1 hr 13 min
EP017 - Dr Matt Harrison and Jess Rowlings - Building Better Education for the Neurodiverse Real InSight with Myke Ireland
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- Technology
Welcome to this special episode of Real InSight, where we dive deep into the world of neurodiversity with our guests, Dr. Matt Harrison and Jess Rowlings. Both Matt and Jess are pivotal figures behind the innovative "Next Level Collaboration," a program designed to harness the strengths and interests of children in gaming and gamer culture to foster social skills and create a sense of belonging. This unique initiative offers a research-informed and neurodiversity-affirming environment, enabling children to build lasting friendships in a space that celebrates their individuality.
Throughout our conversation, we explore the significant research and personal journeys that have led Matt and Jess to develop the Next Level Collaboration project. Their work is not only groundbreaking but also co-designed with the neurodivergent community, ensuring that sessions are facilitated by professionals with genuine understanding and lived experience of neurodivergence.
We also delve into our own stories of discovering our neurodivergent conditions, sharing the challenges and triumphs of navigating school, embracing our differences, and finding joy in the things that make us unique. It's an unfiltered discussion that sheds light on the realities of living with neurodivergence, from the tough times to the moments of clarity and self-acceptance.
For more information on Next Level Collaboration and how it's creating transformative spaces for neurodivergent children, visit their website.
https://nextlevelcollaboration.com
Additionally, we touch on an invaluable resource developed by Yellow Ladybugs, supported by the Department of Education, Victoria. This neuro-affirming and autistic-led guide is crucial for supporting the mental health of autistic girls and gender-diverse young people, drawing on the lived experiences and expertise of those it aims to help. We discuss this important work during the show, highlighting its impact and how it aligns with our conversation.
https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au/
Don't miss this enlightening and heartfelt episode, where three neurodivergents share their experiences, insights, and the groundbreaking work being done to support the neurodivergent community.
0:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity Discussion
1:25 Introductions of Dr. Matt Harrison and Jess Rawlings
2:45 Matt’s Journey from Teaching in South Korea to Research
4:24 Jess’s Transition from IT to Speech Pathology
6:59 The Impact of Gaming on Neurodivergent Kids
8:31 Reflections on Neurodivergent Diagnoses
18:55 Matt and Jess's Personal Diagnosis Journey
23:41 Overcoming Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria
27:28 Matt’s Initial Hesitation Towards Diagnosis
34:02 Matt’s Birthday Party Experience
34:06 Challenges in One-on-One Social Interactions
36:19 Jess’s Experience with Friendship and Bullying in School
38:01 The Extrovert's Dilemma
51:54 The Power of the Written Word
55:45 Embracing Systems and Routines
58:59 Beyond the Classroom: Inclusive Spaces
1:03:31 Balancing Direct Instruction with Projects
1:08:38 Rethinking School Timings
1:12:59 Supporting Autistic Girls and Women
1:13:54 Gaming for All: Game On with MND
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insight-systems4/message
Welcome to this special episode of Real InSight, where we dive deep into the world of neurodiversity with our guests, Dr. Matt Harrison and Jess Rowlings. Both Matt and Jess are pivotal figures behind the innovative "Next Level Collaboration," a program designed to harness the strengths and interests of children in gaming and gamer culture to foster social skills and create a sense of belonging. This unique initiative offers a research-informed and neurodiversity-affirming environment, enabling children to build lasting friendships in a space that celebrates their individuality.
Throughout our conversation, we explore the significant research and personal journeys that have led Matt and Jess to develop the Next Level Collaboration project. Their work is not only groundbreaking but also co-designed with the neurodivergent community, ensuring that sessions are facilitated by professionals with genuine understanding and lived experience of neurodivergence.
We also delve into our own stories of discovering our neurodivergent conditions, sharing the challenges and triumphs of navigating school, embracing our differences, and finding joy in the things that make us unique. It's an unfiltered discussion that sheds light on the realities of living with neurodivergence, from the tough times to the moments of clarity and self-acceptance.
For more information on Next Level Collaboration and how it's creating transformative spaces for neurodivergent children, visit their website.
https://nextlevelcollaboration.com
Additionally, we touch on an invaluable resource developed by Yellow Ladybugs, supported by the Department of Education, Victoria. This neuro-affirming and autistic-led guide is crucial for supporting the mental health of autistic girls and gender-diverse young people, drawing on the lived experiences and expertise of those it aims to help. We discuss this important work during the show, highlighting its impact and how it aligns with our conversation.
https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au/
Don't miss this enlightening and heartfelt episode, where three neurodivergents share their experiences, insights, and the groundbreaking work being done to support the neurodivergent community.
0:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity Discussion
1:25 Introductions of Dr. Matt Harrison and Jess Rawlings
2:45 Matt’s Journey from Teaching in South Korea to Research
4:24 Jess’s Transition from IT to Speech Pathology
6:59 The Impact of Gaming on Neurodivergent Kids
8:31 Reflections on Neurodivergent Diagnoses
18:55 Matt and Jess's Personal Diagnosis Journey
23:41 Overcoming Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria
27:28 Matt’s Initial Hesitation Towards Diagnosis
34:02 Matt’s Birthday Party Experience
34:06 Challenges in One-on-One Social Interactions
36:19 Jess’s Experience with Friendship and Bullying in School
38:01 The Extrovert's Dilemma
51:54 The Power of the Written Word
55:45 Embracing Systems and Routines
58:59 Beyond the Classroom: Inclusive Spaces
1:03:31 Balancing Direct Instruction with Projects
1:08:38 Rethinking School Timings
1:12:59 Supporting Autistic Girls and Women
1:13:54 Gaming for All: Game On with MND
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/insight-systems4/message
1 hr 13 min