Neurodivergent Rebel, Lyric Rivera, joins me to discuss the rite-of-passage crises that compel us to confront burnout, identity, capitalism, and the quiet self-abandonment we learned to survive with. Curious What’s Inside? The “Rite of Passage” Crisis: Why do so many neurodivergent individuals hit collapse? “Queer-Adjacent Without The Language”: Growing up in the Texas Bible Belt, feeling out of place without the words to articulate a non-binary identity. Capitalism's Lie: How destroying your body, your boundaries, and even the planet gets framed as “success” and why we're refusing that narrative. Protecting Your Peace: Unlearning performative identity, setting boundaries, and choosing emotional safety over productivity theater. Lavender Gelato & Feeling at Home: A delightful discussion about cozy things. The Journey of Collapse and Healing Many neurodivergent individuals experience an identity collapse before they can begin healing. This journey is often fraught with challenges. Understanding this process is essential for moving forward. Why Do We Experience Collapse? The collapse often stems from societal pressures and internalized beliefs. We may feel the weight of expectations that don’t align with our true selves. This can lead to burnout and a crisis of identity. Discovering Autism and Its Impact When we discover our neurodivergent identities, it opens doors to questioning not just our gender but also capitalism and self-abandonment. This self-discovery can be liberating but also overwhelming. The Intersection of Racism and Mental Health Racism and colonial thinking can shape our experiences in parenting, education, and mental health systems. These influences often complicate our journeys, making it vital to address them. Key Questions Answered in the Audio Why do so many neurodivergent people experience an identity collapse before healing can begin? How does discovering autism open the door to questioning gender, capitalism, and self-abandonment? What happens when racism, colonial thinking, and “just a difference of opinion” shape parenting, education, and mental health systems? Resources Mentioned Lyric Rivera — Neurodivergent Rebel Autism Identity in Me — Lyric’s latest book Connect With Us! The Neurodivergent Report @ndreportpod on your social platform of choice! Embracing Our Stories We all have stories that shape who we are. Embracing these narratives can help us find community and understanding. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Finding Your Voice Finding your voice is crucial. It’s about expressing your truth and standing firm in your identity. This process can be daunting, but it’s also empowering. Creating Safe Spaces Creating safe spaces for ourselves and others is essential. We need environments where we can be authentic without fear of judgment. The Power of Connection Connection is powerful. Sharing our experiences can foster understanding and reduce stigma. Let’s build a supportive platform for shared experiences and expert insights. Lavender Gelato and Cozy Moments Let’s not forget the little joys, like lavender gelato. These cozy moments remind us to savor life, even amidst challenges. They provide comfort and a sense of belonging. Moving Forward Together As we navigate our journeys, let’s move forward together. By supporting one another, we can create a brighter future. Remember, your story matters. Let’s embrace our identities and celebrate our journeys. You are worthy of love, understanding, and success on your terms.

This is the most emotionally honest episode I’ve ever recorded. In today’s conversation, Shaun Arora returns to The Neurodivergent Report to talk about work–life balance, but what really happened is way more useful. Listen now to co-regulate with me from all things overwhelm, chronic illness, and executive dysfunction. If you feel dizzy surviving a world that won’t slow down for you, this episode will meet you exactly where you are. *TRIGGER WARNING; crying* Curious what’s inside: Why Microsoft’s “time spent = goal acheived” model falls apart for ADHD and chronic illness Why rigid systems don’t work for brains that fluctuate The somatic signs of emotional overload How to transition after a moment of dysregulation Vulnerability as leadership: find the courage to let yourself be witnessed However you are able to engage, thanks for being here! With love, Sarah 💜 Resources Mentioned Microsoft research on data-driven implementation intentions & mental contrasting[https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/publication/improving-work-nonwork-balance-with-data-driven-implementation-intention-and-mental-contrasting/] Bilateral stimulation exercises Shaun’s suggestions for measuring subjective progress Grounding techniques and sensory regulation strategies Looking For Shaun? Shaun Arora - Neurodiversity advocate, coach, and founder at braintypes.org Connect With Us Find The Neurodivergent Report on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, BlueSky, and Substack: @ndreportpod Want to support the show? Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, or visit ndreportpod.com to learn more or apply to be a guest contributor. Until next time, Be well. Do good.

Jonathan Bernstein [investigative journalist, crisis-management expert, and founder of The Snark Knight] joins us to talk late-life autism diagnosis, justice-driven activism, intuition as a superpower, and why everyone is “big enough to do something.” Jonathan shares his unconventional path—from military intelligence to investigative journalism to 40 years in crisis-management PR—before receiving an autism and bipolar diagnosis in his 70s. He reflects on growing up as a diplomat’s child, navigating shame, and developing hyper-intuition. Jonathan reminds us that “inaction is also action” and everyone can do something. Curious what’s inside? Recovering from shame via compassionate adult identity repair Justice sensitivity & responding to political crisis’ Launching The Snark Knight and related media projects Why compassion matters in cult recovery and de-radicalization How neurodivergent people “feel” social climate shifts However you are able to engage, thank you for being here! With love, Sarah Looking for The Snark Knight? ⁠ https://snarkknight.com/⁠ Connect with us! https://www.ndreportpod.com/ @NDreportpod on the socials

w/ Ryann Sutera from @support_the_spectrum In this episode of The Neurodivergent Report, we had an energetic chat with Ryann from Support_The_Spectrum , a speech-language pathologist specializing in neurodivergent communication. Curious what’s inside? What is Gestalt Language Processing? & how is it different from analytic language processing? What does PDA [Persistent Drive for Autonomy | aka Pathological Demand Avoidance] have to do with nervous-system dysregulation? What impacts neurodivergent communication? The intersection of executive function, emotional regulation, sensory processing and memory What educators, therapists and families should be asking the learner Do you help support learners, young or old? This episode will help you find the language skills you are looking for to best facilitate communication and promote understanding! However you are able to engage, thank you for being here! Love, Sarah 💜 Looking for Ryann? Website: [https://www.support-the-spectrum.com/] https://linktr.ee/support_the_spectrum Socials: [@support_the_spectrum] Connect With Us Follow us on Socials: [@ndreportpod] Apply to be a guest on The Neurodivergent Report: [NDReportPod.com]

Meet Rebecca Irby , Founder of PEAC Institute! What can we learn from her story of cross-cultural connection? Together, we chat about cultural identity, empathy, and the neurodivergent experience through her lens as educator and UN peace advocate. (Peace, Education, Art & Culture). Curious what’s inside? - Empathy must be taught — but how? - Psychological safety is the foundation for growth and collaboration. - Storytelling and community are catalysts for peace and progress. We also talk about what it means to create psychological safety, the power of storytelling, and why real social change always begins in community. However you are able to engage, thank you for being here! With love, Sarah Looking for Rebecca? 🌍 peacinstitute.org 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccairby/ 📸 (@equity.doula on socials) Connect with us! Follow 👉 @ndreportpod Apply to be a guest 🎤⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ndreportpod.com⁠

In this episode of The Neurodivergent Report, Sarah and JQ welcome back Sol Smith, certified autism specialist, author of The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery, and founder of the NeuroSpicy Community! Curious what’s inside: Autonomy and choice are essential for neurodivergent learners PDA as a drive for autonomy rather than “demand avoidance” “There’s no such thing as an academic emergency…” Supporting kids’ special interests as pathways to motivation and resilience Importance of self-advocacy skills However you are able to engage, thanks for being here! With love, Sarah 💜 Looking for Sol? 🌐 professorsol.com 🌐 neurospicycommunity.com 📘 The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery – available wherever books are sold 📱 Instagram: @theprofessorsol 📱 TikTok: @professorsol Connect with us! Follow 👉 @ndreportpod Apply to be a guest 🎤⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ndreportpod.com⁠ Keywords (we’ve gotta please the SEO) AuDHD, ADHD, autism, PDA, Pervasive Demand for Autonomy, neurodivergent students, school accommodations, emotional regulation, executive function, SEL, autonomy in education, self-advocacy, parenting neurodivergent kids, classroom strategies, masking, burnout, neurodiversity, The Neurodivergent Report

w/ Annika from Nutrimind Lab Do our brains and guts actually talk to each other??? In this episode, we’re sitting down with Annika from Nutrimind Lab to unpack how nutrition plays a pivotal role in ADHD & behavioral health. We explore everything from omega-3s and inflammation to interoception and hunger signals. 🔍 Curious what’s inside: Managing physical health through nutrition We talk about managing hunger signals & interoception (that internal sense of what your body needs) What does chronic stress have to do with nutrition?! Ultimately: it’s not just about “fixing” something. It’s about understanding, acceptance, and building your community and tools so you can feel better in your brain, body, and day-to-day life. However you are able to engage, thank you for being here! With Love, Sarah Connect with us: Socials: @NDreportpod Apply to be a guest: NDreportpod.com Looking for Annika? Website: ⁠nutrimindlab.com⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@nutrimindlab 🎧 Podcast: The Nutritional Mental Health Podcast 🧩 Keywords for SEO neurodivergent · ADHD · nutrition · gut-brain connection · mental health · inflammation · omega-3 · diagnosis · health challenges · personal stories · neurodiversity · interoception · gut health · chronic stress · coping strategies · hunger signals · self-acceptance · ADHD nutrition · holistic health

Come meet Brett, The Audhd Boss! We’re talking about workplace accommodations; both how to ask for them and what to even try!!! Curious what’s inside: The realities of neurodivergence in professional spaces, namely the impacts to the way we show up at work. Unpacking the importance of accommodations and how/what to ask for Why open communication and psychological safety are essential for neurodivergent success. Through personal experiences and practical strategies, we discuss self-regulation, emotional triggers, burnout prevention, and how to ask for clarity without feeling “difficult.” Whether you are a neurodivergent in the workplace, or hold a position in management - this episode has something to offer you! Looking for Brett? Website: https://brettwhitmarsh.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettwhitmarsh/ Podcast: https://brettwhitmarsh.com/audhdboss-podcast/ Connect with Us! ✨ Follow us The Neurodivergent Report and @NDreportpod on socials for more 🎤Apply to be our guest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠NDreportpod.com⁠

Dr. Kristen Eccleston is known online as The Neurodiverse Teacher, and we are digging back in to accommodations at school for our neurodivergent kids! Curious what’s inside: Schools over-discipline instead of supporting the mental health of EVERY child What undiagnosed mental health issues (ADHD, autism, OCD, and anxiety) look in the classroom What parents and students can ask for (but don’t know they can!) Kristen is passionate, funny, and radically student-centered. This episode is a MUST for parents, teachers, therapists, school leaders, and anyone who wants a future where neurodivergent brains are supported instead of punished. However you are able to engage, thanks for being here! Love, Sarah Looking for Dr. Kristen Eccleston? 🌐 Website: ⁠www.theneurodiverseteacher.com⁠ 📱 Instagram/TikTok: @the.neurodiverse.teacher Connect with Us! ✨ Follow us @NDreportpod on socials for more 🎤Apply to be our guest ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠NDreportpod.com⁠ 🔍 Major Themes & Keywords (we've gotta please the SEO) Neurodiversity in education ADHD & autism in the classroom Executive dysfunction & regulation Mental health support vs discipline Masking, burnout & misdiagnosis Late diagnosis in high achievers & girls Inclusive teaching strategies Advocacy for neurodivergent students School accommodations & IEPs Shame-free learning environments

Supporting young adults on the spectrum often means looking beyond traditional therapy. In this episode of The Neurodivergent Report, I sit down with Patty McCallister, a counselor and autism coach who went back to school to better support her son and the neurodivergent young people in her life. Patty shares how her work blends mental health counseling, LifeMap coaching through AANE (Asperger/Autism Network), and creative approaches like bilateral stimulation and “calm space” practices. We also dive into her collaboration on The Art of Neurodivergence — an expressive, judgment-free art and spirituality program in Buffalo, NY that creates safe spaces for autistic and ADHD individuals to explore creativity, self-regulation, and identity. Curious about what’s inside? ✨ How Patty’s parenting journey created a career shift ✨ What is LifeMap coaching for neurodivergent young adults ✨ Why community, spirituality, and creativity matter ✨ Using bilateral stimulation, calm spaces, and movement to support regulation ✨ How parents and caregivers can access resources and support networks Patty’s story reminds us that supporting each other requires community, creativity, and compassion & that healing will never look the same for everyone. However you’re able to engage, thank you for being here. With love, Sarah 💜 Looking for Patty? 🌐 Website: ⁠ Patty McCallister Counseling & Coaching⁠ 📢 Connect with Us: Follow 👉 ⁠@ndreportpod⁠ Apply to be a guest 🎤⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ndreportpod.com

Dr. Nechama Sorscher is back to help us better advocate for our kids at school Life as the parent of a neurodivergent child is already overwhelming… but now we’re back at school! Are you ready for the IEP/504 meetings where we’ll make decisions that impact your child’s entire school year?! In this episode of The Neurodivergent Report, we’re talking candidly about the challenges and opportunities that arise when advocating for your child’s education. From identifying early developmental indicators to understanding the difference between IEPs and 504 plans, this conversation shines a light on what parents need to know — so they can walk into the school feeling more confident and empowered. And if you’re an educator or administrator, we didn’t leave you out! Community support makes all the difference, and the evolving science of neurodiversity is always strengthening our advocacy efforts. Curious about what’s inside? ✨ How early should parents bring up developmental concerns at the doctor? ✨ IEPs vs. 504 plans — and what parents should really know ✨ The role of emotional well-being and movement breaks in learning ✨ How advocacy can lead to better outcomes — with or without legal help ✨ Shifting perceptions of autism in media and schools ✨ Why teachers need better training in brain development & neurodiversity This episode is a reminder that advocacy isn’t about getting through the meeting… it’s about opening a written line of legal communication with the school team. However you’re able to engage, thank you for being here. With love, Sarah 💜 Looking for Dr. Sorscher? Check out her website ! "Your Neurodiverse Child" - book on sale now! 📢 Connect with Us Follow 👉 @ndreportpod Apply to be a guest 🎤⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ndreportpod.com

A Canadian walked into the Pentagon and gave a talk on workplace accessibility & inclusion... From navigating education and career barriers to advocating for accessibility in HR, Sydney shares how lived experience fuels her work. Public speaking, social media, and authenticity also come into play — with Sydney reminding us that success looks different for everyone, and that sustainability in advocacy and content creation starts with listening to your body. Curious about what’s inside? ✨ How early diagnosis impacts education and career choices ✨ Why accessibility in HR can’t be standardized — and shouldn’t be ✨ Social media, authenticity, and sustainable content creation ✨ Why community and cultural perspectives matter in shaping neurodiversity However you’re able to engage, thank you for being here! With love, Sarah 💜 Looking for Sydney? 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 Instagram 📢 Connect with Us: Follow 👉 ⁠@ndreportpod⁠ Apply to be a guest 🎤⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ndreportpod.com