Mike and Chaya sit down with Michelle Markman, a late-diagnosed autistic entrepreneur and founder of ND Coach Inc., where she supports high-achieving neurodivergent women in unmasking and thriving on their own terms. Michelle reflects on how her diagnosis transformed her perspective on masking, burnout, and social challenges, and she shares practical tools for building authentic connections, reclaiming energy, and living intentionally as a neurodivergent individual.

We Also Cover

• The common journey of “feeling different” before a neurodivergent diagnosis
• Why late-diagnosed autistic individuals often overcompensate as “people pleasers”
• The cultural stigma of masking and how it’s shaped by societal expectations
• Strategies for recreating hidden joys from childhood as a neurodivergent adult
• The unique challenges of highly masked neurodivergent women
• Practical tools for reducing burnout, finding joy, and reclaiming energy
• The importance of stimming, sensory support, and other self-accommodations
• Building belonging within neurodivergent communities for late-diagnosed and self-identified adults
• How grounding techniques and joyful movement can reduce overstimulation
• Why coaching and advocacy are essential for late-diagnosed individuals

Quotes:

• "My brother was actually diagnosed with autism and ADHD when he was four. So I grew up thinking I was an neurotypical sibling, but still didn't fit into society the way that other people did. I didn't make friends the same way, didn't connect with other people. I always felt like there was something different about myself. I almost felt an alien."
• "I’ve always loved people. I’m such a people person, always have been. People have not always reciprocated that to me."
• "Realizing how much masking I was doing, and then starting to come back from that and realize I don’t have to constantly be masking—I don't have to always show up in a way that makes other people comfortable, I can show up in a way that works for me—that was like, wow."

About Michelle Markman:

Initially feeling like an outsider, Michelle Markman discovered in her early 30s that she had been autistic all along. Accepting this diagnosis five years after receiving it, she began to understand the lifelong struggle of maintaining a "perfect child" facade, often leading to meltdowns and cycles of rebuilding. This revelation finally explained her persistent feeling of being an "alien" throughout her life.

Embracing her authentic self, Michelle now thrives on connecting with others, especially other late-diagnosed autistic adults. Having navigated the profound experience of receiving an autism diagnosis—a mix of heartbreak and relief—she has grieved the loss of an imagined neurotypical identity and instead harnessed her unique qualities. Her mission is to empower others to create a life they love, building supportive communities and celebrating their individuality.

Connect with Michelle:

• https://www.ndcoachinc.com/
• https://ndcoachinc.coachcrunch.com/home
• https://www.instagram.com/ndcoachinc/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@NDCoachInc
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellenmarkman/
• https://www.facebook.com/MichelleNMarkman

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!

Stay Connected:

• Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
• All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
• ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
• Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
• Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

• https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593