Neurodivergent Report

Sarah Russell and Hind AlEnezi
  • 4.0 (3)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

The Neurodivergent Report is a podcast for ADHDers, autistic adults, and anyone exploring adult neurodivergence. We share expert interviews, personal stories, and evidence-based insights on mental health and neurodivergence, identity reconstruction, executive dysfunction, emotional regulation, trauma recovery, neurodivergent communication, and symptom management for hEDS and other co-occurring conditions. This is a space for neurodivergent community support, curiosity, and compassionate conversation. Thanks for still being here!

  1. Jul 21

    64: Late-Diagnosed ADHD: Why Labels Shouldn't Become Prisons

    What if the goal isn’t to find the perfect label... but to understand yourself well enough that the label becomes an asset instead of a limitation? This is a conversation with physician, pathologist, and coach Sabine O’Laughlin; we talk about adult neurodivergence, identity reconstruction, executive functioning, and the invisible systems many of us create just to keep life running. Sabine shares how decades of believing she simply “needed more discipline” eventually led her to recognize time blindness, impulsivity, and energy management in an entirely new way. One of my favorite moments is when she explains that before you can pivot, you first have to be willing to acknowledge where you actually are. That idea stayed with me long after we stopped recording. Curious what else is inside? Learn how to use your diagnosis to help inform and transform your lifeHow late-diagnosed ADHD changed Sabine’s understanding of time blindness, hyperfocus, & fatigue How to use a playlist as a to-do list How menopause sabotaged all the coping mechanisms that had worked for yearsPractical grounding techniques to try and help regulate the body and brain during stressful moments This episode might resonate if you: Were diagnosed with ADHD or autism later in life and are making sense of your pastFeel like productivity advice never seems to work for your brain Struggle with time blindness, impulsivity, or staying consistent with routines Are rebuilding your identity while navigating neurodivergence, chronic illness, or major life transitions This conversation reminded me how often neurodivergent adults spend years forcing themselves into systems that do not feel safe for them. The answer isn’t finding more motivation, it’s about adapting your systems. Whether that’s replacing a to-do list with something your brain actually enjoys, creating routines that work for your entire nervous system instead of triggering it, or simply giving yourself permission to stop measuring success by someone else’s standards, those small changes can completely shift how everyday life feels. That’s exactly the kind of work I help clients do in coaching. If you’re looking for support creating sustainable systems that actually feel good: ⁠https://www.ndreportpod.com/coaching⁠ Connect with Sabine O’Laughlin Website: https://sabine-olaughlin.com/ Podcast: Ancestral Autopsy ⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/4lmcmJIGReu1eEkvp473pE?si=9d408a41882f4cbc

  2. Jul 8

    63: Neurodivergent Health: Your Environment Matters More Than You Think

    This episode completely validates the bidirectional relationship between our bodies, our environments, and the stories we tell ourselves about what we can or cannot do. We got into how our external climate can completely change someone's experience of disability, chronic pain, and neurodivergent health. And honestly, I am still wondering if many of us are trying to fix ourselves instead of asking whether our surroundings actually support us. We talk about adult neurodivergence, chronic pain, and identity reconstruction, especially for neurodivergent adults trying to build a life that works with their nervous system instead of constantly fighting it. Curious what else is inside: Why your environment can have a profound impact on chronic pain, energy, and neurodivergent emotional health How Mikael's "1% Rule" offers a sustainable approach to personal growth without chasing perfection Why diagnostic labels can provide valuable information without defining who you are There is a powerful moment where Mikael describes moving from Sweden to Thailand and realizing that decades of chronic pain weren't simply something he had to accept forever. This episode might resonate if you: Feel like you're constantly pushing through environments and activities that leave you exhausted or dysregulated Are learning to harness your adult neurodivergence despite chronic illness, disability, or mental health challenges Are rebuilding your identity after a diagnosis or searching for support as a neurodivergent individual This is something I see a lot in coaching too.  Many neurodivergent adults assume they're struggling because they aren't disciplined enough, when what they're really missing is an environment that supports their nervous system. We spend so much time adapting ourselves that we rarely stop to ask whether our home, work, relationships, or routines are actually designed for our wellbeing. If that is you, remember that creating a life that fits your brain and body isn't giving up. It's one of the most compassionate things you can do for your long-term mental health and neurodivergence journey. If you're looking for support with that: 👉 https://www.ndreportpod.com/coaching Looking for Mikael Avatar? https://mikaelavatar.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@MikaelAvatarStjernvall https://www.instagram.com/mikaelavatar/

    63: Neurodivergent Health: Your Environment Matters More Than You Think

  3. Jun 23

    62: What is Art Therapy & How to make ugly art w/ Jackie Schuld

    This episode is full of instructions and strategies for creating an accessible art therapy practice. We got into the fundamentals of art therapy and its intersection with radical acceptance; this will be especially valuable for anyone curious about how various creative modalities can help us process what talk therapy sometimes misses. Curious what else is inside:  Why creating "intentionally ugly" art is a powerful exercise in moving through discomfort How to look at emotional waves as a reality to accommodate rather than a problem to solve Practical, cheap ways to invite creativity & experimentation back into your routine using what’s already in your home There is a beautiful breakthrough moment where Jackie explains that the goal isn't about the final product on the wall, but watching how you handle the process of making it. And another where we unpack how we desperately need transition buffers instead of expecting our brains to instantly pivot from chaos to calm. This episode might resonate if you:  Constantly spiral into perfectionism or feel uncomfortable when a project looks messy  Feel overwhelmed by tools and choices to the point of creative paralysis Are looking for somatic, experiential ways to release stuck emotional energy This is something I see a lot in coaching too.  We get so trapped in the planning and analyzing phase of our lives that we completely strip away our own permission to just mess around, investigate, and see what happens without a grade attached to it. If that is you, remember that you don't have to execute perfectly on every single thought to be a valid, creative human. It is entirely okay to just let things be experimental. If you're looking for support with that: 👉 https://www.ndreportpod.com/coaching Looking for Jackie Schuld?  Website: https://www.jackieschuld.com/ Books: https://medium.com/@jackieschuld https://jackieschuld.substack.com/ https://www.jackieschuld.com/books

    62: What is Art Therapy & How to make ugly art w/ Jackie Schuld

  4. Jun 9

    61: Anti-Fat Bias, Autism & Intersectionality with Zoe John-Kay

    This convo has me thinking about how often we size up those we interact with, be it subconscious or intentional. We talk gender identity, intersectionality, and autism; imagine the freedom that comes from approaching confusion with curiosity instead of trying to force compliance. Curious what else is inside: • What is anti-fat bias and why it's harmful for every body size • How identity exploration can be approached gently • Tune in for a powerful analogy for understanding communication differences between neurodivergent and neurotypical people This episode might resonate if you: • Have ever felt rejected and struggled to understand why • Are exploring your identity, diagnosis, gender, sexuality, or place in the world • Want a more compassionate framework for understanding yourself and others In coaching, I attract people who feel pressure to "fix" themselves as quickly as possible. They want certainty, a label, or a final answer. But self-understanding is usually much messier than that. If this feels like you, you do not need to have everything figured out today. Practice makes progress. If you're looking for support with that: 👉 Neurodivergence Coaching with Sarah Looking for Zoe John-Kay? Website: therapywithzoe.co.uk Instagram: @therapy_with_zoe https://substack.com/@unrulybodyminds Resources: Podcast: At The Intersection, Turn Left Book mentioned: Working Within Diversity by Myira Khan

    61: Anti-Fat Bias, Autism & Intersectionality with Zoe John-Kay

  5. May 13

    60: ADHD, Burnout & Chronic Pain: How the Nervous System Lives in the Body

    This episode really made me think about my bendy body in a new way. We got into how the body and mind are connected through fascia, and honestly it transformed how I understand things like stress, ADHD, and nervous system healing. We talk about fascia, embodiment, and neurodivergence, especially for people who feel stuck in their heads or overwhelmed by their feelings. Curious what else is inside: Why “just breathe” advice does not always work on its own How ADHD brains need physical action to understand and process things The idea that your body is more fluid than solid, and why that mattersThere is a moment where we realize that mental overwhelm might actually be unprocessed physical tension in the body. And another where it clicks that movement is not just exercise, it is a way to process emotions. This episode might resonate if you: Feel overwhelmed by your thoughts or emotions Struggle to stay consistent unless something works right away Deal with chronic pain, fatigue, or symptoms that feel unexplained This is something I see a lot in coaching too. People try to solve everything in their minds and keep collecting information, but they do not have a way to actually use it to move forward. If that is you, you are not failing nor are you broken. You might just need a more body based way to approach life. If you're looking for compassionate support with that: 👉https://www.ndreportpod.com/coaching Website: gstbody.comInstagram: @gstbody & @annarahe

    60: ADHD, Burnout & Chronic Pain: How the Nervous System Lives in the Body

  6. Apr 29

    59: Meditation 101 for Neurodivergent Minds: How to Start + Why It Works w/ Kelly Smith

    Featuring: Kelly Smith, meditation teacher, author, and host of Mindful in Minutes We've all been told to try meditation. But some of our brains rebel against us when we try: your brain won’t slow down, your thoughts get louder, and it feels impossible. What if the problem isn’t you… but how meditation has been taught? In this episode, we explore: The “I Can’t Meditate” Moment: Sarah and Kelly reflect on initially rejecting meditation as something their brains couldn’t do. The “Workaround / Framework”: Meditation as single-pointed focus (not “emptying your mind”) — and why short, guided practices work best for neurodivergent brains. Protecting Your Peace: How the nervous system, the 90-second stress response, and constant stimulation keep us stuck in fight-or-flight. The Unexpected Human Detail: Goat cheese metaphors, self-doubt, and a real conversation about learning to be kinder to yourself. Key Questions Answered in the Audio: How to build a meditation practice for ADHD brains?What actually happens in your brain when you meditate for 8 weeks?What is the purpose of meditation for neurodivergent people? Resources Mentioned: Kelly Smith’s podcast, Mindful in Minutes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyuAzAFsNzcypnAa1XSlnog Kelly’s Website: http://yogaforyouonline.com/ Connect With Us! ndreportpod.com/contact Follow us on all the socials @NDreportpod

    59: Meditation 101 for Neurodivergent Minds: How to Start + Why It Works w/ Kelly Smith

  7. Apr 8

    58: Neurodiversity at Work: A Clinician Explains Why Workplace Accommodations Go Wrong & How to Do Better

    Featuring: Matthew Seneshen, clinical counselor & educator specializing in neurodiversity and workplace mental health How do you survive at work when the system expects you to prove you’re struggling before it offers help? In this episode, we explore: Neurodiversity & Identity Early diagnosis, dysgraphia, and processing differences Shifting from “broken” to understanding neurodivergence as natural variation Workplace Reality Why accommodations often fail in real-world settings The gap between inclusive policies and actual day-to-day experiences Stigma, “othering,” and the pressure to self-disclose Systems & Models Medical model vs. social model of disability Introducing the biopsychosocial approach to workplace support Why workplaces struggle to implement meaningful change Universal Design & Solutions Moving from individual accommodations to universal workplace design Collaborative, proactive support instead of reactive gatekeeping Why supporting all workers improves outcomes (and retention) Self-Advocacy & Boundaries How to communicate needs without over-pathologizing yourself Knowing your “line” at work before burnout hits Navigating conflict with managers and systems Mental Health & Meaning Separating your worth from productivity Values-based work and identity outside of your job Grief, burnout, and rebuilding a sense of self Key Questions Answered in the Audio: Why do workplaces require proof of struggle before offering support? How do you know in advance if an accommodation will be helpful or sustainable? How do you advocate for yourself without oversharing or stigmatizing yourself? https://walktalkcounselling.com/aboutEmail: Contact@walktalkcounselling.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-seneshen-5347ab172/ Connect With Us! ndreportpod.com Follow us on all the socials @NDreportpod

    58: Neurodiversity at Work: A Clinician Explains Why Workplace Accommodations Go Wrong & How to Do Better

  8. Apr 3

    57: Chronic Pain & ADHD: Janet Jay Explains How Community Support Makes Life Easier

    Featuring: Janet Jay, writer and advocate exploring intersection of chronic pain, ADHD, and community care How do you navigate life when your body and your brain aren’t cooperating & there’s no system in place to provide support? In this episode, we explore: Chronic Pain & ADHD Overlap between chronic pain and ADHD Adult ADHD diagnosis and identity shift Navigating Systems Barriers within the healthcare system Using technology/AI to manage care and information Community & Support Community as a survival tool Finding and building supportive networks Coping & Regulation Practical coping tools and workarounds Creative practices as regulation (knitting, art, movement) Life Integration Parenting, emotional regulation, and nervous system support Grief, resilience, and meaning-making Building a life that works with your limitations, not against them Key Questions Answered in the Audio: How do you build a meaningful life when your body and brain both create barriers? What actually helps when the healthcare system fails you? How do you find (or build) community that truly gets it? Resources Mentioned: JanetJay.com (blog, tools, and upcoming projects)The US Pain Foundation + The Invisible Project magazine: https://uspainfoundation.org/Our Painful Truth: https://www.youtube.com/@OurPainfulTruthConnect With Us! ndreportpod.com Follow us on socials @NDreportpod

    57: Chronic Pain & ADHD: Janet Jay Explains How Community Support Makes Life Easier
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4
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Neurodivergent Report is a podcast for ADHDers, autistic adults, and anyone exploring adult neurodivergence. We share expert interviews, personal stories, and evidence-based insights on mental health and neurodivergence, identity reconstruction, executive dysfunction, emotional regulation, trauma recovery, neurodivergent communication, and symptom management for hEDS and other co-occurring conditions. This is a space for neurodivergent community support, curiosity, and compassionate conversation. Thanks for still being here!

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Russell and Hind AlEnezi
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sarah Russell and Hind AlEnezi
  • Show Website
    Neurodivergent Report