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Adulting with Autism

April Ratchford MS OT/L
Adulting with Autism
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  • Neurodivergent Social App: Synchrony w/ Founders | Jan 2026
    ND social isolation? Synchrony co-founders Jamie Pastrano (mom/CSW), Brittany Moser (M.A. autism specialist), and Rebecca Matchett (COO/entrepreneur) spill on their Jan 2026 launch: First AI-supported app for neurodivergent adults 18+—interest-matching, safety (ID/reference verification), and 'Jesse' AI coach for chats/boundaries (express feelings, decode flirty/friendly, protect comfort). From Jamie's son Jesse inspiring the vision to global goals (US-based, accommodations for nonverbal/spectrum), it's independence + community—no more cliffs, just synced belonging. For autistic/ADHD/AuDHD young adults grinding friendships/romance, parents supporting without overstepping, or OTs fostering skills, this ramble's your toolkit—AI as confidence builder, not replacement.Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Synchrony Founders & ND Social Gaps 1:07 - Origin: Jamie's Son Jesse & Adulting Void 3:26 - App Features: Interest-Matching & Safety 5:59 - Jesse AI: Express/Understand/Protect Buttons 9:19 - Profile Building: Bio Gen & Independence 11:25 - Global Vision & Accommodations (Non-Verbal) 14:02 - Parent Role: Plant Seeds, Not Control 16:38 - Launch Jan 2026: Waitlist & Events 18:47 - Future: Offline Events/Employment Ties 20:35 - Why Now: Filling the 18+ Gap 22:12 - Where to Join: Socials/Waitlist 24:48 - Outro: Sync Up & Squad PerksSub on Acast for Season 3 Jan drops (rate/review to grow the squad!), share w/ a connection-seeker—tag 'em! Holiday squad alert: 30% off pod merch w/ code BLACK25 at Linktree in notes—'Dynamite' tees for boundary bosses. Full promo for Synchrony (join waitlist at joinsynchrony.com). Keep fierce, keep focused, keep adulting with autism! #NeurodivergentSocialApp #AutisticFriendship #SynchronyApp #AdultingWithAutism #KeepFierce #NDAI #AutisticDating #NDCommunity #BTSARMY #AcastPodcastsStuck in ND isolation? Synchrony co-founders Jamie Pastrano, Brittany Moser, and Rebecca Matchett unpack their Jan 2026 app for neurodivergent adults 18+: AI 'Jesse' coach for social support (expressive language, convo decoding, boundary-setting), interest-based matching (top 10 hobbies first, % common shown), safety (ID/selfie + reference vouch from trusted like mom/therapist), and profile ease (AI bio gen from questions). Origin: Jamie's 21-year-old autistic son Jesse's adult social gaps (no mom/teacher forever)—global vision (US launch, accommodations for nonverbal/spectrum, voice-to-text). For late-dx young adults practicing independence, parents encouraging (plant seeds, not sign up), or OTs for skill-building (in-app chats transfer to real life), Synchrony's 'syncmates' flips loneliness to belonging—no mainstream app fails, just ND-tailored human connection.Links:Full Episode: Acast (sub now!)Synchrony Waitlist: joinsynchrony.comSocials: @synchronyapp (IG/FB/TikTok—follow for launch)Merch: Linktree in notes (BLACK25 for 30% off holiday!)Your subs/ratings/shares amplify the squad—tag a sync-seeker! #AutisticSocialSkills #NeurodivergentAI #SynchronyLaunch #PodcastND #MentalHealthApp #UnmaskedConnections #ADHDIndependence #AutismAdulting #ResilienceApp #EmpathySquad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  • Autistic Trauma Patterns: Break Reenactments | Dr. Tony Iezzi
    Autistic pattern loops trapping you? Dr. Tony Iezzi (35+ years clinical psychologist, Reenactments co-author) shares: From Vietnam vets to ND challenges, his therapy framework—awareness (spot themes like rejection/abandonment), regulate physiology (walks/music to calm revved systems), and interrupt habits (new actions over rage/stewing)—breaks unconscious reenactments from childhood chaos. For autistic/ADHD young adults reacting to environments, parents modeling reflection, or allies fostering tools, this convo's your toolkit—journaling for insight, themes over events ("Treat sensitivities, not specifics").Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Tony's Trauma/Chronic Pain Expertise 0:11 - Patterns in Everyday Life & ND 1:11 - Awareness: Spot Unconscious Habits 2:55 - Childhood Roots & Physiology Revving 5:20 - Interrupting Loops: First Steps 8:00 - Themes (Abandonment/Rejection/Bullying) 11:19 - Reenactment Therapy for Sensitivities 14:23 - Parents Changing First to Help Kids 17:26 - Vietnam Vets: Pre-Existing Mess 20:53 - Society's Harshness on Differences 23:36 - Signs of Breaking Reenactments 26:19 - Journaling: Reflect to Refine 29:55 - Tailor to Physiology (Autism/ADD) 32:40 - Power Dynamic in Parenting 35:49 - Risks & Young Adult Transitions 38:58 - Mutual Respect: Consultant, Not Authority 42:14 - Village Support & Falling/Failing 45:38 - Where to Find Tony (Site/Book)Subscribe on Apple/Spotify for weekly neurodivergent adulting tools—rate/review if patterns clicked! Resources/book in notes. Squad, share w/ a loop-breaker (tag 'em below—let's rewire!). Merch: 'Dynamite' tees for habit days (Linktree in notes). #AutisticTraumaPatterns #NeurodivergentReenactments #AdultingWithAutism #BTSNeurodivergent #PodMatchStuck in autistic trauma reenactments? Dr. Tony Iezzi unpacks 35+ years treating pain/trauma: Reenactments framework—awareness (unconscious habits from childhood), physiology regulation (walks/music for revved ND systems), theme targeting (abandonment/rejection/bullying over events)—breaks loops for better quality of life. ND applications: Physiology caps (autism/ADD at 100% = no problem-solving), environments amplify sensitivities (dysregulated homes = harder coping). For late-dx young adults reacting automatically, parents interrupting cycles (change adult first), or OTs modeling reflection/journaling, Tony's "themes repeat across situations—target them" flips reactivity to strategy. From Adulting with Autism podcast: OT-aligned for executive/sensory patterns, parenting power shifts, habit-building.Links:Full Episode: Buzzsprout/Apple/Spotify (subscribe!)Tony's Site: tonyiezzi.com (book ordering/socials)Book: Reenactments (Amazon)Merch: Linktree in notes ('Dynamite' tees for pattern resets)Your reviews/shares amplify the squad—tag a rewire! #AutisticBehaviorLoops #NeurodivergentPhysiology #TraumaThemesAutism #PodcastHabits #MentalHealthAwareness #UnmaskedReenactments #ADHDRegulation #ReenactmentTherapy #ResiliencePatterns #EmpathySquad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  • Autistic Trauma Healing: DID & Resilience | Dr. Kirsten Harrison
    Send us a textAutistic trauma unmasking? Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison (Soul Wise Solutions founder, I, Sean/a co-author) shares: Befriending homeless intersex woman Sean/a (schizophrenia/street survival to empowerment), she explores DID (trauma splitting for protection—body/soul survival), somatic healing ("body keeps the score"), energy vibes (protect via boundaries/allies), and surviving vs. thriving (claim genius pockets, no shame in masking). For autistic/ND folks processing bullying/loss, allies fostering empathy, or anyone tuning into quantum energy/gratitude resets, this convo's your toolkit—small steps build authentic light.Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Kirsten's Trauma Journey & Sean/a Meeting 1:46 - Befriending Sean/a: From Streets to Support 4:50 - Complex DID: Trauma Splitting Explained 7:32 - ND Trauma: Masking & Somatic Memory 10:21 - Survival Mechanisms in Autism/Intersex 12:45 - Surviving vs. Thriving: Personal Bubbles 14:39 - Energy Management: Silence/Headphones/Decompression 18:19 - Building New Identity Post-Masking 20:15 - Honoring Meltdowns: Triggers & Self-Forgiveness 22:38 - Starting Personal Journey: Small Steps/Ally Support 24:56 - Authenticity: Claim Your Space Amid Changes 30:39 - Spiritual Energy: Protect Vibes/Quantum Influence 34:21 - Helpers Everywhere: Mr. Rogers Wisdom 37:43 - Gratitude: Daily Reset for All 41:52 - Where to Find Kirsten (Site/Book/Socials)Subscribe on Apple/Spotify for weekly neurodivergent adulting tools—rate/review if insights sparked your unmasking! Resources/book in notes. Squad, share w/ a trauma-navigator (tag 'em below—let's heal together!). Merch: 'Dynamite' tees for energy days (Linktree in notes). #AutisticTraumaHealing #NeurodivergentDID #AdultingWithAutism #BTSNeurodivergent #PodMatchUnmasking autistic trauma? Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison unpacks soul integration: 35+ years in psychology, supporting stepdaughter w/ Smith-Magenis syndrome sparked ND focus; befriending unhoused intersex Sean/a (schizophrenia, 8 years on cardboard—now empowered via GoFundMe/advocacy) inspired I, Sean/a: The Story of a Homeless Intersex Woman Who Inspired a Community. DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder): Childhood trauma splits (behaviors/sensations/emotions/knowledge) for survival—somatic tools (body holds score), spiritual protection (near-death-like out-of-body). Energy for ND: Tune vibes (headphones/silence for decompression, power walks for release), protect via boundaries/allies (quantum non-local influence). Surviving vs. thriving: Claim 'genius pockets' (e.g., Disney for processing), gratitude resets (thank breath/pillows—builds from small wins). For late-dx adults forgiving meltdowns/triggers, parents fostering safety, or allies ending stigma (intersex rights, no non-consensual surgery), Kirsten's 'we all mask—find your light' flips shame to authenticity. From Adulting with Autism podcast: OT-aligned for sensory/energetic regulation, resilience stories, spiritual empathy.Links:Full Episode: Buzzsprout/Apple/Spotify (subscribe!)mfish: Organize. Simplify. WinEco-friendly, high-quality tech tool to simplify school, work and lifeFind Your Fierce This Fall: Empowerment Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show@[email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  • Autistic Money Mindset: Rewrite Beliefs for Freedom | Estelle Gibson
    Send us a textAutistic money struggles? Estelle Gibson (CPA, TED Speaker w/ 2.3M views, Poor by Choice? author) shares: Post-divorce rebuild, her holistic coaching customizes spending plans (not restrictive budgets) for neurodivergent journeys—uncover environments shaping beliefs (society/family/programming), flip permissive thoughts ("I'll do it tomorrow" to action), and manifestation formula (words → thoughts → beliefs → actions → experience). For autistic young adults starting bills-free, parents teaching necessities/wants, or anyone ditching 'I'm bad with math' myths, this convo's your toolkit—awareness first (track inflows/outflows, subscriptions), then choice (needs vs. wants for dreams like retirement).Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Estelle's Financial Power Journey 0:47 - Why Money Affects Everything (Relationships/Health) 2:37 - Custom Plans: No One-Size Budgets 5:38 - Environments Building Beliefs (Society/Family) 8:27 - Rewrite Your Money Story Journal 11:12 - Limiting Lies: 'Too Stupid/Not Enough' 13:55 - First Steps: Track Bills/Subscriptions 16:29 - Holistic: Body/Mind/Spirit Approach 19:07 - Mindset Shifts: Positive Words Manifest 21:52 - Overwhelm: Roadblocks as Setups 24:37 - Similarities: Fear in Rich/Poor Alike 27:29 - Fruition: Consistent Action Despite Setbacks 30:39 - Next: Books for Young Adults/Children 33:38 - Where to Find Estelle (Site/Books)Subscribe on Apple/Spotify for weekly neurodivergent adulting tools—rate/review if mindset flipped your flow! Resources/books in notes. Squad, share w/ a money-worrier (tag 'em below—let's align!). Merch: 'Dynamite' tees for abundance days (Linktree in notes). #AutisticMoneyMindset #NeurodivergentFinance #AdultingWithAutism #BTSNeurodivergent #PodMatchStuck in autistic money scarcity? Estelle Gibson unpacks holistic financial coaching: 40+ years CPA/TED Speaker (Financial Dependency, 2.3M views), post-marriage rebuild inspired Poor by Choice? (overcome lies for new truth) & Rewrite Your Money Story Guided Journal. Custom spending plans (choice over restriction: Needs/wants for dreams like retirement) vs. budgets (diets fail ND brains). Uncover beliefs from environments (society taboos, family fights, community 'keeping up'), permissive thoughts (avoidance like "tomorrow"), and manifestation (positive words create actions/experience). For late-dx young adults (track inflows/outflows, subscriptions first), parents teaching basics (necessities: Food/shelter/transport), or OTs fostering independence, Estelle's 'setbacks as setups' flips overwhelm to alignment—no math phobia, just personalized freedom. From Adulting with Autism podcast: OT-aligned for executive/sensory money barriers, generational myths, abundance mindset.Links:Full Episode: Buzzsprout/Apple/Spotify (subscribe!)Estelle's Site: estellegibson.com (books, free resources, coaching)Books: Poor by Choice? & Rewrite Your Money Story mfish: Organize. Simplify. WinEco-friendly, high-quality tech tool to simplify school, work and lifeFind Your Fierce This Fall: Empowerment Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show@[email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  • Autistic Employment Inclusion: Transition Strategies | Ben Schatzel
    Send us a textAutistic post-school employment gaps? Ben Schatzel (Stannum Core Solutions founder, human behaviorist/autism advocate) shares: From therapy roots to tackling the 'service cliff' (2020 workforce pivot), his Spectrum Certified process (universal design visuals, Autism 101 training, skill-matched onboarding) boosts inclusion—phasing subminimum wage (Illinois Dignity in Pay Act) for competitive pay/independence. For autistic young adults listing strengths/weaknesses (score w/ trusted folks for dream roles), parents prepping transitions, or allies reforming labor, this convo's your toolkit—routine resets, trust networks, and 'no man left behind' mindset for ROI (lower turnover/productivity gains).Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Ben's Journey to Neurodiverse Hiring 0:59 - Person-Centered Transitions in Employment 2:48 - Communication Feedback Loops for ND 5:30 - Prepare Jobs/Staff for Inclusion 8:35 - Dream Big: Strengths/Weaknesses Audit 11:25 - Policy Disconnects: Subminimum Wage Reform 14:38 - Dignity in Pay Act & Systemic Barriers 17:56 - Autism Unemployment: 10x Higher Reality 20:23 - Healthcare/Independence Challenges 22:17 - Skills for Long-Term Success (Routine/Ask Help) 25:14 - Resources: Voc Rehab/County Boards 28:37 - Where to Find Ben (Site/LinkedIn)Subscribe on Apple/Spotify for weekly neurodivergent adulting tools—rate/review if strategies mapped your path! Resources/agency in notes. Squad, share w/ a job-seeker (tag 'em below—let's include!). Merch: 'Dynamite' tees for transition days (Linktree in notes). #AutisticEmployment #NeurodivergentInclusion #AdultingWithAutism #BTSNeurodivergent #PodMatchNavigating autistic employment post-school? Ben Schatzel unpacks inclusion: Decade in therapy/job development led to Stannum Core (Chicago-based, tackling 'service cliff' via Spectrum Certified: Job prep visuals, staff Autism 101, onboarding for manufacturing/tech). From 2020 non-profit pivot to Illinois Dignity in Pay Act (phasing 14c subminimum wage—10x ND unemployment vs. NT), Ben advocates competitive integrated roles (ROI: Retention/productivity up, turnover down). Strategies: Strengths/weaknesses lists (score w/ family/friends for skill-matched jobs—e.g., organization for various industries), routine for independence (ask help networks), social inference training (clear comms vs. ambiguity). For late-dx young adults eyeing careers, parents bridging gaps, or allies pushing reform (healthcare tied to jobs, scams awareness), Ben's 'united victory' mindset flips barriers to belonging. From Adulting with Autism podcast: OT-aligned for executive/sensory differences, transition audits, policy wins.Links:Full Episode: Buzzsprout/Apple/Spotify (subscribe!)Ben's Site: stannumcore.com (Spectrum Certified, free consults)LinkedIn: @benschatzel (connect for tips)Instagram: @stannumcore (follow updates)Resources: State Voc Rehab (Google "[state] vocational rehabilitation"); County Workforce BoardsMerch: Linktree in notes ('Dynamite' tees for job grind reminders)mfish: Organize. Simplify. WinEco-friendly, high-quality tech tool to simplify school, work and lifeFind Your Fierce This Fall: Empowerment Shop now to support the show and join the Alliance—find your new favorite at the link in show notes.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show@[email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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About Adulting with Autism

Adulting with Autism isn’t just a podcast — it’s a movement.We give autistic and neurodivergent adults the platform, voice, and validation they’ve always deserved. Here, we don’t mask. We don’t perform. We belong.Every episode brings honest conversations with leaders, advocates, and everyday people who are rewriting what it means to thrive as a neurodivergent adult. We talk life skills, independence, mental health, relationships, careers, and legacy — because autistic voices don’t just need a seat at the table… we are the table.Ranked among Apple’s Top 200 Podcasts (All Categories), Adulting with Autism is proof that our voices are resonating worldwide.Join us Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays as we move beyond survival, build authentic lives, and create legacies that last.Because autism isn’t broken. It’s just a different frequency — and the world is finally tuning in. 🎧 Listen on Buzzsprout, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube 🔗 Explore all links + merch: https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism 📩 Want to be a guest or collaborate? Message April on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1708097947800879cbdd654ca🧩 Autistic. Authentic. Unapologetic. 🔥 With over 2 million downloads and listeners worldwide, Adulting with Autism proves our voices belong here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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