Neurodivergence and Mental Health Podcast

Tahleel Javed is a specialist doctor within the field of psychiatry, and CEO of STAND - the Society for Tourette's, Autism and Neurodiversity. We talk about her autism and ADHD, the huge amount of work being done to support our neurodivergent community, and what it means to be human. Tahleel and I have walked a similar path and we share stories about our families, including emotional experiences around our mothers.  She was 26 when she came to England from Pakistan in 2020 and promptly caught COVID, leading to Long COVID, and she shares her traumatic journey to recovery. Just two years later she is working with incredible people from diverse fields all over the world. We met when I was invited to a brilliant Meet and Greet and spoke to members of the Royal College of Psychiatry, musicians, artists and autistic people changing policy within Government. Tahleel for me is what advocating for the neurodivergent community is really about, and her story is inspiring and emotional. This honest and evocative conversation is one of my favourites so far.   You can find out more about what Tahleel does by following these links: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1vNf8fV8yujvU0Fvi16eFg  https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/news-and-features/blogs/detai...and-inclusion-blog/2022/03/23/an-outsider-s-inside-story---part-1-of-3  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1vNf8fV8yujvU0Fvi16eFg  admin@the-stand.org 

Melly Moore is a Podcaster and YouTuber from Quebec, Canada. In this episode she talks about her ADHD and anxiety journey and challenges in the workplace, and gives a special message for change. With difficult challenges throughout her life, Melly has chosen to help others within the Neurodivergent and Mental Health Community. We talk about how hard school was for her as an ADHDer, bullying, family struggles and more. She started meds at aged six, then came off them at fourteen, believing they were a placebo. Her sheer determination shows us that when we keep pushing forward we can succeed in the things we want to do.  Melly has so much passion and enthusiasm, and her smile and personality shines through. An inspiring and engaging conversation.   Melly's YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UCt8a9Btiy62kYUeCCnlVlzw  Her TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZML98UE6G/ Her Instagram: https://instagram.com/adhdmelly  Her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melly-moore 

Coming from a large Irish family, Eoin could see autism amongst his parents and siblings - in retrospect. Their neurodivergent life together was happy and supportive. A different story developed during the transition from school to college and he describes the big challenges of attempting to fit in, experiencing acute loneliness and living with depression. Eoin didn't discover his autism until later in life, but he knew he wanted to work with young people and adults at just twenty. He studied, worked hard and discovered what a fulfilling and rewarding career working within the neurodivergent community truly is.  We talk about his assessment and diagnosis journey, mental health and the challenges and successes of living in a world that can be confusing, lonely and full of ups and downs. A wonderful chat, full of inspiration! Eoin's website: www.autisminformedtherapy.com  Blog: https://autisticallyminded.blogspot.com/  Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/Autism-Informed-Therapy-Institute-101827435032551  https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoinstephens/  https://www.facebook.com/Autistically-Minded-100373764776410  https://www.instagram.com/autisticallyminded/ 

In this episode, Luke Manton talks about his Tourette's and OCD journey. Luke is an Entrepreneur - and a total dynamo. He left home at 16 and found himself a job as an Event Manager soon after. University followed, and now Luke runs a successful Virtual Assistant agency.  Luke also talks about his experiences on many platforms, inspiring children and adults alike. His video series, Ticced Off, has gone viral.  This episode is a must to discover how Luke's Tourette's journey began, and gives a clear message that just because you might tic, swear and say inappropriate phrases you can still be amazing and fulfil your life passions. What an inspiring talk with this fabulous guest.   Website: www.mantonexecutives.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lukemanton92/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukemantonme/

Therapist Sarah Templeton had a horrible journey to get her ADHD diagnosis, and was finally diagnosed aged 51. She talks about her co-occurring severe dyspraxia and dyscalculia and challenging times (and successes) at school.   Sarah worked extremely hard and through her determined efforts became an author, activist and advocate for the ADHD community, talking in Parliament about the woeful inadequacies of the prison system not recognising the huge volume of inmates who are ADHD.    She works with parents, teachers and policy changers, using her selfless grit to help many thousands of children and adults get the support they need to survive (and indeed to thrive) in a neurotypical world, and to use the many amazing skills we ADHDers have. She is the author of 'How NOT to Murder your ADHD kid - Instead learn to be your child's own ADHD Coach'.   Get ready for some fast talking in this fascinating and jam-packed episode!   http://www.SarahTempleton.org.uk    ADHD Author and ADHD Therapist - Sarah Templeton http://www.HeadstuffADHDTherapy.Co.uk   http://www.HeadstuffADHDLiberty.Co.uk  https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Not-Murder-Your-ADHD/dp/B09RX2VBKR/2C48&sr=8-1  

In this episode, Madge Woollard celebrates her autism and talks about her long career as a piano teacher, being in a great marriage with her wife Jo, and the cat cafe! Madge was very much supported by her teachers at school so she could follow her passion of music, which lead to her winning a scholarship to Cambridge University. But it hasn't all been plain sailing; as a teenager, Madge had an eating disorder, and she has struggled through menopause. She was a joy to interview, sharing her personal life, challenges and successes, and her positivity is contagious.  She also talks about her collaboration on a truly meaningful new book about autism for teachers, and about her passion for writing music, including theme tunes.   Madge's teaching website: https://mwoollard.webs.com/  Her music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/375QHFhNlxwoOT0edQLDko?si=Q9NTlj3IR6uWf6y9kwc_jA  Her theatre group  https://www.spectrumtheatresheffield.com/ Audio play “How to Drop a Piano” by Samantha Grierson  https://anchor.fm/samantha-grierson/episodes/How-to-Drop-a-Piano-e17goki  The book for teachers, to be published in April: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Learning-Autistic-Teachers-Neurodiversity-Inclusive-School/dp/1839971266/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KLRJZ3SMP6KZ&keywords=learning+from+autistic+teachers&qid=1643900453&sprefix=Learning+from+aut%2Caps%2C82&sr=8-1 

In this episode, Tigger Pritchard and David Grey-Hammond share the brilliant work they do as Ausomely autistic advocates and talk about equality, their personal lives and much, much more in an authentic and open conversation. I was delighted to meet Tigger and David. They can be found at the fabulous Aucademy with live events, podcasts (with some exceptional guests), a neurodivergent clothing range and huge support for our community. It's been a tough road for both of them, and we talk about psychosis and suicidal ideation, big challenges with mental health and an in-depth look at both of their personal lives and autistic/ADHD journeys. We also talk about the fantastic work they do with young people and adults. Inspiring and fascinating, this packed episode has an important message for our wonderful culture of wired differently, Ausome human beings.   aucademy.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/Aucademy/      David Grey-Hammond emergentdivergence.com https://www.facebook.com/emergentdivergence  https://www.instagram.com/emergentdivergence/  https://www.tiktok.com/@emergentdivergence  https://twitter.com/emgntdivergence      Tigger Pritchard   Website: www.tiggertraining.com  Facebook: The Autistic Coffee Shop with Tigger Pritchard https://www.facebook.com/Autisminfomation/ Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/the.autistic.coffee.shop/  YouTube: https://youtu.be/1hPQz50lYKI   Podcast: https://anchor.fm/aucademy

Sara-Louise coached me on my journey to autism/ADHD assessment and diagnosis. It was some of the best therapy I've ever had. A powerhouse of ideas, determination and drive, Sara-Louise shares intimate personal stories about her life. Hang on to your seats as we talk about PureO, a dramatic form of OCD, sex and relationships as neurodivergents and difficult life challenges leading to dark thoughts and mental health challenges. Honest, inspiring and hilarious. Not to be missed!   LINKS Georgia Di Mattos who owns iPlaySafe App®: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAC8OmOgBCqF46Qjkt99CI9vDb7Wp3WegLig  Suzan Issa mentioned as my coach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAACM8oyQBTl5wpldw5ODgvvq8lzLl0WlWDOM Dawn Huebner PhD who wrote What to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=dawnhuebnerphd&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6896903554142216192  Pure O great article https://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/aug/31/pure-ocd-the-naked-truth  Freedom Programme: https://www.freedomprogramme.co.uk/ and Own My Life: https://www.ownmylifecourse.org/  Heather Morrison: https://getbumpn.com/ Emma Sayle: https://www.emmasayle.com/

What a packed episode this proved to be with my fascinating guest Dr Liliya Wheatcraft. Liliya is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatry and tells us of her struggles with her diagnosis and coming to terms with her autism and ADHD. She shares her family life (with all members being neurodivergent) and how she fought to get accommodations for her children, especially within educational settings. Liliya also shares her own challenges as a ‘chubby' child, then anorexic adult, and how she was not understood by those in important clinical roles within the NHS. We talk about medication, including some fascinating insights into genes, and about the quality of life of autistic folk who struggle far more than others. I found Dr Wheatcraft insightful, thought provoking and inspiring, and her talk was full of important learnings.   Apologies for the clicking sound which can be heard in this episode.

Mabz Beet brings our first series to an end with an inspiring and fascinating episode.  They talk about struggles at school, being different and feeling anxious about their visible autistic traits in the playground and not getting clarity in the classroom.   As a transgender model with a large following on Instagram, Mabz shares their love for fashion shoots, wonderful outfits and body painting. Another love for Mabz is acting, and we talk about the fabulous audio play How to Drop a Piano, written especially for this aspiring actor by Samantha Grierson.  The play stars Jane Asher, President of The National Autistic Society, and it is through this charity that Mabz works as a carer for young autistic adults. Mabz is a great Advocate for the autistic community and is involved in training programmes and the Oliver McGowan charity, which raises awareness for disability training after a young autistic man was wrongly prescribed psychotic medication, leading to his death.   Mabz's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mabzbeetmodel/  Their audio play: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3d5o5Ws9RblvEtfUMd6anL?si=NOY-4jiZRhiAGWVWwVoCsA&utm_source=native-share-menu  Their blog on the intersection of autism and transgender: https://the-art-of-autism.com/a-child-of-two-spectrums-the-intersection-between-autism-and-transgender/ Blog about the tragic death of Oliver McGowan: https://blog.theautismsite.greatergood.com/oliver-mcgowen-death/ 

I so enjoyed our talk. Sam is a vibrant and determined entrepreneur and has worked in a petrol station, for a big gas company and in the Police. She is also a well known Toastmaster. We talk about her role as an autistic interpreter and her struggles with anorexia athletica and getting out of a narcissistic relationship. Lots to listen to, inform, support and inspire!   Sam's website: https://get-your-message-across.com/ Her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwarner/

Though Chantelle has had many struggles in her life. what comes out from this honest and open episode is her constant desire to help others and to advocate both in education and the workplace. Through many difficult experiences at school, including neglect and being forgotten on a school trip, to her mental breakdown and feelings of loneliness, her sensory issues and a lack of confidence, Chantelle's determination shines through. What an inspiring and warm hearted person.   Read Charlotte's article about being autistic and working in the NHS: https://sicofficial.co.uk/magazine/The-challenge-of-being-autistic-and-working-in-the-nhs 

Miguel shares his journey as a mature student and his frustrations when, as an undiagnosed ADHD adult, he struggled with getting the vital support he needed while studying for his degree. We talk executive function, the pain of fibromyalgia, and coping with chronic stress in a world not accommodating to his obvious neurodivergence. Miguel tells me about his love for his Labradors, and how he finds the best ways to de-stress are being a DJ and spending time with his loving partner. He also offers fascinating insights into how good gut health can improve mental health. An all round jolly nice chap and an inspiring conversation. https://www.instagram.com/miguelmateas/ 

Samantha Grierson talks about her series of fabulous audio plays, meltdowns, puppy magic and family. Samantha has written a series of incredible plays - Crocodile, Mole, Henpire, Kitty and How to Drop a Piano - set across the ages and in different parts of the UK. Discover the wonderful well known actors she chose to star in them, and her own personal stories that they are set around, encompassing the themes of motherhood, LGBT and getting old. Samantha is autistic and ADHD, seeing herself as both a 'poodle' and a 'lion'. She shares what it is like to live through rolling meltdowns, socially awkward nightmares, food issues, her family of neurodivergents and her separate career as a successful Change Strategist, showing how her different mind blows stigma out of the water.  We can all be the best we can be, whatever our diversity. She shares how she dresses down for black tie events, how her puppy helped her to cope and is learning to be a service dog, exercise, and the vital grounding for her mental health that is Home.   LINKS Samantha's podcast: https://anchor.fm/samantha-grierson Her website: https://socroc.co.uk/

For anyone who wants to learn more about autism, Amy Richards shares her captivating journey from undiagnosed autistic high school teacher to becoming self employed and publishing 53 podcast episodes for our wonderful Autistic Community. From being the good, quiet girl at school Amy ended up using alcohol as a coping strategy through university. A teaching career led to repeated burnouts, until Amy forged a new successful career working for herself in the world of coaching, web design and marketing.  Be inspired and educated as you hear how this dedicated advocate learned how to survive and thrive in a world that doesn't quite fit.   Amy's podcast, blog and autism resources: https://squarepeg.community/ Her business website: https://amyrichards.wales/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/squarepegautism LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyrichardsonline/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism

Author of five books, Presenter, Consultant and CBeebies contributor, Paul Isaacs shares his remarkable story of overcoming many challenges in order to live his authentic and full life. Paul's parents thought he was deaf, blind and disabled as a baby. He was non verbal until age 7 and was bullied relentlessly through his life. Yet despite having Visual Perception Disorder, severe OCD and being traumatised by language difficulties, Paul has become one of the most well known Autistic Advocates in the UK. Sharing platforms with Donna Williams, Temple Grandin and more, Paul has done more for autism awareness and action and language than most. This episode is an honest and heart-warming journey into the life of a person who shows what it means to be Actually Autistic.   Paul's blog: https://theisaacs22.wordpress.com/   His website: https://sites.google.com/site/paulisaacscouk   His book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paul-Isaacs/e/B00B7ADUTK/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Suzan Issa was born in Beirut, Lebanon. She is autistic, ADHD and has Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) which she explains how this condition impacts her on her day to day life. She is an Emotional Regulation Specialist and works with families, often in the home to help support family members who may have challenging behaviours to learn more helpful strategies and coping mechanisms. We talk about sensory issues and the dreaded fire alarms. Suzan shares with me her experience of being in a state of dissociation throughout many years of an unhappy marriage and how to be really effective when working with neurodivergent children in schools. Website: https://suzanissa.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/442903196768615/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzan-issa-she-her-030b98145 Email: mail@suzanissa.com

Sarah Boon is 26 and is autistic, ADHD and Dyslexic. She talks about her family, being bullied at school, her  special interests and her favourite stims. Sarah is big on social media, Twitter being her go-to platform, and she is very much an advocate for Neurodivergence. She supports students at University and other meaningful charities and organisations within our Community. Buy Sarah a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/saraheboon Twitter: https://twitter.com/Saraheboon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraheboon/  Website/blog: autisticallysarah.com 

Max Marnau talks about her life as an autistic person and about her family with links to the holocaust which affected her identity. She shares her views on Spectrum10K and why she believes it is deeply concerning for the Autistic Community. She also shares her love of music and her career as a Counsellor - how her specialism in being able to listen deeply to her clients and to understand fully what they bring to Therapy as an Autist enables a unique insight and empathic dimension. Max has lived in different counties and countries and now enjoys the place she calls home in Selkirk on the Scottish Boarders. https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/max-marnau