Amplifying Autism Podcast: Sharing Autistic Stories

Host Wendela Whitcomb Marsh interviews autistic authors and professionals to share their wisdom, insights, and words of encouragement for other late-diagnosed, high-masking, or self-identified autistic folk.

Amplifying Autism Podcast: Sharing Autistic Stories is a education podcast hosted by Wendela, with 27 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Wendela hosts Amplifying Autism Podcast: Sharing Autistic Stories, a education show with 27 episodes published.

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  Episode #27

  Autism & Conversation | The Seesaw & Double Dutch of Social Communication

  Sep 14, 20265 minS1

  Why can the back-and-forth of conversation feel so difficult when you’re autistic? In this solo episode of Amplifying Autism , we'll explore the unwritten rules and rhythms of social conversation through two familiar playground games, the seesaw and double dutch. Knowing when to speak, how long to wait, when to stop talking, and how to enter a fast-moving group conversation can require a surprising amount of effort. Wendy discusses what the DSM describes as a “failure of normal back-and-forth conversation” and challenges the idea that there is one “normal” way to communicate. Autistic people have their own conversational rhythms, but those rhythms may not always match the expectations of the neuro-majority. If you've ever wondered why you talk too much, struggle to find your turn, wait too long to speak, or feel lost in a group conversation, you may not be bad at communicating. You may simply have a different conversational rhythm. Takeaways: Autistic people may have different rhythms and timing when it comes to conversation. Knowing when to speak or enter a conversation can be especially difficult in groups. There isn't necessarily one “normal” way to communicate. Masking and creating conversational scripts can help autistic people navigate social situations. Social communication can become easier when you're around people who understand and share your communication style. Struggling with conversation doesn't mean you're bad at communicating. Understanding your own communication style can be an important part of understanding yourself. About Your Host: Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism . Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community. Books Available on Amazon Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm Thank You for Listening: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them. YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism Spotify & Apple Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

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  Episode #26

  Late Diagnosed Autism & Creativity | Finding Yourself & Beating Imposter Syndrome with Guest Sarah Teresa Cook

  Aug 31, 202622 minS1

  In this episode of Amplifying Autism , Wendy speaks with autistic writer and creative mentor Sarah Teresa Cook about discovering autism in her mid-30s, learning to understand her needs, and building a creative life that works with her neurodivergent brain rather than against it. Sarah shares how years of struggling with social, emotional and sensory experiences left her wondering if she was “just crazy” and believing she might have OCD. Discovering autism gave her a framework that finally made sense of her life and helped her better understand her experiences and show herself more compassion. Sarah also discusses her lifelong passion for creativity and her work mentoring neurodivergent writers and creatives. Through her Substack, For the Birds , and her monthly Resiliency Circle workshops, she creates supportive spaces where neurodivergent people can explore creativity without relying on rigid ideas about discipline, consistency, or productivity. Takeaways A late autism discovery can provide a framework for understanding experiences that never quite made sense before. Understanding your needs can be healing, even when you are still processing your diagnosis. Neurodivergent creativity may require approaches that account for changes rather than rigid routines. Imposter syndrome can be a major part of the late-diagnosis experience. Focusing on your lived experiences and the things that genuinely help you can make self-doubt easier to navigate. You can be a writer or creative even when you aren’t creating as consistently as you think you should. About Sarah Teresa Cook Sarah Teresa Cook is an autistic writer and creative mentor who works with neurodivergent writers and creatives to develop sustainable, affirming creative practices. She publishes For the Birds , a Substack newsletter exploring creativity and neurodivergence. She also hosts monthly workshops and Resiliency Circle gatherings for neurodivergent creatives. Sarah previously worked in frontline social services, including housing advocacy and working with foster children. Her writing has appeared in various publications. She is also currently working on her first nonfiction book about divergent creative practices. For the Birds: sarahcook.substack.com Website: sarahteresacook.com About Your Host: Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism . Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community. Books Available on Amazon Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm Thank You for Listening: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them. YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism Spotify & Apple Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

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  Episode #25

  Finding Yourself at 55: Late Autism Diagnosis, Career Success & Neurodiversity with Guest Peter Mann

  Aug 17, 202625 minS1

  What does it mean to discover you're autistic after decades of building a successful life and career? In this episode of Amplifying Autism , Wendy speaks with Peter Mann about his journey from a selectively mute child to a successful military officer, business leader, author, and advocate for neurodivergent inclusion. Peter was diagnosed with autism at 55, giving him a new perspective on experiences throughout his life. He shares how his ability to remain calm and hyper-focused during high-pressure situations became a strength in the military, while the social and political demands of the corporate world presented very different challenges. Peter also discusses alexithymia, masking, workplace toxicity, and the emotional process of looking back on your life after a late autism diagnosis. He shares how his experiences eventually inspired him to write about creating more inclusive workplaces and helping other neurodivergent people succeed. Takeaways: A late autism diagnosis can completely change how you understand your life experiences Traits that create challenges in some situations can become strengths in others Give yourself grace while processing a late diagnosis Neurodivergent people can thrive when workplaces are designed to support different ways of thinking and communicating You are not alone. There is a large and supportive neurodivergent community About Peter Mann: Peter Mann is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and advocate for neurodiversity in the workplace. After careers in the military and Fortune 100 companies, he now focuses on helping organizations create more inclusive environments for neurodivergent people. His book, The Perception Revolution , explores psychological safety, universal design, and creating workplaces where people don't have to rely on individual leaders to do the right thing. Website: shieldperception.com About Your Host: Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism . Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community. Books Available on Amazon Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm Thank You for Listening: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them. YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism Spotify & Apple Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

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  Episode #24

  The Journey to Self-Identification: ADHD, Autism & Neurodivergence with Guest Robin Korejko

  Aug 3, 202633 minS1

  What does it look like to discover your neurodivergence later in life, especially when you don't have a clear path to a formal diagnosis? In this episode of Amplifying Autism , Wendy speaks with Robin Korejko, an author, creator, and advocate who shares her journey from an ADHD diagnosis to self-identifying as autistic, building a neurodivergent family, and finding community through sharing her experiences online. Robin was formally diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, but began questioning whether autism might also explain many of her lifelong experiences after her son was diagnosed. She spent years researching, taking assessments, reflecting on her childhood, and examining the ways she had learned to mask. While she ultimately received an ADHD diagnosis, she continues to identify as autistic and has found autistic and neurodivergent resources invaluable in understanding herself. This episode explores why self-identification can be an important and valid part of the neurodivergent discovery process, particularly for adults and women who face barriers to formal autism diagnosis. Robin describes the "imposter syndrome" that can come with trying to understand yourself, and why the process is often much more complicated than simply deciding one day that you are autistic. Robin also discusses life in her five-person neurodivergent family. She, her husband, and their three children all have ADHD, while some members of the family are also diagnosed or suspected to be autistic. Robin shares how seeing different presentations of neurodivergence within her own family has helped her understand just how differently ADHD and autism can look from person to person. Takeaways: Discovering that you may be autistic or otherwise neurodivergent can be a long and complicated process, especially in adulthood Self-identification can involve years of research, reflection, and questioning rather than a sudden decision Neurodivergence can look very different from one person to another, even within the same family Finding other people who share your experiences can make the journey feel much less lonely. Social media can sometimes provide that sense of community and recognition for people who haven't found that support elsewhere You don't have to figure everything out at once. Taking one small step at a time can make self-discovery feel more manageable Your neurodivergent self-discovery can be a journey into understanding and embracing who you are. About Robin Korejko: Robin Korejko is an award-winning children's book author, creator, and neurodivergent advocate. She writes stories featuring neurodivergent characters and experiences, including The Littlest Empath , and shares her family's ADHD and neurodivergent experiences with a large online audience. Robin is formally diagnosed with ADHD and identifies as autistic. Her own self-identification journey began after her son was diagnosed, leading her to spend years researching autism, reflecting on her own experiences, and exploring the ways neurodivergence has shaped her life. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Right Now! Magazine , a publication created for neurodivergent people by neurodivergent people, featuring stories, articles, quizzes, artistic inspiration, and other resources for people exploring neurodivergence. Website: lily-walrus-d4yw.squarespace.com SubStack: @elliereedauthor Facebook: @KoreBooks About Your Host: Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism . Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community. Books Available on Amazon Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm Thank You for Listening: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them. YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism Spotify & Apple Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

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  Episode #23

  Mixed Marriages: When One Partner Is Autistic & One Isn’t | Neurodivergent Relationships

  Jul 20, 20266 minS1

  What happens when one partner is autistic or neurodivergent, and the other isn't? Can a "mixed" relationship really work? In this solo episode of Amplifying Autism , Wendy explores neuro-mixed marriages and relationships, where one partner is autistic or otherwise neurodivergent, and the other is neuro-privileged. Wendy shares from her own experience of being married to her late husband, David, who was autistic. Their marriage lasted 27 years, and while no relationship is without challenges, Wendy believes a neuro-mixed relationship can work, and work beautifully. One of the biggest challenges can be mixed signals: one partner says something, the other hears something completely different, and both may make assumptions about what the other person meant. But these misunderstandings don't have to become permanent problems. Couples can learn to turn mixed signals into fixed signals by understanding each other's communication styles, needs, and boundaries. Most importantly, the responsibility for making a neuro-mixed relationship work cannot fall entirely on either partner. An autistic partner shouldn't be expected to change everything about themselves to fit a neurotypical world, but the neurotypical partner shouldn't be expected to carry the entire burden of adapting either. Both people can learn, grow, communicate, compromise, and work toward a relationship where both partners' needs matter. Wendy also talks about how autistic and neurodivergent people find love in the first place. There isn't one special way to meet a partner. Relationships can begin through friendships, work, clubs, online dating, shared interests, or simply being in the same place at the right time. Takeaways: Neuro-mixed relationships can absolutely work when both partners are willing to understand and support one another Communication differences can create "mixed signals," but couples can learn to turn those mixed signals into clearer communication Solutions to relationship problems shouldn't fall entirely on one partner Neither partner should have to sacrifice their needs to make the relationship work Couples can work toward a middle ground where both people feel heard, valued, and supported A relationship is worth putting in the work to make it stronger About Your Host: Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism . Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community. Books Available on Amazon Relating While Autistic: Fixed Signals for Neurodivergent Couples by Wendela Whitcomb Marsh Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm Thank You for Listening: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them. YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism Spotify & Apple Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

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