What if success wasn’t just about showing up—but actually feeling good while doing it?
In this episode of Safely Divergent, Kirstie and Eleanor break down the massive shift from deficit-based models (like the medical model) to strength-based approaches rooted in the neurodiversity paradigm. They get personal about what it actually feels like to mask your needs just to meet made-up "normal" standards—and how it drains our nervous systems.

You'll hear real-life examples of goal-writing gone wrong, why “normal” is a myth, and how accommodations can make the difference between surviving and thriving. Plus, they introduce the Neurodiversity Wheel as a visual tool to better understand your own strengths and support needs.

The second half gets delightfully scattered (as always) with a deep dive into time zones, daylight savings myths, and the utter chaos of living on a state border.

🕒 Timestamp:

• 00:01 – Viral iced coffee & today’s topic: strength-based support

• 01:25 – The problem with deficit-based thinking (aka the “what’s wrong?” model)

• 06:00 – Cognitive inflexibility example & goal-setting cringe

• 10:00 – What strength-based support actually looks like

• 14:00 – Intro to the Neurodiversity Wheel & how to use it

• 16:00 – Let’s get scattered: Time zones, myths & why the sun might not rise 'til 10am

  Resources & Mentions:

  • Follow us on Instagram @safelydivergent

  • Read the blog: ⁠safelydivergent.com⁠

  • Cover art: Honor Heindel

  • Music by Obey Grey