In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, we discuss the impact of current events on our well-being and the challenges of navigating outdated perceptions of autism. We talk the significance of understanding autism as a spectrum of experiences rather than a singular definition, and trying to encourage engagement with and share resources that promote neurodiversity in a positive way. We share personal experiences of embracing our neurodivergent identities, the impact of community support, the need to challenge negative narratives surrounding autism, and the responsibility of individuals to advocate for themselves and others, highlighting the positive aspects of being neurodivergent and the importance of education in fostering understanding.

Takeaways

• Social media platforms can hinder genuine connection.
• Conversations about autism can be challenging but necessary as outdated views on autism persist in many families.
• Personal experiences shape our understanding of neurodiversity.
• Advocacy is about helping others and sharing knowledge. Being autistic can be a source of pride and strength.
• Understanding and acceptance from family and community are crucial as the way autistic individuals are treated is often the real issue.
• Community support can significantly improve the lives of neurodivergent individuals.
• Education and open conversations can help dispel myths about autism.
• It's important to challenge negative narratives surrounding neurodiversity.

Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.

Get our t-shirts and hoodies at https://www.dollysdaydreamscheshire.co.uk/the-neurodivergent-experience

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

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In this episode we discuss the educational system in the UK from the perspective of an autistic teacher. Mandy Cook is an influential figure in Autism on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok as The Autistic Teacher with over 100,000 followers on Facebook, sharing information and insights to a wider audience. Mandy is a teacher, speaker, trainer and consultant in autism with over 20 years experience working with Autistic children and adults.

She shares her journey as an autistic teacher and how her personal experiences have shaped her approach to education, the need for neurodivergent-friendly environments and the importance of inclusivity in education for neurodivergent children and the benefits it brings to all students.

The conversation explores the current state of inclusivity in schools, the challenges faced by neurodivergent children, and the misconceptions surrounding school refusal.

Takeaways

• Teachers often receive undue blame for systemic issues.
• Personal experiences can greatly influence teaching methods.
• Inclusivity in classrooms benefits all students, not just neurodivergent ones.
• Neurodivergent training from neurodivergent teachers is essential.
• School refusal often stems from fear, not laziness.
• Standardized tests do not accurately reflect a child's potential.

Mandy's Website: https://www.autisticteacher.co.uk/

Mandy's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autisticteach/

Mandy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_autistic_teacher_/

Charity: https://www.autismsoutheast.co.uk/

Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.

Get our t-shirts and hoodies at https://www.dollysdaydreamscheshire.co.uk/the-neurodivergent-experience

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, we delve into various official neurodivergent diagnostic screening tests! So many people begin their autism diagnostic journey by taking a test similar to the AQ-10 test. These questionnaires play a key role for parents, care givers and the large percentage of the population who are yet to understand their neurodivergent brains, to get a diagnosis, but how accurate are these screening tests and are the tools they use to diagnose still fit for purpose? We take three tests that cover autism, ADHD and masking to see how we score and whether we think the screening tools are as accurate in recognising neurodivergent traits as they should be.

Follow along and let us know how you scored!

Autism: https://embrace-autism.com/aq-10/

ADHD: https://embrace-autism.com/asrs-5/#test

Masking or Camouflaging: https://embrace-autism.com/cat-q/#test

Takeaways

• Mimicry can be a tool for learning social skills.
• Expectations from others can influence how we present ourselves.
• It's important to find a balance between being authentic and meeting social norms. Social interactions can be challenging for many individuals.
• The concept of 'normal' is subjective and varies for everyone.
• It's important to find ways to relax and unwind effectively.

Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.

Get our t-shirts and hoodies at https://www.dollysdaydreamscheshire.co.uk/the-neurodivergent-experience

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.