It's been too long! I'm so excited to be back.
I've missed you and I've missed sharing my journey. I am so excited to be back! Follow me on Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/notneurotyopical
Feb 18, 2025•9 min
Not Neurotypical
Join the genuine and brutally honest account (in real-time) of Laura Zdan's late diagnosis journey as she navigates the complexities that she may be on the spectrum.
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Episodes
Episode 38 - The Fluff
On episode 38 I update listeners on how getting back into the workforce has been going for me. We also discuss elopement (fight or flight/stress response), needed coping skills and asking for school/work accommodations. FOLLOW ME: Instagram: @laurazdan Facebook: www.facebook.com/Iamlaurazdan Twitter: @laurazdan Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/laurazdan...
Jan 27, 2022•39 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Episode 37 - The Turbulence
On episode 37 I get real with you... let's discuss "the turbulence" and why my life seems to be at a crossroad right now. Link to NY Post Article mentioned in this episode: https://nypost.com/2021/07/30/i-didnt-find-out-i-was-autistic-until-i-was-an-adult-at-35/ FOLLOW ME: Instagram: @laurazdan Facebook: www.facebook.com/Iamlaurazdan Twitter: @laurazdan Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/laurazdan...
Aug 09, 2021•22 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Episode 36 - 2 Year Autie-Versary: What I've learned exactly two years after my late diagnosis of ASD
On episode 36 I break down my challenges of processing the realization I was autistic, struggles I had within the autism community and as an advocate, and what I'm doing to break free from harsh realities of people-pleasing. FOLLOW ME: Instagram: @laurazdan Facebook: www.facebook.com/Iamlaurazdan Twitter: @laurazdan Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/laurazdan
Jul 01, 2021•24 min•Season 4Ep. 4
35. I'm kinda back? ...and some ramblings.
In episode 35 I discuss taking the ACE score test (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and separating past trauma from my neurotype... and other ramblings. FOLLOW ME: Instagram: @laurazdan Facebook: www.facebook.com/Iamlaurazdan Twitter: @laurazdan Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/laurazdan
Jun 20, 2021•21 min•Season 4Ep. 3
34. Hi! It's been a while...
The past few months have been rough! In this episode I give you some updates about me as well updating you on what's been going on in my world, lately. I missed you!
Jun 20, 2021•15 min•Season 4Ep. 2
33. Why Mindset Matters | Season 4 Opener
I’ve been working on my mindset lately and I’ve learned that ONLY focusing on the bad that could happen tends to also close me off to accepting the good that may come my way, which is the good that I deserve. It’s the good things I’ve been working toward. What’s the point of working so hard for our growth if we’re closed off to the good things? Tune in to hear more about mindset, connection to self, and how being aware of our mindset also helps us connect better to who we are on episode 33. CONN...
Jun 20, 2021•31 min•Season 4Ep. 1
32. I Hit Massive Burnout: Here Is What I Did
Autistic burnout is 'the intense physical, mental or emotional exhaustion, often accompanied by a loss of skills, that some adults with autism experience.' I hit a massive burnout session and found myself in distress. I share more about what I did to help myself and my mental health out of this distressing situation. CONNECT WITH ME Instagram: @laurazdan Facebook: www.facebook.com/Iamlaurazdan Twitter: @laurazdan Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/laurazdan
Jun 20, 2021•28 min•Season 3Ep. 12
31. Interview with Kristen Carder, ADHD Coach and Host of the I Have ADHD Podcast
In true ADHD fashion, (October was ADHD awareness month) the first podcast of November 2020 I'm bringing you my dear friend and ADHD Coach, Kristen Carder! We talk about her successes and what supports and help it took to get her there, handling shame related to success and self-investment, the 50/50 theory, as well as other awesome tips! Check out Kristen's Website and learn more about the Focused Membership Here: https://ihaveadhd.com/ Follow Kristen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i.h...
Jun 20, 2021•49 min•Season 3Ep. 11
30. Interview w/ Dan from @TheAspieWorld (and get info about his new program here, first!)
Daniel M. Jones aka @TheAspieWorld is a Youtuber and one of the biggest autism advocates out there and he just happens to be my good friend! What I love about him the most is his ability to bring together autistic adults and parents of autistic kids which is something that is not always easy to do. Hear about Dan's current and past support needs and how they've changed and also learn about his new membership for the autism community THAT YOU HEAR ALL ABOUT HERE FIRST! Only 200 spots for the firs...
Jun 20, 2021•39 min•Season 3Ep. 10
29. Connection
On episode 29 we discuss connection and what that means. Why is this not studied more as it relates to the support of autistic adults? Why is support of adults an afterthought in many current studies? The connectivity theory of autism is discussed as well as the idea of doing a survey of our own. TAKE THE SURVEY HERE: https://www.laurazdan.com/community-based-support-survey (Please share if you can!) Studies mentioned: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19235882/ & https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.g...
Jun 20, 2021•36 min•Season 3Ep. 9
28. Time "Management" 🙄
On episode 28 we discuss time management and time blindness related to executive dysfunction, but instead, I tell it to you like you're 5 because sometimes we just need to break it down and start over. If you're autistic or ADHD (or both like me) this episode will likely include some tips you haven't heard before! Here is the article about the (brief) history of "time": https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/12/the-creation-of-modern-time/421419/ CONNECT WITH ME Instagram: @laurazda...
Jun 20, 2021•47 min•Season 3Ep. 8
27. Getting Organized
Episode 27 is all about getting organized and clutter-free with neurodivergent adults and neurodiverse families in mind! It's a lot of info in a short amount of time so I created a free resource for visual learners to follow along and also a FREE 30-day de-clutter guide! For the free resource to help follow along go here: https://www.laurazdan.com/podcast/episode-27 CONNECT WITH ME Instagram: @laurazdan Facebook: www.facebook.com/Iamlaurazdan Twitter: @laurazdan Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/lauraz...
Jun 20, 2021•51 min•Season 3Ep. 7
26. "Refrigerator Mothers"
The 'Refrigerator Mother Theory' was a concept in the 1950s that proposed autism was caused by a lack of maternal warmth. This concept was debunked by the 1960s and 1970s but how far have we really come from this idea? Read Leo Kanner's "Autistic Disturbances of Autistic Contact" (the original observations of autism in children) here: http://simonsfoundation.s3.amazonaws.com/share/071207-leo-kanner-autistic-affective-contact.pdf CONNECT WITH ME Instagram: @laurazdan Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ia...
Jun 20, 2021•40 min•Season 3Ep. 6
25. Social Media (or lack of) and Social Rules
On episode 25 I continue from last week and we dive into "unwritten social rules" that seem to escape so many neurodivergent folks and also I share about why I am now off of social media. CONNECT WITH ME Instagram: @laurazdan Facebook: www.facebook.com/Iamlaurazdan Twitter: @laurazdan Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/laurazdan
Jun 20, 2021•43 min•Season 3Ep. 5
24. Learning the "Language" of Others and why IT'S EVERYTHING!
When you're neurodivergent, it can often feel like everyone is communicating on a completely different wavelength than you. On Episode 24, I talk about how important it is to learn and accept the different communication styles of the neurodivergent people we love and what can often be missed. This is a great episode for parents of neurodivergent kids as I share a lot of my own experiences as a kid and as a parent. Website is back up and running: https://www.laurazdan.com CONNECT WITH ME Instagra...
Jun 20, 2021•39 min•Season 3Ep. 4
23. (Emphatic sigh followed by a loud:) "I AM NOT NEUROTYPICAL"!
What can I say that I haven't already? I'M STRUGGLING... and I am neurodivergent/Autistic/ADHD/What have you. I am all over the place! I am... ME! And that's okay. Let's talk about all of that and more.
Jun 20, 2021•36 min•Season 3Ep. 3
22. Concept: Unlearning Neurotypical (and why it's changing my life)
I am beginning to see that the more I've learned, the more I need to UNLEARN. Society has shaped this whole world into a compliance machine and yet SO MANY of us don't fit into that box, and as I've said so many times, THERE ARE NO RULES! CONNECT WITH ME Instagram: @laurazdan Facebook: www.facebook.com/Iamlaurazdan Twitter: @laurazdan Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/laurazdan
Jun 20, 2021•24 min•Season 3Ep. 2
20. I'm Disillusioned
Can we just scrap 2020 and start all over again?? I am just disillusioned with everything and everyone... so let's talk about THAT. CONNECT WITH ME Instagram: @laurazdan Facebook: www.facebook.com/Iamlaurazdan Twitter: @laurazdan Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/laurazdan
Jun 20, 2021•50 min•Season 2Ep. 10
19. Let's Chat about Trauma Response (GASP)
The past few weeks I've been researching into PTSD and other things that seem to affect Neurodivergent adults on a grand scale and in turn, I've been learning A WHOLE LOT about myself. A few things I've thought were just "my personality"? Well, they were actually (GASP) TRAUMA RESPONSES. Neurodivergent adults are no stranger to trauma response because most of us have been met with A LOT of trauma for, well, our whole lives. The first step is knowing. Let's talk about it.
Jun 20, 2021•51 min•Season 2Ep. 9
18. Meltdowns, Burnout, and Mental Traps
WE ARE IN A DEFINING MOMENT IN HISTORY right now. Everything has changed in a matter of weeks and it is A LOT to process! On episode 18 I discuss coronavirus (briefly, don't worry, that is not the main discussion here) and how we're all dealing with this situation differently, I talk about meltdowns and burnout, easy traps we often fall into within (self) advocacy and processing a new diagnosis, and more of my info-dumping rants! CONNECT WITH ME Instagram: @laurazdan Facebook: www.facebook.com/I...
Jun 20, 2021•49 min•Season 2Ep. 8
17. Is The Goal of Unmasking All The Time Realistic?
On episode 17, I go a bit deeper into the reality and complexities of unmasking. I question if it really is harmful, or bad for us, or is it an unrealistic expectation that puts unnecessary pressure on us?. I also weigh the risks and benefits while discussing why some parts of the late diagnosis journey (and maybe even goals of neurodiversity) may be unrealistic for most of us. CONNECT WITH ME Instagram: @laurazdan Facebook: www.facebook.com/Iamlaurazdan Twitter: @laurazdan Youtube: www.youtube....
Jun 20, 2021•26 min•Season 2Ep. 7
16. Masking, Emotional Regulation, Relationships, & Acceptance vs Excuses
On episode 16 (I mistakenly thought it was episode 17, woops!) I share about the past rollercoaster week that started with a disaster from hell and has now ended with more clarity than I feel like I've ever had. I question if masking is all bad, discuss emotional regulation, and how dysregulation sabotages way too much of my life, relationships, and the fine line between autistic acceptance and making excuses for myself. ****WATCH THE TED TALK mentioned in this podcast of Dr. Joanne Disalvo HERE...
Jun 20, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 6
15. Responding To Feedback, Infighting, Cancel Culture, and MorE
On episode 15, I share feedback I got from a psychologist regarding a past episode, I discuss cancel culture and why it hurts the adult autistic community/neurodiversity, discuss infighting within the community, and more! This episode is quite literally a thought stream of consciousness... so, enjoy my ramblings! CONNECT WITH ME Instagram: @laurazdan Facebook: www.facebook.com/Iamlaurazdan Twitter: @laurazdan Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/laurazdan
Jun 20, 2021•46 min•Season 2Ep. 5
14. Neurotypical and Neurodivergent Relationships (Extended) w/ Special Guest Dylan (My Husband)
NT/ND relationships are not always easy, but they don’t have to be so hard! I invited my husband, Dylan, to join me and help me share our journey from both perspectives on The Not Neurotypical Podcast. We share the challenges we faced during my late diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, how we both needed different supports and we even answer questions from The Squad! Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQKiGllFIug CONNECT WITH ME Instagram: @laurazdan Facebook: www.facebook.com/I...
Jun 20, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 4
13. Not Neurotypical Tips for Navigating The Workplace
I invited Delaney Cline on the podcast to discuss common employment challenges facing ND/disabled adults. Delaney is an employment consultant for disabled adults entering the workplace and in this episode, we share our own challenges, she shares her own neurodivergent story, we share tips and tricks for self-advocacy in the workplace, interview tips, and I even got to ask specific questions from my followers and members of The Squad! Watch this video podcast HERE: https://youtu.be/hNUvD4biKYs CO...
Jun 20, 2021•1 hr 40 min•Season 2Ep. 3
12. When An Adult Autism Evaluation Goes Wrong w/ Special Guest Carrie L. Johnson
You probably already know about my autism evaluation, but what about all of the people who feel it IN THEIR BONES that they are autistic and their first evaluation goes wrong? I invited Carrie L. Johnson (host of the "Yeah, I Went There." Podcast) to discuss her adult autism evaluation and share more about her story. WATCH THE VIDEO PODCAST OF THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/FmB0BtYyV18 ::::::::::Connect with Carrie::::::::::: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWcyubRxXgn-1WjDTD3JmpA Inst...
Jun 20, 2021•52 min•Season 2Ep. 2
11. What a Journey This Has All Been - Where is it going now?
You've made it to season 2 with me! Season 1 was all about the realization and process of my late diagnosis. Now, starting my next season (season 2), I am learning how to find my voice and growing within this new world I've thrown myself into. Lots of fun to come on Season 2! I'm so happy you're joining me :) CONNECT WITH ME Instagram: @laurazdan Facebook: www.facebook.com/Iamlaurazdan Twitter: @laurazdan Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/laurazdan
Jun 20, 2021•29 min•Season 2Ep. 1
10. EVERYTHING you need to know about #ActuallyUnmasking (from experience).
Adding on to Episode 9 we're discussing #ActuallyUnmasking and everything you need to know before taking the mask off. CONNECT WITH ME Instagram: @laurazdan Facebook: www.facebook.com/Iamlaurazdan Twitter: @laurazdan Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/laurazdan
Jun 20, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 10
9. The Art of Unmasking (and does it hurt Neurodiversity if we mask?)
Neurodivergent adults need more support and one of the areas especially is unmasking, which I see as a major form of self-care. Watch and listen to learn more about what masking is, how to unmask, and most of all, how masking hurts the neurodiversity movement. #actuallyunmasking #actuallyautistic CONNECT WITH ME Instagram: @laurazdan Facebook: www.facebook.com/Iamlaurazdan Twitter: @laurazdan Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/laurazdan
Jun 20, 2021•44 min•Season 1Ep. 9
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