Meet My Autistic Brain

In this conversation, author, screenwriter and teacher Claire McGowan shares what it’s been like to receive an autism diagnosis at 43 — and how that discovery is reshaping her understanding of her life, identity, and creative work. In this episode, we discuss: Claire also shares about the importance of talking about neurodiversity. Claire McGowan website https://www.clairemcgowan.co.uk/ Claire’s book The Other Couple https://www.clairemcgowan.co.uk/books Claire on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/clairemcgowanwriter Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Autism affects how autistics experience relationships by definition. Some of the best traits can either lead to problems or support us in succeeding. In this episode you’ll learn about why autistics pick the wrong partner and how you can change it. It’s a thoughtful episode about relationships, compatibility, and learning what to notice. Support the show RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Unmasking is an ongoing process of noticing when we’re performing, deciding what serves us, and making gradual adjustments, according to Essy Knopf therapist and author of “Unmasking: What We Lose by Pretending and How to Get It Back”. Essy shares his autism diagnosis at 25 and later recognition of ADHD, highlighting how masking and non-stereotypical presentations delayed identification. In this conversation Essy shares about: This episode offers a grounded discussion of identity, self-advocacy, and living more intentionally as a neurodivergent adult. Book: Unmasking: What We Lose by Pretending and How to Get It Back Website: https://essyknopf.com Check out Essy's YouTube channel Essy on Instagram Learn more about Sunsama! Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website

In this episode I chat with Natalie Diggins, technologist and author of The Autistic Adult's Toolbox. Natalie gives step-by-step strategies and tools that work for autistics. From parties to friendships to doctor’s appointments Natalie shares the toolbox she developed using her systems approach to problem solving. You’ll learn how to have a plan before socializing, how to save energy for what matters and how to recognize your limits. Using checklists, questionnaires, planners and scripts Leslie helps you find out what you really want and how to get there. Get all the details from the ingenious Natalie Diggins. Some of what you'll learn about: *How to prepare for a doctor's appointment or medical procedure *How to comfortably handle social situations *Three key strategies to make friendships easier Natalie's book: The Autistic Adult's Toolbox Learn more about Sunsama! Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website

Every day autistic people face the big question. We can stay hidden or we can be real. There’s no right or wrong answer…except maybe this one time? When have you been in a situation like this and what did you choose? Write to me at info@theautisticwoman.com Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website

Ever notice how nature calms you, music shifts your mood and soft textures make you feel amazing? Sensory processing plays a role in how autistic adults experience the world—yet it’s often misunderstood. In this episode, Donna Redman and occupational therapist Cindy Duffy unpack what sensory processing really is, how it affects emotional regulation and behavior, and why so many autistic adults spend years masking sensory discomfort. We talk about: The Secret Genius of Sensory Processing website The Secret Genius of Sensory Processing Quick Start Guide Learn more about Sunsama! Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website

Have you been told you’re “too sensitive?” Do you struggle to complete tasks or projects? Have you given up trying to find out why life seems hard? In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Gilly Kahn reveals why many women with ADHD are stressing themselves to appear normal and how the clinical world’s focus on young boys has left millions of women without answers. We talk about: Dr. Gilly Kahn’s website Book: Allow Me To Interrupt: A Psychologist Reveals the Emotional Truth Behind Women’s ADHD Dr Gilly Kahn on Instagram Learn more about Sunsama! Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website

You’re done and you don’t know why. The brain is turned off and no words come to mind. You might not move. You might cry. You might be desperate to be alone. This is what shutdown feels like. How do you recognize a shutdown and is there anything you can do to prevent it? This episode has some answers. Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website

What do you think of interoception? No, really, how do you feel about it? There are ways to get in touch with your mind, body and emotions. Learn how they’re connected and whether interoception is an issue for you. Learn more about Sunsama! Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website

You must have heard the all-too-often repeated myth that vaccines cause autism. It doesn’t stop there. The faulty information that’s spread about autism is worth knowing. Listen now. Remastered. Contact me at info@theautisticwoman.com with myths you've heard! Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website

Did you see that coming? At times an autistic person doesn’t have a clue about what can happen as a result of something they do. Here’s why it’s difficult to prepare for what may be obvious to others. The podcast benefits from each free trial of Sunsama. Sign up today! Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website

In this conversation we break down what it really means to be perceptive and why highly sensitive people excel in this area. Rachel Radway—who is autistic with ADHD—shares her incredible journey and wisdom from her award-winning book, Perceptive. She tells about learning she's autistic, tuning into her senses and understanding how she makes choices. She reveals the challenges and benefits of being an autistic person living in a highly sensory world. In this episode you'll discover how autistics are wired to be highly sensitive and inherently perceptive. Rachel Radway's website Rachel Radway's LinkedIn Book: Perceptive Learn more about Sunsama! Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website

Autistics can sometimes feel as though their emotions are out of control. This is a brain problem rather than a behavior problem. Learn how an autistic brain is wired to be susceptible to “amygdala hijack” with some tips for handling it. (Remastered) Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website

Decide to listen to this one again! It's all about making decisions. Should I or shouldn’t I? Now or later? New or used? So many choices, so little time. Learn why it can be hard for autistics to make decisions and what you can do that helps. Remastered Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website

In this episode I’m talking with Briane Webb, a teacher who takes a unique approach to learning. Briane is dedicated to a special kind of school experience, one that values individual differences and neurodiversity. She created a school called Webbsprout where her ideas can thrive. Our chat focused on Briane and what it’s like to be an autistic person. I’ve picked some gems from the full interview to share with you. Briane is candid about getting her diagnosis and about autistic strengths and trauma. There’s a lot of information in this clip from a longer conversation with Briane Webb. If you want to the longer version of this interview contact me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Briane's website: Webbsprout Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website

The focus on symptoms can make us lose sight of the strengths autistic people have like innovating, creating, designing systems, improving business, teaching and more. Strengths are the other side of autistic symptoms and what makes us exceptional. Hear the ways autistics bring value to the world. Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website

Ready to turn your passion into a profession? We talked with experts Marlene Sharp and Judi Uttal from Autism in Entertainment Workgroup about a vital topic: increasing employment for autistic individuals in the entertainment industry. We dive into why autistic traits make us uniquely suited for this industry, where to get support and what you need to know to get started. Whether it’s film, game design, animation, acting, and something in between you’ll hear amazing advice about how to make it in the industry. Listen to this lively chat with Marlene and Judi as we put autism in entertainment in the spotlight. Check the website for upcoming events and more: Autism in Entertainment Website Bios: Marlene Sharp is a creative and business-savvy entertainment multi-hyphenate who originally hails from New Orleans and moved to San Fernado Valley. Firmly ensconced in LA life, she is top dawg at Pink Poodle Productions. She serves as producer, story editor, and writer on the forthcoming animated TV series Mongly Syndrome: K-Pop Odd Couple from ENPIX Animation Studio and Educational Broadcast System in Korea. Noteworthy media consulting clients and co-conspirators include Autism in Entertainment, God’s Gang, Orange County Asperger’s Support Group, GameU, Spectrum Laboratory, Rubber Ninja, Katamaco and more. Prior to Pink Poodle Productions, she was director, production at Level 5 abby, home of Yokai Watch and other Japanese hit video game-based franchises. She even worked with the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise at SEGA as well. Marlene is a 5+ year ally of the autism community, and she grows more enthusiastic each day. This passion started with a consulting role at The Center for Learning Unlimited and companion animation studio Brainstorm Productions and swelled to collaborations with multiple artists on the spectrum including the bunch of performers whom she represents via Sandstone Artists Management. She is exceptionally proud of the ongoing Laugh Factory neurodivergent comedy nights which she established alongside Rob Kutner, Mike Rotman, Judi Uttal, Maja Watkins, Autism in Entertainment, the Miracle Project and Spectrum Laboratory. Judi Uttal is the founder and the mastermind behind the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup. She led the effort to host the amazing Autism In Entertainment Conference held on April 5, 2024, and continues to drive and expand the effort to increase employment of talent on the autism spectrum in the entertainment Industry. Judi is the president of the Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG), a nonprofit organization improving the quality of life for individuals and families dealing with high-functioning autism and the parent organization of Autism In Entertainment. For the last twelve years, Judi has been leading the OCASG Toastmaster Gavel Club. Meeting monthly, this innovative organization has helped individuals on the spectrum i Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website

It’s complicated. Each day an autistic person handles both autism and life’s challenges. It takes energy and skill. Here are some tips to help cope with autistic life. (Remastered) Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website

In this episode, I’m chatting with Wendela Whitcomb Marsh whose career has included working with autistics and providing assessments. Many people struggle with whether to get one, what to look for in someone doing the assessment and how to adjust to the news of a diagnosis. If you’ve struggled with these questions this episode provides the answers. Website and books Email Info@WendelaWhitcombMarsh.com TikTok @wendela50 Facebook wendy.w.marsh.3 The SWAN Church: Scripture & Worship for All Neurotypes Learn more about Sunsama! Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website

Do you recognize that underlying feeling as if you’re always tired? Being autistic can be difficult. Masking, socializing and trying to fit in drain our energy and lead to autistic fatigue. Here are some ideas for how to get some relief. Support the show Sunsama free trial: https://try.sunsama.com/xi4blkokndgk RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads! If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com. Instagram Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon Linktree Email: info@theautisticwoman.com Website