In this episode of Behind the Bite, Dr. Cristina Castagnini interviews Jennifer Gerlach, a therapist, writer, speaker, and author who is neurodivergent herself. They explore the complex intersections of autism, ADHD, mental health, and eating disorders, offering valuable insights for individuals, families, and professionals.

Jennifer Gerlach, LCSW, is a therapist, writer, and speaker who specializes at the crossroads of neurodiversity and mental health. She has provided training to clinicians on Autism at a national level through PESI. She is also the author of The Psychosis and Mental Health Recovery Workbook: Tools for Young Adults from ACT, DBT, and Recovery-Oriented CBT. She is also a neurodivergent person herself with lived experience.          

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Jennifer's Personal Journey
  • Diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome (now part of autism spectrum) as an adolescent
  • Initial rejection of the diagnosis, later acceptance as an adult
  • Struggles with fitting in and making friends during school years
  • Experience in a therapeutic school and its positive impact
Understanding Neurodiversity
  • Explanation of autism and ADHD as different ways of processing information
  • Discussion on the changes in diagnostic criteria (e.g., Asperger's now part of autism spectrum)
  • Prevalence of autism and ADHD, including underdiagnosis in women
  • Challenges in social interactions and executive functioning
Neurodiversity and Mental Health
  • Higher risk of depression, anxiety, and psychosis in autistic individuals
  • Comorbidity of mental health issues with neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Importance of distinguishing between neurodiversity and mental health conditions
Neurodiversity and Eating Disorders
  • Increased risk of eating disorders in individuals with ADHD and autism
  • Discussion on how low self-worth in autistic individuals can lead to disordered eating
  • Exploration of the link between ADHD and binge eating disorder
Treatment and Support
  • Importance of a team approach in treating co-occurring conditions
  • Challenges with medication (e.g., ADHD stimulants as appetite suppressants)
  • Value of group therapy and connection for neurodivergent individuals
  • Need for neurodiversity-affirming approaches in therapy and education
Signs and Symptoms
  • Potential indicators of autism in children and adults
  • Signs of ADHD, including both inattentive and hyperactive types
  • Importance of professional assessment for accurate diagnosis
Relationships and Neurodiversity
  • Common challenges for partners of individuals with ADHD
  • Misunderstandings and frustrations in relationships due to neurodivergent traits
Breaking Stigmas
  • Importance of open discussions about neurodiversity
  • Need for more understanding and acceptance in society
  • Jennifer's work in educating and supporting neurodivergent individuals

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THE EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 00:59 Exploring Neurodiversity with Jennifer Gerlach
  • 02:51 Jennifer's Personal Journey with Autism
  • 04:25 Challenges and Misconceptions of Neurodivergence
  • 07:06 Therapeutic Schools and Social Skills
  • 12:41 Link Between Neurodiversity and Eating Disorders
  • 21:33 Mental Health and Neurodiversity
  • 28:41 Understanding ADHD and Autism
  • 28:51 Emotional Responses and Social Interactions in Autism
  • 30:41 Compassion and Understanding for Neurodiversity
  • 31:52 Prevalence and Diagnosis of ADHD and Autism
  • 34:10 Types of ADHD and Their Characteristics
  • 36:49 Signs and Symptoms of Neurodiversity
  • 39:28 Challenges in Adult Relationships with ADHD
  • 44:58 Complexities of Medication and Neurodiversity
  • 49:53 Final Thoughts and Resources

KEY QUOTES:

  • "I think of depression as something that I have gone to war with and that I want to eradicate from my life because it is a condition. It's a disease that has really negatively affected me. I think of autism more as part of my identity, part of who I am and a different way of being."
  • "The eating disorder doesn't care about you. The eating disorder doesn't care about your family or your life or your life ambitions. All the eating disorder cares about is you losing weight."
  • "Sometimes determining what's mental health versus what's autism, I don't even know. And I don't know if it's as important as just kind of how am I going to accommodate myself, Jen, you know, and get what I need, regardless of the origin."
  • "You don't have to become an expert on ADHD or autism to be accepting to people who might see the world differently. You don't even have to know if they have a diagnosis.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

HOW TO CONNECT WITH JENNIFER TO LEARN MORE:

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

Thank you for tuning in to Behind the Bite! If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others who might benefit. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. 

Until next time, remember, we're here to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and support each other on the path to a better life.

Part of the Los Angeles Tribune Podcast Network, produced by the Tweaky Tales.

**Disclaimer:**

This podcast is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is given with the understanding that neither the host, the publisher, nor the guests are rendering legal, clinical, or other professional information. If you want or need a professional, you should find one to work with who can address your individual needs and situation.