Knowing Yourself with Clare Bowen

Dec 8, 2024

Clare Bowen, the talented Australian actor from Nashville and a passionate musician with Bowen Young, shares her journey as an autistic and ADHD woman. She discusses the impact of her childhood cancer treatment on her understanding of neurodivergence. Clare explores the duality of strengths and challenges, the importance of connection, and the role of music in her healing process. She also debunks myths surrounding autism and emphasizes the significance of embracing special interests, all while advocating for greater inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals.

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ANECDOTE

First Public Discussion

Clare Bowen shares her nervousness about publicly discussing her autism and ADHD diagnosis for only the second time.
She describes a positive experience speaking with the Philadelphia Eagles Autism Foundation, connecting with Jason Kelsey over their shared love for Wolfhounds.

INSIGHT

Neurodivergence as Freedom

Neurodivergence allows Clare Bowen to embrace her authentic self without feeling inadequate.
It explains previously confusing behaviors and challenges, offering self-acceptance and a path towards personal growth.

ANECDOTE

Diagnostic Overshadowing

Clare Bowen discusses her childhood cancer and how it overshadowed potential neurodivergent traits.
Some medical professionals dismissed her struggles, attributing them to attention-seeking behavior related to her illness.

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For our final episode of Season 6 we are thrilled to welcome Australian actor and vocalist Clare Bowen to the podcast, to chat with us about her experiences as an Autistic and ADHD woman. Clare has been in a number of wonderful films, series, and theatre productions both here in Australia and internationally, with her most recognizable role being Scarlett O’Connor in the American TV series, NASHVILLE. Clare is also a globally touring musician, and she currently makes music with her husband, Brandon Robert Young, as the duo – BOWEN YOUNG. The soul mates split their time in a tear in the fabric of reality, between Nashville, Tennessee and Yuin Country, Australia.

This episode is a winding route through Clare’s experiences as a neurodivergent woman, from a childhood coloured by cancer treatment to working as an internationally acclaimed actor and musician, we cover a lot of ground! Including:

- What neurodivergence means to Clare.

- Her path to discovering her neurodivergence.

- Navigating the neurodivergent duality of having areas of extreme strength and gifts and other areas of significant challenge.

- Understanding why her response to stress and trauma may be different to others.

- Finding deep connection with others and the power of nourishing relationship.

- What identification of her neurotype has meant for Clare.

- Clare’s special interests in music and medicine, and role these interests have served for her throughout her life.

- Clare’s message for others who may resonate with her story.

You can find Clare on Instagram @clarembee and @bowenyoungofficial, or through her website - www.clarebowenofficial.com. You can find her music under BOWEN YOUNG on Spotify or wherever you get your music.

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