<![CDATA[Overstimulated & Over 40]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/overstimulated-over-40 Welcome to Overstimulated & Over 40—a podcast about navigating autism in midlife and beyond.

Hosted by Christine, each episode explores the realities of being an autistic adult over 40, from sensory overload, masking, burnout, and late diagnosis to relationships, work, menopause, grief, communication, and everyday survival. With honesty, humor, and understanding, Christine shares personal experiences and practical perspectives for people who have spent years wondering why life sometimes feels harder than it seems for everyone else.

Whether you were recently diagnosed, have known for years, suspect you may be autistic, or simply want to better understand someone you love, you’ll find a welcoming place here. You’re not broken, you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to understand yourself better.

]]> RSS.com 2026.817.133114 Mon, 31 Aug 2026 21:51:58 GMT en 56ff0638-b044-5510-bf76-2d9a85fde72c https://media.rss.com/overstimulated-over-40/podcast_cover_20260831_212100_a2e40a1c380cfc0d3fefcd0e0de3845c.png Overstimulated & Over 40 https://rss.com/podcasts/overstimulated-over-40 no Overstimulated & Over 40 Christine O'Neal Christine O'Neal false episodic podcast true <![CDATA[Why Retail Can Overwhelm Autistic Adults]]> In this episode of Overstimulated & Over 40, Christine explores why working in retail can be especially overwhelming for autistic adults. From bright fluorescent lights and nonstop background noise to unpredictable customers, constant social interaction, shifting expectations, and the pressure to mask, retail environments can create the perfect storm for sensory overload and burnout.

We’ll discuss:

  • How lights, music, crowds, and competing sounds affect sensory processing
  • Why unpredictable customer interactions can cause anxiety
  • The exhaustion of masking emotions and maintaining a “customer service voice”
  • How unclear instructions and sudden schedule changes increase stress
  • Why breaks may not provide enough time to recover
  • The hidden impact of emotional labor and workplace misunderstandings
  • Practical accommodations that can make retail jobs more manageable
  • Why struggling in retail doesn’t mean you’re lazy, difficult, or incapable

Whether you currently work in retail, have left a customer-facing job, or want to better understand an autistic loved one or coworker, this episode offers validation and practical insight into an often-overlooked workplace challenge.

You’re not failing at retail—retail may be failing to meet your needs.

If this episode resonates with you, share your retail experience in the comments. What part of the job overwhelms you most, and what accommodation would make the biggest difference?

This podcast shares personal experiences and general information. It is not medical or professional advice.

#AutismOver40 #AutisticAdults #ActuallyAutistic #AutisticBurnout #SensoryOverload #WorkplaceAutism #RetailWorkers #Neurodivergent #LateDiagnosedAutism #OverstimulatedAndOver40

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