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Abby Clapper talks with April Ratchford, an autistic occupational therapist and host of Adulting with Autism, about what autistic adulthood really looks like and how fitness can be more neurodivergent-friendly. They cover late diagnosis, autistic burnout, sensory overload in gyms, and the importance of clarity, adaptation, and small sustainable steps.

April shares how her path into occupational therapy changed after her son received an autism diagnosis, ultimately leading her to switch from nursing to OT. Abby and April break down the differences between physical therapy and occupational therapy, particularly when it comes to daily living, independence, and adapting activities to fit an individual’s needs. They also discuss how OT education often focuses heavily on pediatrics, with support frequently dropping off once someone reaches adulthood—creating a significant gap in resources for autistic adults.

The conversation explores late diagnosis and the experiences that can lead someone to recognize autistic traits later in life. April shares that while she was never officially diagnosed, she recognizes many signs from her childhood, including delayed speech. She also discusses how her son's autism was recognized early and how family support influenced the ways he learned to mask certain behaviors in public.

Abby and April take a deep dive into autistic burnout, including how it can show up physically and impact activities of daily living, routines, motivation, and self-care. April explains that recovery from burnout can be slow and often requires starting with tiny, repeatable steps—whether that means going for a walk, drinking more water, eating a piece of fruit, or engaging in a repetitive activity like using a fidget.

They also discuss how burnout can affect exercise, sleep, and meal preparation, and why baby steps are often more effective than trying to make a dramatic lifestyle overhaul. April shares why autistic adults may need a clear purpose and direct communication in fitness settings rather than vague instructions or being expected to guess what to do.

The episode also explores sensory challenges that can make traditional gym environments difficult, including bright lights, loud equipment, crowds, and the fear of being judged. Abby and April discuss practical accommodations, such as finding a quieter space, working out in a corner, or wearing headphones, while emphasizing the importance of asking autistic individuals what they actually want rather than building a plan for them.

Follow April!

https://adultingwithautism.com/

Referenced in the episode:

This Ability Coach: https://www.instagram.com/thisabilitycoach/

Support the show

Pick up my FREE Workout Planner at www.endorfinwellness.com/free-resources.

And hey, if you like what you see (or hear), or want to drop me a message, join me over at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachabbyclapper

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachAbbyClapper

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more fitness tips and inspiration!

Cover art photo by https://www.jordantorelliphotography.com/

The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new exercise or nutrition program. The opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast or its sponsors. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience any health issues or have any concerns, please seek immediate medical attention.

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What does it mean to be a strong woman—and has that definition always existed?

In this episode of Talk Your Abs Off, I sit down with award-winning journalist and Strong Like Her author Haley Shapley to explore the fascinating history of women in fitness, strength, and sports. From the first women to compete in the Olympics to the evolution of strength training and today's rise of competitions like CrossFit, powerlifting, and HYROX, we take a look at how far women have come and the barriers they had to overcome along the way.

Haley shares how her own fitness journey inspired her work, why she became passionate about documenting women's stories in sports, and how history has shaped the way many women still think about exercise, strength, and body image today.

Whether you love lifting weights, are training for your first race, or simply want to understand why the fitness industry looks the way it does, this conversation offers an eye-opening perspective on the women who paved the way for all of us.

In this episode, you'll discover how women's participation in sports and fitness has evolved over time, the surprising history behind women in the Olympic Games, why strength training was once considered inappropriate for women, how changing beauty standards have influenced exercise trends, and what the popularity of CrossFit, powerlifting, obstacle course racing, and HYROX says about the future of women's fitness.

Connect with Haley:
Website: https://www.haleyshapley.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleyshapley/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Talk Your Abs Off, leave a rating and review, and share it with a friend who loves learning about fitness beyond the workout.

Support the show

Pick up my FREE Workout Planner at www.endorfinwellness.com/free-resources.

And hey, if you like what you see (or hear), or want to drop me a message, join me over at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachabbyclapper

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachAbbyClapper

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more fitness tips and inspiration!

Cover art photo by https://www.jordantorelliphotography.com/

The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new exercise or nutrition program. The opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast or its sponsors. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience any health issues or have any concerns, please seek immediate medical attention.

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Quick myth-bust for you this week: not all movement is created equal — and that's not a bad thing, it just means we need to stop expecting vacuuming to build a squat.

In this episode I'm breaking down the actual difference between physical activity and exercise (yes, there's a real one), why that difference matters if you have a specific goal, and why your daily errands still count for something — just not the thing you might think they count for.

In this episode:

• The actual definitions of physical activity vs. exercise (they're not the same thing, even though we use the words interchangeably)
• Real-life examples of each — gardening vs. a structured lift, walking the dog vs. a tracked run
• What NEAT and TDEE actually mean, and why your non-exercise movement genuinely matters
• Why physical activity alone won't get you to a specific strength or body composition goal — and why that's not a knock on physical activity
• The "different tool, different job" reframe I want you to walk away with

This is not an episode telling you to stop gardening. This is an episode explaining why gardening and your workout are doing two completely different jobs, and both are allowed to matter.

Connect with me:

• Website: https://endorfinwellness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachabbyclapper/

Support the show

Pick up my FREE Workout Planner at www.endorfinwellness.com/free-resources.

And hey, if you like what you see (or hear), or want to drop me a message, join me over at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachabbyclapper

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachAbbyClapper

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more fitness tips and inspiration!

Cover art photo by https://www.jordantorelliphotography.com/

The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new exercise or nutrition program. The opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast or its sponsors. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience any health issues or have any concerns, please seek immediate medical attention.