In this episode, Theo Smith and Nathan discuss Nathan's personal journey with dyspraxia and his passion for empowering neurodivergent individuals.

Nathan founded NeuroExpression, a social enterprise that aims to provide a platform for neurodivergent artists and promote a neurodivergent-friendly world.

They explore the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in accessing support and funding, as well as the need for reasonable adjustments and feedback from the neurodivergent community.

The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the unique talents and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals.

The conversation explores the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the workplace and the importance of reasonable adjustments. It highlights the negative societal perception of neurodivergence and the need for a more inclusive and understanding culture. The role of AI in supporting neurodivergent individuals is also discussed.

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of work and the potential for entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship to create more inclusive environments.

Takeaways

• Nathan's personal journey with dyspraxia led him to found NeuroExpression, a social enterprise that empowers neurodivergent individuals and promotes a neurodivergent-friendly world.
• Neurodivergent individuals often face challenges in accessing support and funding, and there is a need for reasonable adjustments and feedback from the neurodivergent community.
• The educational system is geared towards verbal thinking, which puts visual thinkers at a disadvantage. There is a need for more awareness and support for different learning styles.
• Grant applications and funding processes can be barriers for neurodivergent individuals, and there is a need to empower them to apply for and be successful in obtaining grants.
• It is important to recognize and value the unique talents and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals and provide platforms for them to showcase their work. Society has a negative confirmation bias towards neurodivergence, seeing it as a barrier rather than a difference.
• Reasonable adjustments are essential to remove barriers for neurodivergent individuals in the workplace.
• The culture of the workplace and the attitude of colleagues and management are crucial in creating an inclusive environment.
• AI can be a valuable tool for neurodivergent individuals, enhancing productivity and providing support.
• Entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship can offer opportunities for neurodivergent individuals to thrive and contribute their unique strengths.

Key words: neurodiversity, dyspraxia, neurodivergent, social enterprise, empowerment, reasonable adjustments, funding, feedback, neurodivergence, workplace, reasonable adjustments, societal perception, culture, AI, entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship

Sadie Dingfelder, a freelance writer and science writer, shares her experiences with face blindness and aphantasia.

She discovered her face blindness when she failed to recognise people she had interviewed just minutes earlier.

Through research and testing, she found that her face blindness may be due to brain damage during birth. She also realised that she has aphantasia, the inability to visualise mental images.

Despite these challenges, Sadie has found strengths in her unique brain, such as being quick to connect with strangers and having a natural talent for writing.

She wrote a book to raise awareness and understanding of these conditions. Sadie Dingfelder's book, 'Do I Know You? A FaceBlind Reporter's Journey into the Science of Sight, Memory, and Imagination,' explores her experiences as a faceblind individual and her journey to understand the science behind it.

She shares her interactions with various researchers and the tests she underwent to understand her condition. Dingfelder also discusses the concept of subjective experience and how scientists are studying it objectively.

She explores other unique experiences, such as Alice in Wonderland Syndrome and synesthesia, and the potential benefits of understanding and accommodating different ways of processing and seeing the world.

• Face blindness and aphantasia are conditions that can impact how individuals recognise faces and visualise mental images.
• Face blindness may be genetic or caused by brain damage, and it can affect a person's ability to remember and recognise faces.
• Aphantasia is the inability to visualise mental images, and it can impact how individuals process and remember information.
• Despite these challenges, individuals with face blindness and aphantasia can have unique strengths and talents.
• Writing can be a natural outlet for individuals with aphantasia, as it allows them to explore their thoughts and ideas in a tangible way.
• Raising awareness and understanding of face blindness and aphantasia is important to combat misconceptions and promote empathy. Understanding subjective experience is a growing field of study in neuroscience.
• Different neurodiverse experiences can provide innovative perspectives and problem-solving approaches.
• Accommodating diverse ways of processing and seeing the world can benefit everyone.
• The rapid changes in modern society can pose challenges for human brains to adapt.
• Exploring and understanding unique experiences can lead to new insights and opportunities.

keywords:

face blindness, aphantasia, brain damage, recognition, strengths, writing, book, faceblind, subjective experience, neuroscience, neurodiversity, Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, synesthesiatakeaways

In this episode, Theo Smith and Amanda Kirby discuss the challenges parents face when their children go through transitions, such as starting school or moving to a new school. They emphasize the importance of supporting parents and addressing their stress, anxiety, and mental health. Amanda shares her experiences as a parent and grandparent, highlighting the small but significant details that can make a big difference in preparing children for transitions. They discuss the importance of planning ahead, creating visual timetables, and providing structure and support for children during these transitions. In this conversation, Amanda and Theo discuss strategies for parents of neurodiverse children to navigate the challenges of back-to-school season. They emphasize the importance of understanding and accommodating individual needs, creating a positive relationship with schools, and prioritizing key areas of support. They also highlight the significance of listening to and observing children to better understand their needs and preferences. The conversation concludes with a reminder to be kind to oneself and to appreciate the unique qualities of neurodiverse children.

Keywords parenting, transitions, stress, anxiety, mental health, support, planning, visual timetables, structure, neurodiversity, back-to-school, individual needs, positive relationship, support, listening, observing, self-care

Takeaways

• Parents face significant challenges when their children go through transitions, and it is important to support them and address their stress, anxiety, and mental health.
• Planning ahead and creating visual timetables can help children prepare for transitions and reduce anxiety.
• Providing structure and support, such as laying out clothes the night before and having a routine, can make a big difference in helping children navigate transitions.
• Small details, such as adapting clothing or creating a calm space for children, can have a significant impact on their ability to cope with transitions.
• Addressing the needs and concerns of parents is crucial, as they play a vital role in supporting their children during transitions. Understand and accommodate the individual needs of neurodiverse children during back-to-school season.
• Create a positive relationship with schools by sharing information about your child's strengths, preferences, and challenges.
• Prioritize key areas of support and focus on a few achievable goals.
• Listen to and observe your child to better understand their needs and preferences.
• Be kind to yourself and appreciate the unique qualities of neurodiverse children.

• Addressing the Needs of Parents
• Supporting Parents Through Transitions Prioritizing Key Areas of Support
• Building a Positive Relationship with Schools

TitlesSound BitesChapters00:00Supporting Parents Through Transitions03:09The Importance of Planning and Visual Timetables19:28Creating Structure and Support for Children23:08The Impact of Small Details on Coping with Transitions30:07Building a Positive Relationship with Schools35:15Prioritizing Key Areas of Support41:22Listening and Observing: Understanding Your Child's Needs45:20Being Kind to Yourself: The Long Game of Parenting

In this conversation, Theo Smith and Ceri Reed discuss the challenges faced by neurodiverse families and the need for parental support.

They highlight the impact of neurodivergence on parents' careers and income, as well as the mental health challenges they face.

They emphasise the importance of a needs-led approach in education and the need for parents to advocate for their children.

They also discuss the need for a whole family approach and the role of third-sector support. The conversation touches on the lack of sustainable support hubs and the challenges faced by young people during transitions.

The conversation covers various topics related to supporting neurodivergent children in school, including anxiety, social and emotional needs, educational support, and individual strengths.

The importance of modeling positive behavior and avoiding catastrophising is emphasised. Chapters could be organised around these themes.

Takeaways

• Neurodivergent families often face challenges that impact their careers and income, leading to a need for parental support.
• A needs-led approach in education is crucial to address the individual needs of neurodivergent children and prevent poor outcomes.
• Parents play a vital role in advocating for their children and should be empowered with knowledge and support to effectively communicate their child's needs.
• A whole family approach is necessary to address the needs of neurodivergent children and support the well-being of the entire family.
• Third-sector support is valuable in filling the gaps left by statutory services, but sustainable funding is needed to ensure its effectiveness.
• Transitions, such as starting high school or transitioning out of school, can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent young people and their parents. Anxiety is contagious, so parents should model positive behavior and avoid catastrophising.
• Supporting neurodivergent children in school involves addressing their social, emotional, and educational needs.
• Creating a transition plan for high school that includes a trusted adult and support strategies is crucial.
• Identifying and nurturing a child's strengths is important for their well-being and success.
• Collaboration between parents and schools is essential in advocating for the needs of neurodivergent children.
• Considering alternative spaces for lunchtime and seeking advice from dieticians can help address challenges with nutrition.

Keywords

neurodivergent families, parental support, needs-led approach, advocacy, whole family approach, third-sector support, support hubs, transitions, neurodivergent children, school support, anxiety, social and emotional needs, educational support, individual strengths

In this episode, Theo Smith interviews Mitch Leppicello about anxiety and stress in relation to autism. They discuss the evolution of understanding autism, the shift from Asperger's syndrome to autism spectrum, and the importance of neurodiversity.

Mitch shares his experience working with parents and caregivers, emphasising the need for support and understanding.

He introduces his CALM Compass Autism Parenting Program, which focuses on connecting, articulating, lifting, and moving to help individuals with autism and their families navigate stress factors and self-regulate. The program aims to empower parents and create a more inclusive environment for individuals with autism in schools and workplaces.

The conversation explores the challenges faced by parents of neurodiverse children and the importance of understanding and supporting their unique needs. The hosts discuss the ineffectiveness of punishment and the need to address the underlying barriers that prevent children from meeting expectations.

They emphasise the importance of staying connected with children during moments of dysregulation and understanding that behavior is a result of thoughts and feelings. The conversation also highlights the impact of neurodiversity on families and the need for support systems. The hosts provide insights on how parents can effectively communicate with their children and seek the support they need.

Takeaways

• Understanding of autism has evolved over time, with a shift from Asperger's syndrome to autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Parents and caregivers of individuals with autism often need support and understanding.
• The CALM Compass Autism Parenting Program focuses on connecting, articulating, lifting, and moving to help individuals with autism and their families navigate stress factors and self-regulate.
• Creating a more inclusive environment for individuals with autism in schools and workplaces is crucial. Punishment is ineffective in addressing the challenges faced by neurodiverse children. It is important to understand and address the underlying barriers that prevent children from meeting expectations.
• Staying connected with children during moments of dysregulation is crucial. Behavior is a result of thoughts and feelings, and it is important to support children in processing their emotions.
• Neurodiversity has a significant impact on families, and it is important for parents to have access to support systems.
• Parents should trust their instincts and become experts on their own children. Utilizing various resources and seeking information can help parents make informed decisions and advocate for their children's needs.
• Effective communication with children is key. Parents should create a safe space for their children to express their emotions and provide support in navigating challenges.

Keywords

autism, anxiety, stress, neurodiversity, Asperger's syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, parenting, support, CALM Compass Autism Parenting Program, neurodiversity, parenting, support, punishment, barriers, dysregulation, behavior, communication

In this conversation, Mel Francis, a HR professional specializing in neurodiversity, shares her personal journey as a single parent of a child with neurodiverse needs. The discussion covers the challenges of balancing work and advocacy, the gendered responsibilities of parenting, the impact of single parenthood, and the difficulties faced in accessing support and understanding for neurodiverse children within the education system. The conversation covers a range of topics related to neurodiversity, education, support, and transition into the workplace. It explores the challenges and successes of parenting a neurodivergent child, the impact of diagnosis, the role of schools in providing support, and the complexities of transitioning into the workforce. The discussion also delves into societal perceptions, the need for cultural intelligence, and the importance of creating neuro-inclusive environments.

Keywords

neurodiversity, parenting, single parenthood, work-life balance, gender roles, advocacy, education system, neurodiverse children, support, challenges, neurodiversity, education, support, transition, neurodivergent, diagnosis, school, workplace, societal perceptions, cultural intelligence, neuro-inclusive environmentsTakeaways

• The challenges of balancing work and advocacy as a single parent of a neurodiverse child.
• The gendered responsibilities of parenting and the impact of single parenthood on work-life balance.
• The difficulties faced in accessing support and understanding for neurodiverse children within the education system. The impact of diagnosis on a neurodivergent child's education and support needs.
• The role of schools in providing support and understanding neurodivergent students.
• The complexities of transitioning into the workforce for neurodivergent individuals.
• The need for cultural intelligence and neuro-inclusive environments in society and organisations.

In this podcast episode, Theo Smith interviews Hannah Litt, a neurodivergent advocate, about her experiences with ADHD and OCD.

Hannah discusses the importance of intersectionality and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in navigating systems that were not built for them.

She emphasizes the need for validation, support, and understanding from both organizations and communities. Hannah also highlights the impact of past trauma and the role of parents in advocating for their neurodivergent children.

She calls for empathy, equity, and an intersectional approach in creating inclusive environments for everyone.

Keywords: neurodiversity, intersectionality, ADHD, OCD, support, validation, trauma, education system, parents, organisations, empathy, equity, inclusion

Takeaways

• Validation and support are crucial for neurodivergent individuals in navigating systems that were not built for them.
• Intersectionality is important in understanding the unique experiences of neurodivergent individuals from different backgrounds.
• Parents play a vital role in advocating for their neurodivergent children and creating a supportive environment.
• Organisations should prioritise empathy, equity, and inclusion to support neurodivergent employees.
• Education systems need to provide better support and resources for neurodivergent students.
• There is a need for greater awareness, education, and understanding of neurodiversity in communities and organisations.

You can find out more about Hannah and her work here:

https://hannahlitt.com/

Neurodiversity with Theo Smith and Friends - A to Z of Parenting Series

Welcome to the first episode of "Neurodiversity with Theo Smith and Friends - A-Z of Parenting!"

In this exciting new series, we dive into the A to Z of parenting, inspired by our upcoming book co-authored by the incredible Professor Amanda Kirby.

Through this podcast, we explore the narratives and lived experiences of extraordinary individuals, providing insights and support for parents navigating the neurodiversity journey.

In today's episode, we're honored to have Rich Ferriman, a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD individual, a devoted parent to four children, who are neurodiverse, and a renowned consultant and speaker in the field of neurodiversity.

Rich shares his profound journey, offering valuable perspectives on the challenges and triumphs of raising neurodivergent children, the importance of self-advocacy, and practical strategies for creating a supportive and nurturing environment.

Key Discussion Points:

• Rich's personal and family background
• Balancing the dynamics of a neurodiverse household
• Navigating transitions and changes, especially puberty and school environments
• The critical role of routines, dietary considerations, and sensory management
• Advocating for neurodivergent children's needs in educational settings
• Importance of self-care for parents and building a supportive community

Join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation that aims to empower and support parents of neurodivergent children. Don't forget to subscribe and share your thoughts in the comments!