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Do you worry about your autistic child growing up? Are you a woman living with shame because of your ADD? Susan Senator, author of “Autism Adulthood” admits that while adult life on the spectrum is complicated, it can be manageable, even fulfilling. She offers tips to help adults with autism live happily and independently. Linda Roggli, author of “Confessions of an ADDiva” believes women with ADD can be more than distracted: they can be extraordinary. She motivates us to love how we are wired.

'No one else will ever want you.' 'You’re stupid, you will never amount to anything.' 'You're too sensitive.' The phrases above all have one thing in common: they are signs of verbal abuse – and they are all meant to intimidate and control. This week’s show will help listeners recognize emotional abuse and learn how to 'break the cycle of abuse' and begin the process of healing. Guests and best-selling authors, Beverly Engel and Patricia Evans, have appeared on The Oprah Show, CNN and have been featured in many national magazines. They will help us understand the patterns of unhealthy relationships and tell us how to recover from the trauma of controlling relationships. Whether you are the victim of emotional abuse or you are the perpetrator, and the person who cannot stop trying to control others, this show is for you.

Being a caregiver to a loved one is a difficult task. Whether you become a full-time caregiver gradually or suddenly find yourself in that role, chances are that at some point you feel overwhelmed, under-prepared, and unequipped to handle situations that can and do arise. Many emotions surface when you are caring for a loved one day in and day out. While some of these emotions will almost certainly be negative, there are many positive feelings and tender moments that come out of being there and providing care for a loved one. Join Dr. Merle on Caught Between Generations as she celebrates those who often put their own lives on hold to care for spouses, parents, siblings, children, and other loved ones. Hear the stories of three members of Dr. Merle’s local community as they share their experiences and insights on caregiving.

Grandfamilies are families in which children reside with and are being raised by their grandparents in the absence of one or both parents. What happens when families find themselves in this situation? How does raising a second generation of children affect the health and well-being of the grandparents? Dr. Joseph Crumbley and Jaia Lent are Dr. Merle’s guests for this timely, emotionally-charged discussion. Dr. Crumbley and Ms. Lent both specialize in issues related to kinshipcare, and counsel families in these types of situations. With opioid addiction at an all-time high, more and more families are facing tough decisions about kinship care for children. Learn about the issues facing grandparents trying to provide a safe, healthy environment for children in crisis, and where to turn for help.

Do you lie in bed at night, unable to fall asleep? Or do you fall asleep easily, only to wake up at 3am, wide awake? Are you tired and cranky, lacking energy? For some people, sleep comes easy. They lay their head down and are out like a light all night. For others, however, bedtime means a frustrating night of tossing and turning, only to steal an hour or two of unrefreshing rest. This routine is played out night after night in bedrooms everywhere, leaving millions of exasperated, exhausted people to ask, What can I do to get some sleep? Dr. Michael Breus, otherwise known around the world as The Sleep Doctor, is back for another visit with Dr. Merle on Caught Between Generations. Dr. Breus will give us tips for getting a better night's sleep so we can wake up feeling good, ready to take on the day. Dr. Merle will take your live calls for Dr. Breus, so don't miss your chance to have questions answered by The Sleep Doctor.

Are you a mom or dad who loves exploring science and all things tech? Include your kids in the fun! Ken Denmead, publisher of the popular parenting blogs, GeekDad and GeekMom and author of the idea-packed book “Geek Dad,” explains how tech, DIY projects and fun activities can foster a love of learning in our children and grandchildren, and bring families together!

Nearly 75% of us experience some sort of adversity - bullying, loss of a parent, domestic violence, abuse, etc., by the age of 20. Do you know someone who has overcome childhood adversity to achieve success as an adult? We are often amazed when someone beats the odds and rises above their early hardship, but do we know what it took and how they feel about their success? Meg Jay is Dr. Merle's guest this week. The author of SUPERNORMAL tells the stories of ordinary people made extraordinary by dodging bullets and leaping over obstacles to reach their goals. Some are public figures and even celebrities, but others hide in plain sight as doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, teachers, artists, parents, and everyday people winning at life. Dr. Merle will take your calls live on the air, and would love to hear your story of overcoming adversity and becoming successful despite the odds. Tell us about your journey to becoming SUPERNORMAL.

Do you know someone who only thinks of themselves and their own needs? Do you find yourself sidestepping issues that are important to you in order to avoid confrontation with the narcissist in your life? Is there any way to turn these behaviors around? Most of us know someone who is a narcissist. Whether they are a family member or friend, boss or coworker, spouse or significant other, dealing with them is almost always frustrating. Dr. Merle's guest, Wendy Behary, helps us identify and understand narcissistic behavior and suggests ways in which we can stand up for ourselves without getting caught in the crossfire. Behary also gives us strategies to help us get our own needs met without a power struggle, and if necessary, how to escape perilous narcissism.

Are you a parent whose child has cut off contact with you? Are you unable to see or speak to your grandchildren? How does this estrangement affect the rest of your family? Unfortunately, many families struggle with estrangements, with either the child or the parent cutting off contact. Dr. Joshua Coleman believes that parental estrangement is a “silent epidemic,” because many parents are ashamed to admit they no longer have a relationship with their children. Once estranged from his own daughter, Dr. Coleman will discuss with Dr. Merle some of the causes of these breaks, and steps that you can take to try and mend the relationship. This is a heartbreaking, very emotional subject, and one that affects many families. We will take your calls live on the air if you want to share your story with Dr. Joshua Coleman and Dr. Merle on Caught Between Generations.

A little anxiety can be a good thing. It sharpens our senses and prepares us to take on challenges. But what happens when anxiety becomes overwhelming and begins to take over our lives? How can we learn to manage and eventually overcome anxiety? For children and adults with anxiety who act solely based on nervous feelings, the world can become very small. Our desperate attempts to avoid discomfort and uncertainty only fuels our anxiety, and avoidance locks it in place. We become frozen by fear. Dr. Merle's guest this week, Dr. Dawn Huebner, a clinical psychologist, explains the steps in taking back control of your life. She tells us how anyone, at any age, can conquer these debilitating fears by learning to face them rather than running from them.

Does the prospect of dating again excite you - or does it terrify you? Have you pretty much resigned yourself to spending weekends watching Netflix with the cat? What would it take to get you back on the dating track? Dating is tough, and most of us can find at least a handful of reasons not to want to do it. It takes courage, persistence, and a sense of humor to be successful at dating. This week Dr. Merle talks to Fran Greene, a relationship expert and professional dating coach, about what it takes to get back into dating after a devastating breakup. In her book, Dating Again with Courage and Confidence, Greene outlines the five steps to revitalizing your love life after heartbreak, breakup, or divorce. We take a humorous look at the rules of dating, get a lesson in flirting, delve into the world of online dating, and even discuss making a dating action plan to get out there and find love again.

Most of us wouldn't define ourselves by our age, but how do others see us? Do they see only an old lady with wrinkles, or a man with a cane, and think it must be sad to be old? What do you see when you look in the mirror? Ashton Applewhite, is the author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Aging, in which she examines the myths and stereotypes of ageism. Applewhite will discuss with Dr. Merle why we need to change the notion that older people are burdens to society with only depression, diapers, and dementia to look forward to. If it's true that people are happiest at the beginnings and ends of their lives, then there are plenty of reasons why older people should embrace this chapter in their lives. Our guest will tell us how we can rally against ageism in our society by challenging the ageist behaviors and attitudes around us and change the way we see ourselves, and the rest of our lives.

Are Americans obsessed with the pursuit of happiness? Would we know happiness if we found it? Ruth Whippman is a British writer who thinks Americans are caught in a paradox of driving ourselves crazy trying to find happiness. In her book, America the Anxious, Whippman sets out to investigate how this national obsession infiltrates all aspects of American life and makes us one of the least contented, most anxious countries in the developed world. She will share her take on her visit to a happiness city in the Nevada desert that has one of the highest suicide rates in America. Her experiences are gritty and humorous, and may give us some insight as to what exactly we think defines happiness.

It started with back pain, fibromyalgia, or another long-term condition and the relief of a prescription to manage your pain. For you or your family member or friend, now it’s a crisis. Over 15 million people in the U.S. and around the world are addicted to prescription pain medication. Listen as Dr. Mel Pohl, internationally recognized physician and Medical Director at Las Vegas Recovery Center -LVRC-, addresses this public health crisis and explains how physicians and families can help individuals recover and deal with chronic pain, without using addictive pain medications. He will also discuss the dangers young people face in access to painkillers and how the legalization of banned drugs contribute to dependence and substance abuse.

The number of parents who are cut-off and estranged from their adult children is increasing. Whether it is famous children such as Lindsey Vonn or Angelina Jolie, the heartbreaking tales of children who refuse their parents’ phone calls and e-mail and won’t let them see their grandchildren is steadily growing. Dr. Joshua Coleman, psychologist and author of “When Parents Hurt: Compassionate Strategies When You and Your Grown Child Don’t Get Along” speaks from the heart and offers listeners strategies for resolving family estrangement while surviving the pain. Mark Sichel follows with a discussion of how to cope and heal from broken family relationships. Mark is the author of Forgiveness: 10 Steps to Letting Go of Resentment, which helps people recover from family abuse and estrangement.

'No one else will ever want you.' 'You’re stupid, you will never amount to anything.' 'You're too sensitive.' The phrases above all have one thing in common: they are signs of verbal abuse – and they are all meant to intimidate and control. This week’s show will help listeners recognize emotional abuse and learn how to 'break the cycle of abuse' and begin the process of healing. Guests and best-selling authors, Beverly Engel and Patricia Evans, have appeared on The Oprah Show, CNN and have been featured in many national magazines. They will help us understand the patterns of unhealthy relationships and tell us how to recover from the trauma of controlling relationships. Whether you are the victim of emotional abuse or you are the perpetrator, and the person who cannot stop trying to control others, this show is for you.

Do you want to increase your energy, focus and productivity? Dr. Michael Breus, (The Sleep Doctor) author of “The Power of When,” has a personalized life-hack, backed by biology, that will help you let go of ‘how’ and focus on ‘when’ you should sleep, eat, workout, read your email and more. You’ll learn how to plan your day in sync with your body’s internal clock, discover your chronotype, and increase your happiness. It’s possible to schedule your ‘perfect’ day, every day!

Nearly everyone can relate to the topic of anger. We've probably all lost our cool over a trivial incident or been on the receiving end of someone's angry outburst. Anger is a normal emotion, but what happens when anger is out of control? Dr. Ryan Martin, podcaster and writer of the popular blog, All the Rage, discusses with Dr. Merle the different types of anger, ways to manage our anger, and how to avoid the triggers that cause us to become angry. He will also give us tips for dealing with anger in others, and for diffusing situations to keep them from escalating. Dr. Martin will give examples of healthy and unhealthy expressions of anger, and why we sometimes just need to let it out.

Susannah Meadows, author of The Other Side of Impossible, faced just this scenario after her three-year-old son was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This Thursday with Dr. Merle, Meadows presents her story, and the stories of other families whose traditional treatments of their conditions were not enough. She shares accounts of people healed by alternate treatments such as dietary changes, or combined traditional/alternative medicine therapies after doctors gave them no hope. We will also discuss how the right foods can play a key role in healing your body, and how your mind can play a part in your recovery.

Most of us have mixed emotions about getting older, but we may not stop to think that men struggle with different issues than women when it comes to aging. Dr. Robert Humphries is one of the three founders of Vista Psychological & Counseling Center in North Canton, Ohio. In his practice, Dr. Humphries counsels many men struggling to come to terms with changing life issues. This week he will join Dr. Merle to explore the changes in men's life views and emotions as they age. We will discuss men's thoughts and feelings about retirement, regrets about career, marriage or family, physical changes, and becoming the primary family caregiver. Dr. Humphries will reveal some surprising information that both men and women can use to develop a deeper understanding of the issues that affect men as they age.