Autism, Sexuality, and the Power of Neuroculture w/ Candice Christiansen (Season 2 Finale)

In the season finale of season 2, Mike and Chaya sit down with Candice Christiansen, a leading voice at the intersection of neurodiversity, trauma, and intimacy, for a conversation that gets existential—and a little bit weird. The three explore the sacred energy of creation, the challenge of healing in a world that isn't always helpful, and what it means to harness your own power when you’ve been taught to ignore it.We Also Cover:Candice's journey as a late-diagnosed autistic personThe intricate connection between sensory experiences and sexualityDefining and embracing the concept of "neuroculture"Why autistic individuals are so vulnerable to trauma and abuseChallenging stereotypes that infantilize and desexualize autistic adultsThe idea of sex as a sacred energy exchangeUsing intuition as a tool for protection and setting boundariesWhat forgiveness really meansNavigating a world that often tries to stifle authentic expressionQuotes:"The way I see, perceive, behave, understand, and live in this world is based on what I view as my brain's culture and way of being, and that doesn't mean I'm deficient. It just means it's different and different really is beautiful.""If we looked at sex truly as a sacred energy exchange, I do have to wonder if... people would just be mindlessly swiping left and right and allowing people's energy into their being, because it does impact who we are.""You are a bright light and to not let anyone dim your light... people will try to, and just to shine love and shine light. And because that wins always, it always wins.""The efforts to remain what you are is actually what limits us. But if you give into constant evolution... there's no expiration date to that. We can continue evolving until the end.""We don't have to hold on to the pain. And we can learn to love ourselves constantly by even doing little things. It doesn't have to be a big, huge purpose."About Candice Christiansen:Candice Christiansen, LCMHC, CSAT-S, CMAT, Neuro-Inclusive IFS, Certified EMDR, and Psychedelic Assisted Therapist (PAT), is the Founder and Clinical Director of Namasté Center For Healing. A trauma-informed care and neurodiversity expert, she supports individuals and couples facing complex mental health challenges from intimate partner violence and betrayal. With over 25 years of experience working with neurologically different children, teens, and adults, Candice offers neuro-affirmative screenings, consultations, and training to professionals at institutions like Yale, Harvard, Seeking Integrity Los Angeles, and IITAP Arizona. She has served as an expert witness in state and federal courts advocating for neuro-affirmative legal care for autistic individuals. Her publications include Mastering the Trauma Wound (2016), Compassionate KAP (2024), and a co-authored chapter in Altogether Us (2023).   In 2023, she and Aly Dearborn, LMFT, developed a gender-inclusive autism screening tool identifying traits common in autistic females and non-binary adults. Her relationship insights have appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune, Talkspace.com, and on Fox 13’s The Place. She served five years on the Division of Professional Licensing Substance Use Disorder Board and on the UMHCA Board, and her work emphasizes resilience and healing through integration of lived experience, empowering individuals and professionals with tools to navigate mental health challenges.Connect with Candice:Consulting Website: https://candicechristiansen.comNamaste Center for Healing: https://namasteadvice.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theAutismSexpert Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Mindshttps://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android. - Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.aiChaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunchMike on Instagram: @followshisghostMike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- Nab a Free Consultation:https://followyourghostcoach.com/As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.