The Neurodivergant Connection / Stories

From Plaster Masks to True Voice: Neurodivergence, Burnout, and Finding Your Worth with Nikki (Dominique) FavreauI thought helping others heal meant I was healed—until this conversation showed me what it costs to keep a mask on.In this episode of the Neurodivergent Connection, I sit down with Nikki (Dominique) Favreau—former psychiatry and addiction nurse turned entrepreneur—who shares how a single moment in art therapy cracked a plaster mask and gave her voice back. We talk about the quiet ways burnout sneaks in, the difference between performing survival and living truth, and how worthiness ties to dignity, not productivity.You’ll hear how Nikki shifted from caregiving to building a software company with a remote team in the Philippines, why she calls herself a “perfectionist in remission,” and the surprising way she spots emotional intelligence when hiring. We also unpack ADHD through a family lens, the relief (and fear) of being seen, and the first gentle question she invites you to ask if you feel stuck behind your own mask.What did that mask protect—and what did it cost? How did one professor become both a catalyst and a mirror? And what simple, everyday practices help you return to your core essence? I reveal what changed for me too.About the GuestNikki (Dominique) Favreau is a former mental health and rehab nurse with a master’s in mental health who now co-runs a software company. She supports entrepreneurs with hiring, training, and delegation, grounded in compassion, emotional intelligence, and lived neurodivergent experience.Key Timestamps0:02 – Welcome and why this story matters now1:10 – From psych nurse to entrepreneur: the unexpected pivot5:18 – Self-compassion in addiction work (and what came back to teach her)11:49 – ADHD, validation, and seeing patterns differently19:02 – Hyperfocus, structure, and burnout’s slow creep21:40 – Delegation, identity, and the “perfectionist in remission”23:40 – The plaster mask: what it hid and why it hurt to remove39:40 – Error management: why she asks her team to “make mistakes”64:21 – Burnout vs. soul loss: what she couldn’t see from the inside67:10 – The first gentle question if you feel stuck behind a maskIf this episode resonates, share it with a parent, educator, or anyone exploring Autism, ADHD, or burnout. Subscribe for more conversations that center neurodivergent voices and real-life strategies. #Neurodivergent #ADHD #ArtTherapy #Perfectionism #BurnoutHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When Words Aren’t the Only Language: Parenting, AAC, and Advocacy with Jennifer McGeeWhat happens when a teen with profound autism joins your family—and words aren’t available? This conversation gets real.In this episode, I sit down with artist and adoptive parent Jennifer McGee to talk about raising her nephew Isaiah, who is non-speaking, and how their family learned to listen beyond words. You’ll hear how she built trust, safety, and connection at home, the moment a “speech pad” changed everything at a restaurant, and why a routine medical visit led to a setback they’re still navigating.We also get into big-picture questions: how to advocate in IEP meetings without burning out, what true accessibility can look like in public spaces, and why art can reach hearts when explanations fall short. Plus, Jennifer shares the story behind her children’s book series, starting with “Izzy Can’t Talk,” and the surprising audience it’s reaching.If you’ve wondered how to support non-speaking kids, build a real support circle, and show up in your community with empathy, this episode will help you rethink what communication and inclusion can be.Key Timestamps0:26 – Jennifer’s story and adopting Isaiah3:05 – Building safety at home during meltdowns4:00 – From signs and pictures to a speech device6:48 – The orange drink moment that changed everything8:18 – The future: caregiving, housing, and real fears10:38 – Why “building a village” is harder than it sounds14:49 – ABA today: what helped Isaiah engage and travel17:15 – Inside the Izzy book series and what’s next24:58 – The IEP wake-up call that sparked advocacy31:44 – What accessibility could look like in everyday places37:31 – Don’t give up: Jennifer’s message to families38:31 – Where to find Jennifer’s workAbout the GuestJennifer McGee is an artist, caregiver, and author of the children’s series beginning with “Izzy Can’t Talk.” She runs Inclusive Art House, creating art and resources that honor dignity, communication, and inclusion for disabled individuals.If this helped you, subscribe and share it with someone who needs a little encouragement today.Keywords: non-speaking autism, AAC, speech device, IEP advocacy, inclusive classrooms, profound autism, caregiver support, sensory-friendly#Neurodiversity #AutismAcceptance #AAC #CaregiverSupport #InclusiveEducationHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Real Talk for Special Needs Dads: Community, Communication, and Caring for YourselfIn this episode, I sat down with advocate and educator John Fella to talk candidly about fatherhood, support, and raising an autistic, nonverbal teen. This one’s practical, honest, and full of encouragement.Key Topics CoveredWhy dads often feel isolated—and how to build intentional community that actually helpsSupporting nonverbal communication: AAC, letter boards, and why there’s no one-size-fits-allABA today: what’s changed, what still depends on the therapist, and how to set boundariesHow to create better IEP relationships and reduce friction with school teamsSimple ways dads can bond with their kids when “traditional” activities don’t fitMain TakeawaysDon’t do this alone: Community isn’t optional—it’s protective. Start with one person who “gets it.” If groups feel like too much, go one-on-one first.Vulnerability is strength: You can’t get the right help if you won’t say you need it. Share as much as you’re ready for—then let people show up.Communication is multi-path: AAC (like TouchChat), signs, body language, and typing can work in combination. Follow your child, not the hype. Progress requires patience—and fit.ABA is about the person delivering it: A great therapist adapts and respects your child. If it’s rigid, repetitive, or stressful, speak up and adjust.Build IEP relationships early: Humanize your child with classroom talks, share what they love, and connect outside high-stress meetings. Collaboration beats confrontation.Redefine connection: If playing on a team isn’t realistic, watch games together, shoot hoops your way, or take short walks. Consistent moments matter.Find structured support: Organizations like the Special Fathers Network offer groups and one-on-one mentoring—local and virtual.“One person is a start. If you don’t have that person yet, reach out—today.”John’s resources and writing are at johnfella.com. He also has a memoir coming soon and a contribution to a book with Temple Grandin for educators and therapists.Listen to the full conversation for practical examples, how John mentors dads, and what’s worked with his son—so you can apply it in your own life today.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Shadow Work, Ego Death, and Finding Bliss: Facing the Dark to Find Your Light with AnnieWhat if the parts of you you’ve avoided are the ones holding your wisdom? In this episode, I sit down with Annie to explore the real work beneath “love and light” — and why the dark isn’t something to fear.You’ll hear how Annie created her approach, Awakening the Seeds, after more than 10,000 sessions, and why she calls herself an “ego death doula.” We talk about grief, liminal spaces, and how nervous system regulation and shadow work support creativity, leadership, and everyday life — especially for those of us who are neurodivergent or living in survival mode.I reveal the moments that stopped me in my tracks, and you’ll discover how Annie helps people move from masking and reactivity to calm, clear choice. Curious how to know if you’re bypassing? What integration actually looks like? Or why ideas often meet us in the dark? We get into all of it — without shying away from the hard parts.About the GuestAnnie is a healer and creator of Awakening the Seeds. She’s led over 10,000 sessions, trained across multiple modalities, and co-founded Seeds of Bliss, a space focused on bridging light and shadow, life and death, mind and emotion.Key Timestamps0:22 – Annie’s early intuition and the moment everything changed2:14 – Why therapy wasn’t her door and what opened instead5:07 – Hitting walls with clients and creating a new modality8:33 – Living in the liminal: life, death, grief, and growth10:39 – The shadow side of healing (and why light alone falls short)14:35 – Bypassing vs healing: simple signals to watch15:51 – Ego death: letting go of identities that keep you small19:01 – Seeds of Bliss: bridging opposites and cyclical living39:58 – Neurodivergence, intensity, and tools that actually help47:30 – Integration in real life: how you’ll know it’s workingIf this resonates, share the episode with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe for more conversations that support neurodivergent folks, parents, educators, and caregivers. Check the show notes for Annie’s links and resources.#Neurodiversity #ShadowWork #EgoDeath #TraumaHealing #NervousSystemHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

ADHD, Bipolar, and the 24-Hour Rule: Lessons From a Mental Hospital with Laura Greenberg SchilerShe went in scared and left with 10 life lessons—and a book. We unpack ADHD, bipolar, and the 24-hour rule.In this episode, I sit down with Laura Greenberg Schiller, a former attorney, mom of three, and now author of Finding Flawless. Laura was diagnosed with bipolar at 39 and later with inattentive ADHD. Her time in a mental hospital didn’t break her—it gave her clarity, steadiness, and a simple rule that changed her relationships.You’ll hear how Laura went from high-achieving lawyer to retired by choice, why inattentive ADHD shaped far more of her daily life than she realized, and the one boundary she uses to keep mood swings from running the show. We also talk about writing a deeply personal book without losing yourself in the process, and what people get wrong about psychiatric hospitals.If you or someone you love is juggling ADHD, bipolar, or both, this conversation offers relief, perspective, and a few practical anchors you can start using today.About the GuestLaura Greenberg Schiller is a New Jersey-based former attorney turned author. Living with bipolar disorder and inattentive ADHD, she distills hard-won insights from her hospitalization into accessible lessons in her upcoming book, Finding Flawless.Key Timestamps0:02 – Why Laura’s “worst moment” became a turning point2:20 – Bipolar at 39: the manic episode no one saw coming6:11 – Six hours a day of therapy—and the career truth it revealed10:41 – ADHD strengths: hyperfocus and writing a book in weeks13:59 – The writing plan that actually worked24:43 – Inattentive ADHD: the diagnosis that finally made sense28:15 – ADHD + bipolar meds: risks, limits, and what helped35:24 – The rule that saved her marriage (and daily peace)39:56 – Mental hospital myths vs. reality52:02 – Where to follow Laura and her bookCall to Action: If this episode helped you, share it with a parent, educator, or friend who needs a safe, honest conversation about neurodiversity. Subscribe for more real stories, practical strategies, and community.Find Laura: Instagram Finding Flawless • Facebook: Laura Greenberg Schiller. Book: Finding Flawless (coming to Amazon).Keywords: ADHD, bipolar disorder, inattentive ADHD, mental health, neurodiversity, coping strategies, writing process, psychiatric hospital, medication, parenting#ADHD #BipolarDisorder #Neurodiversity #MentalHealth #InsideTheAspergersStudiosHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.