Navigating Healthcare as a Neurodivergent, Chronically Ill Woman
In this episode of The Weird and Well Podcast, Elizabeth is joined by Dr. Nancy Taylor, a pharmacist turned professional patient advocate, for a powerful conversation about navigating a healthcare system that often leaves people feeling invisible, dismissed, and overwhelmed.
Dr. Taylor shares how growing up in her family’s pharmacy taught her that healthcare isn’t just about medication—it’s about empathy, listening, and hope. That foundation now informs her advocacy work supporting older adults, neurodivergent individuals, and people with chronic illness as they navigate appointments, providers, diagnoses, and medical records.
Together, Elizabeth and Nancy explore medical gaslighting, masking, white-coat syndrome, nervous system dysregulation, and why self-advocacy can feel impossible when you’re already exhausted. They share practical tools for preparing for appointments, including creating an “at-a-glance” medical folder, recording visits, requesting accommodations, and knowing when to bring in an advocate.
This episode is a validating reminder that struggling in the medical system is not a personal failure—it’s a system problem. Support is an accommodation you deserve so your healthcare doesn’t take over your life and hinder the actual healing process.
Dr. Nancy A. Taylor is a pharmacist, independent patient advocate, and founder of Taylormade Senior Advocacy & Consulting LLC. With more than 20 years of experience, she helps older adults, solo-agers, and family decision-makers gain clarity, confidence, and control in healthcare—before small issues become crises. As a speaker and podcast guest, Dr. Taylor focuses on medication safety, polypharmacy, care transitions, and how to think ahead in an increasingly complex healthcare system. Known for her clear, no-nonsense style, she translates healthcare confusion into practical next steps people can actually use.
You can book an Ask the Advocate session with Dr. Nancy Taylor at drtadvocacy.com.
Looking for a patient advocate to support and guide you through the healthcare system?
National Association of Healthcare Advocacy
Greater National Advocates
Ready to actually heal your nervous system and end the cycles of anxiety, burnout, and chronic illness?
Learn more about Foundations- the comprehensive nervous system recovery program for neurodivergent women.
