What happens when a TV show, book series, fictional universe, or character becomes so much more than entertainment?
Patrick Casale is joined by returning guest and ADHD Executive Function Coach Mandi Dixon for a deep dive into Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and the powerful role special interests can play in neurodivergent lives.
From favorite characters and dragons to Autistic-coded characters, PDA, hyperfixation, and the emotional devastation of a terrible series finale, Patrick and Mandi explore why fictional worlds can become sources of joy, nervous system regulation, connection, belonging, and escape. They also unpack something that isn't discussed nearly enough: the genuine grief that can happen when a special interest ends or suddenly stops providing the comfort it once did.
And yes—there are major Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon spoilers, so consider yourself warned.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Special interests can be much more than hobbies. For neurodivergent people, they can provide regulation, connection, belonging, predictability, and a place to experience genuine unmasked joy.
- Losing a special interest can create real grief. Finishing a beloved series, losing connection with an interest, or watching a fictional world come to an end can leave a surprisingly significant emotional void.
- Shared interests can transform neurodivergent connection. When people are given space to enthusiastically discuss what they love without masking or judgment, perceived "social deficits" can look very different—revealing connection, depth, and genuine enthusiasm instead.
More about Mandi:
Mandi Dixon is a Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR therapist, and ADHD Executive Function Coach specializing in the intersection of ADHD and perimenopause in women. She’s a member of The Menopause Society and the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, and her work has been featured in USA Today and Good Morning America. Mandi is based in Allen, Texas, where she sees clients and is currently writing her first book on ADHD and midlife hormonal health.
THE NEUROPAUSE COLLECTIVE is a group of 8 founding members of clinicians, coaches, advocates, and creators who all got tired of seeing the same gap and decided to build what we couldn’t find.
A structured community for neurodivergent people in midlife.
The NeuroPause Collective includes live support calls, monthly webinars and Q&As, practical resources, and access to people who actually understand the intersection of neurodivergence and midlife.
And eight of us means eight different perspectives.
Eight different areas of expertise.
Eight people looking at the same problem from different angles.
Because no single person should be anyone’s only source of information, especially when we’re talking about something as complicated as neurodivergence, hormones, mental health, relationships, work, identity, and midlife.
We built the community we wished existed.
Sign up here or find us on IG @neuropausecollectivehttps://www.theneuropausecollective.com/
–––––––––––––––––––––
🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Podcast: https://ndpod.org
🎙️Spotify: https://ndpod.org/Spotify
🎙️Apple: https://ndpod.org/Apple-Podcast
🎙️ YouTube: https://ndpod.org/YouTube
🧠 Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Freebie Vault: https://ndpod.org/Freebie-Vault
✈️ Learn about Retreats: https://www.allthingspractice.com/private-practice-retreats
🗨️ Join The NeuroPreneur Circle Community: https://www.allthingspractice.com/neuropreneur-community
🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredescape
–––––––––––––––––––––
✨ The Receptionist for iPad
Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
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 thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
Free Gifts for Our Listeners
✨ Free Podcasting Workbook
Get a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations.
You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain.
Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook
✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur
Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work.
Access your free mini-course here: https://ndpod.org/Neurodivergent-Entrepreneur
Mentioned in this episode:
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.
