In this episode of Autistic FM, we dive in with Philip, who shares his journey of living interwoven with autism, complex PTSD, and recovering from addiction. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Philip opens up about his late discovery of being neurodivergent and how it has influenced his life and healing process. Together, we explore the emotional complexity of reconciling with a turbulent past while building a hopeful future.

Philip's story is marked by courage as he recounts his experiences of growing up in an abusive environment, battling addiction, and finding solace and community through AA. His narrative paints a vivid picture of resilience, shedding light on the realities of living with multiple identities that often clash with societal expectations. Through his reflections, Philip provides invaluable insights into the process of self-discovery and acceptance.

This episode dives into the nuances of Philip's personal growth, from crafting a detailed "user manual" for himself to navigating relationships with authenticity. He discusses the significance of unmasking, the complexities of forgiveness versus acceptance, and how embracing his true self has led him to a more vibrant, fulfilled life.

Topics covered in Episode 30

• Complex PTSD and Autism: Exploring the intertwined nature of trauma and neurodivergence, and the challenges of late diagnosis.

• Overcoming Addiction: Philip’s journey through addiction recovery and how discovering his authentic self helped reshape his path.

• Self-Discovery and Acceptance: Crafting a personal "user manual" to better understand and navigate his identity and needs.

About Philip

Phillip Reyland is a tech founder and product strategist with a background in engineering, design, SEO, NLP, and consumer product development. He previously built an analytics platform to measure natural language performance and is now developing a technology-driven estate planning platform designed to simplify the process for nearly all American families.

Phillip is also an advocate for more thoughtful discussions around leadership and mental health in tech, challenging the glorification of narcissism in founder culture. He speaks openly about his experiences recovering from narcissistic abuse and navigating the highs and lows of startup life. Learn more at reyland.com

Content warnings

Please note that this episode contains discussions about complex PTSD, childhood abuse, experiences of addiction, and suicidal ideation. Please take care of yourself and listen with care.