Episode 143: FLASHBACK — Chronic Health: All Brains Belong [featuring Dr. Mel Houser]

Episode 143: FLASHBACK — Chronic Health: All Brains Belong [featuring Dr. Mel Houser]

From Divergent Conversations by Megan Anna Neff & Patrick Casale

January 30, 2026 · 56 min · Season 5 · Episode 143

About this episode

The episode discusses the connection between chronic health, neurodivergence, and energy management with insights from Dr. Mel Houser.

Neuroimmune systems often intertwine with chronic health and neurodivergence, leaving neurodivergent individuals grappling with things like energy management, chronic fatigue, or other long-term health conditions. In this flashback episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Dr. Mel Houser, an Autistic family physician, about the intricate dynamics of chronic health, energy management, and the often-overlooked connection between neuroimmune systems and neurodivergence. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Gain a deeper understanding of post-exertional malaise (PEM) and how recognizing one's limits can help in avoiding the debilitating crash that often follows overexertion. Using real-life experiences, understand the systemic challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals within a traditional healthcare model, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy and community support. Discover practical strategies and tools from Dr. Houser on identifying environmental triggers and making manageable adjustments to improve health, particularly for autistic and ADHD adults. As you navigate your own healthcare journey, remember…

People in this episode

Hosts: Megan Anna Neff, Patrick Casale, Dr. Megan Anna Neff

Guest: Dr. Mel Houser

Topics covered

  • chronic health
  • neurodivergence
  • energy management
  • neuroimmune systems
  • healthcare challenges
  • self-advocacy
  • practical strategies

Keywords

  • chronic fatigue
  • post-exertional malaise
  • neurodivergent healthcare
  • environmental triggers
  • self-advocacy
  • community support
  • health management

More episodes of Divergent Conversations

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Divergent Conversations podcast page.