Adulting with Autism

Flipping the Script on Autism Employment: Tom D’Eri of Rising Tide U

Hey guys hey! Get ready for a game-changing conversation with Tom D’Eri, founder of Rising Tide Car Wash and executive director of Rising Tide U. In this episode of Adulting with Autism, Tom shares how he turned his brother Andrew’s autism journey into a national model for inclusive employment—one that’s profitable, powerful, and proving that autistic adults aren’t a hiring risk… they’re a hiring asset. 💼💥

🎯 In this episode, we dive into:

• Why outdated hiring systems keep neurodivergent adults locked out

• How to build clear, respectful, and sustainable workplaces

• Reducing employee turnover by 80% (yes, really)

• What it means for parents to shift from guardians to coaches

• Why entry-level jobs are just the beginning—not the limit—for autistic talent

Whether you're a business leader, parent, educator, or neurodivergent adult yourself, this conversation will expand your mindset and give you real tools for a more inclusive future.

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📘 Grab Tom’s Book:
The Power of Potential: How a Non-Traditional Workforce Can Lead You to Run Your Business Better
👉 Buy it here using my affiliate: https://amzn.to/425uGX3e link
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you. ✅

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🌐 Learn more about Tom & Rising Tide U:
Website: https://risingtideu.com
Instagram: @risingtidecarwash
Facebook: Rising Tide Car Wash

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🎁 GIVEAWAY TIME!
Join our Discord during OT & Autism Awareness Month and be the 1,000th member to win a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive podcast merch! Link in bio or https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism.

💬 Enjoyed the episode? Drop a review, follow for more, and share with someone who needs to hear this message.

#TomDEri #RisingTideU #AutismEmployment #NeurodivergentWorkforce #InclusionThatWorks #AdultingWithAutism #NeurodiversityAtWork #EmploymentEquity #AutismAcceptance #InclusiveHiring #BusinessWithHeart #SponsorFriendlyPodcast #ParentingNeurodivergentAdults #AutismSupport #PodMatch

Thriving on the Spectrum: Tracey Van Hawkins on Autism, Advocacy & Real Support

Hey guys hey! In this powerful episode of Adulting with Autism, I’m joined by Tracey Van Hawkins—mom, innovator, and founder of the Thriving on the Spectrum app and platform.

Tracey shares her deeply personal story of navigating her son’s autism diagnosis, the moment everything changed with the help of one observant preschool teacher, and how she turned that journey into a mission to help autistic kids and families thrive with dignity, structure, and support.

🎯 In this episode, we talk about:

• How sensory overload and emotional regulation shaped her parenting journey

• The early red flags no one talks about—and how to trust your gut

• What it means to build tools that speak the language of autistic kids

• Why she created the Thriving on the Spectrum app for both parents and neurodivergent users

• The shift from “surviving the day” to building confidence, agency, and joy

Whether you’re a parent, therapist, teacher, or neurodivergent adult—you’ll walk away with practical insights and hope for a more inclusive future.

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📲 Connect with Tracey Van Hawkins + Thriving on the Spectrum:
🌐 Website: https://www.thrivingonthespectrum.com
📱 Instagram: @thrivingonthespectrum
📥 App: Available on iOS + Android under Thriving on the Spectrum

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🎁 GIVEAWAY TIME!
We're still celebrating 30 Days of OT & Autism Awareness Month with a Discord giveaway! Be our 1,000th member and win a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive podcast merch. Join here: https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism.

👍 Like what you hear? Follow, download, and leave a review—it helps more neurodivergent voices rise to the top.

#AdultingWithAutism #ThrivingOnTheSpectrum #TraceyVanHawkins #AutismParenting #NeurodivergentSupport #SensoryProcessing #AutismApps #ParentingWithPurpose #VisualSchedules #AutismTools #NeurodiversityInTech #EmpoweredParenting #AutismAwarenessMonth #PodcastForParents #InclusiveTech #SponsorFriendlyPodcasts #PodMatch

Harnessing Your Neurospicy Superpower: Dr. Kristen Williamson on ADHD, Autism & Mental Health

Hey guys hey! In this episode of Adulting with Autism, we’re embracing our “neurospicy” superpowers with the hilarious, brilliant, and wildly relatable Dr. Kristen Williamson—licensed professional counselor, DEIB speaker, and proud ringleader of a wonderfully chaotic neurodivergent family.

Whether you’re navigating sensory overload, dodging burnout in a neurotypical workplace, or trying not to lose your mind parenting your own spicy little humans—Dr. K is here to help you laugh, breathe, and realize your brain was never broken, just untranslated.

🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to turn neurodivergent chaos into confident leadership

• The truth about masking and mental health in professional settings

• Parenting neurodivergent teens with humor, boundaries, and snacks

• Why ADHD, autism, and anxiety often travel together—and what to do about it

• How embracing your “too much-ness” is actually your power move

Dr. K blends clinical insight with lived experience, bringing the validation and tools every late-diagnosed or high-masking adult needs right now.

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📲 Connect with Dr. Kristen Williamson:
🌐 Website: https://www.empowermindsolutionsllc.com
📸 Instagram: @empowermindsolutionsllc
🎵 TikTok: @empowerminds.solu
👩‍💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Kristen Williamson
📘 Facebook: EmpowerMind Solutions

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🎉 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY & WIN:
We’re celebrating OT & Autism Awareness Month with giveaways!
🎁 Join our Discord and you could be our 1,000th member to win a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive merch.
👉 https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism

💛 Don’t forget to follow, download, share with your neurospicy crew, and leave a review—it keeps this show growing and helps sponsors find us!

#AdultingWithAutism #Neurospicy #KristenWilliamson #MentalHealthMatters #NeurodivergentVoices #ADHDPodcast #AutismAcceptance #ParentingWhileNeurodivergent #MaskingAndBurnout #MentalHealthAwareness #NeurodiversityInTheWorkplace #TherapistWithADHD #LateDiagnosisLife #SensoryOverloadSurvival #PodcastForSponsors #PodMatch

Financial Freedom for ADHD & Autistic Adults: Budgeting That Makes Sense

Hey guys hey! In this episode of Adulting with Autism, we’re diving into the intersection of money, mental health, and neurodivergence with therapist and financial wellness coach Rachel Duncan—founder of the Money Healing Club.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by budgeting, struggled with impulsive spending, or just thought “I’m not good with money,” this episode will flip the script. Rachel specializes in helping autistic and ADHD adults rebuild financial trust, manage the emotional load of money, and develop systems that actually work with your nervous system—not against it.

💸 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to budget without burnout

• The psychology behind money shame and impulsive spending

• Why neurodivergent brains need a different approach to finances

• Tools to turn budgeting into a form of self-care

• How money and masking often go hand-in-hand

• What financial “freedom” really looks like when you're ND

Whether you’re late-diagnosed or deep in unmasking, this conversation is your financial permission slip: you are not broken—you’ve just never been taught in a way that makes sense for you.

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📲 Connect with Rachel Duncan:
🌐 Website: https://rachelduncantherapy.com
📸 Instagram: @moneyhealingclub
🧠 Join her coaching & community: https://moneyhealingclub.com
💌 Promo: Use code ADULTING for 50% off your first month in the Money Healing Club—plus a portion supports the podcast!

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🎁 Giveaway Time!
We’re still celebrating 30 Days of OT & Autism Awareness Month, and we’re gifting a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive merch to our 1,000th Discord member.
👉 Join here: https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism

💬 Share this episode with a friend, leave a review, or tag us on socials if it resonated—we love hearing from you!

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#AdultingWithAutism #RachelDuncan #MoneyHealing #NeurodivergentBudgeting #ADHDFinances #AutisticMoneyTips #TherapyAndMoney #BudgetingForNeurodivergentBrains #FinancialWellnessCoach #AutismAndMoney #ImpulseSpendingHelp #MoneyShameRecovery #MentalHealthAndMoney #ADHDMoneyManagement #LateDiagnosisSupport #NeurodivergentPodcast #PodMatch

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Late-Diagnosed & Thriving: Unmasking Autism with Josselyn Crane

Hey guys hey! In this powerful episode of Adulting with Autism, I sit down with Josselyn Crane—neurodivergent coach, educator, content creator, and co-founder of a thriving social club for autistic and ADHD adults.

We're diving deep into the emotional rollercoaster of a late-in-life autism or ADHD diagnosis, and what comes next when you finally have answers but no roadmap. Josselyn shares how she helps adults unmask, reframe their identity, and build sustainable, shame-free systems that work for real life.

🎯 In this episode:

• The real emotional load of late autism diagnosis

• Why traditional jobs may not fit neurodivergent needs

• Masking, burnout, and rebuilding identity in adulthood

• Parenting while neurodivergent

• Creating community beyond neurotypical norms

• Her work helping autistic adults thrive through systems, coaching, and career consulting

Whether you're just figuring things out or looking to connect with others who get it, this is your permission slip to drop the mask, find your people, and move forward with clarity.

🎁 Discord Giveaway Alert!
Join our community and be the 1,000th person to win a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive Adulting with Autism merch. Link’s in the show notes or [insert your Linktree].

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🧠 Connect with Josselyn Crane:
🌐 Website & Services: https://josselync.com
📸 Instagram: @josselync.coach
🎥 TikTok: @josselync.coach
📧 Email: info@josselync.com

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🎧 If this conversation resonated, follow, download, and share! Let’s keep building a neurodivergent-affirming world, one episode at a time.

#AdultingWithAutism #JosselynCrane #LateDiagnosis #UnmaskingAutism #NeurodivergentCoach #ADHDAdulting #AutismAcceptance #MentalHealthPodcast #NeurodiversityInTheWorkplace #ThrivingNotJustSurviving #MaskingAndBurnout #AdultAutismSupport #PodMatch

Autism, Confidence & Success: Sam Mitchell’s Journey to Community and Impact

Hey guys hey! In this episode of Adulting with Autism, I’m joined by the incredible Sam Mitchell—college student, public speaker, podcast host, and founder of the nonprofit Autism Rocks and Rolls Corporation. Sam’s not just advocating for the autism community—he’s changing the narrative entirely.

We dive into Sam’s journey from high school to college, how he built a nonprofit from scratch, what it’s like navigating life on the autism spectrum, and how he’s found confidence, purpose, and community by embracing exactly who he is.

💬 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• The reality of transitioning from high school to college as an autistic student

• How Sam started Autism Rocks and Rolls as a teen—and turned it into a movement

• Tips for building confidence as a neurodivergent young adult

• Why success looks different for everyone—and why that’s more than okay

• Sam’s perspective on employment, independence, and being your own advocate

• The importance of representation and community for autistic young adults

🎁 GIVEAWAY ALERT: As part of our 30 Days of OT & Autism Awareness Month celebration, we’re giving away a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive podcast merch to the 1,000th person to join our Discord! Don’t miss your chance—link is in the show notes.

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🧠 Connect with Sam Mitchell + Autism Rocks and Rolls:
🌐 Website: https://autismrocksandrolls.com
📸 Instagram: @autismrocksandrollspod
📧 Email: info@autismrocksandrolls.com
🎙️ Podcast: Autism Rocks and Rolls (Available on all platforms)
🎤 Book Sam for Speaking: Available via website

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🎧 Whether you're autistic, parenting a young adult, or simply curious about what real success can look like beyond stereotypes—Sam’s story will leave you inspired, empowered, and ready to take action.

Tap play and join the movement—because autism doesn’t need a cure—it needs a platform.

Transform Your Sleep & Mental Health with Tim Thomas’ Breathwork Secrets

Hey guys hey! In this powerful episode of Adulting with Autism, I’m joined by Tim Thomas—former Special Forces operator turned breathwork expert, sleep coach, and veteran mental health advocate. Tim takes us on a journey into the science (and soul) of transformational breathing techniques, showing how your lungs might just be the best pharmacy you never knew you had.

From overcoming PTSD and helping his autistic daughter find calm, to teaching elite athletes and exhausted parents how to reset their nervous systems—Tim shares how breathwork can dramatically improve your sleep, stress levels, focus, and emotional health.

💡 What you’ll learn:

• How to use breath to reduce anxiety and increase energy

• Tim’s personal story of healing from trauma and insomnia

• “Turbo breathing” for daily stress relief

• Sunrise light, grounding, and free daily rituals to regulate your circadian rhythm

• Why better sleep = better life (and how to start tonight)

• How to breathe into your full body for calm, clarity, and connection

✨ Whether you're neurodivergent, a caregiver, a veteran, or just tired of being tired, this episode is packed with techniques you can try immediately—and they won’t cost a thing.

🎁 Giveaway Alert: We’re still celebrating OT & Autism Awareness Month with 30 days of content and a giveaway! Be the 1,000th person to join our Discord and win a $100 Visa gift card + exclusive podcast merch!

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🧘‍♂️ Connect with Tim Thomas:
🌐 Website: breathewithtim.com
📲 App: Search “Breathwork in Bed” in your app store
📸 Instagram: @breathewithtim
💬 TikTok: @breathewithtim
📧 Email: team@breathewithtim.com

Dyslexia, ADHD & Fatherhood: Navigating Neurodivergence with Mike Forrester

Hey guys hey! In this powerful episode of Adulting with Autism, we’re talking all about neurodivergent fatherhood, dyslexia, ADHD, and breaking generational trauma with the incredible Mike Forrester—men’s transformation coach and host of the Living Fearless Today podcast.

Mike gets candid about receiving his dyslexia and ADHD diagnoses later in life, and how those discoveries reshaped his role as a father, caregiver, and husband. If you've ever wondered how to balance healing, parenting, and understanding your brain all at once—this is your episode.

💥 In this episode:

• Living with undiagnosed dyslexia into adulthood

• Navigating ADHD while parenting neurodivergent kids

• Breaking toxic generational cycles

• Processing trauma while building emotional resilience

• Being a husband, father, and caregiver without burning out

• Using humor, grace, and honesty to survive it all

Whether you’re neurodivergent yourself, raising a differently wired child, or just tired of being misunderstood, Mike’s story reminds us that vulnerability is strength—and healing is always possible.

🧠 Connect with Mike Forrester:
🌐 Website: https://hicoachmike.com
🎧 Podcast: Living Fearless Today
📲 Instagram: @hicoachmike
💼 LinkedIn: Mike Forrester
🐦 Twitter/X: @hicoachmike
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/hicoachmike

🎉 Giveaway Alert: We’re still celebrating OT & Autism Awareness Month with 30 straight days of content—and the 1,000th person to join our Discord wins exclusive merch + a $100 Visa gift card. Join the community now (link in show notes)!

📢 Sponsors: This episode hits core audiences in mental health, education, parenting, and men's wellness. Interested in partnering? Let’s chat.

🎧 Tap play for honest conversation, practical insight, and the reminder that you’re never alone on this journey.