Episode 44: Adult Autism: Neurodivergent Insights [featuring Megan Neff]

I was diagnosed as Autistic at 35 years old. Adult Autism Diagnosis is becoming increasingly more common as we learn more about it and have more advocacy and awareness around it. Adult Autism Diagnosis — How many of us have been overlooked, misunderstood, and searching for lifelong answers? Dr. Megan Neff and I speak about our own experiences as autistic people and therapists, and how to build lives that work for us. We are hoping that people listening are able to feel validation, support, and acceptance. Some of the things that we talk about: Special Interests (my Garfield and beanie baby collection) Our own experiences as autistic adults, mental health therapists, and entrepreneurs Our own "ah-ha" moments Misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis Liberation and Grief behind diagnosis and understanding "I'm around people I love but I just can't take it in." "I can't enjoy things that are supposed to be enjoyable." – Megan The paradox of masking — liberation vs. torturous exhaustion More about Megan: Dr. Megan Anna Neff has a doctorate in clinical psychology and is currently a psychology resident in private practice where she specializes in working with neurodivergent adults and provides neurodivergent affirming assessments. They are a parent to two neurodivergent children and in an inter-neuro partnership. She is a late-in-life diagnosed autistic-ADHDer who is passionate about educating the mental health field on non-stereotypical presentations of autism and ADHD.  Neff has co-authored two books, published in several peer-reviewed psychological journals and serves as a peer-reviewer for APA journals. She has a passion for research and for translating research into visualizations. You can also find their work on Instagram (@Neurodivergent_Insights) where they turn peer-reviewed academic articles into visual pixels one post at a time. ------------------------------------------------------- 🎙️ Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast here: www.allthingspractice.com/all-things-private-practice-podcast 🎙️Spotify: atppod.com/spotify 🎙️Apple Podcasts: atppod.com/apple 🎙️Google Podcasts: atppod.com/google 🗨️ Join the All Things Private Practice FB Community:  www.facebook.com/groups/privatepracticebuilding ---------------------------- A Thanks to Our Sponsor! I would also like to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. Chances are you've paid special attention to making sure your clients feel welcomed and at ease from the moment they walk into your practice's space. Make sure you don't overlook one very important step, their check-in experience. The Receptionist for iPad is the highest-rated digital check-in software for therapy offices and behavioral health clinics, used by thousands of practitioners across the country. The Receptionist for iPad is a simple, inexpensive way to allow your clients to discreetly check in, notify providers of a patient’s arrival, and ensure your front lobby is stress-free. The software sends an immediate notification to the therapist when a client checks in, and can even ask if any patient information has changed since their last visit. Sign up for a 14-day free trial of The Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice, and when you do, you’ll also receive a $25 Amazon gift card.