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The Chronic Couple

The Chronic Couple

By Matt & Brandy Haberer

We’re Matt and Brandy, an autistic couple over-sharing life on the spectrum and living with chronic illness. He is an IT Engineer and has POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia) and she is a professional vocalist and has MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome). In 2019 we were both diagnosed with a rare connective tissue disorder called Hyper-Mobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. We share tips, candid stories, and our unfiltered perspective on everything from relationships to maintaining a career when you’re autistic and chronically ill.

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S1 E8 - Neurodivergent Neuropsychologist Amaris Avellan Part 2

The Chronic Couple Aug 31, 2022

00:00
02:03:26
S1 E8 - Neurodivergent Neuropsychologist Amaris Avellan Part 2
Aug 31, 202202:03:26
S1 E7 - The Couple Behind Mobility Designed
Nov 11, 202040:36
S1 E6 - Neurodivergent Neuropsychologist Amaris Avellan Part1

S1 E6 - Neurodivergent Neuropsychologist Amaris Avellan Part1

Recorded 06-06-20 We had so much fun talking with our friend, Amaris, that we had to make this one a two-parter! On part one, we discuss Amaris's late ADHD/autism/non-verbal learning disorder  diagnosis, life as a neuro-psych grad student pursuing a Ph.D., her time  in the Navy, family, relationships, and what it was like being an ABA therapist while discovering her own autism diagnosis. We also go into the pressures of being gifted at a young young age and how  that affected her life and academic career. Amaris also shares some compelling and personal stories about what it’s like to be black and  autistic. And some very exciting things that she has planned for the  future! Amaris is a Psychological Assistant at Total Spectrum Counseling and a grad  student at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant  International University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical  Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology. In her time with  the university, her clinical interests have gravitated towards serving  communities of color, exploring the connection between the brain and  behavior, and autism spectrum disorders in pediatric and adult minority  populations.

Oct 03, 202001:08:48
S1 E5 - Online relationships on the Spectrum Q&A with Dr Emily

S1 E5 - Online relationships on the Spectrum Q&A with Dr Emily

Recorded 06-30-2020, We’re doing a Q&A with Dr. Emily Rothman on this episode with questions submitted by autistic adults. Emily is a Professor at the Boston University School of Public Health. She has been a dating and sexual violence researcher for more than 20 years. Before becoming a researcher, she worked as a counselor at a program for domestic violence offenders and worked at a domestic violence shelter. She currently has several federal research grants to study healthy relationships for autistic young adults. Emily was also a TEDMED speaker helping teens learn about consent and respect. Matt and I met Emily through our work with Jamil, the creator of @hikiapp, a FREE friendship and dating social app for the autistic community. We have been asked to contribute an #actuallyautistic perspective on relationships so Jamil can provide the safest, most accessible social environment for the users of the app. Jamil and Emily are absolutely fantastic people who are passionate about their work with our community. Jamil and Emily will be presenting at Stanford University’s Neurodiversity Project in November. They’ll be using our video podcast, with Dr. Rothman, as an example of how you CAN include autistic voices into the conversation. In this episode, we’re talking about the do’s and don’ts of online relationships when you’re on the spectrum, and Emily and ourselves will be answering some fascinating questions from real Hiki app users. Check out our video on YouTube, and you can find our podcast link in my bio or anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Emily's Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/emily_f_rothman_how_porn_changes_the_way_teens_think_about_sex/transcript?language=en Links: Hiki App Website https://www.hikiapp.com/ iOS Install: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hiki/id1466184914?mt=8 Android Install: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hiki
Aug 12, 202001:09:00
S1 E4 - Autism Activist Thomas Henley of AspergersGrowth
Jun 24, 202001:38:25
S1 E3 - EDS and Cannabis (Joints for your Joints) with Sarah Schwefel

S1 E3 - EDS and Cannabis (Joints for your Joints) with Sarah Schwefel

We had a great discussion with Sarah Schwefel (@rising_zebra) about living with Ehlers Danlos and pain management with medical cannabis. We discuss her 1800 mile move from Wisconsin to Las Vegas, Nevada for access to medical cannabis and dry climate for pain control. Topics on Cannabis were, the use of cannabis topically for joint pain, making edibles, Rick Simpson Oil, the medicinal benefits of the addition of terpenes and CBD, and how cannabis has given her back her life. We also touch on the struggles of applying for disability, Sarah being diagnosed with EDS at 4 years old, the impact Covid_19 has had on the disabled community, medical PTSD and tips for managing Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. As well as Sarah’s beautiful message of hope. 

Follow her journey at http://instagram.com/rising_zebra 

Discount link for Magical butter maker ($25 off): http://magicalbutter.refr.cc/brandyhaberer 

For more tips, rants and inappropriate stories Subscribe to our Podcast. https://anchor.fm/the-chronic-couple 

Give us a follow on Instagram: 

Brandy: http://instagram.com/the.chronic.couple
Matt: http://instagram.com/spectrumy_matt

 Linktree for more content: 

http://linktr.ee/the_chronic_couple
http://linktr.ee/spectrumy_matt

Apr 28, 202001:01:13
S1 E2 - I think I’m autistic, what now?

S1 E2 - I think I’m autistic, what now?

Today we’re chatting with our friend Michael, who is seeking an autism diagnosis as an adult. We discuss the struggles of living the majority of our lives feeling different and not knowing why, the challenges of seeking a professional that will work with an adult, chronic illness and comorbid conditions and some of the things that led Michael to the realization that he could be on the spectrum. As newly diagnosed autistics ourselves, we share our experiences, advice and the pros and cons of getting an official diagnosis.

Michael’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/metelluscimber

Neebs Gaming does Michael’s Labyrinth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cTibPA09y8&feature=youtu.be

Pietsmiet does Michael’s Warehouse-themed Escape Room https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7HJvHI-wA&feature=youtu.be

Pietsmiet does Michael’s Mineshaft-themed Escape Room https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ox4SfYIYrY

For more tips, rants and inappropriate stories Subscribe to our Podcast. https://anchor.fm/the-chronic-couple

Give us a follow on Instagram:

Brandy: http://instagram.com/the.chronic.couple

Matt: http://instagram.com/spectrumy_matt

Linktree for more content:

http://linktr.ee/the_chronic_couple

http://linktr.ee/spectrumy_matt

Apr 19, 202001:33:38
S1 E1 - A little bit about us!

S1 E1 - A little bit about us!

On our first episode we’re telling you a little bit about ourselves, why we wanted to start a podcast and a few personal stories about what it’s like finding out you’re both autistic later in life and trying to navigate the same chronic illnesses, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, POTS and MCAS. Hopefully you’ll enjoy our point of view and hear something you can relate to.
Feb 10, 202001:08:19