Adulting with Autism
🎙️ Adulting with Autism — Over 2 MILLION Downloads and Counting!
A bold, unfiltered podcast created by April Ratchford, an autistic occupational therapist on a mission to help autistic adults thrive in every part of life—independence, relationships, careers, and emotional well-being.
💡 Featured Interviews with Trailblazing Leaders & Advocates:
🎙 Dr. Robert Melillo – Author of Disconnected Kids
🎙 Amanda Ralston – Founder of NonBinary Solutions
🎙 Thomas D’Eri – Co-founder of Rising Tide Car Wash
🎙 Shell Mendelson – Career coach for neurodivergent professionals
🎙 Sam Mitchell – Host of Autism Rocks and Rolls
🎙 Doug Blecher – Autism advocate and coach
🎙 Steve Gallegos – Disability empowerment speaker
🎙 McCracken Poston Jr. – Attorney in the Truman Show Delusion case
🎙 Dr. Matt Zakreski – Clinical psychologist on neurodiversity and mental health
🎙 Dr. Foojan Zeine – Emotional wellness expert and psychotherapist
🔊 New episodes every Wednesday & Saturday
🎧 Listen on Buzzsprout, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube
🔗 Explore all links + merch: https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism
☕ Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/adultingwithautism
📩 Want to be a guest or collaborate? Message April on PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1708097947800879cbdd654ca
🧩 Autistic. Authentic. Unapologetic.
🔥 Join 2M+ listeners and change the narrative—one episode at a time.
Adulting with Autism
From Autism Diagnosis to Washington D.C.: Carol & Andrew Waldman on Neurodiversity, Advocacy, and Adulting with Autism
In this inspiring episode of Adulting with Autism, I sit down with Carol Waldman, a lifelong political advocate and community leader, and her son Andrew Waldman, a 23-year-old recent graduate and neurodiversity advocate.
Diagnosed with autism at age four, Andrew’s journey from navigating social and academic challenges to graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, interning in Washington D.C., and becoming a two-time Global Neurodiversity Conference panelist is nothing short of remarkable.
Alongside him, Carol shares how advocacy became personal, from leading parent support groups to serving as an elected California State Democratic Party Delegate, fighting for inclusive policies, accommodations, and opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How families can navigate life transitions for autistic young adults
- Practical tips for building confidence, social skills, and independence
- Why advocacy and persistence can transform opportunities for neurodivergent communities
- Andrew’s journey from autism diagnosis to working in Washington D.C.
- How parents and self-advocates can influence change in local and national policy
💡 Connect with our guests:
- Carol Waldman
- Instagram: @carol.n.waldman
- LinkedIn: Carol Waldman
- Andrew Waldman
- Instagram: @awaldman24
- LinkedIn: Andrew Waldman
🎙 Support Adulting with Autism:
- 🌐 Podcast + Merch: Linktr.ee/adultingwithautism
- 🛒 Check out our affiliate partner MFISH 4-in-1 Charger – the perfect tool for busy neurodiverse students and parents: https://mfish.shop/discount/mfishAdultingwithAutismPodcast
- 💌 Email us: adultingwithautism.podcast@outlook.com
If you found this conversation helpful, subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Buzzsprout to help more families and self-advocates find our community.
Keep fierce. Keep focused. Keep adulting with autism. 💙
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@adulting_autism
adultingwithautism.podcast@outlook.com
