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Why Autistic Brains Struggle with Sleep | Brain Trash Podcast

In this episode of Brain Trash, Maria Ingalla and Tabitha Arey unpack the science and lived experiences behind sleep struggles in autistic individuals. From melatonin dysregulation and altered sleep architecture to sensory processing and behavioral cycles—this episode digs into why sleep is so often misunderstood in neurodivergent care.

Whether you’re a provider, parent, or navigating your own neurodivergent sleep landscape, this one’s for you.

Topics Covered:

• Why melatonin works differently in autistic people
• What sleep architecture really looks like in autism
• How sensory needs affect rest
• The role of medication and when to consider it
• Why structure is more than just a bedtime routine

🎧 Subscribe for more episodes on autism, psychiatry, and neurodivergent mental health.

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In this episode of Brain Trash, hosts Maria Ingalla and Tabitha Arey take a brutally honest look at what psychiatric diagnosis actually means in 2025. From rushed 15-minute appointments to diagnosis codes written for insurance companies—not care—this episode unpacks the messy, outdated system we're all stuck in.

We dive into:

• How ICD-10 and DSM coding shapes your treatment
• The dangers of misdiagnosis (especially for neurodivergent folks)
• Why screeners don’t tell the full story
• The stigma and identity confusion that comes with labels
• What we really need from a modern diagnostic system

Whether you're a provider, patient, or someone navigating your own diagnosis, this one’s for you.

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RFK's proposed Autism Registry isn’t about public health—it’s about power.

This week on Brain Trash, we dive into the controversial Autism Registry plan and what it means for neurodivergent communities. We discuss how data collection can be weaponized, why environmental blame narratives are harmful, and how this policy might impact access to services.

We’re calling it what it is: a dangerous precedent.

Hear the truth and download our free guide at paperflowerinstitute.com

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Is it clumsiness — or is it dyspraxia?

In this episode of Brain Trash, Maria Ingalla and Tabitha Arey break down what developmental coordination disorder (dyspraxia) actually looks like — and why so many neurodivergent people are going undiagnosed.

We talk about:

• Why dyspraxia is way more than just being “bad at sports”
• What dyspraxia means for motor skills, daily living, and mental health
• The real impact on kids and adults navigating a world not built for their brains
• The role of therapy, medication, and practical support
• Teaching strategies that actually work
• And why neurodivergence deserves more understanding — not more shame.

If you've ever been called “lazy” or “uncoordinated” when your brain just works differently — this episode is for you.

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In this conversation, Maria Ingalla and Tabitha discuss the implications of a new executive order related to child abuse prevention, focusing on the controversial topic of gender ideology and its perceived threat to children. They explore the realities of child abuse, the impact of trauma, and the importance of support for trans youth. The discussion highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare providers in the current political climate and emphasizes the need for advocacy and education to ensure the well-being of all children.

• The new executive order on child abuse prevention raises concerns.
• Gender ideology is framed as a threat to children's well-being.
• Actual child abuse statistics reveal different perpetrators than suggested.
• Trauma significantly impacts children's mental health and behavior.
• Legislation affects access to care for trans youth.
• Misconceptions about gender-affirming care are prevalent.
• Suicide rates among trans youth are alarmingly high.
• Support from adults can drastically reduce suicide risk.
• Healthcare providers face ethical dilemmas in their practice.
• Advocacy and education are crucial for informed decision-making.

Video is available on Youtube and the Podcast is available everywhere!

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Summary
Psychiatric meds but make it a high school yearbook superlative. 🏆 In this episode of Brain Trash, Maria and Tabitha dive into the chaotic world of mental health medications—who’s the MVP, who’s most likely to ruin your sex life, and who’s the overachiever you can’t live without. From SSRIs and benzodiazepines to ADHD meds, we’re breaking down what they do, their side effects, and the real conversations doctors aren’t always having. Plus, let’s talk about what no one wants to admit—meds affect sexual health, dependency, and how we function daily. We’re making the conversations around psych meds transparent, unfiltered, and a little unhinged (as it should be).

Takeaways
✔ Psychiatric meds can absolutely be ranked like high school superlatives—because why not?
✔ SSRIs (Lexapro, Zoloft, etc.) are commonly prescribed but affect everyone differently.
✔ Stacking Wellbutrin with SSRIs can help mitigate sexual side effects.
✔ Benzos (Xanax, Ativan) work fast but can lead to dependency & withdrawals.
✔ Seroquel? The “knocks-you-out” MVP of sedation.
✔ ADHD meds are vital, but stigma makes them misunderstood.
✔ Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction is a real issue that no one talks about enough.
✔ Open convos about medications, sexual health, and side effects need to happen more.
✔ Adderall’s hype is real, but misinformation makes it a hot topic.
✔ The psych med convo needs more honesty, less stigma, and better transparency.

Chapters
⏳ 00:00 – Intro: Mental Health Meds & Their High School Awards
📖 00:36 – Superlative Awards for Psychiatric Medications
🍆 04:34 – The Impact of SSRIs on Sexual Health (Let’s Be Real)
💊 09:56 – Benzodiazepines: Fast-Acting but High Risk
⚡ 11:32 – The Stimulant Debate: ADHD Medications & Social Stigma
🎤 21:11 – Closing Thoughts & What Needs to Change

🎧 Listen Now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & ANYWHERE you get your podcasts!

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Episode Summary:
Mental health is under fire—again. In this episode, Maria and Tabitha break down the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ executive order and its dangerous implications for people with autism, ADHD, and mental health conditions. From medication access to Big Pharma’s grip on treatment options, we’re exposing the misinformation fueling public fear and the real consequences of misguided health policies.

• Why are mental health diagnoses like autism and ADHD being questioned?
• Who decides what treatments are “valid” or “necessary”?
• How much control does Big Pharma really have?

We’re diving deep into the political, financial, and systemic forces shaping mental health care, medication access, and military disqualifications—because this isn’t just about policy. It’s about real people, real lives, and real consequences.

Key Takeaways:

• Mental health medications are under threat, leaving many patients worried about losing access to essential treatment.
• The executive order questions the validity of psychiatric research, fueling harmful narratives about autism and ADHD.
• Autism and ADHD aren’t “new” conditions—but society’s understanding is evolving, and that’s a good thing.
• Many parents struggle to accept their child’s neurodivergence, seeking to “fix” them instead of supporting them.
• The military’s exclusion of people with mental health conditions raises serious ethical concerns about inclusion and discrimination.
• Yes, nutrition and lifestyle matter—but medications play a vital role, and we need both, not one over the other.
• The commission behind this executive order is full of red flags, with unqualified members making critical health decisions.
• Big Pharma controls more than we realize, influencing medication availability, public perception, and government policy.
• Misinformation spreads faster than facts—and it’s harming the people who need treatment the most.
• The future of psychiatric medications is being shaped by political agendas, financial interests, and systemic biases—so we better start paying attention.

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Summary
In this episode, Maria and Tabitha explore the intricate connections between neurodivergence and connective tissue disorders, particularly focusing on Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and POTS. They discuss the prevalence of these conditions in women, the role of collagen in bodily functions, and the challenges faced by patients in the healthcare system, including gaslighting and misunderstandings in treatment. The conversation emphasizes the need for better education, advocacy, and understanding among healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes.

Takeaways:

• Neurodivergence and connective tissue disorders often overlap, especially in women.
• Research on these conditions is limited, particularly regarding sex differences.
• Collagen plays a crucial role in connective tissue health and related disorders.
• Patients with POTS often experience symptoms that are misattributed to anxiety or neurodivergence.
• Gaslighting in healthcare can lead to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment.
• Understanding autonomic dysfunction is key to addressing symptoms in patients with POTS.
• Stimulants may actually help patients with POTS rather than worsen their symptoms.
• Education and advocacy are essential for patients navigating the healthcare system.
• Healthcare providers need to listen to and validate their patients' experiences.
• Arming patients with knowledge can empower them to advocate for their health.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Neurodivergence and Connective Tissue Disorders
00:27 Patterns in Neurodivergence and Connective Tissue Disorders
04:55 The Role of Collagen in Health
06:49 Understanding Autonomic Dysfunction
10:39 Gaslighting in Healthcare
16:17 Treatment Approaches and Misunderstandings
19:35 Advocacy and Seeking Care

#neurodivergence #connectivetissuedisorders #ehlersdanlos #EDS #podcast #psychiatry #ADHD #autism #POTS #mentalhealth #gaslighting #healthcare #advocacy #mentalhealthawareness

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