|Outdated job interviewing techniquesPassionate advocate for autistic young adultsWelcome to my corner of the internet! I’m April Ratchford, a passionate advocate for autistic young adults and their families, an occupational therapist, and a mom navigating the unique world of raising an autistic son. With both personal and professional experience, I bring heartfelt insights, practical strategies, and a healthy dose of humor to help families bridge the gap from high school to adulthood.Through my podcast, writing, and speaking, I aim to shine a spotlight on the lack of re...2025-03-191h 02Adulting with AutismNeurodivergent Minds Uncovered: Secrets to ADHD, Autism & Unlocking Your Full PotentialHey there, fabulous listener! 🎉 April's bringing all the awareness vibes with Autism Awareness Month & Occupational Therapy Month on the horizon. I'm diving into a whopping 30 days of juicy content across YouTube and podcasts. Can I pull it off? Stick around and see if this 49-year-old can hang! 🎂PS, there's an episode on my birthday! 🎉
Join Stacey Pelletieri and me as we chitchat about navigating adulting with ADHD and the layers that autism adds. It's refreshingly real talk with insights from a pro who's lived it both personally and professionally. She's serving up golden nuggets of wisdom on handling...2025-03-1544 min
Mind Over MatterSupporting Parents of Autistic Young Adults: Insights from OT and Advocate April RatchfordEpisode Summary:
In this heartfelt episode ofMind Over Matter, host Sana engages in an enlightening conversation withApril Ratchford, occupational therapist, autism advocate, and mother of an autistic son. April shares her personal journey navigating the challenges and triumphs of raising an autistic child and highlights how this experience has shaped her advocacy. From the crucial transition into adulthood to addressing the gaps in resources, this episode provides a comprehensive look into supporting autistic young adults. April also discusses the balance between promoting independence and recognizing when long-term support is necessary, offering valuable advice to families on how to...2025-02-1218 minAdulting with AutismRedefining Respect: Julie Pham's Seven Forms FrameworkHey guys, hey! Happy Wednesday! How are you holding up for the midweek? It's hump day! As January winds down, whether you've stuck to dry January or decided it's not for you, we get it. We're all just trying to start the year right, even if it means navigating a few bumpy roads. And speaking of navigation, today's episode is a real treat as we dive into the fascinating world of workplace dynamics.
Join us for a lively chat with the brilliant Julie Pham, an award-winning business leader with a best-selling book, who is here to guide...2025-01-2938 minAdulting with Autism🎙️ Mastering Goals with No-BS OKRs: Featuring Sarah LobkovichHappy Saturday, friends! 🎉 As January wraps up, how are those New Year's resolutions coming along? If your goals feel like overwhelming mega-tasks, don’t worry—I’ve got just the episode to help you turn it around.
This week, I’m joined by Sarah Lobkovich, a former strategy executive turned powerhouse coach and author. Sarah’s on a mission to revolutionize goal setting with her No-BS OKRs method—a practical, no-nonsense approach to turning busywork into real, meaningful results.
In this episode, we cover:
✅ How to streamline your goals and focus on what really matters.
✅ Strategies for lead...2025-01-2536 minAdulting with Autism🎙️ Unlocking Neurodivergent Potential: Insights from Kate PaullinHappy Wednesday, friends! Are you ready to work smarter, not harder? This week, we’re exploring how to align with your brain's unique strengths instead of fighting against it. 🌟
Join me as I chat with Kate Paullin, a certified coach and mentor for neurodivergent individuals. Kate shares her personal journey of discovering her own neurodivergence, how it transformed her life, and actionable strategies for embracing your authentic self.
In this episode, we dive into:
✅ The systemic challenges of financial support for neurodivergent young adults.
✅ Navigating grants and scholarships for greater independence.
✅ The power of intuition, emotional r...2025-01-2242 minAdulting with AutismFinding Your Sweet Spot in the WorkplaceHey guys, hey! Happy Saturday! 😊 It's the weekend, and I am here for it. But we've got a real talk on our hands today about jobs. So often, we hear "my job hates me" or "I hate my job." But maybe, just maybe, it's not about the job itself but the environment you're in.
Join us as we chat with Aimes Hyde, who took the brave step of leaving her path to becoming a doctor because of her sensory struggles and found a supportive work environment in a crisis center. Discover her inspiring journey and how she man...2025-01-1840 minAdulting with AutismEmpowering Change: Malumir Logan on Advocacy, Neurodivergence, and Supporting IndependenceHey there! 🌟 In this heartfelt and enlightening episode of Adulting with Autism, we’re joined by the inspiring Malumir Logan—an accomplished leader with two decades of experience in policy change, advocacy, and education. As an ambiguously racialized and neurodivergent individual, Malumir shares her powerful journey of breaking barriers and creating impactful change in a world still striving for equality.
Together, we dive into the challenges faced by parents of neurodivergent young adults, exploring expectations for independence, self-advocacy, and the importance of personal agency. Malumir offers a unique perspective on how collective action and conversation can lead to mean...2025-01-1554 minAdulting with AutismUnlocking Financial Freedom: Expert Strategies for Smarter Money Management and IndependenceHey, guys. Happy Saturday! I hope you're all staying warm and safe from the winter storms, unlike us here in Kentucky wishing for less snow! 😂 Today, I upgraded to some fancy light blue headphones, and I'm feeling tech-savvy. But let's cut to the chase - it's not about headphones; it's about money, money, money!
We're diving into an essential topic: making your money work for you! Whether you love spending it or are trying to save more of it, nobody really teaches us how to manage it, right? Well, don't worry; that's exactly what this episode is all...2025-01-1143 minAdulting with Autism"Breaking Through Trauma: My Journey with LifePatch Magic"Hey guys, hey! Happy Wednesday! How’s everyone doing with their resolutions? Still hanging in there with the gym sessions or perhaps trying out dry January? Well, I’m not tackling those challenges right now. At the moment, I'm on a wild ride making sure Z is ready for his transition program — spoiler alert, he’s not packed at all!
Let me paint you a picture: we’re snowed in, wrestling with the snail’s pace of vocational rehab. You know what it’s like, right? But I’ve got a little something extra for you today. Remember Fierce...2025-01-0820 minAdulting with AutismMastering Communication: Breakthrough Strategies with Rob Z. WentzReady to level up your communication game? 🎙️ Join us for an engaging chat with Rob Z. Wentz, the leadership communication expert who’s turning personal struggles into powerful stories of growth and connection.
In this episode, Rob dives into the art of active listening, owning your narrative, and building meaningful relationships—whether you're leading a team or simply navigating life. 💬 From overcoming adversity to unlocking breakthrough strategies, this conversation is packed with insights to help you become a better communicator, leader, and friend.
Tune in for laughs, inspiration, and game-changing tips that just might transform the way you...2025-01-0438 minAdulting with AutismNew Year, New Perspectives: Transforming Workplaces Through NeurodiversityHappy New Year! Whether you partied all night or enjoyed a quiet moment to reflect, today’s episode is here to inspire you with a fresh perspective on inclusion and workplace culture.
Join me as I sit down with Khushboo Chabria, a neurodiversity specialist, career coach, and advocate for transformative inclusion. Drawing from her own experiences with ADHD and her expertise in DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging), Khushboo shares powerful insights on how workplaces can go beyond surface-level inclusion to truly celebrate and leverage neurodivergent talent.
We’ll uncover:
Why valuing neurodivergent minds is e...2025-01-0156 minAdulting with AutismKickstart 2025 with Roman Fischer: Fitness, Mental Health, and Lasting ResolutionsHey guys, hey! Happy Saturday. As we gear up for 2025, it's time to get real about resolutions. You know the drill: "I'm going to get fit, join a gym, maybe try dry January." But let's be honest, how many of us actually follow through?
That's why I'm super excited to have Roman Fisher on the podcast! Roman's a fitness coach who helps people not just get in shape, but also battle anxiety and depression through exercise. Trust me, it works! Speaking from experience, working out can be life-changing even during chaos.
If you've ever struggled...2024-12-2945 minAdulting with AutismMastering IEPs: Confident and Compassionate Strategies for Autism ParentingNavigating the IEP process can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone! In today’s episode, we’re joined by Crystal Jordan, a passionate advocate and dedicated mom, who shares her personal journey of ensuring her son received the best support through his IEP.
Crystal opens up about the challenges she faced and how she transformed into a confident advocate, stepping into meetings prepared to make her voice heard. From preparation strategies to tailoring an IEP to your child’s unique needs, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you navigate the process with clarity and purp...2024-12-2642 minAdulting with AutismThe Silent Struggle: Late Autism Diagnosis Challenges for Black WomenHey there! Happy Saturday! I hope you're having a fantastic weekend. 🌟
Ever feel like you're in a whirlwind of chaos? I'm deep in autism burnout, juggling the hurricane of work, life, and the ever-present challenges of navigating the world as an autistic adult, especially as a Black woman. Yup, it's been one of those weeks where everything just seems off.
I'm super excited to introduce Megan Townsend, a fellow late-diagnosed autistic adult and licensed social worker. We dive into a raw, real conversation about the unique challenges Black women face in getting diagnosed with autism, the...2024-12-2244 minAdulting with AutismOvercoming Overwhelm: Unlocking the Power of the 5 Love Languages with Paul ZolmanHey guys, hey. Happy Wednesday! How are you all doing? Today, I'm aiming for some serious multitasking—making t-shirts, podcasting, editing, cooking dinner, and enjoying 'The Sound of Music'. Please, no judgments; who doesn't love a good Julie Andrews classic, right?
Today's episode features a fantastic guest, Paul Zolman, who has twisted the classic five love languages into an interactive game. Inspired by psychologist Dr. Gary Chapman's work, Paul developed a unique method to help people learn their love languages by rolling a dice and practicing a new language each day. How cool is that?
Jo...2024-12-1843 minAdulting with AutismNavigating Alcohol, Autism, and Addiction: A Deep Dive with Dallas CollisHey, friends! Happy Saturday! 🎉 Today, we’re diving into something deeply personal and important—understanding our relationship with alcohol, especially when you're adulting on the autism spectrum. 🍷✨
I shared a bit about my son, Z, and our family’s open approach to discussing drinking and its risks, especially since it runs deep on both sides of our family. Whether it’s letting Z experience drinking among family or learning from my own experiences, the goal has always been safety and awareness.
I'm thrilled to welcome Dallas Collis, a guest who has bravely shared his story about battling a...2024-12-1443 minAdulting with AutismUnveiling the Journey: Chris Mitchell's Autism Story and AdvocacyHey guys, hey. Grab your favorite drink and settle in, because you definitely don't want to miss this! I've invited the incredible Chris Mitchell to join us today. Chris discovered later in life that he's autistic, and he’s here to share his unique journey with us. From navigating his own autism diagnosis to being a devoted caregiver for his wife who's battling cancer, Chris's story is both touching and empowering. Trust me, you'll be blown away by his strength and resilience.
Learn what "autistic burnout" is all about, and how Chris supports the adult autistic community th...2024-12-1341 minAdulting with AutismBreaking the Cycle: Setting Boundaries with LoveHey guys, hey, happy Monday! I promised you mini-sodes, so here I am, sharing some thoughts that popped into my head. Ever wondered why you parent the way you do? Why not think about stuff like therapy, generational trauma, and how these have shaped us?
If your parental units are in therapy, give them credit! And if you're a parent, remember that healing starts with you. We're diving deep into how our upbringing influences our actions, especially with parents who weren’t perfect but did their best with what they knew.
As a parent myself, I’...2024-12-1014 minAdulting with AutismUnlocking Hidden Resources for Autistic Adults: A Conversation with Matthew LeskoHey guys, happy Saturday! Welcome back to Adulting with Autism. I've got something super special for you this week. I'm chatting with a past acquaintance, the one and only Matthew Lesko, whom I affectionately call the 'question mark guy' because of his iconic suit. He's breaking down barriers and sharing invaluable resources to help young autistic adults and others with disabilities find assistance in the labyrinth of grants and support.
If you've ever felt lost after turning 18 or unsure where to find help for life’s challenges, Matthew’s tips are here to light your way. He’s dish...2024-12-0839 minAdulting with AutismNavigating Intimacy: A Gen Xer’s Journey with a Sex TherapistHey guys, hey! Happy Wednesday! I’m showing up a bit late today because I'm just getting over being sick, but I promise it’s worth the wait! In this episode, we're diving into a subject that can be awkward but so important – talking about sex. Yep, grab your drink of choice (water and soda if you're driving) and let's welcome Heather Shannon, a fabulous sex therapist, to the podcast.
Heather and I explore the ins and outs of sex therapy, relationships, and how these topics intersect with autism, especially when school doesn’t cover the sex convo an...2024-12-0539 minAdulting with AutismEmbracing the Van Life: Rosie's Journey to FreedomHey guys, happy Monday! 😊 Don't come for me – I've been sick, and I know this episode is late. But hey, better late than never, right? I really hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving. My holiday was spent with a cough in one hand and turkey in the other.
On today's episode, I chatted with the inspiring Rosie Burrows who left her 'dream' job and an eight-year relationship to follow her heart and live in a van. Imagine having the courage to do that! It's all about embracing your values and living life on your own terms. We de...2024-12-0342 minAdulting with AutismLet’s Talk Trauma with Tanya HallettHey guys, hey! Happy Wednesday! I know I’m a tad late, but life happens, right? Just got back from vacation, and the flu decided to come home with me—yay me! Tried to pass the mic to my son, Z, but he chickened out. So here I am, flu-riddled and under the weather, bringing you this week’s episode!
This week, I’m so excited to welcome Tanya Hallett to Adulting with Autism! Tanya’s a trauma-informed practice specialist with 20 years of international experience. She’s also a PTSD survivor and mental health advocate who’s here to break...2024-11-2746 minAdulting with AutismUnleashing Your Inner Leader | Empowerment Insights with Regina HuberHey guys, hey! 💛 Happy Saturday! I’m so pumped to share this episode with Regina Huber, a total powerhouse in transformational leadership. She’s all about helping you take control of your career and your life, sharing wisdom from her journey across five continents.
We’re talking self-empowerment, leveling up, building confidence, and creating a life that’s 100% YOU. Regina’s positive vibes are contagious, and she’s got tips on overcoming fears and turning your passion into reality.
Grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and dive into this convo—it’s a game-changer! 🎙 Let me know what you t...2024-11-2445 minLeta's Tap StylesAutism Doesn't Disappear at 18: A Conversation with April RatchfordSend us a textApril Ratchford, host of "Adulting with Autism," joins us to unpack the often unspoken challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families during pivotal life transitions. Discover her son's personal journey post-high school, where a lack of support systems for autistic adults becomes glaringly evident. As young adults navigate new horizons—be it college, the military, or the workforce—the difficulty in forging and maintaining friendships magnifies. We discuss the essential role of transitional programs and the necessity of community engagement to combat isolation, especially in a post-COVID world.On a ligh...2024-11-2349 min