Episode 22: Neurodiversity is the "Spice" of Life

Chris welcomes Dr. Kristen Williamson—a “neuro-spicy” licensed professional counselor, behavior health consultant, and unapologetic champion for neurodivergent minds. Dr. Williamson shares her expertise alongside her personal journey of navigating life as a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD professional.Chris and Kristen dive into how autism presents in women, the challenges of masking, and the unique experiences of motherhood as a neurodivergent parent. Kristen is relatable, insightful, and inspiring, offering practical strategies and heartfelt wisdom for anyone looking to better understand themselves or the neurodivergent people in their lives. Whether you’re a parent, professional, or neurodivergent individual yourself, this conversation is full of validation, humor, and empowering takeaways.Links:Autism Learning Lab: https://www.autismlearninglab.com/Email: [email protected] Solutions: https://www.empowermindsolutionsllc.com/Quotes:[2:22 - 2:27] Dr. Williamson “I fully believe we have the spice of life.”[13:26-13:43] Dr. Williamson “We have had a lifetime of medical personnel, family personnel, teachers, like everyone's saying, ‘You're either too much, you're not enough, you're fine.' And then it's like we have this death by micro cuts.’”[19:03-19:22] Dr. Williamson “I often times tell people my brain feels like a giant room filled with filing cabinets. Each of the things is just information that I have gathered and collected. Very little is organically brought up. It's all scripted in my brain.”[21:41-21:46] Dr. Williamson “ ‘Trust your gut.’ I don’t trust anything in my gut — it doesn’t even tell me when I’m hungry.”[32:13-32:36] Dr. Williamson “The hunter -gatherer mentality. The hunters were the ADHD brains. They would go out and spend all this time looking, and they don't need to eat. They don't sleep as much. They can just do this. And the gatherers are the autism brains. Look at this wheat. Let me collect. Let me organize this into beautiful little piles. And both are needed to have a fully functioning drive.”