Late diagnosis and female presentations of autism

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Vinita Menon, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of The Thrive Collective, discuss her unique blend of insights around neurodivergence, cultural context, and the universality of our human experience.

Dr. Menon shares her journey from being the “only one of her kind” growing up in the U.S., to becoming a fierce advocate for those who don’t neatly fit into boxes—especially within Autistic, ADHD, and Indian women’s communities.

3 key takeaways:

1. Culture and Neurodiversity Intertwine: Support must be culturally sensitive. What works in one cultural context may not in another—and nuance is key when offering advice or care.
2. Connection over Jargon: At the heart of her approach is the drive for every individual to feel seen, supported, and connected. Fancy terms aside, we’re all searching for acceptance and belonging—regardless of our backgrounds.
3. Breaking Boxes, Building Bridges: Whether as an entrepreneur, a woman navigating career and family pressures, or someone with a neurodiverse brain, many of us share that underlying question: “Am I good enough?” It’s not about hustling more, but finding spaces, strategies, and communities where we’re truly understood.

If you’re interested in how intersectional identities shape our mental health journeys—or want to understand what more thoughtful, personalized care looks like—this episode has a lot to offer.

More about Vinita

Dr. Vinita Menon is a seasoned clinical psychologist, clinical supervisor, nationally certified school psychologist, and professional coach. She has co-founded The Thrive Collective, a hybrid psychology practice that provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy and evaluations for children and adults. She integrates family and school professionals into treatment, ensuring holistic and effective care for her clients. She offers 2 clinical intensives for ADHD and autism for adults. As an EAP provider for executives at a multinational firm and a coach, Dr. Menon specializes in culturally sensitive support for Indian women navigating unique challenges. She co-founded The Thrive Mind to expand the reach of those services. 

Social Media:

• @thrivecollectivepsychology
• @thethrivemind
• @drvinitamenon

Websites:

• https://mythrivecollective.com/adhd-intensive
• https://mythrivecollective.com/autism-unlocked
• https://thethrivemind.co/be-savvy

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Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad, Alma, & All Things Private Practice — 2025 & 2026 Retreats!

✨ The Receptionist for iPad

Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.

✨ Alma

Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

✨ All Things Private Practice — 2025 & 2026 Retreats

All Things Private Practice has some amazing retreat experiences coming up in 2025 and 2026.

If you're a leader or aspiring to start a group practice, join our Leadership Retreat in Chania, Crete, from September 6th to 11th. In 2026, we have two retreats in Queenstown, New Zealand. The first is for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs from March 1st to 8th, and the second retreat, Beyond Private Practice, focuses on moving beyond one-on-one therapy and creating alternative income streams from March 15th to 22nd.

Spaces are limited, so check the links to sign up today. Doubt yourself, do it anyway!

• Leadership Retreat in Chania, Crete: empoweredescapes.com/greece-retreat-2025
• Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs in Queenstown, New Zealand: allthingspractice.com/new-zealand-neurodivergent
• Beyond Private Practice in Queenstown, New Zealand: allthingspractice.com/new-zealand-income-streams

Mentioned in this episode:

Alma

I want to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode. Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

All Things Private Practice — 2025 & 2026 Retreats

All Things Private Practice has some amazing retreat experiences coming up in 2025 and 2026. Join us in Edinburgh, Scotland for the second Doubt Yourself, Do It Anyway Summit from July 14th to 17th, 2025! We have an incredible lineup of 12 speakers and offer 12 MBCCEs. If you're a leader or aspiring to start a group practice, join our Leadership Retreat in Chania, Crete, from September 6th to 11th. In 2026, we have two retreats in Queenstown, New Zealand. The first is for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs from March 1st to 8th, and the second retreat, Beyond Private Practice, focuses on moving beyond one-on-one therapy and creating alternative income streams from March 15th to 22nd. Spaces are limited, so check the links to sign up today. Doubt yourself, do it anyway! Doubt Yourself, Do It Anyway Summit in Scotland: https://www.empoweredescapes.com/scotland-july-2025-summit Leadership Retreat in Chania, Crete: https://www.empoweredescapes.com/greece-retreat-2025 Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs in Queenstown, New Zealand: https://www.allthingspractice.com/new-zealand-neurodivergent Beyond Private Practice in Queenstown, New Zealand: https://www.allthingspractice.com/new-zealand-income-streams

The Receptionist for iPad

 The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.