Diagnosis rates are rising, and people everywhere are being prescribed medications with major side effects. But what if it's actually a misdiagnosis? We're talking, of course, about dementia.
Although dementia can look similar to ADHD and autism in older populations, treatment options are wildly different, and very few clinics perform ample screening to distinguish between these conditions. In this episode, we'll break down the similarities and differences. We'll also talk about the pitfalls of aging gracefully with ADHD and autism, so you and your loved ones can navigate the complexities armed with knowledge.
Sources
Have you ever been completely obsessed with a video game and you can't pull yourself away? Video games have a nuanced and important role in the lives of AuDHDers. In this episode, we'll dig into the good, the bad, and the ugly side of video games. In the right context, they serve as a powerful, therapeutic tool for self regulating and even improving challenges associated with ADHD and autism. Unfortunately, they can also be addictive and drain your time, money, and willpower.
Sources:
What do computers, music, and nature have in common? They are some of the top special interests for autistic people! In today's episode, we look at the research behind special interests to separate the truth from the stereotypes. We also look at some of the possible reasons why so many autistic people have special interests. Join us for this very special episode where we get to talk about our favorite things!
Chapters
00:00 Welcome & why special interests matter
02:54 Myth-busting: hyperfocus vs. special interests
03:24 The research problem (ask adults, not just caregivers)
05:16 Strengths, coping, and pride
07:04 When treatment targets the wrong thing
08:48 Special interest study
11:20 “Current” interests vs. lifelong ones
11:46 Disney special interests
18:16 Burnout and the 80% finish line
20:21 INCUP attention model (ADHD)
22:32 Work friction & making novelty
23:10 Top special interests by gender
27:08 What makes an interest “special”
32:56 When intensity hurts well-being
34:21 Monotropism 101
40:36 Hyperfocus & mental health
44:06 Systemizing vs. empathy—why that binary fails
50:01 Temple Grandin’s thinking styles
54:32 Special interest stigma
59:15 Our special interests
1:01:52 Conclusion
References: Grove et al., 2018; SAGE 2024 hyperfocus study; Autism Understood (Monotropism); Temple Grandin on thinking styles.
Special Interests Study (Grove et al., 2018)
👉 https://research.vu.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/72579810/Grove_et_al_2018_Autism_Research.pdf
Monotropism Overview (Autism Understood)
👉 https://autismunderstood.co.uk/autistic-differences/monotropism/
Hyperfocus Study (SAGE Journals, 2024)
👉 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/27546330241237883
Systemizing Quotient – Revised (Embrace Autism)
👉 https://embrace-autism.com/systemizing-quotient-revised/
Thinking Styles in Autistic People – Temple Grandin Framework (Embrace Autism)
👉 https://embrace-autism.com/thinking-styles-in-autistic-people
Keywords: autism, ADHD, AuDHD, special interests, hyperfocus, monotropism, Temple Grandin, systemizing quotient, Simon Baron-Cohen, Disney Imagineering, Pixar, pattern thinking, executive function, INCUP, attention regulation
This conversation delves into the complex relationship between autism and religion, exploring how neurodivergent individuals experience spirituality and religious practices. The discussion highlights various cultural perspectives on autism, the role of empathy in spiritual relationships, and the unique understandings of religious concepts among autistic individuals. It also addresses the impact of new age beliefs and astrology on the perception of autism, emphasizing the need for better research and understanding in the field.
Chapters
00:00 Finding Faith and Overcoming Challenges
00:48 Exploring Autism and Religion
02:14 The Intersection of Autism and Spirituality
07:56 Understanding Religious Experiences in Autistic Individuals
11:52 The Role of Empathy in Spiritual Relationships
14:32 Cultural Perspectives on Autism and Religion
18:57 Unique Understandings of Religious Concepts
21:46 The Capacity for Religion in Autistic Individuals
22:34 Diverse Religious Interpretations of Autism
29:49 New Age Beliefs and Autism
45:18 The Role of Sensitivity in Spiritual Experiences
52:07 Astrology, ADHD, and Autism Connections
ADHD obviously impacts a lot of aspects of your life, but did you know it can impact your religious status, too? It turns out, there are fascinating studies that explore the interplay between ADHD and religion (or lack thereof), so for this episode, we're giving you the lowdown on their findings. For our autistic listeners, don't worry! We have a follow up episode coming soon exploring autism and religion, too!
References:
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Faith and Neurodivergence
03:58 The Intersection of Religion and ADHD
06:26 Community, Belonging, and ADHD
08:57 The Role of Religion in Mental Health
11:59 Challenges of Neurodivergence in Religious Spaces
15:13 Understanding ADHD and Religious Experiences
17:54 The Impact of Community on Loneliness
20:51 Navigating Religious Expectations and ADHD
23:43 Finding Acceptance in Faith Communities
26:34 Personal Journeys and Religious Beliefs
34:26 Navigating Church with ADHD and Hypermobility
37:27 Judgment in Religious Communities
39:00 Neurodivergence and LGBTQIA+ Intersectionality
39:11 Dietary Restrictions and Religious Practices
41:32 Rigid Religious Accommodations
43:55 Finding Comfort in Religious Rituals
47:56 The Struggles of Neurodivergent Individuals in Church
48:35 Hyperfixation on Religion as a Special Interest
53:40 Religion as a Tool for Emotional Regulation
01:00:25 Understanding Religious Scrupulosity OCD
01:03:25 The Cycle of Shame in Religious Contexts
01:07:52 Previewing Autism Studies and Religion
Can you diagnose autism by looking at pictures of eyes?
That's the theory behind the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), which was recently featured in Season 2 of 'The Rehearsal'. But this autism assessment has a wild history, and its origins are convoluted enough to make Nathan Fielder blush.
Today, we're breaking down the story of how the RMET was developed and whether the results are clinically relevant. We also explore the broader implications of Theory of Mind assessments that researchers love to give to autistic people.
This episode has random magazine clippings, animated triangle families, bad doodles, and more. Tune in to see how all these pieces of the puzzle fit together!
References:
00:00 Introduction
00:09 The RMET and Autism Representation
02:53 Origins and Validity of the RMET
04:07 Theory of Mind and Autism
05:10 Administering Theory of Mind Tests
13:01 Cultural and Subjective Influences on Theory of Mind
14:41 Testing Theory of Mind with Animated Triangles
23:03 Diverse Desires and Hidden Feelings
28:59 False Beliefs and Hidden Feelings Tests
34:03 Critique of Autism Research
34:53 Validity of Autism Tests
37:22 Language Dexterity as a Theory of Mind predictor
39:16 Issues with Autism Testing
42:16 The RMET: Origins and Issues
48:50 Criticism of Simon Baron-Cohen's Work
01:04:19 Alternative Approaches to Autism Testing
01:06:50 Personal Experiences and Reflections
01:09:00 Discussing the Clinical Evaluation Process
01:09:11 Reflecting on the Exhausting Nature of Tests
01:09:27 Upcoming Episode on Eating Disorders and Neurodivergence
01:09:27 Personal Reflections on Test Performance
01:10:25 Questioning the Validity of the Test
01:10:40 Conclusion and Future Plans
If you're anything like us, you watched ‘The Rehearsal’ on HBO and immediately became OBSESSED! This show has resonated deeply with the autistic community, and we want to talk about it. In this episode, we are taking a look at showrunner Nathan Fielder's portrayal of himself, both within the show and in interviews, as an illustrative example for how higher masking autism can present in people. In the show, Nathan has created a case of Schrödinger's autism diagnosis where it's unclear whether he is actually autistic. This ambiguity creates the space to have a nuanced conversation about how autism and masking can feel for so many of us. Whether you're a Rehearsal superfan or you've never seen the show, join us for an illuminating conversation!
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Nathan Fielder
02:20 Understanding Non-Stereotypical Autism
03:49 The Rehearsal and Its Impact
04:26 Ethnomethodology and Nathan's Comedy
05:47 Speculating on Nathan's Autism
09:55 Stereotypical vs. Non-Stereotypical Autism
10:16 Relatable Moments from Nathan's Interviews
11:56 Repetition, Routines, and Compensation
18:59 Challenges of Masking and Social Interactions
32:33 Special Interests and Hyperfixations
38:59 Disney Lore and Childhood Obsessions
41:13 Autistic Traits and Masking
42:22 Social Observations and High Masking
52:00 Empathy and Emotional Challenges
59:05 Existential Thinking and Cognitive Styles
01:03:54 Concluding Thoughts on Autism Representation
Have you seen these ads? “Procrastination isn’t laziness, it’s trauma,” or “Fix your ADHD with one simple quiz.” In this episode, we’re diving deep into the wild world of mental health marketing, especially the stuff targeting folks with ADHD and autism.
Tarah sacrificed her algorithm (and possibly her identity) by clicking on every one of those sketchy ads, and John got to react in real time. From apps claiming to read your palm and heal your trauma to surprisingly legit music studies backed by science, we’re breaking down what’s helpful, what’s harmful, and what’s just plain nonsense.
We unpack what these ads are selling, why they work (or don’t), and what it says about the ADHD community.
If you’ve ever wondered “Is this app actually helping me or just cashing in on my executive dysfunction?”—this one’s for you.
00:00 Intro
01:28 Exploring Mental Health Ads
02:40 First Ad: Procrastination and Routine
09:58 Second Ad: ADHD and Depression
20:12 Third Ad: Trauma Responses and Palm Reading
30:38 Fourth Ad: Music for ADHD
33:01 Spotify and ADHD Music
33:46 Skepticism About Science Claims
35:15 Study on Music and ADHD
41:14 The Live In App and Its Ads
50:50 Predatory Marketing and Vulnerable Populations
59:59 Conclusion
Could a painkiller like Tylenol (also known as acetaminophen or paracetamol) cause autism and ADHD?
Some compelling studies seem to prove this link, but there's more to the story than meets the eye.
In this episode, we explore the cornerstone of good research - correlation does not equal causation - as we deep dive into the studies and lawsuits surrounding Tylenol and AuDHD.
We also discuss the recent disparaging comments about autism from American Health Secretary RFK Jr. and his plan for David Geier, a man who injected hundreds of autistic children with a dangerous chemical used for castration, to create a database of all autistic Americans. This chilling turn of events doesn't just threaten the safety of autistic Americans. It also undermines the global body of scientific knowledge as the US government prepares to invest significant funding into intentionally misleading research.
But we all know, the best antidote to misinformation is skepticism. In this episode, we'll show you how subtle aspects of experiment design can significantly influence the outcomes of study results, so you can arm yourself for all the weird and wild AuDHD studies released now and in the future.
Sources:
- RFK Jr wants to create a database of autistic Americans (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/22/rfk-jr-autism-nih)
- RFK Jr has simultaneously cut funding for actual support programs for autistic people (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/24/rfk-jr-autism-disability-services-cuts)
- Mark and David Geier created a business empire prescribing dangerous hormone blocking medications to autistic children (https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/chemical-castration-of-autistic-children-leads-to-the-downfall-of-dr-mark-geier/)
- The class action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson (https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/tylenol-autism-lawsuit.html)
- Why the plaintiffs lost the class action lawsuit (https://www.reuters.com/legal/lawsuits-claiming-tylenol-causes-autism-lack-scientific-support-judge-finds-2023-12-19)
- The American study on acetaminophen and AuDHD (https://www.nature.com/articles/s44220-025-00387-6)- Autism and migraines (https://adult-autism.health.harvard.edu/resources/migraine-headaches/)
- ADHD and migraines (https://www.additudemag.com/migraines-and-adhd-headaches-symptoms-treatments/amp/)
- Autism and autoimmune conditions (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8156237/)
- The Swedish study on acetaminophen and AuDHD (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2817406)
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but rejection will crush me forever. In this episode, we are looking at rejection sensitivity, or RSD, through a neuroscience lens focusing on this paper to explain what may be happening in your brain when you experience this overwhelming and painful phenomenon associated with ADHD and autism.
We'll walk you through the treatments that work and some surprising treatments that don't work. You're going to learn something new in this episode, guaranteed.
00:00 Introduction and Overview of ADHD Symptoms
01:57 Exploring Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
08:57 Science Behind RSD and Emotional Dysregulation
10:09 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Its Limitations
17:00 Understanding the Prefrontal Cortex
23:54 Personal Experiences with RSD
35:32 Neuroscience Insights and Expert Opinions
38:33 Understanding Emotional Shutdowns
39:47 The Role of the Prefrontal Cortex
42:11 Coping Mechanisms for RSD
43:43 Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
50:35 Medication Options for RSD
53:56 The Impact of Alpha-2 Receptor Agonists
57:31 Personal Experiences and Advice
01:06:53 The Importance of RSD Buddies
01:08:05 Final Thoughts on Managing RSD
Episode References:
Research about how guanfacine manages rejection sensitivity in the brain
A look at the prefrontal cortex and dynamic network connectivity
Read next:
A deeper look at CBT brain research
How is DBT different from CBT?
How does the prefrontal cortex impact ADHD and why do meds help?
In this follow up episode about the new DEA proposal limiting stimulant prescription via telehealth in the USA, we look at the broad impact that ADHD medications have on society. Spoiler alert! Medications help with everything from reducing crime and the spread of illness to preventing car crashes and accidental deaths.
As a reminder, you can post your thoughts on the DEA's proposal until March 18! Visit our website to get started and leave a comment today.
00:00 Introduction to ADHD Medication and Offense Rates
01:47 Driving and ADHD: The Impact of Medication
05:49 Substance Use Disorder and ADHD Medication
13:09 ADHD Medication and COVID-19
15:09 ADHD in the Prison System
23:32 The Importance of Data-Driven Decisions for ADHD Treatment
29:23 Managing ADHD: Medication and Beyond
References:
Treatment cuts the criminal reoffense rates in half
Make your voice heard! We break down an upcoming DEA proposal that makes it harder for everyone to access Schedule II drugs via telehealth (aka Adderall, Ritalin, and other stimulants).
It's not too late to do something! The opportunity to comment on this proposal ends March 18, so we've made it easy for you to get involved.
If you are ready to leave a comment for the DEA, do that here.
If you need help figuring out what to say, just follow these steps:
__________
Still not sure why we're concerned? There are two critical parts that cause concern.
Problem # 1: Practitioners would need to be located in the same state as the patient at the time of the encounter when issuing a Schedule II controlled substance prescription.
This means our choice in doctor is greatly limited to providers in our area, and we cannot continue care with a good doctor if we move to a new state.
An estimated 55% of U.S. counties don't have a local psychiatrist, and 70% lack a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Patients in these areas rely on telehealth visits for their medical care.
Problem #2: The average monthly number of Schedule II controlled substances prescribed via telemedicine would need to be limited to less than 50% of the practitioner’s total Schedule II prescriptions (including both telemedicine prescriptions and non-telemedicine prescriptions).
This creates a perverse incentive for doctors to prescribe less effective or inappropriate non-stimulant medications if their practice is above the 50% quota.
It also means doctors may choose to not accept us and decline to take on new ADHD patients, which creates a dangerous situation where ADHDers lack access to medical care.
Medical decisions should be based on the client's unique symptoms and situation, not an arbitrary quota.
Want to read more? Here's an analysis by the American Psychiatric Association, where they said "Erecting these overly restrictive barriers to virtual care will limit our ability to serve our patients. It may force clinicians to limit their practice to only those who have the means and ability to travel to in-person care.”
Today, we tackle an interesting, and surprisingly complex question posed by a friend: Why can’t we just diagnose ADHD with a brain scan?
Join us as we break down the science behind ADHD, discussing how structural and functional brain differences contribute to symptoms—and why a brain scan alone isn't enough for diagnosis.
Every day, autism researchers are hard at work studying the most pressing issues that face our community. For example, how much do you need to pay an autistic person for them to consent to kitten murder?
In this episode, we're playing a game where Tarah shares the results of some "unusual" autism studies and John tries to channel the mind of a researcher to guess what conclusions they draw. Spoiler alert! This game is harder than you think. Join us, and see if you can beat John!
Links:
00:00 Introduction
01:37 Explaining the game setup
02:27 Why are we focusing on autism today?
04:58 Round 1A - Introducing the first half of study #1
07:07 Round 1A - John's guess and results
09:38 Round 1B - Introducing the second half of study #1
12:23 Round 1B - John's guess and results
17:57 Round 2 - Introducing study #2
21:08 Round 2 - John's guess and results
31:57 Round 3 - Introducing study #3
33:11 Round 3 - John's guess and results
40:46 Closing thoughts
In this episode, we delve into 'The Diagnostic Ladder,' a framework designed to help understand the stages individuals go through when recognizing and seeking a diagnosis for ADHD and autism. We explore the initial rejection of symptoms, the gradual acceptance, the importance of both medical and self-diagnosis, the emotional journey after diagnosis, and the recontextualization of past experiences. This video aims to dispel feelings of isolation and provide a clearer insight into the diagnostic process for neurodivergent conditions, offering valuable information for both those directly affected and their friends and family.
00:00 Introduction to the Diagnostic Ladder
00:07 Emotional Journey of Diagnosis
03:04 Imposter Syndrome and Diagnosis
03:50 Building Community and Understanding
06:21 Challenges and Stigma in Diagnosis
09:10 Steps of the Diagnostic Ladder
12:31 Step 1
13:56 Step 2
14:17 Step 3
16:16 Step 4
16:37 Medical vs. Self-Diagnosis
19:02 Understanding Self-Diagnosis
19:38 Emotional Reactions to Diagnosis
22:56 Recontextualizing Past Memories
31:18 Acceptance and Continued Learning
39:14 Conclusion and Community Stories
Let's look into our (science powered) crystal ball and bring you a glimpse of your future! What will you see? Revolutionary changes, or more of the same?
To kick off this episode, we recap a few highlights (and lowlights) for AuDHDers in 2024, including rising diagnosis rates, changes to the DSM (or lack thereof), and medication shortages.
Then, we chat about our predictions for 2025, including potential genetic-based subtypes of ADHD and autism, the necessity of a separate branch of medicine for neurodivergent individuals, and the importance of regulation in ADHD coaching.
Join us as we dive deep into the science, challenges, and future possibilities for living with AuDHD.
Chapters:
00:00 What Does the Future Hold for ADHD and Autism: Revolutionary Changes or More of the Same?
06:22 Reflecting on 2024: Best and Worst Moments
06:58 Predictions for ADHD and Autism Classification
07:45 Scientific Understanding and Media Misconceptions
11:08 Genetic Links and Polygenic Conditions
12:23 The Autism Spectrum and Neurodivergent Profiles
13:03 Challenges and Misconceptions in Neurodivergence
18:34 The Need for a New Branch of Medicine
29:08 The Role and Future of ADHD Coaching
41:28 Conclusion and Call for Predictions
References and sources:
https://chadd.org/about-adhd/general-prevalence/
https://www.ft.com/content/98340a65-5438-44eb-8462-7ce15212ded2
https://www.goblinxadhd.com/blog/understanding-and-diagnosing-dsm-5-tr-adhd-a-comp/
https://www.wpspublish.com/blog/dsm-5tr-updates-autism-diagnostic-criteria
https://www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/dsm-5-revision-tweaks-autism-entry-for-clarity/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/adhd-medication-shortage-cause/
What is OCD (the real deal, not just the stereotypes)?
Is it similar to AuDHD?
How do you even know the difference? We'll explore all these questions and more in this week's 'mini-sode'. Just like ADHD and autism, OCD is tremendously misunderstood in popular culture... but we want to help fix that!
First, we take a deep dive into OCD to set the record straight. Then, we'll discuss experiences from Tarah's life and why those events may, or may not, be OCD. Lastly, we'll talk about treatment options if you suspect you might have OCD. 00:00 Welcome back to the podcast!
01:23 What is OCD and why do misconceptions exist?
02:57 How do you measure OCD (Yale-Brown Scale)?
03:49 Why do AuDHDers score higher on OCD tests?
05:21 What are compulsions and why do some people have them?
06:12 What does OCD look like with no AuDHD overlap?
09:56 Where do OCD and AuDHD overlap, and how can you distinguish?
13:37 How common is an OCD comorbidity?
15:31 Do autism and OCD share common genetic roots?
17:51 What does neuroscience tell us about OCD?
20:04 Does Tarah believe she has OCD?
22:04 Why is it crucial to distinguish between OCD and AuDHD?
23:00 What is an example of positive autistic obsessiveness?
25:11 When can a hyperfixation turn unhealthy?
28:50 Did Tarah have OCD trying to eliminate plastic?
33:07 How can you treat OCD?
Watch next:
References:
Do the holidays leave you feeling Grinchier than usual?
For this special seasonal episode, John and Tarah explore why such a magical season can be particularly challenging for individuals with ADHD and autism.
We'll discuss the impact of things like social expectations, sensory overload, and changes in routine. We share our favorite tips for managing the settings and situations that happen during the holidays. And, of course, we add a sprinkle of neuroscience on top with an explanation for why AuDHDers experience sensations more deeply.
00:00 Introduction to the Holiday Struggles
01:03 Why the Holidays Are Challenging for ADHD and Autism
03:51 Navigating Gift Giving Anxiety
11:39 Managing Social Expectations and Routine Changes
28:14 Dealing with Sensory Overload
31:05 Understanding the Science Behind Sensory Issues
36:58 Conclusion and Holiday Wishes
Watch Next:
References:
How do depression medications work?
What makes ketamine different from every other depression medication?
We’re excited to bring you this short bonus episode, diving deeper into a topic we touched on in our last episode: depression and how ketamine works as a treatment. Today, Tarah will take the lead, sharing some metaphors that help to break down this complex topic. So, settle in for this quick but enlightening exploration—we hope you find it as intriguing and informative as we do!
Resources:
In our first episode, Tarah and John talk about why getting a diagnosis for Autism and ADHD can be so challenging.
There’s great content about what it feels like to have ADHD and Autism, and great content breaking down the research, but not a lot out there that really hybridize the research in context to lived experience.
That’s what we’re here for.
Wanna be featured on an upcoming episode?
Send your us your ADHD and Autism stories.
References:
https://adhdonline.com/articles/the-shortage-of-research-on-adult-adhd/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361016/
https://youtu.be/l71RegYgaPA?si=3ksmEcylpPv3FO0W
Disclaimers:
Disclaimer: Opinions and Views
All opinions and views expressed by John Blanco-Slingerland and Tarah Peltz through the It’s Just AuDHD podcast are their own. Opinions, views, and responses to questions provided through the podcast do not constitute coaching, professional advice, or any form of diagnosis, and do not create a coach-client relationship. Opinions and views expressed by John and Tarah here do not reflect or imply the opinions or views of any other person, organization, or entity with which they are or have been affiliated.
Disclaimer: No Coaching or Diagnosis
The content provided is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this content should be construed or assumed to constitute personal or professional consultation, coaching, advice, assessment, guidance, treatment, or diagnosis. Nothing in this content creates a coach-client relationship. The only relationship you have with John Blanco-Slingerland and Tarah Peltz is as listeners consuming information for educational and entertainment purposes. John and Tarah do not provide diagnoses for you or anyone else mentioned or described, nor do they encourage self-diagnosis. Their opinions are based on the information available at the time of discussion and may evolve as they learn more. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical or mental health provider regarding any questions or concerns about your medical or mental health needs. If you need immediate help, contact your provider or call 911.
Disclaimer: Alternate Opinions
The hosts may present alternate viewpoints for the sake of argument, analysis, or to encourage diverse perspectives. These statements are not necessarily reflective of their personal views and are intended to explore complex topics, including but not limited to issues of neurodivergence, culture, family, relationships, and identity. Such statements are meant for rhetorical and educational value, even if they are subjectively experienced as uncomfortable.
Disclaimer: Fact Checking
While we make considerable efforts to fact-check information, opinions expressed on the podcast may not always align with fact. Additionally, we cannot control opinions expressed by guests, emailers, or commenters. Listeners should not rely on the podcast for complete accuracy and should perform their own due diligence. Opinions shared here may evolve over time, and any actions taken after listening are at the listener’s own discretion.
Disclaimer: Waiver and Release from Liability
By engaging with this podcast, you confirm that you hold John Blanco-Slingerland, Tarah Peltz, and their affiliates harmless for any perceived or actual damages resulting from participation. If any action gives rise to a claim, liability shall be limited to $100, regardless of the basis of the claim, including tort, negligence, contract, or statute.