Neurodiverse Conversations with Katie and Steph

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  • 5.0 (4)
  • Parenting

Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations, the podcast where we delve into the vast and unique world of neurodiversity through candid conversations with individuals representing a spectrum of neurodivergent experiences. Join us as we navigate topics such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more, unraveling the complexities of the human brain in a respectful and enlightening manner. Katie and Steph host each episode, which features insightful discussions, personal stories, expert interviews, and practical tips to foster understanding, acceptance, and celebration of neurodiversity. Whether you are neurodivergent yourself, a caregiver, an educator, or simply curious about the diverse ways our brains work, this podcast is your space to listen, learn, and connect in a supportive and inclusive community.

Episodes

  1. Feb 17

    Navigating Transitions

    Navigating Transitions   In this episode of 'Neurodiverse Conversations,' the hosts discuss the challenges and strategies for managing transitions for neurodivergent individuals. They emphasize the need to understand person-specific factors, the importance of clear communication, and the benefits of using visuals and social stories. Practical advice such as allowing comfort items, preparing for sensory sensitivities, and establishing routines are shared to help ease transitions for both children and adults. The conversation highlights empathy and adaptability as key components in supporting neurodiverse individuals through various life transitions.   00:00 Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations 00:45 Understanding Transitions in Neurodivergent Individuals 02:40 Personal Experiences with Transitions 03:47 Helping Children with Transitions 05:58 Strategies for Managing Sensory Sensitivities 12:48 Navigating Appointments and Social Situations 17:47 Effective Communication and Visual Aids 24:10 The Importance of Comfort Items 25:55 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement   If you liked to work with Katie please reach out here : https://nourishyourlifesensory.com/   Learn more about the Living Balanced Nonprofit here: https://living-balanced.org/

    27 min

  2. Feb 10

    Retained Reflexes Part 1

    Understanding Retained Reflexes: Insights from an Occupational Therapist   In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, the focus is on retained reflexes and their impact on children's motor, sensory, and learning development. The host engages in a detailed discussion with Katie, an occupational therapist, who provides expertise on identifying and addressing retained reflexes. They cover various types of reflexes, such as the rooting, ATNR, and Moro reflexes, and explore how these reflexes should integrate within the first year of life. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of these reflexes and practical ways to identify and work on them with their children.   00:00 Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations 00:26 Introduction to Retained Reflexes 01:17 Understanding Retained Reflexes 06:43 Common Reflexes and Their Impact 17:04 Practical Exercises for Reflex Integration 24:27 Seeking Professional Help 28:10 Conclusion and Resources   Connect with Katie https://nourishyourlifesensory.com/   Connect with out Nonprofit https://living-balanced.org/

    29 min

  3. 12/22/2025

    Empowering Neurodiverse Families: The Mission of Living Balanced

    Empowering Neurodiverse Families: The Mission of Living Balanced   In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, the hosts discuss the launch and mission of the nonprofit organization Living Balanced, which aims to provide accessible support services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and mental health support to families, regardless of their financial or insurance situation. The conversation highlights the unique approach of occupational therapy in natural environments and the importance of personalized, empathetic care. Insights into the challenges of navigating insurance and the desire to create a supportive community for neurodiverse individuals and their families are also shared.     00:00 Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations 00:36 The Inspiration Behind Starting a Nonprofit 02:47 Challenges and Solutions in Accessing Therapy 04:10 Personalized Therapy Approaches 07:07 Introducing the Nonprofit's Mission 07:59 How to Access Support Through Living Balanced 12:18 The Journey into Occupational Therapy 18:31 Unique Fieldwork Experience in Ecuador 21:14 Closing Remarks and Resources   https://living-balanced.org/         https://nourishyourlifesensory.com/

    22 min

  4. 06/06/2025

    Understanding ADHD: Insights, Strategies, and Practical Tools

    Understanding ADHD: Insights, Strategies, and Practical Tools   In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, hosts Katie and Steph delve into the intricacies of ADHD, discussing its strengths, difficulties, and comprehensive diagnosis guidelines based on CDC standards. They explore the concept of impulsivity in ADHD and offer practical tips for managing it, such as exercises and sensory input strategies. Katie also highlights the significance of primitive reflex integration, describing common reflexes that may impact individuals with ADHD and suggesting exercises to improve focus and organization. Additionally, the hosts provide useful apps and tools like Google Keep, Tiny Decisions, and visual timers to help manage ADHD symptoms effectively. They emphasize the importance of understanding one's unique wiring to harness creativity and avoid impulsive decisions.   This episode is a valuable resource for those seeking to support themselves or their children in navigating ADHD.   00:00 Introduction to Neurodiverse Conversations 00:25 Recap of Previous Episode on ADHD 01:55 Understanding Impulsivity in ADHD 04:44 Primitive Reflexes and ADHD 12:16 Strategies and Accommodations for ADHD 19:23 Conclusion and Personal Experiences

    21 min

  5. 06/06/2025

    Navigating ADHD: Understanding Impulsivity, Primitive Reflexes, and Effective Strategies

    Navigating ADHD: Understanding Impulsivity, Primitive Reflexes, and Effective Strategies   In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, Katie and Steph delve deeper into ADHD, discussing its strengths and difficulties as per the CDC diagnosis guidelines. They explore the concept of impulsivity and how it manifests differently, particularly emphasizing the importance of understanding one's unique neurodiverse wiring. Katie highlights the role of primitive reflexes in ADHD-like symptoms, underscoring the need for proper occupational therapy evaluations and integrations. They also share practical strategies and tools, such as helpful apps, exercise routines, and sensory supports, to aid both children and adults in managing their ADHD effectively. Join the conversation as they offer insights and personal experiences to better navigate life with ADHD.   00:00 Introduction to Neurodiverse Conversations 00:25 Recap of Previous Episode on ADHD 01:55 Understanding Impulsivity in ADHD 04:44 Primitive Reflexes and ADHD 12:16 Strategies and Accommodations for ADHD 19:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Connect with Katie https://nourishyourlifesensory.com/

    21 min

  6. 05/29/2025

    What is ADHD??

    Understanding ADHD Through Neurodiverse Conversations   In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, the hosts delve into ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and its various implications. They emphasize that ADHD is often misunderstood and is not just about hyperactive behavior. The discussion covers how ADHD manifests differently in individuals, especially in women, and touches on the common misconceptions surrounding it. The hosts share personal stories and strategies they've developed to manage their own ADHD. They also explore the importance of exercise, sensory processing, and finding healthy ways to boost dopamine levels. Tips are provided for parents to identify ADHD symptoms in their children, as well as advice on how to support them. The episode stresses the value of understanding one's neurotype and using that knowledge to enhance one's life.   00:00 Introduction to Neurodiverse Conversations 00:45 Understanding A DHD: Misconceptions and Realities 03:43 Personal Experiences and Strategies 07:05 The Role of Medication and Personal Choices 15:09 The Importance of Dopamine and Sensory Processing 20:49 Embracing Neurodiversity: Final Thoughts 23:02 Understanding Occupational Therapy for Kids 23:29 Embracing Neurodiversity and Breaking Stigmas 23:50 The Historical Perspective on Neurotypes 24:28 Recognizing and Leveraging Individual Strengths 24:48 Challenges in Traditional Learning Environments 25:58 Identifying ADHD in Children 26:39 Inattentive ADHD Symptoms 28:58 Hyperactivity and Impulsivity in ADHD 30:45 Supporting ADHD with Tools and Strategies 36:42 Balancing Neurodiverse Relationships 39:01 Encouraging Neurodiverse Communities 41:48 Conclusion and Support Resources   Connect with Katie https://nourishyourlifesensory.com/

    42 min

  7. 05/16/2025

    Sensory first

    Understanding Sensory Regulation in Children: Tips for Parents   In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, host Steph concludes the discussion on sensory regulation introduced in last week's podcast. Katie provides an in-depth example of how sensory issues, like avoiding bath time, can impact a child's behavior. The episode explores the concept of regulation, offering practical strategies for parents to help children feel balanced and regulated. Katie also shares valuable resources, including the Ross Green approach and programs by Kelly Mallard and Autism Level Up, to assist parents in creating positive sensory experiences for their children.   00:00 Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations 00:45 Understanding Sensory Regulation 01:29 Sensory Challenges in Daily Life 04:09 Collaborative Problem Solving 05:07 Programs and Strategies for Sensory Regulation 07:09 Final Thoughts and Resources 08:16 Closing Remarks

    9 min

  8. 05/07/2025

    Is it behavior or something else?

    Understanding Our Senses and Their Impact on Behavior   In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, the hosts discuss the crucial role of sensory processing and its impacts on behavior and mood, especially in children. They delve into how the eight senses (visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory, tactile, proprioceptive, vestibular, and interoceptive) affect our daily lives. Katie, a sensory-trained occupational therapist, explains the concepts of self-regulation and co-regulation, offering insights and strategies to help children navigate sensory experiences. They also touch on the importance of sensory diets in helping children stay regulated throughout the day. This episode aims to provide parents and caregivers with a better understanding of how sensory inputs influence behavior and stress management.   00:00 Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations 00:35 Understanding the Connection Between Senses and Behavior 01:49 Introducing Katie and the Eight Senses 02:46 Self-Regulation vs. Co-Regulation 05:23 Breaking Down the Eight Senses 11:56 Sensory Input and Behavior 13:20 A Parent's Perspective on Regulation 15:15 Recap and Final Thoughts

    17 min

  9. 04/22/2025

    Learning about Occupational Therapy with Katie

    Understanding Occupational Therapy and Sensory Processing in Neurodiversity   In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, hosts Steph and Katie delve deeper into the world of occupational therapy (OT), exploring its importance and various applications. Katie explains the diverse roles OTs play in aiding both adults and children with daily living activities, sensory processing challenges, and developmental needs.   The conversation highlights the significance of neuro affirming therapy, which focuses on respecting and validating individuals' unique neurological wiring rather than trying to change them. The episode also addresses the critical role of mental health, the impact of insurance on therapy access, and provides a comprehensive list of recommended books for parents, teachers, and caregivers to better understand neurodiversity.   00:00 Introduction to Neurodiverse Conversations 00:37 Understanding Occupational Therapy (OT) 02:28 Sensory Processing Disorder and OT for Children vs. Adults 05:32 The Concept of Neuro Affirming Therapy 12:18 The Importance of Mental Health and Support 13:58 Recommended Books for Parents and Children 16:34 Conclusion and Call to Action

    17 min

  10. 04/22/2025 ·  Video

    Interviewing Katie with Nourish Your Life Sensory

    Learning From Neurodivergent Voices: The Importance of Lived Experience   This episode emphasizes the value of learning from actually autistic people and listening to neurodivergent voices. It highlights the significance of mental health and the importance of experiences and storytelling within the neurodivergent community to understand what truly works.

    12 min

  11. 04/16/2025

    Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations with Katie and Steph

    Welcome to the inaugural episode of Neurodiverse Conversations with Katie and Steph. In this episode, Katie, a neuroaffirming pediatric occupational therapist, and Steph, a mother of two neurodivergent children, introduce themselves, share their backgrounds, and discuss their personal experiences with neurodivergence. They explore the motivations behind starting this podcast and the mission to support and connect with the neurodivergent community. Katie and Steph delve into the realities of raising neurodivergent children, the importance of understanding sensory needs, and the societal perceptions that need to change. They also discuss the significance of mental health awareness in both children and adults and emphasize the need for spaces where neurodivergent individuals can thrive. Join them as they navigate the world of neurodiversity, offering insights, resources, and support for families and individuals. This episode sets the stage for future discussions on sensory integration, parenting neurodivergent children, and creating a more inclusive and accepting world for everyone.

    18 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations, the podcast where we delve into the vast and unique world of neurodiversity through candid conversations with individuals representing a spectrum of neurodivergent experiences. Join us as we navigate topics such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more, unraveling the complexities of the human brain in a respectful and enlightening manner. Katie and Steph host each episode, which features insightful discussions, personal stories, expert interviews, and practical tips to foster understanding, acceptance, and celebration of neurodiversity. Whether you are neurodivergent yourself, a caregiver, an educator, or simply curious about the diverse ways our brains work, this podcast is your space to listen, learn, and connect in a supportive and inclusive community.

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