
1.1M
Downloads
107
Episodes
🎙️ Adulting with Autism – 1.1 MILLION DOWNLOADS & GROWING! 🚀 Navigating adulthood as an autistic individual comes with unique challenges and triumphs. Hosted by April Ratchford, an autistic occupational therapist, this podcast is your go-to resource for independent living, career growth, relationships, and self-advocacy. 💡 Featuring Exclusive Interviews with Leading Experts & Advocates: 🎙 Dr. Robert Melillo – Neurodevelopmental expert & author (Disconnected Kids). 🎙 Amanda Ralston – Founder of NonBinary Solutions & neurodiversity advocate. 🎙 Thomas D’Eri – Co-founder of Rising Tide Car Wash, a social enterprise empowering autistic individuals. 🎙 Shell Mendelson – Career coach helping neurodivergent professionals find fulfilling careers. 🎙 Sam Mitchell – Host of Autism Rocks and Rolls, sharing powerful personal insights. 🎙 Doug Blecher – Autism advocate and creator of impactful neurodiversity content. 🎙 Steve Gallegos – Speaker and mentor focused on empowering individuals with disabilities. 🎙 McCracken Poston Jr. – Attorney in the landmark Truman Show Delusion case. 🔜 Upcoming Interviews: 🎙 Dr. Matt Zakreski – Clinical psychologist specializing in neurodiversity. 🎙 Dr. Foojan Zeine – Psychotherapist & expert in emotional wellness. Join 1.1M+ listeners worldwide! Tune in every Wednesday & Saturday for expert insights, real-life stories, and strategies for thriving as an autistic adult. 🎧 Listen now on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube! 📩 Follow for updates & behind-the-scenes content! 🔥 #AdultingWithAutism #Neurodiversity #AutismPodcast #1MillionDownloads #AutisticVoices 📌 New Episodes Every Wednesday & Saturday 🔗 Follow, Subscribe & Listen:https://feed.podbean.com/adultingwithautismpodcast/feed.xml 📢 Let’s Talk! Connect with us on Instagram & YouTube:https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism Want to be a guest on Adulting with Autism? Send April Ratchford a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1708097947800879cbdd654ca
Episodes

49 minutes ago
49 minutes ago
🎙️ Welcome to Adulting with Autism—where real talk meets real growth.
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Steve "Stevie G" Gallegos—U.S. Marine, former police officer, attorney, and transformational speaker—who shares his inspiring journey from being undocumented to becoming a U.S. citizen, with a life-changing encounter with President Ronald Reagan along the way.
But Steve’s story isn’t just about milestones—it’s a masterclass in reclaiming your voice, building confidence, and turning adversity into impact.
💬 Whether you’re autistic, ADHD, or navigating self-doubt in a neurotypical world, this episode gives you the tools and mindset shift to:
✅ Speak up with confidence
✅ Discover your purpose
✅ Own your story and lead with authenticity
✨ Plus, don’t miss our Autism Awareness Month celebration:
🎁 Join our Discord—our 1,000th member wins $100 + exclusive podcast swag!
🎧 Hit play now and step into your power—because your voice matters.
http://www.facebook.com/StevieGSuccess
http://www.instagram.com/steviegsuccess
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevieg/
#AdultingWithAutism #NeurodivergentVoices #FindYourVoice #ConfidenceBuilding #SteveGallegos #AutismAwarenessMonth #LeadershipJourney #SelfDiscovery #PodcastForGrowth #MentalHealthMatters #ADHDAwareness #NeurodivergentSupport

4 days ago
4 days ago
Hey 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 you need
-
Coaching queer and autistic BIPOC clients with compassion & results
-
Setting realistic goals for independence (and why grandiose plans flop)
-
Breaking internal & external barriers (yes, we go there)
-
Why representation in coaching matters
-
Building community that actually feels like home
💡 Zipporah’s approach is grounded in 12+ years of media, community, and coaching work—helping folks like us move forward with confidence, clarity, and care.
🎉 APRIL ANNOUNCEMENT
April is OT & Autism Awareness Month! We’re dropping 30 days of exclusive content—every single day this month. Plus… we just launched on Twitch, and we’re doing a Discord giveaway for the 1,000th person to join: you’ll win custom Adulting with Autism merch + a $100 Visa gift card! 🎁
📣 Sponsors & Partners:
Want to reach a passionate, engaged, and neurodivergent audience? This episode is perfect for brands in inclusive education, mental health, coaching platforms, tech, lifestyle, and independent living resources. Email me directly for sponsorship opportunities.
📍Connect with Zipporah:
🌐 withinmecoaching.com
📸 Instagram: @withinmecoaching
🎧 Don’t forget to follow, download, and share! Every stream helps us grow and reach more voices that deserve to be heard.

6 days ago
6 days ago
Hey there! 👋 Ready to transform your mindset and step into your full potential? This episode is for YOU! 🚀
Today, I’m joined by Jean Burke, a leadership mentor and martial arts expert, to explore how martial arts philosophy can build
resilience, discipline, and unstoppable leadership skills.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
✔️ The mindset shift that turns challenges into leadership opportunities
✔️ Why taking things personally holds you back—and how to stop
✔️ How martial arts philosophy helps build mental and emotional strength
✔️ The power of small, consistent habits for long-term success
✔️ Why personal branding is a game-changer for young professionals
🔥 It’s OT Autism Awareness Month!
🚀 30 Days of Exclusive Content—Don’t Miss a Single Episode!
🎧 Now Streaming on JioSaavn—Listen from Anywhere!
🤝 Join Our Growing Community on Discord & Twitch!
🎁 Giveaways Alert! Be one of the first 1,000 Discord sign-ups and win exclusive Adulting with Autism merch + a $100 Visa gift card!
✨ Hit play now & start leading your life with confidence!
🔗 Get all my resources here: https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism
https://www.thirdmonkeypro.com/
#LeadershipMindset #ResilienceTraining #PersonalGrowth #MartialArtsPhilosophy #DisciplineEqualsFreedom #AdultingWithAutism #MentalStrength #AutismAwarenessMonth

7 days ago
7 days ago
Hey guys, hey! Happy Saturday! 🌟 It’s the weekend, and today’s episode is packed with a powerful, eye-opening conversation you don’t want to miss.
Have you ever felt like life threw too many obstacles at you? You’re not alone. Today, I’m joined by Rebecca Armstead—a trauma-informed speaker, master-certified coach, and fierce advocate for neurodivergent individuals. Her story is nothing short of inspirational—overcoming child abuse, foster care, homelessness, teen pregnancy, and undiagnosed autism & ADHD to become a lifeline for struggling teens and young adults.
💡 What We’re Covering Today:
✔️ The link between undiagnosed neurodivergence & narcissistic traits—Why so many are misdiagnosed.
✔️ How autistic & ADHD women are more vulnerable to narcissistic abuse—and how to protect yourself.
✔️ Spotting the red flags—Recognizing manipulation & toxic behaviors early.
✔️ Shifting from a trigger mindset to an opportunity mindset—A game-changer for healing & empowerment.
✔️ Why burnout is an epidemic in the neurodivergent community—And Rebecca’s strategies to fight it.
🎉 It’s OT Autism Awareness Month!
🚀 30 days of exclusive content—Don’t miss a single update!
🎧 Now streaming on JioSaavn! (Special shoutout to my Indian listeners! 🇮🇳)
🤝 Join our Discord & Twitch community to chat, connect, and support each other in real-time.
🎁 Giveaways Alert! The first 1,000 Discord sign-ups will win exclusive Adulting with Autism merch & a $100 Visa gift card!
🔥 Grab your drink of choice (no judgment, always) and let’s welcome Rebecca to the show!
🔗 Get all my resources here:https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism
https://www.riseleadershipllc.com/
https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.l.goulart/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-armstead-818619239/
#AdultingWithAutism #NeurodivergentHealing #NarcissismAndAutism #ADHDWomen #Neurodiversity #AutismPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaRecovery

Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Workplace Success for Autistic Professionals: Strategies for Career Growth & Inclusion
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Hey friends! 🌟 Navigating the workplace as an autistic professional? Whether you're stepping into your first job or facing challenges in a corporate environment, this episode is packed with game-changing strategies to help you thrive!
Today, I’m joined by Morag Barrett, a leadership and workplace culture expert, to break down:
✔️ Bridging the gap between employees & bosses – How to create an inclusive, neurodivergent-friendly work environment.
✔️ Landing & excelling in your dream job – Tips for autistic professionals entering the workforce.
✔️ Building strong workplace relationships – Overcoming communication barriers & fostering success.
💡 Get Ready for OT/Autism Awareness Month!
✨ 30 Days of Exclusive Content → Don't miss a single update!
🎧 Now Streaming on JioSaavn – Shoutout to my listeners in India!
🗣️ Join the Conversation! Engage with our growing community on Discord & Twitch.
🔥 Hit play now & let’s dive into workplace success for autistic professionals!
🔗 Find all my resources here: https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism
https://www.youtube.com/c/SkyeTeam
http://linkedin.com/in/moragbarrett
#AdultingWithAutism #AutisticProfessionals #WorkplaceInclusion #NeurodiversityAtWork #CareerSuccess #Leadership #Podcast

Saturday Mar 15, 2025
Saturday Mar 15, 2025
Hey 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 executive function challenges, mental health, and more!
We dish on that feeling of being thrown into the adult world like ‘Voila!’ and why it's okay if you're not there yet. It’s about understanding the ‘why?’ behind the wonkiness of some brains and how Stacey’s guidance might just be the lightbulb moment you were searching for.
Plus, there’s a collective 'ah-ha' about why some of this stuff isn't taught in school, and Stacey's simple but profound solutions for educators and parents to put into action. Whether you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or downright curious, get cozy with us!
Heads up, there’s merch and a $100 Visa gift card up for grabs for the 1000th listener. 🎁 Need more deets? Hit up my link tree, hop onto Discord, and get social. We can’t wait to hear from you and keep growing this amazing community together! ❤️💬
http://www.longislandcounselingservices.com/

Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
From Trauma to Triumph: Overcoming Darkness & Reclaiming Your Life
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Hey, happy Wednesday! How's your week going? I'm still catching up after being under the weather, and I'm behind on just about everything – t-shirts, recording, you name it. And I'm really missing Z this week as he's away figuring out his vocational path, which makes the house feel a bit too quiet.
In this week's episode, we're delving into stories of resilience and transformation with our guest, Michael Anthony. Michael's life started in turmoil, facing massive challenges like abuse and homelessness, but he's here to share how he transformed his pain into purpose. He speaks frankly about overcoming the vortex of negative self-talk and offers tangible steps to regain power and control over your life. So grab your fave drink and get comfy, because Michael's insights are not to be missed!
http://www.thinkunbrokenpodcast.com/
https://www.facebook.com/michaelunbroken
https://www.youtube.com/c/michaelunbroken
https://www.instagram.com/michaelunbroken
https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelunbroken

Saturday Mar 08, 2025
Saturday Mar 08, 2025
Hey there, amazing listeners! 🌟
This episode is all about planning for the future - yeah, the tough stuff. We’re diving into how you can protect your family's assets and make life a bit easier for your kids, especially those with special needs. Oscar Vasquez, our fantastic guest, is here to break down all you need to know about living trusts and why a simple will might not cut it. Trust us; this chat is eye-opening. 🤯
We also have some cool giveaways and exciting milestones to share - we're on the brink of 1 million downloads and still looking for that 1,000th friend on Discord. Join us, celebrate with us, and maybe get some awesome merch while you're at it. 🎉
Grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let's make estate planning not boring (we promise!). Cheers to peace of mind and a secure future for our kiddos! 🥂
*AUTISM*
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057504367838
https://www.youtube.com/@EstateDocPrep
https://www.instagram.com/estatedocprep/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/estate-doc-prep
https://www.tiktok.com/@estatedocpreparation