neuro-affirming

Self-Care: The Autistic Caregivers spotlights Autistic adults who find themselves as caregivers, offering practical strategies for managing triggers, setting boundaries, and seeking help while coordinating medical appointments and communications with health professionals. Cheryl Cowen, an Autistic nurse and caregiver, along with Philip, share personal stories and tips from their experiences. Transcripts in mult...

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...

This episode explores how practicing the pause can regulate the nervous system, build self-trust, and reduce burnout, especially for Autistic, ADHD, and other neurodistinct people. Hosts Philip and guest Carol Jean Whittington delve into how awareness, compassionate curiosity, and small, self-directed pauses help you notice impulses without rushing to respond, while also addressing late identification, identity...

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 talk with Philip about creating and maintaining a safe, welcoming space for neurodivergent queer people at Queermunity, an AuDHD-owned community center. They share the steps they take to ensure everyone can be themselves, whether they’re there to talk, eat, or simply be present. Transcripts are available in multiple accessible formats and languages for easy listening...

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 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...

Go to todaysautisticmoment.com for the transcripts. What are boundaries? Do Autistics know what our boundaries are? How do Autistics communicate with others as to what their boundaries are? How do our caregivers who may not be Autistic communicate their boundaries to us? Whom do we really harm when we do not maintain our boundaries? Becca Lory Hector talks with Philip to answer these questions and many others a...