Minds that Think Differently: Reframing Neurodivergence Disability and Mental Health

Amanda Murphy

Minds That Think Differently is a podcast hosted by 16-year-old autistic advocate Amanda Murphy. Drawing on her own lived experiences, Amanda educates listeners about neurodivergence, disability, and mental health while challenging stigma and promoting understanding. This podcast is for everyone, whether you are neurodivergent, suspect you might be, want to support someone else in your life, or just want to learn more. Amanda strives to provide well-researched, accessible, and informative content. Join us in creating a world that better understands and supports people who think differently.

  1. Oct 20

    Ep. 19: Rituals and Routines in Neurodivergent People

    What are rituals and Routines in the context of neurodivergence? Rituals and routines are things we all do. We all have a morning routine or a bedtime routine, but for neurodivergent people these rituals and routines can be stronger and more noticeable and necessary. In this episode of Minds That Think Differently we will cover:  What rituals and routines actually are and the difference between them Examples of rituals and routinesWhy rituals and routines are so important to neurodivergent people and the purpose of themWhat happens when routines are disrupted and what happens when they keep being disrupted How to make rituals and routines as a neurodivergent personThe types of rituals and routinesWhat to do when a routine stops working for youHow rituals and routines change across your lifeDifference between healthy and harmful rituals and routinesThe difference between rituals routines and compulsions The difference between preference and necessity in rituals and routinesRituals and routines during burnoutHow to support others with rituals and routinesThrough this episode you will come to understand why rituals and routines are so important to neurodivergent people you will learn how to identify your own rituals and routines and you will understand the purpose of rituals and routines and be able to identify if it’s necessary and healthy Want to learn more about autism listen to episode 16 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-16-autism-explained-a-deep-dive-into-traits/id6785985912?i=1000792194351  Want to learn more about ADHD? Listen to episode 17 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-17-adhd-explained-a-deep-dive-into-executive/id6785985912?i=1000793425410  Want to learn more about what autism and adhd actually look like listen to episode 4 Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-4-what-autism-and-adhd-actually-look-like-traits/id6785985912?i=1000775792288  Email me with stories questions or if you would like to be a guest  connect@thinkdifferentpod.com  Find more information and full transcripts at my website  thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com  Join the community to start seeing the world a little differently  the-mind-map.beehiiv.com  If you aren’t already listening on YouTube my YouTube channel is Minds That Think Differently I post full episodes and clips  https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=yQgSMsZ7rZ8yxYxO

  2. Oct 13

    Ep. 18: Models of Disability Medical, Social and Beyond

    Is there a right model or perfect model of disability? In this episode of Minds That Think Differently we will cover: ​what a model of disability is​why models of disability are important​the medical model which emphasizes understanding an impairment and treating or limiting it through medical technology ​ the social model which emphasizes looking at social physical and institutional barriers that restrict access and participation for disabled people ​the tragedy model which views disability as a personal misfortune or tragedy ​the charity model which views disabled people as needing help and being dependent ​the biopsychosocial model which emphasizes that social and biological and psychological components all contribute to disability not just one ​the expert model emphasizes the role of experts in helping support disabled people ​ the human rights model which emphasizes that disabled people deserve rights and equality​the social identity or cultural model views disabled people as having their own culture and that they are a category of people and it's not just medical or social​the economic model focuses on how disability affects employment and focuses on barriers to disabled people being able to work ​the affirmation or identity model views disability as a positive and as an integral part of the person's identity and it reframes disability as being a natural part of human diversity  Through this episode we will reframe the idea of disability and we will discuss whether there is one right or perfect model the benefits and drawbacks of certain models,  how the model of disability we use affects disabled people in their daily lives, and what models disabled people actually prefer. Throughout this episode you will learn about the different ways people think about disability and challenge your views on what disability means and which model of disability you see disability through and you will be able to apply these models to society and the way disabled people are treated in society.  Correction: in this episode I was talking about the biopsychosocial model as the model of disability that encompasses biological psychological and social aspects of disability not the biopsychological model. Want to learn more about invisible disability? Listen to invisible disability part 1 foundations  Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/episode/48DYNMjsBh7hCc192tjJ8R?si=nuUaq6htTfS35Dfjjbwl1Q  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-11-invisible-disabilities-part-1-the-foundations/id6785985912?i=1000785767853  Want to learn more about how the medical tragedy and charity models of disability affect disabled people and contribute to harmful stereotypes? Listen to episode 7  Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dszuQOxK5VywyP8rtQNqU?si=Nq-Xll-FR6C-mLuQCpgYWg  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-7-debunking-myths-and-misconceptions-about-mental/id6785985912?i=1000778699938  Listen to podcast and shorts on YouTube - Minds That Think Differently  https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=BAJ8E_avet7Hjwmh  Email me  connect@thinkdifferentpod.com Find more information, ways to listen, and transcripts on my website thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com

  3. Oct 6

    Ep. 17: ADHD Explained: A Deep Dive Into Executive Function Attention Subtypes and More

    In this episode we will be deep diving into ADHD. A lot of people only think of one version of ADHD when really there are many different presentations and it’s quite complex. In this episode we will cover  What ADHD actually is and the subtypes Diagnostic criteria for ADHDWhat executive functioning is Going into each executive functioning skill including working memory impulse control time management emotional regulation attention regulationMotivation and dopamineTime blindness How ADHD shows up in girls and women Strengths and challenges of having ADHDMedicationADHD in relationships and in adulthoodADHD burnoutStrategies to use as an ADHDer and supporting someone else with ADHDThe symbol of ADHDADHD awareness month This episode will give you a more nuanced understanding of what ADHD actually is and will help you learn and understand more about ADHD. So whether you are an ADHDer you are supporting someone else who is or just want to learn more this episode is for you.  Want to learn more about what ADHD looks like listen to episode 4 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-4-what-autism-and-adhd-actually-look-like-traits/id6785985912?i=1000775792288  Want to learn more about hyperfixations? Listen to episode 10 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-10-special-interests-and-hyperfixations/id6785985912?i=1000784100749  Want to learn more about rituals and routines? Listen to episode 19 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-19-rituals-and-routines-in-neurodivergent-people/id6785985912?i=1000797242830  Email me with stories questions or if you would like to be a guest  connect@thinkdifferentpod.com  Find more information and full transcripts at my website  thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com  Join the community to start seeing the world a little differently  the-mind-map.beehiiv.com  If you aren’t already listening on YouTube my YouTube channel is Minds That Think Differently I post full episodes and clips  https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=yQgSMsZ7rZ8yxYxO

  4. Sep 29

    Ep. 16: Autism Explained: A Deep Dive Into Traits Support Needs Diagnosis Masking and More

    This episode is my first deep dive and we are deep diving into autism. As an Autistic person myself I bring my unique lived experience along with a lot of research to this deep dive on autism in this episode we cover: What Autism isDiagnostic criteria of Autism How Autism can present differently in girls women and minoritiesHistory of AutismStrengths and challenges of being AutisticTerminology you should use when talking about AutismMy personal experienceSupport needs and how there are so many different presentations of Autism across the Autism spectrumSocial communication challengesThe need for routinesMasking StimmingThe controversy around ABA therapy The symbol of Autism and the evolution of the symbol Helpful and harmful autism organizations The difference between autism awareness and autism acceptance Myths misconceptions and stereotypes around autismHow to support autistic people and strategies you can use if you are autisticThis episode is a good deep dive and a great way to learn more about autism. Whether you are autistic know someone who is or just want to learn more through listening to this episode you will gain a deeper understanding of Autism and the nuances in this condition. Autism isn’t a black and white condition and it has many different presentations among people remember if you’ve met one autistic person you’ve met one autistic person  Interested in learning more about Autism misconceptions? listen to episode 4 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-4-what-autism-and-adhd-actually-look-like-traits/id6785985912?i=1000775792288  Interested in learning more about special interests and hyperfixations listen to episode 10  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-10-special-interests-and-hyperfixations/id6785985912?i=1000784100749  Interested in learning more about sensory sensitivity listen to episode 2 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-2-sensory-sensitivity-and-overstimulation/id6785985912?i=1000774877049  Interested in learning more about masking? Listen to episode 3 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-3-masking-and-camouflaging-explained-why/id6785985912?i=1000774877074  Interested in learning more about routines listen to episode 19 Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-19-rituals-and-routines-in-neurodivergent-people/id6785985912?i=1000797242830  Interested in learning more about meltdowns shutdowns and burnout? Listen to episode 5 Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-5-burnout-meltdowns-and-shutdowns/id6785985912?i=1000776754774  Email me with stories questions or if you would like to be a guest  connect@thinkdifferentpod.com  Find more information and full transcripts at my website  thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com  Join the community to start seeing the world a little differently  the-mind-map.beehiiv.com  If you aren’t already listening on YouTube my YouTube channel is Minds That Think Differently I post full episodes and clips  https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=yQgSMsZ7rZ8yxYxO

  5. Sep 22

    Ep. 15: Getting a Diagnosis and Self Diagnosis: What to Do After Getting a Diagnosis

    Getting a diagnosis can change your whole life. It changes how you think about your life and live your life, that’s why it’s so important to be able to access diagnosis and get accurate diagnoses. In this episode of Minds That Think Differently we will cover: What the general assessment process is like for various neurotypes including the emotional impact of taking the assessment and what assessments can look likeWhy people want a diagnosis and what it means to themWhat a diagnosis actually is and what it doesBarriers to getting a diagnosis Misdiagnosis Self diagnosis and self identification and what well researched self diagnosis looks like Early vs late diagnosisWhat happens after you receive your diagnosis What if people deny or don’t think your diagnosis is correct Myths and misconceptions about diagnosis How to find a neurodivergent community after diagnosis both online and in person communitiesThis episode will help you understand why diagnoses are so important and what exactly they do and their purpose. If you have just been diagnosed this will also help you with the emotional rollercoaster that usually comes with getting a diagnosis and gives you some next steps for if you have just gotten diagnosed. It will also help you understand what self diagnosis is and why there are so many barriers to getting a diagnosis  Want to learn more about neurodivergence listen to episode 1 Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1-what-is-neurodivergence-a-beginner-friendly/id6785985912?i=1000774877103  Want to learn more about lesser known neurodivergent identities listen to episode 6 Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-6-lesser-known-neurodivergent-identities/id6785985912?i=1000777553744  Want to learn about accommodations listen to episode 9 Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-9-understanding-accommodations-ieps-504-plans-and/id6785985912?i=1000782740318  Email me with stories questions or if you would like to be a guest  connect@thinkdifferentpod.com  Find more information and full transcripts at my website  thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com  Join the community to start seeing the world a little differently  the-mind-map.beehiiv.com  If you aren’t already listening on YouTube my YouTube channel is Minds That Think Differently I post full episodes and clips  https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=yQgSMsZ7rZ8yxYxO

  6. Sep 15

    Ep. 14: Why Neurodivergent Students Struggle so Much in School and What We Can do About It

    The school system wasn’t designed with neurodivergent students in mind, so neurodivergent students have a lot of unique struggles in school. In this episode we will talk about What schools expect of students and why these expectations can be harmful to neurodivergent studentsSpecific struggles neurodivergent students face in school like social struggles masking sensory environments executive dysfunction and moreTwice exceptional students and the unique struggles they faceThe emotional impact of school and how it can lead to burnout and school avoidanceStrengths neurodivergent students bring to the classroomSpecific accommodations and changes that can be made to the classroom and education system to better support neurodivergent students Some alternatives to the mainstream like UDL or universal design for learning as a framework, neuroinclusive schools, homeschooling, online schools Specific steps that students teachers and parents can take to make classrooms more inclusive for neurodivergent studentsThe future of education for neurodivergent students Whether you are neurodivergent an educator a parent or just want to learn more this episode will teach you more about how the mainstream education system creates a lot of challenges for neurodivergent students and creates significant barriers to their participation in schools, we also examine how we can change and adapt the classroom environment to better support neurodivergent students. Want to learn more about accommodations? listen to episode 9 Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-9-understanding-accommodations-ieps-504-plans-and/id6785985912?i=1000782740318  Want to learn more about what neurodivergence is? listen to episode 1 Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1-what-is-neurodivergence-a-beginner-friendly/id6785985912?i=1000774877103  Email me with questions stories or if you want to be a guest connect@thinkdifferentpod.com  Find more information and transcripts on my website Thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com  Join the mailing list to start seeing the world a little differently  the-mind-map.beehiiv.com  If you aren’t already listening on YouTube check out my YouTube channel Minds That Think Differently  https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=gZ8_U0sg_H1zuIWi

  7. Sep 8

    Ep. 13: Invisible Disabilities Part 3: Neurological Neurodevelopmental Communication Sensory Sleep

    Neurological and Neurodevelopmental disabilities are often invisible as well as sleep sensory and some communication invisible disabilities. In this episode we will be covering Epilepsy a neurological condition tha causes seizures Migraines FND or functional neurological disorder where there is an issue with how the brain and body send and receive signalsTBI or traumatic brain injury caused by a head woundParkinson’s which has some visible symptoms but it can also be invisibleDementia a group of progressive conditions that involve memory lossHuntington's disease which can be an invisible disability in the early stagesNarcolepsy where someone falls asleep at inappropriate timesAphasia which involves difficulty processing and understanding messagesSocial communication disorderStuttering intermittent interruptions in the pattern of speech flow Non verbal learning disability DyslexiaFetal alcohol spectrum disorder a wide variety of symptoms caused by being exposed to alcohol in the wombIdiopathic hypersomnia excessive daytime sleepiness and unrefreshing sleepSevere sleep apnea severe disturbances in breathing during sleep Hyperacusis everyday sounds are painful  DeafBlindCystic fibrosis mucus build up in organsPTSDThe invisible disabilities sunflower From this episode you will learn more about neurological and neurodevelopmental invisible disabilities as well as sleep sensory and communication invisible disabilities. While the point of this series wasn’t to cover every invisible disability I covered as many common ones as I could but I’m open to more episodes. Through this episode you will gain a greater understanding of these invisible disabilities and some of the myths surrounding them and what you can do to support people living with these invisible disabilities. Enjoyed this episode and want to learn more about invisible disabilities listen to part 2 of the series episode 12 Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-12-invisible-disabilities-part-2-physical-invisible/id6785985912?i=1000787178326  Listen to part 1 of the invisible disabilities series episode 11 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ  Apple Podcasts  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-11-invisible-disabilities-part-1-the-foundations/id6785985912?i=1000785767853  Email me with questions stories or if you want to be a guest connect@thinkdifferentpod.com  Find more information and transcripts on my website Thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com  Join the mailing list to start seeing the world a little differently  the-mind-map.beehiiv.com  If you aren’t already listening on YouTube check out my YouTube channel Minds That Think Differently  https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=gZ8_U0sg_H1zuIWi

About

Minds That Think Differently is a podcast hosted by 16-year-old autistic advocate Amanda Murphy. Drawing on her own lived experiences, Amanda educates listeners about neurodivergence, disability, and mental health while challenging stigma and promoting understanding. This podcast is for everyone, whether you are neurodivergent, suspect you might be, want to support someone else in your life, or just want to learn more. Amanda strives to provide well-researched, accessible, and informative content. Join us in creating a world that better understands and supports people who think differently.