Adulting with Autism

Breaking the Cycle: Setting Boundaries with Love

Hey 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’ve been there, navigating my own quirks and the intricate dance of raising an autistic child. I've found therapy invaluable, especially during the pandemic, and now share tips for others on this path.

So, folks, grant yourself grace and your parents some slack. They probably did the best they could—just like we’re all trying to do. Sometimes, we need an apology and forgiveness to move forward. Therapy helps break cycles and find peace.

Here's your reminder: It takes patience and understanding to embrace imperfections. Let’s lean into family therapy, better communication, and strength as we keep learning, growing, and adulting together. Join me next time, and keep adulting!

Unlocking Hidden Resources for Autistic Adults: A Conversation with Matthew Lesko

Hey 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 dishing out the details on three pivotal websites aimed at supporting those with disabilities. While they might not be exclusively for autism or ADHD, they could be just the ticket you need to get on the right path. Let’s unravel these mysteries together, shall we?

 

https://www.free.lesko.com/leskohelp

https://www.facebook.com/MatthewLesko/

https://twitter.com/MatthewLesko

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwKJZfa7sWV_qKxQnLBUpjA

https://www.instagram.com/matthewlesko/

https://www.tiktok.com/login?redirect_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40matthew_lesko_&lang=en&enter_method=mandatory

 

Navigating Intimacy: A Gen Xer’s Journey with a Sex Therapist

Hey 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 and it's left in the hands of YouTube and peers. Whether you’re neurotypical or neurodivergent, getting the hang of intimacy and communication can be quite the task.

Join us as we dissect the trials of initiating intimacy, understanding romance when you’re literal-minded, and improving couple communication – plus some fun bits about blindfolds, maybe even ropes! Bringing Heather on board, I hope, makes all the difference, and she’s sharing tools, books, and insights worth jotting down! Plus, there's a peek into her podcast which you’ll definitely want to check out for more insights!

And hey, whether you’re a parent, partner, or just curious, we're discussing supporting non-binary identification, the journey of self-discovery, and how to navigate those waters with love and patience. So don’t miss this wonderful chat with much laughter sprinkled in.

As always, I really appreciate your support, and I can’t wait to hear what you think. Jump into our Facebook group to keep the conversation going, and find all the episode details in the show notes. More fun stuff coming up, so stay tuned and keep adulting!

 

https://heathershannon.co/

https://podmatch.com/hostdetail/1647997394062x405351190285818900

https://twitter.com/askasexcoach

https://youtube.com/@askasexcoach

https://instagram.com/askasextherapist

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-shannon-7697235

https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPd5kTDV2/

 

🎙️ Got a story to share? Be a guest on Adulting with Autism! Connect with April Ratchford on PodMatch: Click here. Let’s chat! 💬

Embracing the Van Life: Rosie's Journey to Freedom

Hey 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 delved into how she made the leap and what it means to truly listen to your inner voice.

Rosie's story is such a reminder that life is about your own dreams and aspirations. Grab a cozy drink and listen in! We’re also welcoming everyone who's neurodivergent or autistic to be part of this journey because our differences make us beautifully unique.

Let me know what you think, and as always, thank you for listening and supporting the Adulting with Autism podcast. Leave a comment, like, and share to help spread these uplifting stories! 🌟

 

https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/

https://thepursuitoffreedom.com.au/values 

CODE: FREEDOM

https://youtube.com/@pursuitoffreedom

https://linkedin.com/in/rosie-burrows/

https://www.tiktok.com/@kookalini?_t=8qdm3adL1Ka&_r=1

 

 

 

Let’s Talk Trauma with Tanya Hallett

Hey 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 down what PTSD actually means—because let’s face it, people throw that term around without really knowing the deal.

We’re diving into the nitty-gritty:

• What is PTSD, really?
• How do you find the right therapist when you’re struggling?
• And what’s up with Lego therapy? (Spoiler: it’s way more than playing with blocks—it’s about connection and creativity!)

This episode is perfect for anyone navigating the wild ride of mental health, especially if you’re autistic or neurodivergent. Tanya drops wisdom bombs about finding support, tackling anxiety, and stepping out of your comfort zone.

So, grab a blanket, snuggle up, and let’s get real about mental health and the journey to adulthood. Let’s dive in! 🎙️

 

Tanya's info:

https://tipt.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/tanya.hallett.167

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-hallett/

 

 

 

Unleashing Your Inner Leader | Empowerment Insights with Regina Huber

Hey 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 think—join the Facebook fam, and let’s keep crushing those dreams together! 💬

🔔 Hit subscribe for more inspiring episodes every week!

 

Regina's Info:

http://www.transformyourperformance.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtAFngqnXaFSc74vs_3tfMg

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginahuber/

 

April's Info:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2287825598236460

https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-ratchford-780283273/

https://www.instagram.com/adulting_autism/

https://www.youtube.com/@AdultingwithAutismPodcast

 

Unlock Your Inner Confidence: Expert Tips with Jenna Smith

Hey there, friends! I’m so glad you’re here with me for another episode of Adulting with Autism. Today, we’re diving into something seriously cool—building genuine confidence with Jenna Smith, creator of the Resourcing Method.

Jenna’s not your typical coach. She’s trained in everything from spiritual psychotherapy to peak performance and even shamanic practices from Peru and India. Her approach is all about helping you tap into your inner resources to create the life you’ve always wanted—no fluff, just real, practical insights.

In this episode, we’re talking about:

• How to build confidence that actually sticks.
• Why your thoughts and emotions shape your reality.
• Easy ways to manage stress and nurture yourself in a busy world.

Thank you for being part of this journey—we’ve hit 500,000 downloads, and it’s all because of YOU. Don’t forget to like, share, and follow along on social media. Your support means everything!

Oh, and if you’ve got any pizza recommendations in Michigan or Kentucky, let me know! My fiancé and I are on a mission to find the best slices around.

Grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s dive in with Jenna Smith. Let’s keep adulting—and thriving—together!

 

Jenna Smith:

 

http://j

ennasmithcoaching.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC29IF8eKWwEWQK2PoaTN9Sw

https://www.instagram.com/adventuresinjennaland/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennasmithcoaching/

 

April:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2287825598236460

https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-ratchford-780283273/

https://www.instagram.com/adulting_autism/

https://www.youtube.com/@AdultingwithAutismPodcast

 

Navigating Teen Challenges: A Heartfelt Conversation with Austin Davis

Are you ready to tackle one of the most important challenges facing teenagers today? This week, I’m thrilled to bring you an empowering conversation with Austin Davis, a seasoned expert with over 15 years of experience transforming the lives of teens and their families. As the founder of Fairfork Academy in Texas, Austin is passionate about giving troubled teens, including those on the autism spectrum or navigating ADHD, a fresh start through faith, recovery, and community.

In this episode, we discuss:
✨ The unique struggles faced by neurodivergent teens in today’s world.
✨ How parents and caregivers can support young people on their journey.
✨ The role of individualized care in building resilience and hope.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or someone eager to learn how to better support the teens in your life, this episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt stories.

💡 Don’t miss out on this game-changing conversation that could help transform a life. Hit play now and join me, April Ratchford, on this inspiring journey to understanding, connection, and growth.

👉 Subscribe, like, and share to help us reach more listeners. Together, we can make a difference! ❤️

 

https://clearforkacademy.com/

https://www.facebook.com/clearforkacademy/

https://www.instagram.com/clearforkacademy/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-davis-lpc-s-00711345

 

https://www.instagram.com/aprilratchford

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2287825598236460

https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-ratchford-780283273/

https://www.youtube.com/@AdultingwithAutismPodcast