Neurodivergent Pulse

Laetitia Andrac

Neurodivergent Pulse is a heartfelt, practical podcast for parents, allies, and neurodivergent adults. Hosted by Laetitia (founder of Understanding Zoe, the neuroaffirming app turning every report, observation and meltdown into an actionable next step) with guest pulse checks from her daughter Zoe. Each 20–30 min episode features expert guests with lived experience, sharing honest stories and actionable insights for real life.

  1. 13 APR

    29: PDA Parenting in real life: What actually helps in the moment | Solo Episode

    What does PDA parenting really look like… in the messy, imperfect, everyday moments? In this honest and deeply relatable solo episode of Neurodivergent Pulse, Laetitia moves beyond theory and into real-life lived experience … sharing what actually happens in her home raising a PDA child while being PDA herself. From morning struggles to emotional overwhelm, this episode offers a grounded look at what support can look like when everything feels like too much — for both parent and child. And importantly, it explores how having the right support in the moment can change everything. ✨ Try Understanding Zoe free for 30 days – the neuroaffirming app turning every report, observation and meltdown into an actionable next step. KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇 🧠 Why no two mornings are ever the same in a PDA household 🧠 How your own nervous system impacts everything 🧠 What “genuine autonomy” really looks like (and why it’s hard) 🧠 Why play is one of the most powerful tools 🧠 The importance of dropping demands completely (sometimes) 🧠 How to support yourself when you’re too overwhelmed to think 🧠 Why parenting support needs to be available in the moment, not later 💛 Love what you heard? Subscribe, share with your care village, and leave us a review so more families can find this support. 🔗 Try Understanding Zoe for free today  💻 Website: www.understandingzoe.com/ 📸 Instagram: @understanding.zoe 📲 Try PIP (AI coach) inside the app: https://app.understandingzoe.com/signup ABOUT THE HOST 👇 Laetitia Andrac (Autistic & ADHDer) is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and podcast host.  She is the bestselling author of Light It: How to Trust Your Intuition and Build a Thriving Business. With over 15 years of experience in consulting, strategy, and innovation, Laetitia has worked with industry leaders like Deloitte and Telstra.  Inspired by my journey as a neurodivergent parent, she co-founded Understanding Zoe, an AI-driven solution dedicated to supporting caregivers of neurodivergent children.  Her passion is creating a more neuroinclusive world, where everyone can thrive—whether in their homes, communities, or workplaces.

    13 min
  2. 7 APR

    28: Autism Acceptance & PDA: When the “right strategies” don’t work | Solo Episode

    What if the reason nothing is working… isn’t you? In this deeply personal solo episode of Neurodivergent Pulse, Laetitia opens up about a turning point that changed everything — discovering PDA (Persistent Drive for Autonomy) and how it reshaped the way she understands, parents, and supports her child. Through lived experience, research, and reflection, this episode explores why traditional strategies often fail neurodivergent families and what becomes possible when we shift from control to connection. This is an invitation to rethink everything you’ve been told… and to finally feel seen. ✨ Try Understanding Zoe free for 30 days – the neuroaffirming app turning every report, observation and meltdown into an actionable next step. KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇 🧠 What PDA (Persistent Drive for Autonomy) really is — beyond the label 🧠 Why traditional parenting strategies can increase distress, not reduce it 🧠 Understanding behaviour through a nervous system lens, not compliance 🧠 How everyday requests (even choices!) can feel like demands 🧠 Why control creates crisis and what to do instead 🧠 The power of indirect language, play and shared autonomy 🧠 Why many parents feel unseen and why it’s not your fault 💛 Love what you heard? Subscribe, share with your care village, and leave us a review so more families can find this support. 🔗 Try Understanding Zoe for free today  💻 Website: www.understandingzoe.com/ 📸 Instagram: @understanding.zoe 📘 Get the PDA guide here: PDA Guide ABOUT THE HOST 👇 Laetitia Andrac (Autistic & ADHDer) is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and podcast host.  She is the bestselling author of Light It: How to Trust Your Intuition and Build a Thriving Business. With over 15 years of experience in consulting, strategy, and innovation, Laetitia has worked with industry leaders like Deloitte and Telstra.  Inspired by my journey as a neurodivergent parent, she co-founded Understanding Zoe, an AI-driven solution dedicated to supporting caregivers of neurodivergent children.  Her passion is creating a more neuroinclusive world, where everyone can thrive—whether in their homes, communities, or workplaces.

    20 min
  3. 31 MAR

    27: The Power of Community: Why no Neurodivergent family should do this alone with Vanessa Gauci

    What happens when families stop trying to do it all alone and finally find their people? In this powerful and deeply human episode of Neurodivergent Pulse, Laetitia is joined by Vanessa Gauci, CEO of Autism Community Network (ACN). Vanessa shares her personal journey as a mother of five, including raising her autistic, non-speaking son, and how that lived experience led her into advocacy and community leadership. Together, they explore the real, often unseen realities of raising neurodivergent children — from navigating daily care needs to managing burnout, isolation and systemic gaps. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that community is not optional — it is essential for survival, wellbeing and belonging. ✨ Try Understanding Zoe free for 30 days – the neuroaffirming app turning every report, observation and meltdown into an actionable next step. KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇 🧠 Why finding your “village” is critical for neurodivergent families 🧠 The unseen realities of caregiving (burnout, isolation, constant vigilance) 🧠 How community spaces build confidence, connection and belonging 🧠 The importance of safe, non-judgemental environments 🧠 Why small moments (a shared conversation, a birthday song) matter deeply 🧠 The impact of cultural diversity and inclusion in community spaces 🧠 Why self-care is not selfish — it’s essential for sustainable caregiving 💛 Love what you heard? Subscribe, share with your care village, and leave us a review so more families can find this support. 🔗 Try Understanding Zoe for free today  ABOUT THE GUEST 👇 Vanessa Gauci is the Chief Executive Officer of the Autism Community Network (ACN), a non-profit charity providing peer-to-peer support for autistic individuals and their families since 2011. ACN was born from a simple but powerful moment — a conversation in a school playground between two fathers, one raising an autistic child and the other a grandfather seeking connection. From that single exchange, ACN has grown into a thriving community supporting over 2,000 families across New South Wales and beyond. Vanessa leads an organisation that is proudly grassroots, volunteer-powered, and deeply community-led, with 85% of its members coming from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. ACN is also a delivery partner for Autism Connect, the national autism helpline funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Through her leadership and advocacy, Vanessa continues to elevate the voices of families, speaking openly about the often invisible load carried by carers — before, during and long after diagnosis — and working closely with government to drive meaningful systemic change. 💻 Website: https://www.acnaustralia.org.au/ 📸 Instagram: @acn_australia1 ABOUT THE HOST 👇 Laetitia Andrac (Autistic & ADHDer) is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and podcast host.  She is the bestselling author of Light It: How to Trust Your Intuition and Build a Thriving Business. With over 15 years of experience in consulting, strategy, and innovation, Laetitia has worked with industry leaders like Deloitte and Telstra.  Inspired by my journey as a neurodivergent parent, she co-founded Understanding Zoe, an AI-driven solution dedicated to supporting caregivers of neurodivergent children.  Her passion is creating a more neuroinclusive world, where everyone can thrive—whether in their homes, communities, or workplaces.

    28 min
  4. 23 MAR

    26: Finding belonging in the chaos: The power of peer support for Neurodivergent families with Kristy Cartan & Eliza Hoare

    What happens when neurodivergent families finally find a space where they don’t have to explain themselves? In this heartfelt episode of Neurodivergent Pulse, Laetitia is joined by Kristy and Eliza from Belongside Families, a family-led organisation supporting parents and carers raising neurodivergent children. Together they explore the profound impact of peer connection, lived experience and neuroaffirming support for families navigating the complex realities of raising autistic and ADHD children. Kristy and Eliza share their own journeys of discovering their children’s neurodivergence — and their own — and how that experience led them to create spaces where parents can connect, share, learn and feel truly understood. This conversation is a powerful reminder that community is not a luxury for neurodivergent families — it’s essential. ✨ Try Understanding Zoe free for 30 days – the neuroaffirming app turning every report, observation and meltdown into an actionable next step. KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇 🧠 Why family-led support spaces create deeper understanding and trust 🧠 The hidden isolation many neurodivergent families experience 🧠 How peer groups can reduce shame and rebuild confidence in parenting 🧠 Why neuroaffirming spaces allow parents to unmask and learn safely 🧠 The importance of connection for families in regional and rural communities 🧠 How lived experience and evidence-based practice work best together 🧠 Why belonging and community can be just as powerful as professional support 💛 Love what you heard? Subscribe, share with your care village, and leave us a review so more families can find this support. 🔗 Try Understanding Zoe for free today  ABOUT THE GUESTS 👇 Kristy is a peer facilitator and community engagement officer at Belongside Families. After 15 years in the corporate world, her journey into the neurodivergent space began when her child was identified as autistic at 2.5 years old — a moment that also led her to recognise her own AuDHD neurotype. Kristy now hosts virtual Autism MyTime groups, facilitates workshops and webinars, and is passionate about helping families feel supported and connected. Eliza is a former primary school teacher who moved into the disability sector after recognising the neurodivergence within her own family. She and her three children are all AuDHD, and understanding her own neurotype has transformed how she advocates for her family and others. At Belongside Families, Eliza contributes to workshop facilitation, peer support, and resource development, helping families feel less alone and more empowered. Together, Kristy and Eliza bring lived experience, compassion and deep understanding to their work supporting neurodivergent families. 💻 Website: https://belongsidefamilies.org.au/ 📩 Join the mailing list: https://belongsidefamilies.org.au/joinourmailinglist/ 💬 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/belongsidecommunity ABOUT THE HOST 👇 Laetitia Andrac (Autistic & ADHDer) is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and podcast host.  She is the bestselling author of Light It: How to Trust Your Intuition and Build a Thriving Business. With over 15 years of experience in consulting, strategy, and innovation, Laetitia has worked with industry leaders like Deloitte and Telstra.  Inspired by my journey as a neurodivergent parent, she co-founded Understanding Zoe, an AI-driven solution dedicated to supporting caregivers of neurodivergent children.  Her passion is creating a more neuroinclusive world, where everyone can thrive—whether in their homes, communities, or workplaces.

    33 min
  5. 16 MAR

    25: Neurodiversity Celebration Week Special Episode: Neurodivergent allyship & affirming resources with Adelle Sushames

    What does truly neuroaffirming support look like in practice? In this insightful episode of Neurodivergent Pulse (and special episode for Neurodiversity Celebration Week), Laetitia sits down with psychologist and resource creator Adelle Sushames, founder of Neurodivergent Ally. With nearly two decades of experience in psychology and the last decade focused exclusively on Autism and ADHD assessments and support, Adelle shares how frustration with outdated, deficit-based resources led her to create tools that genuinely reflect neurodivergent experiences. Together, they explore the concept of spoons and energy, the importance of neuroaffirming language, and how tools like Adelle’s card decks help children, teens, adults, and families better understand their needs. This episode is a powerful reminder that communication, understanding and allyship are at the heart of supporting neurodivergent individuals. ✨ Try Understanding Zoe free for 30 days – the neuroaffirming app turning every report, observation and meltdown into an actionable next step. KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇 🧠 What neurodiversity-affirming practice really means beyond training or theory 🧠 Why outdated resources and language can harm neurodivergent individuals 🧠 How spoon theory helps explain energy limits and capacity 🧠 Why autism is not a linear spectrum but a dynamic wheel of experiences 🧠 The importance of recognising missed diagnoses, especially among girls, women and adults 🧠 How tools like card decks can support communication, reflection and self-understanding 🧠 Why allyship from families, professionals and communities matters in creating neuroinclusive spaces 💛 Love what you heard? Subscribe, share with your care village, and leave us a review so more families can find this support. 🔗 Try Understanding Zoe for free today  ABOUT THE GUEST 👇 Adelle Sushames is a psychologist with 18 years of experience, the last decade of which has focused exclusively on Autism and ADHD assessments and therapeutic supports. Adelle is also the creator of a range of widely used neuroaffirming resources including: ND Me Spoon Thieves Spoon Savers Spoons @ School These tools help neurodivergent individuals explore energy, needs and challenges in ways that support communication and understanding across home, school and therapy settings. Her work is informed by both professional expertise and lived experience. Adelle was diagnosed AuDHD in her early 40s, deepening her commitment to creating resources that truly reflect neurodivergent lives. She is also the author of the children’s book: 📘 Strong and Sensitive: A Tiger Tale about Autism and ADHD (for ages 5–12) Through her platform Neurodivergent Ally, Adelle supports families, clinicians and educators in building more affirming environments for neurodivergent people. 💻 Website: https://www.neurodivergentally.com/ 📸 Instagram: @neurodivergent_ally ABOUT THE HOST 👇 Laetitia Andrac (Autistic & ADHDer) is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and podcast host.  She is the bestselling author of Light It: How to Trust Your Intuition and Build a Thriving Business. With over 15 years of experience in consulting, strategy, and innovation, Laetitia has worked with industry leaders like Deloitte and Telstra.  Inspired by my journey as a neurodivergent parent, she co-founded Understanding Zoe, an AI-driven solution dedicated to supporting caregivers of neurodivergent children.  Her passion is creating a more neuroinclusive world, where everyone can thrive—whether in their homes, communities, or workplaces.

    35 min
  6. 9 MAR

    24: Unschooling Neurodivergent Kids: Trusting curiosity over curriculum with Melissa Crockett-Joyoue

    What if learning didn’t have to follow a curriculum? In this deeply honest and thought-provoking conversation, Laetitia is joined by Melissa, founder of Weave ND, an online community supporting neurodivergent unschooling families around the world. Melissa shares the personal story that led her family to unschooling — a journey that began with school refusal, trauma, and a deep realisation that traditional schooling wasn’t supporting her neurodivergent child’s wellbeing. Together, they explore what unschooling actually means, how learning can emerge through everyday life and special interests, and why regulation and connection are the true foundations of learning. This episode offers a powerful invitation to rethink education not as something delivered through rigid systems, but as something woven into life, curiosity and relationships. ✨ Try Understanding Zoe free for 30 days – the neuroaffirming app turning every report, observation and meltdown into an actionable next step. KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇 🧠 What unschooling really means (and why it’s not “doing nothing”) 🧠 Why regulation and nervous system safety are essential for learning 🧠 The hidden emotional toll of forcing neurodivergent kids into unsuitable environments 🧠 How special interests can become powerful gateways to learning 🧠 Why unschooling often requires parents to do their own healing and unlearning 🧠 The importance of community support for neurodivergent parents navigating alternative education 💛 Love what you heard? Subscribe, share with your care village, and leave us a review so more families can find this support. 🔗 Try Understanding Zoe for free today  ABOUT THE GUEST 👇 Melissa lives in Aotearoa (New Zealand), is Māori, AuDHD, and the mama of two unschooled neurodivergent children. Her own journey into unschooling began through supporting her children’s needs and discovering that traditional schooling wasn’t providing the safety, flexibility and regulation they required to thrive. Through that experience, Melissa developed a deep passion for helping other families on similar paths. She is the founder of Weave ND, an international online membership community supporting neurodivergent unschooling families. Her work focuses particularly on supporting neurodivergent parents and Indigenous families navigating alternative education pathways. Melissa’s work centres on connection, community, and empowering families to trust their children’s natural curiosity and capacity to learn. 💻 Weave ND Community: https://weave-community.mn.co/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weave_nd | https://www.instagram.com/mama.weaves 🌍 The Unschooling Summit: https://www.theunschoolingsummit.org/a/2148243842/FdCazbjk 📸 Summit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunschoolingsummit 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CV2ETKab7/?mibextid=wwXIfr ABOUT THE HOST 👇 Laetitia Andrac (Autistic & ADHDer) is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and podcast host.  She is the bestselling author of Light It: How to Trust Your Intuition and Build a Thriving Business. With over 15 years of experience in consulting, strategy, and innovation, Laetitia has worked with industry leaders like Deloitte and Telstra.  Inspired by my journey as a neurodivergent parent, she co-founded Understanding Zoe, an AI-driven solution dedicated to supporting caregivers of neurodivergent children.  Her passion is creating a more neuroinclusive world, where everyone can thrive—whether in their homes, communities, or workplaces.

    34 min
  7. 2 MAR

    23: The art of belonging and ADHD with Madeleine Jaine Lobsey

    What if ADHD wasn’t about deficit… but about innovation? In this energising and deeply affirming conversation, Laetitia is joined by Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, transformational leader, creative strategist, autistic/ADHD founder of Wondiverse, and host of Neurodelight. Together, they unpack the misconceptions around ADHD (especially in women), the hidden cost of masking, and the profound power of creativity and play as tools for regulation and belonging. Madeleine shares her late diagnosis journey at 49, the grief and empowerment that followed, and how embracing her neurodivergence unlocked a new level of leadership, advocacy and community design. This episode is a powerful reminder: when you allow people to be, magic happens. ✨ Try Understanding Zoe free for 30 days – the neuroaffirming app turning every report, observation and meltdown into an actionable next step. KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇 🧠 ADHD is fundamentally about regulation - not laziness or lack of focus 🧠 How creativity and play create safe spaces for self-expression 🧠 The grief and empowerment of late diagnosis 🧠 Why divergent thinking drives innovation 🧠 Choice and control as foundations for co-regulation at home 💛 Love what you heard? Subscribe, share with your care village, and leave us a review so more families can find this support. 🔗 Try Understanding Zoe for free today  ABOUT THE GUEST 👇 Madeleine Jaine Lobsey is a sought-after leader in transformational leadership, with over 20 years’ experience empowering individuals and organisations to create bold impact. She has delivered coaching, mentoring and facilitation programs across Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and globally — working with Members of Federal Parliament, senior educators, Olympians, not-for-profit founders and leaders in science, business and the arts. Since 2020, Madeleine has immersed herself in the disability and not-for-profit sector, becoming a respected voice in neurodivergence, inclusion and community design. In 2022, she joined The A List, a national organisation supporting autistic and neurodivergent young people. As General Manager, she formed major partnerships — including LEGO Australia — and helped launch the groundbreaking Social Hubs for Teens program. In 2024, Madeleine founded Wondiverse, a neurodivergent-led social enterprise dedicated to creating a world where all neurotypes can work and play together. Through Wondiverse, she now leads the federally funded Create Space Arts Initiative in partnership with The A List and the Department of Social Services. Her leadership has earned national recognition, including: 🏆 Westfield Local Hero🏆 2024 Changemaker of the Year🏆 Dare Magazine’s Top 50 Australians Over 50 Madeleine is also the host of A Different Brilliant (Autism Spectrum Australia – ASPECT) and her own podcast Neurodelight. She first imagined “Wondiverse” at age eight as an imaginary business rooted in wonder and possibility. Today, that childhood vision has evolved into a thriving social enterprise grounded in joy, belonging and transformation. Madeleine is proudly autistic/ADHD and parents neurodivergent children. Her lived experience and fierce commitment to inclusion shape every aspect of her work. 💻 Website: https://wondiverse.com.au 📸 Instagram: @wondiverse ABOUT THE HOST 👇 Laetitia Andrac (Autistic & ADHDer) is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and podcast host.  She is the bestselling author of Light It: How to Trust Your Intuition and Build a Thriving Business. With over 15 years of experience in consulting, strategy, and innovation, Laetitia has worked with industry leaders like Deloitte and Telstra.  Inspired by my journey as a neurodivergent parent, she co-founded Understanding Zoe, an AI-driven solution dedicated to supporting caregivers of neurodivergent children.  Her passion is creating a more neuroinclusive world, where everyone can thrive—whether in their homes, communities, or workplaces.

    25 min
  8. 23 FEB

    22: Wilderness within and ADHD with Kaya Lyons

    What if “wild” wasn’t something to tame… but something to understand? In this grounded and expansive conversation, Laetitia is joined by Kaya, trauma-sensitive Occupational Therapist, author, speaker and founder of Active OT For Kids and Camp Reset. Together, they explore the concept of The Wilderness Within - a powerful metaphor for understanding our nervous system, our protective responses, and the untamed, free parts of ourselves often labelled as “too much”. Kaya shares how ADHD, big emotions and so-called “behaviours” are not problems to fix but signals to understand. Through the lens of polyvagal theory, play, movement and connection to nature, this episode invites you to meet yourself (and your child) with curiosity instead of judgement. This is a conversation about safety, embodiment and reclaiming the wild in a world that often asks us to shrink. ✨ Try Understanding Zoe free for 30 days – the neuroaffirming app turning every report, observation and meltdown into an actionable next step. KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇 🧠 Why “wild” can be a strength - not a flaw 🧠 The difference between protection and behaviour 🧠 How the nervous system shifts between safety and survival 🧠 Why curiosity dissolves judgement 🧠 Practical ways to notice early cues in your body before overwhelm escalates 🧠 How 30 seconds of presence can reset your nervous system 💛 Love what you heard? Subscribe, share with your care village, and leave us a review so more families can find this support. 🔗 Try Understanding Zoe for free today  ABOUT THE GUEST 👇 Kaya Lyons has long recognised that resilience is rooted in a child's ability to connect inwardly. As a specialist in childhood trauma, she has witnessed how adversity can unsettle regulation and erode a sense of security. Through guiding thousands of children and families, Kaya has observed the healing potential of cultivating inner awareness as both a stabilising and empowering skill. Her insights are informed by both her professional experience and her role as a loving mother of three, walking alongside her own children through life’s challenges. This dual perspective inspires her to create playful, practical resources that foster connection, offering children and caregivers alike the opportunity to feel acknowledged, supported, and strengthened. 💻 Website: https://activeot4kids.com/ 📸 Instagram: @kayaflyons 📘 The Wilderness Within: https://activeot4kids.com/the-wilderness-within/ 📚 Order via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/wilderness-within-childrens-regulation-resilience/dp/1764430409 ABOUT THE HOST 👇 Laetitia Andrac (Autistic & ADHDer) is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and podcast host.  She is the bestselling author of Light It: How to Trust Your Intuition and Build a Thriving Business. With over 15 years of experience in consulting, strategy, and innovation, Laetitia has worked with industry leaders like Deloitte and Telstra.  Inspired by my journey as a neurodivergent parent, she co-founded Understanding Zoe, an AI-driven solution dedicated to supporting caregivers of neurodivergent children.  Her passion is creating a more neuroinclusive world, where everyone can thrive—whether in their homes, communities, or workplaces.

    25 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Neurodivergent Pulse is a heartfelt, practical podcast for parents, allies, and neurodivergent adults. Hosted by Laetitia (founder of Understanding Zoe, the neuroaffirming app turning every report, observation and meltdown into an actionable next step) with guest pulse checks from her daughter Zoe. Each 20–30 min episode features expert guests with lived experience, sharing honest stories and actionable insights for real life.

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