What does it take to build a successful career in engineering and automotive manufacturing while navigating ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, workplace bias, and the challenges of being a woman in STEM?

In this episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, Dr Shae sits down with Diana, Senior Project Coordinator and Planner in Toyota's Product Planning Division. Diana shares her remarkable journey from Colombia to Australia and reflects on more than 20 years working across Ford, Holden, and Toyota.

Together, they explore the realities of studying engineering in male-dominated environments, overcoming workplace assumptions, receiving a late diagnosis of ADHD, dyslexia and dysgraphia, and finding practical ways to thrive at work without sacrificing wellbeing.

Diana also shares valuable insights into neurodiversity in the workplace, hybrid work, sensory overload, communication styles, and Toyota's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).

Whether you're neurodivergent, a leader looking to build a more inclusive workplace, or someone interested in encouraging more girls into STEM, this episode offers practical insights and powerful lived experience.

????Women in STEM

????ADHD in the workplace

????Dyslexia and dysgraphia

????Hyperfocus and burnout

????Neurodiversity at work

????Inclusive workplace design

????Sensory overload strategies

????Hybrid work and productivity

????Communication and masking

????Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)

????Engineering careers

????Automotive industry insights

Chapters

00:00 Podcast Welcome

00:37 Meet Diana at Toyota

02:31 From Colombia to Cars

03:55 Math Brain vs Recipes

06:10 Women in Automotive

07:48 Engineering Uni Bias

10:14 Late ADHD Discovery

12:46 Hyperfocus Burnout Cycles

15:01 Learning Addiction and Degrees

18:14 ADHD Strengths at Work

20:08 Capture Lists and Structure

24:36 Habits Rewards and Hybrid

29:33 Sleep Pod Reset

30:19 Silence After COVID

31:56 Noise Overload Strategies

33:07 Why Filtering Fails

33:45 Women in STEM Pipeline

37:32 Seatbelts and Bias

40:13 DEIB at Toyota

41:51 Universal Design Wins

47:51 Onboarding for Everyone

50:34 Direct Communication Styles

55:23 Masking and Tone Policing

57:54 Wrap Up and Resources

About Dear Dyslexic Podcast

The Dear Dyslexic Podcast amplifies the voices, experiences and expertise of people from the dyslexia and broader neurodivergent communities, creating conversations that inform, empower and inspire. Learn more about re:think dyslexia: https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/

Stay Connected

Thanks for listening to Dr Shae and the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, proudly produced by re:think dyslexia, a certified social enterprise. To stay up to date with our latest episodes, resources and events, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review the podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Listen to more Dear Dyslexic Podcast episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/0jx91no...

Need Support?

If any of the topics discussed in this episode have caused distress, support is available:

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

13YARN: 13 92 76

re:think dyslexia Helpline: 1800 13 6327

#ADHDWomen #WomenInSTEM #NeurodiversityAwareness #DyslexiaAndADHD #RethinkDyslexia

In Part 3 of our Neurodivergent Women in STEM series, Dr Shae Wissell sits down with Diana from Toyota to explore how neurodiversity, universal design, and communication styles shape inclusive workplaces.

Together, they discuss Toyota’s broader DEIB approach, practical workplace accommodations, hybrid work, onboarding around working styles, and why reframing neurodivergence as a strength benefits everyone. Diana shares how a remote test-trip scenario led to universal 

accommodations portable toilets, better catering for cultural needs, and a 

new standard process of asking all staff about requirements improving comfort and experience for the whole team despite initial pushback. They discuss reframing neurodivergence as a strength (creativity and connecting the dots), workplace supports like wellness and quiet rooms and hybrid work, and the value of managers researching and enabling tools such as Grammarly and writing aids. The conversation highlights onboarding around working styles, 

focusing on strengths over weaknesses, and raising awareness of different 

communication styles, masking, and “tone” policing.

Key message

Inclusive workplaces are built when neurodiversity is understood as a strength, communication styles are respected, and universal design is used to support everyone.

Time Stamp

00:00 Welcome to Dear Dyslexic

00:34 Neurodiversity at Toyota

02:11 Inclusive Test Trips

04:31 Strengths and Workplace Design

06:27 Universal Accommodations

08:11 Onboarding for Working Styles

10:54 Communication Styles and Tone

15:43 Masking and Fatigue

18:26 Language and Interrupting

19:51 Wrap Up and Resource

About Dear Dyslexic Podcast

The Dear Dyslexic Podcast amplifies the voices, experiences and expertise of people from the dyslexia and broader neurodivergent communities, creating conversations that inform, empower and inspire. Learn more about re:think dyslexia: https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/

Stay Connected

Thanks for listening to Dr Shae and the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, proudly produced by re:think dyslexia, a certified social enterprise. To stay up to date with our latest episodes, resources and events, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review the podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Listen to more Dear Dyslexic Podcast episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/0jx91no...

Need Support?

If any of the topics discussed in this episode have caused distress, support is available:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• 13YARN: 13 92 76
• re:think dyslexia Helpline: 1800 13 6327

In Part 2 of our Neurodivergent Women in STEM series, Dr Shae Wissell sits down in studio with Diana from Toyota to explore ADHD at work, sensory overload, hybrid work, and the challenges facing women in STEM.

In this episode:

• ADHD-friendly productivity strategies that actually work
• Why capture lists can be more effective than relying on memory
• Flexible routines, task chunking, and managing motivation
• Sensory overload, noise sensitivity, and energy management
• The benefits of hybrid work for neurodivergent professionals
• Breaking down barriers for women in STEM
• How engineering design decisions can unintentionally overlook women
• Why representation and inclusion start long before the workplace

Key message:

Success isn't about forcing rigid productivity systems. It's about creating flexible, personalized approaches that support neurodivergent minds while building more inclusive pathways for women in STEM.

Time Stamp

0:00 Welcome to Dear Dyslexic

00:34 ADHD Morning Workflow

00:56 Capture List Focus

02:09 Flexible Structure Over Time

04:03 Chunking Big Tasks

05:01 Why Habits Feel Impossible

06:40 Gamifying Daily Routines

08:01 Hybrid Work That Works

10:43 Sensory Overload and Silence

14:09 Women in STEM Pipeline

17:27 Representation in Engineering

18:42 Seatbelts and System Change

20:41 Wrap Up and Resource

About Dear Dyslexic Podcast

The Dear Dyslexic Podcast amplifies the voices, experiences and expertise of people from the dyslexia and broader neurodivergent communities, creating conversations that inform, empower and inspire. Learn more about re:think dyslexia: https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/

Stay Connected

Thanks for listening to Dr Shae and the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, proudly produced by re:think dyslexia, a certified social enterprise. To stay up to date with our latest episodes, resources and events, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review the podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Listen to more Dear Dyslexic Podcast episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/0jx91no...

Need Support?

If any of the topics discussed in this episode have caused distress, support is available:

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

13YARN: 13 92 76

re:think dyslexia Helpline: 1800 13 6327

In Part 3 of our deep dive with Nick, Dr Shae continues the conversation about the realities of parenting neurodivergent children while navigating your own neurodivergent traits.

Nick reflects on how neurodivergence often becomes more visible within families as children are diagnosed and parents begin to recognise similar characteristics in themselves. Although he has not received a formal diagnosis, he shares his journey of understanding how his brain works, identifying his triggers, and developing strategies that support both himself and his family.

Together, Dr Shae and Nick discuss the lessons he's learned through podcast interviews, practical organisational tools such as using a physical diary, and the ongoing challenge of staying regulated and choosing supportive language during difficult moments. Nick also speaks openly about parenting a son with a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance/Pervasive Drive for Autonomy) autism profile, sharing insights into the strong need for autonomy that can shape behaviour and family dynamics.

The conversation explores bedtime challenges, including recent sleepwalking experiences, and the importance of flexibility, understanding, and self-compassion in family life. Throughout the episode, Nick offers an honest perspective on the ups and downs of parenting and the value of giving yourself permission to not have all the answers.

This episode is a reassuring reminder that many parents are navigating similar challenges. Understanding yourself is often an important step towards supporting your children, and self-care is not a luxury but a necessity.

• Neurodivergence is often recognised across multiple generations within families.
• Understanding your own brain can help you better support your children.
• Small practical strategies can make a meaningful difference in everyday life.
• Parenting neurodivergent children requires flexibility, patience, and self-awareness.
• PDA profiles are often linked to a strong need for autonomy and control.
• Parents need to prioritise their own wellbeing and mental health.
• Giving yourself grace is an important part of the parenting journey.

The Dear Dyslexic Podcast amplifies the voices, experiences and expertise of people from the dyslexia and broader neurodivergent communities, creating conversations that inform, empower and inspire.

Learn more about re:think dyslexia: https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/

Thanks for listening to Dr Shae and the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, proudly produced by re:think dyslexia, a certified social enterprise.

To stay up to date with our latest episodes, resources and events, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review the podcast on your favourite podcast platform.

Listen to more Dear Dyslexic Podcast episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/0jx91no...

If any of the topics discussed in this episode have caused distress, support is available:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• 13YARN: 13 92 76
• re:think dyslexia Helpline: 1800 13 6327

In Part 2 of this Deep Dive series, host Dr Shae speaks with Nick Nagzam and introduces the show’s mission to share honest conversations and build community around dyslexia and other 

neurodivergent conditions, then moves into a discussion about working from home in a global, largely neurodivergent team and how home “distractions” can be less disruptive than office interruptions.

Nick shares how differences between his sons became clear during COVID lockdown homeschooling, leading to one child’s autism diagnosis at age four, and how a second child’s ADHD became more apparent after breaking his femur and losing physical outlets like sport. They discuss day-to-day family strategies such as running for self-regulation, setting device limits and screen lock times, bedtime wind-down routines, and sleep supports including slow-release melatonin. The guest also highlights support resources like Amaze and Autism Connect and learning through books.

00:00 Podcast Welcome

00:35 Remote Work Reality

03:19 Kids Diagnoses Story

05:29 Injury Reveals ADHD

07:25 Family Coping Strategies

09:44 Screens and Sleep

11:34 Finding Support

14:06 Resources and Wrap U

The Dear Dyslexic Podcast amplifies the voices, experiences and expertise of people from the dyslexia and broader neurodivergent communities, creating conversations that inform, empower and inspire.

Learn more about re:think dyslexia: https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/

Thanks for listening to Dr Shae and the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, proudly produced by re:think dyslexia, a certified social enterprise.

To stay up to date with our latest episodes, resources and events, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review the podcast on your favourite podcast platform.

Listen to more Dear Dyslexic Podcast episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/0jx91no...

If any of the topics discussed in this episode have caused distress, support is available:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• 13YARN: 13 92 76
• re:think dyslexia Helpline: 1800 13 6327

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