Clinically Awkward

As an offshoot of my ongoing Heated Rivalry hyperfixation, I, Alyssa Zimmerman, LCSW, am joined by sexologist Dr. Samia Khan for a candid conversation about queer and neurodivergent sexuality. We talk about the stigma around different types of pleasure, why the prostate has a PR problem, and how shame tends to ruin perfectly good curiosity. We also get into consent, communication, aftercare, kink, ethical non monogamy, and why different generations are having very different conversations about sex. Along the way, Dr. Khan shares how sex became both her professional field and a full blown special interest, and we retire a few myths that have been confidently incorrect for decades.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
03:11 Queer and Neurodivergent Sex
07:23 Anal Sex Myths and Realities
17:58 Autism and Sexuality
24:41 The Emotional Responsibilites of Sex
28:37 Consent, Substance Use, and Neurodivergence
31:04 Navigating Vulnerability and Attachment Trauma
37:31 Sex Education and Queer Relationships
45:28 Ethical Non-Monogamy and Kink
50:23 Concluding Thoughts and Resources
 
 

In this episode of Clinically Awkward, I, Alyssa Zimmerman, your friendly neighborhood stressy messy AuDHD therapist, sit down with author Maria Ingrande Mora to talk about our shared and deeply unhinged hyperfixation on hockey. We unpack our hockey origin stories, including nostalgic and occasionally wacky adolescent fandom, how our relationship with the sport has evolved, and what neurodivergent joy, intensity, and identity look like both on and off the ice. We also get into sports and mental health, parasocial relationships with athletes (you are not alone), and Maria’s upcoming book A Wild Radiance.
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
09:07 Hyperfixations and Hockey
15:28 Fandom and Social Dynamics
24:41 Playoff Moments and Emotional H ighs
31:40 Autistic Teen Girl Fandom
35:46 Sexual Objectification in Sports
40:46 The Paradox of Hockey Fights
45:25 Dynamics and Inclusivity
51:31 Nostalgia and Favorite Stories
56:56 Aaaand Back to Heated Rivalry
58:33 Author's New Book
 

In this episode of Clinically Awkward, I, Alyssa Zimmerman, AuDHD therapist, am joined by Dana Cea, a therapist from North Carolina, to explore the unique challenges neurodivergent individuals face around hair care and hygiene. Dana shares insights into their own neurodivergent identity, the impact of social expectations on appearance, and practical ways to make hair care routines more manageable. The conversation balances honesty and warmth as we talk through sensory sensitivities, societal pressures, and the often unspoken realities of personal hygiene, with an emphasis on self-accommodation and reducing shame. This episode offers compassionate, grounded strategies for neurodivergent folks navigating daily self-care.
00:00 Introduction to Clinically Awkward
00:33 Meet Dana Cea: Neurodivergent Therapist
04:42 Navigating Appearance Expectations
13:01 Curly Hair Chronicles
21:44 Hair Care Routines and Challenges
29:44 Professional Appearance Expecta tions
33:59 Hygiene Challenges and Neurodivergence
40:59 Simplifying Hygiene Routines
51:59 Self-Care Tips for Neurodivergent Individuals

In this episode of Clinically Awkward, I, Alyssa Zimmerman, your favorite stressy, messy AuDHD therapist, chat with Colette Bennett, a journalist, author, and Cohost of Colette and Matt Have Entered the Chat. Colette discusses how she turned her love for video games into a profession. She recounts her journey from geeking out over an Atari at age five to working in a high-speed newsroom. They laugh about ADHD mishaps, discuss the wild world of gaming journalism, why yelling 'get good' is the ultimate insult in gamer lingo, and her decision to ultimately leave the field. Colette offers sage (and hilarious) advice for young neurodivergent women diving into male-dominated spaces, reminding them it's totally okay to be the awkwardly brilliant queens they are.
 
Find Collette Here:
Colette's Instagram
Colette & Matt on Youtube
Colette and Matt Have Entered The Chat
 
00:00 Introduction and Special Interests
00:16 Guest Introduction: Colette Bennett
00:41 Colette's Diagnosis Journey
03:51 ADHD Treatment Experiences
06:18 Hyperfocus on Video Games
10:29 Challenges as a Woman in Gaming
20:30 Gaming as a Social Outlet for Neurodivergent Individuals
25:31 Navigating Online Communities
28:24 Masking and Competency in Gaming
33:54 Wholesome Gaming Communities
38:16 Gamergate and Its Impact
44:11 Advice for Neurodivergent Women
51:51 Where to Find More Content

In this bonus, supersized, and increasingly unhinged episode of Clinically Awkward, Rain Glynn and I discuss our current hyper-fixation, the Canadian “hockey” show Heated Rivalry. We dig into the show's character portrayals of neurodivergence, trauma, and interpersonal relationshiops. We dissect moments of clear autistic behavior, the show's handling of trauma and mental health, and the authentic representation of queer relationships. With plenty of humor, we also explore fan reactions, the importance of female characters, and the brilliant performances by the actors. Spoilers abound as we offer an enthusiastic, fan-girl driven therapist's breakdown of the show.
 
01:04: Introducing Heated Rivalry
02:50 Autism in Heated Rivalry
11:13: Trauma and Relationships
16:45 Fan Reactions and Adaptation Discussion
30:20: Hayden and Shane Friendship Dynamics
31:50 Unmasking and Evolving Communication
43:57 Shane's Coming Out and Family Dynamics
50:28:  Neurodivergent and POC Representation in Media
58:48 Final Thoughts and Future Hopes

In this episode of Clinically Awkward, join me, your. Favorite stressy messy AuDHD therapist, Alyssa Zimmerman as I sit down with Danielle Procope Bell, an Assistant Professor of Africana Studies at University of Tennessee and
expert in Black Feminism and Critical Autism Studies. Danielle shares her journey as a late-diagnosed autistic woman and her special interest in chess, diving into how it has shaped her personal and academic life. The conversation explores the intersectionality of race, gender, and neurodivergence, touching on family dynamics, cultural disparities in diagnosis, and the pressures of masking. Danielle provides valuable insights into how critical autism research can better include Black Autistic voices and the broader implications of creating an inclusive society. Tune in for an engaging, honest, and illuminating discussion that challenges existing paradigms and champions neurodivergent inclusivity.
 
00:52 Meet Danielle Procope Bell
05:06 Chess, Autism, and Pop Culture
09:31 Intersection of Autism and Black Feminism
21:14 Navigating Social and Racial Bias
31:35 Young Adulthood and Autistic Masking
38:23  Challenges of Adulthood and Parenthood
43:15 The Sims and Neurodivergent Reflections
47:17 Advice for Black Women Suspecting Autism
49:28 Critical Autism Research and Inclusivity
58:01 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of Clinically Awkward, I, Alyssa Zimmerman, your favorite AuDHD therapist, am joined by the hilarious Rain Glynn to yap about equine therapy. We chat about all things horses, because who knew horses could be therapists too, right? Rain breaks down therapeutic riding, horsemanship, and equine-assisted psychotherapy, and we touch on how horses are basically huge emotional sponges. You'll hear wild stories about horses in therapy, clients who beef with their horses, and how ponies are evil. Horses make the best therapists, no contest. But don't just take my word for it, tune in and we'll laugh, learn, and maybe even convince you to give equine therapy a try.
 
00:00 Introduction and Episode Framing
01:14 Understanding Equine Therapy Modalities
08:56 Sensory Processing and Equine Therapy
14:20 Challenges and Misconceptions in Equine Therapy
23:49 The Unique Benefits of Equine Therapy
29:31 Client Experiences with Horse Behavior
35:04  Neurodivergence in the Military
37:16  Myths About Equine Therapy
39:14 Horses’ Emotional Intelligence & Personalities,
50:50  Funny Horse Stories and Training
56:05 Starting Your Equine Therapy Journey
57:21: Conclusion and Outro

Join me, Alyssa Zimmerman, your favorite Stressy, Depressy, AuDHD therapist, as I chat with Blair Buckley, a social worker and therapist from Denver. Blair dives into her journey of dealing with late-diagnosed ADHD, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, POTS, and MCAS, while navigating the complex healthcare system as a neurodivergent woman. We discuss the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in medical settings, the importance of advocating for oneself, and the small victories in managing chronic illness. Tune in for an insightful and honest conversation filled with practical advice and as always a healthy dose of humor.
Join me, Alyssa Zimmerman, your favorite Stressy, Depressy, AuDHD therapist, as I chat with Blair Buckley, a social worker and therapist from Denver. Blair dives into her journey of dealing with late-diagnosed ADHD, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, POTS, and MCAS, while navigating the complex healthcare system as a neurodivergent woman. We discuss the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in medical settings, the importance of advocating for oneself, and the small victories in managing chronic illness. Tune in for an insightful and honest conversation filled with practical advice and as always a healthy dose of humor.
00:00 Teaser & Intro
01:15  Blair's Neurodivergent and Chronic Illness Identity
08:20 Challenges in Healthcare for Neurodivergent Women
16:33 Sensory Issues in Medical Settings
21:25 Neurodivergence and Being a ‘Difficult Patient'
28:58 Emotional Challenges and  The Spoon Theory
34:27 Under Employment and Systemic Issues
48:37 Advocating for Yourself in the Medical System
51:50 Conclusion and Resources
 

In this episode of Clinically Awkward, I’m joined once again by friend-of-the-pod Sidrah Kahn as we unpack our shared experiences with aunthood, messy family dynamics, and what it means to be the resident child-free women holding the emotional scaffolding together. We talk about the joys and chaos of being an aunt, swap stories about our nieces and nephews, and get into the very specific kind of care child-free women end up providing. We also dig into how millennial women think about motherhood now that we’ve seen the unfiltered reality of pregnancy and postpartum. It’s honest, funny, and a little too relatable for anyone “cool aunt” who has never been cool on purpose.
 
00:00 Introduction to Clinically Awkward
00:58 Welcoming Sidrah Kahn: Aunthood and Family Dynamics
04:29 The Role of Aunts in Child Development
08:39 Cultural Perspectives on Aunthood
20:53 Neurodivergence in the Family
23:56 Sensory Sensitivities and Accommodations
27:34 Navigating School Cafeterias and Childhood Experiences
28:53 The Evolution of Communication: From Track Phones to Smartphones
31:34 The Role of Child-Free Women in Family Systems
33:41 Aunt Life: The Joys and Challenges
35:39 Reflections on Parenthood and Child-Free Choices
43:25 The Importance of Community and Support Systems
53:44 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of 'Clinically Awkward,' host Alyssa Zimmerman welcomes singer, songwriter, and therapist Cassandra Holt Kimball to discuss her journey with neurodivergence and her passion for gardening. They explore Cassandra's diagnosis journey to discovering CPTSD and autism, and how this has influenced her therapeutic approach. The conversation touches on the role of specialized therapy, cultural identity, and the challenges of navigating systems as a neurodivergent individual. They also dive into the sensory and therapeutic benefits of gardening, sharing tips for urban gardening and building community. Filled with personal stories, humor, and insights, this episode celebrates neurodivergent experiences and advocates for a deeper understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity in both therapeutic settings and everyday life.
 
01:31 Introducing Cassandra Holt Kimball
01:43 Cassandra's Journey with Neurodivergence
04:04 Navigating Cultural Identity in Therapy
06:03 Challenges with Medical Providers
12:16 Understanding Neurodivergence and Trauma
17:50 Gardening as a Therapeutic Hobby
20:00 Urban Gardening Tips and Tricks
25:47 Sensory Aspects of Gardening
29:29 Connecting Through Pop Culture
30:35 Therapeutic Gardening and Sensory Experiences
32:48 Community and Nature in Urban Spaces
33:28 Challenges of Neurodivergence in Daily Life
45:01 Eye Contact and Autism
47:53 Political Frustrations and Advocacy
51:52 Embracing Neurodivergence
54:07 Conclusion and Contact Information