Podcasts about neurodivergent

Gugs Mhlungu is joined by Nikki Bush, Resident human potential and parenting expert, exploring the many ways intelligence shows up in children beyond school marks. From storytelling to empathy, dance to problem-solving, they unpack how parents can spot and nurture their child’s unique brilliance. 702 Weekend Breakfast with Gugs Mhlungu is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, on Saturdays and Sundays Gugs Mhlungu gets you ready for the weekend each Saturday and Sunday morning on 702. She is your weekend wake-up companion, with all you need to know for your weekend. The topics Gugs covers range from lifestyle, family, health, and fitness to books, motoring, cooking, culture, and what is happening on the weekend in 702land. Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Weekend Breakfast with Gugs Mhlungu. Listen live on Primedia+ on Saturdays and Sundays from 06:00 and 10:00 (SA Time) to Weekend Breakfast with Gugs Mhlungu broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/u3Sf7Zy or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/BIXS7AL Subscribe to the 702 daily and weekly newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Struggling with chaotic mornings—especially with neurodivergent, gifted, or twice-exceptional kiddos? You're not alone! This week's episode of the podcast dives deep into practical strategies for establishing morning routines that truly work for your unique family.   Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: Ditch the “One-Size-Fits-All” Approach: Neurodivergent kids break the mold! Traditional checklists and rigid schedules can actually increase stress. Instead, focus on finding rhythms and anchors that guide your morning rather than the clock. Externalize Time & Reduce Decision Fatigue: Many kids (and adults!) experience “time blindness.” Support them by using visual timers, playlists, or analog clocks, and prepping choices the night before to streamline mornings and cut down on stress. Prioritize Movement, Regulation, and Connection: Mornings run smoother when you weave in brief movement breaks, sensory supports, and moments of connection before tackling big tasks. These micro-habits help everyone launch into the day feeling regulated and ready.   Want more practical tools? There's a free download in the episode with sample morning routines and rhythm cards—perfect for building routines that are realistic and sustainable!   Let's make mornings kinder for everyone—especially YOU, the parent.   Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors: CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Night Zookeeper – Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12   Why Smart Kids Can't Find Their Shoes (and What to Do…) Strengthening Bonds | Building Family Routines and Rituals RLL #271: Understanding Executive Function Skills in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children Why Movement Matters (Especially for Our Neurodivergent Kids) Helping Our Kids Self-Regulate with Sarah Collins Overcoming Sleep Struggles: Tips for Neurodiverse Families Beating Homeschool Overwhelm with Heart and Flexibility Building Flexible Thinking Skills in Your Neurodivergent Child Changing Rhythms | Homeschooling in Sync with the Seasons 101 Reasons Eclectic Homeschooling Works for Gifted Kids  

Send us a textIn this episode of the Men's ADHD Support Group webinar series, join Shane Thrapp and our amazing guest as we discuss the challenge of making friends as adults with ADHD. Featuring Caroline Maguire, author and friendship expert, the discussion covers why forming meaningful relationships can be difficult and provides practical, easy-to-use solutions. Caroline shares her insights on adult friendships, the importance of authenticity, and the strategies for building and nurturing connections. We also touch on the concept of masking, the role of shared activities, and recognizing when someone is interested in being your friend.  We had so much fun with this episode and Caroline provided valuable tools and techniques for creating lasting and genuine friendships.About CarolineCaroline Maguire, ACCG, PCC, M.Ed., is an award‑winning coach, teacher, and keynote speaker focused on social‑emotional learning, executive functioning, and friendship skills. She's the author of Why Will No One Play With Me?—an award‑winning guide for kids and parents. Check out our website for great blogs, information, and upcoming events! Men's ADHD Support Group Website If you identify as male and have ADHD Join our Facebook Group!And follow us on all of our other social media! Our Facebook Page Our Instagram Our Youtube: Our Twitter Our TikTok Our LinkedIn

A diverse world is a happy world. It may seem that neurodivergent people are more common now, but the increase in diagnoses is attributed to awareness and diagnostic tools, not a rise in the population. Neurodivergence is a distinct way of experiencing the world, with many neurodivergent individuals successfully thriving in a society traditionally designed for neurotypicals. This shift in perspective celebrates the full spectrum of humanity and recognizes that a world that accommodates and celebrates all types of minds is a richer and happier one.A diverse world is a happy world. It may seem that neurodivergent people are more common now, but the increase in diagnoses is attributed to awareness and diagnostic tools, not a rise in the population. Neurodivergence is a distinct way of experiencing the world, with many neurodivergent individuals successfully thriving in a society traditionally designed for neurotypicals. This shift in perspective celebrates the full spectrum of humanity and recognizes that a world that accommodates and celebrates all types of minds is a richer and happier one. Sol, drawing from his personal experience as a diagnosed autistic adult, wrote The Autistic's Guide to Self-Discovery: Flourishing as a Neurodivergent Adult to raise awareness about the differences between neurodivergent and neurotypical people. His book shares how he has successfully navigated and thrived in a neurotypical world.This episode is proudly sponsored by:BetterHelp—Offers convenient and affordable professional therapy made simple. Listeners get 10% off their 1st month at BetterHelp.com/HarvestingHappiness Like what you're hearing?WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

After a (too long) summer break we are back with a new series!Our guest this week is an absolute legend of British comedy - Marcus Brigstocke.Marcus is dyslexic and we talked to him about our joint love of words.If you enjoyed this then do check out Marcus on tour doing his new show, Vitruvian Mango. You can buy tickets here: https://www.offthekerb.com/on-tour/?otk_artist=Marcus+Brigstocke&otk_postcode=&otk_date=Also check out Joe's tour which starts next month, tickets are on sale here:https://www.livenation.co.uk/artist-joe-wells-1394683There's a longer version of this podcast and a LOAD of extras from previous series available at www.patreon.com/neurodivergentmomentspod This show can only exist because of our Patreon supporters so, if you can afford it, please do consider a monthly donation.If you've had a Neurodivergent moment you're happy to share with us then email neurodivergentmomentspod@gmail.comMusic by Savan De Paul check out their work on Bandcamp!Audio and Visual Production: Oliver Farrow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi are joined by Dr. Lisa Meeks, founder of the Docs with Disabilities Initiative. They explore how medical education can better support learners and clinicians with disabilities, discussing the initiative's origins, challenges faced by disabled learners, and practical steps for creating inclusive environments. They also examine the impact of disability representation on patient care and delve into a related TV show, The Pitt, highlighting a neurodivergent resident's approach to care. This episode underscores the importance of storytelling, policy transparency, and inclusive practices in transforming medical training and care. Docs with Disabilities Initiative: https://www.docswithdisabilities.org 

A diverse world is a happy world. It may seem that neurodivergent people are more common now, but the increase in diagnoses is attributed to awareness and diagnostic tools, not a rise in the population. Neurodivergence is a distinct way of experiencing the world, with many neurodivergent individuals successfully thriving in a society traditionally designed for neurotypicals. This shift in perspective celebrates the full spectrum of humanity and recognizes that a world that accommodates and celebrates all types of minds is a richer and happier one.A diverse world is a happy world. It may seem that neurodivergent people are more common now, but the increase in diagnoses is attributed to awareness and diagnostic tools, not a rise in the population. Neurodivergence is a distinct way of experiencing the world, with many neurodivergent individuals successfully thriving in a society traditionally designed for neurotypicals. This shift in perspective celebrates the full spectrum of humanity and recognizes that a world that accommodates and celebrates all types of minds is a richer and happier one. Sol, drawing from his personal experience as a diagnosed autistic adult, wrote The Autistic's Guide to Self-Discovery: Flourishing as a Neurodivergent Adult to raise awareness about the differences between neurodivergent and neurotypical people. His book shares how he has successfully navigated and thrived in a neurotypical world.This episode is proudly sponsored by:BetterHelp—Offers convenient and affordable professional therapy made simple. Listeners get 10% off their 1st month at BetterHelp.com/HarvestingHappiness Like what you're hearing?WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING? Check out More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

In today's episode, Dale is joined by Susana Gonzalez, the director and founder of ND Bright Brains, who brings over 20 years of experience in education. They discuss supporting neurodivergent learners in secondary schools and further education. Neurodivergent students often face unique challenges in environments that aren't designed to meet their needs. As awareness of neurodiversity grows, it's crucial for educational settings to shift from compliance-based models to a more student-centred approach that embraces inclusion. Susana emphasises the importance of neurodiversity training, flexibility in school processes (including behaviour policies), and collaborative problem-solving to tailor support for each individual. This includes classroom adaptations, personalised learning plans, and facilitating smooth transitions. Key takeaways: Avoid rigidity; flexibility is essential. Recognise that every student is unique. Remember, it's not solely the teacher's responsibility. Highlight the importance of awareness and training. Understanding neurodiversity can truly transform the educational experience for both teachers and students, fostering more effective support and empowering learners to advocate for themselves. View all podcasts available or visit our SENDcast sessions shop!   About Susana Gonzalez  Susana Gonzalez is the Director and Founder of ND Bright Brains, an educational consultancy dedicated to helping ND students succeed in mainstream schools. ND Bright Brains provides education to any adult involved in the education of ND young people so that they can also positively contribute to their academic, social, and emotional development.  Susana is a Biochemical Engineer and neurodiversity specialist who brings 20 years of experience as a teacher, mainly Chemistry, having specialised in Educational Neuroscience and supporting highly able individuals with Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, OCD and Dyspraxia since 2020.   To date, Susana has trained over 1,000 teachers, promoting the idea that all schools can implement inclusive and cost-effective strategies to support neurodivergent students.   Susana has also delivered neurodiversity corporate training and consulted for a training company on neuro-affirming content delivery practices.  Susana strongly believes in the vital roles of adults in the future success of neurodivergent learners. She advocates for setting high expectations coupled with appropriate support and the creation of a safe environment that fosters both academic and personal growth.     Contact Susana  www.ndbrightbrains.com https://www.instagram.com/ndbrightbrains/ contact@ndbrightbrains.com   Useful Links Neurodiversity in Education   B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk  Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast  Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk  Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe   The SENDcast is powered by B Squared We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.

In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Simon Scott is joined by returning co-host Jordan James for a deep dive into advocacy, self-acceptance, and the power of knowledge in navigating neurodivergence.Jordan opens up about his personal journey from struggling with self-hatred after his autism diagnosis to embracing advocacy through writing, photography, and public speaking. Simon shares his own growth — from imposter syndrome to proudly advocating for himself at a music festival, where creating safe spaces and speaking openly about his needs led to connection, healing, and empowerment.Together, Jordan and Simon discuss:The importance of self-advocacy and setting boundaries in daily lifeWhy knowledge is power when navigating diagnoses, accommodations, and medical systemsThe emotional impact of hearing “you're not alone” through books, podcasts, and neurodivergent communitiesParenting while neurodivergent: raising autistic/ADHD kids with patience, advocacy, and self-compassionHow representation, honesty, and positivity (without toxic positivity) change the way neurodivergent people see themselvesThe ripple effect of advocacy — inspiring others, from children in classrooms to entire families, to embrace their neurodivergenceWhether you're exploring your diagnosis, learning to advocate for yourself, or supporting loved ones, this heartfelt conversation offers validation, encouragement, and practical tools to help you feel seen and empowered.❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

What if the biggest barrier to great leadership isn't lack of training, but trying to fit into someone else's mold? Executive coach Rita Ramakrishnan reveals why the "one right way" to lead is actually holding back your team's potential. Rita shares her journey from struggling in rigid consulting environments to thriving as a C-suite leader by embracing her neurodivergence. You'll discover practical strategies for creating psychological safety, turning "performance problems" into communication solutions, and helping every team member - neurotypical or neurodivergent - bring their best work. Whether you're trying to figure out your own leadership style or unlock hidden potential in your team, this conversation will change how you think about what makes leadership truly effective. Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies. Connect with Rita: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaram/ or her website: www.iksana.com For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co

What does it mean to choose a wholeness paradigm instead of a pathology lens when it comes to neuro-affirming care? In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Nyck Walsh to explore what happens when we bring compassion, authenticity, and somatics into the conversation about neurodivergence. Together, we touch into the radical permission it takes to be fully human and to rest into identities that have often been misunderstood or pathologized.We explore the relief, grief, and even terror that can arise with late-in-life neurodivergent identification—and the profound sense of liberation that can come with finally having language for who we are. Nyck shares what it means to honor authenticity beneath masking, to unpack internalized ableism, and to reconnect with innate wisdom that has always been there, waiting to be trusted.Our conversation also weaves in the intersections of privilege and oppression, the deep longing for belonging, and the all-too-common question: “Am I ___ enough?” Together, we name how neurodivergent folks often carry both tremendous courage and tremendous vulnerability as they navigate authenticity, safety, and connection in a neurotypical-dominant world.You'll also hear about Nyck's model of Neurodivergent Somatics, his international counselor education programs, and his forthcoming book with Norton Professional Books, Neurodivergent Somatics and Therapy: an anti-oppressive model for whole person care (March 2026).This is a conversation filled with tenderness, truth, and courage - an invitation to see neurodivergence not as something broken or deficient, but as whole, wise, and worthy.About NyckNyck Walsh (he/they) brings a whole person, anti-oppressive, intersectional somatic lens to working with Autistic and KCS/VAST (more affirming language for “ADHD”) folks. A white, Autistic, VAST, queer, and trans counselor, Nyck is the director of the Nyck Walsh Counseling & Training Center and creator of the Neurodivergent Somatics model.He curates reparative experiences for late-identified Autistic and KCS/VAST people to connect with their innate wisdom, dismantle ableism, be supported through challenges, and make meaning of their misunderstood neurodivergent experiences. His counselor education programs have attracted an international following, with both neurodivergent and neurotypical counselors alike reporting that they feel deeply supported and validated by his approach.While being human brings no shortage of complexity, Nyck delights in frolicking in nature and living among the trees with his four-legged bestie in the mountains of what is colonially known as Colorado.Find out more at his website: nyckwalsh.comFor the transcript of this episode, please visit (you will find it below the episode description):www.shelby-leigh.com/podcasts/neurodivergent-somatics-with-nyck-walshAnd, if you're interested in an assessment or 1:1 work with Shelby, you can find out more here:⁠shelby-leigh.com/autism-and-adhd-assessments⁠⁠shelby-leigh.com/one-on-one-healing-support⁠If you're a therapist or coach, you might like to check out Shelby's Body of Work program - open for enrolment for another week - 9 months of support for practitioners to bring their whole, human selves, not just the professional persona.shelby-leigh.com/body-of-work

Disempowered to Empowered: Meltdowns, Boundaries & Donuts   In this heartfelt episode, Patricia (she/her) shares three powerful personal stories that highlight the challenges—and wins—that come with being a sensitive, creative, neurodivergent human. From navigating family dynamics around living arrangements, to reclaiming power after a disempowering volunteer experience, and even exploring the emotional depth behind a simple craving for an apple fritter, Patricia offers an intimate and validating glimpse into what it's like to be an AuDHDer who feels things deeply—and still chooses to show up.   KEY TAKEAWAYS ·      You don't need to justify your needs. “They don't have to understand why I need two months. I just do.” ·      High masking + high empathy often = emotional invisibility. You're not alone if you feel overlooked or undervalued. ·      Internalizers often seem fine while falling apart inside—naming your pain out loud is a radical act of self-love. ·      Disempowerment doesn't mean you're weak. It often comes from past trauma, sensory overload, or lack of support. ·      Communication isn't always immediate. It's okay if clarity or assertiveness comes a day (or three) later. ·      There's no such thing as “too sensitive”—just systems that weren't built for your needs.   HIGHLIGHTS   ·       Patricia emphasizes the importance of asserting one's needs without feeling apologetic. ·       She shares her experience of feeling disempowered in family dynamics and how she navigated that. ·       The conversation highlights the challenges of communication in relationships, especially for neurodivergent individuals. ·       Patricia discusses the significance of volunteering and how it contributes to her sense of empowerment. ·       She reflects on the internal struggles (and unrealistic desire) of wanting others to understand her needs without explicit communication. ·       The importance of processing emotions and taking time to understand one's feelings is emphasized. ·       Patricia shares her journey of finding strength in her volunteering experience with horses. ·       She discusses the impact of trauma on her ability to communicate effectively. ·       The conversation touches on the theme of sensitivity being a unique aspect of one's identity, not something to apologize for. ·       Patricia encourages listeners to embrace their sensitivity and understand its value.   SOUND BITES "I need to have a meltdown." "It's my responsibility." "I felt seen and I felt heard." "I think we've learned to just detach from our feelings, to dissociate, and go along to get along—but it just doesn't work for us anymore." SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT'S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED You are not broken. You were shaped by systems that weren't built for you. You deserve rest, joy, and support exactly as you are.   TOPICS COVERED  ·       Autistic meltdowns & internal regulation: How Patricia recognized an impending meltdown and advocated for space and support. ·       Family boundaries & accommodation: The emotional toll of giving up a beloved workspace, and the grief that often goes unseen. ·       Losing & reclaiming joy: When creative hobbies fade and space feels scarce, how do you reconnect with yourself? ·       Assertiveness without apology: Speaking up about needs, even when it's hard, awkward, or overdue. ·       Feeling invisible in groups: Disempowerment during horse volunteer training and the journey to feeling confident and capable again. ·       Processing delays & trauma: Why it sometimes takes days to realize something didn't feel okay—and that's valid. ·       The donut story (yes, it matters): What a pastry can teach us about needs, unmet expectations, and healthy communication. ·       Relational repair & emotional safety: The delicate dance of vulnerability, misunderstanding, and being met with care. ·       The problem with people-pleasing: When masking and fawning keep you from honoring your own feelings. ·       What sensitivity really means: Reframing neurodivergent traits as strengths, not flaws. PODCAST HOST Patricia (she/her) was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller.  Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile, OCD and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion.  She created the podcasts Unapologetically Sensitive and Unapologetically AuDHD to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren't alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges.  Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you Patricia's website, podcast episodes and more: twww.unapologeticallysensitive.com   LINKS  To write a review in itunes: click on this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetically-sensitive/id1440433481?mt=2 select “listen on Apple Podcasts” chose “open in itunes” choose “ratings and reviews” click to rate the number of starts click “write a review”Website--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook-- https://www.facebook.com/Unapologetically-Sensitive-2296688923985657/ Closed/Private Facebook group Unapologetically Sensitive-- https://www.facebook.com/groups/2099705880047619/ Instagram-- https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube-- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber Tik Tok--https://www.tiktok.com/@unapologeticallysensitiv Podcast UnapologeticallyAuDHD-- https://unapologeticallysensitive.com/unapologeticallyaudhd/  e-mail-- unapologeticallysensitive@gmail.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive Music-- Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com  

Host of “Retrain Your Brain” on Psychology Today, with a Master's in School Psychology, Lisa Sheinhouse meets with Bryce Hamilton... The post Parenting Neurodivergent Children with Lisa Sheinhouse appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

Parenting a child who melts down no matter how hard you try can feel draining and lonely. You've done the time-outs, taken away privileges, tried the sticker charts—and yet the child's behavior keeps coming back.Instead of helping, those strategies sometimes make things worse, leaving you wondering if you're doing something wrong. You're not alone, and it's not bad parenting—it's a dysregulated brain.In this episode, I'm breaking down why traditional discipline backfires on sensitive or neurodivergent kids, and what actually works instead. I'll give you practical strategies to calm the nervous system first, show you why connection always beats punishment, and teach you how to build the problem solving skills your child truly needs.Why doesn't time-out work for my neurodivergent child?If you've ever sent your child to time-out only to have the meltdown get worse, you're not imagining it. For many neurodivergent kids, time outs don't feel like teaching—they feel like rejection. And instead of calming down, their nervous system ramps up even more.Research shows that parents use time-outs inconsistently, and the reality is, they're often applied when a child is already at peak emotional dysregulation. In that state, the brain can't process or learn. Many neurodivergent kids experience shame, anxiety, or even sensory overload instead of gaining self-control.Here's what's really happening:Time-outs miss the teachable moment because kids are too dysregulated to reflect.Sensitive children feel wrong or rejected, which can trigger bigger power struggles.Connection is the game changer, because safety is what allows real emotional regulation.So if time-outs keep backfiring in your family, it isn't about bad parenting. It's not bad parenting—it's a dysregulated brain.How can I stay calm when my child is melting down?I know how exhausting it feels when your child is screaming, crying, or refusing to listen. In those moments, your own nervous system wants to react—but here's the truth: your calm is your child's calm. This is why I call parents the emotional anchor.When you regulate yourself first, you model the very skill your child is struggling to build. You don't need to get it right 100% of the time—aiming for 80% is more than enough. Perfection isn't required for growth, and reminding yourself of that can reduce the pressure and pain you carry as a mom or dad.A few ways to anchor yourself:Pause before reacting. Even 30 seconds of breathing can calm your nervous system.Check your body language. Slow down, soften your tone, and relax your shoulders.Co-regulate first. Teaching happens later—after your child feels safe and understood.

An episode guaranteed to stop you in your tracks. Brandon and Lindsy sit down with Katie Asher, whose son Houston—a non-speaking autistic young man—opened a supernatural window into identity, frequency, faith, and healing. From vaccine injury to the mystery of the Hill, from church hurt to spiritual gifts most believers can't even fathom, this is not just a testimony—it's a paradigm shift. If you've ever questioned the nature of communication, healing, or what it means to believe God in the hardest places, don't miss this one.Purchase the book The Book of Heaven: https://a.co/d/54RdAGQFind recommended links on website: https://www.asher.house/our-services-1Follow our social channels and learn more here: https://linktr.ee/asherhousehope

Hard truth: work wasn't built for all of us to thrive.  Neurodivergent folks seem to deal with a lot of norms when they aren't the problem—the systems are.  I'm joined by Tameka Allen, founder of ModCulture and all-around brilliance-unlocker, to talk about how workplace “norms” actually exclude, alienate, and erase so many people.  From the myth of “professionalism” to the way orgs treat neurodivergence as a personal issue instead of a design flaw, we're pulling no punches.  If you've ever side-eyed a workplace policy and thought, “who is this even for?” this one's for you! 0:01:55 - One Hard Truth About Work 0:02:57 - What Does Being Neurodivergent Mean? 0:05:43 - A Workplace Norm We've Accepted as Normal that Wasn't Built With Neurodivergent People in Mind 0:10:28 - Why Orgs Treat Neurodiversity Like a Personal Issue Instead of a Systems Issue 0:26:19 - How Does Professionalism Become a Code Word For Conformity and Masking? 0:35:02 - Workplace “Norms” to be Aware of That Alienate Employees 0:46:13 - Myths About Neurodivergence at Work That Need to End 0:50:23 - What Would an Ideal Workplace Look Like? Fortunately, you don't have to choose between investing in people programs and consolidating your tech stack. With Lattice, you can have both. Visit ⁠⁠lattice.com⁠⁠ to learn more. And if you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba's newsletter! It's for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration. https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/   And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out  https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!   Follow Tameka: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamekanallen/ Follow Hebba:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef

Is your brain constantly sorting everything into two neat little buckets? "Good" or "bad"? "Success" or "failure"? Ooof! Honestly, saaaame. So, let's talk about it!In this episode, Caitlin shares their take black and white thinking—what it is, where it comes from, and why it's so freaking stressful. They also get super real about their own brain, which they lovingly describes as "The Good Place, but worse" lol. If you can relate to having yout simple decisions spiral into a complex web of moral dilemmas, better grab a seat coz this one's for you! "It's not likely that every single person in the world is going to either be a perfectly happy, healthy relationship...That doesn't mean that we're sorting people into only two buckets, because when it's only two buckets... that's so isolating and lonely and critical and it's not healthy for us." - CaitlinYou'll totally learn:What black and white thinking is and why it's so common for neurodivergent peopleHow black and white thinking often comes from trauma and the need to learn strict rules to surviveWhy even simple decisions can feel overwhelming when your brain assigns moral value to every optionHow to find relief from the constant onslaught of information from our phones and the newsOooh! Plus, a fun and surprisingly relevant side quest involving caterpillars! Links mentioned in this episode:

In this episode, I share a life update on Marty, and a message for parents of  sensitive and neurodivergent kids. I also share how a client's son continues to give her signs from the Other Side. In this episode: Spiritual karaoke (the song didn't play loudly, so my singing was really front and center lol) Authenticity, masking & being “too much” Parenting sensitive & neurodivergent kids Reminder for your inner child Update on Marty Client mediumship story & Spirit signs Opening your heart to messages from Spirit The Bridge 5D Ascension Akashic Records Self-Study Course FREE REPLAY: Empowered by the River of Peace Healing Experience Sunday, June 29th Meet Your High Frequency Ancestors Healing Ceremony $22 USD Submit a question to be answered on the podcast   Sign up for my newsletter to stay informed on all classes, trainings, and healing experiences FREE "Meet Your Inner Child" Reiki Meditation 10% OFF All Workout Witch Programs for somatic healing with code ORACLELIGHTWORKER at checkout Get a free sample pack of LMNT with your order   Instagram: @oraclelightworker Email: oraclelightworkerhealing@gmail.com Website: www.oraclelightworker.podia.com      

You're listening to Burnt Toast! Today, my guest is Ash Brandin of Screen Time Strategies, also know as The Gamer Educator on Instagram. Ash is also the author of a fantastic new book, Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family. Ash joined us last year to talk about how our attitudes towards screen time can be…diet-adjacent. I asked them to come back on the podcast this week because a lot of us are heading into back-to-school mode, which in my experience can mean feelingsss about screen routines. There are A LOT of really powerful reframings in this episode that might blow your mind—and make your parenting just a little bit easier. So give this one a listen and share it with anyone in your life who's also struggling with kids and screen time.Today's episode is free but if you value this conversation, please consider supporting our work with a paid subscription. Burnt Toast is 100% reader- and listener-supported. We literally can't do this without you! PS. You can take 10 percent off Power On, or any book we talk about on the podcast, if you order it from the Burnt Toast Bookshop, along with a copy of Fat Talk! (This also applies if you've previously bought Fat Talk from them. Just use the code FATTALK at checkout.)Episode 208 TranscriptVirginiaFor anyone who missed your last episode, can you just quickly tell us who you are and what you do?AshI'm Ash Brandin. I use they/them pronouns.I am a middle school teacher by day, and then with my online presence, I help families and caregivers better understand and manage all things technology—screen time, screens. My goal is to reframe the way that we look at them as caregivers, to find a balance between freaking out about them and allowing total access. To find a way that works for us. VirginiaWe are here today to talk about your brilliant new book, which is called Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family. I can't underscore enough how much everybody needs a copy of this book. I have already turned back to it multiple times since reading it a few months ago. It just really helps ground us in so many aspects of this conversation that we don't usually have.AshI'm so glad to hear that it's helpful! If people are new to who I am, I have sort of three central tenets of the work that I do: * Screen time is a social inequity issue. * Screens can be part of our lives without being the center of our lives. * Screens and screen time should benefit whole families.Especially in the last few years, we have seen a trend toward panic around technology and screens and smartphones and social media. I think that there are many reasons to be concerned around technology and its influence, especially with kids. But what's missing in a lot of those conversations is a sense of empowerment about what families can reasonably do. When we focus solely on the fear, it ends up just putting caregivers in a place of feeling bad.VirginiaYou feel like you're getting it wrong all the time.AshShame isn't empowering. No one is like, “Well, I feel terrible about myself, so now I feel equipped to go make a change,” right?Empowerment is what's missing in so many of those conversations and other books and things that have come out, because it's way harder. It's so much harder to talk about what you can really do and reasonably control in a sustainable way. But I'm an educator, and I really firmly believe that if anyone's in this sort of advice type space, be it online or elsewhere, that they need to be trying to empower and help families instead of just capitalizing on fear.VirginiaWhat I found most powerful is that you really give us permission to say: What need is screen time meeting right now? And this includes caregivers' needs. So not just “what need is this meeting for my child,” but what need is this meeting for me? I am here recording with you right now because iPads are meeting the need of children have a day off school on a day when I need to work. We won't be interrupted unless I have to approve a screen time request, which I might in 20 minutes.I got divorced a couple years ago, and my kids get a lot more screen time now. Because they move back and forth between two homes, and each only has one adult in it. Giving myself permission to recognize that I have needs really got me through a lot of adjusting to this new rhythm of our family.AshAbsolutely. And when we're thinking about what the need is, we also need to know that it's going to change. So often in parenting, it feels like we have to come up with one set of rules and they have to work for everything in perpetuity without adjustment. That just sets us up for a sense of failure if we're like, well, I had this magical plan that someone told me was going to work, and it didn't. So I must be the problem, right? It all comes back to that “well, it's my fault” place.VirginiaWhich is screens as diet culture.AshAll over again. We're back at it. It's just not helpful. If instead, we're thinking about what is my need right now? Sometimes it's “I have to work.” And sometimes it's “my kid is sick and they just need to relax.” Sometimes it's, as you were alluding to earlier, it's we've all just had a day, right? We've been run ragged, and we just need a break, and that need is going to dictate very different things. If my kid is laid up on the couch and throwing up, then what screen time is going to be doing for them is very different than If I'm trying to work and I want them to be reasonably engaged in content and trying to maybe learn something. And that's fine. Being able to center “this is what I need right now,” or “this is what we need right now,” puts us in a place of feeling like we're making it work for us. Instead of feeling like we're always coming up against some rule that we're not going to quite live up to.VirginiaI'd love to talk about the inequity piece a little more too. As I said, going from a two parent household to a one parent household, which is still a highly privileged environment—but even just that small shift made me realize, wait a second. I think all the screen time guidance is just for typical American nuclear families. Ideally, with a stay at home parent.So can you talk about why so much of the standard guidance doesn't apply to most of our families?AshIt's not even just a stay at home parent. It's assuming that there is always at least one caregiver who is fully able to be present. Mom, default parent, is making dinner, and Dad is relaxing after work and is monitoring what the kids are doing, right? And it's one of those times where I'm like, have you met a family?VirginiaPeople are seven different places at once. It's just not that simple.AshIt's not that simple, right? It's like, have you spent five minutes in a typical household in the last 10 years? This is not how it's going, right?So the beginning of the book helps people unlearn and relearn what we may have heard around screens, including what research really does or doesn't say around screens, and this social inequity piece. Because especially since the onset of COVID, screens are filling in systemic gaps for the vast majority of families.I'm a family with two caregivers in the home. We both work, but we're both very present caregivers. So we're definitely kind of a rarity, that we're very privileged. We're both around a lot of the time. And we are still using screens to fill some of those gaps.So whether it's we don't really have a backyard, or people are in a neighborhood where they can't send their kids outside, or they don't have a park or a playground. They don't have other kids in the neighborhood, or it's not a safe climate. Or you live in an apartment and you can't have your neighbors complain for the fifth time that your kids are stomping around and being loud. Whatever it is—a lack of daycare, affordable after school care —those are all gaps. They all have to be filled. And we used to have different ways of filling those gaps, and they've slowly become less accessible or less available. So something has to fill them. What ends up often filling them is screens. And I'm not saying that that's necessarily a good thing. I'd rather live in a world in which everyone is having their needs met accessibly and equitably. But that's a much harder conversation, and is one that we don't have very much say in. We participate in that, and we might vote for certain people, but that's about all we can really do reasonably. So, in the meantime, we have to fill that in with something and so screens are often going to fill that in.Especially if you look at caregivers who have less privilege, who are maybe single caregivers, caregivers of color, people living in poverty—all of those aspects of scarcity impacts their bandwidth. Their capacity as a caregiver is less and spread thinner, and all of that takes away from a caregiver's ability to be present. And there were some really interesting studies that were done around just the way that having less capacity affects you as a caregiver.And when I saw that data, I thought, well, of course. Of course people are turning to screens because they have nothing else to give from. And when we think of it that way, it's hard to see that as some sort of personal failure, right? When we see it instead as, oh, this is out of necessity. It reframes the question as “How do I make screens work for me,” as opposed to, “I'm bad for using screens.”VirginiaRight. How do I use screen time to meet these needs and to hopefully build up my capacity so that I can be more present with my kids? I think people think if you're using a lot of screens, you're really never present. It's that stereotype of the parent on the playground staring at their phone, instead of watching the kid play. When maybe the reason we're at the playground is so my kid can play and I can answer some work emails. That doesn't mean I'm not present at other points of the day.AshOf course. You're seeing one moment. I always find that so frustrating. It just really feels like you you cannot win. If I were sitting there staring at my child's every move in the park, someone would be like, “you're being a helicopter,” right? And if I look at my phone because I'm trying to make the grocery pickup order—because I would rather my child have time at the playground than we spend our only free hour in the grocery store and having to manage a kid in the grocery store and not having fun together, right? Instead I'm placing a pickup order and they're getting to run around on the playground. Now also somehow I'm failing because I'm looking at my phone instead of my kid. But also, we want kids to have independent time, and not need constant input. It really feels like you just can't win sometimes. And being able to take a step back and really focus on what need is this meeting? And if it's ours, and if it is helping me be more present and connected, that's a win. When I make dinner in the evening, my kid is often having screen time, and I will put in an AirPod and listen to a podcast, often Burnt Toast, and that's my decompression. Because I come home straight from work and other things. I'm not getting much time to really decompress.VirginiaYou need that airlock time, where you can decompress and then be ready to be present at dinner.I'm sure I've told you this before, but I reported a piece on screen time for Parents Magazine, probably almost 10 years ago at this point, because I think my older child was three or four. And I interviewed this Harvard researcher, this older white man, and I gave him this the dinner time example. I said, I'm cooking dinner. My kid is watching Peppa Pig so that I can cook dinner, and take a breath. And then we eat dinner together. And he said, “Why don't you involve her in cooking dinner? Why don't you give her a bag of flour to play with while you cook dinner?”AshOf all the things!VirginiaAnd I said to him: Because it's 5pm on a Wednesday and who's coming to clean the flour off the ceiling?AshA bag of flour. Of all the things to go to! VirginiaHe was like, “kids love to make a happy mess in the kitchen!” I was like, well I don't love that. And it was just exactly that. My need didn't matter to him at all. He was like, “h, well, if you just want to pacify your children…” I was like, I do, yes, in that moment.AshWell, and I think that's another part of it is that someone says it to us like that, and we're like, “well, I can't say yes,” right? But in the moment, yeah, there are times where it's like, I need you to be quiet. And as hard as this can be to think, sometimes it's like right now, I need you to be quiet and convenient because of the situation we're in. And that doesn't mean we're constantly expecting that of them, and hopefully that's not something we're doing all the time. But if the need is, oh my God, we're all melting down, and if we don't eat in the next 15 minutes, we're going to have a two hour DEFCON1 emergency on our hands, then, yeah, I'm gonna throw Peppa Pig on so that we can all become better regulated humans in the next 15 minutes and not have a hungry meltdown. And that sounds like a much better alternative to me!VirginiaThan flour all over my kitchen on a Wednesday, right? I mean, I'll never not be mad about it. It's truly the worst parenting advice I've ever received. So thank you for giving us all more space as caregivers to be able to articulate our own needs and articulate what we need to be present. It's what we can do in the face of gaps in the care system that leave us holding so much.That said: I think there are some nitty gritty aspects of this that we all struggle wit, so I want to talk about some of the nuts and bolts pieces. One of my biggest struggles is still the question of how much time is too much time? But you argue that time really isn't the measure we should be using. As you're saying, that need is going to vary day to day, and all the guidance that's been telling us, like, 30 minutes at this age, an hour at this age, all of that is not particularly germane to our lives. So can you explain both why time is less what we should fixate on? And then how do I release myself? How do I divest from the screen time diet culture?AshOh man, I wish I had a magic bullet for that one. We'll see what I can do.When I was writing this and thinking about it and making content about it, I kept thinking about you. Because the original time guidelines that everyone speaks back to—they're from the AAP. And they have not actually been used in about 10 years, but people still bring them up all the time. The “no time under two” and “up to an hour up to age five” and “one to two hours, five to 12.” And if you really dig in, I was following footnote after footnote for a while, trying to really find where did this actually come from? It's not based on some study that found that that's the ideal amount of time. It really came from a desire to find this middle ground of time spent being physically idle. These guidelines are about wanting to avoid childhood obesity.VirginiaOf course.AshIt all comes back, right?VirginiaI should have guessed it.AshAnd so in their original recommendations, the AAP note that partially this is to encourage a balance with physical movement. Which, of course, assumes that if you are not sitting watching TV or using an iPad, that you will be playing volleyball or something.VirginiaYou'll automatically be outside running around.AshExactly, of course, those are the only options.VirginiaIt also assumes that screen time is never physical. But a lot of kids are very physical when they're watching screens.AshExactly. And it, of course, immediately also imposes a morality of one of these things is better—moving your body is always better than a screen, which is not always going to be true, right? All these things have nuance in them. But I thought that was so interesting, and it shouldn't have surprised me, and yet somehow it still did. And of course it is good to find movement that is helpful for you and to give your kids an enjoyment of being outside or moving their bodies, or playing a sport. And putting all of that in opposition to something else they may enjoy, like a screen, really quickly goes to that diet culture piece of “well, how many minutes have you been doing that?” Because now we have to offset it with however many minutes you should be running laps or whatever.So those original recommendations are coming from a place of already trying to mitigate the negatives of sitting and doing something sort of passively leisurely. And in the last 10 years, they've moved away from that, and they now recommend what's called making a family media plan. Which actually I think is way better, because it is much more prioritizing what are you using this for? Can you be doing it together? What can you do? It's much more reasonable, I think. But many people still go back to those original recommendations, because like you said, it's a number. It's simple. Just tell me.VirginiaWe love to grab onto a number and grade ourselves.AshJust tell me how much time so that I can tell myself I'm I'm doing a good job, right? But you know, time is just one piece of information. It can be so specific with what am I using that time to do? If I'm sitting on my computer and doing work for an hour and a half, technically, that is screen time, but it is going to affect me a lot differently than if I'm watching Netflix or scrolling my phone for an hour and a half. I will feel very different after those things. And I think it's really important to be aware of that, and to make our kids aware of that from an early age, so that they are thinking about more than just, oh, it's been X amount of minutes. And therefore this is okay or not okay.Because all brains and all screens are different. And so one kid can watch 20 minutes of Paw Patrol, and they're going to be bouncing off the walls, because, for whatever reason, that's just a show that's really stimulating for them. And somebody else can sit and watch an hour and a half of something, and they'll be completely fine. So if you have a kid that is the first kid, and after 20 minutes, you're like, oh my god, it's not even half an hour. This is supposed to be an okay amount. This is how they're acting. We're right back to that “something's wrong. I'm wrong. They're bad,” as opposed to, “What is this telling me? What's something we could do differently? Could we try a different show? Could we try maybe having some physical movement before or after, see if that makes a difference?” It just puts us more in a place of being curious to figure out again, how do I make this work for me? What is my need? How do I make it work for us?And not to rattle on too long, but there was a big study done in the UK, involving over 120,000 kids. And they were trying to find what they called “the Goldilocks amount of time.”VirginiaYes. This is fascinating.AshSo it's the amount of time where benefit starts to wane. Where we are in that “just right”amount. Before that, might still be okay, but after that we're going to start seeing some negative impacts, particularly when it comes to behavior, for example.What they found in general was that the Goldilocks number tended to be around, I think, an hour and 40 minutes a day. Something around an hour and a half a day. But if you looked at certain types of screens, for computers or TV, it was much higher than that. It was closer to three hours a day before you started seeing some negative impacts. And even for things like smartphones, it was over an hour a day. But what I found so so interesting, is that they looked at both statistical significance, but also what they called “minimally important difference,” which was when you would actually notice these negative changes, subjectively, as a caregiver.So this meant how much would a kid have to be on a screen for their adult at home to actually notice “this is having an impact on you,” regularly. And that amount was over four and a half hours a day on screens.VirginiaBefore caregivers were like, “Okay, this is too much!” And the fact that the statistically significant findings for the minutia of what the researchers looking at is so different from what you as a caregiver are going to actually be thrown by. That was really mind blowing to me.AshRight, And that doesn't mean that statistical significance isn't important, necessarily. But we're talking about real minutiae. And that doesn't always mean that you will notice any difference in your actual life.Of course, some people are going to hear this and go, “But I don't want my kid on a screen for four and a half hours.” Sure. That's completely reasonable. And if your kid is having a hard time after an hour, still reasonable, still important. That's why we can think less about how many minutes has it been exactly, and more, what am I noticing? Because if I'm coming back to the need and you're like, okay, I have a meeting and I need an hour, right? If you know, “I cannot have them use their iPad for an hour, because they tend to become a dysregulated mess in 25 minutes,” that's much more useful information than “Well, it says they're allowed to have an hour of screen time per day so this should be fine because it's an hour.”VirginiaRight.AshIt sets you up for more success.VirginiaAnd if you know your kid can handle that hour fine and can, in fact, handle more fine, it doesn't mean, “well you had an hour of screen time while I was in a meeting so now we can't watch a show together later to relax together.” You don't have to take away and be that granular with the math of the screens. You can be like, yeah, we needed an extra hour for this meeting, and we'll still be able to watch our show later. Because that's what I notice with my kids. If I start to try to take away from some other screen time, then it's like, “Oh, god, wait, but that's the routine I'm used to!” You can't change it, and that's fair.AshYes, absolutely. And I would feel that way too, right? If someone were giving me something extra because it was a convenience to them, but then later was like, “oh, well, I have to take that from somewhere.” But they didn't tell me that. I would be like, Excuse me, that's weird. That's not how that works, right? This was a favor to you, right?VirginiaYeah, exactly. I didn't interrupt your meeting. You're welcome, Mom.Where the time anxiety does tend to kick in, though, is that so often it's hard for kids to transition off screens. So then parents think, “Well, it was too much time,” or, “The screen is bad.” This is another very powerful reframing in your work. So walk us through why just because a kid is having a hard time getting off screens doesn't mean it was too much and it doesn't mean that screens are evil? AshSo an example I use many times that you can tweak to be whatever thing would come up for your kid is bath time. I think especially when kids are in that sort of toddler, three, four age. When my kid was that age, we had a phase where transitioning to and from the bathtub was very hard. Getting into it was hard. But then getting out of it was hard.VirginiaThey don't ever want to get in. And then they never want to leave.AshThey never want to get out, right? And in those moments when my kid was really struggling to get out of the bathtub, imagine how it would sound if I was like, “Well, it it's the bathtub's fault.” Like it's the bath's fault that they are having such a hard time, it's because of the bubbles, and it smells too good, and I've made it too appealing and the water's too warm. Like, I mean, I sound unhinged, right?Virginia“We're going to stop bathing you.”AshExactly. We would not say, “Well, we can't have baths anymore.” Or when we go to the fun playground, and it's really hard to leave the fun playground, we don't blame the playground. When we're in the grocery store and they don't want to leave whichever aisle, we don't blame the grocery store. And we also don't stop taking them to the grocery store. We don't stop going to playgrounds. We don't stop having baths. Instead, we make different decisions, right? We try different things. We start a timer. We have a different transition. We talk about it beforehand. We strategize, we try things.VirginiaGive a “Hey, we're leaving in a few minutes!” so they're not caught off guard.AshExactly. We talk about it. Hey, last time it was really hard to leave here, we kind of let them know ahead of time, or we race them to the car. We find some way to make it more fun, to make the transition easier, right? We get creative, because we know that, hey, they're going to have to leave the grocery store. They're going to have to take baths in a reasonable amount of time as they grow up into their lives. We recognize the skill that's happening underneath it.And I think with screens, we don't always see those underlying skills, because we see it as this sort of superfluous thing, right? It's not needed. It's not necessary. Well, neither is going to a playground, technically.A lot of what we do is not technically required, but the skill underneath is still there. So when they are struggling with ending screen time, is it really the screen, or is it that it's hard to stop doing something fun. It's hard to stop in the middle of something. It's hard to stop if you have been playing for 20 minutes and you've lost every single race and you don't want to stop when you've just felt like you've lost over and over again, right? You want one more shot to one more shot, right?People are going to think, “Well, but screens are so much different than those other things.” Yes, a screen is designed differently than a playground or a bath. But we are going to have kids who are navigating a technological and digital world that we are struggle to even imagine, right? We're seeing glimpses of it, but it's going to be different than what we're experiencing now, and we want our kids to be able to navigate that with success. And that comes back to seeing the skills underneath. So when they're struggling with something like that, taking the screen out of it, and asking yourself, how would I handle this if it were anything else. How would I handle this if it were they're struggling to leave a friend's house? I probably wouldn't blame the friend, and I wouldn't blame their house, and I wouldn't blame their boys.VirginiaWe're never seeing that child again! Ash I would validate and I would tell them, it's hard. And I would still tell them “we're ending,” and we would talk about strategies to make it easier next time. And we would get curious and try something, and we would be showing our kids that, “hey, it's it's okay to have a hard time doing that thing. It's okay to have feelings about it. And we're still gonna do it. We're still going to end that thing.”Most of the time, the things that we are struggling with when it comes to screens actually boil down to one of three things, I call them the ABCs. It's either Access, which could be time, or when they're having it, or how much. Behavior, which you're kind of bringing up here. And Content, what's on the screen, what they're playing, what they what they have access to.And so sometimes we might think that the problem we're seeing in front of us is a behavior problem, right? I told them to put the screen away. They're not putting the screen away. That's a behavior problem. But sometimes it actually could be because it's an access issue, right? It's more time than they can really handle at that given moment. Or it could be content, because it's content that makes it harder to start and stop. So a big part of the book is really figuring out, how do I know what problem I'm even really dealing with here? And then what are some potential things that I can do about it? To try to problem solve, try to make changes and see if this helps, and if it helps, great, keep it. And if not, I can get curious and try something else. And so a lot of it is strategies to try and ways to kind of, you know, backwards engineer what might be going on, to figure out how to make it work for you, how to make it better.VirginiaIt's so helpful to feel like, okay, there's always one more thing I can tweak and adjust. Versus “it's all a failure. We have to throw it out.” That kind of all or nothing thinking that really is never productive. The reason I think it's so helpful that you draw that parallel with the bath or the play date is it reminds us that there are some kids for whom transitions are just always very difficult—like across the board. So you're not just seeing a screen time problem. You're being reminded “My kid is really building skills around transitions. We don't have them yet.” We hope we will have them at some point. But this is actually an opportunity to work on that, as opposed to a problem. We can actually practice some of these transition skills.AshAnd I really like coming back to the skill, because if we're thinking of it as a skill, then we're probably more likely to tell our kids that it's a skill, too. Because if we're just thinking of it as like, well, it's a screen. It's the screen's fault, it's the screen's fault. Then we might not say those literal words to our kids, but we might say, like, it's always so hard to turn off the TV. Why is that, right? We're talking about it as if it's this sort of amorphous, like it's only about the television, or it's only about the iPad, and we're missing the part of making it clear to our kids that, hey, this is a skill that you're working on, and we work on this skill in different ways.VirginiaI did some good repair with my kids after reading your book. Because I was definitely falling into the trap of talking about screen addiction. I thought I was saying to them, “It's not your fault. The screens are programmed to be bad for us in this way” So I thought, I was like at least not blaming them, but being like, we need less screens because they're so dangerous.But then I read your book, and I was like, oh, that's not helpful either. And I did have one of my kids saying, “Am I bad because I want to watch screens all the time?” And I was like, oh, that's too concrete and scary.And again, to draw the parallel with diet culture: It's just like telling kids sugar is bad, and then they think they're bad because they like sugar. So I did do some repair. I was like, “I read this book and now I've learned that that was not right.” They were like, oh, okay. We're healing in my house from that, so thank you.AshOh, you're very welcome, and I'm glad to hear that!I think about those parallels with food all the time, because sometimes it just helps me think, like, wait, would I be wanting to send this message about food or exercise or whatever? And if the answer is no, then how can I tweak it so that I'm sending a message I'd be okay with applying to other things. And I like being able to make those parallels with my kid. In my household right now, we're practicing flexibility. Flexibility is a skill that we're working on in so many parts of our lives. And when I say we, I do mean we. Me, everybody is working on this.VirginiaParents can use more flexibility, for sure.AshAbsolutely. And so like, when those moments are coming up, you know, I'm trying to say, like, hey, like, what skill is this right now? Who's having to be flexible right now? Flexible can be a good thing, right? We might be flexible by saying yes to eating dinner on the couch and watching a TV show. That's flexibility. Flexibility isn't just adjust your plans to be more convenient to me, child, so that I can go do something as an adult. And coming back to those skills so they can see, oh, okay, this isn't actually just about screens. This applies to every part of these of my life, or these different parts of my life, and if I'm working on it here, oh, wow, it feels easier over there. And so they can see that this applies throughout their life, and kind of feel more of that buy in of like, oh, I'm getting better at that. Or that was easier. That was harder. We want them to see that across the board.VirginiaOh, my God, absolutely.Let's talk about screens and neurodivergence a little bit. So one of my kiddos is neurodivergent, and I can both see how screens are wonderful for them at the end of a school day, when they come home and they're really depleted. Screen time is the thing they need to rest and regulate. And they love the world building games, which gives them this whole world to control and explore. And there's so much there that's wonderful.And, they definitely struggle more than their sibling with this transition piece, with getting off it. One kid will naturally put down the iPad at some point and go outside for a bit, and this kid will not. And it creates more anxiety for parents. Because neurodivergent kids may both need screens—in ways that maybe we're not totally comfortable with, but need to get comfortable with—and then struggle with the transition piece. So how do you think about this question differently with neurodivergence? Or or is it really the same thing you're just having to drill in differently?AshI think it is ultimately the same thing, but it certainly is going to feel quite more heightened. And I think especially for certain aspects of neurodivergence, especially, I think it feels really heightened because of some of the ways that they might be discussed, particularly online, when it comes to how they relate to technology. I think about ADHD, we'll see that a lot. Where I'll see many things online about, like, “kids with ADHD should never be on a screen. They should never be on a device, because they are so dopamine-seeking.” And I have to just say that I find that to be such an ableist framing. Because with ADHD, we're talking about a dopamine deficient brain. And I don't think that we would be having that same conversation about someone needing insulin, right? Like, we wouldn't be saying, like, oh yeah, nope, they can't take that insulin. VirginiaThey're just craving that insulin they need to stay alive.AshA kid seeking a thing that they're that they are somehow deficient in—that's not some sort of defiant behavior. VirginiaNo, it's a pretty adaptive strategy.AshAbsolutely, it is. And we want kids to know that nobody's brain is good or bad, right? There's not a good brain or a bad brain. There are all brains are going to have things that are easier or harder. And it's about learning the brain that you're in, and what works or doesn't work for the brain that you're in.And all brains are different, right? Neurotypical brains and neurodivergent brains within those categories are obviously going to be vastly different. What works for one won't work for another, and being able to figure out what works for them, instead of just, “because you have this kind of brain, you shouldn't ever do this thing,” that's going to set them up for more success. And I think it's great that you mentioned both how a screen can be so regulating, particularly for neurodivergent brains, and then the double-edged sword of that is that then you have to stop. VirginiaTransition off back into the world.AshSo if the pain point is a transition, what is it really coming from? Is it coming from the executive function piece of “I don't know how to find a place to stop?” A lot of people, particularly kids ADHD, they often like games that are more open-ended. So they might like something like a Minecraft or an Animal Crossing or the Sims where you can hyperfocus and deep dive into something. But what's difficult about that is that, you know, if I play Mario Kart, the level ends, it's a very obvious ending.VirginiaRight? And you can say, “One more level, and we're done.”AshExactly. We've reached the end of the championship. I'm on the podium. I quit now, right?But there's a never ending series of of tasks with a more open-ended game. And especially if I'm in my hyper focus zone, right? I can just be thinking, like, well, then I can do this and this and this and this and this, right?And I'm adding on to my list, and the last thing I want to do in that moment is get pulled out of it when I'm really feeling like I'm in the zone. So if that's the kind of transition that's difficult. And it's much less about games and more about “how do I stop in the middle of a project?” Because that's essentially what that is.And that would apply if I'm at school and I'm in the middle of an essay and we're finishing it up tomorrow. Or I'm trying to decorate a cake, and we're trying to walk out the door and I have to stop what I'm doing and come back later. So one of the tricks that I have found really helpful is to ask the question of, “How will you know when you're done?” Or how will you know you're at a stopping point? What would a stopping point be today? And getting them to sort of even visualize it, or say it out loud, so that they can think about, “Oh, here's how I basically break down a giant task into smaller pieces,” because that's essentially what that is.VirginiaThat's a great tip. Ash“Okay, you have five minutes. What is the last thing you're going to do today?” Because then it's concrete in terms of, like, I'm not asking the last thing, and it will take you half an hour, right? I'm at, we have five minutes. What's the last thing you're wrapping up? What are you going to do?Then, if it's someone who's very focused in this world, and they're very into that world, then that last thing can also be our transition out of it. As they're turning it off, the very first thing we're saying to them is, “So what was that last thing you were doing?”VirginiaOh, that's nice.AshThen they're telling it to us, and then we can get curious. We can ask questions. We can get a little into their world to help them transition out of that world. That doesn't mean that we have to understand what they're telling us, frankly. It doesn't mean we have to know all the nuance. But we can show that interest. I think this is also really, really important, because then we are showing them it's not us versus the screen. We're not opposing the screen, like it's the enemy or something. And we're showing them, “Hey, I can tell you're interested in this, so I'm interested in it because you are.” Like, I care about you, so I want to know more.VirginiaAnd then they can invite you into their world, which what a lot of neurodivergent kids need. We're asking them to be part of the larger world all the time. And how nice we can meet them where they are a little more.AshAbsolutely. The other thing I would say is that something I think people don't always realize, especially if they don't play games as much, or if they are not neurodivergent and playing games, is they might miss that video games actually are extremely well-accommodated worlds, in terms of accommodating neurodivergence.So thinking about something like ADHD, to go back to that example, it's like, okay, some really common classroom accommodations for ADHD, from the educator perspective, the accommodations I see a lot are frequent check ins, having a checklist, breaking down a large task into smaller chunks, objectives, having a visual organizer.Well, I think about a video game, and it's like, okay, if I want to know what I have available to me, I can press the pause menu and see my inventory at any time. If I want to know what I should be doing, because I have forgotten, I can look at a menu and see, like, what's my objective right now? Or I can bring up the map and it will show me where I supposed to be going. If I start to deviate from what I'm supposed to be doing, the game will often be like, “Hey, don't forget, you're supposed to be going over there!” It'll get me back on task. If I'm trying to make a potion that has eight ingredients, the game will list them all out for me, and it will check them off as I go, so I can visually see how I'm how I'm achieving this task. It does a lot of that accommodation for me. And those accommodations are not as common in the real world, or at least not as easily achieved.And so a lot of neurodivergent kids will succeed easily in these game worlds. And we might think “oh because it's addicting, or the algorithm, or it's just because they love it” But there are often these structural design differences that actually make it more accessible to them.And if we notice, oh, wow, they have no problem knowing what to do when they're playing Zelda, because they just keep checking their objective list all the time or whatever—that's great information.VirginiaAnd helps us think, how can we do that in real life? AshExactly. We can go to them and say, hey, I noticed you, you seem to check your inventory a lot when you're playing that game. How do we make it so that when you look in your closet, you can just as easily see what shirts you own. Whatever the thing may be, so that we're showing them, “hey, bring that into the rest of your world that works for you here.” Let's make it work for you elsewhere, instead of thinking of it as a reason they're obsessed with screens, and now we resent the screens for that. Bring that in so that it can benefit the rest of their lives.VirginiaI'm now like, okay, that just reframes something else very important for me. You have such a helpful way of helping us divest from the guilt and the shame and actually look at this in a positive and empowering way for us and our kids. And I'm just so grateful for it. It really is a game changer for me.AshOh, thank you so much. I'm so glad to hear that it was helpful and empowering for you, and I just hope that it can be that for others as well.ButterAshSo my family and I have been lucky enough to spend quite a lot of time in Japan. And one of the wonderful things about Japan is they have a very huge bike culture. I think people think of the Netherlands as Bike cCentral, but Japan kind of rivals them.And they have a particular kind of bike that you cannot get in the United States. It's called a Mamachari, which is like a portmanteau of mom and chariot. And it's sort of like a cargo bike, but they are constructed a little differently and have some features that I love. And so when I've been in Japan, we are on those bikes. I'm always like, I love this kind of bike. I want this kind of bike for me forever. And my recent Butter has been trying to find something like that that I can have in my day to day life. And I found something recently, and got a lovely step through bike on Facebook Marketplace. VirginiaSo cool! That's exciting to find on marketplace, too.AshOh yes, having a bike that like I actually enjoy riding, I had my old bike from being a teenager, and it just was not functional. I was like, “This is not fun.” And now having one that I enjoy, I'm like, oh yes. I feel like a kid again. It's lovely.VirginiaThat's a great Butter. My Butter is something both my kids and my pets and I are all really enjoying. I'm gonna drop a link in the chat for you. It is called a floof, and it is basically a human-sized dog bed that I found on Etsy. It's like, lined with fake fur.AshMy God. I'm looking at it right now.VirginiaIsn't it hilarious?AshWow. I'm so glad you sent a picture, because that is not what I was picturing?Virginia I can't describe it accurately. It's like a cross between a human-sized dog bed and a shopping bag? Sort of? AshYes, yes, wow. It's like a hot tub.VirginiaIt's like a hot tub, but no water. You just sit in it. I think they call it a cuddle cave. I don't understand how to explain it, but it's the floof. And it's in our family room. And it's not inexpensive, but it does basically replace a chair. So if you think of it as a furniture purchase, it's not so bad. There's always at least a cat or a dog sleeping in it. Frequently a child is in it. My boyfriend likes to be in it. Everyone gravitates towards it. And you can put pillows in it or a blanket.Neurodivergent people, in particular, really love it, because I think it provides a lot of sensory feedback? And it's very enclosed and cozy. It's great for the day we're having today, which is a very laid back, low demand, watch as much screen as you want, kind of day. So I've got one kid bundled into the floof right now with a bunch of blankets in her iPad, and she's so happy. AshOh my gosh. Also, it kind of looks like the person is sitting in a giant pita, which I also love.VirginiaThat's what it is! It's like a giant pita, but soft and cozy. It's like being in a pita pocket. And I'm sure there are less expensive versions, this was like, 300 something dollars, so it is an investment. But they're handmade by some delightful person in the Netherlands.Whenever we have play dates, there are always two or three kids, snuggled up in it together. There's something extremely addictive about it. I don't know. I don't really know how to explain why it's great, but it's great.AshOh, that is lovely.VirginiaAll right, well tell obviously, everyone needs to go to their bookstore and get Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family. Where else can we find you, Ash? How can we support your work?AshYou can find me on Instagram at the gamer educator, and I also cross post my Instagram posts to Substack, and I'm on Substack as Screen Time Strategies. It's all the same content, just that way you're getting it in your inbox without, without having to go to Instagram. So if that's something that you are trying to maybe move away from, get it via Substack. And my book Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family is available starting August 26 is when it fully releases.VirginiaAmazing. Thank you so much. This was really great.AshThank you so much for having me back.The Burnt Toast Podcast is produced and hosted by Virginia Sole-Smith (follow me on Instagram) and Corinne Fay, who runs @SellTradePlus, and Big Undies.The Burnt Toast logo is by Deanna Lowe.Our theme music is by Farideh.Tommy Harron is our audio engineer.Thanks for listening and for supporting anti-diet, body liberation journalism! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit virginiasolesmith.substack.com/subscribe

Dysregulation during sex made early intimacy challenging for Emily Zawadzki and her now wife – until a diagnosis changed everything. Kat's Asperger's made romantic relationships tricky, until she met her wife. Rachael Rose navigates polyamory as an ADHD person, and sees how her drive for dopamine and lack of a sense of time (“time blindness”) affects sex and dating.   Download Emily's free workbook, Redefining Sex and Communication as a Neuro-Queer: emilyzedsexed.com/newsletter   Learn more from Rachael Rose: https://hedonish.com/   IG: @GirlBonerMedia   FB: @MyGirlBoner  TT:: @augustmclaughlin.gb  augustmclaughlin.com/girlboner    patreon.com/girlboner   Get free shipping at Crave! Elegant, woman-designed jewelry and toys: https://lovecrave.com/products/vesper2?bg_ref=UAgjcRRV14   Girl Boner Radio is hosted and produced by August McLaughlin.

“People with ADHD aren't asking for sympathy. They're saying: here are my pain points and here's what I need in order to be successful.” - Amy ShillidayWhat if the very traits we often label as “challenges” are actually hidden superpowers? And what would it look like if leaders truly understood how to support neurodivergent employees - not just to cope, but to thrive?In this episode of Transformative Leadership Conversations, I sit down with Amy Shilliday, a learning experience designer, neurodiversity advocate, and founder of Shilliday Vaughan Consulting. With over 25 years in corporate learning and development, Amy has seen firsthand how small shifts in the way we design learning and lead teams can completely change the game - not just for those with ADHD or other neurodivergent profiles, but for everyone.You'll hear us discuss:Why ADHD and other neurodivergent traits are less about deficits and more about different operating systemsHow “universal design for learning” can transform training and onboarding for every employee, not just somePractical ways leaders can coach team members with ADHD without micromanaging or labelingThe power of disclosure - when, how, and why someone might choose to share their diagnosis at work or in an interviewWhat leaders with ADHD themselves can do to embrace their strengths, manage their energy, and lead authenticallyWhy self-care isn't optional and how burnout shows up differently for neurodivergent professionalsResourcesAmy Shilliday on the Web | LinkedInThe UDL GuidelinesEdge Foundation (Sir Richard Branson)Feel Good Productivity (Ali Abdaal) - An excellent way for anyone, especially ND folks, to set realistic goalsWhen All Minds Thrive (Saskia Schepers) - Helps leaders realize the benefits of and support methods for ND employeesWinnie da Silva on LinkedIn | On the Web | Substack | YouTube | Email - winnie@winnifred.org

You've heard it before: “Post three times a week.” “Show up every Tuesday at 9am.” “Consistency is everything.”But here's the truth — traditional consistency advice doesn't work for everyone, and it's not the only path to success. Especially for neurodivergent entrepreneurs, rigid schedules often lead to shame and burnout, not growth.In this episode, I'm redefining what consistency really means in business. We'll explore how to shift from chasing perfect schedules to creating sustainable rhythms, building trust with your audience, and honoring your true capacity.✨ What you'll learn in this episode:Why “perfect consistency” is a myth that doesn't define successHow to think of consistency as trust, not just frequencyRhythmic and seasonal ways to show up without burning outHow to define your own essential consistency based on capacityWhy client experience matters more than posting schedulesPractical tools and rituals that help neurodivergent brains stay supportedIf you've ever felt guilty for not posting enough, this conversation will help you release the pressure and build a version of consistency that actually works for you.

In this first part of a powerful two-part conversation, Stacie sits down with the creative and deeply introspective Andy J. Pizza, illustrator, speaker, and host of the beloved Creative Pep Talk podcast. They dive headfirst into the personal side of creativity, exploring how neurodivergence, mental health, and family background shape the way we show up in our art. Andy and Stacie share candid moments about their diagnoses (ADHD and OCD), how their creative rhythms differ from traditional productivity models, and why embracing your authentic self is the first step to making art that truly matters. From deep dives into therapy and self-compassion to reflections on parenting and redefining success, this episode is a masterclass in building a creative career that honors your whole self. Today on Art + Audience: The origin of “Andy J. Pizza”: Why Andy chose this name and how it became unexpectedly perfect for his work with kids. Navigating neurodivergence: A candid look at how ADHD and OCD influence both Andy's and Stacie's creative lives. Strengths-based psychology: Andy explains how shifting focus to what works (instead of what's broken) changed his outlook. Self-expression and self-love: Why Andy believes you can't make meaningful art if you don't like yourself first. Redefining productivity: Letting go of rigid systems and learning to work with your brain instead of against it. Rethinking success and permission: Is creative freedom something you earn, or something you allow yourself to have? Connect with Andy J. Pizza: Website: andyjpizza.com Instagram: @andyjpizza Podcast: Creative Pep Talk Podcast Connect with Stacie Bloomfield: Subscribe, Rate, and Review: Art + Audience Podcast Website: staciebloomfield.com | leverageyourart.com Instagram: @gingiber | @leverageyourart  Facebook: @ShopGingiber Pinterest: pinterest.com/gingiber Leverage Your Art: Stacie's signature course, opening again this August 2025 Got questions? Call the Art + Audience Podcast hotline: (479) 966-9561  

Shea Belsky shares his top do's and don'ts for managing neurodiversity in the workplace.— YOU'LL LEARN — 1) Why neurodivergency is unavoidable at work2) The unique strengths and struggles of autistic people3) When and how to discuss neurodiversity at workSubscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1087 for clickable versions of the links below. — ABOUT SHEA — Shea Belsky is an autistic self-advocate. He is a Tech Lead II at HubSpot, and the former Chief Technology Officer of Mentra. Having been the manager of neurodivergent & neurotypical employees, he brings many unique perspectives on neurodiversity in the workplace. Shea has championed neurodiversity for organizations like Novartis, the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Northeastern University, in addition to being featured in Forbes and the New York Post.• LinkedIn: Shea Belsky• Podcast: Autistic Techie• Website: SheaBelsky.com— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • Book: Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott• Past episode: 150: Expressing Radical Candor with Kim Scott• Past episode: 860: The Science of Compelling Body Language with Richard Newman• Past episode: 1049: What Dyslexia Can Teach Us About Creativity, Problem Solving, and Critical Thinking with Kate Griggs• Past episode: 1070: An ADHD Strategist's Pro Tips for Staying Motivated and Productive When You Can't Focus with Skye Waterson• Past episode: 1085: How to Find More Fun at Work Every Day with Bree Groff— THANK YOU SPONSORS! — • Strawberry.me. Claim your $50 credit and build momentum in your career with Strawberry.me/Awesome• LinkedIn Jobs. Post your job for free at linkedin.com/beawesome• Quince. Get free shipping and 365-day returns on your order with Quince.com/Awesome• Square. See how Square can transform your business by visiting Square.com/go/awesomeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you chasing “perfect” parenting—only to end every day feeling like you've failed? The truth is, perfection isn't only impossible, it's exhausting… and it can actually make parenting harder. In this episode, Emily unpacks the difference between perfect parenting and empowered parenting—and why the shift can transform your home, your relationship with your kids, and your own emotional well-being.You'll learn:Why aiming for perfection leads to burnout (especially in neurodivergent families)How the 51% Parenting Goal works—and why it's backed by researchThe two essential elements every child needs: connection and boundariesHow to repair and reconnect after you make a mistakeWhy your imperfections can actually help your child become more resilientIf you've been holding yourself to an impossible standard, this conversation will give you permission to let go, tools to parent with confidence, and the freedom to enjoy your family again—without the pressure to be perfect.

Send us a textNeurodivergent women in leadership face unique burnout challenges due to masking. Symptoms like emotional flatness, decision fatigue, & hyperawareness are often missed, leading to shame.  It's time to reframe leadership standards. Is performative leadership impacting your wellbeing?It doesn't always look like collapsing—it often looks like coping. In this episode, I unpack how burnout shows up subtly in high-functioning, emotional leaders—and what you can do to recover without losing your edge. Enjoying the podcast? Don't forget to follow for more episodes packed with insights on growth, change, and living a more fulfilling life. Got a thought or story to share? Reach out via Instagram at @j_.leigh , on LinkedIn at Jess Jasch, or https://j-leigh.com.au/ - I'd love to hear from you!Interested in booking a free consult to discuss wellbeing consulting, or embodied leadership coaching for you or your team? Book your time here: https://calendly.com/jess-jasch/book-zoom-now

Fitness instructor, ADHD counselor, and author Gabriel Villarreal talks about how exercise is "medicine" for kids with ADHD, autism, and more, and how to get kids motivated to exercise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the podcast we're diving into a topic that's near and dear to so many of us: friendships for neurodivergent kids (and yes, for us as parents too). With a new school year kicking into gear, worries about social connection and "finding your people" can rise to the surface—especially for families navigating neurodiversity. What We're Unpacking This Episode: Why friendships can be challenging for neurodivergent kids (think asynchronous development, sensory sensitivities, social anxiety, or intense interests that aren't always shared by peers). Supporting your child: From validating their feelings and practicing social skills together, to seeking out interest-based clubs and even professional help when needed, we're covering loads of strategies. Managing our own expectations: Sometimes it's our hearts that ache more than our kids'—especially if they're totally content solo-building Lego metropolises while we scroll by endless social media playdate posts. (You're not alone if this sounds all too familiar.) Key Takeaway: There's no single “right” way for kids to socialize—and not all loneliness means your child is suffering. We talk about the difference between the child who longs for connection (and how to support them) and the content solo flyer (who's truly happy alone, even if that's hard for us to accept as parents). Quick Tips From the Episode: Normalize neurodiversity at home. Celebrate differences. Your child isn't broken—they're beautifully wired. Prioritize shared interests over age. Sometimes the best friendships are across generations or centered around passions rather than peer groups. Practice and role-play social skills in low-pressure environments (think: one-on-one meetups, online clubs like our Learner's Lab, or even just chatting with a cool neighbor with a unique hobby). Know that seeking therapy or coaching is a strength, not a weakness—for both kids and parents. A Gentle Reminder: If your child is thriving emotionally, feels seen and supported, and is building their life at their own pace—even if it doesn't look the way you expected—you're doing a great job. Sometimes the most meaningful friendships (and personal growth) take the scenic route.   Links and Resources from Today's Episode Thank you to our sponsors: CTC Math – Flexible, affordable math for the whole family! Night Zookeeper – Fun, comprehensive language arts for ages 6-12 The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners Audiobook Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed. The Anxiety Toolkit 5 Tips for Helping Gifted Children Make Friends Finding Your People | Why Community Matters for Homeschoolers of Neurodivergent Kids Why LEGO STEM Challenges Belong in Your Homeschool – Especially If You're Raising Neurodivergent Kids Teaching Kids to Befriend Others Teaching Kids About Being a Good Friend with Help From Great Books and Netflix RLL #42: What It's Like to be Homeschooled with Best Friends Molly and Ella

As August roll on by, Caitlin taps into that timeless back-to-school vibe! You know, the itch for new notebooks, pens in pastel colors, and a reset into fresh routines... DELICIOUS. Ah, but instead of chasing supply sales, we'll be reconnecting with something even more essential: the inner child who knew instinctively how to play, rest, and ask for help!In this episode of The Neurodivergent Creative, Caitlin reflects on the podcast's journey—from its early days as Run Like Hell Toward Happy to its current incarnation—and shares why that original phrase still shapes their approach to creativity. They also talk about how joy and whimsy are our tools for creativity, self-connection, and dreaming of the future. "Children are inherently playful. Your inner child wants to play with things, even boring things, right? Like being like 10% more playful, these are things that we're born knowing how to do." - Caitlin Liz FisherYou Will Learn:Why reconnecting with your inner child helps you get back to basics in your creative practiceHow playful acts (like color-coding, stickers, or hobbies) can reduce shame and unlock new pathways of productivityWhy linear paths toward dreams rarely work for neurodivergent brains, and how to embrace meandering progressHow Caitlin's Hyperfocus Play Dates create custom, playful systems to move you toward your “happy spot in the horizon"Links for this episode:Clarity Code Summit: Quest for Your Inner Purposehttps://shop.unicornmojo.com/clarity-code-waitlist/?aff=9dd95632

If you've ever felt like traditional parenting advice, or even the school system, just doesn't FIT your child, especially if they're neurodivergent, this episode is going to shift your perspective.I'm joined by the brilliant Christina Keeble—an AuDHD mother of two neurodivergent PDAers, and a Neurodiversity and Educational Consultant with over 23 years of experience. Christina has worked with schools, families, businesses, and government organisations to change the way we see and support neurodivergent kids.Together we dive into:✨ Why kids' need for connection never fades (even if society acts like it should)✨ How school expectations often clash with children's real needs✨ Why rewards and consequences often do more harm than good✨ How neurodivergent kids challenge social hierarchies—and why that's actually a strengthStick around to the end, where Christina shares powerful insights for parents considering leaving the school system—you don't want to miss it.This is one of those conversations that will leave you both challenged and encouraged. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to nurture trust, connection, and resilience in your kids.

What does intimacy look like when you're autistic, ADHD, and healing from trauma? In this powerful episode of Mental Health News Radio, host Kristin Sunanta Walker sits down with Candice Christiansen (she/they)—licensed clinical mental health counselor, autistic ADHD adult, and founder of the Namasté Center for Healing—to explore the complex terrain of neurodivergent intimacy, betrayal trauma, sensory sex, and emotional reclamation. Candice shares her late-diagnosis journey, her healing partnership with a neurodivergent spouse, and the sacred truth of what it takes to cultivate safe, embodied, and attuned connection—emotionally, sexually, and spiritually. Together, they unpack common struggles faced by autistic adults: hypersensitivity, shutdown during sex, fawning, energetic overload, and the grief of misdiagnosis. This is not your typical conversation about relationships—this is soul-deep, nuance-rich, and paradigm-shifting. If you've ever wondered why sex feels overwhelming or how to reclaim it on your own terms...If you've been told you're “too sensitive” or “too much”...If you're healing from betrayal and trying to rebuild trust inside your body...This episode is for you.Disclaimer: This episode contains candid discussions about sex, intimacy, and trauma—particularly in the context of neurodivergent experiences and sexual abuse recovery. Listener discretion is advised.About the Guest: Candice Christiansen (she/they) is the Founder and Clinical Director of Namasté Center for Healing based in Millcreek, Utah. A licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC), Certified Sex Addiction Therapist-Supervisor (CSAT‑S), and psychedelic-assisted therapist (PAT), Candice specializes in working with autistic, ADHD, and trauma-impacted individuals and couples around betrayal recovery, sensory intimacy, and sacred sexuality. Diagnosed as autistic and ADHD at age 44, Candice brings both lived and clinical expertise to her work. She has over 25 years of experience, is trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, IFIO couples therapy, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. She's the host of “Fabulously Candice: The Sexiest Podcast About Neurodivergence”, and a co-developer of one of the first neuro-affirmative autism screening tools. Candice is passionate about creating sacred, trauma-informed spaces where neurodivergent people can reclaim body autonomy, intimacy, and relational sovereignty.Website: https://www.namasteadvice.comFor a free copy of her ebook on Autism and Sensory Sex, visit the website and use the contact form to request it.

WE ARE BACK IN THE HOUSE!!! This feels like a whole new chapter of the Connected Divergents pod, and certainly of my life!Excited to chat with you about what it's been feeling like being back, and a discovery I made about how I experience 'routines' with my autism: not linked to time or sequences, but physical space & visual cues! Hope you enjoy

Does this sound familiar? You keep hearing that the only way to thrive as a highly sensitive or neurodivergent leader is to just “toughen up” and push through—so you try to fit into that mold, but end up feeling exhausted, misunderstood, and on the edge of burnout. It's frustrating, right? You're told your sensitivity holds you back, but all that's doing is making you question your worth and lose touch with your real strengths. What if embracing your unique wiring is actually the secret to authentic, impactful leadership (and way less burnout)? In this episode, you will be able to: Discover strategies that turn high sensitivity into a leadership superpower for more authentic and effective influence. Unlock the unique advantages neurodivergent leaders bring that boost innovation and team success in unexpected ways. Learn how to recognize early signs and create habits that prevent burnout before it takes hold in neurodivergent professionals. Embrace neurodiversity to build a workplace culture that values different minds and drives inclusive collaboration. Harness the power of empathy to transform leadership style and deepen connections that inspire lasting team loyalty. My special guest is Rachel Radway Rachel Radway is a certified leadership coach, mentor, speaker, and author with 25+ years' experience in corporate leadership roles in startups, national nonprofits, and global enterprises. Rachel helps high-achieving, highly perceptive and neurodivergent clients learn to lead with confidence, clarity and authenticity—and without burning out. Her book, Perceptive, has received endorsements and rave reviews from leaders from diverse backgrounds across industries. The key moments in this episode are:00:01:13 - Rachel Radway's Background and Purpose of Her Book "Perceptive" 00:07:33 - The Meaning Behind the Book Title "Perceptive" and Reframing Sensitivity 00:11:34 - Recognizing High Sensitivity and Neurodivergence in Yourself and Others 00:14:41 - Understanding High Sensitivity and Neurodivergence 00:17:00 - Navigating Disclosure and Accommodations in the Workplace 00:20:31 - Leveraging Neurodivergent Strengths in Leadership and Teams 00:24:00 - Creativity, Pattern Recognition, and Inclusion in the Workforce 00:27:05 - The Impact of Global Culture on Sensitivity and Inclusion 00:29:07 - Understanding Empathy and Cultural Sensitivity in Leadership 00:31:35 - The Challenges of Burnout for Highly Sensitive and Neurodivergent Leaders 00:37:26 - Strategies to Prevent Burnout in Neurodivergent and Highly Sensitive Individuals 00:40:47 - Embracing Neurodiversity and Cognitive Diversity in the Workplace 00:42:13 - Leveraging Perceptiveness as a Leadership Superpower 00:43:06 - Unlocking Blue Ocean Strategies Through Perceptive Leadership 00:44:04 - Exclusive Insights: Leaders Unlocking Perceptive Superpowers 00:44:48 - Amplifying Impact: Sharing and Supporting Leadership Growth Listen to the episode featuring Minette Norman to learn more about inclusion at work and psychological safety. Take the online high sensitivity assessment at sensitivityresearch.com to determine if you are highly sensitive. Purchase and read Rachel Radway's book, Perceptive, for insights on turning sensitivity into a leadership advantage. Access the exclusive Patreon interview for additional behind-the-scenes content with Rachel Radway.Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference If you are looking for your next opportunity, sign up for Lori's Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I'm sitting down with the incredible Cherie Clonan, a truly compassionate and talented founder who's redefining what it means to be successful. As a fellow neurodivergent woman, I know firsthand the cost of trying to fit into a business world that wasn't built for us, and Cherie's journey is a powerful testament to creating a different path. This is a must-listen for any woman in business who feels like she's been playing by someone else's rules. Join us to learn how to embrace your unique brain and build a business that's not just profitable but genuinely fulfilling and unstoppable.   Links to Dr Hayley D Quinn Resources Reclaim Your Time and Energy: 6 Key Boundaries for Women Business Owners Download here, completely FREE! https://drhayleydquinn.com/resources/ Book Waitlist: https://drhayleydquinn.myflodesk.com/bookwaitlist Link to podcast mailing list: https://drhayleydquinn.com/podcast/ Group Coaching Waitlist: https://drhayleydquinn.myflodesk.com/timetothrivewaitlist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhayleydquinn LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedIn.com/in/dr-hayley-d-quinn-43386533 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drhayleydquinn   Links to Cherie Clonan's Resources  Website: https://www.thedigitalpicnic.com.au/ ​​IG: @thedigitalpicnic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/7598439/admin/dashboard/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDigitalPicnic  

✨ Ready to break free from limits and step into a life of alignment and miracles? In this powerful Soulful Valley Podcast episode, host Katie Carey is joined by Gemma Sandwell – Energy Alignment Coach, Quantum Healer, and bridge between science and spirituality. Together they explore:

Sign up for “Different by Design: A Transformation Retreat for Neurodivergent People,” happening on October 2-5, 2025.  https://mailchi.mp/529609d59d9b/different-by-design-retreat-2025-landing-page  You're a high-performing neurodivergent leader. You've learned more than most people ever will, so why are you still stuck?  In this episode of Someone Gets Me, Dianne A. Allen shares the real reason gifted leaders hit a wall. It's not the lack of knowledge. It's the lack of integration. Learn how to bring your ideas, instincts, and identity together so you can stop chasing more and start making the impact only you can deliver.  Watch the Someone Gets Me Podcast – The Secret Sauce for A Neurodivergent Leader    Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe to the channel, tap the notification bell, and leave a comment!  You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.  Get the Neurodivergent Soul Starter Kit here!  https://mailchi.mp/160b21c4dfb7/self-care-cheat-sheet-giveaway     How to Connect with Dianne A. Allen    Dianne A. Allen, MA is an intuitive mentor, speaker, author, ambassador, hope agent, life catalyst, and the CEO and Founder of Visions Applied. She has been involved in personal and professional development and mental health and addiction counseling. She inspires people in personal transformation through thought provoking services from speaking and podcasting to individual intuitive mentoring and more. She uses her years of experience coupled with years of formal education to blend powerful, practical, and effective strategies and tools for success and satisfaction. She has authored several books, which include How to Quit Anything in 5 Simple Steps - Break the Chains that Bind You, The Loneliness Cure, A Guide to Contentment, 7 Simple Steps to Get Back on track and Live the Life You Envision, Daily Meditations for Visionary Leaders, Hope Realized, and Where Do You Fit In?    Website: https://msdianneallen.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianne_a_allen/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallen/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianneallen/#   Twitter: https://x.com/msdianneallen     Check out Dianne's new book: Someone Gets Me: How Intensely Sensitive People Can Thrive in an Insensitive World:  https://www.amazon.com/Someone-Gets-Intensely-Sensitive-Insensitive/dp/0999577867     You have a vision inside to create something bigger than you. What you need is a community and a mentor. Personal mentoring will inspire you to grow, transform, and connect in new ways. The Someone Gets Me Experience could be that perfect solution to bringing your heart's desire into reality. You will grow, transform, and connect.  https://msdianneallen.com/someone-gets-me-experience/     For a complimentary “Get to Know You” 30-minute call:  https://visionsapplied.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=4017868     Join our Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/someonegetsme     Follow Dianne's Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallen     Email contact: dianne@visionsapplied.com     Dianne's Mentoring Services:  https://msdianneallen.com/    

A gifted children learning expert says the Ministry of Education still doesn't understand and value the benefit of one-day schools.

Routines that work for your brain, not against it. Creating routines is often talked about as a simple solution—but for those of us with executive dysfunction, it’s anything but easy. In this episode of Life in HD, Natalia explores how to build routines that stick, the difference between habits and rituals, and how gratitude and self-love can transform routine from something restrictive into something freeing. Watch https://www.transformationtalkradio.com/watch.html

I miss the days when my brain functioned like a well-oiled machine. These days it functions more like someone slipping in oil.Support the showNew Website: badattitudespod.comBad Attitudes Shop: badattitudesshop.etsy.comBecome a Member: ko-fi.com/badattitudespod Follow @badattitudespod on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and BlueSkyBe sure to leave a rating or review wherever you listen!FairyNerdy: https://linktr.ee/fairynerdy

Routines that work for your brain, not against it. Creating routines is often talked about as a simple solution—but for those of us with executive dysfunction, it’s anything but easy. In this episode of Life in HD, Natalia explores how to build routines that stick, the difference between habits and rituals, and how gratitude and self-love can transform routine from something restrictive into something freeing. Watch https://www.transformationtalkradio.com/watch.html

Send us a textFeeling stuck, burned out, or boxed in at work? Career strategist Julia Toothacre (Ride The Tide Collective) breaks down how neurodivergent professionals can own their careers—without masking or burning out. We cover smart pivots (without “starting over”), asking for accommodations that actually help, navigating toxic managers, handling feedback without spiraling, and building influence in ways that fit your brain.In this episodeHow to spot misfit roles vs. misfit cultures—and what to do nextPractical accommodations (agendas, debriefs, flexible hours) that boost performanceManager conflict: scripts, documentation, and when to loop in HRCareer pivots that don't send you back to entry-levelAdvocacy without oversharing: lead with strengths like pattern recognitionBurnout cues, recovery, and sustainable advancementAbout JuliaJulia Toothacre is a strategic career consultant, coach, and host of the Control Your Career podcast. She's guided thousands of high-achieving professionals with a 5-phase framework to clarify goals, build influence, and move up—minus the burnout.Links & resources

Send us a textn this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April Ratchford sits down with Murphy Monroe to explore how neurodivergent adults can thrive without compromising their authenticity. From practical self-advocacy tools to navigating relationships and careers, Murphy shares real-world strategies for building a life that works for you—not against you.

Be kind to yourself, GCSE and A-Level results are on the horizon and some of us get much higher doses of anxiety and stress than others Emma Tracey, with BBC journalist Hayley Clarke, examine the experience for neurodivergent students and give some tips on the build up. They talk to Paddy who went through difficulties at school thanks to his OCD brain, and feared the very worst when his A-level results came around. They also chat with Dr Sarah Hughes, who never got her GCSE in maths, but is now CEO of Mind. The boss of a hugely respected charity! Parents, she has your back here too.We also have your feedback on what disability minister Sir Stephen Timms told us recently, a chip shop made from felt, and Lewis Capaldi's disability anthem.Access All has disability stories in the way you want to hear them. Mail us your experiences: accessall@bbc.co.uk or find us on social media MIXED BY: Dave O'Neill PRODUCER: Alex Collins SERIES PRODUCER: Beth Rose EDITOR Damon RoseSay to your smart speaker: "Ask BBC Sounds for Access All".

Struggling with sleep as a neurodivergent adult? In this eye-opening episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott welcome returning guest Ashley Bentley for a deep dive into the science and lived reality of sleep challenges in the ADHD, autistic, and neurodivergent community.From childhood insomnia to shift work exhaustion, and from circadian rhythm science to quirky sensory hacks, we explore:Why neurodivergent brains struggle to “switch off”The impact of circadian rhythms, synaptic pruning, and sensory sensitivitiesHow late-night screen time and “revenge bedtime procrastination” sabotage restSleep hacks for ADHD & autism, including cognitive shuffling, temperature regulation tricks, and scent anchorsThe Goldilocks principle of sleep — why too much can be just as draining as too littleYoga Nidra, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques that can mimic hours of sleepThe surprising link between morning sunlight, cortisol, and better nighttime restWhether you're navigating insomnia from childhood, juggling night shifts, or just curious about optimising your sleep hygiene, this conversation blends relatable neurodivergent humour with actionable, evidence-backed strategies.❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Does your child ever seem to flip into fight-or-flight after they've done something wrong or made a simple mistake? You're not imagining it — their brain is protecting them from shame, even if it means shifting blame onto others. In this episode, Emily Hamblin unpacks the shame-blame cycle in both parents and children, especially in neurodivergent families, and why these reactions happen automatically.You'll learn how to spot the early signs of this cycle, respond with compassion instead of criticism, and help your child build the emotional regulation skills they need. Emily also shares practical tools for keeping your own brain calm and intentional, so you can guide your child through mistakes without escalating the moment.By the end, you'll feel empowered to replace knee-jerk blame with connection, problem-solving, and trust.

Sarah reviews two planners specifically designed to help those with different planning needs. First, she discusses the Order Out of Chaos Planner, designed by ADHD parent and ADDItude Magazine columnist Leslie Josel. This planner is designed for students and might be particularly helpful for those with ADHD, though it could definitely serve other students well, too! Link to the planners: https://ooocplanner.com/collections/academic-planners Second, she reviews the Fast Brain Friend Daily Productivity Planner, described as "an intentional design for the neurodivergent mind" by creator Alanah Purtell. These are Australian monthly planners with varying (and somewhat unusual!) daily layouts as well as monthly + weekly planning tools. Link to the planners: https://www.creatorsfriend.com.au/products/fast-brain-daily-productivity-planner-single For some visuals, visit the show notes at theshubox.com. IXL: Learning doesn't have to stop in the summer!  Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at ⁠⁠⁠ixl.com/plans⁠⁠⁠.  Green Chef: Make this summer your healthiest yet with Green Chef. Head to ⁠⁠⁠greenchef.com/50BESTLAID⁠⁠⁠ and use code 50BESTLAID to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months with free shipping. PrepDish: Healthy menu plans and prep instruction to take the mental load out of dinner!   Visit ⁠⁠⁠PrepDish.com/plans⁠⁠⁠ for your first 2 weeks, FREE.   Mint Mobile:  Affordable unlimited wireless!  Get your new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for $15 a month at ⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/BLP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm joined again today by my favorite human—my husband, Greg! Together, we pull back the curtain on what it's really like to raise neurodivergent kids, how our parenting style has evolved over the years, and why we've chosen a low-demand, emotionally supportive approach in our home.We talk candidly about:When we decided to get our kids evaluated (and how we did it)Whether or not we medicate—and whyWhat low-demand parenting looks like in real lifeHow we navigate screen time (without losing our minds)Our journey of regulating ourselves so we can show up for our kidsHow we accommodate and support each of our unique kids, especially those with PDA traitsThis is a vulnerable, honest, and hopeful conversation between two very imperfect parents figuring it out as we go—and choosing connection over control as much as possible.Whether you're raising neurodivergent kids or just want a peek into our home life, we hope this episode leaves you feeling seen, supported, and a little less alone.Watch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokCozy Earth