Language matters, especially when it shapes how we, as neurodivergent people, are seen and understood. Conversations about an alleged "Autism epidemic" are everywhere—and can lead to misinformation, stigma, and feelings of shame for Autistic people and families. This episode aims to untangle the myths versus realities, providing crucial clarity and validation in a world full of loaded headlines.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the narrative that autism is an "epidemic" with Dr. Donna Henderson, an experienced neuropsychologist and co-author of Is This Autism? They discuss the real reasons behind the increasing rates of autism diagnosis, unpack harmful rhetoric, trace the shifting diagnostic criteria and historical context, and highlight what these changes mean for Autistic people today. The episode also offers insight into the lasting impact of stigma—and why representation and affirming conversation make a difference.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Gain accurate, research-driven explanations for rising Autism diagnosis rates—understand how changes in diagnostic tools, societal awareness, and self-identification impact the numbers, rather than believing harmful, epidemic-based narratives.
2. Learn how language like "epidemic" can shape public perception and personal identity, fueling unnecessary shame and fear, and creating barriers to self-understanding, safety, and acceptance for Autistic people.
3. Hear Dr. Donna Henderson’s expert insights and engaging stories, plus practical discussion about self-advocacy, changes in mental health fields, and the vital importance of community, representation, and historical context.

If you've encountered confusing headlines or faced questions about "what’s really going on with increased Autism discovery," this episode provides the clarity, validation, and nuanced perspective the neurodivergent community deserves.

More about Dr. Donna Henderson:

Dr. Donna Henderson has been a clinical psychologist for over 30 years. She is passionate about identifying and supporting autistic individuals, particularly those who camouflage, and she is co-author (with Drs. Sarah Wayland and Jamell White) of two books: Is This Autism? A guide for clinicians and everyone else and Is This Autism? A companion guide for diagnosing. Dr. Henderson’s professional home is The Stixrud Group in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she provides neuropsychological evaluations and consultations for children, adolescents, and adults who would like to understand themselves better. She is a sought-after lecturer on the less obvious presentations of autism, autistic girls and women, PDA, and on parenting children with complex profiles. She also provides case consultations and neurodiversity-affirmative training for other healthcare professionals.

• Dr. Donna Henderson's Website: drdonnahenderson.com
• You can grab Dr. Donna Henderson's books here: isthisautism.com
• Donna’s Trainings:
• Is This Autism? — Clinical Version
• Is This Autism? — For Everyone Else
• Dr. Neff’s article: Is Autism Really On the Rise:

Learning you’re Autistic or ADHD—whether through diagnosis, self-identification, or discovery—can spark relief, uncertainty, and a cascade of new questions. Navigating not only the process of finding out, but also what happens next, is a profound and often emotional journey for many neurodivergent adults.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss the fundamentals of neurodivergent identity discovery, exploring how people come to understand themselves as Autistic, ADHD, or both. They provide an honest look at diagnosis versus self-identification, address language preferences, discuss personal pathways to discovery (including stories about parenting neurodivergent kids), and examine the practical, emotional, and systemic barriers to formal assessment. The conversation covers common starter-pack questions, the importance of community support during this process, accommodations, and the real-world pros and cons of disclosure in educational and workplace settings.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Gain clarity on the different routes to neurodivergent self-understanding—whether through formal diagnosis or self-identification—and the language that feels most affirming and inclusive for our community.
2. Understand the real barriers (waitlists, cost, systemic hurdles, stigma) involved in seeking a diagnosis, and get valuable advice if you’re considering assessment for yourself or a loved one.
3. Learn practical guidance for navigating disclosure, accommodations, and imposter syndrome, with candid stories and encouragement from both hosts’ personal and professional experiences.

If you’re exploring your neurodivergent identity or supporting someone who is, this episode offers validating insight, real-world advice, and affirmation that every journey is unique.

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✨ Landmark College Success Center

Landmark College Success Center, located in San Mateo, California, provides academic support, executive function coaching, and transition-to-college skills training for neurodiverse learners, both in-person...

Understanding the root causes behind Autistic burnout symptoms can feel confusing, especially when physical symptoms are present but dismissed or misunderstood. Many in the neurodivergent community face not only emotional exhaustion but a web of hidden medical conditions that often go undiagnosed, leaving them searching for seemingly elusive answers and support.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, are joined by Dr. Mel Houser, an Autistic physician and founder of All Brains Belong, as they discuss the intricate connections between Autistic burnout and underlying health issues like mitochondrial dysfunction, post-exertional malaise (PEM), dysautonomia, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and mast cell activation. This discussion covers what happens on a cellular level during burnout, the importance of pacing and sensory adjustments, and why diagnostic overshadowing can be such a serious barrier to effective care. Dr. Houser also shares practical strategies, resources, and hopeful ways forward for those struggling with chronic fatigue, energy regulation, and co-occurring medical concerns.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Gain a deeper understanding of why Autistic burnout isn’t "just in your head"—this episode breaks down the science behind energy production, chronic illness, and how they intersect with neurodivergent experiences.
2. Discover pacing techniques, environmental adaptations, and supplements that may support recovery and energy management—plus get direct links to free resources designed specifically for neurodivergent adults.
3. Hear honest, validating conversation about grief, privilege, and agency while exploring what it really takes to honor energy access needs and navigate medical systems as an Autistic or ADHD adult.

If you or someone you care for battles constant exhaustion, brain fog, or unexplained physical symptoms, don’t miss this compassionate and practical conversation, and learn how Autistic burnout and chronic illness connect—and discover steps you can take to better support your body, brain, and well-being.

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not intended as medical advice.

More about Mel:

Dr. Mel Houser (she/they) is an Autistic family physician with a clinical focus on providing primary care for neurodivergent patients across the lifespan. She is the Founder and Executive Director of All Brains Belong VT, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in Montpelier, Vermont that uses universal design principles to provide neurodiversity-affirming medical care, social connection opportunities for all ages, and neurodiversity-related educational training. At age 37, Dr. Houser was diagnosed as autistic, ADHD, dyspraxic, dyslexic, and dyscalculic. She is also the parent of an autistic 6-year-old, who is her guru of so many keys to the universe.

• Website: allbrainsbelong.org
• Instagram: instagram.com/allbrainsbelongvt
• What the bleep can I eat?!: whatthebleepcanieat.com

All Brains Belong Resources:

• Everything is Connected to Everything: Improving the Healthcare of Autistic & ADHD Adults: allbrainsbelong.org/all-the-things
• Exploring ENERGY Equilibrium Strategies for Individuals who Experience Post Exertional Malaise (PEM) - allbrainsbelong.org/pem collab with Autism Level...