In this episode of Atypical Podcast, hosts Amie Archibald-Varley and Jordan Varley dive deep into the world of special interests—particularly through the lens of autism, ADHD, and neurodivergent mental health.

They explore how special interests can be more than just hobbies—they're often lifelines. From managing anxiety and depression to offering a sense of identity and joy, special interests play a crucial role in the well-being of many neurodivergent individuals. The conversation includes personal stories, practical advice, and thoughtful insights into how these passions impact relationships, communication, and emotional resilience.

Whether you're autistic, ADHD, or simply curious about the neurodivergent experience, this episode offers a heartfelt and informative look at why embracing your interests is not only okay—but essential.

• Special interests are central to the identity and mental health of many autistic and ADHD individuals.

• They offer therapeutic benefits and can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and burnout.

• Neurodivergent people often don't "choose" their special interests—they find them naturally.

• Engaging in special interests can be a form of healthy escape and emotional regulation.

• Sharing your passions can enhance connection and communication in relationships.

• Burnout recovery is often supported by reconnecting with personal interests and hobbies.

• Neurotypical allies can learn from the passion, focus, and depth neurodivergent individuals bring to their interests.

• Accepting and celebrating special interests can build stronger, more inclusive communities.

00:00 – Introduction: What Are Special Interests?
06:36 – Mental Health Benefits of Deep Interests
10:49 – Amy & Jordan's Personal Stories
13:14 – Sharing Interests in Relationships
20:32 – Coping with Burnout Through Passion
25:23 – How Special Interests Shape Identity
30:59 – Embracing Neurodiversity in Everyday Life

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to Atypical Podcast With Amie Archibald-Varley and Jordan Varley on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review—it really helps more people discover the show. You can also watch full episodes and behind-the-scenes content on our YouTube channel (don't forget to like and subscribe!).

Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxlDaSr_D2fc-e3pV5pMEEg

Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/atypicalpodcast2025/) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@atypical.podcast2) for daily insights, mental health tips, and relatable neurodivergent content. And we'd love to hear from you—drop a comment, DM, or share your own special interests with us!

Have you ever used chatGBT or AI to ask it questions about mental health or therapy?

What happens when technology tries to solve our mental health challenges? This week on Atypical Podcast, Amie and Jordan Varley get candid about the rise of AI in therapy. They discuss the good—like making support more accessible—and the not-so-good, including the dangers of replacing real human understanding with an algorithm. From tackling stigma to questioning whether a machine can ever truly empathize, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of mental health care.

If you or somebody you know needs help, please call 9-8-8 or 9-1-1.. Help is always available.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring AI in Mental Health

08:10 The Risks of AI Therapy

16:47 The Human Element in Therapy

24:58 The Future of Mental Health Support

Takeaways

AI is increasingly being used in mental health therapy, but it raises significant concerns. Accessibility and affordability are major barriers to traditional therapy. Stigma and shame can prevent individuals from seeking help, making AI an appealing option. AI lacks the ability to provide nuanced understanding and emotional support. There is a need for oversight and regulation of AI in mental health. Bias in AI can lead to stigmatizing responses for vulnerable populations. Human connection is irreplaceable in therapy and mental health support. AI should be used as a tool to augment human therapy, not replace it. Compassion and empathy are crucial in mental health care. Society must advocate for better mental health resources and support systems.

Links to Articles: https://mashable.com/article/chat-gpt-safeguards-suicide-crisis-line

https://hai.stanford.edu/news/exploring-the-dangers-of-ai-in-mental-health-care

https://technologymagazine.com/news/ai-chatbots-risk-mental-health-crisis-stanford-study-warns

https://988.ca

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/aug/30/therapists-warn-ai-chatbots-mental-health-support

https://www.statnews.com/2025/09/11/fda-dhac-digital-health-ai-mental-health/

https://www.rand.org/news/press/2025/08/ai-chatbots-inconsistent-in-answering-questions-about.html

Keywords: AI, mental health, therapy, accessibility, affordability, stigma, oversight, bias, human connection, compassion

If you like what you listened to, please LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE.

Questions or Comments about our episode? Having a "dear abby" moment? Send us a live message on Speakpipe:

https://www.speakpipe.com/HostAmieandJordan

Summary

In this episode of Atypical Podcast, hosts Amie and Jordan delve into the complexities of the midlife squeeze, a phase characterized by the dual pressures of caring for aging parents while raising children. They explore the emotional toll of caregiving, the financial strains exacerbated by rising costs of living, and the impact on personal relationships. The conversation also touches on coping strategies, the importance of self-care, and the need to find joy amidst the challenges of this life stage. Through candid discussions, they highlight the shared experiences of the sandwich generation and the necessity of seeking support.

Takeaways

The midlife squeeze affects many adults today, characterized by caring for both children and aging parents.
Financial strain is a significant aspect of the midlife squeeze, with rising costs impacting families.
Emotional tolls of caregiving can lead to stress and anxiety, affecting mental health.
It's essential to recognize the signs of stress and seek help when needed.
Coping strategies, including self-care, are crucial for managing the pressures of midlife.
Relationships with parents can shift dramatically as they age and require more support.
Children are observant and can sense the stress of their parents, impacting their emotional well-being.
Finding joy in small moments is vital amidst the challenges of caregiving.
Open communication about struggles can help alleviate feelings of isolation.
Setting boundaries is important for maintaining mental health during the midlife squeeze.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Midlife Squeeze
01:15 The Emotional Toll of Caregiving
03:07 Health Challenges and Aging Parents
05:46 Financial Strain and the Cost of Living
08:36 Coping Mechanisms and Mental Health
11:33 Complex Family Dynamics
14:08 The Impact on Children and Future Generations
22:36 Navigating Independence and Reciprocity
29:05 The Impact of Aging on Family Dynamics
36:17 Understanding Attachment and Parenting
41:38 Recognizing the Need for Support
46:51 Cherishing Relationships in the Midlife Squeeze