Jenny dives deep into the world of living with complex PTSD and autism, she shares her journey, highlighting not just the struggles but the triumphs that come with navigating life as a high-functioning neurodiverse person. We chat about the importance of recognising the unique challenges faced by individuals with these conditions, especially when so many people still don’t understand them. Jenny’s personal experiences add a rich layer to our discussion, shedding light on how societal perceptions can shape our realities. Plus, we delve into some enlightening anecdotes about her teaching career, where she learned just as much from her students as they did from her. Her experiences and insights on embracing differences and building connections, especially in a world that often feels overwhelming, are worthwhile for anyone looking for hope and reassurance in the modern world! We also delve into her experiences living with C-PTSD (Complex PTSD) and how that differs from typical PTSD and how it has impacted her life and her perspective of both herself and the world in general.

Takeaways:

• Jenny shares her journey of living with complex PTSD, autism, and panic disorder, highlighting the importance of awareness and understanding.
• Navigating adulthood can be especially challenging for neurodiverse individuals, as simple tasks often require much more preparation and effort.
• The concept of 'high functioning' can be misleading; Jenny explains how it often disguises the daily struggles faced beneath the surface.
• Jenny emphasises that a diagnosis can be a double-edged sword, providing clarity and community but also risking the imposition of labels.
• Through her role as a teacher, Jenny learned how sharing her experiences with students fosters comfort and connection, highlighting the value of honesty in teaching.
• Jenny's decision to wear noise-cancelling headphones at a public event showcased her journey toward self-acceptance and the support of those around her.