In this episode of Alphabet Soup, Steph brings together a series of short "Back to Basics" recordings exploring the foundations of dissociation, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), and Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD).

We cover:

• What DID is and how it develops as an adaptive response to early trauma • The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for DID • How OSDD differs from DID • Common signs of dissociation, including depersonalisation, derealisation, memory differences, and identity shifts • The difference between everyday dissociation and clinically significant dissociative disorders

Steph also reflects on the intersection of plurality with autism and ADHD, and why dissociative experiences deserve space within broader neurodivergent conversations.

This episode offers a grounded starting point for anyone wanting to understand dissociation beyond media portrayals — whether for personal insight or professional learning.

As always, this content is educational and not a substitute for individual clinical advice.

Connect with Steph:

www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com

Email: [email protected]

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Facebook group- The Neurodiversity Empowerment Movement

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1258437025035170/

In this episode, Steph shares an open letter written from a place of deep rest — and reflects on why rest is not a luxury, reward, or indulgence, but a biological necessity and a birthright.

Speaking gently about urgency culture, productivity, capitalism, colonised time, and nervous system safety, this episode explores rest as an act of sovereignty, self-trust, and quiet resistance. Steph reflects on why rest can feel unsafe, how fear-based productivity keeps us disconnected from our bodies, and why listening inward can be both challenging and healing.

Rather than offering prescriptive advice, this episode invites reflection: on fluctuating capacity, micro-moments of slowing down, community care, and how we might reclaim our rhythms in a world that constantly pulls our attention outward.

This is not a call to do rest "right," but an invitation to soften, notice, and honour the body, one small moment at a time.

Connect with Steph:

www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com

Email: [email protected]

Come and join us on the socials:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sgroccupationaltherapy/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SGROccupationalTherapy

Facebook group- The Neurodiversity Empowerment Movement

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1258437025035170/

In this episode of Alphabet Soup, Steph explores the idea that consistency isn't natural and that fluctuating capacity is a normal, healthy part of being human.

Drawing on lived experience, occupational therapy practice, and a decolonial lens, Steph reflects on how capitalism, colonialism, and neuronormative expectations have shaped our beliefs about productivity, reliability, and worth. When systems demand constant output, people whose bodies move in cycles are often framed as the problem.

Through personal reflections on burnout, illness, and recovery, this episode reframes sustainability as something that grows from attunement rather than control. It invites listeners to slow down, notice what their body is communicating, and consider what changes when we design life, work, and support around natural rhythms instead of rigid expectations.

A gentle invitation to honour cycles, listen inward, and build a life that supports wellness, not just outcomes.

Connect with Steph:

www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com

Email: [email protected]

Come and join us on the socials:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sgroccupationaltherapy/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SGROccupationalTherapy

Facebook group- The Neurodiversity Empowerment Movement

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1258437025035170/

In this episode, Steph dives deeper into pacing and energy conservation, sharing the lived experience and reflections that led to the creation of a free Energy Accounting and Activity Tracker.She explores how different people recover from exertion in different ways, including delayed crashes that can show up days or even weeks later, and why this makes planning, rest, and sustainability so complex for many neurodivergent people.

Steph walks listeners through the thinking behind the tracker, including why mood, energy, and motivation are tracked separately, and how noticing patterns over time can support better self-understanding and burnout prevention. Drawing on both personal insight and the wisdom of the community she works alongside, this episode invites listeners to experiment with observing their own capacity with curiosity rather than judgement.

A practical, compassionate conversation about learning your rhythms, honouring recovery needs, and creating space for rest, not just immediately after exertion, but in the days that follow.

Get the Energy Accounting and Activity Tracker here:

https://www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com/Energy_accounting_tracker_resource

Connect with Steph:

www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com

Email: [email protected]

Come and join us on the socials:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sgroccupationaltherapy/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SGROccupationalTherapy

Facebook group- The Neurodiversity Empowerment Movement

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1258437025035170/

After a year away from the microphone, Alphabet Soup returns with a softer, slower, and more intentional rhythm. In this opening episode, Steph reflects on the growth, healing, and unlearning of the past year; from pacing and energy conservation, to breaking boom–bust cycles and honouring capacity.

This season will gently explore lived experiences of plurality and dissociation, unpack internalised ableism and perfectionism, and lean into conversations about intersectionality, privilege, and what it means to practice (and live) in more affirming, accountable ways. Steph also reflects on vulnerability, dismantling unhealthy ideas of professionalism, and learning through shared stories rather than hierarchy. inspired by yarning, collective wisdom, and deep listening.

There's no rigid plan, no pressure for perfection; just grounded, honest conversations shared when capacity allows. Thank you for being here, whether it's your first listen or you're returning for season two.

Connect with Steph:

www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com

Email: [email protected]

Come and join us on the socials:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sgroccupationaltherapy/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SGROccupationalTherapy

Facebook group- The Neurodiversity Empowerment Movement

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1258437025035170/

Check out this new resource- Masking and Unmasking Reflection and Checklist!

It's completely Free!

Let me know what you think!

Get your copy HERE

Connect with me, Steph:

www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com

Email: [email protected]

Come and join us on the socials:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sgroccupationaltherapy/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SGROccupationalTherapy

Facebook group- The Neurodiversity Empowerment Movement

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1258437025035170/

Welcome back for 2025!

Just a little life update in this one :)

Connect with me, Steph:

www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com

Email: [email protected]

Come and join us on the socials:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sgroccupationaltherapy/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SGROccupationalTherapy

Facebook group- The Neurodiversity Empowerment Movement

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1258437025035170/

Let's explore Autistic Identity with Chelsea Luker.

Chelsea Luker is an Autistic/ADHDer psychologist, author, and parent of two neurodivergent children. With a passion for neurodiversity-affirming practice, Chelsea draws on both her professional and lived experience to support Neurodivergent individuals and their families. Through her work at Connect Us Psychology, she empowers parents, educators, and therapists to foster understanding, self-worth, and connection in Neurodivergent communities. Chelsea is also the author of Square Me, Round World, a collection of stories that highlight the experiences of growing up feeling different, and she delivers impactful talks, training, and resources designed to create a more inclusive and affirming world.

Connec with Chelsea

Email [email protected]

Web www.connectuspsychology.com

Instagram Chelsea Luker ✨️ AuDHDer Psychologist and Author ✨️ (@connectuspsychology) • Instagram photos and videos

Connect with me, Steph:

www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com

Email: [email protected]

Come and join us on the socials:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sgroccupationaltherapy/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SGROccupationalTherapy

Facebook group- The Neurodiversity Empowerment Movement

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1258437025035170/

NDIS Myths and Mistakes with Anna Commons from Commonground Disability! Need I say more!? In this episode Anna and I address the following Myths and Mistakes:

Myth: NDIS don't fund Core supports for children because it is parental responsibility.

Myth: You need a diagonsis to get access to NDIA after the age of 7.

Myth: The NDIS don't fund sensory items.

Mistake: Asking NDIS to fund supports that it literally cannot fund.

Mistake: Expecting NDIS to fund everything because you child has a diagnosis.

Mistake: Thinking that homeschooling your child means more support via NDIS.

Myth: Kids don't get funding for support coordination.

Myth and Mistake: You plan manager will make sure you don't run out of funds.

Myth: Providers should charge the prices from the NDIS price guide.

Myth: Children should be funded for and attend intensive therapies and interventions while they're young.

Anna is a passionate advocate and self confessed NDIS Nerd on a mission to empower parents and caregivers to engage with the NDIS with confidence and clarity. Anna is the founder of Common Ground Disability Consulting which supports NDIS Participants aged 0-14 years to understand and uphold their rights through an empathetic and holistic family approach. She is also the mum of a child living with complex disabilities. Anna provides one to one education and peer support to help Participants and carers access the NDIS, maximise outcomes from their NDIS plan and navigate the appeals process. She also publishes a regular Substack blog for parents to stay up to date with all things NDIS.

Anna can be contacted at:

Web: commongrounddisability.com

Insta: @commongrounddisability

Facebook: https://facebook.com/commongrounddisability

Substack: https://substack.com/@commongrounddisability

Email: [email protected]

Connect with me, Steph:

www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com

Email: [email protected]

Come and join us on the socials:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sgroccupationaltherapy/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SGROccupationalTherapy

Facebook group- The Neurodiversity Empowerment Movement

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1258437025035170/

This is so important! Let's learn how to support our children by Recognising Responding to Sexual Abuse and Violence and also understanding how we can help our children be empowered to proect themselves.

Find out more:

www.yellowladybug.com.au

Live Panel Discussion: Recognising and Responding to Sexual Abuse and – Yellow Ladybugs

Connect with me:

www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com

Email: [email protected]

Come and join us on the socials:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sgroccupationaltherapy/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SGROccupationalTherapy

Youtube: (210) The Spiritual OT 💫 - YouTube

Facebook group- The Neurodiversity Empowerment Movement

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1258437025035170/