ADHD, Autism, Parenting and Entrepreneurship with Author & Artist Rachel Watts

Join host Peter Shankman as he kicks off the ninth season of the Faster Than Normal podcast with Rachel Watts, the owner of Doodles and Sketches. Rachel shares her journey of managing mental health, entrepreneurship, and raising a neurodiverse child. Discover how she built a powerful online community and the challenges she faced along the way.  

Our guest today, Rachel Watts, founder of *Doodles and Sketches*, is a neurodiverse entrepreneur who creates fandom-inspired merchandise. Living with autism, ADHD, and chronic illness, she candidly shares her journey of balancing mental health, parenting a neurodiverse child, and running a business. Following a mental health hospitalization, Rachel shifted her focus from business promotion to authentic self-expression on social media. Her openness has cultivated a deeply engaged online community, echoing the influence of early parenting bloggers. Her story underscores both the struggles and triumphs of neurodiverse entrepreneurship and the transformative power of vulnerability and connection online. We are grateful you are here- Enjoy!

• 01:45 - Introducing and welcome Rachel Watts!
• 03:30 - Threads versus ‘the old days’
• 04:00 - On mental recovery, socials, community building and authenticity.
• 05:20 - How to find a topic and learn from trusting your community
• 06:00 - A little about talking representation and politics
• 06:38 - Dealing with criticism and opinions with positivity as a neurodiverse person
• 07:31- Rachel was not diagnosed with Autism until she was 28.
• 07:40 - About dealing with pushback in verbal confrontations
• 08:50 - A note about representation, curiosity, caring patience and compassion
• 10:30 - ON ADHD and Social media ‘self-controls’ and choices in 2025
• 11:15 - Why did you get diagnosed; what made you pursue testing? Ref: Dialectable Behavioral Therapy DBT
• 13:50 - On finding a provider and the ideal mental healthcare team members Ref: EMDR
• 15:50 - On how women and men present differently with behaviours and symptoms of being neurodivergent
• 17:60 - On finding the best team, advocating for your children.. and why you must learn to trust your gut.
• 18:15 - On how good mental health is a Practice!
• 19:00 - How can we find your awesome work!?  www.doodlesandsketches.com
• 19:42 - This is Peter’s Sweatshirt Era (SB’s too btw -Ed)
• 20:40 - Protect Queer Kids - cheers!
• 21:00 - Thank you for being here!! Give us a shout anytime!
• https://linktr.ee/petershankman
• Email: peter@shankman.com
• Podcast: Faster Than Normal

Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain?

We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you’re looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman