In this episode of Autistic FM, we welcome Bekkah, also known as Autism Bekkah online, who shares her profound journey of navigating life as a neurodivergent individual. Bekkah opens up about the challenges she faced in seeking a diagnosis and the cascading effects it had on her understanding of herself and her family. This episode dives deep into her experiences of parental responsibilities and personal awakenings, offering listeners an intimate look at the nuances of neurodivergence.

Bekkah's story is one of resilience and insight, exploring how she has learned to manage her mental health while juggling significant life changes. From dealing with neurological Lyme disease to the complexities of parenting autistic children, her tale is both educational and inspiring. Bekkah offers a heartfelt perspective on autism, mental health, and the importance of recognizing and meeting personal needs through self-care and acceptance.

We dig into how Bekkah approaches burnout recovery, discovering joy amidst chaos, and the necessity of creating safe spaces for relaxation. Her candid reflections on sensory needs and overcoming societal expectations provide valuable insights for anyone grappling with similar challenges.

Topics covered in Episode 36

• Neurodivergence and Diagnosis: Bekkah shares her path to receiving a formal autism diagnosis and the impact on her identity and family dynamics.

• Mental Health and Burnout: Insights into managing burnout and maintaining mental health while balancing parenting and personal health challenges.

• Self-Care and Sensory Needs: Discovering how Bekkah finds joy in daily life and accommodates her sensory preferences for better well-being.

About Bekkah

Bekkah is a late-diagnosed autistic woman and the proud mother of four children, all of whom are also on the spectrum and have a range of support needs. She is passionate about sharing her journey and advocating for both the autistic and broader disability communities. With a wealth of lived experience, Bekkah has many stories to tell.

She stands for love, kindness, harm reduction, access to proper medical care, equal rights, safe spaces, increased awareness, and real, actionable support for those in need. Bekkah believes deeply in the power of community and the importance of accommodations for people with disabilities—because, in her words, “we really are all in this together.” 🫶🏽

About Bekkah

📎 Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/autismbekkah

📱 TikTok: @AutismBekkah

📸 Instagram: @BekkahsAutistic

📘 Facebook: Bekkah On The Spectrum

Content warnings

This episode includes discussions on mental health struggles, medical and health conditions, and the challenges of autistic burnout and recovery. Please take care while listening.

In this episode of Autistic FM, we are joined by Catherine Brunton, a passionate advocate for neurodivergence and mental health awareness. Catherine shares her personal journey of navigating life with a late autism diagnosis intertwined with her struggle with addiction. Her story is one of revelation, resilience, and the transformative power of understanding oneself amidst the challenges of neurodiversity.

Catherine opens up about the profound impact of uncovering her neurodivergent identity, which she discovered through her family's history and her own experiences. She candidly discusses the role addiction played in her life as both a coping mechanism and a barrier to self-awareness. Through her heartfelt narrative, she illuminates the complexities of living authentically while processing grief and acceptance.

Our conversation explores Catherine's efforts to cultivate a supportive environment, shedding light on how embracing neurodiversity has reshaped her perspective and allowed her to build meaningful relationships. She provides invaluable insights into how self-acceptance and seeking supportive communities can lead to healing and empowerment.

Topics covered in Episode 21

• Self-Discovery and Acceptance: Catherine's journey towards understanding her neurodivergent identity and the impact of a late autism diagnosis.

• Addiction and Coping Mechanisms: The intersection of substance abuse and neurodivergence, and how it has shaped Catherine's life and recovery.

• Building Supportive Communities: Strategies for creating inclusive environments and the importance of surrounding oneself with understanding peers.

About Catherine

Catherine Brunton is a late-diagnosed AuDHD (Autistic and ADHD) and dyslexic mother, as well as an outspoken advocate for neurodivergence awareness and mental health. Born and raised in the UK, she has spent the last four years on a profound healing journey after overcoming addiction and domestic abuse. Through this experience, she discovered her unique neurotype, which sparked her passion for sharing her story and supporting others who face similar challenges.

Currently based in Toronto, Catherine is preparing to launch her own business as an AuDHD life coach, driven by her desire to help people embrace their authentic selves. She also finds healing and inspiration in spirituality—particularly tarot and astrology—along with nature and somatic therapy practices. A single mother of two neurodiverse teenagers, Catherine and her family are proudly queer and dedicated to celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ life in their new home city.

Catherine’s advocacy emphasizes acceptance, community building, and the transformative power of embracing one’s identity. She shares her experiences, insights, and day-to-day life on Instagram (@myfamilyandotheranimals2024) and TikTok (@audhdcoach2), with the hope of uplifting others and fostering a more inclusive world.

Content warnings

Please note that this episode includes discussions of addiction and substance abuse, experiences of trauma and suicidal ideation, as well as references to sexual assault. Please take care of yourself and listen as feels right for you.

In this introspective episode of Autistic FM, host Haje Kamps takes center stage as he delves into his journey of receiving an autism and ADHD diagnosis. This episode offers a candid exploration of Haje's path to understanding his neurodiverse identity, reflecting on experiences and realizations that crescendoed in a formal diagnosis. Haje shares the emotional landscape of unraveling a lifetime of neurodivergent experiences, from the nuances of self-recognition to the official confirmation of autism and ADHD.

Listeners are invited into a deep personal narrative that reveals the complexities of living with undiagnosed neurodivergence for many years. Haje discusses his strategies for coping with sensory overload, the intricate dance of social interactions, and the often unrecognized effort it takes to mask autistic traits in everyday life. By sharing his story, Haje aims to shed light on the internal journey of acceptance and understanding that accompanies such a profound discovery.

Throughout the episode, Haje provides insights into the broader implications of an autism and ADHD diagnosis, highlighting both the relief and the ongoing challenges. He ponders the path forward, considering how this newfound knowledge will influence his personal growth and work, and discusses the support systems that will help him thrive in a neurotypical world.

Topics Covered in Episode 35

• Autism and ADHD Diagnosis: Haje walks through the entire diagnostic process, sharing the emotional and cognitive steps involved in receiving a dual diagnosis.

• Masking and Social Dynamics: An exploration of how masking autistic traits has impacted Haje's life, relationships, and understanding of self.

• Mental Health and Acceptance: Reflections on the mental health challenges entwined with living undiagnosed, and the journey toward self-acceptance and advocacy.

About Haje

Haje Kamps is the host of Autistic FM, a podcast devoted to exploring the diverse experiences and stories within the neurodivergent community. Known for his articulate storytelling and insightful interviews,

Haje shares his personal insights on navigating life with autism and ADHD, providing a resonant voice for listeners around the world. He continues to use his platform to foster understanding and advocate for authentic neurodivergent narratives.

You can find him where you find Autistic FM :-)

Content Warnings

This episode contains mentions of autism and ADHD diagnoses, mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression, experiences with bullying, and the pressures of masking in social situations. Please take care of yourself and listen accordingly.