Best Kristen Hovet Podcasts (2025)

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EP04: Kids and concussions — What every parent, coach, and health-care professional should know 21:42

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2d ago21:42

21:42

Concussions are more than "just a bump" — they're brain injuries that can seriously impact a child's life. In this episode, Dr. Shelina Babul, concussion expert and creator of the Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT), joins us to break down why concussions matter, especially in children and youth. We explore common misconceptions, early sympto…

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EP03: Fast-tracking pediatric cancer care 23:14

13d ago23:14

23:14

Dr. Georgina Barnabas and PhD candidate Tariq Bhat — from the Lange and Lim Labs at BCCHR — share how they used proteomics and a personalized tumour model to identify a treatment option for a child with hard-to-treat cancer, within just two weeks. Their story reveals how the latest precision approaches are identifying hidden vulnerabilities in aggr…

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EP43: "Where there's autistic people, there's always gender diverse people..." 45:37

1M ago45:37

45:37

millie joins me to talk about autistic culture, creativity, surviving in a neurotypical world, and finding true community. We get into late-diagnosed autism and ADHD, harm reduction, AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), and why autistic spaces can feel like a breath of fresh air. millie also shares how surviving — and thriving — as a d…

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EP02: Cheek swabs, epigenetic clocks, and kids 29:39

1M ago29:39

29:39

Cheek swabs are easy to collect, but the science behind them is anything but simple. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Merrill and Dr. Chaini Konwar discuss how the proportion of cells collected from cheek swabs — buccal epithelial cells — change with age and why this matters for pediatric epigenetics. Learn how these changes impact biomarker accuracy, ep…

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EP42: Tips for Autistic University or College Students 26:47

2M ago26:47

26:47

Odosa Obasuyi is the founder and CEO of Autinerary, a positive, all-purpose hub for all things autism-related. Odosa is the brother of an autistic sibling, a student at the University of Toronto, and suspects he may be neurodivergent himself. He joins me for a quick chat about the ways Autinerary can help you on your autism journey — whether you're…

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EP01: HPV vaccine education in British Columbia 19:15

3M ago19:15

19:15

In this episode, Dr. Hana Mitchell joins us to talk about the barriers to HPV vaccine uptake, the role of schools in vaccine awareness, vaccine anxiety and parental involvement, integrating educational resources in schools, and much more. Learn more about topics discussed in this episode: Kids Boost Immunity Opportunities for HPV vaccine education …

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EP41: The Link Between Fibromyalgia and Autism 1:24:12

4M ago1:24:12

1:24:12

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Michael Lenz, a physician specializing in pediatrics, internal medicine, lifestyle medicine, and lipidology. Dr. Lenz is the author of Conquering Your Fibromyalgia and host of the podcast by the same name. His passion for lifelong learning and holistic patient care has led him to specialize in chronic pain syndr…

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New Year Meditation for Autistics and Other Neurodivergent People 11:38

4M ago11:38

11:38

Welcome to this guided meditation, created with autistic and neurodivergent brains in mind. Meditation is often depicted a certain way — sitting still, cross-legged, eyes closed. But here, we do things differently. Here, you are invited to make meditation your own. Maybe that means sitting in a way that feels natural to you. Maybe that means allowi…

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EP40: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and Autism 29:27

5M ago29:27

29:27

In this episode, I dive into rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) and how it connects to both ADHD and autism. I explore the intense emotional responses that come with RSD, the common triggers, and the ways it can impact relationships and self-worth. I also share some therapeutic approaches that might help and explain why it's so important to unders…

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EP39: The Story Behind the Self-Advocacy Guide for Cancer Patients on the Autism Spectrum 1:01:15

7M ago1:01:15

1:01:15

If you're autistic and you're diagnosed with cancer, will your care be impacted by your unconscious wish to be the perfect patient? Or will it be impacted by an abusive spouse or partner, the kind so many of us on the spectrum find ourselves with? We explore these questions and much more. In this episode, we honour the life and legacy of Lindsey Ca…

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EP38: Autistic Hispanic Personal Trainer in New York 1:09:52

8M ago1:09:52

1:09:52

Meet Dennis Bourne, a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD personal trainer and martial arts instructor. Dennis shares his journey growing up undiagnosed in New York with immigrant parents, recounts his experiences as a Hispanic neurodivergent person, and describes how ADHD and autism diagnoses reshaped his worldview. Dennis also offers fitness and die…

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EP37: Former Teacher Finds the Diagnosis Her Therapists Missed 48:35

10M ago48:35

48:35

Today, I'm speaking with Sarah, a musician, gardener, and former teacher based in Pennsylvania. Sarah spent much of her life in therapy and struggling with others' misunderstandings and insensitivities. Now, in her 60s and with a handful of mental health diagnoses behind her, she is finding that autism might explain so many of her experiences. A se…

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EP36: Autistic Empathy and the Double Empathy Problem 43:12

10M ago43:12

43:12

Many think that autistic people lack empathy, but do they? Even if you think you know the answer, you'll find new content about empathy and relating to others in this episode. Join me as I explore empathy in the context of autism research and the origins of the autistic empathy deficit idea. In this episode, I cover the double empathy problem with …

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EP35: Helena, Diagnosed As Autistic and Schizophrenic 14:19

12M ago14:19

14:19

Today, I'm speaking with Helena, a retail worker and soon-to-be college student and fiction author. Helena came to Canada as a child, but wasn't assessed for autism or schizophrenia until her 20s. She talks about who the biggest bullies were in school and shares some activities that have helped her. Watch this episode on YouTube. Check out Helena's…

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EP34: Did Trauma Cause My Autism? 26:59

1y ago26:59

26:59

Are my traits or symptoms related to autism? Or are they caused by trauma? This is one of the top questions asked by individuals going through the process of identifying their neurodivergent identity in adulthood. Join me as we explore how autistic and trauma traits intertwine and differ, with a focus on familial mental health challenges and their …

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Teaser! Let's Read Together! Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Chapter 1: A Shifting Reef 16:37

1y ago16:37

16:37

By popular demand, I've released the first reading episode for Patreon paid members. Here is a sneak peak! We're reading Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, and this is part 1, chapter 1: A Shifting Reef. To listen to upcoming reading episodes, you'll need to be a paid member of The Other Autism's Patreon. Many listeners (especially those coping…

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EP33: The Science Behind Trigger Warnings (and Why I Don't Use Them) 30:12

1y ago30:12

30:12

Here's a deep dive into the controversial topic of trigger warnings. I explore the ongoing debate surrounding the effectiveness and potential dangers of trigger warnings, particularly for those who have experienced complex trauma. I highlight the latest research on trigger warnings, their impact on emotional responses, learning outcomes, and more. …

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EP32: Zoe Alexandra Glass, Diagnosed As Autistic at 38 1:04:25

1+ y ago1:04:25

1:04:25

Today, I'm speaking with Zoe Alexandra Glass, a Jiu Jitsu instructor and artist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Zoe went from listening to The Other Autism while working in a warehouse to being a guest on the show almost a year after her own diagnosis. She shares the story of receiving her autism diagnosis after nearly losing her home and hav…

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EP31: Neural Pruning, Synesthesia, and Autism 51:11

1+ y ago51:11

51:11

What aspects of the brain differ between autistic people and non-autistic people? Do these brain differences lead to things like synesthesia in autistic people? Synesthesia is when your senses or perceptions overlap, like when you think of a number and see waves of red or some other colour. Or when you can feel in your own body the sensations and p…

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EP30: Tips for Autistic Parents Raising Autistic or ADHD Children 50:11

1+ y ago50:11

50:11

Today, I'm speaking with Trissa, an autistic parent with ADHD based in Washington State. Trissa talks about ways to regulate yourself as a neurodivergent parent and also give your neurodivergent children ways to self-regulate. Trissa's helpful tips and suggestions are particularly useful for autistic, ADHDer, and otherwise neurodivergent parents of…

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Autistic Burnout, Shutdown, and Social Hangover 27:52

1+ y ago27:52

27:52

Autistic burnout is very different from the work-related burnout that non-autistics experience. In this episode, I cover the official definition of autistic burnout, how autistic burnout differs from non-autistic burnout, the latest research on this topic, how burnout relates to shutdown and social hangover, and more. I also discuss my own experien…

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Dr. Kim Sage, a Therapist Finding Her Place on the Autism Spectrum 36:38

2y ago36:38

36:38

Dr. Kim Sage is a licensed clinical psychologist in southern California. Dr. Sage joins me to discuss her discovery that she may be autistic, the problem of autism underdiagnosis, and the close connection between autism and personality disorders (especially narcissistic personality disorder) within families. Dr. Sage also talks about her early auti…

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What Is Autistic Impostor Syndrome? 22:25

2y ago22:25

22:25

Feeling like a fraud or a fake autistic is so common in those who are diagnosed as autistic in adulthood. In this episode, I talk about impostor syndrome and how it relates to autistic impostor syndrome. I also talk about the impact of impostor syndrome and some strategies for coping with it. Be sure to stick around right to the end. Toby is super …

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What to Consider When Seeking Adult Autism Assessment 30:05

2y ago30:05

30:05

Are you ready to navigate the intricate maze of adult autism diagnosis? I dedicate this episode to offering tips and advice to help you determine whether autism assessment is right for you, suggestions on how to find a psychologist who conducts adult autism assessments, and brief strategies on securing financial support if you can't afford the exor…

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What Can Occupational Therapy Do for Autistic Adults? An Interview With Courtney Benner 44:33

2y ago44:33

44:33

Courtney Benner, a neurodivergent occupational therapist based in Utah, shares how occupational therapy can help autistic adults. She also talks about her neurodivergent identities and the ways these help her relate to her clients. Courtney shares the lead-up to her diagnoses and how much of an impact they had on her life. Additionally, she shares …

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Life After Late Autism Diagnosis With Melissa Elaine 52:45

2y ago52:45

52:45

Melissa Elaine, a music industry professional in California, shares the lead-up to getting an autism diagnosis just this past January and what life has been like ever since. Melissa shares how past therapists chalked up her challenges to trauma and C-PTSD, dismissing her and her family's well-informed suspicions that she may be autistic. She also s…

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Why Are Autistic People More Likely to Be Non-Monogamous? 31:15

2y ago31:15

31:15

Let's delve into an under-discussed topic — the intersection of autism and non-monogamy. I talk about the differences between polyamory and open relationships, and challenge the stereotype that autistic individuals are incapable of or uninterested in sexual relationships. Drawing from research and personal experiences, I discuss why autistic indivi…

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Autistic Masking and Unmasking — Season Finale 25:11

2y ago25:11

25:11

In the final episode of season two of The Other Autism podcast, I explore the concept of masking. We've talked about it a lot this season, but now I'd like to do a deeper dive. Topics discussed also include: The definition of masking Why autistic people mask What it means to unmask When masking can be a good thing If you'd like to know more about t…

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Midlife Trauma Leading to Autism Diagnosis With Cat 1:02:41

2y ago1:02:41

1:02:41

Cat is an Australia-based, late-identified autistic individual who suddenly lost the ability to mask following the death of her baby. Kristen and Cat discuss being autistic while undergoing fertility treatments, trauma in midlife, out-of-order loss and bereavement, polyvagal theory, the ways life crises often precede late identification of autism, …

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Jennifer Dodd, an 'AuDHDer' and Therapist 49:52

2y ago49:52

49:52

Jennifer Dodd is a Portland-based therapist and owner of the Embodied Life Therapy Center. Jennifer is a late-diagnosed autistic individual who has also been diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD. Kristen and Jennifer discuss the ways that ADHD and autism compete with and complement each other, neurodivergent loathing of CBT (sorry, not sorry…

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Former ABA Therapist Turned Neurodiversity Author 54:30

2y ago54:30

54:30

Kim Gallo is the author of the new book, The Pivot: For Parents and Educators – Looking at Autism and ADHD Through a Different Lens. She is a speech language pathologist in south Florida and has experience as a former applied behaviour analysis (ABA) practitioner. Kristen and Kim discuss Kim's changing views on ABA (thanks in large part to TikTok!)…

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I Was Diagnosed Autistic... Now What? 32:08

2y ago32:08

32:08

The number one question I receive from listeners is some version of, "I was just diagnosed as autistic. Now what?" What are some common experiences that people have after autism diagnosis in adulthood? Late autism diagnosis is often defined as diagnosis received after one's 18th birthday. Topics discussed also include: Positive and negative thought…

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Heath Wilder, 'Autigender', and Autistic Empathy 44:48

2y ago44:48

44:48

Heath Wilder is the Director of Customer Experience at the Sydney Theatre Company in Sydney, Australia, and they were one of the first listeners of The Other Autism podcast — maybe even the first! Listen as Kristen and Heath aggressively abstain from small talk and dive right in to gender, autigender (aka gendervague), the female autism phenotype o…

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The Intimate Link Between ADHD and Autism 25:34

2y ago25:34

25:34

You've probably heard about the rising rates of both autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. Is there any truth to all the talk about an overlap between the two? You can probably tell by the title that, yes, there is! Topics discussed also include: The three presentations or subtypes of ADHD Differences between ADHD in…

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Substance Use Disorder and Autism 27:33

2+ y ago27:33

27:33

Recent research indicates that many autistic people might have co-occurring substance use disorder. Let's talk about what this entails and reasons for autistic folks turning to substances in the first place. Topics discussed also include: Substance use disorder according to the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) How those w…

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Nicola Rowan-Brooks and Late Autism Diagnosis at 55 58:44

2+ y ago58:44

58:44

Hear Nicola Rowan-Brooks's story about being diagnosed by Sarah Hendrickx at the age of 55. Nicola shares the impact of her autism diagnosis and what life was like growing up undiagnosed in the UK. Nicola runs an online business restoring teddy bears. Her website is called Ambrosia Bears. If you'd like to know more about topics discussed in this ep…

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Exposing Violence in ABA With Ciara Harte 50:39

2+ y ago50:39

50:39

Ciara Harte is a neurodivergent counsellor based in Victoria, British Columbia. In this episode, Kristen and Ciara chat about Ciara's critical discourse analysis of ABA. Ciara has firsthand experience working with applied behaviour analysis principles and practices, and was heavily involved in ABA for a few years. Topics discussed also include: A b…

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Leslie and Autism Self-Diagnosis 47:13

2+ y ago47:13

47:13

Hear Leslie's story about stumbling upon autism later in life, and the series of aha moments that ensued. Leslie previously worked in animation on feature films such as FernGully: The Last Rainforest, The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Pocahontas, and Space Jam. She is now a freelance graphic designer crafting bespoke graphics and brand de…

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Adverse Drug Reactions in Autism 20:47

2+ y ago20:47

20:47

Have you ever heard that autistic people often have adverse or unexpected reactions (or total lack of response) to prescription and over-the-counter medications? Well, it could be genetics, pharmacogenetics, that is! Topics discussed also include: Ultra-rapid and very slow drug metabolizers How medication sensitivity is not hypochondria Mast cell a…

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The Medical Versus Social Models of Autism 23:15

2+ y ago23:15

23:15

What's the difference between the medical and social models of autism? And what gave rise to the social model of autism? Topics discussed also include: "Mad pride's" influence on the neurodiversity movement How autism may have a similar fate as homosexuality The neurodiversity movement's stance towards applied behaviour analysis (ABA) The new acade…

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Autism's Co-occurring Conditions 29:15

2+ y ago29:15

29:15

I discuss the physical and mental health conditions that often exist alongside autism. Topics discussed also include: The overlap between autism and ADHD The overlap between autism and being trans The reasons why it's important to discuss co-occurring conditions and autism Co-occurring conditions in autistic children If you'd like to know more abou…

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Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) or Autistic? 43:54

2+ y ago43:54

43:54

Dr. Elaine Aron and her husband coined the term highly sensitive person (HSP) in the 1990s. Since then, her books and online content on the subject have become widely read and discussed. I'm not the first to see an overlap between the HSP trait and autism, and I won't be the last! Topics discussed also include: An overview of the HSP checklist Gett…

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Sensory Processing Differences and Autism 22:46

2+ y ago22:46

22:46

Did you know that most, if not all, autistic people have sensory processing differences and that many have some combination of hyper-reactivity and hypo-reactivity to different types of sensory stimuli? In this episode, I talk about sensory processing differences and how they could be THE core feature of autism. Topics discussed also include: How s…

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Autism's Impact on My Education 24:22

2+ y ago24:22

24:22

In this episode, I answer a listener question about autism's impact on my education and learning experiences. Topics discussed include: The challenges AND benefits of being autistic in the context of school and learning Aspects of my autistic brain that made learning easy, and the subject I struggled with most Contributing factors leading to a long…

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Adult Autism and My Diagnosis Story 28:40

2+ y ago28:40

28:40

What are some traits that autistic adults might experience, especially those with late-diagnosed autism? And what does the female autism phenotype have to do with all of this? Topics discussed also include: Some of my own autistic traits, starting from infancy till now The impetus for seeking an adult autism diagnosis Looking for a psychologist for…

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Does EMDR Therapy Help Autistic People? 19:18

3y ago19:18

19:18

Autism and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) — are they a good match? Recent findings suggest that EMDR might be particularly helpful for autistic individuals in relieving PTSD symptoms and addressing multiple mental health concerns. Topics discussed also include: An imaginary autism island and what this has to do with di…

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Autism and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 15:22

3y ago15:22

15:22

Autism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often co-occurring — in other words, they're often seen together. In fact, many autistic people on their diagnosis journey often wonder if they're autistic or living with complex PTSD. For this reason, it's important to have a good understanding of PTSD symptoms and why being autistic might incre…

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Are Narcissists Attracted to Autistic People? 22:46

3y ago22:46

22:46

Why are autistic people especially prone to being abused and exploited by narcissists and other toxic individuals? What traits tend to leave those on the spectrum vulnerable to predatory types? Topics discussed also include: Identifying financial and economic abuse — and the difference between these Why couples therapy is not helpful when one perso…

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Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Autism 13:49

3y ago13:49

13:49

Mast cell activation syndrome and autism. Is there an overlap? In this episode, I talk about the percentage of autistic people who have some kind of allergy or allergic condition, the difference between allergy and food intolerance, and what could potentially underlie some of the food issues and intolerances seen so often in autism. I also go into …