Neurodivergence and Mental Health Podcast

Sally Nilsson
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Incredible life stories of Neurodivergent people sharing what it‘s like to live on different spectrums with many traits. Autistic, ADHD, Dyspraxic, Dyscalculic, Tourettes and OCD guests tell us about their childhoods, education, work and personal life - and how their mental health has been impacted by being wired differently.

  1. 6D AGO

    26. S4, Ep2: Late diagnosed AuDHD, perimenopause and creativity with writer and director Sam Grierson

    Sam Gierson describes herself as a later life writer, producer and film director and has produced a number of incredible creative projects, including audio plays, and recently, an award winning short play about the menopause and a novella, a mystery play, set on the Isle of Man.   Sam was first diagnosed autistic at 43, then ADHD. She thought being gay was why her life was the way it was, but there was so much more.   Grieving her younger self, Sam felt she needed the labels in order to reject them and finally accepted that she is just ‘Sam’. She lives with her hugely supportive wife and their shared children and two gorgeous dogs in Yorkshire.   Now in peri menopause we chat about how significant Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) has been, from a tiny criticism about tea, to hearing a comment like “Your play lacks depth.” The mood swings, never making big decisions in the last quarter of her cycle, to ensuring she takes her supplements and maps her periods using her invaluable app. This is a packed podcast.   Keeping busy and always having a big project is Sam’s ‘go to’ for her mental health.   You can watch Sam’s new short film, The Pause, here: https://www.socrocodile.com/thepause and check out her other projects by following this link: https://orange-orchid.co.uk/the-pause-workshops

    51 min

  2. FEB 18

    25. S4, Ep1: Autism, perimenopause and professional life with autistic therapist Lii Brookes

    My guest on today’s podcast is Lii Brookes. Lii is an autistic  Therapist, working with autistic professionals, a Data Analyst and a busy mum, and she’s also just about to embark on a 7-year doctorate around autism.   Lee panicked when peri menopause first arrived, but made the decision to embrace what her changing body meant and shares her journey about her dreams of a wonderful old cottage in Kent, her unusual and fun exercise choice and the ways she looks after her emotional and physical self.   It’s great to talk with another Therapist and Lee shares how she conducts her therapy sessions in a holistic and goal-driven approach.

    33 min

  3. 04/06/2023

    24. S3, Ep5: Mind/body, menopause and masking with autistic CBT hypnotherapist and counsellor Kathy Carter

    Kathy Carter has an ‘all body’ approach to counselling, seeing the nervous system as paramount when supporting her mainly neurodivergent clients. Like so many late diagnosed women, Kathy discovered her autism after seeing traits in her son, and went on a research journey.   We talk about the post diagnosis journey, and how so many feel people like they are in limbo with no support. Kathy believes it’s our duty as therapists to guide our clients, validate and listen, and support them with resources and psychoeducation.   Masking can be exhausting for so many autistic people, who may begin hiding their true selves as children or teenagers in order to fit in. We talk about how important it is to tread carefully when thinking of lowering our masks, using alcohol to create a persona, how we hide our fear of failure, and the risk of others discovering what we are really like.   We also discuss why the menopause can be a difficult time for neurodivergent people, with all the sensory differences, emotional sensitivities and changes in our bodies that it brings.     EPISODE LINKS   WEBSITE: https://www.arrivetherapy.co.uk   INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/yourholistictherapist/ PODCAST: https://arrive-therapy-hypno-cbt.libsyn.com

    54 min

  4. 03/30/2023

    23. S3, Ep4: Andy Reddy’s inspiring journey showing how dyslexia can be both a challenge and a blessing

    Dyslexia is much more than having difficulty with spelling and reading. Dyslexia leaves kids behind, and this impacts on friendships, peer groups, status and confidence, leading to the child feeling like a failure. Andy shares his life experiences of being diagnosed dyslexic at school aged five, to coming out of university with not one, but two Masters degrees! Andy's sheer determination got him results.  Now he helps others as a Psychologist and Business Coach to ensure other neurodivergent people get all the support they need to build for success.   Find out more and connect with Andy: andy@reddycoaching.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyreddy/

    43 min

  5. 03/23/2023

    22. S3, Ep3: Ric Clarke the Data man from Edinburgh on Anaplan modelling, autism, ADHD and advocating in Scotland

    Ric Clarke shares his journey of being diagnosed first as ADHD, then last year as autistic (and with probable dyspraxia thrown in!) We talk about his love of running, being both left and right handed and the expectations of needing to do well as his siblings at school, and working hard, but not reaching the expected goals. Ric found his talent in data and Anaplan modelling within the building industry, where he also advocates for neurodivergent people in the workplace, showing that we all have so much to give. He is interested in inclusion and working together to make an equal society, while working with skills and challenges and supporting mental health.  Ric is also a welfare officer at his running club, has an interest in supplements to boost executive function and gut health, has joined the Lived Experience Panel in Scotland, and is working towards getting a Commissioner within government.   Find out more about Ric and connect with him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riccymiccy

    56 min

  6. 03/16/2023

    21. S3, Ep2: How justice runs through the very core of this multiply neurodivergent advocate

    Cora Burke has had many challenges in her life as a surviving twin born with epilepsy, who experienced tough early years growing up in a specialist unit away from her parents. But this, and other life-changing challenges, never stopped Cora from being highly adaptable and extremely determined. Now Cora has had enough. Enough of inequality. Enough of autistic and other neurodivergent people not being treated fairly in the home, education and justice systems or the workplace. And she’s doing something about it. Cora tells us that, no matter how difficult our lives can be, we can fight for what we believe in. Neurorebellion is such a cause for good. Listen to this inspiring and thought-provoking conversation to hear what it really means when we talk about taking action to help others in the field of Neurodiversity.   Find and connect with Cora: https://www.frascatiassociates.com https://www.neurorebellion.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjaburke/

    45 min

  7. 03/09/2023

    20. S3, Ep1: PhD student Jessica Dark talks late diagnosis, neurodivergent families, and advocating for our community

    Currently studying a PhD in organisational psychology and neuro-inclusive practices in education and the workplace, Jessica Dark has done much to support the Neurodivergent Community over many years. She is an incredible producer of educational and inspirational content on social media, and I have learned so much from this generous advocate for our neurodivergent community. In this episode, she talks about her late diagnosis journey, life in a neurodivergent family, and her experience of being an advocate. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did recording it!   Find out more about Jessica and connect: Website: https://ndperspective.squarespace.com/ Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100045718560338/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-dark

    50 min

  8. 03/31/2022

    18. S2, Ep8. Podcaster and YouTuber Melly Moore talks about her ADHD and anxiety journey and workplace challenges

    Melly Moore is a Podcaster and YouTuber from Quebec, Canada. In this episode she talks about her ADHD and anxiety journey and challenges in the workplace, and gives a special message for change. With difficult challenges throughout her life, Melly has chosen to help others within the Neurodivergent and Mental Health Community. We talk about how hard school was for her as an ADHDer, bullying, family struggles and more. She started meds at aged six, then came off them at fourteen, believing they were a placebo. Her sheer determination shows us that when we keep pushing forward we can succeed in the things we want to do.  Melly has so much passion and enthusiasm, and her smile and personality shines through. An inspiring and engaging conversation.   Melly's YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UCt8a9Btiy62kYUeCCnlVlzw  Her TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZML98UE6G/ Her Instagram: https://instagram.com/adhdmelly  Her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melly-moore

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Incredible life stories of Neurodivergent people sharing what it‘s like to live on different spectrums with many traits. Autistic, ADHD, Dyspraxic, Dyscalculic, Tourettes and OCD guests tell us about their childhoods, education, work and personal life - and how their mental health has been impacted by being wired differently.

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