Page 2 | Adulting with Autism

Episodes

Friday Apr 18, 2025

Thriving with Neurodivergence: Dr. Matt Zakreski on Unmasking, Burnout & Real-Life Success

Friday Apr 18, 2025

Hey guys hey! If you've ever felt like you’re “too much,” “not enough,” or constantly code-switching just to survive—this one’s for you.

In this energizing and empowering episode of Adulting with Autism, I’m joined by psychologist, author, and nationally recognized speaker Dr. Matt Zakreski, aka Dr. Matt. Together, we pull back the curtain on what it means to thrive as a neurodivergent adult in a world built for neurotypicals.

🧠 In this episode, we explore:

🔥 The hidden cost of masking and burnout for autistic and ADHD adults
🧩 Why gap years, trade schools, and flexible timelines are essential—not failures
🛠️ Practical life skills and how to actually teach them
🎓 How educators and parents can support real success—without pushing perfection
💡 The power of letting go of “the right way” and embracing your way

Whether you're autistic, ADHD, an overwhelmed parent, or an ally looking to support with intention—this episode is packed with clarity, science, and real talk.

📚 Get Dr. Matt’s new book – The Neurodiversity Playbook
📘 Order here on Amazon (affiliate link – helps support the show at no cost to you)
🌐 Website: https://www.drmattzakreski.com
📲 Instagram: @drmattzakreski
🎧 Listen to Dr. Matt’s podcast: Nerding Out on Neurodiversity (available everywhere)

☕ Like this content? You can now support Adulting with Autism via Buy Me a Coffee
🎧 Available on Podbean, Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
🎁 Join our Discord—1,000th member wins a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive merch!

💬 COMMENT: What’s one expectation you’re ready to unmask or release?
👍 LIKE if you’ve ever been told you’re “too much”
🔔 FOLLOW for more unfiltered convos about neurodivergence, growth, and real-life adulting

You’re not too much—you’re just right. And we’ve got you. 💛

Thursday Apr 17, 2025

Rewiring the Brain: How to Break Free from Negative Self-Talk

Thursday Apr 17, 2025

Hey friend! Ever spiral into negative self-talk and wonder why your brain just won’t chill? You're not alone—and you’re definitely not broken. In this episode of Adulting with Autism, I sit down with award-winning psychologist Dr. Betsy Holmberg, author of the upcoming book The Unkind Mind (releasing June 1 from New Harbinger Publications).

But this isn’t your typical therapy chat. Betsy’s story starts with her own depression after divorce—and a turning point that didn’t come from traditional talk therapy, but from neuroscience. 🔬

What she discovered changed everything: that our harsh inner critic isn’t us—it’s our Default Mode Network (DMN). And when we learn how to work with our brain instead of against it? That’s where healing really begins.

🧠 In this episode, we unpack:

What the DMN is and how it drives self-criticism, anxiety & overthinking
Why affirmations don’t work (unless your Central Executive Network is activated)
How passions, community, and purpose rewire our mental state
Why social media + burnout jobs = peak inner critic activation
Tools to manage your brain’s background noise & feel at peace again

Whether you’re dealing with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or just burnout from life, this episode will help you understand your brain—and take back your power.

📚 Grab Betsy’s Book – The Unkind Mind (out June 1):
🔗 Pre-order on Amazon(affiliate link – helps support the show at no cost to you)
🌐 More from Betsy: https://www.betsyholmberg.com
📸 Follow her on Instagram: @betsyholmberg

☕ Like what you hear? Support the show: Buy me a coffee
🎧 Listen on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube
🎁 Join our Discord community—1,000th member wins a $100 Visa + podcast merch!

💬 COMMENT: What’s your DMN’s favorite lie—and how are you rewriting it?
👍 LIKE and SHARE with someone who needs to stop believing their inner critic
🔔 FOLLOW for more real, science-backed convos on identity, healing, and neurodivergent growth

Until next time, keep unmasking, keep growing, and keep adulting. 💛

Wednesday Apr 16, 2025

College and Autism: What Readiness Really Looks Like

Wednesday Apr 16, 2025

Hey guys hey! Welcome back to Adulting with Autism—your go-to space for navigating life with neurodivergence, one real conversation at a time.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of college readiness for autistic students. Whether you’re a young adult on the spectrum or a parent helping your teen prepare for higher education, you’re going to love this one.

Our guest is Mindy Thornton, Director of Campus-Based Services at Marshall University, where she leads one of the most comprehensive autism support programs in the country. From academics to independent living to emotional and social development—her team’s approach is holistic, inclusive, and neurodivergent-affirming.

💡 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ What “college-ready” really means for autistic students
📝 How to apply to Marshall’s College Program for Students with Autism
🧠 Supporting executive functioning and mental wellness in higher ed
🗺️ Tuition benefits for out-of-state students in Lexington, KY and Columbus, OH
🛠️ Marshall’s 5 Pillars of Student Support: academic, emotional, social, independent living & career readiness
🏫 The CREATE Program – a 3-week summer “test run” for incoming students

📚 Mentioned Resources + Affiliates:
🎓 Learn more about Marshall University’s College Program: https://www.marshall.edu/collegeprogram
🧠 Download our free College Readiness Checklist for Neurodivergent Students
☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/adultingwithautism

💬 Some links may be affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps fund content that supports families like yours. 💛

🎁 Giveaway Alert!
Join our Discord community—1,000th member wins a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive Adulting with Autism merch
🎧 Listen & subscribe on Podbean | Spotify | Apple | YouTube

💬 COMMENT: What does college readiness mean in your home?
👍 LIKE this episode if you learned something new
🔔 FOLLOW the show so you don’t miss upcoming conversations on independence, mental health, and building neurodivergent-friendly futures

Until next time—keep growing, keep asking questions, and keep adulting. 💛

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025

Breaking the Cycle: Shanenn Bryant on Healing Subconscious Patterns

Tuesday Apr 15, 2025

Hey guys hey! Ever feel like life’s on repeat—same drama, different day? Whether it’s in your relationships, your work, or that inner critic who never shuts up... there might be a reason: your subconscious is running the show.

In this episode of Adulting with Autism, I’m joined by Shanenn Bryant—Pattern Transformation Expert, creator of Top Self, and host of the globally ranked Top Self podcast.

We dive deep into:

🧠 How emotional patterns from childhood shape adult relationships & careers
🛑 Why just repeating affirmations isn’t enough to change your behavior
💔 Why you might keep attracting partners who reinforce feelings of unworthiness
🔄 How to finally break free from emotional chaos—and rewrite your internal script
💼 The surprising ways attachment styles show up in leadership & burnout

Whether you’re navigating anxious attachment, people-pleasing, or just wondering why you keep doing the same things, this episode is packed with science-backed insight, tools, and truth bombs you’ll want to revisit again and again.

🔗 Connect with Shanenn Bryant:

🌐 Website: https://www.topself.com
🧠 Take the free attachment quiz: https://www.topself.com/quiz
📸 Instagram: @TopSelfCoach
🎧 Podcast: Top Self (available on all major platforms)
📩 Contact: hello@topself.com

☕ Enjoying the show? Support my work and buy me a coffee at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/adultingautism
Your support keeps this podcast running and helps me bring you more raw, honest, and empowering neurodivergent voices. 💛

📘 Some links may be affiliate links. That means if you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this podcast going, and I’m so grateful for your support.

🎁 Don’t forget—we’re still running our Discord giveaway for OT & Autism Awareness Month! The 1,000th member gets a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive podcast merch.
👉 Join the community: linktr.ee/adultingwithautism

💬 Loved this episode? Leave a review, share it with someone repeating an old pattern, and make sure you’re following so you never miss what’s next.

#ShanennBryant #AdultingWithAutism #EmotionalPatterns #AttachmentStyleQuiz #HealingSubconscious #AnxiousAttachment #TopSelfPodcast #BreakTheCycle #MentalHealthAwareness #PodcastForGrowth #SponsorReadyContent #NeurodivergentHealing #EmotionalClarity #PersonalPower #PodMatch

Monday Apr 14, 2025

Autistic & Leading: How Aaron Helton Transformed People-Pleasing into Empowered Leadership

Monday Apr 14, 2025

Hey friends! Today’s episode brings in Aaron Helton — an autistic executive coach who’s rewriting what leadership can look like for neurodivergent adults.

Raised by a Tiger Mom and homeschooled with a grading scale where a “B” meant failure, Aaron knows what it means to live under pressure. From years of masking and people-pleasing to running from burnout, Aaron shares how he finally stepped into leadership with boundaries, humor, and radical self-awareness.

We talk about:

Why autistic adults often become overthinkers and overachievers
What happens when you stop saying “yes” to stay safe
And how leadership can look a whole lot more human, honest, and neurodivergent-friendly

If you’ve ever thought, “Is it okay to want more and not break myself to get it?” — this one is for you.

☕ Want to support the show and keep this content flowing? Tap my Linktree to grab merch, join our Discord, or Buy Me a Coffee — everything’s in one spot:
👉 https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism

🎧 Connect with Aaron:
🔗 https://integratedleader.com

Sunday Apr 13, 2025

College With Confidence: How Mercyhurst’s AIM Program Empowers Autistic Students to Thrive

Sunday Apr 13, 2025

🎓 College doesn’t have to be overwhelming for autistic students — and Mercyhurst University proves it.
In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Palm, Director of the AIM Program at Mercyhurst, to explore how their college creates real support systems for neurodivergent students.

From autism-specific housing and taco night social clubs, to personalized academic mentoring and life skills training — Mercyhurst’s AIM Program is helping students not only survive, but thrive.

💡 Whether you're an autistic young adult, a parent planning for transition, or an educator looking for inspiration — this episode breaks down what college can look like when students are truly seen, supported, and empowered.

📍 Contact Ryan Palm
Mercyhurst AIM Program
Website: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim
Email: rpalm@mercyhurst.edu

💬 Mentioned in this episode:
📘 Good Mood Revolution by Matt O’Neill – adultingwi056-20
👉 adultingwi056-20

🛡️ FTC Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

🎁 Don’t forget: join our Discord community for giveaways, bonus content, and a safe space to connect with others who just get it.

🔗 Linktree, merch, and more → https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism

Saturday Apr 12, 2025

From Prison to Purpose: Matt Melvin on Autism, Faith & Second Chances

Saturday Apr 12, 2025

Hey guys hey! Welcome back to Adulting with Autism, where we keep it real about life, growth, and healing through a neurodivergent lens.

Today’s guest is Matt Melvin, author of Bullied Behind Bars: A Gay Christian Trump Supporter Goes to Prison. His story? Unapologetically raw, wildly unique—and absolutely necessary.

We talk about:

🚨 How autism, impulsivity, and lack of support led to devastating legal consequences
🧠 The deep connection between unrecognized neurodivergence and risk-taking behavior
⚖️ Why the justice system is failing autistic adults
✝️ How a near-death experience on I-495 and a moment of spiritual clarity helped him find purpose
📚 His mission to share his story and inspire change from the inside out

This conversation is short, but it hits hard. It’s about being misunderstood. Misjudged. And still choosing to show up and build something meaningful from the wreckage.

📘 Grab Matt’s Book – Bullied Behind Bars
👉 bulliedbehindbars.com
📩 Email Matt directly: bulliedbehindbars@gmail.com

Note: Some links may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, a small portion helps support this show—at no additional cost to you.

🎁 Still time to join our Discord giveaway!
The 1,000th member gets a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive Adulting with Autism merch.
👉 https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism

💬 If Matt’s story resonated, leave a review, follow the show, and share it with someone who needs to know they’re not alone—even if they’ve hit rock bottom.

#MattMelvin #BulliedBehindBars #NeurodivergentVoices #AutismAndJustice #AdultingWithAutism #PrisonReform #FaithAndNeurodivergence #TraumaRecovery #ImpulseControl #AutismAcceptance #AutisticAdultsMatter #SponsorFriendlyPodcast #SecondChances #PodcastVisibility #PodMatch

Friday Apr 11, 2025

Finding Career Success with ADHD: Coaching Insights from Shell Mendelson

Friday Apr 11, 2025

Hey guys hey! If you’ve ever felt burned out, stuck in the wrong job, or like your ADHD brain just doesn’t "fit" into traditional career paths—you’re not alone. Today’s guest is Shell Mendelson, a powerhouse ADHD career coach with over 30 years of experience helping adults ditch the job-hopping, escape toxic work environments, and build careers that actually work for their brains—not against them.

In this episode, Shell breaks down:

🔥 Why traditional jobs often lead to burnout for ADHD adults
✋ The real problem with PIP (Performance Improvement Plans) and how to avoid them
🧠 How to design a self-accommodation plan that empowers you—not punishes you
💬 What to say in interviews to get the support you need
🌱 How to finally find career clarity and stop second-guessing your path

This is your sign to stop settling and start designing a career that sparks joy and sustainability.

📲 Connect with Shell Mendelson:
🌐 Website & coaching: https://careercoachingwithshell.com
📘 ADHD Career Clarity Workbook: https://unlockyourcareerpath.com
📸 Instagram: @careercoachingwithshell

🛒 Affiliate Note: Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate or partner, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the podcast so we can keep bringing these powerful stories to you.

🎁 Bonus Giveaway Alert!
Join our Discord community for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive merch during OT & Autism Awareness Month! The 1,000th member wins big. Link in bio or https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism.

💬 If this episode gave you clarity, hope, or just that “aha” moment—follow, download, and leave a review. Your support helps us keep growing and sharing neurodivergent stories that matter.

#ADHDCareers #ShellMendelson #CareerCoachADHD #NeurodivergentWorkforce #PIPAlternative #CareerBurnout #AdultingWithAutism #FindingCareerClarity #ADHDCoaching #WorkplaceInclusion #MentalHealthAtWork #AutismAndEmployment #PodMatch #ExecutiveFunctionSupport #SponsorFriendlyPodcast #ThrivingNotSurviving