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Neurodivergent Experience, we discuss the impact of current events on our well-being and the challenges of navigating outdated perceptions of autism.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• Conversations about autism can be challenging but necessary as outdated views on autism persist in many families.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

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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

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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.

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott discuss the complexities of anger. Joined by hypnotherapist Ashley Bentley, we explore the importance of therapy, delve into personal experiences with coping mechanisms, the impact of childhood trauma on adult life, the challenges of adulting, and the influence of social media on self-image, self-compassion, and mindfulness in managing emotions.

Takeaways

• Anger is a natural emotion that needs to be managed.
• Self-compassion is crucial in navigating feelings of anger and shame.
• Neurodivergent individuals often experience heightened emotions and sensitivities.
• It's important to recognize that others' behaviours often reflect their own issues, not ours.
• Adulting can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of inadequacy and anger.
• Healing is a continuous journey that requires effort and self-awareness.

Ashley Bentley: Hypnotherapist, Coach & Breathwork Practitioner, Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

Email: integrativeiom@gmail.com

Web: https://www.integrativeiom.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntegrativeIOM

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/integrativeiom/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@integrativehypnotherapy

Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/AshleyBentley

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 engage in a deep conversation with Anthony Harding, a nurse associate in the NHS, about the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals within the healthcare system. We discuss Anthony's personal journey, the lack of understanding and training regarding neurodivergence among medical professionals, and the importance of accommodations for neurodivergent staff. Anthony shares why the need for greater awareness and advocacy for neurodivergent individuals in healthcare settings, and that Neurodivergent Medical professionals bringing unique perspectives can greatly enhance patient care.

Takeaways

• The NHS has significant gaps in understanding neurodivergence and Anthony's journey in the NHS highlights systemic issues.
• Accommodations for neurodivergent medical staff are often insufficient.
• Advocacy is crucial for improving conditions for neurodivergent workers.
• Personal experiences can inform better practices in healthcare as Neurodivergent healthcare workers can provide unique insights into Neurodivergent patients.

You can follow Anthony's story here:

• The Unmasking Man Documentary: https://youtu.be/OLe64sAw2Wo?si=j97FKw4881Os2oo
• Nursing Times Article: https://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/aged-40-i-was-formally-diagnosed-with-autism-dyslexia-and-dyspraxia-03-05-2023/

Our country music playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3HuygG6S4QSHFG8iJNQ8cL?si=b2grJEzyRsapSrPxc0If6g&pi=4_mAHfjPTH24l

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 of the Neurodivergent Experience, we delve into the complexities of materialism, exploring its good, bad, and ugly sides. We discuss our personal experiences with collecting, the dopamine rush associated with purchases, the emotional and psychological aspects of materialism and the societal pressures that influence consumer behaviour.

Takeaways

• Collecting can be a way to commemorate personal interests and milestones.
• Materialism can lead to clutter and a sense of overwhelm.
• Personal happiness does not always correlate with material possessions.
• The importance of buying for oneself rather than for others' approval.
• True happiness comes from within, not from possessions.

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 reflect on our first live show at the Autistic Minds Live event in Cardiff. We talk meeting our fans, the challenges of social interactions, the concept of energy hangovers, the challenges of being in a complex environment and the emotional weight of being advocates for the neurodivergent community.

Takeaways

• Social interactions can lead to energy depletion, known as energy hangovers.
• Personal accommodations are essential for managing energy levels.
• Different individuals experience energy differently after social events.
• Finding joy in personal interests can help replenish energy.
• Boredom can significantly impact energy levels and motivation.

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.

Buy our merch: 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 discuss our Autism and ADHD based on the diagnostic criteria. We discuss our experiences with routine, craving novelty, and the dopamine fixation we both share. We touch on the challenges of seeming blunt, rude, or not interested in others without meaning to, the ability to listen, carry out instructions, and stay focused and the importance of being honest and upfront about one's interests.

Takeaways

• Autism and ADHD are neurodivergent conditions that can coexist in individuals.
• Understanding and accepting neurodiversity is crucial for creating an inclusive society.
• People with autism and ADHD may have different experiences and challenges in social interactions and making friends.
• The diagnostic criteria for autism and ADHD are based on behaviours and can vary from person to person.
• Sensitivities and disabilities are part of the neurodivergent experience and should be understood and embraced.

Our first live show at Autistic Minds Live 2024 Cardiff is fast approaching! It is the Premier FREE to attend event for and by the autistic community. To book your FREE tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../autistic-minds-live...

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.

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

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