How does it feel to spend 20 years masking in the corporate world, only to have the rug pulled out the moment you finally ask for help? Romina Massa joins us to discuss her resilience story still being written as we speak.

Curious what's inside?

• The "Reasonable" Request: Romina reveals the shockingly simple workplace accommodation she requested that led to her corporate exit—and why it was seen as "audacity" rather than a tool for success.

• The Post-Diagnosis "Switch": We discuss the frustrating (and often condescending) way people’s behavior shifts the moment you disclose a neurodivergent diagnosis.

• The Freedom of the "Outbox": How Romina uses technology to "hide" her non-traditional working hours and why she believes the freelance model is often a necessity rather than a choice for neurodivergent professionals.

• Protecting Your Peace: Romina shares her personal mantra for setting boundaries and why "I’m sorry" is usually the wrong response to an autism diagnosis.

• Diplomats & Comic Books: A look into Romina’s childhood as the daughter of a diplomat and how her family navigated her "dramatic" traits before anyone had a name for them.

Key Questions Answered in the Audio:

• What is the one question you should always ask a friend who has just disclosed their diagnosis?

• Why does the 9-to-5 "creative brain" often feel like it’s whittling away to nothing?

• How can you tell if you are "masking" your way through your career?

Resources Mentioned:

• https://www.kaboose.app/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/rominamassa/

• https://www.instagram.com/rominamassa/

• https://www.rominamassa.com/

Connect With Us!

• https://www.ndreportpod.com/

• @ndreportpod on your social platform of choice!

This is the most emotionally honest episode I’ve ever recorded.

In today’s conversation, Shaun Arora returns to The Neurodivergent Report to discuss Microsoft research on work–life balance, but the fullness of what really happened is way more useful.

Listen now to co-regulate with me from all things overwhelm, chronic illness, and executive dysfunction.

If you feel dizzy surviving a world that won’t slow down for you, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.

*TRIGGER WARNING; crying*

Curious what’s inside:

• Why Microsoft’s “time spent = goal acheived” model falls apart for ADHD and chronic illness

• Why rigid systems don’t work for brains that fluctuate

• The somatic signs of emotional overload

• How to transition after a moment of dysregulation

• Vulnerability as leadership: find the courage to let yourself be witnessed

However you are able to engage, thanks for being here!

With love, Sarah 💜

Looking for Shaun?Shaun Arora Neurodiversity advocate, coach, and founder at braintypes.org

Connect With Us

Find The Neurodivergent Report on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, BlueSky, and Substack: @ndreportpod

Want to support the show?

Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, or visit ndreportpod.com to learn more or apply to be a guest contributor.

Until next time—

Be well. Do good.

Jonathan Bernstein [investigative journalist, crisis-management expert, and founder of The Snark Knight] joins us to talk late-life autism diagnosis, justice-driven activism, intuition as a superpower, and why everyone is “big enough to do something.”

Jonathan shares his unconventional path—from military intelligence to investigative journalism to 40 years in crisis-management PR—before receiving an autism and bipolar diagnosis in his 70s. He reflects on growing up as a diplomat’s child, navigating shame, and developing hyper-intuition.

Jonathan reminds us that “inaction is also action” and everyone can do something.

Curious what’s inside?

• Recovering from shame via compassionate adult identity repair
• Justice sensitivity & responding to political crisis’
• Launching The Snark Knight and related media projects
• Why compassion matters in cult recovery and de-radicalization
• How neurodivergent people “feel” social climate shifts

• 
  

However you are able to engage, thank you for being here!

With love, Sarah

Looking for The Snark Knight?

⁠https://snarkknight.com/⁠

Connect with us!

https://www.ndreportpod.com/

@NDreportpod on the socials