autistics thrive

In Self-Care: The Autistic Caregivers Ad Free Plan Version, hosts Philip and Cheryl Cowan explore practical self-care for Autistic caregivers facing sudden, prolonged, or end-of-life caregiving, with a focus on protecting energy, preventing burnout, and building support before a crisis hits. They share concrete strategies—from routines and boundaries to sensory-friendly setups and clear communication with healt...

In this installment of the Summer of Self-Care series, Dr. Jessica Hicksted and Philip explore Navigating Trust, focusing on how Autistic Adults set and honor boundaries, say no, and recognize online red flags. They discuss trusting one’s instincts, addressing societal biases, and finding safe spaces for self-care and support. The episode builds on previous talks about boundaries and the power of pause, offerin...

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Hicksted helps Autistic and neurodivergent listeners navigate trust with practical strategies for protecting energy, setting boundaries, and building self-trust without cutting off meaningful connection. The conversation highlights red flags such as pressure, flattery, gaslighting, and isolation, and links them to nervous system regulation and the window of tolerance. Viewers are gu...

In Self-Care: Practicing the Pause, Carole Jean Whittington and Philip explore how pausing before reacting can boost self-awareness, reclaim autonomy, and preserve the power of choice for Autistic individuals. Building on the nervous-system fundamentals discussed previously, the episode highlights how the pause supports late-identified autistics and ADHDers as they navigate societal negativity across intersecti...

Dr. Megan Anna Neff and Philip explore how the nervous system works, focusing on the autonomic system, fight/flight, and freeze responses, as well as the concepts of hyper- and hypo-arousal and the window of tolerance. The conversation offers practical self-care strategies to help manage daily life and better regulate one’s nervous system. Transcripts are available at todaysautisticmoment.com and in accessible ...

In this Ad Free episode, Dr. Megan Anna Neff explains how summer can push the Autistic nervous system beyond its window of tolerance and why self-care is essential for protecting capacity, clarity, and well-being. She breaks down the autonomic nervous system with practical cues for recognizing hyperarousal, hypo-arousal, shutdown, and the freeze response, and offers concrete, personal tells to monitor stress, f...

In this episode, Hilary Otey and Coda Brucki discuss Queermunity, a rare safe space designed to meet real nervous-system needs of autistic and queer community members through low-sensory programming, accessible design, and affirming care. They explore practical safety measures, staff training, accommodations, and community support that allow people to show up as their true selves—even under pressure like citywi...

In Proud, Autistic and Queer, Coach Lee Hopkins and Philip discuss how Autistic and Queer individuals defend their dignity and right to exist in the face of negativity from government and media. They share their personal journeys toward pride and offer practical ways to find and build affirming, inclusive communities, with transcripts available in dyslexia-friendly format and multiple languages (Spanish, German...

This episode dives into how grief can leave Autistic people feeling unrecognizable, exploring what “finding yourself again” can look like and how support can be genuinely helpful without rushing the process. Lisa Morgan joins Philip to unpack disrupted routines, alexithymia, and other real-life challenges—from late Autistic identification to disenfranchised grief—and to offer grounded language and practical ste...

In this episode, Gaby, a Minnesota Independence College & Community alum, speaks with Philip about finding authentic community and friendships during her college experience. She discusses participating in excursions and how the Ambassador's Class prepared her to be a guest on Today's Autistic Moment, with many friendships forming through the intersectional MICC family. Transcripts are available on the linked pa...