Spectrum Savvy

15: Fact checking the Tylenol/autism connection

In a surprise press conference, President Donald Trump, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Dr. Mehmet Oz announced new federal actions claiming that Tylenol use during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism. The administration says the FDA will issue safety warnings, change acetaminophen labels, and launch a public campaign — but how accurate is this claim? In this emergency episode of Spectrum Savvy, autistic advocate and host Kat breaks down: * What Trump, Kennedy, and Oz actually said about acetaminophen and autism * The latest scientific studies on prenatal Tylenol exposure and neurodevelopment * Why correlation doesn’t equal causation in autism research * Medical community reactions, including guidance from ACOG and pediatric experts * The administration’s claims about leucovorin as an autism treatment * What expecting parents and autistic families really need to know This episode fact-checks the announcement, explores the real science behind acetaminophen and autism, and discusses the risks of misinformation.

14: Finding Autistic Joy

Autism is often framed in terms of challenges—but joy is just as much a part of the story. In this episode of Spectrum Savvy, Kat explores the many forms of autistic joy, from the freedom of stimming to the passion of special interests, the comfort of sensory experiences, and the belonging found in community. Join us in celebrating the vibrant, joyful side of autistic life.

13: The Disclosure Dilemma

So… you’ve got an autism diagnosis. Do you have to tell people? Short answer: nope. Long answer: maybe, sometimes, if it feels right. In this week’s episode of Spectrum Savvy, we’re diving into the tricky world of disclosing autism to loved ones. We’ll talk about: 💬 Do you need to disclose (spoiler: no) ⚖️ The pros and cons of telling people 🛠️ How to actually start the conversation without spiraling 😬 What to do if it doesn’t go well (because yeah… that happens) 💌 And how to take care of yourself afterward Whether you’re weighing whether to tell family, friends, or coworkers—or you’ve already blurted it out mid-conversation and instantly regretted it—this episode has your back.

12: It's giving "girl autism"

It's finally time! We're finally talking about autism in women. Why do so many autistic women and girls slip through the cracks? In this episode, we’re breaking down how masking, social expectations, and the infamous “good girl” archetype make autism harder to spot in women. Grab your fun drink and your sweet treat and join me for a bit of science, a bit of ranting, and, as always, a whole lot of validation.

11: It was never a phase, mom. (Special Interests)

Special interests aren’t just hobbies — they’re lifelines, survival tools, and sometimes even superpowers. In this Spectrum Savvy episode, Kat unpacks the science behind autistic passions, why they’re so often misunderstood, and how they shape identity, learning, and resilience. Whether it’s dinosaurs, data sets, or your favorite TV show, this quick deep dive will leave you rethinking what it really means to go “all in.” Don't worry-- we'll be back to explore this topic more in-depth!