Neurodivergent, Not Broken

Sam Nelson
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Sometimes what we need most isn't advice . It's to feel less alone. I'm Sam (she/her) - hairstylist, mom of two, and a late diagnosed ADHDer. My husband is Autistic + ADHD, and together we are raising our unique neurodivergent family. On Neurodivergent, Not Broken, we share real stories about AHHD, Autism, marriage, parenting, meltdowns, sensory needs, meltdowns, mental health, and everything in between. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, raising ND kids, or love someone who is - this is a space for real stories, reflection, and connection that helps us feel less alone.

  1. 11/24/2025

    The Holidays Can Be Hard

    In this episode, we talk about why the holidays can be overwhelming for neurodivergent folks. We cover the social norms that drain us, how to prepare ahead of time, ways to advocate in the moment, and why rest and recovery after gatherings are essential (not optional). If this season already feels like a lot, you’re not alone. Website: https://www.neurodivergentnotbroken.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentnotbroken/ Substack: https://substack.com/@neurodivergentnotbroken

    27 min

  2. 11/11/2025

    When Sensory Needs Don't Match

    What happens when one of us needs quiet and another needs noise? In this episode, I share what our home looked like five years ago, before I understood sensory differences through a neurodivergent lens—and how that understanding changed everything. I talk about: Shifting from “behaviors” to needs How language and modeling matter more than perfection Managing expectations when sensory profiles collide The both-and of overstimulation and needing input Real-life things that help (headphones, breaks, “I’m overdone right now”) It’s about seeing what’s beneath the behavior and responding with respect, compassion, and care, not shame. I’d love to learn a little more about who’s here and what matters most to you. Fill out the Community Survey here: https://www.neurodivergentnotbroken.com/community-survey If you like to read, come on over to our Substack: https://substack.com/@neurodivergentnotbroken

    13 min

  3. 11/03/2025

    The Impact of Diagnosis on Mental Health | Autism & ADHD

    Content warning: Mentions of suicidality Skip times : 26:19–26:44 and 40:56–42:21.In this very vulnerable episode , Scott and I talk about his autism diagnosis and what it’s meant for his mental health. He shares how validating a diagnosis can be, the real-world challenges of navigating work with ADHD and autism, and why clear communication and context matter so much in relationships. Scott opens up about sensory management, emotional highs and lows, and why we’re sharing our story—to help someone else feel less alone. We acknowledge that formal assessment access is unequal—self-diagnosis is valid, and your lived experience matters. If you’re in the U.S. and need support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). If outside the U.S., please reach out to your local crisis line or someone you trust. How you can support us: Subscribe on Substack: https://substack.com/@neurodivergentnotbroken Follow on IG:https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentnotbroken/ Share this episode! Join our Group Support Space: https://calendly.com/neurodivergentnotbroken/neurodivergent-not-broken-support-space

    59 min

  4. 10/21/2025 · BONUS

    When I Want To… But Can’t

    Sometimes you just don’t have the capacity for the things you want to do. In this episode I talk about Spoon Theory, metaphor created by Christine Miserandino to explain what it’s like to live with chronic illness, disability, or limited energy. If you've ever felt guilty for canceling plans, saying no, or needing rest, this one's for you. Read the written version on Substack:https://open.substack.com/pub/neurodivergentnotbroken/p/when-i-want-to-but-cant?r=8ndp2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

    7 min

  5. 10/15/2025

    Embracing Neurodiversity in Education with Kati Ranae

    I chat with Kati Ranae about neurodiversity in education! We touch on: ADHD/autismHyperlexia & gestalt language processing (GLP)Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS)Diagnosis barriers, and medication + mental health. She highlight why universal accommodations and safe classrooms help everyone, and how masking, faculty roles, and family support shape real student experiences. Press play for practical, compassionate, first-hand insights. CW/TW (non-graphic): bullying; ED history; self-harm/SI; PTSD; anxiety. Skip: 13:40–16:30; ~19:20–24:20; ~23:56–24:20. Follow Neurodivergent, Not Broken on Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentnotbroken/ Read the latest blog on Substack: https://substack.com/@neurodivergentnotbroken?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

    1h 20m

  6. 10/10/2025 · BONUS

    It Was Never About the Chewing

    In this short bonus episode, I share a personal story about my daughter’s sensory needs — and how understanding her helped me see myself differently too. It’s about regulation, shame, and the moments that shift everything. https://calendly.com/neurodivergentnotbroken/sensory-validation-accommodations-workshop

    4 min

  7. 10/05/2025

    Making Space for Sensory Needs

    We don’t all process the world the same way. In this episode, Sam (ADHD) and Scott (Autistic + ADHD) share real stories of sensory clash and connection: restaurants where every conversation floods Scott’s attention, why certain clothes tank his mood, how “just go to the beach” can be sensory hell, and the very real need for recovery time after social or sensory overload. We get into validation vs. downplaying, boundaries, and accommodations that keep us on the same team. If you’ve ever been told to “just ignore it,” this one’s for you. What we cover Why “different” ≠ “overreacting” (sound, texture, temperature, space) Background sound, clothing, tags, heat, sunscreen, and why beach days can be sensory hell Validation over minimizing (“it’s fine, just eat it”) Kids, autonomy, and why exposure isn’t always the answer Recovery time (shutdown/meltdown, regulation, and repair) How we plan accommodations before/during/after an event https://calendly.com/neurodivergentnotbroken/sensory-validation-accommodations-workshop: https://calendly.com/neurodivergentnotbroken/sensory-validation-accommodations-workshop Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentnotbroken/

    55 min

  8. 09/28/2025 · BONUS

    Sensory Differences

    A quick reflection on sensory overwhelm — how it can trigger meltdowns, require long recovery, and why pushing through isn’t the answer. Instead, validation and small accommodations can make all the difference. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ Substack: https://substack.com/@neurodivergentnotbroken?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

    5 min
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4 Ratings

About

Sometimes what we need most isn't advice . It's to feel less alone. I'm Sam (she/her) - hairstylist, mom of two, and a late diagnosed ADHDer. My husband is Autistic + ADHD, and together we are raising our unique neurodivergent family. On Neurodivergent, Not Broken, we share real stories about AHHD, Autism, marriage, parenting, meltdowns, sensory needs, meltdowns, mental health, and everything in between. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, raising ND kids, or love someone who is - this is a space for real stories, reflection, and connection that helps us feel less alone.

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