[FLASHBACK - Episode 44] Adult Autism: Neurodivergent Insights [featuring Megan Neff]

I was diagnosed as Autistic at 35 years old. Adult Autism Diagnosis is becoming increasingly more common as we learn more about it and have more advocacy and awareness around it. Adult Autism Diagnosis — How many of us have been overlooked, misunderstood, and searching for lifelong answers? Dr. Megan Neff and I speak about our own experiences as autistic people and therapists, and how to build lives that work for us. We are hoping that people listening are able to feel validation, support, and acceptance. Some of the things that we talk about: Special Interests (my Garfield and beanie baby collection) Our own experiences as autistic adults, mental health therapists, and entrepreneurs Our own "ah-ha" moments Misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis Liberation and Grief behind diagnosis and understanding "I'm around people I love but I just can't take it in." "I can't enjoy things that are supposed to be enjoyable." – Megan The paradox of masking — liberation vs. torturous exhaustion More about Megan: Dr. Megan Anna Neff has a doctorate in clinical psychology and is currently a psychology resident in private practice where she specializes in working with neurodivergent adults and provides neurodivergent affirming assessments. They are a parent to two neurodivergent children and in an inter-neuro partnership. She is a late-in-life diagnosed autistic-ADHDer who is passionate about educating the mental health field on non-stereotypical presentations of autism and ADHD.  Neff has co-authored two books, published in several peer-reviewed psychological journals and serves as a peer-reviewer for APA journals. She has a passion for research and for translating research into visualizations. You can also find their work on Instagram (@Neurodivergent_Insights) where they turn peer-reviewed academic articles into visual pixels one post at a time. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast here 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️Google 🗨️ Join the free All Things Private Practice FB Community  ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– A Thanks to Our Sponsors: Alma, Therapy Notes, & The Receptionist for iPad ✨ Alma: I would also like to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode. Alma makes it easy and financially rewarding to accept insurance. When you join their insurance program, you can get credentialed within 45 days and access enhanced reimbursement rates with major payers. They also handle all of your paperwork from eligibility checks to claim submissions, and they guarantee payment within two weeks of each appointment. You can also attract clients who are the right fit for your practice with a free profile in Alma's searchable directory. Additionally, Alma offers time-saving tools and administrative support, so you can spend less time on paperwork and more time delivering great care to your clients. Get your first month free with Alma by visiting helloalma.com/ATPP. ✨Therapy Notes: I would also like to thank Therapy Notes for sponsoring this episode. TherapyNotes™ is a complete practice management system with everything you need to manage patient records, schedule appointments, meet with patients remotely, create rich documentation, and bill insurance, right at your fingertips. Their streamlined software is accessible wherever and whenever you need it. Go to therapynotes.com and get 2 free months when you use code ATPP. ✨ The Receptionist for iPad: I would also like to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.