Hacking Neurodivergence

In today's episode my husband takes on the role of interviewer. A solo reflection on how reframing autism unlocked confidence, purpose, and power. If you’ve ever felt broken by a label, this one’s for you.⁠https://www.noisli.com/⁠PlaylistsSweater Weather InstrumentalsPiano in the backgroundLofi Beats⁠Join the ND Newsletter⁠ TikTokInstagramYouTube - Watch the show!00:54 Exploring Kelsey's Childhood 01:36 From Emo to Military: Kelsey's Transformative Years03:23 Marriage Dynamics: Embracing Each Other's Quirks04:48 Family Background and Neurodiversity08:22 Kelsey's Journey with Autism: Diagnosis and Acceptance11:57 Flipping the Script: Turning Autism into a Superpower18:13 Mastering Social Dynamics: A Lifelong Journey19:23 College Adventures: Leveraging a Unique Perspective24:54 Entrepreneurial Spirit: From Bead Creatures to Business Savvy25:45 Entrepreneurial Spirit Crushed in School26:45 Navigating College with Autism27:46 Overcoming Test Anxiety and Embracing Neurodivergence30:44 Adventures in Inner Mongolia: Teaching and Cultural Challenges33:52 Transitioning from Finance to Tech: A Career Journey38:07 Marriage, Neurodivergence, and Curating Life Experiences42:16 Reflections and Advice for a Fulfilling Life48:01 Embracing Neurodivergence as a Superpower

Raw, honest, and transformative—this episode explores the emotional fallout of undiagnosed autism and how one woman’s late diagnosis changed her life.Are you interested in being a guest? 🎙️Watch the podcast on Youtube 📺Connect with us on Instagram 📷⁠⁠Join the ND Newsletter⁠⁠ Today's episode explores Erin's late diagnosis, parenting neurodivergent children, the role of therapy, and setting boundaries. 00:31 Erin's Early Life and Academic Struggles01:02 Erin's Social Circles and Interests09:34 Parenting and Neurodivergence21:14 Understanding Neurodivergence Through Therapy28:52 Impacts of Neurodivergence in Adulthood29:21 Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergence35:44 Erin's Current Life and Reflections38:43 A Prompt of Reflection for the Audience

Tired of surface-level diversity talk? So is this guest. We dig into real advocacy, workplace systems, and what true inclusion looks like for neurodivergent professionals.Would you like to be a guest? ⁠⁠Join the ND Newsletter⁠⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠YouTube⁠ - Watch the show!The episode follows the journey of Bisola, a digital product designer navigating neurodivergence and the tech industry as a woman of color. It explores the significance of self-advocacy, community support, and embracing one's identity. Additionally, it emphasizes advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional settings, as well as providing guidance on supporting neurodivergent employees.Jump Ahead00:29 Navigating Neurodivergence and Self-Advocacy00:51 Bisola's Early Life and Academic Journey03:45 The High School Experience: Overcoming Challenges13:43 Transition to College: Finding Identity and Community23:03 Navigating the Tech Industry: From Engineering to Product Design26:05 Exploring the Impact of Product Design in Tech31:04 Navigating Industry Realities as a Person of Color32:39 The Reality of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace34:53 Personal Journey: From College to Career36:42 Challenges and Insights on Neurodivergence in Professional Settings39:32 Identifying with Autism: Personal Reflections and Experiences45:33 Advocating for Neurodiversity and Inclusion in Hiring Practices47:25 Effective DEI Initiatives: Beyond Marketing Strategies52:18 The Importance of Self-Advocacy in Personal and Professional Life56:50 Lightning Round Questions01:01:57 Engaging the Audience: A New Interactive Segment01:02:57 Parting Words of Encouragement and Support📺 Check out the YouTube Channel🗞️ Join my newsletter 📷 Instagram

This therapist and mom shares how psychedelics, honesty, and late diagnosis reshaped her life. It’s an unfiltered look at parenting, partnership, and personal healing.⁠⁠Join the ND Newsletter⁠⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠YouTube⁠ Be a guest on the show07:03 Navigating High School11:03 College and Career Path in Therapy19:07 Insights into Therapy and Coping Strategies51:03 Embracing Motherhood

Becky shares how she built a rich, expressive life across theater, fitness, and DIY while navigating ADHD. An inspiring look at the joy and chaos of creative neurodivergence.⁠⁠Join the ND Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ ⁠Be a guest on the showhttps://www.instagram.com/sagenworkshttps://www.sagenworks.com/Her favorite earplugsJump Ahead in the Conversation01:08 Becky's ADHD Journey: From Childhood to Theater09:17 Exploring Becky's Varied Career and Life Lessons29:37 The Transformative Power of CrossFit and Wellness Philosophy32:34 Discovering a Healthier Lifestyle Through CrossFit33:06 The Journey of Trying Various Dietary Experiments34:53 Unveiling the Misunderstood Aspects of Diet38:34 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth39:57 The Magic of Playfulness in Relationships43:45 Tackling a Home Renovation Together47:11 Embracing Whimsy in Work and Life52:59 Empowering Homeowners Through DIY Coaching57:44 Lightning Round: Insights and Advice

A candid conversation with a father who’s blending startup life, neurodivergence, and self-exploration through therapy and psychedelics. Honest, bold, and refreshingly real.Ben went from feeling like a broken kid who didn't fit in to landing his dream job at Boeing—and he credits discovering his autism diagnosis as the turning point. In this conversation, he shares how psychedelics unlocked deeper self-understanding and how he's applying these insights to neurodivergent parenting.⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ ⁠Be a guest on the showChapters01:14 Diving into Ben's Childhood and Early Struggles04:50 A Pivotal Shift: College and Embracing Challenges12:21 From College to Career: Navigating the Professional World18:24 The Power of Neurodivergence in the Workplace24:10 Finding Balance and Understanding in Marriage29:36 Exploring Psychedelics and Personal Growth30:36 Exploring Psychedelics: A Journey to Emotional Connection32:26 The Transformative Experience of Psychedelics36:34 Life After Mushrooms: A New Perspective44:44 Embracing Fatherhood as a Neurodivergent48:47 Navigating Parenthood with Neurodivergence56:08 Lightning Round: Insights and AdviceBen's favorite producthttps://us.loopearplugs.com/pages/gifts-for-autism

What happens after burnout? Darci and I walk through the process of radical reprioritization—how she rebuilt her days, values, and joy without betraying my neurodivergence. Through Darci's story, listeners are encouraged to redefine success on their terms and prioritize their health and well-being.⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ ⁠Be a guest on the show⁠⁠⁠Join the ND Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠00:59 The Challenges and Lessons of Startup Life07:43 Navigating Neurodivergence in the Tech Industry16:01 The Dark Side of Tech: Burnout and Its Cost21:19 Finding Healing and Setting Boundaries38:23 Redefining Success and Building a Personal Scorecard46:56 Wrapping Up: Key Lessons and Looking Ahead

A personal story of love, risk, and major vulnerability. This episode explores what it took to pursue a relationship that demanded honesty, courage, and leaving old patterns behind.Connect with us across the web⁠⁠Join the ND Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Be a guest on the showThis episode of Hacking Neurodivergence features a discussion between host Kelsey and Darci. They dive into Darci's journey of self-discovery, from her shy, reserved childhood, heavily influenced by her sister, to navigating major life decisions and finding her unique identity. The conversation is split into two parts, with this episode focusing on Darci's adolescence and early career challenges, touching on themes of neurodivergence, familial relationships, and the pursuit of happiness through resilience and flexibility.01:32 Discovering Identity Through Family11:16 Chasing Joy and Pivoting Careers18:02 A New Chapter: Moving to Hawaii27:33 Reflections and Advice

Do you ever struggle to give or receive feedback, especially as a neurodivergent person?This episode of Hacking Neurodivergence is all about the art of giving and receiving feedback in a way that works for you. Host Kelsey shares her experience and offers tips on how to:Avoid common pitfalls when giving feedbackConsider the recipient and the situationCraft a message that is clear and helpfulReceive feedback in a constructive wayYou'll also learn why giving feedback is an act of love, for both yourself and the other person.In this episode, you'll discover:3 mistakes to avoid when giving feedback3 things to consider before giving feedbackHow to frame your message for maximum impact3 steps to take when receiving feedbackThis episode is for you if:You're neurodivergent and want to improve your communication skillsYou struggle to give or receive feedback in a way that feels goodYou want to learn how to have more effective conversationsListen now and subscribe to Hacking Neurodivergence for more tips on thriving as a neurodivergent person!⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Be a guest on the show⁠⁠Join the ND Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

Can books and TV help us understand ourselves? This episode explores how media shaped one autistic librarian’s identity—and how she now shapes media in return.⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Be a guest on the show⁠⁠Join the ND Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Quarantine, sensory overload, and the loss of routine hit differently for neurodivergent folks. I share personal insights and practical tips for weathering the storm.Check us out on YouTube

What happens when two autistic colleagues collaborate? We explore how neurodivergence has become our secret weapon in communication, creativity, and productivity.YouTube

A behind-the-scenes look at what I’ve learned, loved, and let go of in Season 1 of Hacking Neurodivergence. Think of it as a highlight reel and roadmap for what’s next.

Whether you’re neurodivergent or neurotypical, these 3 communication and connection strategies can help your relationship survive—and thrive—when autism is in the mix.⁠⁠Join the ND Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Be a guest

Entrepreneurship isn’t one-size-fits-all. These 3 actionable strategies can help autistic founders thrive—without burning out or masking their way through leadership.Check us out on YouTube

What happens when physical intimacy and sensory sensitivities collide? In this vulnerable conversation, we unpack how we navigate love, marriage, and neurodivergence.Tyler and I talk about marriage to a woman with Aspergers, and how to navigate active and passive touch when your husband’s love language is touch. It’s a funny and intimate look at how we do married life doing our best to hack life with Autism.YouTube

I met Maisie through Instagram and we became fast friends as we realized that we had similar goals when it came to finding gainful employment for people on the Autism spectrum. In this conversation, we talk about her professional coaching work with parents of kids on the spectrum, her son who has spectrum tendencies, and lastly we talk about her amazing Autism Career Pathways job pilot to bridge the gap between small business and those on the spectrum looking for employment. Hear how she’s helping families and workplaces become more inclusive.Career PathwaysMaise's Social Accounts

YouTube creator Daniel Jones joins to talk about late diagnosis, online advocacy, and building one of the largest autism communities in the world. This is a masterclass in storytelling and impact.Dan's YouTube channel

Tired of the deficit narrative? So am I. In this episode, I explore how to reframe autism as a strength, not a setback—and what that looks like in real life. What if you could turn your diagnosis on its head to see your Autism as an advantage no matter where you are on the spectrum of neurodivergence, whether it be dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, AUDHD, Aspergers, ASD etc.?YouTube

What does it mean to find out you’re autistic after you’ve built an entire adult life? I reflect on navigating relationships, routines, and identity after a late diagnosis. Ashley and I sit down for the second part of our conversation to discuss what it means to adult with Asperger's and getting diagnosed later in life. ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Be a guest on the show⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Active vs. passive touch. Consent. Sensory overwhelm. This episode dives deep into the complexities of physical connection and how autistic people experience—and sometimes avoid—touch. Do you have someone in your life that doesn't respect your preferences when it comes to hugs or touch in general? How do you address that in a loving way respecting your sensory needs while allowing to you live a life of connection? YouTube

In Part 2, I share the moment of breakthrough: how sitting with difficult emotions led to peace, self-acceptance, and new possibilities for love and connection. We talk about the evolution of our friendship and growing apart because I was overwhelmed by her ability to thrive in areas where I had significant weakness. Over the course of our conversation, we make a starling discovery about ourselves in the process, and it changes our perspective on everything. So give it a listen, you can also watch us on YouTube. 

I confront a deep emotional pattern—jealousy—and explore how accepting it rather than suppressing it transformed my relationships. Part 1 of a two-part story on reframing internal criticism. This episode is longer than usual, but how often do you get almost a decade wisdom distilled into an hour?YouTube

What can international perspectives teach us about disability care? We explore global differences in special-needs support and uncover a powerful insight that applies to all neurodivergent people.Director of ⁠Hope Station⁠ joins us for a discussion of providing care for special needs children across cultures and the ultimate thing every child needs. Check us out on ⁠YouTube⁠

In this episode I discuss some of the hard won life lessons learned in college and after graduation. These are the things I would have told myself when it came to tackling high school with Autism/Aspergers AUDHD⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Be a guest on the showWhat if the school system actually prepared us for real life? In this episode, I break down 10 lessons I wish I’d learned earlier—from boundaries and burnout to neurodivergent advocacy and self-worth.

In this episode of Hacking Autism we cover what the show is about.