In this episode of Autistic FM, I’m joined by Nick—co-host of the On the Spectrum podcast and all-around thoughtful human. We get into some real talk about his path to understanding his own neurodivergence, starting with what it was like growing up surrounded by neurodiverse folks at a time when the language around all of this was… well, kind of a mess.

Nick opens up about parenting a child diagnosed with autism and how that experience cracked open a whole new layer of self-awareness for him. There’s a lot of heart here—stories about figuring things out late, learning to connect the dots backward, and finding clarity in places he didn’t expect.

We also laugh a lot, and dig into what it means to live in a world that’s just starting to “get” neurodivergence. This one’s for anyone who’s ever looked around and thought, “Wait… am I the weird one?” (Spoiler: it’s not a bad thing.)

Topics Covered in Episode 39

• Understanding Neurodiversity: Nick shares his experiences growing up within a neurodiverse environment and how societal views have changed.

• Parenting a Neurodivergent Child: Insights into navigating and supporting the journey of raising a child diagnosed with autism.

• Self-Discovery and Acceptance: The importance of accepting one's identity and the challenges of societal perceptions and personal growth.

About Nick

Nick is the enthusiastic co-host of the On the Spectrum Podcast, where he brings his perspectives and personal experiences to discussions about neurodivergence. With a background rich in encountering various aspects of autism, Nick advocates for understanding and acceptance, encouraging open conversations to help bridge gaps in knowledge and empathy within society.

Content Warnings

Please note that this episode contains discussions of neurodivergence, mental health, and the use of potentially distressing language or coping mechanisms. Listener discretion is advised as you take care of your own mental health.