Shows
Spectrum SessionsEpisode 10: Neurodivergence and Substance Use Featuring Guest Co-Host In this week’s episode Nicole has a guest co-host, Emily McDonald MS, NCC, LPC to explore neurodivergence and substance use. Join us as we unpack the challenges neurodivergent individuals fade, including higher rates of substance use, self-medication, and navigating systems that may overlook our unique needs. 2025-01-1946 min
Spectrum SessionsEpisode 9: All Things Therapy In this week’s episode Brandon and I discuss what to look for on both sides of the therapy couch - as an Autistic client seeking a neurodivergent affirming therapist and what to expect being a therapist working with Autistic clients to help make sure you are inclusive.2025-01-1913 min
Spectrum SessionsEpisode 8: Black & White Thinking In this week’s episode we discuss black and white thinking, a common experienced thought pattern for Autistic people. Brandon and I struggled with this episode as we know we are guilty of engaging in very black and white thinking but struggle to identify specific conscious examples. Black and white thinking has some drawbacks but there are also positives which highlight on this episode. This is one of my personal favorite episodes we have recorded! 2025-01-1919 min
Spectrum SessionsEpisode 7: Sensory Issues This episode focuses on sensory issues Autistic people struggle with. We discuss hyper and hypo sensitivity and share our personal experiences with sensory issues. We share helpful tips to manage sensory nightmares! Link to Loop Earplugs: https://us.loopearplugs.com/pages/homepage-lp1?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_id=19674497232&utm_campaign=&utm_content=145314081359&utm_term=loop%20headphones&gadid=647946549327&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=19674497232&cq_con=145314081359&cq_term=loop%20headphones&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_plt=gp&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4Oe4BhCcARIsADQ0cskagavin0yqk8sBATrmYjrlFKE7rwccOamVbNZVFgTWcS9KzTIZyR4aApPXEALw_wcB2025-01-1914 min
Spectrum SessionsEpisode 6: Autistic MaskingIn this episode we discuss what Autistic masking is, why we mask, and the cost of masking. We also discuss the Camoflauging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) and compare each of our own scoring and reflecting on the gender differences in masking. Link to take the CAT-Q: https://embrace-autism.com/cat-q/2025-01-1926 min
Spectrum SessionsEpisode 5: Schizophrenia and AutismIn this episode, we discuss the history of Autism as a diagnosis and its relationship to Schizophrenia. We discuss the reason behind movement away from Asperger’s as a diagnosis. We discuss overlap in symptoms between Schizophrenia and Autism (including the very common Autistic experience of feeling as if you are being watched/living life on a stage). We discuss ways to differentiate the two diagnoses. Works cited:“Autism and Schizophrenia: Is There a Link?” Healthline, 7 Mar. 2022, www.healthline.com/health/autism-vs-schizophrenia#research.Baron-Cohen, Simon. “The Truth about Hans Asperger’s Nazi Collusion.” Nature, vol...2025-01-1918 min
Spectrum SessionsEpisode 4: ADHD with Special Guests In this powerful episode, we sit down with Emily McDonald NCC, LPC and Kiersten Murrin Gatto LSW both late-diagnosed therapists with ADHD. Our guests share personal stories and clinical insights. We laugh, we cry, we celebrate our differences. We heavily discuss rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), a deeply felt experience for many with ADHD and Autism. We hope this conversation offers validation and helps people feel less alone. Self screener for RSD: https://www.additudemag.com/rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-adhd-symptom-test/Works cited: Rong Y, Yang C-J, Jin Y, Wang Y. Prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in individuals with autism...2025-01-191h 02
Spectrum SessionsEpisode 3: Bipolar Disorder and AutismBrandon shares his personal experience having a co-occurring diagnosis of Autism and Bipolar. We review similarities and differences of the two diagnoses and what it’s like to live with them. We emphasize the importance of digging beneath the surface of outward symptoms as clinicians to ensure appropriate understanding and diagnosis. Bipolar self-screening: https://www.sadag.org/images/pdf/mdq.pdfWorks cited: Dell’Osso, L., Carpita, B., Bertelloni, C. A., Diadema, E., Barberi, F. M., Gesi, C., & Carmassi, C. (2019). Subthreshold autism spectrum in bipolar disorder: Prevalence and clinical correlates. Psychiatry Research, 281, 112605. https://doi...2025-01-1911 min
Spectrum SessionsEpisode 2: Borderline Personality Disorder & AutismNicole shares her personal experience being misdiagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) when it was actually Autism. We explore symptom overlap, how Autistic people are more at risk of developing BPD and why context of symptoms is so important. This episode also highlights the commonly shared experience of suicidal ideation in Autistic adults. National Suicide Hotlines - Toll Free / 24 hrs / 7 days a week / USA: If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.orgNational Graduate Student Crisis Line, 1-800-472-3457 (1-800-GRAD-HLP)...2025-01-1930 min
Spectrum SessionsEpisode 1: Introduction to the PodcastIn our very first episode, we share our journeys to diagnosis in addition to sharing our hopes and wishes for the entirety of the podcast going forward. We hope that with both our personal and professional experience being two late-diagnosed Autistic therapists we can help amplify the importance of Autistic voices being heard and continue to challenge peoples misconceptions of Autism. We are so happy you are here with us celebrating neurodiversity. As discussed in the episode here is the link to Samantha Craft’s Unofficial Autism Checklist: https://the-art-of-autism.com/females-and-aspergers-a-checklist/2025-01-1918 min