Today we’re joined by a powerhouse in the neurodivergent mental health world — Lauren Howard, aka L2 (@elle_two), founder of a national mental health practice and co-host of the podcast Different Not Broken 💥🧠 ⁨@DifferentNotBrokenPodcast⁩

Lauren joins us to talk about everything from autism advocacy to RFK Jr.’s harmful rhetoric, while also helping us break down one of the most beloved and autistic-coded characters in the MCU: Drax the Destroyer from Guardians of the Galaxy.

🛡️ RFK Jr., Advocacy & Protecting Neurodivergent Lives

We kick off the episode with a real conversation about what’s happening in the world right now — especially the dangerous ideas circulating about autism, "curing" neurodivergent people, and data privacy.

Lauren and Dr. Naz talk about the urgent need to advocate for autistic rights, medical safety, and dignity, and they share ways for listeners to take action, amplify resources, and support the community.

🪐 Why Drax Feels So Familiar

Drax has been a fan-favorite for years — not just for being hilarious, but for being relatable to so many autistic people. We dive into how his character captures key neurodivergent traits:

Literal thinking & trouble with metaphors

Honesty, directness, and loyalty

Sensory overwhelm, hyperfocus, and emotional regulation

Special interests (including sharp, shiny objects 🗡️)

💬 Language, Social Rules & Real-Life Struggles

Lauren and Dr. Naz talk about how difficult it is for many autistic folks to navigate a world full of indirect language, sarcasm, idioms, and social riddles.

They reflect on real client experiences, and how neurodivergent people are often expected to adapt to a communication style that makes no sense — instead of being accepted and supported for how they naturally process the world.

😔 Rocket’s Monologue & the Weight of Existing Differently

One of the most powerful moments we explore is Rocket’s emotional breakdown about being called “vermin” and living in a body he didn’t ask for. It’s a heartbreaking mirror to how many autistic and neurodivergent people live with physical, mental, or social pain — and the trauma of never feeling “normal.”

🏥 Access, Diagnosis & Changing the Game

Lauren shares the origin story of her company — inspired by her father’s work and driven by the need for affordable, affirming autism assessments in nearly all 50 states.

Her practice offers autism evaluations for under $500, with a mission to remove barriers and expand access for late-diagnosed adults and children alike.

🙌 Support the Work — Help Us Help Others

This episode is part Marvel breakdown, part advocacy call, and part love letter to the neurodivergent community 💛

We ask you to:

Like, share, or comment — engagement boosts visibility

Connect with L2’s company if you or someone you know is seeking diagnosis

To find our new guest: Lauren Howard ⁨

https://www.instagram.com/elle_two/

https://www.lbeehealth.com/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/different-not-broken/id1806592287

Thanks for checking out Different Spectrums! 🎙️ We're a podcast led by licensed therapists and neurodivergent individuals who explore emotions in movies and shows. Our mission is to normalize mental health challenges and promote understanding.

Join your founders and hosts, Dr. Nazeer Zerka and Spencer Srnec, as we process some key scenes to help you better understand your emotions and maybe even find some validation in them.

Episode Breakdown:

0:00 Attention

0:59 Intro

5:59 Scenes

9:53 Discussion

We’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes and connect with you on social media. You can find all our links here: https://linktr.ee/different_spectrums

⚠️ Reminder: Our podcast isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you need help, please seek professional assistance or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or 911 in case of an emergency.