Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has long been misunderstood, especially in women and girls. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Brady Bradshaw and Dr. Allison Brazendale, two experts in adolescent and adult mental health, to break down why ASD is often underdiagnosed in females. We dive into pink flags, the subtle signs that might indicate ASD, and discuss why so many girls and women go undiagnosed for years. Plus, we explore the overlap between ASD and ADHD, the role of sensory sensitivities, and how understanding ASD can lead to greater self-acceptance and connection.

Episode Highlights:

[00:03] – Welcome back! Introducing our expert guests, Dr. Brady Bradshaw and Dr. Allison Brazendale, and today’s topic: ASD in women and girls.

[01:55] – Why is autism so often underdiagnosed in females? Breaking down outdated stereotypes and the challenges of diagnosis.

[04:18] – Pink flags: The subtle early signs of ASD in girls that are often overlooked.

[06:50] – The effortful nature of social interactions and why masking can be exhausting.

[09:56] – How girls on the spectrum struggle with friendships and group dynamics.

[12:36] – The overlap between ADHD and autism—how to tell the difference.

[14:45] – What’s happening in the brain? Understanding the neurobiological differences of ASD.

[23:37] – Sensory sensitivities: Why environments like grocery stores can feel overwhelming.

[26:25] – Breaking the stigma: How the conversation around ASD is shifting, and why some are resistant to the diagnosis.

[33:13] – Signs of ASD in adult women—what to look for if you suspect you or someone you know might be on the spectrum.

[38:45] – ASD and relationships: Challenges in communication, perspective-taking, and emotional connection.

[47:55] – The strengths of ASD: Deep focus, intelligence, and unique ways of seeing the world.

Resources:

Dr. Brady Bradshaw’s website: https://www.bradybradshawmd.com/

Book: Is This Autism? https://www.amazon.com/This-Autism-Donna-Henderson/dp/103215022X/ref=asc_df_103215022X?mcid=c3343feccc2d380f97695f5d35

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

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In this week’s episode, we take a deep dive into anxiety—something that affects nearly 20% of the population and twice as many women as men. We chat about the different ways anxiety can show up in your life, the underlying causes, and the tools you can use to cope. Whether it’s hormonal fluctuations, past trauma, or just the demands of our fast-paced culture, anxiety can hit us all, but there’s hope for healing and thriving.

We also share our own experiences with anxiety (yep, even therapists feel it!) and discuss effective approaches like EMDR, exposure response prevention, and mindfulness. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of anxiety and practical tips to help you or someone you care about take control.

Episode Highlights:
[00:00] - Reflecting on our personal experiences with anxiety.
[02:56] - How anxiety manifests differently in women, from Type A tendencies to the effects of hormonal shifts.
[07:18] - Exploring the “volcano metaphor” for anxiety and the hidden cultural, genetic, and environmental layers that contribute.
[14:05] - Common triggers for anxiety, from childhood experiences to significant life events, and their impact on mental health.
[21:27] - The role of fear and how it connects to anxiety, plus how to push through when it matters most.
[28:49] - Simple yet powerful coping strategies like exercise, mindfulness, and being in nature.
[39:36] - The importance of exposure therapy and facing fears gradually to build resilience.
[45:20] - Why medication is a valuable option for managing clinical anxiety and overcoming stigma around it.
[53:16] - Lifestyle strategies like diet, sleep, and relaxation techniques to ease everyday anxiety.
[1:01:56] - Recommended books and resources for learning more about anxiety and effective treatments.

Resources:

Recommended reading:

• The Anatomy of Anxiety by Dr. Ellen Vora
• Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers
• More book recommendations are listed on our website!

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Today we sit down with the incredible Cait Flanders to explore what it really means to live an intentional life. Cait, author of The Year of Less and Adventures in Opting Out, shares her journey of opting out of societal norms, creating life on her own terms, and learning how to navigate her way through sobriety, minimalism, and self-compassion. Cait opens up about her decision to quit drinking, her shopping ban that led to a massive decluttering of her life—both physically and emotionally—and the tough but necessary journey of finding clarity through less. This is an episode about finding peace in simplicity, courage in self-awareness, and learning how to let go of what no longer serves us.

Episode Highlights:
[02:27] - Letting go of relationships and finding peace with personal boundaries.[06:12] - Societal pressure and opting out of the social “noise”.
[06:30] - Welcoming Cait as she joins us to share her story firsthand.
[07:55] - Cait’s shopping ban: how decluttering and minimalism started her journey.
[11:34] - Evolving from financial goals to a deeper emotional transformation.
[15:37] - Navigating sobriety and finding healthy coping mechanisms.
[18:26] - Facing raw emotions during the year of less and embracing vulnerability.
[24:15] - Cait’s dad on sobriety: “It’s so much better on this side”.
[26:35] - Self-compassion and letting go of shame for past choices.
[31:20] - Cultivating resilience and self-trust through intentional change.
[35:49] - Embracing emotional growth and self-connection to enrich relationships.

Connect with Cait Flanders:

• Website: https://www.caitflanders.com/
• Newsletter: https://caitflanders.substack.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitflanders

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!