Adult Autism: A Spectrum of Uniqueness Podcast

Episode 24 - Autism and Self-Discovery

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast Sol Smith discusses what he has discovered about himself as a late-diagnosed autistic person and how adults can go about their own self-discovery journeys.  He also discusses his newly published book, “The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery:  Flourishing as a Neurodivergent Adult” (https://www.amazon.com/Autistics-Guide-Self-Discovery-Flourishing-Neurodivergent/dp/1608689980/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1P663TVRRWTGM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.T0d24u2T2I2UYrol-TX4-pqETBrWED2JZOjg0qjDJTrPfROhypCbgD54mllV9kwmIb0w9VXbuyzdjK0ROh3Fv9CtoB6oD_Bg6K-GRhzBWrI.5DHQDcgUtl0X4hDiINztVrSzrfvLEDbBxZUPXWwgl-Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=sol+smith+the+autistic%27s+guide+to+self-discovery&qid=1745056224&sprefix=sol+smith+self+di%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1).
Sol is the founder of Square Peg Coaching and Consulting (https://www.professorsol.com/). 
The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!
Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X
* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd
* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/
 
 
 
 

Episode 23 - Autism and Loneliness

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast Arielle Rahal discusses autism and loneliness based in part on views expressed in her blog post, “Getting Honest about Autism and Loneliness:  Navigating Friendships in 2024” (https://neurospicynonsense.com/autism-and-loneliness-navigating-friendships/).  Topics include why it is difficult for some autistic folks to establish and maintain friendships and how loneliness is an inevitable outcome of those difficulties.  Methods of coping with loneliness and Arielle’s “words of wisdom” complete this episode. 
Check out Arielle’s blog, Neurospicy Nonsense: https://neurospicynonsense.com/
The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!
Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X
* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd
* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/
 
 

Episode 22 - Special Episode: Flowmosaic

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness Dr. Quarto’s son, Luke, joins him to discuss his recently self-published book (which is really an art collection of sorts) “Flowmosaic.”  Luke discusses the inspiration for the book and thoughts behind his writings and drawings.  Sample pages from the book are discussed which provides for an interesting listen (and even better watch on Dr. Quarto’s YouTube channel) for sure. 
If you’d like to check out some sample pages from the Flowmosaic book click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SkOSpQMTRcicEUDTl0p7HBJGrxbpCa0w/view?usp=sharing
The Flowmosaic book may be purchased on the Lulu Bookstore website: https://www.lulu.com/search?srsltid=AfmBOorIonVr3hlSFnd7E6bmOdnKmJrNmplwqL0DR-fq7ikuFR7Ps4nD&page=1&sortBy=RELEVANCE&q=flowmosaic&pageSize=10&adult_audience_rating=00
The Flowmosaic Guided Prompt Journal will soon be available for free as an e-publication to anyone who purchases Flowmoasic.  The journal provides Dr. Quarto’s take as a psychologist on select pages of the Flowmosaic book and includes journal prompts for readers to answer in an effort to improve their self-awareness and mental health.  Contact Dr. Quarto with proof of purchase of the Flowmosaic book and he will send you a link to the e-book. (chris@chrisquarto.com)
The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!
* https://chrisquarto.com/
Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X
* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd
* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients NATIONWIDE! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/
 
 
 
 

Episode 21 - Interoception & Self-Regulation in Adult Autism

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness Christopher Quarto discusses interoception – a fancy way of saying the sense/awareness of your body’s internal signals.  This sensory mechanism plays an important role in feeling regulated or dysregulated.  Being able to develop a keener awareness of what signals your body is sending you as well as when they’re being sent and what they mean is key to maintaining a regulated state of being.  Join Dr. Quarto on this solo episode and make sure and get his free worksheet below that will help you identify body sensations and what they might mean.
Common Body Sensations & Possible Meanings worksheet - https://drive.google.com/file/d/16c5zd1v1yZP7nZNA7nbDIeRTka2dq8tV/view?usp=sharing
The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!
* https://chrisquarto.com/
Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X
* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd
* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients NATIONWIDE! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/
 
 

Episode 20 - Small Talk

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness Rachel Guttentag, a community autism peer specialist, discusses the nature of small talk, how it can be helpful and ways autistic folks can engage in small talk as way to establish and enhance relationships.
Check out Rachel’s blog post, “The Autistic Guide to Small Talk:” https://autismspectrumnews.org/the-autistic-guide-to-small-talk/
Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelguttentag/
The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!
* https://chrisquarto.com/
Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X
* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd
* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients NATIONWIDE! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/
 
 

Episode 19 - Autism + ADHD: What is it Like to Deal With Both Things?

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast two people who have been diagnosed with autism and ADHD discuss when they were diagnosed, how it has impacted them day-in and day-out and what some of the challenges as well as the positives are about these things. 
The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!
* https://chrisquarto.com/
Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X
* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd
* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients NATIONWIDE! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/
 
 

Episode 18 - Neurotypical and Autistic Communication: Challenges & Opportunities

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness Christopher Quarto discusses communication challenges among neurotypical and autistic people and ways they can improve their interactions and strengthen their relationships. 
The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!
* https://chrisquarto.com/
Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X
* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd
* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients nationwide. Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/
 
 
 
 

Episode 17 - Pathological Demand Avoidance

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness Diane Gould, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Founder & Executive Director of PDA North America, discusses an issue that impacts some autistic folks – Pathological Demand Avoidance – and how they can deal with this to experience more satisfying lives.  Find out more about Diane and her organization here: https://pdanorthamerica.org/  Also, check out the book she co-authored with Ruth Fidler – Navigating PDA in America - here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1839972742?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_832ECT9B7BV1TW7147JG&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_832ECT9B7BV1TW7147JG&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_832ECT9B7BV1TW7147JG&skipTwisterOG=1  
The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!
* https://chrisquarto.com/
Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X
* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd
* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients nationwide. Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/
 
 
 
 

Episode 16 - Social Skills & Dating in the Autism World

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast Mandy Staehler, MBA, MA-SPED discusses the importance of social skills and how they figure into the dating scene for autistic adults.  Mandy is a PEERS-certified relationship coach and owner of Dating with Autism in Denver, Colorado (https://www.datingwithautism.com/).  (PEERS® for Young Adults is an evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated adults over 20 years of age who are interested in learning skills to make and keep friends and develop romantic relationships.)
You can contact Mandy here if you have questions about her programs: mandy@datingwithautism.com
The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!
* https://chrisquarto.com/
Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X
* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd
* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients nationwide. Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/
 
 
 
 
 
 

Episode 15 - Autistic Meltdowns & Burnout

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast Katie Oswald, Sarah Knutson and Laura Lewis discuss the nature of autistic meltdowns and burnout.  Katie is the executive director at Full Spectrum Agency for Autistic Adults in Ypsilanti, Michigan (https://fullspectrumasd.org/).  Sarah is a community advisory board member for All Brains Belong VT in Montpelier, Vermont (https://allbrainsbelong.org/).  Katie and Sarah are autistic and members of their respective autism communities.  Laura Lewis, Ph.D., RN is an associate professor of nursing at the University of Vermont and has written extensively on various aspects of autism (https://www.uvm.edu/cnhs/nursing/profiles/laura_foran_lewis_phd).
The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!
* https://chrisquarto.com/
Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X
* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd
* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients nationwide. Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/