Episode #41 is here: The Link Between Fibromyalgia and Autism.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Michael Lenz, a physician specializing in pediatrics, internal medicine, lifestyle medicine, and lipidology. Dr. Lenz is the author of Conquering Your Fibromyalgia and host of the podcast by the same name. His passion for lifelong learning and holistic patient care has led him to specialize in chronic pain syndromes — conditions that are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and dismissed by the medical community.
Together, we explore:
- The different types of pain — nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic — and why understanding these distinctions is crucial
- How chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, POTS, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and migraines often intersect with neurodivergence
- Why so many autistic and ADHD individuals experience chronic pain and how sensory processing differences can complicate diagnosis and treatment
- The emotional and psychological impact of being dismissed by medical professionals
- Why outdated medical education and systemic gaps continue to leave neurodivergent patients struggling for validation and relief
Dr. Lenz also shares insights from his clinical experience, including real patient stories that highlight the need for greater awareness, compassion, and interdisciplinary care. If you’ve ever felt unheard or gaslighted by the medical system — or if you want to understand the complex relationship between neurodivergence and chronic pain — this conversation is for you.
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Check out Dr. Michael Lenz’s website: Conquering Your Fibromyalgia
Transcript
Kristen Hovet (00:00)
Today I’m speaking with Dr. Michael Lenz, a physician specializing in pediatrics, internal medicine, and lifestyle medicine. Dr. Lenz is based in Wisconsin and is the author of the book titled, Conquering Your Fibromyalgia. And he’s the host of the podcast by the same name. Please say hello to Dr. Michael Lenz.
The Other Autism 