Episode 45: Nintendo Fidgets, Neutrality, and the Nervous System We Forgot About

<p>Matt, Erin, and guest Nyck Walsh are here this week — and this episode turns into a really good conversation about somatic therapy, autistic processing, nervous systems, sensory joy, and why neutrality can feel radical when your body has spent years stuck in survival mode. </p><p>We talk about: </p><ul><li>Rocks, Nintendo buttons, foodgasms, hypervigilance, and the very real experience of trying to exist in a world that keeps demanding “normal”</li><li>Nyck explains “VAST” (Variable Attention Stimulus Trait) as a more affirming alternative to ADHD language</li><li>Why a lot of somatic therapy can accidentally become ableist when interoception differences aren’t considered</li><li>The autistic processing pause: looking away, slowing down, and needing time to actually build an accurate response</li><li>Using rocks, pets, blankets, textures, fidgets, and sensory anchors to ground in the present moment</li><li>The difference between sympathetic overdrive and parasympathetic rest — and why many autistic people rarely get to experience neutrality</li><li>How pleasure, sensory joy, and “stopping to smell the roses” can become survival tools instead of luxuries</li><li>Cats, Caprese omelets, NES controller fidgets, and the very important concept of the food dance</li><li>Nyck’s new book <em>Neurodivergent Somatics and Therapy</em> and the upcoming audiobook narrated by Nyck themself </li></ul><p>Also: Erin accidentally inventing “somagic,” Tuck the adventure cat making emotional drive-bys, and a surprisingly deep discussion about how touching a really good rock can help keep your nervous system online. This is a ride. We’re glad you’re here.</p>