Nervous System & Autism: Real Conversations on Mom Therapy | Neurodivergent Tools

Get the real conversations and mom therapy you need for autism and nervous system safety. Learn how unmasking stops autistic burnout and supports emotional regulation.In this episode of Notes to My Nervous System, I sit down with Kara, an autism consultant, to talk about masking, unmasking, and the toll it takes on our bodies and minds. We explore what masking really is, how it impacts the nervous system, and why learning to unmask can feel like “coming out” again and again. Kara shares powerful tools like the “do-over” technique, using the Visible band for nervous system check-ins, and how unmasking can lead to real healing and connection.Understanding the "Cost of Masking" : A central theme of this episode is the physiological toll of masking—the constant suppression of one's natural responses to fit into neurotypical environments. This drives the nervous system into a state of chronic high alert or eventual "Dorsal Vagal" shutdown (burnout). the "Do-Over" Technique: The "Do-Over" technique is a practical co-regulation tool. Visualizing how this creates a "repair" in the relationship—moving from a state of conflict/dysregulation back into a state of safety—helps your listeners implement it immediately.This episode serves as essential mom therapy—providing the real conversations and neurodivergent-friendly tools needed to navigate autism, unmasking, and nervous system health.The Nervous System & Masking (04:15): Why unmasking feels like "coming out" and the toll of chronic stress.Real Conversations on Autistic Burnout (12:30): Recognizing the signs of shutdown and how to find emotional regulation.Mom Therapy & Neurodivergent Tools (21:10): Practical communication tools like the “Do-Over” technique for parents and adults.Tracking Regulation (29:45): Using the Visible band and body awareness for real-time nervous system check-ins.What You'll Learn:✨ Understanding masking and unmasking in autism✨ The neuroscience of stress response in autistic brains✨ Practical communication tools like "The Do-Over" technique✨ How to use the Visible Band to track nervous system regulation✨ Guided nervous system reset practices✨ Resources for autistic adults and late-diagnosed individualsTopics Covered: Autism awareness, neurodivergent mental health, sensory processing, executive function, autistic burnout prevention, self-advocacy, nervous system tools, stress management, autism in women, late diagnosis, mental health nursing, trauma-informed careGuest: Karen Nash - Autistic Advocate & Mental Health Nurse | TheAutisticAutismConsultant.comReconnect with your body safely. Download Mind Circuit for a science-backed Nervous System Reset and tools for Emotional Regulation designed for neurodivergent systems: Google Play →⁠⁠⁠⁠https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.ageOfUncertainty&hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠App Store →⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mindcircuit/id6478664305⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Us: Instagram →@mindcircuitappYouTube → @MindCircuitApp Website →⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://mindcircuit.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠@MindcircuitDisclaimer: Notes to My Nervous System is an educational and psychoeducational resource created by Erin Vandermore, LCMHC. While Erin is a licensed therapist, this podcast—including episodes described as "Mom Therapy" or "Real Conversations"—is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute psychotherapy, medical advice, or a therapist-client relationship.Emergency Resources:If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please do not rely on thiscontent. Call or text 988 (in the US and Canada) for the Suicide &Crisis Lifeline, call 911, or head to your nearest emergency room.© 2024 Erin Vandermore. All rights reserved. The Autistic Autism Consultant⁠theautisticautismconsultant.com⁠LinkedIn⁠linkedin.com/in/kara-nash-asdcs-rn-5423a782⁠Instagram⁠instagram.com/autisticautismconsultant⁠Facebook⁠facebook.com/yourautismadvocate⁠