Oh, That’s Just My Autism

If you know me, you know I'm all about busting those autism myths! One misconception about autistic people is that we aren't funny and don't understand humor or sarcasm. What better way to bust this myth than to have an autistic comedian on the pod?? Mike Brody has been doing stand-up for over twenty years and just received his ASD and ADHD diagnoses last year, in his mid-forties. He's been successfully making people laugh for a while now, so I guess the proof is in the pudding here. I hope you guys enjoy my chat with Mike as much as I did!

To quote the great Taylor Swift - I'm just gonna shake it off.

I have been teasing this for a while and it’s finally here! Yes, a new podcast! My good friend Courtney (known on the socials as @courtneyadhd) and I are joining forces and it’s going to be amazing.

Our first episode is going live on Saturday, April 6th. Links to all the places you can watch and follow are linked below! We will be going live while we are recording so be sure to tune in and be part of the action yourself! I know I’m using a lot of exclamation points but I’m really excited!

Find and Follow Keeping It Weird:

TikTok and YouTube - @keepingitweird

IG - @kiw.podcast

Hope to see you all there!

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Ever find a person who you are SO into...but not in a romantic way? It feels like a crush without the romance. Yes, platonic crushes are a real thing! I suspect that this is a phenomenon that affects us neurodivergent folk a little more because when we find something (or...someone) interesting, we go all in. And that's ok! (I also take a verbal sidequest and talk about actual crushes and how those are ok too, even if you're in a relationship).

As promised, here is the info for the new "Keeping it Weird" pod: find us on all social platforms at @kiw.podcast

She's fierce, she's fabulous, she's Onda Spectrum! Clever drag name aside, this lovely Australian human is super interesting, substantially talented and an amazing interviewee. I had such a fun time talking with Onda about what it's like to be an autistic drag queen, but that's not all we got in to. We took a journey through so many topics (we both have ADHD so, of course we did) and I just know you all are going to love Onda as much as I did.

To find Onda Spectrum go to your local (Australian) drag bar, or just give her a follow on IG @ondaspectrumphd.

Boundaries are often discussed in terms of relationships with others, but what about learning to set boundaries with yourself? Sometimes we can put more pressure on ourselves than anyone else does. Learning to say no to yourself is just as hard - but just as important - as learning to say no to others.

Today I welcome George from Unpacking Neuroqueerness where we will be discussing the good, the bad, and all the in-between when it comes to the show The Big Bang Theory. George and I are both big fans of the show, and both heavily relate to the Sheldon character, but also realize that there are many problematic aspects when it comes to TBBT. Here we will be breaking it all down and talking about it. Enjoy!

I've got a very personal, vulnerable, and LGBTQ-centric episode for you today. This week I am talking about my partner coming out as non-binary, and how their transition has changed the way the world perceives us as a couple, and me as a lesbian woman. Being partnered with a male-presenting person has at times felt threatening to my identity, and I have been struggling to figure out how to be ok with that.

Am I “easygoing”…or just a gigantic, people-pleasing pushover? A recent encounter with a bully-ish coworker has me thinking about all the ways I haven’t stood up for myself in the past. I discuss how I think this is related in many ways to being autistic and how I’m trying to find my footing when it comes to standing up for myself.

Do you have a "most embarrassing moment"? When was the last time you felt embarrassed? If you're anything like me, you won't be able to answer these questions because embarrassment really isn't a thing you feel, at least not easily and not often. Is this related to autism, or is it just a "me" thing? I also discuss the first cousins of embarrassment: shame & self-consciousness.

Prioritizing one task above another is hard when all tasks feel important. Relaxing is hard when your brain never stops thinking. Finding balance is hard!

What is the brain grab? Just listen, you'll totally get it.

I'm stuck. I've fallen and I can't get up. The executive dysfunction black hole is sucking me in and I can't get out. I just want to get stuff done! Send help, friends.

Trying to fit myself into a conventional role in society has got me feeling some type of way. Can we agree that the rules on how things are "supposed" to be are dumb? Can I just be my artsy, quirky self and not worry about it?

If you listened to my episode on the DSM, you know my thoughts about it/the diagnostic process. Now it's time to hear from an actual clinician who conducts ASD assessments for adults. Dr. Stai gives some interesting insights into the diagnostic process from a psychotherapists point of view, plus gives some tips for those seeking an assessment. Oh, and I might add, Dr. Stai is neurodivergent herself!

You can find Dr. Stai on Instagram @dr.christina.stai

or Twitter @DoctorStai

If anyone is wanting to connect more on a clinical level or find out more about her practice, here is her website, IG/Facebook handle, and business email address:

https://holisticresourcesclinic.com/

info@holisticresourcesclinic.com

@holisticresourcesclinic (IG and FB)

And here is the ND therapists website she mentioned:

https://ndtherapists.com/

They say “laughter is the best medicine” but does laughing on the inside count? I’m not sure if I even know how to laugh, or if I’m doing it right? Shouldn’t this come naturally??

A little update on my recent trip to London! Lots of fun, new experiences, confusion, and awkwardness.

Rant alert! This tool that is supposed to help practitioners diagnose autism is (in my opinion) actually doing the opposite. There are so many reasons why this tool is a hinderance and is causing so many of us to slip through the cracks when it comes to obtaining a diagnosis.

Feeling inspired by a bold new coworker and striving to embrace some of her awesome “I don’t care what people think” energy.

Over the years I've attempted to be so many different versions of myself that I've come to realize I don't really know who I am or what I actually like most of the time. Forcing myself to conform to different ideas of who I *should* be or trying to look a certain way in order to gain (perceived) acceptance has left me lost and confused. I am on a mission to live more authentically, both on the inside and outside, but how? It's so hard to change old patterns of thinking!

Listener Stories are here! I want to thank everyone who wrote in - I wish I could have shared all of your stories. It seems like so many of us have battled addiction or have addictive behaviors. This was a very vulnerable topic and I appreciate you all sharing your experiences so candidly.

The struggle is real. Will I ever make more friends? What am I doing wrong? Do solutions to this problem even exist? I swear, I'm trying!

I've seen several posts written by autistic people lately wondering about whether or not they should have kids. In this episode I discuss (from my own point of view/parenting experience) some of the things to consider when making the huge decision to venture into parenthood, especially as a neurodivergent person.

Join me as I talk to George from 'Unpacking Neuroqueerness' as we talk about all the things we wish people knew about autistic meltdowns. Then go follow George's podcast! https://open.spotify.com/show/4q31WLOKRERreD1DQjOOkt?si=c12a96fc5f8a431d

PS. I was on his podcast recently - to hear that episode specifically, go here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/28mlWennssRtHdCH82jx3Q?si=a666e1f2e2ff434f