The hosts discuss their special interests in spinning and decorating dolls houses. They delve into their unique passion for public transport and driving trains. They explore the concept of controlled regulation and the role of symbolism in their work. The speaker shares their journey of embracing neurodivergence and creating spreadsheets. They discuss the challenges of inconsistent speeds of thought and the importance of challenging stereotypes. They also provide information on how to connect with the hosts and suggest a therapy website with an autistic counselor.
Special interests like decorating dolls houses and obsessing about public transport provide joy and order in the lives of autistic individuals.
Approaches to recording and planning the podcast differ based on neurodivergent profiles and processing styles, emphasizing the importance of understanding and accepting individual differences.
Deep dives
Exploring Special Interests: Decorating Dolls Houses and Obsessing about Public Transport
In this episode, Leo and Shauna discuss their current special interests, which include decorating dolls houses and obsessing about public transport. Shauna explains how she spends her free time decorating dolls houses, a hobby she has been passionate about for several years. Leo, on the other hand, reveals his fascination with public transport, particularly driving trains in a computer simulator. They both highlight the importance of these special interests in their lives as a way to find joy, create order, and explore everyday mundane activities. Shauna shares how dolls houses allow her to see the whole picture, while Leo finds comfort in the regulated and service-oriented nature of public transport. They discuss the stereotype and misconceptions surrounding special interests and emphasize that there are countless ways to be interested in everyday things. They also touch upon the therapeutic aspects of their hobbies, which provide opportunities for scripting, forward planning, and exploring relationships. Leo and Shauna express their openness and authenticity as therapists, joyfully sharing their own experiences and limits, and adapting their approaches to accommodate their processing styles and the needs of their clients.
Autistic Experience and Expressing Autistic Joy
In this segment, Leo and Shauna reflect on the differences in their approaches to recording the podcast. Shauna shares her inclination towards spontaneous recordings, as she feels that capturing the present moment allows for a genuine expression of autistic joy. She discusses her challenges in planning and predicting her own thoughts and energy levels, highlighting her need to focus on the immediate experience. Leo, on the other hand, explains his preference for planning ahead and creating structure, to ensure that valuable moments of joy and enthusiasm are not missed. They explore how their contrasting approaches may be influenced by their respective neurodivergent profiles and processing styles. They also discuss the concept of consistency and its different interpretations between neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing the importance of understanding and accepting individual differences in expressing joy and pursuing interests.
Transparency in Therapy and Adjusting to Different Processing Styles
Leo and Shauna discuss their therapeutic practices and how they adapt to their own processing styles and the needs of their clients. They highlight the value of transparency in therapy, where Leo openly expresses his limitations in processing large amounts of information and seeks permission to interrupt or summarize to ensure understanding. Shauna, on the other hand, shares her tendency to take notes during sessions and use visual aids, providing concrete support and enabling a reflective discussion. They emphasize their commitment to creating a safe and authentic space for their clients, honoring their own processing styles while embracing the challenges and strengths of being neurodivergent therapists. They also acknowledge the importance of mutual understanding and effective communication in therapeutic relationships, both with neurodivergent and neurotypical clients.
Encouraging Feedback and Embracing Autistic Quirks
In the final part of the episode, Leo and Shauna express their eagerness to receive feedback and connections from their listeners. They invite individuals to share their own versions of special interests, joys, and challenges related to being autistic. They emphasize the uniqueness and diversity within the autistic community and encourage open dialogue and connection. Leo discusses his practice of documenting his experiences and insights, recognizing patterns and realizations that arise from embracing and understanding his neurodivergent identity. They end the episode by highlighting the importance of transparency, acceptance, and mutual support in embracing and celebrating autistic quirks and experiences.
