Springbrook's Converge Autism Radio

What does intimacy look like when you’re autistic, ADHD, and healing from trauma? In this powerful episode of Mental Health News Radio, host Kristin Sunanta Walker sits down with Candice Christiansen (she/they)—licensed clinical mental health counselor, autistic ADHD adult, and founder of the Namasté Center for Healing—to explore the complex terrain of neurodivergent intimacy, betrayal trauma, sensory sex, and emotional reclamation. Candice shares her late-diagnosis journey, her healing partnership with a neurodivergent spouse, and the sacred truth of what it takes to cultivate safe, embodied, and attuned connection—emotionally, sexually, and spiritually. Together, they unpack common struggles faced by autistic adults: hypersensitivity, shutdown during sex, fawning, energetic overload, and the grief of misdiagnosis. This is not your typical conversation about relationships—this is soul-deep, nuance-rich, and paradigm-shifting. If you've ever wondered why sex feels overwhelming or how to reclaim it on your own terms...If you’ve been told you’re “too sensitive” or “too much”...If you're healing from betrayal and trying to rebuild trust inside your body...This episode is for you.Disclaimer: This episode contains candid discussions about sex, intimacy, and trauma—particularly in the context of neurodivergent experiences and sexual abuse recovery. Listener discretion is advised.About the Guest: Candice Christiansen (she/they) is the Founder and Clinical Director of Namasté Center for Healing based in Millcreek, Utah. A licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC), Certified Sex Addiction Therapist-Supervisor (CSAT‑S), and psychedelic-assisted therapist (PAT), Candice specializes in working with autistic, ADHD, and trauma-impacted individuals and couples around betrayal recovery, sensory intimacy, and sacred sexuality. Diagnosed as autistic and ADHD at age 44, Candice brings both lived and clinical expertise to her work. She has over 25 years of experience, is trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, IFIO couples therapy, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. She’s the host of “Fabulously Candice: The Sexiest Podcast About Neurodivergence”, and a co-developer of one of the first neuro-affirmative autism screening tools. Candice is passionate about creating sacred, trauma-informed spaces where neurodivergent people can reclaim body autonomy, intimacy, and relational sovereignty.Website: https://www.namasteadvice.comFor a free copy of her ebook on Autism and Sensory Sex, visit the website and use the contact form to request it.www.springbrookbehavioral.comwww.convergeautism.comwww.allabilitiesnofilter.com

In this heart-opening conversation, NeuroDuo’s Lauren and Tom share how their late diagnoses of autism and ADHD transformed not only their individual lives but their relationship, creativity, and self-acceptance. They talk about battling stigma, navigating sensory overload, and learning to create content that mirrors their real experience—not performative or polished, but real, resonant, and healing. From clock ticks in an assessment room to the quiet validation of knowing you're not alone, this episode explores how authenticity becomes therapy—and how being understood can change everything.linktr.ee/neuroduowww.springbrookbehavioral.comwww.convergeautism.comwww.allabilitiesnofilter.com

Join Dr. Stephanie on Converge Autism Radio with special guest Courtney Lasky, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA and PhD candidate, as they unpack the real-world impact of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in autism. Courtney shares insights from her 10+ years leading compassionate, trauma-informed clinical teams at ABS Kids, explores common myths, highlights crucial components of effective ABA care, and reveals how leadership strategies can foster psychological safety in therapy settings. Whether you're a caregiver, clinician, or advocate, this episode offers fresh perspectives and practical guidance to support autistic individuals and their families with dignity and expertise.About the speaker: Courtney Lasky, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA Courtney Lasky is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) amd PhD candidate with over a decade of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). As the Director of Clinical Operations for ABS Kids, she leads clinical teams in providing high-quality, compassionate care to children and families.Recognized as a subject matter expert, Courtney has been featured on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and the Dr. Drew Podcast, where she shares her insights on behavior analysis and its broader applications. She is passionate about leadership, staff training, and fostering psychological safety within clinical teams.Beyond her professional work, Courtney is a dedicated wife and mother of six, living in Irmo, South Carolina. Balancing a thriving career with a full and adventurous family life, she brings both expertise and heart to everything she does.www.springbrookbehavioral.comwww.convergeautism.comwww.allabilitiesnofilter.com

Dr. Holmes talks with neurodivergent psychiatrist, Dr. Stacy Greeter.Topics discussed:Dr. Greeter's diagnosis journey at the age of 40 as a practicing psychiatrist.Growing understanding of AutismMyths about AutismDifferent presentations of girls/women in AutismGender Fluidity & AutismMedications and How to be a psychiatric patient and advocate for yourself as an autistic patientDr. Stacy Greeter is board certified in both child/adolescent and adult psychiatry. She collaborates with children, adults, and their families to design a comprehensive individualized treatment plan.Dr. Greeter graduated summa cum laude from Duke University where she was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill under the Morehead Medical Scholarship. During her undergraduate and medical training, Dr. Greeter conducted extensive clinical research funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute on autism and on OCD. She completed both her adult studies and her child and adolescent subspecialty training at Northwestern University in Chicago, where she trained with nationally and internationally renowned psychiatrists. She is also certified in Internal Family Systems Therapy.https://stacygreetermd.com/www.springbrookbehavioral.comwww.convergeautism.comwww.allabilitiesnofilter.com

Today, Dr. Stephanie talks to Dan of the Aspie World! Are we still allowed to say Aspie? Dan talks us through his autism identification and how that led him to build one of the first platforms on social media about adult autism.Hello friends,I want to share something deeply personal—something that completely shifted the trajectory of my life.At 26, I received a formal diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome (now Autism Spectrum Disorder), along with ADHD, OCD, and Dyslexia. That moment wasn't about becoming someone new; it was about finally understanding who I always was.For years, I silently battled confusion, overwhelm, and social exhaustion. Masking my discomfort to "fit in" affected my mental and emotional health deeply.A Diagnosis Isn’t a Label—It's a Lens.It provided clarity, showing me that I'm not broken; I'm wired differently. Discovering neurodiversity helped me celebrate my differences and recognize my strengths—creativity, hyperfocus, analytical thinking—as true assets.This revelation inspired me to start The Aspie World, supporting thousands globally in navigating neurodivergent journeys. Our differences drive innovation, empathy, and inclusion, making humanity richer.Remember, your diagnosis is just the beginning of a beautiful, empowered chapter. You are capable, valuable, and not alone.Thank you for joining this journey.With gratitude,Daniel M. Jones Founder of The Aspie WorldDan can be found at:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOKKRcJey93Ms-dL630UNIQDan's Book:https://www.amazon.com/Autism-Adults-author/dp/1837822336About when I discovered Dan on YThttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDwXqGjohGgDan defends the term Asperger'shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB-cH9Os_J8www.springbrookbehavioral.comwww.convergeautism.comwww.allabilitiesnofilter.com

Dr. Stephanie discusses ABA and Autism with Converge Autism Summit speaker Courtney Lasky, PHD candidate. About the speaker: Courtney Lasky, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA Courtney Lasky is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) amd PhD candidate with over a decade of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). As the Director of Clinical Operations for ABS Kids, she leads clinical teams in providing high-quality, compassionate care to children and families.Recognized as a subject matter expert, Courtney has been featured on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and the Dr. Drew Podcast, where she shares her insights on behavior analysis and its broader applications. She is passionate about leadership, staff training, and fostering psychological safety within clinical teams.Beyond her professional work, Courtney is a dedicated wife and mother of six, living in Irmo, South Carolina. Balancing a thriving career with a full and adventurous family life, she brings both expertise and heart to everything she does.www.springbrookbehavioral.comwww.convergeautism.comwww.allabilitiesnofilter.com

Join Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Saulnier as they discuss her presentation at the Converge Autism Summit on broadening the autism spectrum.https://nacsatl.com/They will discuss:The key features of autismHow Autism symptoms are expressed differently in male and femaleThe role of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in misdiagnosis of autismCommon overlaps and differential diagnosisDr. Saulnier obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Connecticut. She trained and worked at the Yale Child Study Center’s Autism Program for nearly a decade before relocating to Emory University School of Medicine and the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, GA, where she directed a large-scale clinical research program. In 2018, she opened her own company, Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Services, where she specializes in diagnostic assessment, as well as teaching and training for autism spectrum and related disorders. Dr. Saulnier has published over 50 articles, written two books, and she is an author on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition.Looking for Assessment in GA? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/neurodevelopmental-assessment-consulting-svc-decatur-ga/409874www.springbrookbehavioral.comwww.convergeautism.comwww.allabilitiesnofilter.com

Panelists from all over the world who work with neurodivergent relationships including Dr. Stephanie Holmes. Can neurodiverse relationships work? Does autism "ruin families" (spoiler alert- no). Does neurodiversity training matter when looking for a coach or counselor to help your neurodiverse marriage or relationship? YES!Listen in with our host, Dr. Stephanie Holmes is part of a panel of neurodiverse relationship experts across the globe!www.springbrookbehavioral.comwww.convergeautism.comwww.allabilitiesnofilter.com