In this episode of Autistic FM, we sit down with Cheyenne, a late-diagnosed neurodivergent individual navigating life with autism, ADHD, and a history of trauma. Cheyenne is a devoted mother and wife, an advocate for vulnerable communities, and a passionate explorer of art, nature, and growth.

Cheyenne’s story is one of resilience and transformation. From a tumultuous childhood marked by abuse and manipulation, she’s worked tirelessly to redefine intimacy, love, and trust in her adult life. Through unmasking her neurodivergence and breaking generational cycles of abuse, Cheyenne has cultivated a family life filled with honesty, comfort, and unconditional love.

This episode dives into how autism can shape one’s understanding of connection and empathy. Cheyenne shares how her son’s potential autism diagnosis sparked her own journey of self-discovery and how her husband’s unwavering support helped her reclaim her agency. Together, they’ve created a loving environment rooted in mutual growth and understanding, offering a powerful glimpse into what it means to heal and thrive.

Trigger warnings

This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, child abuse, trauma, and manipulation. While graphic details are not included, the topics may be sensitive for some listeners. Please take care of yourself .

Topics covered

• Cheyenne’s journey as a late-discovered neurodivergent individual

• Breaking generational cycles of abuse

• Reclaiming intimacy and defining healthy relationships

• Autism and the experience of empathy

• The challenges of navigating diagnostic processes in rural areas

• Building a family life grounded in unconditional love and support

• How media portrayals of love inspired healing and change

About Cheyenne

Cheyenne is a 29-year-old mother, wife, artist, and advocate living in Missouri. Passionate about nurturing growth and breaking cycles of trauma, she finds joy in gardening, creating art, and advocating for marginalized communities, including plants and animals. Coming from a difficult background, she is committed to fostering healthier, more authentic relationships in her family and community. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative nature of love and understanding.

In this episode of Autistic FM, we sit down with Kendra Koch, founder of Divergently, a platform for late-diagnosed neurodivergent women. Kendra shares her diagnosis journey, which began during her pregnancy and the pandemic. We discuss the unique challenges neurodivergent women face, including masking, sensory sensitivities, and navigating societal expectations. We discuss why so many women are diagnosed later in life and how Kendra’s experiences inspired her to build a community specifically tailored to their needs.

Kendra introduces Divergently as a safe space offering peer support, expert-led workshops, and practical resources. Designed to bridge the gap between the wellness industry and medical care, it addresses overlooked day-to-day challenges neurodivergent women face. She explains why late-diagnosed women are underserved by traditional systems and highlights the platform’s January launch.

We also explore Kendra’s personal experience with burnout and her commitment to “Building without burnout.” She shares insights into preventing burnout, the importance of the 7 types of rest, and how embracing neurodivergence can foster creativity and connection. This episode is packed with inspiration and actionable ideas for anyone navigating life as a late-diagnosed neurodivergent person.

Trigger warnings for this episode: This episode contains discussions about mental health challenges, burnout, and the impacts of neurodivergence, including sensory sensitivities, societal pressures, and personal struggles with self-worth. While these topics are shared to foster understanding and connection, they may be sensitive or triggering for some listeners. Please take care of yourself while listening.

Topics covered in Episode 7

• Late Diagnosis: How pregnancy and the pandemic led Kendra to her ADHD diagnosis at 34, and her growing awareness of her autism.

• Masking & Identity: The impact of masking and societal expectations on neurodivergent women.

• Divergently: Kendra’s vision for creating a safe and supportive community for late-diagnosed neurodivergent women.

• Burnout Prevention: The personal and systemic challenges of building without burnout, especially for neurodivergent founders.

• The Seven Types of Rest: Exploring physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, creative, and spiritual rest, and their importance for preventing burnout.

• Advocating for Neurodivergent Needs: Practical tips for navigating work and relationships while honoring your needs

In this episode of Autistic FM, we sit down with Darcy von Borstel, an Adapted Physical Education Specialist from Sacramento, California. Darcy’s work focuses on helping students with diverse abilities, including autistic individuals, improve their gross motor skills and navigate physical education with confidence and creativity.

Darcy shares her insights on how physical education can foster critical life skills like reciprocal play, which helps autistic individuals build meaningful interactions with peers. From using bubble wands as motivation to teaching kids the joy of throwing and catching, she explains how tailoring approaches to each student’s unique needs and interests can transform their learning experience. Darcy also dives into the concepts of proprioception and interoception, shedding light on how sensory processing differences can shape autistic individuals’ relationship with physical activity.

The conversation explores Darcy’s personal journey as well, including her empathy for neurodivergent individuals, shaped by her own experiences with MS, cancer, and the cognitive challenges they’ve brought. Her vulnerability and resilience shine through as she reflects on how these challenges have deepened her patience, awareness, and connection with her students.

Topics Covered:

• ​ The role of physical education in fostering social skills for autistic individuals
• ​ Understanding gross motor skills and their impact on development
• ​ Reciprocal play as a gateway to social interaction
• ​ Proprioception, interoception, and their unique challenges in autism
• ​ The importance of tailored teaching approaches for neurodivergent students
• ​ Darcy’s personal health journey and its influence on her work
• ​ Why the education system still has a long way to go in embracing neurodiversity