Intimacy isn't just sex—and for a lot of autistic and ADHD adults, dating can feel like a confusing set of unspoken rules that nobody will explain.

In this episode of Adulting With Autism, host April sits down with Mandy Hart, a Certified Sexologist and founder of Hart's Desire—Intimacy and Relationship Coaching, for a candid, compassionate conversation about shame, consent, boundaries, and connection.

Mandy blends behavioral science, public health, and trauma-empowered somatic coaching to help people reconnect with their bodies, build confidence, and create authentic intimacy on their own terms—whether that's with a partner, multiple partners, or solo. We talk about what it means to feel safe in your body, how to communicate needs and boundaries, how to discuss STIs without panic or shame, and how consent can be sexy, clear, and ongoing (not a checklist).

• Intimacy vs. sex: expanding what "connection" can mean
• Shame and self-worth: how it shows up in dating and relationships
• "Safety in your body" and nervous system regulation
• Consent skills: how to ask, how to check in, and how to make it hot (not awkward)
• Neurodivergent dating: navigating cues, boundaries, and communication
• Asexuality, sensory needs, and relationships without partner sex
• STI disclosure and sexual health conversations with compassion

• Website: https://harts-desire.com/
• Email: mandy@hearts-desire.com
• Book a free discovery call via the site
• Blog: Embodying Hart's Desire

What happens to your children, your home, your photos, and your money if something happens to you—tomorrow?

In this episode of Adulting With Autism, we sit down with Attorney M. Cecilia Amo, founder of AMO LAW Legacy Planning (Costa Mesa, California), to talk about estate planning for real life—not just paperwork that sits in a drawer. Cecilia breaks down the difference between a will and a trust, why probate can be expensive and stressful, and how to build a plan that keeps your loved ones out of court and out of conflict.

We also dig into why estate planning matters for families navigating autism, ADHD, disability, and government benefits, including how an inheritance can accidentally disrupt benefits if planning isn't done correctly—and what tools (like special needs planning) may help protect long-term stability.

Cecilia is also the author of Your After-Credits Scene: A Nerd's Guide to Wills, Trusts & Legacy, where she teaches estate planning using pop culture references (think Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel) to make it actually understandable.

• Estate planning myths: it's not just for the wealthy or elderly
• Will vs. trust: what each does (and doesn't do)
• Why probate is the government's "default" plan
• What happens if you're incapacitated without a power of attorney
• Kids protection planning and choosing guardians
• Why digital assets (photos, accounts) need planning too
• How to find an estate planning attorney who isn't just selling templates

• AMO LAW: https://amo-law.com/
• Book info: https://amo-law.com/aftercredits

Are you exhausted from trying to be everything to everyone—and still feeling like it's not enough?

In this episode of Adulting With Autism, host April talks with Ruth Hirshberg, former social worker and creator of Grounding with Ruth, about the real root cause behind chronic burnout and people-pleasing: core beliefs about worth.

Ruth shares how a Crohn's disease diagnosis forced her to face the truth she'd been avoiding—you can't perform your way to peace. Together, we unpack why "just set boundaries" and "just do self-care" often fails, especially for high achievers, perfectionists, and neurodivergent adults who learned early that being useful was the safest way to belong.

Ruth brings an honest, no-fluff approach—calling out toxic positivity and wellness-industry nonsense—and offers practical tools rooted in social work, breathwork, and meditation to build internal safety and sustainable self-worth.

• What people-pleasing actually is (and why it's not just "being nice")
• Why boundaries don't stick if you don't believe you're allowed to have needs
• The hidden beliefs that keep high-achievers trapped in burnout
• Self-worth vs. productivity: separating value from output
• Nervous system regulation that doesn't cost money (breathwork you can do anywhere)
• Meditation for exhausted or traumatized people (starting small, safely, and realistically)
• Toxic positivity and why "good vibes only" makes healing harder
• Community as a tool for healing shame and isolation

• Website: https://groundingwithruth.com
• Instagram/Facebook: @groundingwithruth
• Facebook Group: The Enough Project
• Podcast: Inspired Questions (interviews + guided meditations)