Adulting with Autism

Breaking the Cycle: Shanenn Bryant on Healing Subconscious Patterns

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.

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🔗 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

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☕ 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.

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🎁 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

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

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

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

🎓 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

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

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.

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📘 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.

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🎁 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

Finding Career Success with ADHD: Coaching Insights from Shell Mendelson

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.

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📲 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.

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🎁 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

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