The Life Autistic with Ryan Somers
50 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratingsRyan Somers discovered he is Autistic in his early 40s, after years of wondering "What is wrong with me?" An experienced writer, performer, and broadcaster, he decided to document his journey of discovery as he learned about his own Autism, and went through the process of getting an official diagnosis.
This podcast features one-on-one conversations with other Autistic adults, discussing our experiences living as Autistic people in a Neurotypical world, learning, discovering, and finding community and support by connecting with others in the community of late-diagnosed and self-diagnosed Autistic adults.
This podcast is by and for adults living with Autism, and for anyone else who wants to listen in and learn about us, from us.#TheLifeAutistic
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/TheLifeAutistic.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episodes
Episode 31: Zoh (Indiana)
June 30, 2021 11:58 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MBEpisode 31: Zoh is 29 years old and lives in Indiana. She is self-diagnosed Autistic, and is a creative musician, photographer and jewellery maker. In this conversation, we discuss how Autistics kids are often misdiagnosed growing up, comorbidities, the legitimacy of self-diagnosis in the Autistic community, the barriers to late-diagnosis, therapy, Beastie Boys, discovering being Autistic, famous Autistic people (Elon Musk, Dan Aykroyd), Autism in media and movies, Sia, Atypical, stimming,...
Episode 30 -- Julia (Austria)
June 05, 2021 16:20 - 1 hour - 58.1 MBEpisode 30 -- Julie (Austria) This week, we welcome Julia, 27, from Austria, for a conversation touching on a variety of things, including moving from the Dominican Republic to Austria at the age of 5, the differences between living in a city and a small town, travelling, special interests, self-diagnosing with Autism at the age of 20, job interviews, working with a job coach, family dynamic, "coming out" as Autistic to family and friends, support networks, support groups, starting a local...
Episode 29 -- Michael (Ontario, Canada)
May 29, 2021 19:00 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBEpisode 29 -- Michael Tanzer (Ontario, Canada) This week, Ryan and Drew have a chat with Michael, who is 29, and was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 3. We talk about his self-published book "Michaelism: My POV on Life with Autism," his childhood development, therapy, special interests, learning Japanese, independence, social media, not giving up, how Autistic people are portrayed in movies and television, and the Beastie Boys. Michael's book can be found here: https://www.amazon.ca/Mic...
Episode 28 -- Dave (San Diego, USA)
May 12, 2021 15:58 - 2 hours - 118 MBIn this episode, we have a pleasant chat with Dave, age 45, who lives in San Diego, California, USA. Dave was late-diagnosed Autistic, has an Autistic spouse, and an Autistic son. In this conversation, we discuss a number of things, including ABA Therapy, Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), the Love & Autism Conference, "famous" people in the Autistic space (such as John Elder Robison, Barry Prizant, David Finch, Anita Lesko, Amy Sequenzia), driving white Autistic, eye contact, sen...
Episode 27 -- Autism Awareness Month with Rose (Quebec, Canada)
April 10, 2021 21:14 - 1 hour - 102 MBWell, as you all surely know, it's AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH! Our friend Rose returns (third time!) to discuss some of the things that she thinks are important, for Autistic people to guide the conversation about us! We talk about what it takes for Autistic people to find happiness, be seen and heard, and to feel safe! What kind of therapies are out there for Autistic people, both the good (mindfulness, occupational, speech/communication) and the bad (ABA, shock, seclusion, etc.), and the neces...
Episode 26 - Armani (Michigan, USA)
April 10, 2021 20:41 - 1 hour - 60.3 MBI grew up in a family of racecar drivers -- both my mom and dad (that's how they met!) and all of my uncles raced cars. When I heard about an Autistic racecar driver named Armani Williams, I knew I simply had to have him on the show! Armani is awesome! He's 20 years old, diagnosed Autistic at the age of 2, and lives in Grosse Point, Michigan. He knew he wanted to be a racecar driver since the age of 8, and he was not going to let Autism get in the way. In this conversation, we talk about r...
Episode 25 -- Autism Myths with Rose (Quebec, Canada)
April 10, 2021 20:25 - 2 hours - 127 MBOn this episode, Rose is back for another round! This time, the focus is on Autism Myths! Are Autism cases on the rise? Do people outgrow Autism? Is there for a cure for Autism? Do vaccines cause Autism? Are there differences in Autism between males and females? Do we prefer to say "Autistic people" or "people with Autism?" Is Autism a form of brain damage? Can Autistic people make friends? Can Autism people express themselves? Is everyone a little bit Autistic? We love Rose. She is bril...
Episode 24 -- Hunter (Colorado, USA)
April 10, 2021 19:55 - 1 hour - 107 MBIn this episode, we chat with Hunter Hansen, who was diagnosed Autistic at the age of 16, is a husband and father, works at a large tech company, and is also an Autism advocate, posing videos to Instagram at the account @The_Life_Autistic, which is how we first discovered each other last year! We enjoy a fun and insightful conversation, sharing our experiences as "Public Autistics" in the social media space, and talking about work life, writing about Autistic experiences, connecting with o...
Episode 23 -- Sam (Pennsylvania, USA)
April 10, 2021 19:29 - 1 hour - 75.2 MBSam is an awesome dude, in his early 30s, who was diagnosed with Aspergers (ASD) at the age of 14. In this conversation, we talk about all kinds of things, like The Beatles, the prevalence of Autistic minds in technology and the arts, Autism as a gift, positive energy, socializing, stimming, masking, meditation, working with Autistic children, Autistic humour, Autism myths, empathy, religion, and the question we've all been wondering for the longest time: was Jesus Autistic? The Life Autist...
Episode 22 -- John (Texas, USA)
April 10, 2021 18:08 - 1 hour - 71.1 MBIn this episode, we have a conversation with John, who lives in Texas, and was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 39. He is a librarian, and we discuss a number of topics including the challenges Autistic people face in the work environment, relationships, executive functioning, anxiety, drinking, invisible differences, empathy, anime, Star Trek, and a number of other things. As always, if you find value in this podcast, we would appreciate some support! Please like and share, leave a rev...
Episode 21 -- Phil (Ontario, Canada)
April 10, 2021 17:36 - 1 hour - 56.2 MBIn this episode, we have a chat with Phil, who was diagnosed as Autistic in his 40s. We have a wide-ranging talk about a number of topics, including executive function, working memory, the journey to diagnosis, the diagnosis process, gender stereotypes, sports, friendships, self-acceptance, Autistic burnout, spoon theory, and much more! Phil is a great guy, very knowledgable, and a pleasure to talk to. We hope you enjoy this episode! If you find value in The Life Autistic Podcast with Ryan...
Episode 20 -- Jessica (Los Angeles, USA)
March 05, 2021 18:13 - 1 hour - 34.7 MBEpisode 20: Ryan's conversation with Jessica West. Our first episode of 2021! We are now back, and have a bunch of episodes recorded, and will be posting a new episode every week! This one features a very enjoyable conversation we had with Jessica West, who lives on the west coast, and is an Autistic woman who is an executive coach and a mom. We had a great talk about living our authentic Autistic selves, raising kids, coaching, anxiety and depression, masking, and her work as an executive ...
Episode 20 -- Jessica West
March 05, 2021 18:13 - 1 hour - 34.7 MBEpisode 20: Ryan's conversation with Jessica West. Our first episode of 2021! We are now back, and have a bunch of episodes recorded, and will be posting a new episode every week! This one features a very enjoyable conversation we had with Jessica West, who lives on the west coast, and is an Autistic woman who is an executive coach and a mom. We had a great talk about living our authentic Autistic selves, raising kids, coaching, anxiety and depression, masking, and her work as an executive ...
Episode 18: Ryan and Drew
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 1 hour - 63.5 MBDrew is a dude I've known for many years. We worked together a few times, years ago, when he was hosting and producing a TV Show, and brought me in a few times to do some different segments. We recently reconnected after he heard the podcast and reached out to offer to help, which is great, because I can certainly use some help! This is a conversation we recorded after recording the previous episode, and I thought it would be worth sharing... a little bit of a "behind the scenes" I guess, I ...
Episode 19: Q&A (Last Episode of 2020!!)
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 1 hour - 94.1 MBEpisode 19: Q&A -- In this episode, the final episode of 2020, I read some letters and answer some questions on a variety of topics, including Autism and sex, living with undiagnosed Autism, seeking help from a psychiatrist or psychologist, parenting with Autism, how Autism affects jobs, family, and friendships, "coming out" as Autistic to family and co-workers, dealing with death and loss, and functioning labels. #TheLifeAutistic Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/TheLifeAutistic...
Episode 1: Introduction
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBIntroduction to who I am and why I’m starting this podcast — a 43-year-old father facing head-on the reality of living with Asperger’s (ASD) and sharing my experiences and discoveries. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/TheLifeAutistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 2: Talking While Walking in the Woods.
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 42 minutes - 39.7 MBMore about how I arrived at knowing I had Asperger’s / ASD, symptoms, anxiety issues, friendships, and autistic people in movies. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/TheLifeAutistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 17: Rose (Quebec, Canada)
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 1 hour - 79.2 MBWelcome to Episode 17! For this one, we I had an awesome conversation with my new favourite person, Rose! Rose lives in the province of Quebec, was diagnosed with Autism as an adult, and has Neurodiverse children as well. She was an absolute joy to speak with, and I felt like we could have talked all day. My only regret is that I tend to be long-winded and I should have just shut my mouth and let her speak for the entire hour. We hope to have her back to do just that! As always, thanks f...
Episode 10 -- We’re back!
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 59 minutes - 28.3 MBEpisode 10 — catching up with my diagnosis journey, and a bit of discussion about a CBC online video called “You Can’t Ask That,” dealing with autism. New name! @aspietribe #aspietribe Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/TheLifeAutistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 11: Driving and talking...
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 38 minutes - 35.9 MBEpisode 11: Driving. Update on my adult diagnosis process. Thoughts on the TV show Atypical and my own troubled teenage years. Thoughts on support I need in my life. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/TheLifeAutistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 11: Driving and talking about the adult diagnosis process, Atypical TV show, etc.
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 38 minutes - 35.9 MBEpisode 11: Driving. Update on my adult diagnosis process. Thoughts on the TV show Atypical and my own troubled teenage years. Thoughts on support I need in my life. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Episode 12: Bruce Petherick (Calgary, Canada)
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBWe’re back! It’s been a few months, but we’re back, and with a new name: The Life Autistic. On this episode, I spoke with Bruce Petherick (Calgary, Alberta, Canada), about his Life Autistic, being a musician and teacher, how he came to a diagnosis in his early 50s, the challenges of Autism with work and family, and his positive outlook on Autism and Neurodiversity! As always. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @TheLifeAutistic, and please help us spread the word by sharing the podca...
Episode 13: My conversation with Samantha Dirk.
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 1 hour - 70 MBOn this episode I have a conversation with Samantha Dirk about discovering her Autism in her late 20s, growing up not knowing she was Autistic, differences in how Autism can present in boys and girls, functioning labels, advocacy, stimming, and other topics. Please check the comments on the Facebook page for links to books and videos we discussed in this conversation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Episode 13: Samantha Dirk (Alberta, Canada)
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 1 hour - 70 MBOn this episode I have a conversation with Samantha Dirk about discovering her Autism in her late 20s, growing up not knowing she was Autistic, differences in how Autism can present in boys and girls, functioning labels, advocacy, stimming, and other topics. Please check the comments on the Facebook page for links to books and videos we discussed in this conversation. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/TheLifeAutistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 14: The Day After Being Diagnosed!
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBSome thoughts I recorded while driving, the day after receiving a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1. (ASD1) #TheLifeAutistic Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/TheLifeAutistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 15: My conversation with Shane Fame
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 1 hour - 67.9 MBI've known Shane since back in the late 90s Toronto hip-hop scene, when we were both involved in promoting events. We've recently linked up again when he invited me to appear on his Shower for the Soul podcast. He agreed to let me know post that conversation here as well. I hope you enjoy our wide-ranging chat. Find him on instagram @famefriends Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/TheLifeAutistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 16: Ryan & Joyce
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBThis is a very special episode of The Life Autistic.. Recently, I was contacted by Joyce, who has been listening to the podcast in Kenya! We started chatting back and forth, and we ended up talking on the phone one night and I said "Wait, this is so great, can I record this?" We talked about all kind of things, and I cried a couple of times, and I now refer to Joyce as the "Aspie Whisperer!" I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did, and stay tuned for part 2 that we will be recordi...
Episode 16: Ryan & Joyce (Nairobi, Kenya)
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBThis is a very special episode of The Life Autistic.. Recently, I was contacted by Joyce, who has been listening to the podcast in Kenya! We started chatting back and forth, and we ended up talking on the phone one night and I said "Wait, this is so great, can I record this?" We talked about all kind of things, and I cried a couple of times, and I now refer to Joyce as the "Aspie Whisperer!" I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did, and stay tuned for part 2 that we will be record...
AspieTribe — Episode 10. We’re back!
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 59 minutes - 28.3 MBEpisode 10 — catching up with my diagnosis journey, and a bit of discussion about a CBC online video called “You Can’t Ask That,” dealing with autism. New name! @aspietribe #aspietribe See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Episode 17: Ryan and Rose
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 1 hour - 79.2 MBWelcome to Episode 17! For this one, we I had an awesome conversation with my new favourite person, Rose! Rose lives in the province of Quebec, was diagnosed with Autism as an adult, and has Neurodiverse children as well. She was an absolute joy to speak with, and I felt like we could have talked all day. My only regret is that I tend to be long-winded and I should have just shut my mouth and let her speak for the entire hour. We hope to have her back to do just that! As always, thanks f...
Episode 5: Ryan is joined by his partner Jennifer, who takes the AQ (Autism Quotient) Test.
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 59 minutes - 27.7 MBRyan and Jennifer sit down to chat over a glass of wine and a beer, while Jennifer takes the AQ (Autism Quotient) Test, and they discuss her results. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/TheLifeAutistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 6: Happy Autistic Pride Day! Conversation with Jerry from Texas, diagnoses one year ago.
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 55 minutes - 51.3 MBIt’s Autistic Pride Day! On this episode Ryan talks to Jerry in Texas, who was diagnosed one year ago in his late 20s. Jerry’s an awesome dude who is living in the spectrum and discusses his challenges and how he is able to live. Thanks Jerry! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Episode 6: Jerry (Texas, USA)
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 55 minutes - 51.3 MBIt’s Autistic Pride Day! On this episode Ryan talks to Jerry in Texas, who was diagnosed one year ago in his late 20s. Jerry’s an awesome dude who is living in the spectrum and discusses his challenges and how he is able to live. Thanks Jerry! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/TheLifeAutistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 7: JF (Montreal, Canada)
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 56 minutes - 52.7 MBMy conversation with JF in Montreal, about his depression and Asperger’s, the night before he is going to meet his psychiatrist and psychologist about getting an autism diagnosis. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/TheLifeAutistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 7: My conversation with JF in Montreal about depression and autism.
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 56 minutes - 52.7 MBMy conversation with JF in Montreal, about his depression and Asperger’s, the night before he is going to meet his psychiatrist and psychologist about getting an autism diagnosis. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Episode 8: Update on my meeting with a Psychologist, and Q&A.
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBHey folks! I saw a counsellor and a psychologist today. I talk about that a bit, and answer some questions. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/TheLifeAutistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 9: Stream of consciousness.
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 38 minutes - 17.9 MBHey all! Sorry it’s been a month since the last episode! Life has thrown a few curveballs my way. This is recorded today in the car - a little update on what I’ve been up to and thinking about. The only chance I had to record was in the car today, so my apologies for the audio! Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/TheLifeAutistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Life Autistic — Episode 12: A Conversation with Bruce Petherick.
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBWe’re back! It’s been a few months, but we’re back, and with a new name: The Life Autistic. On this episode, I spoke with Bruce Petherick (Calgary, Alberta, Canada), about his Life Autistic, being a musician and teacher, how he came to a diagnosis in his early 50s, the challenges of Autism with work and family, and his positive outlook on Autism and Neurodiversity! As always. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @TheLifeAutistic, and please help us spread the word by sharing the podcas...
The Life Autistic with Ryan Somers (Trailer)
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 47 seconds - 758 KBSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/TheLifeAutistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 3: I Think I Might Be Autistic
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 58 minutes - 54.2 MBIn this episode I talk a little bit about the book “I Think I Might Be Autistic” by Cynthia Kim, review some questions from one of the chapters, and answer two questions from listeners. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/TheLifeAutistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 4: Q&A — How to understand and support people in your life with Asperger’s / ASD.
January 25, 2021 12:15 - 53 minutes - 49.5 MBQ&A episode, topics include understanding a husband with Asperger’s, how to support people in your life with Asperger’s, and seeking a diagnosis at age 50 after 20 years of being treated for bipolar disorder. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/TheLifeAutistic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Life Autistic — Episode 12: A Conversation with Bruce Petherick.
July 28, 2020 00:28 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBWe’re back! It’s been a few months, but we’re back, and with a new name: The Life Autistic. On this episode, I spoke with Bruce Petherick (Calgary, Alberta, Canada), about his Life Autistic, being a musician and teacher, how he came to a diagnosis in his early 50s, the challenges of Autism with work and family, and his positive outlook on Autism and Neurodiversity! As always. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @TheLifeAutistic, and please help us spread the word by sharing the podcas...
Episode 11: Driving and talking about the adult diagnosis process, Atypical TV show, etc.
November 08, 2019 22:48 - 38 minutes - 35.9 MBEpisode 11: Driving. Update on my adult diagnosis process. Thoughts on the TV show Atypical and my own troubled teenage years. Thoughts on support I need in my life.
Episode 9: Stream of consciousness.
August 13, 2019 17:43 - 38 minutes - 17.9 MBHey all! Sorry it’s been a month since the last episode! Life has thrown a few curveballs my way. This is recorded today in the car - a little update on what I’ve been up to and thinking about. The only chance I had to record was in the car today, so my apologies for the audio!
Episode 8: Update on my meeting with a Psychologist, and Q&A.
July 09, 2019 23:37 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBHey folks! I saw a counsellor and a psychologist today. I talk about that a bit, and answer some questions.
Episode 7: My conversation with JF in Montreal about depression and autism.
June 20, 2019 00:14 - 56 minutes - 52.7 MBMy conversation with JF in Montreal, about his depression and Asperger’s, the night before he is going to meet his psychiatrist and psychologist about getting an autism diagnosis.
Episode 6: Happy Autistic Pride Day! Conversation with Jerry from Texas, diagnoses one year ago.
June 18, 2019 23:06 - 55 minutes - 51.3 MBIt’s Autistic Pride Day! On this episode Ryan talks to Jerry in Texas, who was diagnosed one year ago in his late 20s. Jerry’s an awesome dude who is living in the spectrum and discusses his challenges and how he is able to live. Thanks Jerry!
Episode 5: Ryan is joined by his partner Jennifer, who takes the AQ (Autism Quotient) Test.
June 12, 2019 03:44 - 59 minutes - 27.7 MBRyan and Jennifer sit down to chat over a glass of wine and a beer, while Jennifer takes the AQ (Autism Quotient) Test, and they discuss her results.
Episode 4: Q&A — How to understand and support people in your life with Asperger’s / ASD.
June 03, 2019 17:00 - 53 minutes - 49.5 MBQ&A episode, topics include understanding a husband with Asperger’s, how to support people in your life with Asperger’s, and seeking a diagnosis at age 50 after 20 years of being treated for bipolar disorder.
Episode 2: Talking While Walking in the Woods.
May 09, 2019 16:24 - 42 minutes - 39.7 MBMore about how I arrived at knowing I had Asperger’s / ASD, symptoms, anxiety issues, friendships, and autistic people in movies.