Unmasking with Charlotte Bergslein (The Spectrum Girl): Late Autism/ADHD Diagnosis, Complex PTSD, and Ehlers-Danlos

The host interviews Charlotte Bergslein, a Norwegian creator known as “The Spectrum Girl,” about her personal neurodivergent story. Charlotte shares feeling different and depressed from early childhood after her parents’ divorce, lifelong loneliness and misunderstandings, bullying and social rejection, and years of conflict in school, work, and relationships. After a major life crash, severe depression, and intensive trauma therapy, she was diagnosed at 38 with autism and ADHD, describing masking and how complex PTSD and burnout were shaped by years of being undiagnosed and mislabeled. She discusses family reactions, including her mother’s guilt, her sister’s earlier ADHD diagnosis, and her belief that her father is likely undiagnosed autistic. Charlotte talks about building community online, the benefits and harms of a larger platform, and how reaching out to followers helped during a December crisis involving betrayal, bullying, and self-harm risk. She also explains being diagnosed at 39 with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome after years of medical gaslighting, how she adapts to chronic pain and mobility limits (including using airport wheelchair assistance), and what she wishes people understood about invisible disabilities. She ends by calling for more kindness, patience, and space for autistic people to ask questions without judgment.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

02:49 Meet Spectrum Girl

03:32 Feeling Different Early

06:53 Life Crash and Diagnosis

09:23 Taboo and Self Doubt

11:45 Therapy and Masking

18:08 Trauma Roots in Childhood

21:50 Bullying and Social Exclusion

25:12 Abuse and Workplace Harassment

31:51 PTSD vs Autism Clarity

35:57 Family Reactions and Heredity

42:16 Sister Relationship Dynamics

44:04 Social Media Advocacy Challenges

50:44 Crisis and Reaching Out

53:19 Community Support Saves

55:28 Fighting Back With Tools

57:00 December Rejection Fallout

01:00:36 Exposure Plans and Logistics

01:04:43 Small Steps Talking Again

01:05:18 Ehlers-Danlos Diagnosis Journey

01:15:07 Living With Pain and Limits

01:17:16 Invisible Disability Awareness

01:25:02 Mobility Aids and Travel

01:29:03 Kindness and Final Takeaways

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

contains adult themes listener discretion advised

Pacifying With Wormi: ABDL, Healing, Boundaries, Spirituality & Sobriety

ABDL creator Wormi (@BBWORMI) joins the podcast to talk about what pacifies her—little space, pacifiers, bottles, diapers, and nighttime routines—plus the mental health side of ABDL, staying safe in the community (red flags/grooming/boundaries), spirituality/omnism, and her sobriety journey.

Next week: an interview with Charlotte Bergslein (The Spectrum Girl).

29:28 Asking Wormi about neurodivergence

31:18 Wormi's love of diapers

42:30 Faith. Spirituality and Omnism

55:45 Wormi's substance use and journey to sobriety

contact the podcast: neurorainbow@neurorainbowproject.com

find out more: www.neurorainbowproject.com

follow on social media: @unmaskingautiauri

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of DisElectAbility, host Aar Jae Williams is joined by Ashleigh Talbot, co-founder of the independent trans news podcast What The Trans?!. Together, they explore the current political, social, and media landscape affecting the UK’s trans and disabled communities. The conversation spans the deeply controversial Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland v. Scottish Ministers, the impact of the Sullivan and Cass reviews on trans healthcare, the role of right-wing US influence in shaping UK policy, and the devastating proposed cuts to disability benefits like PIP under the Labour government.

Ashleigh, a wheelchair user and MS patient, brings a razor-sharp critique of media transphobia, the NHS’s failures in supporting marginalised identities, and the performative neutrality of mainstream journalism. The episode also features a heartfelt voice note from trans activist Bex Foulsham responding to the Supreme Court ruling, emphasizing the psychological toll and erosion of legal protections for trans people in the UK.

From media myths to grassroots resistance, this is a call to action: resist, organize, support one another, and push back against a growing wave of ableism and transphobia.

• Transphobia in State and Media: Media’s complicity in pushing gender-critical ideology and exclusionary narratives.
• Healthcare Access & Censorship: The Cass and Sullivan reviews as state-sanctioned mechanisms to restrict care.
• Disability Rights & Welfare Cuts: Harsh critiques of Labour’s and Tory policies on PIP, universal credit, and NHS reforms.
• Intersectionality: Being trans, disabled, neurodivergent – how multiple identities face compounded marginalisation.
• Activism & Mutual Aid: Highlighting protests by Crips Against Cuts and DPAC; the importance of mutual care networks.

Ashleigh Talbot – Co-founder of What The Trans?!, journalist, activist, disabled trans woman living with MS.

Bex Foulsham - non-binary trans woman who is a member of the Liberal Democrats and campaigner

EMAIL: neurorainbow@neurorainbowproject.comm

FOLLOW ASHLEIGH ON BLUESKY: https://bsky.app/profile/ashleigh.whatthetrans.com

FIND MORE ABOUT WHAT THE TRANS?!: https://whatthetrans.com/

SIGN PETITION ON THE SUPREME COURT RULING: https://www.change.org/p/overturn-the-uk-s-new-legal-definition-of-a-woman

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Economic and Policy Impacts on Disabled People: A Conversation with Robert Buckland

In this episode of DisElectAbility, the Disability Politics Podcast, host Aar Jae/Eira-Auri Williams engages in a detailed discussion with Robert Buckland, former MP and cabinet minister, focusing on disability and autism policies in the UK. They explore the economic policies over the past 15 years, the impact of austerity on disabled people, and Buckland's work with the autism employment review. Buckland also shares his personal connection to autism, insights from his political career, and perspectives on current political challenges and government actions. The episode emphasises the need for improved support, inclusivity, and policy reform to better meet the needs of disabled people in the UK.

Email: neurorainbowproject.com

Follow on Bluesky: @neurorainbwoproject.com

Visit: neurorainbowproject.com/diselectability for more

Please like subscribe follow and share

episode content:

00:00 Introduction to Electability Podcast

00:49 Overview of British Politics and Disability

02:23 Economic Policies and Their Impact on Disabled People

06:38 Political Activism and Social Media

13:41 Interview with Robert Buckland

14:07 Robert Buckland's Political Journey and Autism Advocacy

18:38 Challenges and Achievements in Autism Support

25:15 Reflections on Government Policies and Future Directions

57:13 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exploring Dissociative Identity Disorder and Little Space with Raz

In this episode, the host Eira Auri (Autisticly Aar) discusses the intricate and often misunderstood mental health condition Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) previously recognsied as multiple personality disorder with guest Raz, known as Little Alt Space on Instagram.

Raz shares personal experiences of living with DID, the complexities of different alters, and the challenges of navigating relationships and daily life including how her DID impacts on her skills and abilities exploring what it means to experience age-regression with alters in the system.

The conversation also delves into the significance of regression, Little Space, and ABDL (Adult Baby Diaper Lover) as coping mechanisms linked to childhood trauma. Raz talks about the comfort and safety found in little items like pacifiers and diapers, as well as how these items aid in managing sensory sensitivities and are essential with the trauma healing journey she has embarked to nurture the needs of her inner-child.

The episode underscores the importance of understanding and compassion towards those with DID and related neurodivergent conditions such as autism and ADHD.

This podcast episode is recommended to an audience of 18+, This podcast includes references to trauma childhood, childhood trauma and possible references to self-harm

Find more about D.I.D: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/dissociation-and-dissociative-disorders/dissociative-disorders/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HMWcAcXjNmw?si=pJ0P3-c5DRcimkvw

read the podcast interview: https://www.neurorainbowproject.com/rainbow-reads/deep-dive-into-did

email the podcast: pacifying@neurorainbowproject.com

follow on bluesky: @neurorainbowproject.com/@pacifyingmyautism.com

Episode Rundown

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:31 Exploring Nonbinary Identity

00:56 Podcast Focus and Themes

01:54 Understanding Neurodivergent Experiences

07:56 Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Explained

15:00 Impact of DID on Relationships

18:53 Coping with DID and Age Regression

20:22 Exploring DID and Age Regression

22:23 Social Media and Little Space

24:42 Linking DID with ADHD and Autism

27:09 Sensory Comforts and Regression

27:57 Collecting Little Items

30:07 Understanding DID and Integration

38:59 ABDL and Non-Sexual Regression

40:16 Challenges and Coping Mechanisms

44:14 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the 'New Rainbow Cast' podcast, host Aar Jae Williams interviews Dan Bird, a contestant from Season 3 of The Traitors UK. Dan, who is autistic, shares his experiences on the reality game show, discussing the intersections of neurodivergence, identity, and strategy. Additionally, Dan talks about his book 'Go Neuro Way,' which offers travel tips for neurodivergent people. The episode aims to educate and provide insight into the life of neurodivergent individuals through personal experiences and thoughtful conversation.

Runthrough of whats on the episode:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:04 Exploring Neurodivergent Experiences

02:09 Guest Introduction: Dan Bird

07:06 Dan's Journey with Autism

08:56 Challenges and Strategies in Reality TV

32:45 Dan's Book on Neurodiverse Travel

39:47 Reflections and Future Plans

45:34 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Follow on social media

Bluesky: @neurorainbowproject.com

Instagram: @neurorainbowproject

Follow Dan on Instagram: @djzb100

Subscribe to Youtube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@NeuroRainbowProject

Subscribe on Patreon: patreon.com/RainbowPacifier

Donate via Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/neurorainbowproject

Get in touch via email: neurorainbow@neurorainbowproject.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Intersection of Politics and Fandom: An Interview with Dr. Phoenix CS Andrews

In this episode of Diselectability, Aar Jae Williams (Eira-Auri) interviews Dr. Phoenix CS Andrews, author of 'I Heart Politics,' which explores the theory of political fandom culture and its impacts in the age of mass-market popular culture. Dr. Andrews, who is disabled and neurodivergent, shares insights on how autism and ADHD influence his perspective on political engagement. The discussion delves into the intersections of fandom, populism, conspiracy theories, and the broader implications for disabled and marginalised communities. Additionally, they touch on Dr. Andrews' personal journey with late diagnoses of several disabilities and the unique challenges and experiences that come with it. The episode also explores how disabled people navigate political spaces, the representation of neurodivergent and transgender individuals in media, and how supportive fandoms provide community and identity. Upcoming episodes will feature interviews relevant to disability and politics, including a talk with former government minister Robert Buckland on government policies affecting disabled people.

For more from Dr. Andrews please and his book visit thatdocphoenix.com and https://linktr.ee/iheartpolitics

Any personal quieries, feedback or responses to anything discussed email: neurorainbow@neurorainbowproject.com

Subscribe to the new patreon channel visit patreon.com/rainbowpacifier or support via ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/neurorainbowproject

For more visit neurorainbowproject.com

00:00 Welcome to Diselectability Politics Podcast

01:14 Introducing Dr. Phoenix C. S. Andrews

02:45 Exploring Political Fandom Culture

03:53 Subscription and Social Media Information

05:28 Dr. Andrews' Personal Journey

08:07 Understanding Neurodivergence

10:57 Challenges in Education and Employment

26:29 Living with Cerebral Palsy

34:17 Adapting Sports for Disabled Individuals

41:46 Facing Accessibility Challenges

42:17 Visibility and Advocacy

42:59 Guide Dog Discrimination

44:17 Politics as Fandom

46:50 Writing 'I Heart Politics'

50:50 Defining Fandom and Populism

01:01:44 Negative Fandoms and Conspiracy Theories

01:10:50 Impact on Marginalized Communities

01:14:43 Changing Attitudes and Future Prospects

01:19:02 The Political Capitalization of Concepts

01:20:02 Impact of Famous Figures on the Autistic Community

01:21:20 Media Representation and Stereotypes

01:22:33 Challenges of Neurodivergent Representation

01:23:15 Misconceptions and Stereotypes

01:25:16 Navigating Social Interactions

01:39:07 Fandoms and Community Building

01:46:39 Accessibility and Inclusion in Fandoms

01:49:42 Hopes for Change in Neurodivergent and Queer Communities

01:54:48 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Overcoming Challenges: Lydia's Journey with ADHD, Masking, and Sobriety

Join us as Lydia, also known as @theconfidentwoman on TikTok, revisits her journey with ADHD and sobriety. Diagnosed with ADHD in May 2021, Lydia reflects on her identity crisis following a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder and shares insights into her path towards self-acceptance. She discusses the stigmas surrounding substance abuse, her battles with addiction, and the role of support meetings in her recovery. Lydia also delves into understanding her autistic traits, the challenges of masking, and the importance of routine. Discover her transformations and personal growth over the past year and be inspired by her resilience and determination to live authentically.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction

01:00 ADHD Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis

02:17 Identity Crisis and Acceptance

05:37 Self-Medication and Substance Abuse

06:52 Burnout and Career Changes

09:57 Addiction and Recovery Journey

17:29 Support Systems and Meetings

27:57 Decriminalization and Legalization Debate

48:34 Navigating Sobriety and Medication

49:10 Exploring Sensory Preferences and Stimming

52:50 Understanding Masking and Identity

01:00:22 The Challenges of Routine and Change

01:08:31 The Neurodivergent Spectrum

01:20:42 Confidence Coaching and Personal Development

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.