Advertise on podcast: Meet My Autistic Brain

In this episode therapist, author and autistic woman Sharon O'Connor shares her deeply personal journey to a late autism diagnosis and the burnout that changed everything. Sharon shares what it was like to begin recognizing herself in her young son's autism evaluation, how two dramatically different diagnostic assessments shaped her understanding and how she has healed from autistic burnout. Topics covered in this episode include: What it's like to receive an autism diagnosis as an adult, and why the diagnostic experience matters as much as the outcomeThe relationship between masking and autistic burnout — and why burnout is never a personal failureEarly warning signs that burnout may be approachingWhy energy is the foundation of autistic life, and how sensitivity to others' emotions is often a form of self-protectionHow burnout affects our sense of identity Practical suggestions for managing burnout when leaving a demanding job simply isn't an optionWhy connection with other autistic people can be transformativeWhat life can look like on the other side of burnout Website: SharonKOConnor.com  Book: Healing Autistic Burnout — available in print, e-book, and audiobook https://a.co/d/028qGW4a Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected]. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: [email protected] Website June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

If you’ve been curious about how AI might actually help neurodivergent people—not just in theory, but in real, everyday life—this is an episode you won’t want to miss. This special episode is from a podcast I’m genuinely excited to share with you called Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson. Rae brings in experts—scientists, doctors, and researchers—and together they go beyond the headlines to explore what’s really true about how neurodivergent brains work. In this featured episode, “What Could the AI Boom Mean For Neurodivergent People?”, the conversation is especially relevant. It looks at how AI can be used in meaningful, practical ways—particularly in the workplace—and how it can function as powerful assistive technology for neurodivergent people and those with disabilities. This is one of those episodes where you come away with both insight and possibility—real ideas you can think about, and maybe even try. There’s so much more in the conversation, and I’m really glad I get to share it with you. Take a listen and see what stands out for you. Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected]. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: [email protected] Website June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Meet Ryan Bush author of Become Who You Are and Designing the Mind. Hear how learning he’s autistic led him to a better understanding of himself and how we can all become who we truly are. Become Who You Are is for everyone. It’s a must-read for late-diagnosed autistics who’ve spent a lifetime wanting to know. Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Become-Who-You-Are-Self-Esteem/dp/1737846241/ref=monarch_sidesheet?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theautistic05-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=5da2b9245809a6ac087a2b51b6712b9f&camp=1789&creative=9325 Learn more about the book Ryan Bush website  Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected]. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: [email protected] Website June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Step into the complex world of Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum with author Sarah Hendrickx. She talks about why autism is often missed in women and girls and how traits can differ. You’ll hear her own personal story of late diagnosis and how it has impacted her life. Sarah's website Sarah's book Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected]. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: [email protected] Website June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Can being autistic make a person a great detective? According to writer Tim Sullivan the answer is yes. He’s created a main character, Detective Sergeant George Cross, whose sense of justice, attention to detail and systematic approach to crime-solving gives him a distinct advantage. In an authentic portrayal of an autistic character Tim reveals why he writes about George and tells how George has become an endearing character in his books. This Cambridge-educated, screenwriter-turned-novelist demonstrates the importance of acceptance and the qualities that make autistics shine. Tim Sullivan's Websites: US  UK Tim's books Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected]. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: [email protected] Website June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Have you thought about unmasking, i.e. telling people you’re autistic, by advocating for diversity? Here’s one story about how unmasking played out, including: The blank looks, the self-doubt, and the mental replay afterwardWhether advocacy is worth the emotional costThe tension between staying safe behind the mask… or speaking plainlyIf you’ve ever left a room and replayed every word, wondering if you revealed too much — this conversation is for you! Link to the story about Justice Kevin Dougherty of Pennsylvania who advocates for training judges about autism: https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/pa-supreme-court-justice-eyes-reforms-to-serve-those-on-autism-spectrum.html Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected]. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: [email protected] Website June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

In this conversation, author, screenwriter and teacher Claire McGowan shares what it’s been like to receive an autism diagnosis at 43 — and how that discovery is reshaping her understanding of her life, identity, and creative work. In this episode, we discuss: Claire’s late autism diagnosis and the path that led to itThe mix of grief, anger, relief, and curiosity that followedGrowing up in Northern Ireland in the 80s and why autism wasn’t on the radarSensory overwhelm — from public transport to event spacesHyperfocus, productivity, and writing 28 books in 14 yearsWhat Claire hopes will change in how society supports autistic adultsClaire also shares about the importance of talking about neurodiversity. Claire McGowan website https://www.clairemcgowan.co.uk/ Claire’s book The Other Couple  https://www.clairemcgowan.co.uk/books Claire on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/clairemcgowanwriter Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected]. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: [email protected] Website June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Autism affects how autistics experience relationships by definition. Some of the best traits can either lead to problems or support us in succeeding. In this episode you’ll learn about why autistics pick the wrong partner and how you can change it. It’s a thoughtful episode about relationships, compatibility, and learning what to notice. Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected]. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: [email protected] Website June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Unmasking is an ongoing process of noticing when we’re performing, deciding what serves us, and making gradual adjustments, according to Essy Knopf therapist and author of “Unmasking: What We Lose by Pretending and How to Get It Back”. Essy shares his autism diagnosis at 25 and later recognition of ADHD, highlighting how masking and non-stereotypical presentations delayed identification. In this conversation Essy shares about: Internalized ableism Conditional self-worth Burnout, and The difficulty of forming authentic connections while performing for acceptance. This episode offers a grounded discussion of identity, self-advocacy, and living more intentionally as a neurodivergent adult. Book: Unmasking: What We Lose by Pretending and How to Get It Back  Website: https://essyknopf.com Check out Essy's YouTube channel  Essy on Instagram Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected]. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: [email protected] Website June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

In this episode I chat with Natalie Diggins, technologist and author of The Autistic Adult's Toolbox. Natalie gives step-by-step strategies and tools that work for autistics. From parties to friendships to doctor’s appointments Natalie shares the toolbox she developed using her systems approach to problem solving. You’ll learn how to have a plan before socializing, how to save energy for what matters and how to recognize your limits. Using checklists, questionnaires, planners and scripts Leslie helps you find out what you really want and how to get there. Get all the details from the ingenious Natalie Diggins. Some of what you'll learn about: *How to prepare for a doctor's appointment or medical procedure *How to comfortably handle social situations *Three key strategies to make friendships easier  Natalie's book: The Autistic Adult's Toolbox Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected]. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: [email protected] Website June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Every day autistic people face the big question. We can stay hidden or we can be real. There’s no right or wrong answer…except maybe this one time? When have you been in a situation like this and what did you choose? Write to me at [email protected] Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected]. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: [email protected] Website June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Ever notice how nature calms you, music shifts your mood and soft textures make you feel amazing? Sensory processing plays a role in how autistic adults experience the world—yet it’s often misunderstood. In this episode, Donna Redman and occupational therapist Cindy Duffy unpack what sensory processing really is, how it affects emotional regulation and behavior, and why so many autistic adults spend years masking sensory discomfort. We talk about: What sensory processing is and how it works in the nervous systemHow sensory differences show up in autistic adultsMasking sensory discomfort and the emotional cost of “looking fine”The connection between sensory overload and anxiety, agitation, and burnoutHow environment, nature, and art support sensory well-beingWhy awareness alone can dramatically reduce stress and self-blameThe Secret Genius of Sensory Processing website  The Secret Genius of Sensory Processing Quick Start Guide   Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected]. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: [email protected] Website June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Have you been told you’re “too sensitive?” Do you struggle to complete tasks or projects? Have you given up trying to find out why life seems hard? In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Gilly Kahn reveals why many women with ADHD are stressing themselves to appear normal and how the clinical world’s focus on young boys has left millions of women without answers. We talk about: The "Double Burden" of Success: Why high IQ and degrees often act as a barrier to diagnosis, leaving women to struggle in secret.RSD vs. Reality: Understanding Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria—not as a personality trait, but as a neurological response to a lifetime of negative feedback.Hormonal Interference: A look at how hormones affect ADHD and ADHD medicationsCreative Survival: Why habits labeled “quirky” might actually be high-level executive function workarounds.Dr. Gilly Kahn’s website Book: Allow Me To Interrupt: A Psychologist Reveals the Emotional Truth Behind Women’s ADHD   Dr Gilly Kahn on Instagram   Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected]. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: [email protected] Website June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

You’re done and you don’t know why. The brain is turned off and no words come to mind. You might not move. You might cry. You might be desperate to be alone. This is what shutdown feels like. How do you recognize a shutdown and is there anything you can do to prevent it? This episode has some answers. Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected]. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: [email protected] Website June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

What do you think of interoception? No, really, how do you feel about it? There are ways to get in touch with your mind, body and emotions. Learn how they’re connected and whether interoception is an issue for you. Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at [email protected]. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: [email protected] Website June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together