The Neurodivergent Woman

This week Monique chats with Sienna Macalister (they/them), who listeners may know by their Instagram handle @sienna.stims, about being an Autistic person with high support needs. Sienna is a non-binary, ‘unreliably speaking’ Autistic advocate, diagnosed with Autism Level 3. They are multiply neurodivergent and have a number of co-occurring health conditions, including Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Sienna is passionate about creating a world where Autistic people are not just accepted but celebrated, with a deep affinity for exploring neurodivergence with nuance.   Monique and Sienna cover: What does ‘unreliably speaking’ mean? What neurodivergence means to Sienna and the importance of understanding the term to mean more than just Autism and ADHD. Sienna’s experience of early diagnosis of Autism and the diagnostic overshadowing this led to, particularly around diagnosis of their health conditions. The evolution of Sienna’s neurodivergent identity. Sienna’s experience of using mobility, communication, and health and wellbeing supports. Support needs, disability, and therapeutic intervention as a valid part of the neurodivergent experience, and the difference between affirming and non-affirming therapies. The role of lateral violence and internalised ableism in excluding people with higher support needs from the cultural conversation on Autism. Sienna’s suggestions to increase inclusion and representation for Autistic people with higher support needs. Sienna’s current special interest – budgie breeding!   Find Sienna on TikTok and Instagram @sienna.stims, on their professional Instagram @sienna.macalister_media, or on YouTube @sienna_stims.   Sienna’s writing is features in the anthologies Someone Like Me, edited by Clem Bastow and Jo Case, and Hyperfocus, edited by Spectrum Writing.   Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). Grab a ticket here and submit your question!   Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod.   Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here.    Contact us at ndwomanpod@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Michelle Garnett, a clinical psychologist and late-diagnosed AuDHDer, shares her insights on neurodivergence in teens. She discusses her own journey with anxiety and finding effective coping mechanisms. The conversation highlights the unique challenges neurodivergent teens face during adolescence, including social pressures and identity formation. Michelle emphasizes the importance of tailored support for these individuals and offers practical tips for parents to help their children navigate this transformative stage with empathy and understanding.

Simone Mangelsdorf-Collett, a Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist specializing in Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), dives deep into the complexities of this often-misunderstood condition. She explains how FND differs from other neurological disorders like epilepsy and Parkinson's. The discussion highlights its historical context, the stigma surrounding women's health, and the links between FND and neurodivergence, especially among women. Simone also offers insights into treatment approaches and the importance of advocacy in reshaping perceptions of FND.

In this engaging conversation, Sharen Lui, a neurodivergent Educational and Developmental Psychologist and director of Sprout Psychology, dives into the intricacies of neurodivergence within Chinese culture. She shares her journey of self-discovery and the significant role cultural identity plays. Sharen highlights the impact of language on perceptions of neurodivergence, the cultural pressures faced by neurodivergent women, and the challenges in accessing supportive healthcare. Her insights emphasize the need for culturally responsive mental health practices in diverse communities.

On this week’s episode we chat with Sari González and Becka Koritz – co-founders of Radical Learning – about unschooling and alternative models of education. Sari and Becka are mums to neurodivergent unschoolers, youth rights advocates, and agile learning facilitators who challenge conventional education and parenting. Through their business, Radical Learning, and their podcast, Radical Learning Talks, they support parents and educators in unlearning control-based approaches to education and embracing trust, consent, and youth agency - especially when supporting neurodivergent kids.   On this episode we cover: How Becka and Sari think about neurodivergence. Becka and Sari’s paths to alternative education. What’s the difference between homeschooling and unschooling? Concepts in unschooling, including de-schooling, consent-based learning, and understanding how power manifests in mainstream ideas of teaching and learning. How can we teach our kids if we aren’t teachers? Navigating our inner ‘Mrs. Trunchbull’ and the internal work of de-schooling. Neurodivergence and learning; honouring our unique talents and skills. Unpacking the concept of ‘resilience’. The Shift Retreat from Radical Learning   Sari and Becka are coming to us from Mexico, so listeners may occasionally hear the sounds of nature in the background!   Connect with Sari and Becka through their podcast, their website, or their Instagram @radical_learning.   Plus, books that Marie recommends in this space: Unschooling To University: Relationships matter most in a world crammed with content by Judy Arnall Homeschool Gone Wild: Inspired Learning Through Living by Karla Marie Williams College Without High School: A Teenager’s Guide by Blake Boles The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson Raising Free People: Unschooling as Liberation and Healing Work by Akilah S. Richards     Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). Grab a ticket here and submit your question!   Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod.   Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here.    Contact us at ndwomanpod@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The discussion dives deep into the fascinating world of learning and memory, highlighting the four key stages: perception, encoding, retention, and retrieval. It particularly focuses on the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, including how sensory overload can impact memory. Insights into the effects of hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause on cognitive function are shared. Listeners also learn about innovative strategies for improving memory retention and the importance of personalized learning environments for better comprehension.

We are back with Season 7 of the podcast on March 24th!   In the meantime, we both have some online training for professionals. Check out Michelle’s training on providing meaningful and theraputic Assessment Feedback for psychologists, running online on the 28th Feb, and Monique’s training on the Square Model – Supporting Neurodivergent Folks in Therapy, running online on the 12th-14th March. Both trainings can be attended live or watched later.   See you in a month for Season 7!   ~ Michelle and Monique  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

This week Monique interviews Dr. Jamie Marich (she/they) about dissociation. Jamie is a clinical trauma specialist, EMDR Consultant, expressive artist, recovery advocate, and author of many excellent books, including ‘Dissociation Made Simple’, and their latest book ‘You Lied to Me About God’ – a memoir of spiritual abuse and recovery. She is a queer woman in long-term recovery from an addictive disorder and lives with dissociative identities. Jamie unites all of these elements in their mission to redefine therapy.   Monique and Jamie cover:   What is dissociation and what is its purpose. What are the different forms of dissociation and why does Jamie tend to avoid using a ‘continuum of severity’ framework when thinking about dissociation. The history of ‘dissociation’ as a diagnostic concept. What is dissociative amnesia. Myths about dissociative conditions. Jamie’s lived experience of dissociative identities and the role that expressive and martial arts has played in their own journey and in their therapeutic work. How does dissociation fit under the neurodivergence umbrella, and what is the overlap of dissociative conditions with Autism and ADHD? Ways that people can reduce the stigma of dissociative conditions and support others experiencing dissociative conditions.   See more of Jamie’s work through their website – www.jamiemarich.com. You can access their professional trainings through The Institute for Creative Mindfulness and resources of professionals and the public through Redefine Therapy.   Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here.    Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod.   Contact us at ndwomanpod@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Megan Anna Neff, a clinical psychologist and founder of Neurodivergent Insights, dives deep into the nuances of neurodivergence and self-care. She shares her own late-in-life discovery of neurodivergence and the mix of emotions it brought. Megan addresses common self-care barriers for neurodivergent women and redefines self-care to be more inclusive. The discussion also highlights personalized strategies, sensory self-care practices, and the importance of community in navigating these experiences. A refreshing perspective on self-care tailored for diverse neurodivergent needs!