Episodes

  • Gaslit, Not Gullible: Standing Up for Ourselves in a World That’d Rather We Didn’t

    Gaslit, Not Gullible: Standing Up for Ourselves in a World That’d Rather We Didn’t
    Nov 15 2024
    In the podcast "Femme on the Spectrum," Elizabeth dives into issues ranging from abuse recognition to the value of autistic integrity. She discusses 'flying monkeys,' enablers of abuse, explaining how understanding this dynamic can help individuals set boundaries and protect their truths. Elizabeth then talks about the social struggles autistic people face due to their literal interpretation of information, highlighting this trait as their superpower. The host also touches on secondary victimization and the societal pressures that often blame victims for not 'moving on' fast enough from their abuse. Finally, Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries in stressful familial situations, underscored by her personal decision to prioritize her mental health. She concludes by encouraging autistic individuals not to compromise their commitment to truth despite societal pressure to conform.
    Show more Show less
    17 mins
  • Faking Perfection: Neurodivergent Moms and the Art of Masking

    Faking Perfection: Neurodivergent Moms and the Art of Masking
    Nov 11 2024
    In this episode of "Femme on the Spectrum", Elizabeth discusses the challenges and emotional exhaustion neurodivergent moms face. She explains the concept of 'masking', a facade neurodivergent individuals display to blend into neurotypical society, and how it impacts everyday tasks and social interactions. She also shares her personal experiences, unraveling the realities behind the seemingly perfect facade, and expresses the struggles tied to meeting societal expectations. Elizabeth emphasizes that it's okay not to be perfect and encourages listeners to acknowledge their efforts, regardless of the disorderly moments. She argues that the value of a neurodivergent mom lies not in her ability to maintain a perfect image, but in her tireless effort and the love she offers her family. Lastly, she encourages self-acceptance and self-care while reminding fellow neurodivergent moms that their worth doesn't depend on societal standards.
    Show more Show less
    11 mins
  • The Alchemist-The Resilience of how to walk right through judgement. Highlighting Martha Stewart

    The Alchemist-The Resilience of how to walk right through judgement. Highlighting Martha Stewart
    Nov 1 2024
    The podcast discusses the intriguing life of Martha Stewart, highlighting her rise from a modest upbringing to becoming the queen of DIY projects, her Wall Street career, her infamous insider trading scandal, and her time behind bars. It scrutinizes the double standards powerful women come up against, noting how Martha's driven personality was seen as 'controlling' whereas men with similar traits are often praised. The podcast explains how Martha's prison sentence was comparatively harsher than sentences male executives received for similar crimes, showing implied biases at play. Yet, Martha's story presents a lesson in resilience—pivoting from a prison term to a prime-time TV comeback and becoming an unexpected mentor in prison. As a role model, Martha's story advocates for embracing ambition, resilience, and authenticity against societal pressures, as her journey showcases the power of a determined comeback even in the face of adversity.
    Show more Show less
    17 mins
  • When Family Betrays: Autism, Domestic Violence, and the Weaponization of Blame

    When Family Betrays: Autism, Domestic Violence, and the Weaponization of Blame
    Oct 29 2024
    In this episode of "Femme on the Spectrum", host Elizabeth shares her deeply personal tale of domestic violence, gaslighting, and emotional abuse within her family, framing her experiences through the lens of having autism. She discusses how her neurodivergency compounded these challenges, making social dynamics trickier to navigate, and how they were manipulated against her. Elizabeth also reveals how society's patriarchal values provide fertile ground for such abuse. She draws upon facts that suggest women on the spectrum are more prone to domestic violence, and her narration emphasizes how crucial it is for autistic women to let their voices be heard. Elizabeth concludes the episode with a powerful message on resilience, truth, and the strength inherent in the authentic voices of women on the autism spectrum.
    Show more Show less
    27 mins
  • Abortion Rights, Religion, and the Convenient Mask of Misogyny with Trump

    Abortion Rights, Religion, and the Convenient Mask of Misogyny with Trump
    Oct 25 2024
    In this episode of Femme on the Spectrum, Elizabeth dives into a controversial topic: the intertwining of religion, specifically interpretations of the Bible, and women's reproductive rights, with a special focus on abortion rights. Contradicting popular belief, she clarifies how the Bible doesn't explicitly mention or condemn abortion, and discusses historical and societal manipulation that has influenced women's roles and autonomy, particularly in regard to reproductive choices. She also tackles the inconsistencies and hypocrisy in pro-life arguments and the societal and psychological factors leading some women to support movements against their interests. Finally, Elizabeth underscores the importance of continuing dialogue around these issues, advocating for women's reproductive justice, autonomy, and equality.
    Show more Show less
    22 mins
  • Autism in Women: 7 Signs You’re Not Just ‘Quirky’—You’re Neurospicy!

    Autism in Women: 7 Signs You’re Not Just ‘Quirky’—You’re Neurospicy!
    Oct 19 2024
    The podcast episode, Femme on the Spectrum, hosts an in-depth discussion about the seven key signs of autism in women and the struggles and misunderstoods that come with it. The host, Elizabeth, covers an array of topics from the concept of social chameleons—hailed as a survival strategy employed by women on the spectrum—to understanding sensory sensitivities, the trait of hyper-focus, and dealing with burnout. This episode further discusses the uniqueness of social communication in the autistic community, the intensity of emotional responses, and the phenomenon of late diagnosis. Through these discussions, Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing oneself, striving to empower her listeners and foster a sense of belonging within her community.
    Show more Show less
    24 mins
  • Bowling Alone? More Like Social Striking Out for Autistic Adults!

    Bowling Alone? More Like Social Striking Out for Autistic Adults!
    Oct 19 2024
    In this thought-provoking episode of the Femme on the Spectrum podcast, host Elizabeth dives into the concept of social capital and its deep-rooted impact on the lives of high-functioning autistic adults. Drawing from Robert Putnam's book, 'Bowling Alone', she underscores society's declining social capital and its influence on autistic adults' experiences. Highlighting the significant challenges that everyday social gatherings present, Elizabeth unveils the often-overlooked struggle experienced by this demographic. Moreover, she underscores the importance of improving social capital, citing its proven benefits on mental and physical health. Elizabeth concludes the episode with potential solutions and strategies to foster social capital. From participating in online support groups to advocating for sensory-friendly activities and inclusive environments, Elizabeth maps out a path to help neurodivergent individuals overcome the hurdles they face in building social capital.
    Show more Show less
    19 mins
  • 2024 Election- Autistic Politics: Voting with Sensory Overload

    2024 Election- Autistic Politics: Voting with Sensory Overload
    Oct 18 2024
    In the podcast "Femme on the Spectrum," Liz discusses politics from a neurodivergent perspective, focusing on the upcoming 2024 election face-off between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The podcast touches on how neurodivergent individuals like those with autism and ADHD, process politics differently, often with a focus on detailed analysis of policy rather than emotional appeals and personality. Liz also discusses the sensory overload of campaign ads and debates which can feel intensely overwhelming for those on the autism spectrum. Highlighting the unique decision-making process of neurodivergent voters based on logic, data, and meticulous pros and cons list, the episode emphasizes the untapped potential of neurodivergent voters and the need for politicians to communicate with clarity and logic to win their votes. Liz also provides tips for neurodivergent individuals to navigate the sensory chaos of an election season, underscoring the importance of quiet spaces, regular breaks, and a relentless focus on the numbers and specifics of policies.
    Show more Show less
    19 mins