What does intimacy look like when you’re autistic, ADHD, and healing from trauma? In this powerful episode of Mental Health News Radio, host Kristin Sunanta Walker sits down with Candice Christiansen (she/they)—licensed clinical mental health counselor, autistic ADHD adult, and founder of the Namasté Center for Healing—to explore the complex terrain of neurodivergent intimacy, betrayal trauma, sensory sex, and emotional reclamation. Candice shares her late-diagnosis journey, her healing partnership with a neurodivergent spouse, and the sacred truth of what it takes to cultivate safe, embodied, and attuned connection—emotionally, sexually, and spiritually. Together, they unpack common struggles faced by autistic adults: hypersensitivity, shutdown during sex, fawning, energetic overload, and the grief of misdiagnosis. This is not your typical conversation about relationships—this is soul-deep, nuance-rich, and paradigm-shifting. If you’ve ever wondered why sex feels overwhelming or how to reclaim it on your own terms…

If you’ve been told you’re “too sensitive” or “too much”…
If you’re healing from betrayal and trying to rebuild trust inside your body…

This episode is for you.

Disclaimer: This episode contains candid discussions about sex, intimacy, and trauma—particularly in the context of neurodivergent experiences and sexual abuse recovery. Listener discretion is advised.

About the Guest: Candice Christiansen (she/they) is the Founder and Clinical Director of Namasté Center for Healing based in Millcreek, Utah. A licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC), Certified Sex Addiction Therapist-Supervisor (CSAT?S), and psychedelic-assisted therapist (PAT), Candice specializes in working with autistic, ADHD, and trauma-impacted individuals and couples around betrayal recovery, sensory intimacy, and sacred sexuality. Diagnosed as autistic and ADHD at age 44, Candice brings both lived and clinical expertise to her work. She has over 25 years of experience, is trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, IFIO couples therapy, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. She’s the host of “Fabulously Candice: The Sexiest Podcast About Neurodivergence”, and a co-developer of one of the first neuro-affirmative autism screening tools. Candice is passionate about creating sacred, trauma-informed spaces where neurodivergent people can reclaim body autonomy, intimacy, and relational sovereignty.

Website: https://www.namasteadvice.com

For a free copy of her ebook on Autism and Sensory Sex, visit the website and use the contact form to request it.

In this candid and insightful conversation, host Kristin Walker sits down with Reverend Dr. Stephanie Holmes to explore her personal and professional journey in autism advocacy. From her daughter’s early diagnosis to her family’s multi-perspective book, Dr. Holmes shares how lived experience shaped her mission to support neurodivergent individuals, couples, and families—especially in faith-based communities. Together, they discuss the historic underdiagnosis of women on the spectrum, the nuances of masking, the need for inclusive education, and the often-overlooked intersections of autism, gender, and culture. This episode is a deep dive into breaking stereotypes, amplifying autistic voices, and creating genuine inclusion in schools, marriages, and communities.

?Stephanie C. Holmes graduated from Campbell University summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1994. She then completed her Master’s in Counseling  summa cum laude through Liberty University  and further pursued licensing in  the state of NC which was obtained and held from 2001 through 2009. She was an LPC in good standing. Upon moving to Georgia, with a desire to reach more people through tele- counseling, she obtained other certifications to pursue her calling of working with marriage and families with special needs nationally and internationally.  Her highest held degree is an Ed.D from Abilene Christian University, where she graduated with distinction upon completing her dissertation, “Creating an Inclusive Climate for Students on the Autism Spectrum.”?Certifications and Training?

• Certified Master Life Coach through International Board of Christian Counselors (IBCC)
• Certified Mental Health Coach through American Association of Christian Counselors.
• Board Certified Christian Counselor through International Board of Certified Counselors (AACC)
• Board Certified through Georgia Board of Examiners for Georgia Christian Counselors and Therapists
• Certified Autism Specialist through IBCCES
• Neurodiverse Couples Certification through AANE
• Neurodiversity Trained and Certified through Neurodiversity Training International
• Ordained through IAOG

holmesasr.com

In this heart-opening conversation, NeuroDuo’s Lauren and Tom share how their late diagnoses of autism and ADHD transformed not only their individual lives but their relationship, creativity, and self-acceptance. They talk about battling stigma, navigating sensory overload, and learning to create content that mirrors their real experience—not performative or polished, but real, resonant, and healing. From clock ticks in an assessment room to the quiet validation of knowing you’re not alone, this episode explores how authenticity becomes therapy—and how being understood can change everything.

linktr.ee/neuroduo

In this special Converge Autism feature, we’re proud to introduce All Abilities, No Filter—a bold new podcast hosted by a team of educators, clinicians, and advocates who are reshaping how we talk about autism, disability, and behavioral health. Join Jake Edgar, Lily Howard, Hannah Jernigan, and Dr. Brandon Clark as they share raw, unfiltered insights from their work inside classrooms, clinics, and family systems. With equal parts expertise and empathy, these hosts explore everything from IEP challenges and professional burnout to personal stories of neurodivergence and advocacy in action. This isn’t just another autism podcast—it’s a space where honesty leads, stigma unravels, and real voices are heard. Tune in and experience why All Abilities, No Filter is changing the conversation. 

www.allabilitiesnofilter.com

Join Dr. Stephanie on Converge Autism Radio with special guest Courtney Lasky, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA and PhD candidate, as they unpack the real-world impact of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in autism. Courtney shares insights from her 10+ years leading compassionate, trauma-informed clinical teams at ABS?Kids, explores common myths, highlights crucial components of effective ABA care, and reveals how leadership strategies can foster psychological safety in therapy settings. Whether you’re a caregiver, clinician, or advocate, this episode offers fresh perspectives and practical guidance to support autistic individuals and their families with dignity and expertise.

About the speaker: Courtney Lasky, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA 
Courtney Lasky is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) amd PhD candidate with over a decade of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). As the Director of Clinical Operations for ABS Kids, she leads clinical teams in providing high-quality, compassionate care to children and families.

Recognized as a subject matter expert, Courtney has been featured on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and the Dr. Drew Podcast, where she shares her insights on behavior analysis and its broader applications. She is passionate about leadership, staff training, and fostering psychological safety within clinical teams.
Beyond her professional work, Courtney is a dedicated wife and mother of six, living in Irmo, South Carolina. Balancing a thriving career with a full and adventurous family life, she brings both expertise and heart to everything she does.

In this powerful episode of Converge Autism Radio, Dr. Stephanie Holmes speaks with Dr. Eric Weiss—surgeon, stem cell pioneer, and father to a son on the spectrum. Driven by personal experience, Dr. Weiss shares the emotional and scientific journey that led him to explore stem cell therapy for autism. From groundbreaking brain inflammation research to real-world results with his son, this conversation unpacks the potential of regenerative medicine to improve quality of life for autistic individuals. Listeners will learn about:

• The link between brain inflammation and autism symptoms
• How umbilical cord stem cells are being used safely and effectively
• Why stem cell therapy may open new doors for older autistic individuals
• The personal breakthroughs that changed Dr. Weiss’s career path
• How diet, gut health, and stem cells can support a holistic healing journey

Whether you’re a parent, professional, or curious soul, this episode brings fresh insight and real hope.

Dr. Eric?Weiss is a board?certified plastic surgeon and former U.S. Navy Commander who pivoted his career to regenerative medicine after his son Marston was diagnosed with autism and showed remarkable gains following umbilical cord stem cell therapy. Now serving as Medical Director of the Autism Program at Miami Stem Cell and founder of North Florida Stem Cells, he has treated over 400 children with data-driven protocols—reporting developmental improvements in about 65–70% of them—using MSCs, exosomes, MRI/EEG monitoring, and rigorous safety standards. He’s also co?author of Educating?Marston and a frequent podcast guest, sharing both personal experience and emerging science in autism care.

https://northfloridastemcells.com/

Dr. Holmes talks with neurodivergent psychiatrist, Dr. Stacy Greeter.

Topics discussed:

• Dr. Greeter’s diagnosis journey at the age of 40 as a practicing psychiatrist.
• Growing understanding of Autism
• Myths about Autism
• Different presentations of girls/women in Autism
• Gender Fluidity & Autism
• Medications and How to be a psychiatric patient and advocate for yourself as an autistic patient

Dr. Stacy Greeter is board certified in both child/adolescent and adult psychiatry. She collaborates with children, adults, and their families to design a comprehensive individualized treatment plan.Dr. Greeter graduated summa cum laude from Duke University where she was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill under the Morehead Medical Scholarship. During her undergraduate and medical training, Dr. Greeter conducted extensive clinical research funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute on autism and on OCD. She completed both her adult studies and her child and adolescent subspecialty training at Northwestern University in Chicago, where she trained with nationally and internationally renowned psychiatrists. She is also certified in Internal Family Systems Therapy.

https://stacygreetermd.com/

Today, Dr. Holmes talks to Heidi and Robin about AVA: Autistic Voiceover Artists.
What if there was a place- a program- a community for autistic adults who want to use their voice talents in the voiceover industry? THERE IS! 

About our Guests:
Heidi S. Hackney MS, PCC, Co-FounderCertified Autism Coach, ICF Accredited Life Coach, Masters in Human Development
Robin Brooke SAG-AFTRA, AEA, Co-FounderProfessional Voiceover Talent of 20+ Years. Established VO Instructor and Coach. AVA Program Director.

How to contact:
https://autisticvoiceoverartists.org/
About the Program
Autism-Friendly CoursesUnlock Your Voiceover Artist Within

At AVA, we are dedicated to empowering autistic adults in the world of voiceover. Our programs are designed to identify and nurture your unique voice talents, providing you with the skills and confidence to succeed.We celebrate the vivid imaginations, the unmatched attention to detail, and the deep emotional connections that enrich every voice.As you navigate the challenges that arise, AVA stands as a beacon of support and understanding.We embrace differences and turn obstacles into steppingstones. Every hurdle is a chance to grow, to be inspired, to succeed.

Today, Dr. Stephanie talks to Dan of the Aspie World! Are we still allowed to say Aspie? Dan talks us through his autism identification and how that led him to build one of the first platforms on social media about adult autism.

Hello friends,

I want to share something deeply personal—something that completely shifted the trajectory of my life.

At 26, I received a formal diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome (now Autism Spectrum Disorder), along with ADHD, OCD, and Dyslexia. That moment wasn’t about becoming someone new; it was about finally understanding who I always was.

For years, I silently battled confusion, overwhelm, and social exhaustion. Masking my discomfort to “fit in” affected my mental and emotional health deeply.

A Diagnosis Isn’t a Label—It’s a Lens.It provided clarity, showing me that I’m not broken; I’m wired differently. Discovering neurodiversity helped me celebrate my differences and recognize my strengths—creativity, hyperfocus, analytical thinking—as true assets.

This revelation inspired me to start The Aspie World, supporting thousands globally in navigating neurodivergent journeys. Our differences drive innovation, empathy, and inclusion, making humanity richer.

Remember, your diagnosis is just the beginning of a beautiful, empowered chapter. You are capable, valuable, and not alone.

Thank you for joining this journey.

With gratitude,

Daniel M. Jones Founder of The Aspie World

Dan can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOKKRcJey93Ms-dL630UNIQ
Dan’s Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Autism-Adults-author/dp/1837822336
About when I discovered Dan on YT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDwXqGjohGg
Dan defends the term Asperger’s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB-cH9Os_J8