Beyond the Mask: Understanding Autistic Burnout, Survival, and True Self-Advocacy with Kory Andreas

Beyond the Mask: Understanding Autistic Burnout, Survival, and True Self-Advocacy with Kory Andreas

What does it actually cost to fit in? In this episode, we sit down with Kory Andreas, LCSW-C — a clinical social worker, autism and neurodivergent specialist, late-diagnosedautistic adult, and founder of Unmasking Retreats — who brings over 20 years of experience in education and clinical practice to a conversation that is long overdue. We talk about what masking is, why autistic individuals do itfrom a very young age, and the invisible toll it takes over a lifetime. Kory helps us understand why a child who looks like they are "doing fine" at school might be quietly exhausted — and what autistic burnout really looks like when it is misread as anxiety or depression.   We also explore self-advocacy in the workplace, how maskingshows up in relationships and families, and what it takes to truly unmask — not just as a concept, but as a lived practice.   Whether you are a parent, educator, clinician, partner, orsomeone who has spent years wondering why the world feels just a little harderfor you than it seems to for everyone else — this episode is for you.   In this episode: * What masking is and when it begins  * The hidden cost of masking across a lifetime * How autistic burnout differs from general burnout or depression * Early warning signs parents and educators should know * Self-advocacy skills and how to build them early *  Masking in neurodiverse relationships   * The Unmasking Retreats experience   Find Kory: https://koryandreas.com/

Navigating Adult ADHD in the Workplace with Dr. John Severino, PsyD

Can you be highly successful, deeply creative, and still struggle with the day-to-day demands of executive dysfunction? Absolutely. In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, we are joined by the multi-talented Dr. John Severino, PsyD—CFO, compliance consultant, professional percussionist, and founder of MyAdultADHDCoach.com. Dr. Severino bridges the gap between the corporate world and neurodiversity coaching to explain how ADHD shows up in the workplace, from both the employee and employer perspectives. In this episode, we explore: * The Late-Stage Diagnosis: The common workplace signs that lead adults to realize they might have ADHD. * The Strengths & Struggles: Overlooked ADHD superpowers in business versus the realities of executive function challenges. * Practical Strategies: Realistic, day-to-day hacks for managing time, priorities, and overwhelming workloads. * The HR Conversation: How to confidently approach managers regarding accommodations without the shame. * Corporate Culture: What fast-paced companies (especially in tech) need to do to support and retain neurodivergent talent. Whether you are an employee trying to find your footing, a manager looking to better support your team, or a late-diagnosed adult looking to ditch the shame, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Connect with Dr. Severino: * Visit: MyAdultADHDCoach.com * Join the community: CatholicADHDCoach on Facebook Coach@myadultadhdcoach.com [Coach@myadultadhdcoach.com] Loved this episode? Leave us a 5-star review on Spotify and share this episode with a colleague or friend!

Flip the Script: Strengths-Based Learning with Sam Young

What does school look like when it's built around a child's brilliance instead of their gaps? Sam Young, M.Ed. — Founder of Young Scholars Academy, two-time Fulbright Scholar, TEDx speaker, and neurodivergent educator — joins us to talk about what it really takes to educate gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent learners well. Sam shares his personal path into education, the philosophy behind his strengths-based virtual learning community, and what lesson planning looks like when you start with a student's passions and talents instead of their deficits. If you work with, love, or were once a kid who felt like school wasn't designed for you — this one is for you. 🔗 youngscholarsacademy.org Families can use code YSAMAAYAN10 to save 10%

Must-Ask Questions For IEP and 504 with Melinda Davis-Gillinger

What really happens behind the scenes when a school suggests moving your child from an IEP to a 504 plan?In this candid and empowering episode, Maayan Glaser-Koren hosts Melinda David-Gillinger, an educational advocate. Melinda pulls back the curtain on educational advocacy—sharing her personal journey into this work and what drives her to support families navigating complex school systems. She breaks down what advocates actually do behind the scenes, and why their role is often misunderstood.This episode tackles one of the most confusing (and high-stakes) moments for parents: when a school recommends transitioning from an IEP to a 504. Is it always in the child’s best interest—or sometimes the school’s?You’ll learn how to recognize the subtle language used in meetings, what questions to ask before agreeing to any changes, and which data points you should always request. Melinda also shares how parents can advocate effectively without feeling like they’re in constant conflict—and the one thing she wishes every parent knew before signing anything.https://mgandconsultants.com/

Social Wounds We Carry Into Adulthood- With Caroline Maguire

If you grew up with ADHD, dyslexia, or any kind of neurodivergence — chances are you also grew up feeling like you were always one step behind socially. Like everyone else had been handed a rulebook you never received. This episode is about what that does to us. And what we can actually do about it. My guest is Caroline Maguire — internationally recognized ADHD coach, social-emotional learning expert, Professional Certified Coach, and author of two books: the award-winning Why Will No One Play with Me? and her new release, Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults. She also hosts The ADHD Social Playbook podcast and has trained parents, clinicians, and educators worldwide. Caroline is also neurodivergent herself. She lives with ADHD, dyslexia, and learning disabilities. This isn't theory for her. It's lived experience — and it shows in every word. WHAT WE COVER: ✦ Why kids with ADHD are disproportionately bullied — and what parents misread about it ✦ Teaching self-advocacy without escalation when impulse control is already hard ✦ Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: what it actually is and why it keeps getting misdiagnosed ✦ The social survival strategies we built at age 10 — and how they quietly run our adult relationships ✦ How unresolved social trauma shapes what neurodivergent adults expect from friendship ✦ Reinventing friendship to work with your brain, not against it ✦ Lifelong companions vs. seasonal friends — and why this reframe changes everything ✦ What to do when a friendship stalls and you can't tell if it's over or just quiet This one goes deep. Have a notebook nearby. Caroline's new book: Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults https://a.co/d/0fCi3A36 🎙️ Her podcast: The ADHD Social Playbook 🌐 carolinemaguire.com