The Reality of Autistic Adulthood: What Nobody Teaches You with April Ratchford

What happens when you grow up in a world that was not designed with the way your brain works in mind?Today, I am joined by April Ratchford, an autistic occupational therapist, writer, global podcaster, and host of Adulting with Autism. With more than 2.7 million lifetime podcast downloads, April has built a platform around helping autistic and neurodivergent adults navigate the parts of adulthood that are often overlooked or poorly understood.In this conversation, we talk about what autistic adulthood can actually look like beyond the stereotypes and assumptions. We explore identity, independence, masking, workplace burnout, mental health, emotional regulation, and the challenge of navigating systems such as healthcare, education, and employment.April also brings together two perspectives that do not always appear in the same conversation: her lived experience as an autistic adult and her professional background in occupational therapy. We discuss why being able to function on the outside does not necessarily mean someone is thriving, how masking can affect everyday life, and why practical support matters just as much as awareness.We also explore what it means to advocate for yourself, build independence, and create a life that works for you rather than constantly trying to fit yourself into expectations that were never designed for you.Whether you are autistic, recently diagnosed, supporting someone who is neurodivergent, or simply trying to understand autistic adulthood more deeply, this conversation offers an honest look at the realities that often go unseen.Connect with April Ratchford, explore Adulting with Autism, and find her current resources and platforms: April Ratchford and Adulting with Autism⁠LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-ratchford-780283273/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/adulting_autism/Follow Mind, Money & Medicine on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and subscribe on YouTube for more conversations about personal growth, health, career, relationships, money, and learning to live more intentionally.