When Autism Grows Up STRONG
Lynn C Davison
We build adulting skills with autistic graduates and their families so they flourish on their own!
Episodes
From Homeless Teen to Autism Researcher: The Story of Dr. Tempest McDonald
What happens when autistic children grow up, but the systems meant to support them aren't prepared for their adult lives? Dr. Tempest McDonald's extraordinary journey, from a childhood marked by trauma and teenage homelessness to becoming an autism researcher, counselor, and advocate, raises a question we cannot afford to ignore: Why do we invest so much in studying autistic children, yet so little in helping them live healthy, meaningful lives as adults? In this episode, Lynn Davison shares the powerful story behind Dr. Tempest McDonald's work, her challenge to traditional autism research priorities, and the importance of recognizing the strengths, health needs, and lived experiences of autistic adults. It's a story of survival, resilience, mentorship, and the need for support that doesn't end when childhood does. Because autistic children grow up, and their futures deserve just as much attention as their childhoods. SHOW NOTES:💜 Free Resources: Access the interview summary, transcript, Self-Determination Toolkit, and free self-guided course here: https://www.lynncdavison.com/autistic-adulthood-podcast-series-free-resources💜 Meet Dr. Tempest McDonald: Learn more about her work and counseling services at https://spectrum-for-life-counseling.com💜 Explore The Transmitter Podcast Series: When Autistic Kids Grow Up, hosted by Brady Huggett, featuring the story and research of Dr. Tempest McDonald: https://www.thetransmitter.org/when-autistic-kids-grow-up/
Autistic Adulthood: 10 Lessons That Challenge What We Think We Know
What do autistic young adults really need to build healthy, meaningful, self-directed lives? Is it getting a job, moving out, and doing everything independently? Or are we missing something much bigger? In this episode, Lynn Davison shares 10 important lessons from The Transmitter podcast series, When Autistic Kids Grow Up, hosted by Brady Huggett and Dr. Tempest McDonald. These lessons challenge some of our assumptions about autism, independence, and what it means to thrive in adulthood. The goal isn't to do everything alone. It's to build a life that works for you, with the support, confidence, and freedom to make meaningful choices. SHOW NOTES:💜 Free Resources: Access the interview summary, transcript, Self-Determination Toolkit, and free self-guided course here: https://www.lynncdavison.com/autistic-adulthood-podcast-series-free-resources💜 Meet Dr. Tempest McDonald: Learn more about her work and counseling services at https://spectrum-for-life-counseling.com💜 Explore The Transmitter Podcast Series: Listen to When Autistic Kids Grow Up, hosted by Brady Huggett, featuring the story and research of Dr. Tempest McDonald: https://www.thetransmitter.org/when-autistic-kids-grow-up/
What Autistic Young Adults Really Need to Thrive in Adulthood | Dr. T. A. (Tempest) McDonald
What do autistic young adults really need to build healthy, meaningful, self-directed lives? In this powerful conversation, Lynn Davison sits down with Dr. Tempest McDonald, autistic researcher, counselor, and parent, to challenge some of the assumptions we make about autism, independence, and adulthood. They explore why traditional transition plans can miss important pieces, the difference between self-sufficiency and self-determination, and what can change when we focus on collaboration, supportive environments, health, and helping autistic young adults build lives that actually work for them. This is a thoughtful conversation about autistic adulthood, self-determination, health, relationships, collaboration, and what meaningful support can look like across a lifetime. If you’re a parent of an autistic young adult, an autistic adult yourself, or someone supporting neurodivergent people, I hope this conversation gives you new questions to ask and a more hopeful way to think about adulthood. SHOW NOTES: Free Resources: Access the interview summary, transcript, Self-Determination Toolkit, and free self-guided course here: https://www.lynncdavison.com/autistic-adulthood-podcast-series-free-resources Watch the YouTube interview here: https://youtu.be/dutWYo0FtoA Learn more about Dr. Tempest McDonald and Spectrum for Life Counseling: spectrum-for-life-counseling.com/ Explore The Transmitter Podcast Series: Listen to When Autistic Kids Grow Up, hosted by Brady Huggett, featuring the story and research of Dr. Tempest McDonald: https://www.thetransmitter.org/when-autistic-kids-grow-up/
Be a No Surprises Family | Less Stress, Fewer Surprises, More Connection With Your Autistic Young Adult
Do you ever feel like you’re having the same difficult conversations with your autistic young adult over and over again? You remind. They resist or withdraw. You become more worried. They feel more pressured. Everyone is trying, but somehow nothing seems to change. What if the problem isn’t a lack of love, effort, or motivation? What if your family is simply dealing with too many surprises? No Surprises Families AUDIO enh… In this episode, Lynn introduces the idea of becoming a No Surprises Family and explore how sensory surplus, clearer expectations, the PEACE Practice, Life GPS, and collaboration can help families move from pressure and repeated conflict toward greater connection and self-reliance. The goal isn’t a conflict-free family. It’s a family that knows how to recover, repair, and move forward together, one right-sized step at a time. 💜 You can watch the video on YouTube. Watch our FREE No Surprises Families Video Series here.
What Research Says Helps Autistic Young Adults Build Self-Reliance
What actually helps autistic young adults build meaningful, self-reliant adult lives? For many families, adulthood can feel slower, less predictable, and very different from the path they expected. And parents are often left wondering: Are we doing too much? Not enough? Should we push harder? Should we step back? In this episode, we look at what recent research can teach us about autistic adulthood, employment, family support, health and energy, sensory experiences, meaningful activity, and the gradual development of self-reliance. What the research reveals offers a much more hopeful and nuanced picture of adulthood than the idea that a young person simply needs to “launch” and suddenly do everything independently. And it raises an important question: What if the goal isn’t one giant leap toward independence, but creating the conditions for the next right-sized step? 💜 If you’re the parent of an autistic young adult and find yourself worrying about their future, I hope this conversation gives you greater clarity, perspective, and hope. Because adulthood is a long developmental process, and there is more than one way to build a meaningful life. Please share this with another family who could benefit from this conversation. Watch the YouTube video here. Notes:📄 Download the PDF Summary + Research Studies: https://www.lynncdavison.com/link-in-bio📚 Book: Wired to Feel: Autism as a Condition of Sensory Surplus by Sarah Bergenfield & Martha Sweezy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1648486355
Why Traditional Coaching Often Doesn’t Work for Many Autistic Young Adults (And What Does)
What if your autistic young adult wants to move forward, but the approach meant to help them is actually making things harder? When traditional coaching focuses on trying harder, accountability, and pushing through, it can miss an important question: What’s really getting in the way? In this podcast episode, I explore why traditional coaching often doesn’t work for many autistic young adults and what we can do differently to support meaningful, lasting progress. If you’ve ever wondered, “They want to move forward, so why are they still stuck?” this conversation is for you. Download our FREE 1-Page Peaceful Progress Worksheet here Want more support? Explore our free resources here If this message speaks to you, please share it with another parent or family who may need to hear it today.
What If They Never Change? A Message for Parents of Autistic Young Adults
What if your autistic young adult never changes in the ways you’ve been hoping for? What if they don’t become more motivated, more organized, more receptive to advice, or make progress on the timeline you imagined? It’s an uncomfortable question. But after more than 3,600 conversations with autistic young adults and their families, I’ve come to believe there may be an even more important question for us to ask. And that question can completely change the way we approach our relationships, our worries about the future, and the way we support the people we love. In this episode, I share a perspective that changed my own life and may change the way you think about growth, control, connection, and parenting an autistic young adult. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I help them move forward when nothing I’m doing seems to work?” I hope you’ll watch this one all the way through. 💜 📄 Download our FREE 1-Page Peaceful Progress Worksheet 💜 Want more support? Explore our free resources here Watch the video on YouTube. If this message speaks to you, please share it with another parent or family who may need to hear it today.
10 Parenting Habits That Help Autistic Young Adults Become More Self-Reliant
If you’re parenting an autistic young adult, you may sometimes wonder: How do I support them without doing too much for them? In this podcast, I share 10 habits I’ve found can help parents support their autistic young adults in becoming increasingly self-reliant. These aren’t habits of perfect parents. They’re small, intentional shifts in how we respond, communicate, mentor, and connect. You'll learn: ✔️ How to shift from managing to mentoring your young adult✔️ Why connection before correction can make such a difference✔️ How compassionate curiosity helps us understand behavior differently✔️ Why focusing on one right-sized step can create momentum✔️ How noticing and celebrating progress builds confidence and self-reliance The goal isn’t to have all 10 habits mastered. Choose one that speaks to you and begin there. Because helping our young adults become the directors of their own lives happens gradually, one right-sized step at a time. If this episode helps you, please like, subscribe, and share it with another parent or family who could benefit. 💜 You can watch the YouTube video here. 💜Download the 10 Habits PDF here 💜 Explore more Art of Adulting resources here
The “Wall of Awful”: Why ADHD & Autistic People Struggle to Get Things Done | An Interview With Brendan Mahan
Why can something you know you need to do still feel incredibly difficult to start? In this powerful conversation, Lynn Davison sits down with Brendan Mahan, ADHD coach, educator, speaker, and author of Overcoming the Wall of Awful, to explore what may really be happening when ADHD and autistic people feel stuck. Brendan introduces his “Wall of Awful” framework, which helps explain the emotional weight that can build around tasks after repeated struggles, setbacks, and difficult experiences. In this conversation, you'll discover:✔️ What the “Wall of Awful” is and why knowing what to do doesn't always make it easier to do it✔️ Why relationship repair may need to come before problem-solving, especially when anxiety, disappointment, or fear of letting someone down gets in the way ✔️ The five ways people respond to the Wall of Awful and which responses can actually help us get to the other side ✔️ What Brendan's own experience with burnout taught him about motivation, meaning, self-care, and finding a way forward If you've ever wondered, “Why am I stuck when I know exactly what I need to do?” or asked the same question about someone you love, this conversation may help you see the struggle in a completely different way. Listen to the full interview to learn how to recognize the Wall of Awful and what can help you move through it. Watch the interview on YouTube. Learn more about Brendan and his upcoming book, Overcoming the Wall of Awful: https://brendanmahan.com/ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit.
The 9 Stages Families of Autistic Young Adults Go Through
Why does it feel like your autistic young adult is stuck? If you're the parent of an autistic young adult, you've probably wondered: "Why does everything feel so hard?", "are we making any progress?", or "will things ever get better?" After more than 3,600 coaching conversations with autistic young adults and their families, we've discovered something that has changed the way we understand growth: Growth happens in stages. The Art of Adulting Stages is a simple roadmap that helps families understand where they are today, reduce shame and frustration, and discover the next right-sized step toward greater confidence, connection, and self-reliance. In this quick podcast episode, you'll learn:✔ Why so many families feel stuck✔ How understanding your current stage changes everything✔ How safety leads to confidence and self-reliance✔ The one question every family should ask together Remember: You're not behind. You're not failing. You're on a journey. You can watch the YouTube video here. Download the free Art of Adulting Stages Guide and discover where your family is today.
Why Smart Autistic Young Adults Get Stuck (The 9 Hidden Reasons)
Have you ever wondered how someone can be incredibly intelligent yet struggle to send an email, make a phone call, or start a simple task? It's a question many parents ask. The answer isn't laziness or a lack of intelligence. In this new podcast episode, Lynn shares the 9 hidden reasons why so many smart autistic young adults get stuck and what actually helps young adults build momentum, confidence, and self-reliance. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔️ Why intelligence doesn't always lead to action✔️ How overwhelm affects executive functioning✔️ The connection between perfectionism, shame, and avoidance✔️ Why safety matters more than pressure✔️ How small, right-sized steps help build confidence and momentum If you're a parent, caregiver, educator, coach, or autistic young adult yourself, I hope this conversation offers encouragement, understanding, and practical tools for moving forward. 📄 Download our FREE 1-Page Peaceful Progress Worksheet
5 Ways Parents Unintentionally Get in the Way of Their Young Adult's Self-Reliance & Independence
As parents, we want to help. We solve problems, protect our children from discomfort, and do everything we can to help them succeed. But sometimes, the very things we do out of love can unintentionally make it harder for autistic and neurodivergent young adults to develop self-reliance. In this episode, I share the 5 parenting patterns I've seen over 40 years of raising six neurodivergent children and seven years of coaching autistic young adults and their families. More importantly, I share practical shifts that help build confidence, problem-solving skills, and lasting independence. You'll learn: ✔️ Why solving problems too quickly can slow growth ✔️ How to shift from rescuing to coaching ✔️ Why discomfort is an important part of building confidence ✔️ How recognizing progress creates motivation ✔️ Why young adults need to build *their* vision for adulthood If you're a parent, grandparent, caregiver, educator, or professional supporting autistic or neurodivergent young adults, I hope this offers practical tools and encouragement for the journey ahead. Download our FREE 1-Page Peaceful Progress Worksheet
7 Common Patterns I See That Keep Autistic Adults & Families Stuck (After 7 Years of Coaching)
After seven years of coaching autistic young adults and their parents, I've noticed something important: the struggles may look different on the surface, but underneath, they're often deeply human struggles. In this episode, I share the seven patterns I see over and over again that tend to hold people back. We'll explore why lasting growth doesn't come from pushing harder, controlling more, or trying to fix ourselves. It comes from creating safety, connection, curiosity, and understanding. You'll learn: Why pressure rarely creates lasting growth The difference between managing people and understanding them Why shame keeps both parents and young adults stuck How self-understanding creates traction Why confidence grows through experimentation, not perfection What actually helps autistic young adults move forward If you're a parent, caregiver, educator, coach, or an autistic young adult yourself, I hope this perspective offers encouragement, clarity, and a more compassionate path forward. If this resonated with you, please share it with someone who may need to hear this message. Click here to watch the video on YouTube.
Why Autistic Adults Feel Overwhelmed, Exhausted & Misunderstood | With Sarah Bergenfield
What if autism isn't primarily a social or communication condition—but a condition of sensory surplus? In this thought-provoking conversation, Lynn Davison sits down with Sarah Bergenfield, author of Wired to Feel, to explore a groundbreaking perspective on autism, sensory processing, and the nervous system. Together, they discuss why the world can feel overwhelming for autistic people, the role of uncertainty and predictability, and how self-understanding can transform the way we experience ourselves and our relationships. They also explore Internal Family Systems (IFS), embodiment, emotional regulation, self-acceptance, and practical tools for navigating life with greater clarity and compassion. In this interview, you'll learn: ✔️ Why Sarah describes autism as a condition of sensory surplus ✔️ The connection between sensory processing, uncertainty, and overwhelm ✔️ How IFS can help us better understand ourselves ✔️ Why predictability matters for nervous system regulation ✔️ Practical tools for self-compassion, advocacy, and authentic living About Sarah Bergenfield Sarah Bergenfield is a Certified Level 3 Internal Family Systems (IFS) Practitioner, writer, educator, and author of Wired to Feel. Her work combines lived experience, neuroscience, embodiment, and IFS to help autistic adults better understand themselves, advocate for their needs, and cultivate lasting self-acceptance. ➡️ Learn more about Sarah Bergenfield and her book, Wired to Feel here: https://www.sarahbergenfield.com/ You can watch the full interview on YouTube here.
How Neurodivergent Adults Can Build Genuine Friendships Without Masking | With Caroline Maguire
Why does friendship feel so hard for so many neurodivergent adults? In this powerful conversation, internationally recognized ADHD coach, educator, and author Caroline Maguire shares why traditional friendship advice often fails autistic and ADHD adults, and what actually helps. We talk about loneliness, masking, self-advocacy, online communities, friendship burnout, social anxiety, and how to build authentic relationships without pretending to be someone you’re not. If you’ve ever felt like you were “bad at friendship,” this episode will feel validating, hopeful, and incredibly eye-opening. You can watch the full video interview here. ➡️ Check out Caroline's work and new book, Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults here: https://carolinemaguireauthor.com/
Why Smart Neurodivergent Young Adults Still Struggle to Launch
Many autistic and neurodivergent young adults aren’t lazy — they’re living with nervous systems overwhelmed by uncertainty, anxiety, sensory overload, and chronic stress. In this podcast, Lynn explains why shutdown and avoidance happen, and how families can support peaceful progress, self-reliance, and growth without shame or pressure. You can also watch the YouTube video here.
Neurodiversity Expert Haley Moss on Autistic Adulthood, Burnout & Self-Advocacy
Join Lynn in a powerful, honest conversation with Haley Moss, bestselling author, keynote speaker, advocate, artist, consultant, and the first openly autistic lawyer in Florida. She is one of the most influential voices in autistic self-advocacy today. Together, they dive deep into what autistic adulthood really looks like, challenging outdated ideas about independence and success. This conversation explores burnout, self-advocacy, interdependence, and the courage it takes to build a life on your own terms—without shame or unrealistic expectations. From redefining independence to embracing autistic joy, rest, and community, this episode offers clarity, validation, and practical wisdom for autistic adults, families, educators, and allies alike. You can watch the full video interview here.
3 Powerful Habits of Autistic Young Adults Who Earn Money and Run Their Life
In this episode, Lynn Davison discusses the unique challenges of supporting autistic young adults in their 20s and 30s, particularly in the context of the overwhelming choices and distractions created by modern technology. Drawing from her experience raising six neurodivergent adults, Lynn emphasizes the importance of forming a collaborative support team and understanding both the parents' and graduates' systems. She introduces three key habits for success: understanding the brain, body, and mind; connecting with strengths and reality; and experimenting to build confidence. Lynn also touches on creating a solid financial foundation, including understanding government benefits, to ensure long-term support for autistic graduates. Key Takeaways: The impact of technology on autistic young adults and the challenges it creates. Forming a collaborative team for support and success. 1 The importance of understanding the brain, body, and mind to create effective strategies. 2 How to connect with the strengths and reality of neurodivergent individuals. 3 Experimenting to build confidence and resilience.
Late-Diagnosed Autism, Masking & Identity | A Deep Dive with Wendela Marsh
Join Lynn in a powerful conversation with Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and leading advocate for late-diagnosed, high-masking autistic adults. Together, they dive deep into what it really takes to understand hidden autism, unmask safely, reclaim identity, and build a life rooted in authenticity and acceptance — especially for autistic women, girls, and adults who have gone unseen for far too long. You can watch the video interview here.
Autism & Adulthood: Dr. Francis Tabone on Supported Decision-Making, Life Skills & Meaningful Work
Join Lynn in a powerful conversation with Dr. Francis Tabone, educator, author, and lifelong advocate for autistic and neurodivergent young adults. Together, they dive deep into what it really takes to build independence, dignity, and purpose after high school — and how parents, educators, and communities can better support this journey. You can watch the video interview here.
Designing Inclusive Workplaces: A Conversation with Silvia Gil, Neuro Consulting Solutions Founder
In this inspiring episode, Lynn Davison of Art of Adulting talks with Silvia Gil, founder of NeuroConsulting Solutions, about practical ways to design inclusive workplaces and empower neurodiverse individuals. Listen now and discover how strength-based strategies, visual systems, and universal design can unlock potential and create environments where everyone thrives. You can watch the video interview here.
Neurodiversity at Work: The Aspiritech Story | Lynn Interviews Tara May
In this powerful interview, Lynn sits down with Tara May, CEO of Aspiritech, a world-class QA testing company breaking barriers and transforming the future of autism employment. Discover how Aspiritech is building truly inclusive workplaces, offering FREE job training programs (QA testing, cybersecurity, and more), and helping autistic and neurodivergent adults gain confidence, independence, and purpose. Listen now and learn how Aspiritech is creating jobs, hope, and a brighter future for neurodivergent adults everywhere.
Understanding Autism: Strengths, Challenges & Support Strategies | Lynn Davison at PTx
Here’s a summary of my “Understanding Autism PTx” presentation: Purpose & My Background • Delivered for Autism Awareness Month by me, a neurodivergent coach with lived experience raising six neurodiverse children. • The session is aimed at improving understanding, inclusion, and support for autistic individuals. Key Concepts 1. What is Autism? • A neurological developmental condition—not a defect, but a difference. • Autism exists on a color wheel, not a linear spectrum, highlighting infinite variation. • Neurodiversity is natural and as vital as biodiversity. 2. Origins & Brain Science • Structural and gene expression differences in the brain are often present from utero. • Differences are not “less than,” just different ways of perceiving and interacting with the world. Core Autistic Traits: ESP Framework E - Executive Functioning Strengths • Deep focus, detail-oriented thinking, strong routines, logical analysis, and honesty. Challenges: • Difficulty initiating tasks, time management, emotional regulation, and flexibility. Strategies: • Use visual schedules, reminders, and structured routines. S - Sensory Processing Strengths: • Heightened perception, sensory joy, unique emotional ties to stimuli. Challenges: • Sensory overload, avoidance, filtering difficulties, interoception issues, dyspraxia. Strategies: • Create sensory-friendly environments with control over light, sound, and textures. P - People Skills Strengths: • Honest communication, deep listening, loyalty, and inclusive attitudes. Challenges: • Misreading social cues, discomfort with small talk, processing delays, masking. Strategies: • Build trust through deep, meaningful conversations and non-verbal bonding. Communication & Inclusion Tips • Listen: Make space for different communication styles. • Validate: Acknowledge feelings and experiences without judgment. • Ask: Don’t assume—ask what’s helpful. • Offer Support: Gently and respectfully, not forcefully. Connection Styles Autistic connection may include: • Info-dumping on special interests, • Parallel play, • Blunt honesty, • Scripting (repeating familiar phrases), • Support through action. Resources Mentioned 1 The Pattern Seekers by Simon Baron-Cohen 2 The Autistic Burnout Workbook by Dr. Megan Anna Neff – helps manage burnout through personalized strategies. 3 Self-Care for Autistic People by Dr. Megan Anna Neff – promotes unmasking, community connection, and neurodivergent health practices. 4 Seeing Autism by Barbara Avila – focuses on creating authentic engagement and supportive environments. Takeaway Message Autism is a different—not deficient—way of being. When we shift from awareness to acceptance to appreciation, we build a world that works better for everyone. Support should always be led by the autistic individual’s preferences and needs.
11 Ways to Mentor Your Autistic Young Adult To Earn Money and Run Their Life
I offer 11 Mentor Methods to support parents of autistic young adults transitioning from school to earning money and running their life. I share my personal experiences and those of the members of The Art of Adulting. including 12 actionable tools to address common challenges: setting clear goals, building self-advocacy skills, and fostering resilience. Key points include: The importance of structure and mentorship for autistic young adults post-graduation. Techniques for managing stress, improving listening skills, and encouraging action. Practical tools like the “3-2-1 Power Up” and “Life GPS” to help set and achieve goals. A focus on balancing firm expectations with warm support to address procrastination and catastrophizing with compassion. The Mentor Mindset emphasizes collaboration between parents and their young adults, self-reflection, and long-term resilience for building the life we want together.
What We Do Matters
In this short podcast, I emphasize the crucial role parents play in shaping the next generation of leaders. I highlight the importance of fostering empathy, critical thinking, and kindness in children to prepare them for leadership roles in the future. 0:02 Hi there. In these moments when the news and social media get loud, and when things feel uncertain, let's remember this important truth. 0:12 What we're doing in our home matters. We are preparing the next generation of leaders. Our kids will be the ones making decisions, leading the way, shaping our culture. 0:29 We golden opportunity to raise a generation of people who see the good inside each other, who are self-reflective, who do their best to understand different perspectives, who believe that multiple truths can exist at the same time. 0:49 I am so hopeful for the next generation. Why? Because you are their leader. You are their parent. They have a story strong leader who sees the good inside them, who models what it means to be empathetic and compassionate, who fosters an environment of open, safe communication, who encourages them to 1:14 think critically and embrace their individuality, who teaches them the value of kindness and respect. So when the news gets loud, remember that we can't control everything that happens outside our doors, but we can control ourselves, and that's how we best influence each other. 1:42 We can cultivate kindness and understanding within our home. We are preparing the leaders who will define the future of our country and our world. 1:55 Let's do it together. Thank you for being you and for being here. Bye for now.
Let's notice our body's impact on thinking to help our autistic graduates feel safer
Are shutdowns and meltdowns voluntary? Or are they our body’s way of managing our brain? Holly Bridges asserts that a shutdown or meltdown isn't willful, it's the nervous system that has learned a safety response to pain and fear. Let’s get aware of the body's impact on thinking so our autistic graduates can navigate life better. Here's my summary of Holly Bridge's theory and experience behind her Autism Refame Therapy. As parents of autistic graduates, we can teach people with autism how to feel calm in their bodies so they connect better with all their systems including social engagement. When we attune to which body-based calming activities help them get their nervous system centered, we can encourage them to practice those actions regularly. They'll feel better more often and may be able to negotiate life with more comfort. Holly Bridges | Autism and the Polyvagal Theory: Building emotional and physical resilience through body awareness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WShQJa-xUZQ&t=20s Holly Bridges | Autism Journeys August 2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-2PrDy5UJA Holly Bridges | Potency of Dorsal State https://otter.ai/u/gorFNR-h1QiBcdUvCi2f4qpUrkA?utm_source=copy_url More resources at https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison
When they refuse help...now what?
Why is avoidance such a common way we deal with life? First, let's recognize that we all refuse help. For example, it took me a year to complete the 24-hour urine test my doctor recommended because...well, it sounded so gross. I didn't want to do it. Now that I've done it, I've learned how to strengthen my body, in this case to keep my bones strong. Recently, one of my graduates struggled getting and keeping a good job. So I found help, we got him set up, and then he stopped attending meetings. Why does this happen and what can we do? Because, let's face it, in these situations we must focus on what WE can do. We know we can't change anyone else but us and change takes work. In this video I offer: 1 What autistic people NEED (not want) that those of us who love them can help them create, 2 Fifteen ways that I've found work to get through resistance, and 3 Eight ways I know don't work. For links to more resources, go to https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison
Where do we begin to increase independence?
I work with parents who seek me out to problem-solve with their autistic graduates through the tricky transition from school to work. Parents tell me they feel frustrated, defeated and exhausted. Their graduates feel anxious and overwhelmed, often escaping on screens where they find success even if it is virtual and they know they are avoiding getting things done. The traditional behavior-consequence approach doesn't seem to work. Independence is taking longer than anyone would like. They struggle to find a good job and run their life. In this video, I suggest we stop asking, "What's wrong?" and start with, "What's our struggle (both of us)?" and "What can we do to help?" I borrow Dr. Becky Kennedy's wisdom outlined in her book, GOOD INSIDE, and suggest we start with the most generous interpretation of whatever we're seeing. Then we connect our minds and bodies and outsmart the struggle together. That's how we increase independence and happiness in our families. For links to more resources, go to https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison
Stop!! You're Not Listening To Me!
The problem with parents is that we think we know best. To be fair, we often do. For sure we know we have our graduates' best interests at heart because we love them. Unfortunately, graduates often avoid listening to parents. They believe they've heard it already, or that their parents just don't understand them well enough to offer good options, or that they are just criticizing. To be fair, parents do tend to suggest, advise and criticize. Many of us struggle with the listening to each other. - We worry that listening to what seems like an overreaction is indulgent. - We might feel strange reflecting something that makes absolutely no sense to us. - We wonder if we could actually reinforce the inflexible response when we listen. But listening isn't about agreeing — it's about acknowledging others' emotions and experience -- and that they matter. It's letting them know that it's okay for them to feel what they feel so they can, over time, figure out how to tackle the challenge in a way that *works best for them.* Reflective listening is the NUMBER ONE skill to practice to best understand our graduates and ourselves. Here's how to practice it. For links to my resources go to https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison
Twice As Likely To Die?!? Why? What Can We Do?
I was appalled and dismayed when I read a recent study last week. It found that Autistic people 0 to 24 are 2x more likely to die that those without autism. The risk for mortality was even higher among autistic girls/women. A total of 857,994 individuals were included for analysis, 11,919 (1.4%) of whom were diagnosed with ASD. The ASD cohort had a higher proportion of boys/men (78.4%) relative to the control cohort (50.9%). Why is this tragedy happening? How do we beat the odds? In this week's podcast, I summarize the situation and share 11 recommendations we can try. Here are the links to the resources mentioned: Increased Risk of All-Cause Mortality Among Children, Young People with Autism: https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/hom... Alex Howard's Replay Videos of his 5-Day Decode Your Nervous System Program: https://www.decodeyournervoussystem.c... Autism Life Expectancy: https://www.songbirdcare.com/articles.... More here: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison
C'mon, Get Happy!
There's no doubt that we find happiness in the present. Even when we let our mind wander to happy topics, we are not as happy as we are when we are engaged in what we are doing, found Harvard Researchers. When we're not present, we aren't happy. Here I offer 4 ways to get focused on what we do. One starts the night before, one we can do all day, one describes how we relate, and the final sets the stage for better sleep, helping us focus the next day. More here: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison Music composed by Carly.
Practice 7 Habits to UpLevel Our Skills
We chip away at our challenges every day of the week using the 7 Adulting Habits, and then start again on Sunday. The struggles we face preparing our autistic graduates for life on their own seem to have no ending. They dig in their heels. We get discouraged. They argue and avoid doing anything. We give up, and then realize we can't. These 7 habits help us understand the challenge, connect our brain with our body, and figure out what to practice together. We start on Sunday and then begin again the next Sunday. We keep leveling up our skills to outsmart the struggles together. More here: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison
Can Regret Be Useful? It feels terrible.
I dedicate this video to all of us who wish we had done better. We can transform regret into a valuable learning experience. When we practice self-compassion, reframing regret as an opportunity for growth, and connect with others to extract lessons from past experiences we grow. Drawing on the wisdom of Daniel Pink's THE POWER OF REGRET, I identify four types of regrets and encourage us all to reframe them with self-compassion to move forward. Let's embracing regret as a tool to level up our life skills. More here: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison
They graduated. Now what?
It feels like we both 'fell off the cliff' when our autistic graduates graduated. It is now up to us to guide them and gather the supports they need to transition from school-defined to self-defined lives. Resources supporting their independence are scattered and take time to access. And what about us? We sure could use support. Where is the path? It's The Art of Adulting Roadmap. I introduced it at my last LIVE Workshop. This is the replay video. - Here is the edited transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mGL7zvN5pSrHcWYSzOHv9xlgJrHGROQyvljiqnlgBgg/edit?usp=sharing - Here is the workbook: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bKrGtUAR3yNTUJ1qyqeeenh7ykKRgpPSKlrkK4VjujM/edit?usp=sharing My roadmap condenses what I've learned parenting 6 alternative learners, several autistic, and growing up loving a family full of autists. I've used it myself, taught it to my autistic graduates and teach it LIVE inside my Art of Adulting Practice every week. More here: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison
Power UP to do what matters and get what you want
Here's how I get done what matters most to me. It's also how I encourage my graduates to do the work to build the life they want. I use the 3-2-1 Power UP! Tool daily. It energizes me. It's the #2 tool (#1 is STEAR Mapping) that electrifies my energy so I do my work. When we do it every day, we create satisfaction and pride . Then we can speak from experience when describing its powerful influence to our graduate. Here's the tool to encourage our autistic graduates to heal anxiety, escape less on screens and get done what matters. Take the next step: get the Autistic Adulting Roadmap LIVE Wednesday at 11 am Eastern, 8 am Pacific. Sign up here for the Zoom Link and email reminders: https://www.lynncdavison.com/pl/2147722700
BEST Advocacy Formula Ever by Dr. Neff
Here's my take on Dr. Megan Neff's Chapter, "Discover The Power of Self-Advocacy" from her new book SELF CARE FOR AUTISTIC PEOPLE available March 17, 2024. https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Autistic-People-Recharge-Stress/dp/1507221932/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705420281&sr=8-3 I'd love to help you and your family flourish. Here's your first step: get the Autistic Adulting Roadmap LIVE most Wednesdays at 11 am Eastern, 8 am Pacific. Sign up here for the Zoom Link and email reminders.
Dr. Megan Anna Neff reading "Discovering the Power of Self Advocacy” from her book, "Self-Care for Autistic People"
Dr. Megan Anna is a clinical psychologist specializing in the support and empowerment of neurodivergent adults through her expertise in neurodivergent affirming care and assessments. This episode is Dr. Neff reading the the chapter, "Discovering the Power of Self Advocacy” from her book, Self-Care for Autistic People, available March 19, 2024 I'd love to help you and your family flourish. I'm available most Wednesdays at 11 am Eastern, 8 am Pacific. Sign up here for the Zoom Link and email reminders.
Stop the Alarm! I need to be okay NOW!
Our anxiety alarm is sounding and we need immediate relief. We just need to get through this! What do we do? Here are 12 ways to silence the alarm. They don't heal only help short term. Still, we need lots of ways to press pause on our natural catastrophic thinking and feel the feelings in our bodies to ground ourselves in the present. That's a tall order, so let's practice, practice, practice all 12 !!! I'll answer your questions most Wednesdays at 11 am EST. Sign up for email reminders and the zoom link here: https://www.lynncdavison.com/pl/2147722700
How To Heal Anxiety In 2 Steps
Here's the second video in a series that takes what I've learned from Dr. Kennedy and other teachers to suggest a path to heal anxiety for good. I outline the 3 steps we practice to get relief from chronic alarms caused by anxiety. Alarms hurt so we avoid them. We distract ourselves (often on screens) so we don't feel their pain. Let's heal anxiety so we all can outsmart it for good and flourish. Get my help outsmarting struggles LIVE Wednesdays at 11:00 Eastern. Sign up for the Zoom Link and email reminders here: https://www.lynncdavison.com/pl/2147722700
Heal Anxiety For Good
In his book, Anxiety Rx, Dr. Russell Kennedy describes how he cured his anxiety in his 50s without pharmaceuticals or therapy, because those didn't work for him. He believes that, "to truly overcome anxiety, we must address both the mind and the body." I've seen our autistic graduates experience chronic anxiety that gets in the way of outsmarting struggles and increasing independence. It seems that neither pharmaceuticals nor therapy gives them lasting relief. What can be done? Here's the first video in a series that takes what I've learned from Dr. Kennedy and other teachers to suggest a path to heal anxiety for good. Questions? I'm LIVE most Wednesdays at 11 am Eastern to answer yours. Sign up for the Zoom Link and email reminders here: https://www.lynncdavison.com/pl/2147722700
Constructive Complaining for Respectful Resolutions
When you are at odds with your autistic graduate, you're unhappy with what the time they spend on screens or they haven't kept their promise to do a chore, what do you do? Here's a constructive way to respectfully complain. To outline what went wrong and what right would look like. Here's how to move from disharmony, through repair and back to connection in a respectful way. There's a prologue, 5 steps and an epilogue. Download a one page summary here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HVL0Ip0cCn4M0Q0Qwnl9jc2HD0jQYz-0/view?usp=sharing Watch the video at YouTube here: https://youtu.be/sN3_KJGrax0 This episode was inspired by my teacher, Terry Real. Here's his version at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79bbVhkZpAg
How to deal with automatic no's
How often do you get an automatic no? You've made a suggestion. You've offered an option. And the answer is no. Here's how to deal with it. It's the best solution I've ever found. It's from Susan Jeffers, whose book, "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" inspires me every day. It has sold more than 15 million copies. It's dynamite. Here's a 15-minute overview of her entire book and encourage you to read it yourself. You'll be inspired, and you will be empowered to help get past those automatic no's that we often experience with our autistic graduates who are trying to increase their independence, but are afraid. Do you have questions? I'll answer them live. https://www.lynncdavison.com/pl/2147722700
Why we attack when we're stressed
I've noticed that I sometimes attack others when I'm stressed and in defense mode. I've seen others in my family do the same thing. What's going on? We put others down to make ourselves feel better. One-up is the opposite of one-down. It's what we do when we're stressed and our self-esteem is fragile. When we act like a child. Terry Real calls it grandiosity in his recent book, US: Getting Past You and Me to Build a Better Relationship. He argues that psychology has done a pretty good job helping us build up our self-esteem when we feel one-down. But it has ignored the other end of the continuum when we attack to feel one-up. Here's a quick episode that not only explains why we one-up but also gives us a way to handle ourselves and our loved ones when we or they attack. Join me LIVE here: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison
Here's why they spend their days on screens
Young adults in the U.S. report twice the rates of anxiety and depression as teens. They report feeling on edge, lonely, directionless. They worry about financial security. Many are ‘achieving to achieve’ and find little meaning in either school or work. That's according to Harvard Graduate School of Education's study of seven hundred 18-25 year olds. What they didn't study is how autistic graduates feel. I haven't found a study that does, but I did find this study that concludes that autistic people are 4x more likely to experience depression over the course of their lives. So, I believe it is safe to say that our graduates are depressed and anxious more often that their peers who aren't autistic. Here's what we parents and grandparents can do to help. It's the roadmap we follow in The Art of Adulting I'd love to share that roadmap with you. I'm LIVE every Wednesday at 1 pm Eastern. Get the Zoom link and email reminders here: https://www.lynncdavison.com/registration-page-384bc86a-9275-4ef9-b9d8-01e952967e88
Flourish On Their Own Masterclass: Day 3
We covered how to outsmart anxiety: 3 characteristics of people with high anxiety LISTENING is always the first step to help 7 Essential Habits of Highly Adaptable Adults
Flourish On Their Own Masterclass: Day 2
How do we decide what to do next? What happens when we procrastinate doing it? How do we stop walking on eggshells afraid we'll upset them? I offered explanations and options in the second day of Flourish On Their Own. Do you have questions about Day 2? Join me most Wednesdays at 11 am Eastern and I will answer them LIVE. Here's where you sign up for the Zoom link and email reminders: https://www.lynncdavison.com/pl/2147722700
Flourish On Their Own: Masterclass Day 1
We'd love to see our autistic graduates flourish on their own. We'd like to flourish, too. Introducing the autistic adulting roadmap that turns into our life GPS taking us step-by-step into the life we want so everyone can flourish. Here's the first part: identifying our strengths so we can re-craft our life to use them more each day. The second part is when we get clear on what we will do next. That's the next episode. In the third episode, I offer tools to manage the anxiety that comes up for all of us and especially those with an autistic brain. Watch all three, then let's chat at my next live event: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison
12 Ways to Support Alternative Learners' Executive Functions
Here's a 10-minute summary of 12 ways to support our alternative learner's executive function from Seth Perler, founder of The Executive Function Online Summit (TEFOS). Seth is also an executive function coach who truly understands the challenges our kids face. Join me for a quick overview of practices that really help us support our autistic graduates. Download the PDF Summary of Seth's 12 Great Ideas here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GNc_IjLQBQaL-fOu69G8_Bvu0vlO0KhW8tGY39OiQSk/edit?usp=sharing What to figure our your next step? Talk to me about what's happening in your family. Pick a time to talk here.
7 Mistakes Undermine Autistic Independence
Today's episode is all about the 7 pitfalls to avoid that undermine independence. I love talking about these mistakes because I've made them all. Thank goodness my graduates forgive me. I'm ready to share my hard-earned wisdom as it might help you avoid making similar mistakes in the future. Here are the seven biggest mistakes that could undermine your autistic graduate's quest for independence. I guarantee that you'll walk away with at least one nugget of wisdome that you can apply today.
Flexible Mindsets to Increase Independence
Susannah Cole holds a MEd in developmental psychology and has grown her expertise throughout the past 25 years working in the field of education. She has taught at all levels from preschool through college. For decades, she worked in educational settings as an early childhood educator, integrated middle school teacher, a specialized autism therapist, learning support teacher and college professor. Her calling is to transform classrooms into spaces that center responsiveness, relevance and curiosity and where we can bring all of ourselves to our learning. In my interview with Susannah, we cover how to apply her approach at home: Metacognition. Believe and know we can get smarter. Notice what isn’t working and try something different. I CAN Message. Restrain helping to propel towards “I can…” persevere, innovate and be resilient. Executive Function. Everything is figure-out-able. Flexible Mindsets. Encourage curiosity through trial and error. Flexible Mindsets & Resilience. Productive puzzling requires (1) trusting relationships, (2) challenge, (3) solutions within reach, (4) multiple strategies and (5) opportunities for reflection. Flexible Mindsets and The Three C’s: Critical Thinking | Does it make sense? Complex Problem Solving | What else can we try? Creativity | What are the possibilities? Empower Our Graduates to Question + Solve + Imagine To build trusting relationships that strengthen capacities to ask questions, make mistakes and take risks for learning Join my next LIVE event here: https://linktr.ee/lynncdavison