Joe Wells: OCD AND AUTISM | Living with Intrusive Thoughts - Spicy Brain | Lyssna här

What happens when OCD and autism overlap – and no one recognises either?

In this episode of The Spicy Brain Podcast, host Lara Sullivan sits down with comedian, author and neurodiversity advocate Joe Wells to unpack the realities of living with OCD and autism. From childhood intrusive thoughts and compulsions to receiving an autism diagnosis later in life, Joe shares his personal journey with honesty and humour.

Together, they explore the misconceptions surrounding OCD, the overlap between OCD and autism, and how understanding your brain can lead to meaningful self-accommodations. They also discuss neurodivergent relationships, finding belonging through comedy, and why autistic people often thrive when they can be unapologetically themselves.

This episode explores:
🌶️ What OCD actually is
🌶️ How intrusive thoughts and compulsions can impact everyday life
🌶️ The connection between OCD and autism
🌶️ Growing up neurodivergent before mental health was widely understood
🌶️ Why a late autism diagnosis can transform self-understanding
🌶️ Learning to accommodate for yourself before a formal diagnosis
🌶️ Finding belonging through comedy
🌶️ Neurodivergent relationships, communication, and embracing authenticity

Tune in for a powerful conversation about mental health, OCD and why understanding your neurodivergent brain can be one of the most freeing experiences of all.

Contact Spicy Brain

Thanks for tuning in to Spicy Brain, the podcast Lara Sullivan created after her own late autism diagnosis. Each week, Lara sits down with guests from across the neurodivergent community to challenge stereotypes, celebrate differences, and laugh through the shared realities of life. For more content visit our website or follow us on your favourite social platform to stay connected.

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