“I reduce demands before an activity so that my anxiety reduces.”

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob chats with Julia Daunt, a passionate advocate for the neurodivergent community. Julia shares her lived experience with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and ADHD, offering insights into how she overcame the challenges she faced from childhood and adulthood.

She discusses the lack of early support, the impact of PDA on daily life, and the strategies she has developed to help her succeed. Through her work as an author, blogger, and speaker, Julia raises awareness about PDA and empowers others with practical tools for self-acceptance and support.

Key Takeaways:

• Finding a supportive neurodivergent community can be validating and life-changing.

• ADHD medication helped Julia process her PDA traits and navigate daily challenges.

• Letting go of societal expectations allows for more ease in completing daily tasks.

“I reduce demands before an activity so that my anxiety reduces. When I'm doing whatever it is what I'm doing, my anxiety obviously will increase, but because it was low to start with, it doesn't go above what I can handle, so I don't get to the point of meltdown. And then after, I'll have a period of recovery, so that it goes down again.”

About Julia Daunt:

Julia Daunt is an advocate, author, and public speaker dedicated to raising awareness about PDA and ADHD. As a neurodivergent individual, she shares her experiences to promote understanding, acceptance, and better support systems for others. Through her writing, consulting, and public talks, Julia works to empower individuals and families navigating PDA and neurodivergence.

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“If we don’t take breaks, we burn out. Accept help where you can.”

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Folashade Dan-Oketola, a parent, caregiver, and advocate for the neurodivergent and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) community. Folashade shares her journey of parenting an autistic child, highlighting the importance of understanding neurodiversity and embracing flexibility in daily life.

Through her lived experience and advocacy, Folashade discusses the challenges and triumphs of raising a neurodivergent child. She offers practical insights on self-care, finding community support, and focusing on strengths rather than limitations. The conversation also explores her path to further education in Finland and how it has shaped her advocacy work.

Key Takeaways:

• Flexibility matters: Adapting to your child’s needs can make daily life smoother.

• Self-care is essential: Caregivers need to recharge to support their children effectively.

• Community support is life-changing: Finding your tribe helps reduce isolation.

• Acceptance is powerful: Embracing neurodiversity fosters confidence and well-being.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses caregiver burnout and the challenges of navigating stigma.

About Folashade:

Folashade Dan-Oketola is a licensed Early Childhood Caregiver and an advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Currently studying Social Services - Child Protection Services, she is passionate about educating the African community on neurodiversity through knowledge and lived experience.

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"As an autistic individual, as somebody that's neurodiverse, the ability to organise information and filter out what's important, all those kinds of things, they don't come naturally to us.”

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob speaks with Kareena Kai, an autistic adult and the founder of Busy Bees Inc Club CIC. Kareena shares her personal journey of navigating the challenges and stigmas associated with being neurodivergent, from self-identification and masking to the struggle of communicating in conventional ways.

Together, they explore the transformative power of accepting neurodiversity, the significance of self-advocacy, and the role of supportive communities in helping neurodivergent individuals thrive. Kareena also discusses the importance of resources, awareness, and individualised approaches in managing daily challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding and embracing neurodiversity can be life-changing.
• Self-advocacy is crucial for navigating challenges and accessing the right support.
• Diagnosis and awareness can foster personal growth and self-acceptance.
• Medication and strategies play different roles in managing symptoms - it’s about what works for the individual.

"We all process the world differently and having the right support makes all the difference."

About Kareena:
Kareena Kai is an autistic adult and the founder of Busy Bees Inc Club CIC, an initiative dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for neurodivergent individuals. She is passionate about raising awareness, challenging stigmas, and advocating for the importance of understanding different communication styles. Through her work, she empowers others to embrace their identities and access the support they need.

Learn more about _Achievable Journey

Follow Your Voice Matters and connect with Asma on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and _X.

Remember to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts!

Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing the voice of the SEND and neurodivergent community.