Dr. Kristen Williamson on Neurospicy Brains: Autism, ADHD & Feeling Seen (Part 1)

What if the things you’ve always called “quirks” were actually your brain asking to be understood? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Dr. Kristen Williamson to discuss autism, ADHD, parenting neurodivergent kids, and the deep relief of finally feeling seen. Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a Help Us Bring This Award Home We’re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards – Best Mental Health Podcast. If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we’d be grateful for your vote. Voting is quick and easy: You do not need to sign up for PatreonOnce you hit submit, your vote is sent Vote here:https://shorturl.at/mpReA Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time. Mental Health Quote “We’re different, not less — and understanding your brain can turn overwhelm into empowerment.”— Dr. Kristen Williamson Episode Description In Part 1 of this two-part episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles welcome Dr. Kristen Williamson, licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, and proud ringleader of a self-described “neurospicy” family. What begins as a conversation about autism and ADHD quickly turns into a deeply validating discussion about identity, masking, sensory overload, and self-acceptance. Dr. Kristen shares what it was like to be diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life — and how that diagnosis reframed decades of confusion, anxiety, and self-blame. She opens up about parenting a neurodivergent child before fully understanding her own neurodivergence, and why women are so often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Together, the trio talks honestly about sensory overwhelm, everyday burnout, and why “functioning” doesn’t always mean thriving. From food textures and crowds to noise and emotional regulation, this episode gives language to experiences that many people have struggled to explain. This conversation isn’t about labels for the sake of labels. It’s about understanding your nervous system, honoring your needs, and letting go of the belief that you’re broken. Part 1 is about awareness, permission, and the power of finally realizing there’s nothing wrong with you — your brain just works differently. SEO Keywords: Dr. Kristen Williamson, neurospicy, autism, ADHD, neurodivergent adults, late autism diagnosis, women and ADHD, sensory overload, mental health podcast, parenting neurodivergent kids, masking, self-acceptance, emotional wellness Meet Our Guest — Dr. Kristen Williamson Dr. Kristen Williamson is a licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, and speaker specializing in autism, ADHD, and mental health. Diagnosed later in life herself, she blends clinical knowledge, lived experience, and humor to help individuals and families understand their brains and thrive without shame. Connect with Dr. Kristen:Website: http://www.empowermindsolutionsllc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573292573273#Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowermindsolutionsllc/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkristenwilliamsonTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerminds.solu?_t=ZT-8uIRNSOAKvW&_r=1 Key Takeaways Neurodivergence often presents differently in women and is frequently missed.Late diagnosis can bring relief and grief at the same time.Sensory overwhelm is information, not a personal failure.Masking may help you survive, but understanding helps you heal.Feeling seen can reduce anxiety, burnout, and shame. Actionable Items Start tracking what overstimulates you, including sounds, textures, crowds, and environments.Build in decompression time after social or sensory-heavy situations.Practice leading with curiosity instead of judgment — especially with yourself. References Mentioned Neurodivergent-affirming mental health careSensory regulation strategiesAutism and ADHD advocacy concepts Important Chapters 00:00 – Welcome and why this is a two-part conversationSetting the stage for a deeper discussion on neurodiversity and mental health.04:30 – Dr. Kristen’s late autism and ADHD diagnosisHow adulthood finally brought clarity to a lifetime of unanswered questions.09:45 – Autism and ADHD in womenMasking, perfectionism, and why so many women go unnoticed.15:00 – Sensory overload in everyday lifeNoise, crowds, food ...