I Am Not Calm Podcast

Today, I share a poem sent in by Aysheh Marley.

Bio:

Aysheh Marley grew up not knowing about her early autism diagnosis because of how stigmatised it was back in the 80s. Instead, she believed she was didn’t fit in and was different but didn’t understand why.

She’s currently on an ADHD waiting list and was diagnosed with autism in 2022.

Aysheh has been writing poetry since she was a young child, and this has helped her to communicate and express her thoughts and emotions.

Today we have a poem by Rachel, as part of National Poetry Writing Month and World Autism Acceptance Month (not day, as I accidentally said in the intro, oops!)

About Rachel:

Rachel describes herself as having felt out of step with the world, because of her autism, ADHD, and RSD. She grew up believing she was flawed and didn’t belong, carrying that weight into adulthood. She finally found the support she needed. Her journey of self-discovery transformed her perspective, and led to her embracing her neurodivergence. Now, she’s a proud advocate, committed to paving a smoother path for others who have experienced similar struggles.

Today I share a poem by Caroline Carey

About Caroline:

Caroline is a neurodivergent writer and creative guide whose work draws on decades of intuitive understanding, cultivated through childhood, motherhood, and a professional life devoted to soul-led exploration. She creates deeply held spaces for personal growth, blending emotional intelligence, practical spiritual tools, and time-honoured traditions to help individuals uncover their unique talents and move through the world with grace and a grounded connection to nature.

Recognising sensory sensitivities and limiting beliefs as both roots and pathways to insight, she supports others in accessing their innate wisdom and rediscovering their soul’s purpose. For over thirty years, Caroline has walked alongside individuals through creative and reflective practices, exploring origin stories, embodiment, and the subtle guidance of intuition. She carries a shamanic medicine bag woven with spirit songs and traditional tools, and she works with the wisdom of Animism to illuminate hidden disabilities and life patterns.

Where soul meets story, Caroline guides others to remember their calling, reclaim their inner knowing, and bring their unique gifts fully into the world.

https://middleearthmedicine.com/product/the-neurodivergent-soul/

 Today's poem is by Mary Maier.

Bio: Mary is an AuDHD writer of poetry, short stories, flash fiction, novels and screenplays. She is a former solo mobile equine veterinarian who left the extraordinary stress of that life to become an organic farmer close to mother ocean.

Today, I share one of my own poems called ‘What Unmasking Feels Like’.

About me (Amanda)

Amanda Nicholson is an author, poet, podcast co-host and copywriter. Her recent self-published novel has the memorable title ‘Death to All Men’. Amanda’s poetry has been broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester, and she won the Bradford Cares 2023 Competition.

Today, I share a poem written by Lee McShane.

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About Lee:

Lee McShane is a Neurodivergent actor, filmmaker, and published writer/poet. He integrates neurodivergence into his creative work, often blending themes of mental health with elements of horror. His storytelling challenges stigma, offering unique perspectives shaped by lived experience and a passion for authentic, emotionally resonant, and genre-bending narratives.

I spoke to Jackie Schuld about her late-diagnosis, writing four books about autism, and art therapy.

About Jackie

Jackie Schuld is an autistic writer and art therapist who specializes in late-identified autism and ADHD. She has written several books, including ‘Life as a Late-Identified Autistic: A Collection of Essays Exploring Autism’ where she details her experiences as a late-identified autistic.

Her website is:

https://www.jackieschuld.com/

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I Am Not Calm now has a Facebook group.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2357002358082119

I spoke to Jaymes Buckman about discovering their autism early in life, embracing ‘weirdness’, and finding acceptance from the right people.

About Jaymes Buckman:

Jaymes is a nonbinary, autistic, glam rock singer and a poet who has also dabbled in acting and modelling.

https://linktr.ee/hotapollo

***I Am Not Calm now has a Facebook group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2357002358082119

I talk to J. M. shaw about her lifelong love of writing, discovering her neurodivergence and self-acceptance.

About J.M Shaw

J.M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta, with her husband and two young children. She and her family embarked upon a journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning when they discovered their shared diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Writing is her passion and, with experience and interests in healthcare, psychology, martial arts, and personal training, she pours her unique insights and knowledge into all her creative fictions.

https://jmshawauthor.com/

I Am Not Calm now has a Facebook group.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2357002358082119

This week, I talk about when I regretted not mentioning my autism, getting rejected from a job - possibly because I disclosed, and (hopefully) finally finding regular freelance work and being accepted for who I am.