Focus and Chill - productivity tactics for AuDHDers and other neurodivergent folks

Episode 71: Michelle Ridsdale

Dec 21, 2024

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Welcome to episode #71 We’re thrilled to be joined by Michelle Ridsdale today.

Michelle is the visionary force behind Kaboose, an innovative app designed to foster a sense of community for autistic individuals and those embracing neurodiversity. Drawing from her own personal journey and lived experiences, Michelle is a dedicated advocate and volunteer within the autistic community. Witnessing her own son grapple with isolation and disconnection, she was inspired to create a platform that addresses these challenges head-on.

Welcome to the show Michelle!

Questions

JN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?
1. When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical?
  1. Son diagnosed
  2. I'm very social
  3. Daughter: ADHD and Autism
  4. Signs
    1. Routines
    2. Mask
    3. Autistic meltdown
2. What challenges did you face?
  1. Not many friends
  2. Son gravitated to adults no kids
3. What changes have come post-diagnosis?
  1. Self acceptance
  2. Less verbal
4. What challenges do you still face now?
  1. ADHD - too many internal convos
  2. Getting upset over small things
5. What neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now?
  1. Hyperfocus
  2. Learning more about routines and quiet work
JC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?
1. Friends, mentors, jobs
  1. Tribes
2. Songs on repeat TikTok
3. Limit the number of people in group
JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?
1. Work = special interest
2. Reading = mystery/nonfiction
  1. Let It Go by Dame Stephanie - autistic feels
JC: Productivity tips
1. What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?
  1. Calendar - colour coded
    1. Kaboose = purple
    2. kids = different colors
    3. social
  2. Lists (notebook, phone)
  3. Tasks in calendar
2. What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?
  1. Mindfulness leads to more stress
BREAK
JC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?
1. Dog follows routine too
2. Walk at 6 am
3. Shower
4. Coffee
5. Start the night before
  1. Clothes and food organized
JC: How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?
1. Ready yourself the night before
2. Menu plan
JN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?
1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleridsdale/
2. Kaboose on app stores
3. kaboose.app - https://www.kaboose.app/
4. kaboose_app - social media
JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?