In the Season 5 finale of the NDV Podcast, Andreia speakswith Dr. Simona Skripkauskaite, an Economic and Social Research Council and Administrative Data Research UK Fellow at the University of Oxford’s Department of Experimental Psychology and lecturer in Clinical Psychology at theUniversity of Surrey.

Simona’s research focuses on neurodiversity-informed childand adolescent mental health, exploring how neurodivergent young people interact with systems such as education, healthcare, and social services before the age of 12. By analysing linked administrative data from schools and theNHS, her work aims to identify where support pathways succeed—and where young people may be falling through the gaps.

In this thoughtful and insightful conversation, Andreia andSimona discuss the gap between diagnostic frameworks and lived experiences, the challenges of translating research into real-world policy and practice, and why co-production with neurodivergent people and families is essential formeaningful change.

They also explore the importance of self-identification,strengths-based approaches, and moving away from deficit-focused language in mental health systems, while highlighting the barriers that still exist in accessing timely diagnosis and support.

This episode offers a powerful reflection on the future ofneurodiversity-informed research and the importance of bringing together researchers, policymakers, clinicians, and lived experience voices to create better systems for young people.

A hopeful and inspiring conversation about research, systemschange, and the importance of listening to neurodivergent voices.

Links:

Simona Skripkauskaite

University of Oxford – Department of ExperimentalPsychology
Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK)
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
University of Surrey – Clinical Psychology
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)

EHCP Plans (Education, Health and Care Plans)

In this special episode of the Neurodiverse Voices (NDV) Podcast, we bring you a live recording of a public talk hosted by Andreia Costa, Founder and Managing Director of Neurodiverse Voices Connect and founder of the NDV Podcast, alongside her role as Project Manager for Training & Academic Career Development at the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre.

This podcast-style panel brings together leading researchers from the University of Oxford to explore the intersection of neurodiversity and research. Featuring Prof Clare Mackay, Dr Eri Ichijo, and Dr Alice Quinton, the discussion focuses on how neurodivergent individuals can be more meaningfully included in brain and mental health research, and why it is essential to design research with neurodivergent communities in mind from the outset.

Together, the panel reflects on what inclusive research looks like in practice, shares insights from their own work, and discusses the changes needed to create more accessible and representative research environments for the future .

This episode offers valuable perspectives for researchers, clinicians, and anyone interested in building more inclusive approaches to science and healthcare.

Links:

NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Oxford Health

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry

University of Oxford, Department of Experimental Psychology

Oxford Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging

Andreia Costa

Prof Clare Mackay

Dr Eri Ichijo

Dr Alice Quinton

Welcome to a very special episode of the NDV Podcast, recorded live at the incredible KatieFest 2026 on Saturday, 25th April 2026 at Wallingford Rugby Club — a celebration of inclusive sport, community, and connection.

This episode is a little different (and very on-brand 😅).Due to some classic Andreia technical moments, a few interviews were recorded on the phone… and yes, you might even spot part of the tripod making a surprise appearance. But honestly, KatieFest wouldn’t be KatieFest without Andreia having at least one technical issue with the podcast!

Despite that, this episode is packed with powerful conversations and inspiring voices from across the inclusive sport space

💛 About KatieFest

KatieFest is more than just an event—it’s a movement. Created in memory of Katie, it brings together players, families, coaches, and communities to celebrate inclusive rugby and sport for all abilities.

From players sharing how much they enjoy being active with friends, to organisers highlighting the growth of inclusive rugby clubs and the importance of visibility, the message is clear: sport should be accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.

And at its heart, KatieFest is about connection—bringing people together, breaking down barriers, and showing that we’re all more alike than different.

Links:

 Katiefest

Councillor Nigel SimpsonSENtipede

Play Their Way

Wallingford Wolves

Alex Wilson Athletics CoachingGosford All Blacks

Witney Wolves

In this episode of the NDV Podcast, Andreia speaks with Joanna Gibbs, founder and CEO of SENsational Tutors, a specialist tutoring service supporting children and young people with SEND. Joanna shares her unique journey through education across the world—from working in the NHS and teaching internationally to building a company dedicated to truly understanding and supporting neurodivergent learners.

Joanna also opens up about her late ADHD diagnosis,the internal stigma that can come with it, and how it has shaped both her personal life and professional mission. Together, Andreia and Joanna explore the realities of the current education system, the challenges families facewhen children experience trauma in school settings, and why listening to young people and parents is essential for meaningful inclusion.

They discuss the importance of relationships in education,the power of one-to-one support, and the strengths neurodivergent children bring when their needs and interests are truly understood. Joanna also shares practical insights on confidence-building, celebrating mistakes as part oflearning, and creating environments where neurodivergent students can flourish.

This conversation is an honest and thought-provoking lookat education, advocacy, neurodiversity, and the power of community.

A powerful conversation about changing systems,celebrating different minds, and creating spaces where every young person can thrive.

Links & Contacts:

SENsational Tutors
Email (general enquiries): [email protected]Email (Joanna directly): [email protected]SENsational Tutors YouTube channel

Sia - Unstoppable

In this heartfelt episode of the NDV Podcast, host Andreiais joined once again by Leandra Hamblin — a parent, advocate, and founder of SENtipede — for an honest and powerful conversation about neurodivergent family life,resilience, and community.

Leandra shares her lived experience as a parent to threeneurodivergent children, reflecting on early signs of autism and ADHD, the realities of navigating education systems, school avoidance, and the emotional toll of constantly having to “prove” your child’s needs. She speaks openlyabout burnout, crisis points, and the relentless nature of fighting systems that too often fail to listen to parents.

The conversation also explores how these experiences ledLeandra to create SENtipede, a peer-support space rooted in lived experience, connection, and compassion. She talks about finding her voice, stepping into advocacy, the power of community coffee mornings, and what it means to movefrom surviving to roaring — embracing her inner “lioness”.

This episode is a validating listen for parents and carers,a reminder of the importance of listening to lived experience, and a hopeful reflection on self-discovery, strength, and the future of the neurodivergent community.

A deeply human conversation about being seen, being heard,and continuing to fight — together.

Links:

SENtipede Facebook

SENtipede Instagram

Leandra Hamblin LinkedIn

Katy Perry – Roar

In this deeply honest and compassionate episode of the NDVPodcast, Andreia is joined by Laura Ellis, founder of Sensory Mother, teacher, coach, and parent to neurodivergent children.

Laura shares her personal journey through parental burnout,survival mode, and overwhelming shame — and how years of misunderstanding her son’s meltdowns as “behaviour” led her to hit rock bottom. From that place, Laura rebuilt not only her relationship with her child, but her entire career.

Together, Andreia and Laura explore:

• What survival mode really looks and feels like for parents

• Why meltdowns are nervous system responses, not bad behaviour

• The hidden impact of school and sensory overload

• Shame, guilt, and the impossible standards placed on parents

• Why connection must come before correction

Laura introduces her PAUSE Method — five simple, practicalsteps that help parents respond to meltdowns with empathy, clarity, and confidence, without needing a degree in autism or ADHD.

This episode is a powerful reminder that:

Your child is not giving you a hard time — they arehaving a hard time. And you are not failing as a parent.

A must-listen for parents, carers, educators, and anyonesupporting neurodivergent children.

Links:The Sensory Mother

The PAUSE Method

You Gotta Be by Des'ree

In this episode of the NDV Podcast, Andreia Costa is joined by novelist, blogger, and autistic advocate Harriet Bueno de Mesquita for a deeply reflective conversation about identity, creativity, and late autism diagnosis.

Harriet shares her journey of being diagnosed autistic at 36, how writing became a vital form of self-expression, and why she is passionate about representing autistic women in fiction. We explore her debut novel The Magical Summer of Evie Adelman, a story about neurodivergence, belonging, and finding your place in the world, as well as her blog Life with a Label: The Diary of an Autistic Girl.

Together, we discuss masking, burnout, autism and womanhood, Jewish identity, creativity, and the importance of being seen and understood — both within and beyond the autistic community.

This episode is an honest and thoughtful exploration of what it means to live, create, and thrive as a neurodivergent woman.

Links:

Life with a label - The Diary of an Autistic Girl

The Magickal Summer of Evie Edelman

Autieharriet Instagram

Maya Plisetskaya

Miley Cyrus - The Climb

Carrie Underwood - I told you so

In this episode of the Neurodiverse Voices podcast, hostAndreia Costa interviews comedian Matt Richardson, who shares his experiences growing up in a neurodiverse family. Matt discusses his late diagnosis of ADHD, the dynamics of supporting his brother Alex, who is autistic, and how their family navigated these challenges. He reflects on the importance of patience, understanding, and the role of humour in coping with neurodiversity. The conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding ADHD medication, thesignificance of family support, and the impact of neurodivergence on personal and professional life. Matt emphasizes the need for self-awareness and kindnesstowards oneself and others in the neurodivergent community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Richardson Family

03:37 Understanding Neurodiversity in Family Dynamics

08:48 The Journey to Diagnosis

11:42 Reflections on ADHD and Life Changes

14:26 Balancing Personal Needs and Family Dynamics

17:50 Memories and Strengths from Childhood

21:45 The Role of Comedy in Neurodiversity Awareness

24:31 Navigating Seriousness and Humor in Neurodiversity

24:56 Understanding ADHD and Stigma

27:57 The Role of Medication in Mental Health

30:56 Navigating Life with ADHD

32:10 Advice for Siblings of Neurodivergent Individuals

33:57 The Impact of ADHD on Professional Life

35:49 Support Systems and Family Influence

38:40 Self-Care and Wellbeing

39:38 Inspiration from Family

40:52 Superpowers and Making a Difference

41:45 Musical Resonance and Personal Journey

42:36 Reflections on Childhood

43:34 Heartfelt Messages and Positivity

Links:

Matt Richardson

Alex Richardson

Welcome to Holland

Gavin Partridge ADHD Clinic

Right to Choose

Hannah Gadsby

Joe Wells

Helen & Douglas Comedy Gala 2026

Green Day - Basket Case

In this episode of the Neurodiverse Voices podcast, hostAndreia Costa speaks with Ana Bonasera, a certified ADHD coach and mother of five neurodivergent children. Ana shares her personal journey navigating ADHD and autism assessments, the challenges of parenting neurodivergent children, and the importance of mental health. The conversation explores the daily dynamics of a busy household, the joys and struggles of raising neurodivergentkids, and the impact of neurodivergence on sibling relationships. Ana emphasizes the need for advocacy and coaching in the neurodiverse community, aswell as the significance of self-care for parents. In this conversation, Ana Bonasera shares her journey as a neurodivergent parent and ADHD coach,discussing the profound impact of coaching on her life and the lives of her children. She emphasizes the importance of accountability, understanding the education system, and navigating the challenges of parenting neurodivergentchildren. Ana also highlights the need for better support and awareness within the education system, the significance of small wins in daily life, and the importance of finding a sense of belonging. The conversation concludes withmessages of hope and the aspiration for a more inclusive future for neurodivergent individuals.Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and ParentingChallenges

04:32 Navigating ADHD and Autism Assessments

10:34 Reflections on Childhood and Early Signs ofNeurodivergence

15:08 Mental Health Struggles as a Parent Carer

19:44 A Day in the Life of a Neurodivergent Family

25:43 Challenges and Joys of Parenting NeurodivergentChildren

32:21 The Impact of Neurodivergence on Sibling Relationships

39:46 Coaching and Advocacy in the Neurodiverse Community

39:54 The Impact of Coaching on ADHD

44:01 Navigating the Journey of Neurodivergent Parenting

48:31 Understanding the Education System for NeurodivergentFamilies

54:00 Overcoming Misconceptions and Judgments

58:11 Celebrating Small Wins in Neurodivergent Lives

01:01 Future Aspirations and Personal Growth

01:07 Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life

01:10 Messages of Hope and Belonging

Links

Parent Carer Connect

Parent Carer Roadmap

Ana Bonasera Instagram

Ana Bonasera Facebook

In this episode of the NDV Podcast, Nicole Wareing sharesher personal and professional journey with dyslexia, discussing the challenges she faced in education, the importance of support systems, and her passion formental health advocacy. She highlights the need for understanding and accommodations for neurodivergent individuals, the resilience she developedthrough adversity, and her aspirations to make a difference in the lives of families navigating similar experiences. Nicole emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence, creative learning strategies, and the power of connection in fostering well-being and growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nicole's Journey

07:24 Understanding Dyslexia and Its Challenges

12:29 Navigating Misunderstandings in Education

16:03 Building Resilience Through Adversity

21:27 Support Systems and Accommodations

30:11 Career Path and Passion for Mental Health

37:26 Making a Difference in Families' Lives

44:33 Redesigning Support for Neurodivergent Individuals

47:54 Personal Strategies for Well-Being

Links:CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)OXPCF – Oxfordshire Parent Carer ForumAccess to Work (UK Government)NHS Mental Health & Neurodevelopmental ServicesDyslexia Information - British Dyslexia Association Ambiguous Loss explained

Mario Kart

Spider Man

Tom Holland

Linkin Park - One More Light