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!

Marie Masse, a late-identified 2e AuDHDer and creative artist, shares her inspiring journey of reclaiming creativity after trauma. She discusses how special interests serve as an organizing force for neurodivergent individuals and differentiates between autistic and ADHD special interests. Marie reflects on the emotional landscape of creativity, the struggles of balancing passion with responsibilities, and the importance of nurturing one's unique identity. Her insights invite listeners to explore their own pathways to healing and self-expression through art.

Discover how Jess Rowlings navigates her neurodivergent journey through gaming. She shares her research on how games enhance problem-solving and collaboration. The podcast highlights the unique challenges faced by women in gaming and the importance of creating inclusive spaces. Explore the evolution of gaming culture and the rise of female gamers. Jess discusses the balance needed between gaming and real life while addressing potential negative effects. Dive into the transformative power of games for emotional support and community engagement.

In this conversation, Professor Sandra Thom-Jones, an autistic author and advocate, shares her insights on aging as an autistic individual. She discusses the often 'invisible' nature of older autistic adults and the unique support they require. Sandra explores how generational differences shape perceptions of autism, the challenges of navigating later life transitions like menopause and retirement, and the need to move beyond neuro-normative expectations about aging. She also offers valuable tips for finding joy during retirement as an autistic person.

This engaging discussion dives deep into the complex dynamics of grooming, particularly within neurodivergent communities. Anna Clarke shares fascinating insights on the distinct phases of grooming and the unique vulnerabilities that neurodivergent individuals face. The conversation also touches on manipulative tactics like love bombing and gaslighting. Listeners will learn about recognizing red flags and the importance of trauma-informed support for survivors. Practical advice for parents and communities offers a proactive approach to safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

Penny Moodie, a writer and OCD advocate, shares her journey with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, providing valuable insights into its complexities. She discusses common misconceptions, key mechanisms like thought-action fusion, and the impact of OCD from childhood to adulthood. Penny emphasizes the importance of understanding and compassion, while sharing effective strategies such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and self-compassion practices. She also advocates for open conversations about mental health and offers support resources for those affected by OCD.

Explore the multifaceted journey of grief through the lens of neurodivergence. Discover the complexities of emotional responses to various types of loss, including personal anecdotes about coping with life changes. Learn about the unique challenges neurodivergent individuals face in processing grief and the importance of understanding prolonged grief. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community support and shared experiences while validating diverse grieving processes. Tune in for heartfelt insights and strategies for emotional expression.

Margo White, an Accredited Clinical Nutritionist and proud neurodivergent individual, shares her insights on the intersection of eating disorders and neurodivergence. She discusses the importance of tailoring nutrition approaches to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent folks. Margo explores challenges like ARFID, sensory processing differences, and executive functioning issues. She draws from her own experiences and offers strategies for parents and individuals seeking better relationships with food, emphasizing compassion and flexibility in dietary practices.