
2M
Downloads
145
Episodes
šļø Adulting with Autism ā 2 MILLION DOWNLOADS & GROWING! š https://buymeacoffee.com/adultingwithautism 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. š” Featuring Exclusive Interviews with Leading Experts & Advocates: š Dr. Robert Melillo ā Neurodevelopmental expert & author (Disconnected Kids). š Amanda Ralston ā Founder of NonBinary Solutions & neurodiversity advocate. š Thomas DāEri ā Co-founder of Rising Tide Car Wash, a social enterprise empowering autistic individuals. š Shell Mendelson ā Career coach helping neurodivergent professionals find fulfilling careers. š Sam Mitchell ā Host of Autism Rocks and Rolls, sharing powerful personal insights. š Doug Blecher ā Autism advocate and creator of impactful neurodiversity content. š Steve Gallegos ā Speaker and mentor focused on empowering individuals with disabilities. š McCracken Poston Jr. ā Attorney in the landmark Truman Show Delusion case. š Upcoming Interviews: š Dr. Matt Zakreski ā Clinical psychologist specializing in neurodiversity. š Dr. Foojan Zeine ā 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. š§ Listen now on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube! š© Follow for updates & behind-the-scenes content! š„ #AdultingWithAutism #Neurodiversity #AutismPodcast #1MillionDownloads #AutisticVoices š New Episodes Every Wednesday & Saturday š Follow, Subscribe & Listen:https://feed.podbean.com/adultingwithautismpodcast/feed.xml š¢ Letās 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

Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
From Bullying to Breakthrough: Maikel Michelās Journey to Empowerment
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Hey there, amazing listeners! Welcome to an episode that's close to the heartāunraveling the incredible journey of Maikel Michel. Once bullied to the brink, Maikel hit rock bottom but chose a path of resilience and self-discovery. This episode is a beacon of hope for anyone who's ever struggled with self-esteem and confidence.
Maikel's story is all about patience, learning, and rebuilding his life piece by piece. It took him 15 long years of trial and error to emerge stronger, understanding the intricate workings of the mind. What's truly unique about Maikel's approach? He focused on understanding the 'why' before diving into the 'how'.
No sugarcoating hereāeveryone's journey is different, and success doesn't come with a one-size-fits-all solution. However, Maikel generously shares practical insights and relatable lessons from his journey that might just inspire your own! Tune in, grab your favorite drink, and let's dive into Maikel's wisdom on the Adulting with Autism podcast.
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https://www.facebook.com/MotivationMaikel
https://twitter.com/maikel_michiels
https://youtube.com/@MaikelMichiels
https://www.instagram.com/theunchained.life/
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Saturday Feb 22, 2025
From Snowy Days to True Crime: Unraveling Secrets in Kentucky
Saturday Feb 22, 2025
Saturday Feb 22, 2025
Hey there! How's your weekend going? Can you believe February is flying by already? Here in Kentucky, we're having a weather rollercoaster with snow, spring, and a touch of summer. Personally, Iām so ready for spring - I can't wait to start gardening. Snow? Ugh, Iām over it!
Anyway, I wanted to chat with you about something intriguing. Do you ever find it strange when your folks bomb you with a million questions about your whereabouts? It's like they're super detectives whenever you step out the door. Well, there's a reason for that, and it ties into something biggerāhow the world sees autistic individuals, especially when true crime stories hit home.
Let me share with you Alvin Ridley's incredible journeyāan autistic man almost wrongfully convicted for murder, just because his behavior was misunderstood. His story is entwined with jaw-dropping courtroom drama, the human condition, and yes, even a sprinkling of humor!
If you're captivated by tales of justice and redemptionāor just curious about autism awarenessāthis episode is one you shouldn't miss. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, settle in, and letās dive into a story showing why understanding and awareness matter more than ever. Thanks for being here, and enjoy!
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https://www.mccrackenpostonjr.com/
https://www.facebook.com/McCrackenPostonJr
https://twitter.com/RealZenithMan
https://www.instagram.com/mccrackenpostonjr/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccrackenposton/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mccracken_poston_jr

Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Empowering Autism Caregivers: Samantha Wittenbergās Inspiring Journey
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Hey guys, hey. Happy Wednesday! How's the week going for you? Over here in Kentucky, we are gearing up for yet another blizzard, and let's just say it's been too much. I'm beyond ready for springāmainly because driving with a coat on is the worst!
But today, letās dive into something equally important. We're chatting about caregiver coaching for parents with autistic kids. It's an area that doesn't get enough spotlight; we often focus on resources for the kids and forget about the parents who really need support, too. That's why I'm thrilled to introduce Samantha Wittenberg, who brings a fresh perspective and much-needed guidance.
Samantha is here to sprinkle some of her wisdom and talk about her journey with her daughter, who was late-diagnosed as autistic. If you've ever felt overwhelmed as a parent or caregiver, or unsure about how to keep your own cup full while supporting an autistic child, Samantha's got your back. Her business, Empathy at Work, is all about empowering caregivers with the tools they needānot just to survive, but to thrive.
Plus, we touch on the quirks and challenges of parenting through those teenage years, the difficulties of late diagnosis, and how Samantha found ways to cope and connect with her daughter through the chaos. This isn't just about the kids; it's about the resilience and the unspoken challenges faced by parents and caregivers every day.
Remember guys, there's no cookie-cutter shape or mold when it comes to autismāor parenting. Let's get the conversation going and support each other on this journey.
And hey, don't forget to check out the links in the show notes to keep in touch with Samantha or join our community for even more resources. Stay warm, keep adulting, and I'll see you Saturday!
https://tidycal.com/samanthawittenberg/clarityconnection
https://www.meetup.com/specialneedsparents/

Saturday Feb 15, 2025
Overcoming Burnout: Expert Tips for Long-Term Results
Saturday Feb 15, 2025
Saturday Feb 15, 2025
Hey everyone! Hope you're greeting the weekend with a smile and had an amazing Valentineās Day, filled with love not only from partners but also from family. š Iām back with another chat from the Adulting with Autism podcast, and today weāre diving into the all too real struggle of burnout.
Joining me is Michael D. Levitt, the Chief Burnout Officer at Breakfast Leadership Network. This guy really gets it! Weāre chatting about surviving burnout and why both young adults and their parents might find themselves back under one roof, unexpectedly.
Michael is walking us through recognizing, handling, and even preventing burnout. And the best part? Itās in a way that you donāt need a PhD to understand. From the concept of Rest Ethic to why setting boundaries is key, weāve got a lot to talk about!
So, kick back, relax, and letās figure out how to get through this together. Remember to join us in our cool giveaway happening over on Discord and keep spreading positivity. š
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https://www.breakfastleadership.com/interviews
https://www.twitter.com/bfastleadership
https://youtube.com/@breakfastleadership?sub_confirmation=1
https://www.instagram.com/bfastleadership/
https://linkedin.com/in/michaeldlevitt
https://www.tiktok.com/@bfastleadership
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Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Building Meaningful Connections: Coach Lee Hopkins on Unlocking the Power of Friendship
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Hey friends! š This week we're wrapping up our favorite holiday chat - yep, you guessed it, Valentine's Day! Whether you're planning to celebrate it with a partner, family, or friends, we've got an enlightening episode for you.
We welcome back the amazing Coach Lee Hopkins, who delves deep into the essence of friendships and why they form the very foundation of our meaningful connections. Dive into a journey where friendship goes beyond the lovey-dovey and explores the importance of having true buddies who stick by you through thick and thin. š«
Friendships aren't just about the good times; they're about shared values, respect, and knowing where to draw the line. Coach Lee is here to share some golden nuggets on recognizing red flags, setting boundaries, and creating genuine connections without making it transactional.
Living in small towns like Nicholasville, KY, or navigating adulthood on the spectrum can feel isolating, but don't worry! Coach Lee offers insights into finding or building your community even when it seems like there isn't one. Whether you're into Dungeons & Dragons or quiet game nights, there's a tribe waiting for you. šš®
Plus, we've got tips for expanding your social circle at any age and how to protect your peace while doing so. Tune in, because friendships ā they're essential, fun, and absolutely worth nurturing!
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https://www.patternsofpossibility.com/
https://www.instagram.com/patternsofpossibility/
https://www.tiktok.com/@patternsofpossibility
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk_sXvnjqwhFlpI-NYV845g?view_as=subscriber
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Saturday Feb 08, 2025
Saturday Feb 08, 2025
Hey there! Ready for the weekend? This episode of the podcast is all about keeping relationships thriving, and let me tell you, I almost skipped my usual podcast routine because my fiancƩ, Shane, would say I'm on hyper-focus mode! Ever wondered how running your relationship like a business can lead to lasting success? We've got the incredible Dr. Robin Buckley with us today. She's a clinical psychologist who combines science with strategy to help you not only in your professional life but also in your personal relationships.
You'll love Dr. Robin's unique approach, which focuses on giving you tools to strengthen your relationship like never before. Whether it's defining clear roles like CFO and COO or crafting a mission statement just for lovebirds, her business strategies could be the key to making things work. Plus, sheās refreshingly open about topics that are often seen as controversial, like her TED Talk, which stirred the pot by discussing personal growth tools for teenagers. Don't worry; we've got it tagged for you in the show notes.
Tune in as we also dive deep into the importance of owning your sexuality and setting boundaries with your parentsāyes, even if you're still living at home. Dr. Robin helps parents and kids navigate through these touchy subjects, ensuring everyone feels respected and understood. Prep some snacks and your favorite drink, sit back, and let's catch up!
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https://www.facebook.com/findingthepowerwithin/
https://twitter.com/DrRobinInsights
https://www.instagram.com/drrobinbuckley/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robin-buckley/
https://www.tiktok.com/@drrobinbuckley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDeaJi_1HnM

Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Building Bridges: Navigating Relationships and Embracing Self-Love
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
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šļø Welcome to Your Self-Love Journey! š
This February, whether youāre feeling warm and fuzzy or a little left out, weāve all had those moments of questioning what love really means. But donāt worryāthis episode of Adulting with Autism has you covered!
Iām chatting with Jonathan Aslay, a top dating and relationship coach whoās here to help us embrace true self-love and let go of the pressure to be āperfect.ā From combatting feelings of ānot enoughā to ignoring the highlight reels of social media, Jonathan shares the tools and insights that really matter.
⨠What to expect:
- Practical steps to understand and nurture self-love.
- How to shake off societal expectations and find comfort in your own skin.
- Why focusing on self-awareness leads to more fulfilling connections.
This isnāt about surface-level pamperingāitās about digging deep, celebrating your unique qualities, and learning how to fill your own cup first. šŖš So grab your drink, get cozy, and join us for a conversation that might just transform how you see yourself and your relationships.
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https://www.jonathonaslay.com/
https://www.facebook.com/jonathon.aslay
https://www.youtube.com/@JonathonAslay
https://www.instagram.com/jonathonaslay/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaslay/
https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathonaslay?lang=en
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Saturday Feb 01, 2025
"Valentineās Day Unplugged: Reimagining Love and Relationships"
Saturday Feb 01, 2025
Saturday Feb 01, 2025
Let's get honest: Valentine's Day can be messy, confusing, and downright daunting. But hey, we're changing the game! This podcast episode is your new guide to relationships, not just romantic ones but those deep friendships too. We're diving into Galentine's Day fun and the art of hanging out with your pals, minus the romance pressure.
Feeling unsure about connecting with people in this fast-paced world? You're not alone. Many of us are figuring out how to date in this vibrant, ever-evolving society. Step into a space that's all about understanding and embracing your identity. Whether you're neurodivergent, queer, or simply navigating life in 2025, this conversation, featuring the incredible Leah Spasova, is your safe haven.
Leah is a no-nonsense sex psychologist shaking up the way we talk about intimacy and self-esteem. Her insights promise to be both real and refreshingājust what you need to hear! So, pour yourself a drink, get comfy, and tune into a chat that's all about growing into the person you truly are. Welcome to a journey of discovery, laughter, and genuine connection. Cheers to becoming who you're meant to be!
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https://www.lifesexplicit.com/
https://facebook.com/your.lifesexplicit
https://www.instagram.com/lifesexplicit_/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahspasova/
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