The Neurodivergant Connection / Stories

Raising Digital Creators, Not Addicts: The New Blueprint for Safe and Inspiring Kids’ Technology

Robert’s story starts with a simple question that changed everything: why can’t people talk to someone right at the point of purchase online? Back in the late ‘90s, he was building websites and saw firsthand how disconnected people felt behind their screens. That spark led him to invent web chat, a tool now woven into the fabric of daily life, and eventually build a multibillion-dollar company centered around making human connections through technology. But after years of leading in the world of AI and customer service, his perspective shifted dramatically when he watched his own kids interact with technology. Instead of seeing creativity and community, he saw harm and addiction. Those personal, raw moments as a parent fueled a new mission—one focused on building tech experiences that empower kids to create and connect safely. Robert’s journey isn’t just about inventing cool tech; it’s about finding ways for technology to actually serve families, spark imagination, and build healthier communities.,Robert’s journey with technology began out of curiosity and a desire to solve problems he saw in everyday life. He invented web chat because he believed people deserved real, meaningful conversations—even online. As his company grew and shaped the future of AI, his focus gradually shifted from business success to something more personal. Becoming a dad opened his eyes to how technology affects kids, especially when he saw his own children drawn into unhealthy patterns with screens and apps. Those real-life experiences hit hard and inspired him to rethink everything he knew about tech. Now, Robert is passionate about creating tools that give kids a safe space to express themselves and explore their creativity. His story is a reminder that sometimes, it takes seeing the impact up close to realize what really matters and to use innovation for good.Robert Locasico has seen the digital world from just about every angle, starting as the inventor of web chat in 1997 and then leading LivePerson to the top of the conversational AI industry. But what really sets Robert apart is his drive to rethink how kids interact with technology, a passion sparked by watching his own three children navigate today’s digital landscape. He’s not just an industry veteran—he’s a parent who understands the challenges families face with screens, apps, and AI. Now, Robert is channeling his decades of experience into building tech that’s not only safe, but also genuinely sparks creativity and connection for all kids, including those who are neurodivergent. His down-to-earth style and focus on ethical AI make him a thoughtful voice in the often overwhelming world of kids’ technology.Visit Kidco.AI to learn more about the Kid device and company.Purchase the Kid device directly from Kidco.AI (available for sale now).Join the Kidco.AI Facebook group for parents to share experiences and support each other.Connect directly with the Kidco.AI team after joining to provide feedback and engage with the community.Explore COPPA certification standards for digital properties to understand the safety measures implemented for children.Contact Me:https://www.youtube.com/@AspergersStudiohttps://aspergersstudio.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/reidmiles/https://www.facebook.com/InsideTheAspergersStudiohttps://www.twitter.com/AspergersStudioSupport the show via my Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AspergersStudioHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

From awkward talks to real closeness in neurodiverse relationships

Neurodiverse Intimacy: Rethinking Sex, Consent, and Connection with CheriIntimacy isn’t “broken” when you’re neurodivergent—it just plays by different rules. In this episode, I sit down with Cheri, a couple sex therapist and relationship coach, to reframe sex, consent, and communication for neurodiverse couples.You’ll hear how sensory sensitivities, masking, burnout, and mixed communication styles can shape closeness—and why that doesn’t mean you’re a mismatch. Cheri shares how her new workbook helps partners feel safe, seen, and equipped to build connection that fits their brains and bodies. We talk about practical ways to communicate (that aren’t awkward), how to handle mismatched desire without blame, and what repair looks like when things go sideways.I reveal where I’ve struggled to find the right support, and you’ll discover why a small shift in language can change the whole experience in the bedroom. Curious how texting can be a strength? Why kissing can be a bigger sensory hurdle than handholding? And what to offer instead of a flat “no”? It’s all here—without shame, and without guesswork.Timestamps0:02 – Welcome and why finding the right support matters0:53 – Why Cheri created a sex workbook for neurodiverse couples3:19 – How intimacy shows up differently (and what “different” really means)5:29 – Sensory realities: kissing vs. handholding6:10 – Building a workbook that feels safe, not clinical7:07 – Communication that works: beyond talking it out11:16 – Reframing “something’s wrong with us”12:52 – Desire, arousal, and capacity: what changes and why15:23 – Talking about sex without shutdowns or defensiveness20:06 – Moving from unspoken rules to clear consent21:36 – Consent in long-term relationships when energy fluctuates22:55 – What makes this a workbook (and how to use it together)24:16 – The exercise that surprised Cheri most30:21 – Balancing structure with flexibility31:13 – Shame, trauma, and gentle repair32:50 – Handling mismatched desire without judgment33:56 – In-the-moment repair when things go sideways36:53 – The “we’re not broken” shift39:22 – Beyond sex: building a lasting sense of connection40:07 – Where to start if you’re nervousAbout the GuestCheri is a couple sex therapist and relationship coach with 20+ years of experience. Her dissertation focused on neurodiverse couples, and she specializes in practical tools that honor difference without shame. Learn more at couplescounselingcenter.online.If this episode helps, share it with someone who needs to hear they’re not alone. Subscribe for more accessible conversations on Autism, ADHD, relationships, and real-world support.#Neurodiversity #Autism #ADHD #Relationships #SexEducationHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Why Every Voice Matters: Breaking Stigma and Building Connection with Complex Mental Health

In this episode, you’ll hear Aisha open up about her journey with multiple mental health diagnoses and how she’s found ways to cope and thrive, even when things felt overwhelming. She shares real stories about what it’s like to juggle conditions like autism, anxiety, and depression, and how she learned to ask for help, set boundaries, and tune into her own needs instead of just powering through. Aisha’s experiences show you’re not alone in facing these kinds of challenges, and she offers tips you can actually use—whether that’s finding the right support system, practicing self-compassion, or just making space for the tough days. If you want honest advice and a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be perfect, this episode will give you the encouragement and practical ideas you need to feel a little more in control.,In this episode, Aisha shares her experiences living with multiple mental health diagnoses, including autism, anxiety, and depression, and discusses the ups and downs of managing them all at once. She talks about how she discovered effective coping strategies, from reaching out for support to learning the importance of boundaries and self-care. By opening up about her challenges and victories, Aisha reminds listeners that they’re not alone and that it’s okay to have hard days. The conversation is filled with practical tips and honest advice, making it a valuable listen for anyone looking to better understand how to navigate complex mental health journeys and find real-world ways to feel more balanced and supported.Discover how to navigate the complexities of multiple mental health diagnoses to regain control and balance in daily life.Celebrate real achievements that shine through despite facing ongoing mental health challenges.Embrace the power of self-acceptance and learn why owning your uniqueness transforms your emotional well-being.Master practical strategies tailored to managing ADHD as an adult and boost your focus and productivity.Unlock the benefits of building strong external support systems that can lift your mental health journey to new heights.Contact Me:https://www.twitter.com/AspergersStudiohttps://aspergersstudio.com/https://www.youtube.com/@AspergersStudiohttps://www.facebook.com/TheNeurodivergantConnectionhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/reidmiles/Support the show via my Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AspergersStudioHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Labels aren’t cages they open doors to real support

From Plaster Masks to True Voice: Neurodivergence, Burnout, and Finding Your Worth with Nikki (Dominique) FavreauI thought helping others heal meant I was healed—until this conversation showed me what it costs to keep a mask on.In this episode of the Neurodivergent Connection, I sit down with Nikki (Dominique) Favreau—former psychiatry and addiction nurse turned entrepreneur—who shares how a single moment in art therapy cracked a plaster mask and gave her voice back. We talk about the quiet ways burnout sneaks in, the difference between performing survival and living truth, and how worthiness ties to dignity, not productivity.You’ll hear how Nikki shifted from caregiving to building a software company with a remote team in the Philippines, why she calls herself a “perfectionist in remission,” and the surprising way she spots emotional intelligence when hiring. We also unpack ADHD through a family lens, the relief (and fear) of being seen, and the first gentle question she invites you to ask if you feel stuck behind your own mask.What did that mask protect—and what did it cost? How did one professor become both a catalyst and a mirror? And what simple, everyday practices help you return to your core essence? I reveal what changed for me too.About the GuestNikki (Dominique) Favreau is a former mental health and rehab nurse with a master’s in mental health who now co-runs a software company. She supports entrepreneurs with hiring, training, and delegation, grounded in compassion, emotional intelligence, and lived neurodivergent experience.Key Timestamps0:02 – Welcome and why this story matters now1:10 – From psych nurse to entrepreneur: the unexpected pivot5:18 – Self-compassion in addiction work (and what came back to teach her)11:49 – ADHD, validation, and seeing patterns differently19:02 – Hyperfocus, structure, and burnout’s slow creep21:40 – Delegation, identity, and the “perfectionist in remission”23:40 – The plaster mask: what it hid and why it hurt to remove39:40 – Error management: why she asks her team to “make mistakes”64:21 – Burnout vs. soul loss: what she couldn’t see from the inside67:10 – The first gentle question if you feel stuck behind a maskIf this episode resonates, share it with a parent, educator, or anyone exploring Autism, ADHD, or burnout. Subscribe for more conversations that center neurodivergent voices and real-life strategies. #Neurodivergent #ADHD #ArtTherapy #Perfectionism #BurnoutHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

From scared aunt to steady advocate raising Isaiah

When Words Aren’t the Only Language: Parenting, AAC, and Advocacy with Jennifer McGeeWhat happens when a teen with profound autism joins your family—and words aren’t available? This conversation gets real.In this episode, I sit down with artist and adoptive parent Jennifer McGee to talk about raising her nephew Isaiah, who is non-speaking, and how their family learned to listen beyond words. You’ll hear how she built trust, safety, and connection at home, the moment a “speech pad” changed everything at a restaurant, and why a routine medical visit led to a setback they’re still navigating.We also get into big-picture questions: how to advocate in IEP meetings without burning out, what true accessibility can look like in public spaces, and why art can reach hearts when explanations fall short. Plus, Jennifer shares the story behind her children’s book series, starting with “Izzy Can’t Talk,” and the surprising audience it’s reaching.If you’ve wondered how to support non-speaking kids, build a real support circle, and show up in your community with empathy, this episode will help you rethink what communication and inclusion can be.Key Timestamps0:26 – Jennifer’s story and adopting Isaiah3:05 – Building safety at home during meltdowns4:00 – From signs and pictures to a speech device6:48 – The orange drink moment that changed everything8:18 – The future: caregiving, housing, and real fears10:38 – Why “building a village” is harder than it sounds14:49 – ABA today: what helped Isaiah engage and travel17:15 – Inside the Izzy book series and what’s next24:58 – The IEP wake-up call that sparked advocacy31:44 – What accessibility could look like in everyday places37:31 – Don’t give up: Jennifer’s message to families38:31 – Where to find Jennifer’s workAbout the GuestJennifer McGee is an artist, caregiver, and author of the children’s series beginning with “Izzy Can’t Talk.” She runs Inclusive Art House, creating art and resources that honor dignity, communication, and inclusion for disabled individuals.If this helped you, subscribe and share it with someone who needs a little encouragement today.Keywords: non-speaking autism, AAC, speech device, IEP advocacy, inclusive classrooms, profound autism, caregiver support, sensory-friendly#Neurodiversity #AutismAcceptance #AAC #CaregiverSupport #InclusiveEducationHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.