Cheryl Rettig: Holistic Empowerment

09/17/2025

It took me almost a week to write this. I write about my feelings of frustration, sadness, and confusion over the celebration of a man whose words targeted and marginalized so many groups of people. I write about the seeming disconnect between the veneration of a man by white evangelical Christians whose hateful words appear to me to be the exact opposite of the Jesus they told me loved all people equally.

Hypocrisy Behind the Outpourings of Grief

09/17/2025

So excited! Another Autistic Stuff for Autistic People podcast episode dropped today. Join our chat about community - why it's important, how it's formed, some of the potential drawbacks, and even the benefits of non-human community. Let me know what you think!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5JR0I5EwO5heYrWuc1byeD?si=I0eI5T7BQNWTB1Od0mTYUQ

Autistic Stuff for Autistic People · Episode

09/05/2025

When I started telling people about my autism, I heard several phrases that left me feeling small, invisible, and invalidated.

You don’t look autistic. We’re all a little autistic. You must be high functioning.

Three years later I am starting to understand my feelings around these phrases.

Are there other comments you’ve heard that affected you in similar ways?

Phrases that shape our perception of Autistic people

09/02/2025

Have you ever wondered about the difference between an autistic meltdown and a tantrum? They are not the same! If you're autistic, how do you experience meltdowns? What situations lead to meltdowns for you?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4I2SUnEF2hxSdnk5LQ6OTq?si=DzyZ6QtNQnut-rst3iZw1g

Autistic Stuff for Autistic People · Episode

08/29/2025

Have you ever read an article or social media post and been enraged by the use of certain words or phrases that actually minimize the injustice or inaccurately shape people’s perceptions? In your opinion, what phrases are deliberately misleading?

Phrases that shape our perception and behaviour

08/22/2025

You might not think making decisions is a big deal. But for my AuDHD brain, oh boy. Dread. Check out my Substack this week to find out why.

What about you? What's your decision-making process? And if it's easy for you, please help.... :)

Feeling Like I Can’t Trust Myself

08/19/2025

Check out my new podcast if you or someone you love is autistic and want to learn more about understanding ourselves in a world not built for us.

https://open.spotify.com/show/64LpLRKuhtOaBgnOnHOLnz

Podcast · Fox And Raven Media · Autistic Stuff for Autistic People is a podcast in which autistic coaches Aradia, Cheryl, Patrice, and Matthew talk about their lived experiences and special interests. We are here to invite you into our world as autistic peers sharing relatable conversations about ...

08/15/2025

For those of us who grew up in white evangelical Christianity, physical and mental health challenges are often met with “just pray” and “have more faith.” Since leaving high control religion, I have discovered so many different definitions and approaches to healing.

Opening my heart and mind

08/01/2025

I watched Season 2 of "Shiny, Happy People." And it brought up a lot. If you have experienced spiritual abuse or if you love someone who has, this Substack will be insightful.

Acquire the Fire, Teen Mania, and “Dying to Self”

07/25/2025

I started a new thing. If you want to read about late discovered autism/ADHD, healing from spiritual abuse/high control religion, and gender equality and justice....do I have a Substack for you!

Understanding myself in a chaotic world

05/08/2025

I am here with an update on upcoming offerings and a bit of inspiration for May. First, I am offering a new 5-week workshop starting Saturday, May 10 at 11 am EST via zoom for a small group of late discovered autistic women and non-binary folk. Whether you're officially diagnosed, self identify, or simply strongly suspect you're autistic, if you would like to explore important topics while providing each other with support, encouragement, and shared lived experiences, then please join us. You can sign up at https://www.cherylrettig.ca/book-a-session

Together, we will be:
-Connecting to the messages of our bodies and addressing our physical, sensory, and emotional needs
-Identifying our areas of strength and joy
-Understanding meltdowns, shutdowns, and burnout
-Exploring the reasons behind masking and unmasking

Second, a bit of inspiration. A little over two months ago, I quit my teaching job to focus on building my business. I am not going to lie to you, I was scared. But I was also completely drained and frustrated that I wasn't able to devote much time or energy to what I actually wanted to be doing. I had a lot of noise in my head telling me to play it safe.

Instead, I offered a 5-Week Workshop for people living with multiple marginalizations. The community-building and learning was incredible! I also started offering people coaching and BodyTalk sessions in exchange for a Google Review and a donation of any amount. This allowed me to expand my skills, network with a diverse group of people, and boost my online presence while offering others the chance to experience what I do.

I worked with so many awesome people last month that I would like to offer this promotion to you, as well. Please send me a private message if you would like to take advantage of this deal during May.

03/28/2025

It’s time to officially launch my business! To help spread the word about who I am and what I do, I am offering peer support coaching sessions for autistic adults in exchange for a Google review and donation (at whatever price point works for you) during the month of April.

If you are an autistic adult (or suspect that you are), then you know that navigating life in a world built for neurotypicals can be really challenging, overwhelming, and lonely. I offer one-on-one coaching sessions to help other autistic adults get to know themselves on a deeper level, begin to love and accept themselves with grace and compassion, learn to identify and advocate for their needs, and begin to recognize and celebrate their strengths.

If this resonates with you, please like and share this post. Then contact me via messenger, and we’ll set up a time for your online coaching session.