“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

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"The diagnosis is not a label, it's a key. It's a key to understanding."

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob speaks with psychotherapist and coach Jen Slaton, who has extensive experience working with the neurodivergent community. Jen shares her personal and professional journey, highlighting the impact of late diagnosis on mental health and the importance of a holistic approach to understanding autism.

Together, they explore the nuances of diagnosis, the significance of recognising ADHD and autism traits, and the power of self-understanding for better self-acceptance and navigating life. Jen emphasises the need for individualised support and the importance of creating safe spaces where the neurodivergent community feels heard and validated.

Key Takeaways:

· Getting a diagnosis can be life-changing for some people.

· Understanding and coming to terms with a diagnosis is important.

· Support after a diagnosis is crucial.

· Mental health should always be a priority.

"A diagnosis isn’t just a label—it’s a key that unlocks understanding."

About Jen:
Jen Slaton is a psychotherapist and coach specialising in supporting neurodivergent individuals. With years of experience working with the autism and ADHD communities, Jen advocates for holistic, person-centred approaches that focus on strengths rather than deficits. She is passionate about ensuring individuals receive the validation and support they need post-diagnosis.

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"Masking is a form of trying to fit into social norms—pretending to be someone you're not. It comes at a cost: burnout, anxiety, and mental health challenges."

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob welcomes back advocate Carly Considine for another insightful conversation about masking within the neurodivergent community. Carly shares her experiences as an autistic adult and mother of two autistic daughters, offering a candid perspective on how masking can lead to burnout, anxiety, and mental health challenges.

Together, they discuss where masking is most prevalent, why some individuals find it helpful, and the importance of creating safe spaces where people feel empowered to be their authentic selves. Carly also shares her thoughts on navigating social expectations and highlights the value of listening to neurodivergent voices when fostering inclusion and acceptance.

Key Takeaways:

• Teach children about inclusion from an early age.
• Listen to the neurodivergent community and act inclusively.
• Some individuals may find masking helpful—it’s a personal choice.
• Recognise that masking can lead to burnout due to the pressure to conform.

"We should be allowed to be our authentic selves without feeling the need to fit in to meet societal expectations."

About Carly:
Carly Considine is an autistic adult from England, diagnosed in 2015, and a mother to two autistic daughters diagnosed in 2019. Carly previously volunteered for the National Autistic Society, co-running the South Wiltshire Branch. She now advocates online, sharing her insights on female autism traits and comorbid conditions like ADHD. Carly is currently pursuing qualifications to further her advocacy work and support the neurodivergent community.

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"We all should be thoughtful of each other. Whether we see something or don't see something, we should all be treated with respect, politeness, and a willingness to learn and grow from whomever we’re interacting with."

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob speaks with Antonio Myers, a dedicated disability advocate and host of the TonioTimeDaily podcast. Antonio shares his inspiring journey as an autistic adult, highlighting his academic success, his passion for advocacy, and his commitment to fostering respect and positivity.

The conversation covers the importance of self-love, understanding different learning styles, and navigating challenges with confidence. Antonio also discusses the impacts of COVID-19 on the neurodivergent community and emphasises the power of empathy and education in debunking myths and changing narratives around neurodiversity.

Key Takeaways:

• Research autism-friendly networks and support systems.
• Use positive affirmations to build self-confidence.
• Educate those around you calmly and with empathy.

"Choose to refer to yourself with positive affirmations—it sets the tone for how you approach the world."

About Antonio:
Antonio Myers is a passionate disability advocate and host of the TonioTimeDaily podcast. Overcoming early life challenges due to Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Antonio excelled academically, becoming a valedictorian and earning a degree in Human Services. His advocacy includes work with the DC State Rehabilitation Council and The Brewer Foundation. Antonio’s podcast shares insights on societal issues and promotes human values, available on major platforms like Spotify.

TonioTimeDaily Podcast on Spotify

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“Therapy isn’t about fixing someone; it’s about empowering them to recognise their own strengths.”

In this debut episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob, founder of Achievable Journey, shares her inspiring story and vision for the podcast. Joined by her friend Jude, Asma discusses her journey as a SEND Holistic Therapist, working with children and adults with special educational needs.

Asma reveals why she started this podcast: to create a safe space where the SEND and neurodivergent community can feel heard and validated. She explains how she empowers her clients by focusing on their unique strengths and building trust-based relationships, using techniques like Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), solution-based psychotherapy, and emotional freedom techniques.

In this episode, you'll learn about the core values behind Your Voice Matters and get a sneak peek into the powerful conversations to come.

Key Takeaways:

· Every individual is unique, and therapy should meet people where they are.

· Building a community is key to reducing isolation and fostering connection.

· “When you’ve seen one autistic person, you’ve seen one autistic person.”

Learn more about Achievable Journey

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“Surround yourself with people who understand, and you do find your tribe.”

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob chats with Carly Considine, an autistic adult and advocate for the neurodivergent community. Carly shares how her diagnosis brought clarity and improved her mental health, while also opening up about raising three autistic children.

She explores the diverse experiences of neurodivergent individuals, the importance of understanding autism in girls and women, and the value of finding a supportive community. Carly’s story offers inspiration, practical advice, and encouragement for anyone navigating similar journeys.

Key Takeaways:

• A diagnosis can bring clarity and support mental health for individuals and families.
• Every neurodivergent individual’s experience is different and should be treated as such.
• Autism in girls and women can present differently, requiring greater awareness and understanding.
• Building a supportive community is essential—online groups can be a great place to start.

“Facebook support groups are incredible. You find like-minded friends, like-minded parents, and even autistic adults. You become a community.”

About Carly:
Carly Considine is an autistic adult diagnosed in 2015, with two autistic daughters diagnosed in 2019. She is a passionate advocate for the neurodivergent community, with a special focus on female autism and comorbidities like ADHD. Carly has volunteered with the National Autistic Society and continues her advocacy work online, sharing her experiences to support others.

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.