Show notes
What if the things you’ve always called “quirks” were actually your brain asking to be understood? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Dr. Kristen Williamson to discuss autism, ADHD, parenting neurodivergent kids, and the deep relief of finally feeling seen.
Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival.
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We’re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards – Best Mental Health Podcast.
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Mental Health Quote
“We’re different, not less — and understanding your brain can turn overwhelm into empowerment.”— Dr. Kristen Williamson
Episode Description
In Part 1 of this two-part episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles welcome Dr. Kristen Williamson, licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, and proud ringleader of a self-described “neurospicy” family. What begins as a conversation about autism and ADHD quickly turns into a deeply validating discussion about identity, masking, sensory overload, and self-acceptance.
Dr. Kristen shares what it was like to be diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life — and how that diagnosis reframed decades of confusion, anxiety, and self-blame. She opens up about parenting a neurodivergent child before fully understanding her own neurodivergence, and why women are so often overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Together, the trio talks honestly about sensory overwhelm, everyday burnout, and why “functioning” doesn’t always mean thriving. From food textures and crowds to noise and emotional regulation, this episode gives language to experiences that many people have struggled to explain.
This conversation isn’t about labels for the sake of labels. It’s about understanding your nervous system, honoring your needs, and letting go of the belief that you’re broken. Part 1 is about awareness, permission, and the power of finally realizing there’s nothing wrong with you — your brain just works differently.
SEO Keywords: Dr. Kristen Williamson, neurospicy, autism, ADHD, neurodivergent adults, late autism diagnosis, women and ADHD, sensory overload, mental health podcast, parenting neurodivergent kids, masking, self-acceptance, emotional wellness
Meet Our Guest — Dr. Kristen Williamson
Dr. Kristen Williamson is a licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, and speaker specializing in autism, ADHD, and mental health. Diagnosed later in life herself, she blends clinical knowledge, lived experience, and humor to help individuals and families understand their brains and thrive without shame.
Connect with Dr. Kristen:Website: http://www.empowermindsolutionsllc.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573292573273#Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowermindsolutionsllc/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkristenwilliamsonTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerminds.solu?_t=ZT-8uIRNSOAKvW&_r=1
Key Takeaways
Neurodivergence often presents differently in women and is frequently missed.
Late diagnosis can bring relief and grief at the same time.
Sensory overwhelm is information, not a personal failure.
Masking may help you survive, but understanding helps you heal.
Feeling seen can reduce anxiety, burnout, and shame.
Actionable Items
Start tracking what overstimulates you, including sounds, textures, crowds, and environments.
Build in decompression time after social or sensory-heavy situations.
Practice leading with curiosity instead of judgment — especially with yourself.
References Mentioned
Neurodivergent-affirming mental health care
Sensory regulation strategies
Autism and ADHD advocacy concepts
Important Chapters
00:00 – Welcome and why this is a two-part conversationSetting the stage for a deeper discussion on neurodiversity and mental health.
04:30 – Dr. Kristen’s late autism and ADHD diagnosisHow adulthood finally brought clarity to a lifetime of unanswered questions.
09:45 – Autism and ADHD in womenMasking, perfectionism, and why so many women go unnoticed.
15:00 – Sensory overload in everyday lifeNoise, crowds, food textures, and nervous system burnout.
22:30 – Parenting neurodivergent kidsAdvocacy, accommodations, and releasing parental shame.
30:00 – The impact of feeling seenWhy understanding your brain can change everything.
Closing CTA
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#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch#Neurodivergent #Neurospicy #AutismAcceptance #ADHDAwareness #LateDiagnosis#WomenAndADHD #SensoryOverload #ParentingNeurodivergent #NormalizeMentalHealth
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