Order of the Squirrels

Having ADHD & Autism

What happens when ADHD and autism share the same brain space? Is it chaos? Is it genius? Is it both… before noon? In this episode, we crack open the beautifully complicated overlap between ADHD and autism — the misunderstandings, the sensory spirals, the hyperfocus rabbit holes, the social “wait… what just happened?” moments, and the surprising superpowers. In this episode, I interviewed one of my family members, Alyssa, about her journey with a diagnosis of ADHD & Autism with children and a husband with diagnosis. We talk about: * The traits that blur together (and the ones that absolutely do not) * Masking, burnout, and why everything feels louder some days * Executive dysfunction vs. demand avoidance — the showdown * The emotional side no one explains * How self-awareness changes everything There are laughs. There are “ohhhhh that makes sense now” revelations. There may be mild ranting. Whether you’re diagnosed, questioning, parenting, partnering, or just squirrel-adjacent — this one might feel uncomfortably relatable in the best way. Grab a snack you’ll forget you made, settle into your favorite sensory-safe corner, and let’s untangle brains together. 🧠💛 Kimberlyedu.org [https://www.Kimberlyedu.org] FB: @KimberlysEducationalResources (for the explaination of the Kitzerow's Autism and the Comorbidities Theory

Post-Holiday Recovery & 2026 Goals

Get ready to laugh and learn with Kim & Rhea as they take you on a wild ride through post-holiday recovery! From the chaos of hosting to the creative burst of a new year, she's got stories that'll make you nod and chuckle. Dive into the hilarious world of family dynamics during the holidays, the superhero feats of moms, and why being your own health advocate is a must. Plus, discover how caffeine can be a sneaky little rascal, and enjoy some juicy travel tales and everyday adventures that are sure to tickle your funny bone! Takeaways * Post holiday recovery can take time and creativity * Hosting events can be stressful but rewarding * Moms often bear the brunt of holiday responsibilities * Self-advocacy in health is crucial for effective care. * Tracking health symptoms can aid in medical consultations * Caffeine can affect hormonal balance and energy levels.  * Personal anecdotes can provide reliable insights * Family dynamics play a significant role in holiday planning * Dietary adjustments can lead to better health outcomes * Travel experiences can offer new culinary adventures #post-holiday #creativity #familydynamics #health #hormones #self-advocacy #caffeine #travel #personalanecdotes #everydaylife @Neuromints @OrderoftheSquirrels Neuromints.com [http://Neuromints.com] KimberlyRatliffart.com [http://KimberlyRatliffart.com] Time Magazine: ADHD [https://time.com/4671981/adhd-hyperactivity-disorder/] EMAIL US!!! [ootspod808@gmail.com]

Thaksgiving with ADHD

Thanks for being patient as our lives took president recently. But we are back!! Happy Thanksgiving everyone. This one is out early to assist your ADHD Anxieties etc... xoxox Kim and Rhea Notes: General Survival Guid for ADHD'ers [https://www.abbeyneuropsychologyclinic.com/holiday-gatherings-tips-for-a-calm-and-enjoyable-thanksgiving-with-adhd/] Holiday Stress [https://www.additudemag.com] Maintain Routines & Anchors [https://growingmindsmhs.com/thanksgiving-with-adhd/] Sensory Overload [https://www.shimmer.care/get/adhd-holiday-survival-guide] Boundries & Saying NO [https://www.chadd.org/adhd-news/adhd-news-caregivers/safely-home-for-the-holidays] Self-Care: Sleep, Nutrition, Exersices [https://www.abbyneuropsychologyclinic.com/self-care-for-adhd-parents-a-holiday-survival-guide] Body Doubling for Production [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_doubling]

ADHD Month!

What’s your funniest ADHD Story?!😜 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2462892/open_sms] Topic Breakdown: * Why ADHD brains love fresh starts but struggle with follow-through (hello, dopamine rollercoaster 🎢). * “Seasonal Motivation Disorder”: how weather, light, and new routines affect attention and energy. * ADHD awareness month myths: “You just need to focus more” — cue laughter. * Tools that actually work: dopamine stacking, body doubling, microgoals, and accountability with humor. * Fun spin: Kim and Rhea try “The Great Squirrel Reset Challenge” — each picks one chaotic corner of life to overhaul (with snacks as motivation). Research Sources: * ADDitude – Why ADHD Brains Crave Newness [https://www.additudemag.com/brain-stimulation-and-adhd-cravings-dependency-and-regulation/?srsltid=AfmBOoqbWbGKjJ4mOQQs0H7VcsXg6Nwgwqg8HNCsNgYVAo1-m727_ASX] * Psychology Today – The ADHD Dopamine Connection [https://edgefoundation.org/the-science-of-adhd-curiosity-dopamine-novelty-and-creativity/#:~:text=] * Verywell Mind – How Seasonal Change Affects Focus and Mood [https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/] * CHADD – ADHD Awareness Month Resources [https://chadd.org/adhd-awareness/] Neuro Mints  [https://neurogum.com/collections/neuro-mints?nbt=nb%3Aadwords%3Ax%3A22498440602%3A%3A&nb_adtype=&nb_kwd=&nb_ti=&nb_mi=&nb_pc=&nb_pi=&nb_ppi=&nb_placement=&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_term=|&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22498445657&gbraid=0AAAAADnZZ118akM6FW2MBxFbGh6YyKgyY&gclid=CjwKCAjwgeLHBhBuEiwAL5gNEdQVPG4zTFijnaXFI7CVJeZ5sYv5WcqxGYJfxvaVzREpM5vxc7WwQxoCk_kQAvD_BwE] Thesis [https://takethesis.com/?nbt=nb%3Aadwords%3Ag%3A22289334948%3A179635179270%3A735600920311&nb_adtype=&nb_kwd=thesis%20supplements&nb_ti=kwd-1437917235781&nb_mi=&nb_pc=&nb_pi=&nb_ppi=&nb_placement=&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=b&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22289334948&gbraid=0AAAAABID2HQqEDac_3M6iY1KTi2AfmFpS&gclid=CjwKCAjwgeLHBhBuEiwAL5gNER3wFHwmTVsntOIv8ExzaznIvNlEkTNh5wTpbrzPZT6fgksY7uI89BoCGDsQAvD_BwE] Subscribe and Follow! Don't miss out!  EMAIL US!! xoxo Kim & Rhea “Carefree Fun” REDproductions [https://pixabay.com/users/redproductions-970568/] This track is registered with YouTube’s Content ID downloaded music from Pixabay, legally allowed to use it. Artist: Doobie Social IG/FB: @Orderofthesquirrels Say Hey and share a story you’d like us to share on the Pod!: ootspod808@gmail.com www.KimberlyRatliffart.com / @KimberlyRatliffArt

Moodiness and Rejection Sensitivity

What’s your funniest ADHD Story?!😜 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2462892/open_sms]   🚨 Emotional Rollercoaster incoming 🚨  ADHD already gave us mood swings… then perimenopause said, “Hold my wine.” 🍷  New = laughs, tears, and probably nachos.� * ADHD brings rejection sensitivity + emotional dysregulation. * Perimenopause adds estrogen/progesterone rollercoasters. * Practical tips: exercise, humor, therapy journaling, magnesium, setting boundaries. 🔗 Research Sources: * Harvard Health (2023) – Mood changes in perimenopause [https://www.health.harvard.edu/] * CHADD – ADHD & emotional dysregulation [https://chadd.org/] * Mayo Clinic – Perimenopause symptoms overview [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perimenopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20354666] � Hit play, scream with us, and maybe cry-laugh in the Target parking lot.  #HormoneChaos #SquirrelLife #ADHDHumor “Carefree Fun” REDproductions [https://pixabay.com/users/redproductions-970568/] This track is registered with YouTube’s Content ID downloaded music from Pixabay, legally allowed to use it. Artist: Doobie Social IG/FB: @Orderofthesquirrels Say Hey and share a story you’d like us to share on the Pod!: ootspod808@gmail.com www.KimberlyRatliffart.com / @KimberlyRatliffArt