Dr. Kristen Williamson on Neurospicy Brains: Autism, ADHD & Feeling Seen (Part 1)

What if the things you’ve always called “quirks” were actually your brain asking to be understood? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Dr. Kristen Williamson to discuss autism, ADHD, parenting neurodivergent kids, and the deep relief of finally feeling seen.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to normalize unfiltered conversations about mental health, trauma, and emotional survival.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us written or voice feedback here:
https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Help Us Bring This Award Home

We’re incredibly honored to share that Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads has been shortlisted for the Podcast Awards – Best Mental Health Podcast.

If this show has ever made you feel seen, less alone, or helped you understand your mental health a little better, we’d be grateful for your vote.

Voting is quick and easy:

• You do not need to sign up for Patreon
• Once you hit submit, your vote is sent

Vote here:
https://shorturl.at/mpReA

Winners will be announced on February 28th, 2026. Thank you for being part of this community and helping us break stigma one conversation at a time.

Mental Health Quote

“We’re different, not less — and understanding your brain can turn overwhelm into empowerment.”
— Dr. Kristen Williamson

Episode Description

In Part 1 of this two-part episode, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles welcome Dr. Kristen Williamson, licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, and proud ringleader of a self-described “neurospicy” family. What begins as a conversation about autism and ADHD quickly turns into a deeply validating discussion about identity, masking, sensory overload, and self-acceptance.

Dr. Kristen shares what it was like to be diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life — and how that diagnosis reframed decades of confusion, anxiety, and self-blame. She opens up about parenting a neurodivergent child before fully understanding her own neurodivergence, and why women are so often overlooked or misdiagnosed.

Together, the trio talks honestly about sensory overwhelm, everyday burnout, and why “functioning” doesn’t always mean thriving. From food textures and crowds to noise and emotional regulation, this episode gives language to experiences that many people have struggled to explain.

This conversation isn’t about labels for the sake of labels. It’s about understanding your nervous system, honoring your needs, and letting go of the belief that you’re broken. Part 1 is about awareness, permission, and the power of finally realizing there’s nothing wrong with you — your brain just works differently.

SEO Keywords: Dr. Kristen Williamson, neurospicy, autism, ADHD, neurodivergent adults, late autism diagnosis, women and ADHD, sensory overload, mental health podcast, parenting neurodivergent kids, masking, self-acceptance, emotional wellness

Meet Our Guest — Dr. Kristen Williamson

Dr. Kristen Williamson is a licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, and speaker specializing in autism, ADHD, and mental health. Diagnosed later in life herself, she blends clinical knowledge, lived experience, and humor to help individuals and families understand their brains and thrive without shame.

Connect with Dr. Kristen:
Website: http://www.empowermindsolutionsllc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573292573273#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowermindsolutionsllc/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkristenwilliamson
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerminds.solu?_t=ZT-8uIRNSOAKvW&_r=1

Key Takeaways

• Neurodivergence often presents differently in women and is frequently missed.
• Late diagnosis can bring relief and grief at the same time.
• Sensory overwhelm is information, not a personal failure.
• Masking may help you survive, but understanding helps you heal.
• Feeling seen can reduce anxiety, burnout, and shame.

 

Actionable Items

• Start tracking what overstimulates you, including sounds, textures, crowds, and environments.
• Build in decompression time after social or sensory-heavy situations.
• Practice leading with curiosity instead of judgment — especially with yourself.

 

References Mentioned

• Neurodivergent-affirming mental health care
• Sensory regulation strategies
• Autism and ADHD advocacy concepts

 

Important Chapters

• 00:00 – Welcome and why this is a two-part conversation
  Setting the stage for a deeper discussion on neurodiversity and mental health.
• 04:30 – Dr. Kristen’s late autism and ADHD diagnosis
  How adulthood finally brought clarity to a lifetime of unanswered questions.
• 09:45 – Autism and ADHD in women
  Masking, perfectionism, and why so many women go unnoticed.
• 15:00 – Sensory overload in everyday life
  Noise, crowds, food textures, and nervous system burnout.
• 22:30 – Parenting neurodivergent kids
  Advocacy, accommodations, and releasing parental shame.
• 30:00 – The impact of feeling seen
  Why understanding your brain can change everything.

 

Closing CTA

Subscribe, rate, and review.
Remember to subscribe for more real conversations around mental health. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch
#Neurodivergent #Neurospicy #AutismAcceptance #ADHDAwareness #LateDiagnosis
#WomenAndADHD #SensoryOverload #ParentingNeurodivergent #NormalizeMentalHealth

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference.

• United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
• Join Our Newsletter: Sign Up Here
• Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop

Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.