Best Megan Neff Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 58: “What is ADHD?” (Part 4): Unpacking ADHD Impulsive Traits 26:17

1h ago26:17

26:17

ADHD often brings unique challenges with impulsive behaviors which can make everyday interactions and tasks more complex. In an attempt to better understand the ways ADHD can present in daily life, this episode uses the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria as a framework for discussion—this is not an endorsement of the DSM-5. In this episode, Patrick Casale a…

1
Episode 57: “What is ADHD?” (Part 3): Unpacking ADHD-Hyperactive Traits 50:25

8h ago50:25

50:25

ADHD hyperactive traits are often misunderstood and the DSM-5’s portrayal of this type is heavily geared toward children and adolescents, which can make it harder to understand and address in adulthood. In an attempt to better understand the ways ADHD can present in daily life, this episode uses the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria as a framework for disc…

1
Episode 56: “What is ADHD?” (Part 2): Unpacking ADHD-Inattentive Traits 57:04

7d ago57:04

57:04

ADHD has many nuances and is often misunderstood and stereotyped. In an attempt to better understand the ways ADHD can present in daily life, this episode uses the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria as a framework for discussion—this is not an endorsement of the DSM-5. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professi…

1
Episode 55: “What is ADHD?” (Part 1): Personal Stories and Professional Insights 18:14

19d ago18:14

18:14

Navigating the identification, assessment, and diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be confusing and overwhelming. This mini-series on ADHD focuses on demystifying the diagnostic criteria and making the process clearer and more understandable. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, dive into ADH…

1
Episode 54: Rethinking Parenting: Supporting Gender Diverse and Neurodivergent Youth [featuring Lisa Dube] 56:43

22d ago56:43

56:43

When parenting a neurodivergent child or young adult, traditional approaches don't always fit. Balancing the unique needs with the world's expectations can feel isolating and overwhelming. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, speak with Lisa Dube, LCSW and founder of Merrimack River Wellness, about th…

1
Episode 53: The Intersection of Autism and Eating Disorders [featuring Livia Sara] 1:01:42

28d ago1:01:42

1:01:42

Autism and eating disorders have a complex relationship that for years has been overlooked often resulting in traumatic approaches to recovery and a misunderstanding of the experience and mindset of Autistic individuals struggling with disordered eating. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with …

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Episode 52: Understanding PMDD: The Link Between Hormonal Imbalances and Neurodivergence [featuring Jes Hagen] 1:00:02

1M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is an often misunderstood and misdiagnosed condition and yet has a profound impact on the lives of the people who are experiencing it. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Jes Hagen, a nutritional therapist and integrative menstrual health educato…

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Episode 51: “What is Autism?” (Part 4): Special Interests and Complex Sensory Experiences 1:10:30

1M ago1:10:30

1:10:30

Navigating a world packed with all sorts of seemingly mismatched sensations, either overstimulating or understimulating, and having passionate interests that can appear as all-consuming to others, can be challenging and greatly impact the way we build relationships and even just get through the day. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Ann…

1
Episode 50: “What is Autism?” (Part 3): The Complex Interplay of Routine, Control, and Flexibility 57:14

2M ago57:14

57:14

For many Autistic individuals, the consistency of routines isn't just nice, it's a way to accommodate the sensory needs of their systems. Routines are reflected internally and externally, and the disruption of these routines can result in great distress. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk about…

1
Episode 49: "What is Autism?" (Part 2): Navigating the Social Labyrinth 46:40

2M ago46:40

46:40

Navigating social relationships can be a complex, nuanced journey for Autistic people, and the way it presents in day-to-day interactions and situations is incredibly diverse. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the complexities of friendship management for Autistic individuals, as…

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Episode 48: “What is Autism?” (Part 1): Understanding Autistic Communication 1:04:18

2M ago1:04:18

1:04:18

What is autism? This question comes up a lot these days, and conversations around autism are extremely nuanced, making it hard to pinpoint one right way of looking at it, so let’s explore autism from what it means historically and clinically to how it represents identity, and all the things in between. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan …

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Episode 47: Autistic Burnout (Part 2): A Deep Dive Into The Diversity of Burnout 58:48

3M ago58:48

58:48

Burnout can make even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable, as well as look and mean very different things when you approach it from the lens of neurodiversity, where the meanings, causes, and coping mechanisms become very nuanced. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Ann Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, explore the landscape…

1
Episode 46: Navigating Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Crafting Safe Spaces [featuring Lyric Rivera] 1:01:12

3M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

A traditional workplace can be really challenging for neurodivergent individuals, and if a workplace culture is made to be one-size-fits-all, the chances are high that it won’t fit for many neurodivergent people. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Lyric Rivera, founder of NeuroD…

1
Episode 45: The Creative Sides of Autism + Advocacy Through Art [featuring Bret Malley] 1:19:05

3M ago1:19:05

1:19:05

Creativity is a medium of expression and connection that often works well for neurodivergent individuals. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Bret Malley about the intersection of autism and creativity. Bret shares his journey of autism advocacy, inspired by the desire to support his …

1
Episode 44: Sensory Shutdowns and Meltdowns: Navigating Neurodivergent Experiences 55:46

3M ago55:46

55:46

Sensory meltdowns and shutdowns can be deeply misunderstood and unsettling experiences, whether you've faced them personally or seen a loved one struggle. For many Autistic individuals, dealing with overwhelming sensory stimuli is a recurring battle. The space between feeling in control and experiencing a complete sensory meltdown or shutdown can b…

1
Episode 43: The Relief and Grief of Later-in-Life Diagnosis [featuring Jamie Roberts] 46:27

3M ago46:27

46:27

A later-in-life diagnosis of a neurodivergent condition can be a catalyst for great relief after years of searching for answers and feeling a bit different as well as invoke grief over the shift in identity, the years of not knowing, a new understanding of limitations, and changes that this understanding might bring. In this episode, Patrick Casale…

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Episode 42: Let The People Feel What They Need To Feel [featuring Tiffany Hammond] 57:41

4M ago57:41

57:41

Navigating the world of autism advocacy can be an emotional and complex journey, filled with deeply personal conversations about identity, representation, and systemic change. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Tiffany Hammond, mother, storyteller, and the creator of Fidgets and…

1
Episode 41: Unfortunate Coping: Neurodivergence, Addiction, and Recovery 1:02:14

4M ago1:02:14

1:02:14

When you are struggling with sensory overwhelm, social anxiety, feelings of not fitting in, and the many other common struggles that neurodivergent individuals experience, there can be a lot of appeal to turn to coping mechanisms that can temporarily reduce those feelings. However, these momentary escapes can lead to dependency, addiction, and ulti…

1
Episode 40: Bridging the Gap: Empowering Neurodivergent Families [featuring Dayna Abraham] 51:56

4M ago51:56

51:56

Many neurodivergent people grew up with the feeling of being different, not belonging, and some even feeling like the world was against them. They may have also received painful labels like, “challenging,” “too much,” and “not enough,” among others. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk…

1
Episode 39: Reflection and Intention: Mapping Energy, Setting Boundaries, and Finding Balance 33:56

4M ago33:56

33:56

It’s important to take moments to pause and reflect about what is going well in your life and what you want to change moving forward, especially when you have more limited energy to invest into what you choose. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk about the importance and benefits of r…

1
[FLASHBACK] Episode 25: Exploring Different Neurotypes: Ask a Neurotypical [featuring Jennifer Agee] 1:09:00

5M ago1:09:00

1:09:00

Would you describe the way you feel as you walk through the world as having raw, exposed nerve endings? Or would you say that you just flow through the world able to smoothly transition throughout to day to handle whatever comes your way? In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Jenni…

1
[FLASHBACK] Episode 24: Exploring Different Neurotypes: Ask an ADHDer [featuring Dr. Donna Henderson] 56:40

5M ago56:40

56:40

Ever wonder what the differences are between the ways non-Autistic ADHDers and Autistic ADHDers process and move through the world? In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Dr. Donna Henderson, a non-Autistic, ADHDer psychologist, about her personal experience as an ADHDer, as well as…

1
[FLASHBACK] Episode 15: Exploring the Intersection: Neurodivergent Experiences and Chronic Health Conditions featuring Dr. Mel Houser 47:48

5M ago47:48

47:48

Do you ever feel like your immune system is working against you? You don’t know what’s wrong, no one else knows what’s wrong, you keep doing medical tests and it’s coming back normal or the pieces don’t add up. Autistic people often experience a myriad of chronic health conditions and nervous system dysregulation that leaves us feeling terrible, ov…

1
[FLASHBACK] Episode 7: Finding a Neurodivergent Affirmative Therapist 55:22

5M ago55:22

55:22

Finding a neurodivergent affirmative therapist is important for individuals who are Autistic, have ADHD, or have another diagnosis. However, it isn't always easy to connect with a therapist who is willing to explore their client's special interests, even though it can help them feel more comfortable and relaxed during therapy sessions. There are so…

1
[FLASHBACK] Episode 4: Diagnosis Stories (Part 1) — The Impact of Understanding 48:57

6M ago48:57

48:57

For individuals who've wondered if they are autistic (or know they are but haven't been formally diagnosed), it can be a complex journey to first decide whether or not to seek a formal autism diagnosis and then to learn how to restructure the way they see and interact with the world. Getting diagnosed and embracing yourself as autistic can feel lik…

1
[FLASHBACK] Episode 2: Autistic Burnout 44:15

6M ago44:15

44:15

Do you ever find yourself in a state of paralyzing burnout that can happen even when you're doing activities that you enjoy? Have you ever taken a vacation to fight the fatigue of life only to find that your post-vacation burnout-recovery state is reversed sooner and more severely than others? Do you wonder how you can reduce your burnout in a way …

1
Episode 32: Navigating Neurodivergent Attachment: Unraveling Complex Relationships 52:50

6M ago52:50

52:50

The world of relationships and attachment styles from a neurodivergent perspective is complex and sometimes misunderstood as characteristics of neurotypes and attachment styles overlap and shape social interactions and dynamics. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk about partnerships, …

1
Episode 31: Releasing Expectations Around The Neurodivergent Holiday Experience 36:24

6M ago36:24

36:24

There are a lot of different opinions and feelings about the neurodivergent experience during the holiday season. The reality is that they will be vastly different for each individual, and there isn’t a right way to experience the holidays. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, dive into the…

1
Episode 30: Rewriting Neurodivergent Narratives: Navigating Labels, Trust, and Healing through Somatic Work [featuring Sandra Coral] 1:10:03

6M ago1:10:03

1:10:03

Labels can have a profound impact in the way neurodivergent individuals are perceived by others and themselves. Labels both originate from and shape narratives that can shift the trajectory of how life is experienced. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Sandra Coral, somatic ther…

1
Episode 29: Unmasking Rejection: Answering Questions About RSD 44:03

7M ago44:03

44:03

Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) impacts many aspects of your life and can be a driving force in how you manage relationships and internally process the world around you, so there are many nuances for it. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, answer some of the questions from listeners ab…

1
Episode 28: RSD and Social Media: Exploring the Complex Relationship and Nurturing Mental Wellness Online 44:40

7M ago44:40

44:40

If you struggle with rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), navigating social media can be complicated. Social media is both a place where many neurodivergent individuals are able to find connection and be seen, but it can also be a place where impulsivity and reactiveness can run rampant, both on the giving and receiving end of online conversations …

1
Episode 27: Inside Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria: Insights on RSD, Mental Health, and Relationships 48:03

7M ago48:03

48:03

Do you ever feel like you are more sensitive to rejection, teasing, criticism, or your own perception that you have failed or fallen short? Or maybe you know someone who seems to be particularly hard on themselves and reactive to others? Everyone experiences some reaction to rejection, but individuals with RSD find themselves more likely to perceiv…

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Episode 26: Exploring Different Neurotypes: Ask an Autistic [featuring Amanda Diekman] 1:06:24

7M ago1:06:24

1:06:24

Do you wonder how life might differ between an Autistic individual without ADHD and an Autistic individual with ADHD? In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Amanda Diekman, mother of three neurodivergent children, and an author and coach in the neurodivergent-affirming parenting wor…

1
Episode 25: Exploring Different Neurotypes: Ask a Neurotypical [featuring Jennifer Agee] 1:07:59

8M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

Would you describe the way you feel as you walk through the world as having raw, exposed nerve endings? Or would you say that you just flow through the world able to smoothly transition throughout to day to handle whatever comes your way? In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Jenni…

1
Episode 24: Exploring Different Neurotypes: Ask an ADHDer [featuring Dr. Donna Henderson] 55:38

8M ago55:38

55:38

Ever wonder what the differences are between the ways non-Autistic ADHDers and Autistic ADHDers process and move through the world? In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Dr. Donna Henderson, a non-Autistic, ADHDer psychologist, about her personal experience as an ADHDer, as well as…

1
Episode 23: Challenging Stereotypes About Autism and Narcissism 42:42

8M ago42:42

42:42

Autism and narcissism can sometimes get lumped together in conversations, but despite there being some seemingly overlapping traits, it is important to not generalize all people with narcissistic traits as individuals with a narcissistic personality disorder. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professio…

1
Episode 22: Autism and Pregnancy Loss: An Autistic Journey of Grief and Identity (featuring Dr. Kiley Hanish) 1:06:13

8M ago1:06:13

1:06:13

Pregnancy loss is traumatic and the grief process that follows is complex. And when you are Autistic, the way you express grief and loss might not meet the expectations of society, which can result in feeling ashamed and isolated. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, speak with Dr. Kiley Ha…

1
Episode 21: Taking Up Space: Navigating Social Interactions as a Neurodivergent Individual 35:25

9M ago35:25

35:25

Taking up space and asking for what you need in social settings and relationships can be particularly challenging for Autistic individuals, especially before Autistic diagnosis or discovery. It is not uncommon for many Autistic people to respond strongly to rejection, and we often work hard to "earn" a place in groups where we are allowed to safely…

1
Episode 20: Embracing Neuroqueer Identity: Queerness Explored Through the Lens of Autism and ADHD 1:02:59

9M ago1:02:59

1:02:59

Statistically, 70% of Autistic individuals identify as non-heterosexual, and genderqueer people are 3 to 6 times more likely to be diagnosed as Autistic than cisgender adults. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Rebecca Minor, MSW, LICSW, a gender expansive therapist and advocate…

1
Episode 19: Questions and Answers: Redefining Identity Through Autism Discovery 44:03

9M ago44:03

44:03

Many questions around identity often come up for adults who have been masking their whole lives and discover later in life that they are Autistic. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, answer some of the questions sent to them from podcast listeners about identity and moving forward in life …

1
Episode 18: Autistic Unmasking: Redefining Identity and Authentic Self-Discovery 35:14

9M ago35:14

35:14

Identity is complex and interwoven into the world around us. But as Autistic individuals who wear a mask, identity is often not entirely shaped by ourselves. Late in life discovery of autism or ADHD can set off a cascading journey of self-discovery and identity exploration. Once we start to embrace our authentic selves and explore our identity, eve…

1
Episode 17: Autistic and ADHD Self-Identification and Misinformation 43:23

10M ago43:23

43:23

Lived experience, awareness, self-identification, and self-diagnosis for autism and ADHD can have immense value, allowing us to connect with a community and share experiences that others may not fully comprehend. However, there are also risks of misdiagnosis and misinformation that can potentially cause harm. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr.…

1
Episode 16: Autism and Healthcare: The Impact and Challenges of Self-Disclosure 50:22

10M ago50:22

50:22

Self-disclosure of an autistic diagnosis in medical situations or even everyday life is a very vulnerable thing to do, and there are so many results that can come from it. Self-disclosure can result in both negative and positive experiences including everything from insurance challenges and negative societal assumptions to better accommodations for…

1
Episode 15: Exploring the Intersection: Neurodivergent Experiences and Chronic Health Conditions featuring Dr. Mel Houser 46:09

10M ago46:09

46:09

Do you ever feel like your immune system is working against you? You don’t know what’s wrong, no one else knows what’s wrong, you keep doing medical tests and it’s coming back normal or the pieces don’t add up. Autistic people often experience a myriad of chronic health conditions and nervous system dysregulation that leaves us feeling terrible, ov…

1
Episode 14: Autistic Masking: The Impact on Mental Health, Identity, Safety, and Privilege 50:44

10M ago50:44

50:44

There are a lot of nuances of Autistic masking, and it's become a sensitive and polarizing topic these days online and in social media. With all the various opinions, information, and anecdotes out there, it can be confusing to understand what masking is, and how privilege and different social identities intersect with the experience of unmasking. …

1
Episode 13: When Little Things Feel Huge: Neurodivergent Perspectives on Routine Disruptions 42:57

10M ago42:57

42:57

Difficulty with unexpected changes or routine disruptions is a pivotal part of being Autistic and even small changes can result in a surge of irritation. In regards to routine or plan changes, Dr. Neff described her feelings as an Autistic person: "Once I'm, like, emotionally checked out of something, I'm out." Patrick Casale shared his experience …

1
Episode 12: Demand Avoidance and PDA: Exploring the Overlap and Difference [Featuring Tara Holmquist] 43:52

11M ago43:52

43:52

In this episode, we explore demand avoidance, a common experience among neurodivergent people. We delve into the factors contributing to demand avoidance, including executive functioning challenges, sensory issues, and a desire for autonomy. Additionally, we take a closer look at Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), also known as Pervasive Drive fo…

1
Episode 11: Sensory Overload and Social Engagement — The Autistic Experience in Group Settings 46:22

11M ago46:22

46:22

Socializing in groups can feel exhausting and often adds an entirely different level of complexity to the sensory experience and challenges for autistic individuals. Patrick Casale, an AuDHD mental health therapist, shared his thought processes and some of the questions that run through his head when in group conversations, such as, "When do I inte…

1
Episode 10: Understanding Alexithymia — Exploring the Complexities of Emotion 33:08

11M ago33:08

33:08

Picture the immense amount of energy invested in analyzing your emotional responses to every social interaction, striving to decipher not only your own feelings but also how the other person perceived the conversation. Or imagine navigating through life with a constant undercurrent of irritability and anxiety, yet lacking a clear understanding of t…

1
Episode 9: Travel and Autism — Exploring the World with Heightened Senses 39:57

11M ago39:57

39:57

Travel and the act of experiencing people and places is something that is generally talked about with excitement, but for Autistic people, it can be a much more complex experience. Patrick, who hosts entrepreneurial retreats for therapists all over the world and travels often for extended periods of time, shared that despite loving to travel, the e…

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