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In this very special episode of Neurodivergent Mates, I’m joined by my mum, Marilyn Wheeler, to have an open and honest conversation about what it was like raising neurodivergent children.

From the early challenges of navigating school systems and limited support, to the strategies that helped (and the ones that didn’t), Marilyn shares her experiences across different stages of parenting — from childhood to teenage years and into adulthood. Together, we explore what has changed, what still needs to change, and the advice she would give to parents who are just beginning their journey.

This episode is a heartfelt reflection on resilience, family, and the power of understanding.

Podcast Questions

1. To kick things off, can you share a little bit about yourself and our family?
2. Thinking back to when I was little, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a parent of neurodivergent children?
3. When you first realised I was neurodivergent, what kind of support — or maybe lack of support — did you get from schools, professionals, or even the community?
4. Over the years, what approaches or strategies did you find the most helpful in supporting me and [siblings, if relevant] as we grew up?
5. Were there things you tried along the way that didn’t really work, or things you wish you’d done differently?
6. How did things shift as I grew into a teenager and then an adult? What new challenges or opportunities came up during those stages?
7. From your perspective, what do you think still needs to change in schools, communities, or workplaces to better support both neurodivergent kids and their families?
8. And finally, what advice would you give to parents today who are just beginning their journey raising a neurodivergent child?

👉 To check out more episodes, visit neurodiversityacademy.com/neurodivergentmates

#NeurodivergentParenting #NeurodiversityJourney #ParentingNeurodivergentKids #NeurodiversityMatters #FamilyAndNeurodiversity

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🎙️ Neurodivergent Mates — Episode Title: Rethinking ADHD Support in Tertiary Education - Dr Natasha Arthars
Guest: Dr Natasha Arthars, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, QUT

In this episode, we’re joined by the insightful Dr Natasha Arthars — an award-winning researcher, educator, and systems thinker with a passion for creating meaningful, student-centred learning experiences. With a deep background in VET, educational research, and a personal drive to tackle “wicked problems” in learning design, Natasha brings a powerful lens to a conversation that matters.

Together, we explore:
🧠 How ADHD impacts executive functioning — and what this means for learning, focus, planning, and emotional regulation.
🎓 The hidden challenges ADHD students face when transitioning to tertiary education, like TAFE or university.
⏳ Why "extra time" isn't the golden solution — and what research says about its limited impact.
✅ What actually works — evidence-based accommodations and inclusive practices that help ADHD students thrive.
🧩 How educators can redesign learning environments that don’t just tick boxes but create real engagement.

Interview Questions — Neurodivergent Mates with Dr Natasha Arthars
1. To start us off, can you share a bit about yourself and your background?

2. How does brain development in young people with ADHD—particularly in the prefrontal cortex—affect executive functioning?

3. What are some of the key challenges students with ADHD face when transitioning into tertiary education, like TAFE or university?

4. What supports and accommodations are typically made available to students with ADHD in tertiary settings?

5. There’s research suggesting that additional time on exams and assignments—while common—might not always be effective. What does the evidence say about this approach?

6. What evidence-based strategies should institutions consider offering instead of—or in addition to—extra time?

7. In terms of learning access, what are some ways educators can make lectures or classes more ADHD-friendly?

8. Finally, where can people connect with you if they’d like to learn more about your work or research?

Whether you're an educator looking to better support your students or someone navigating ADHD firsthand, this episode offers practical insights and important takeaways for building more inclusive tertiary education systems.

 Please check out the research paper Dr Natasha Arthars mentioned in the podcast - Exploring the Perspectives of Australian Neurodivergent University Students.

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In this episode of Neurodivergent Mates, we explore the intersection of neurodiversity and retail with inclusion advocate and strategist Natalie Phillips-Mason. Natalie shares her personal journey and what led her to champion neuro-inclusion in one of the most fast-paced and sensory-rich industries—retail.

We unpack the unique challenges neurodivergent individuals face, whether they're behind the counter or browsing the aisles. From staff training and workplace adjustments to customer experience and inclusive design, Natalie offers practical strategies for creating more accessible and welcoming spaces for all minds.

Questions

- Can you share a bit about your background and what drew you to the intersection of neurodiversity and retail?

- From your experience, what are some of the biggest challenges neurodivergent individuals face when working in or shopping at retail stores?

- How can retail environments become more inclusive and welcoming for neurodivergent customers?

- What strategies or adjustments can retailers use to better support neurodivergent employees on the shop floor?

- Do you think staff training on neurodiversity should be a priority for retailers? If so, what should that training include?

- Have you seen any great examples of retail businesses doing neuro-inclusive practices really well? What stood out to you?

- If you could give one piece of advice to retail leaders who want to make their stores more neuro-inclusive, what would it be?

- Where can people connect with your work? I need to write a podcast blurb from this information for Neurodivergent mates

Whether you're in retail leadership or simply curious about how businesses can be more inclusive—this episode is packed with insight, empathy, and actionable ideas.

🎙️ Tune in now and discover how retail can evolve beyond the shopfront.

👉 For anyone interested in listening to more of our podcast, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/g83Tw9wi

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From teaching across Sweden, Thailand, and Australia to working in human rights and foreign policy, Grant Sciberras brings a global perspective on education, equity, and innovation.

In this episode, we dive deep into:
✅ How student choice and passions can shape meaningful curriculum
✅ The hidden barriers in policy and practice that hold learners back
✅ Real-world strategies for designing inclusive, student-led learning
✅ Why neurodivergent students must be central to curriculum reform
✅ And the one change Grant wants to see in the future of education

Questions that will be asked during the episode
Podcast Questions

1. To start us off, can you tell us a bit about your journey into curriculum design and what drew you to focus on student choice, passions, and goals?

2. You’ve explored both the constraints and the enablers in education systems. What are some of the most common ways policies or stakeholders unintentionally limit student-driven learning?

3. On the flip side, what policies or approaches have you seen that actually enable inclusive, student-centered learning?

4. How do you approach designing curriculum that gives students real freedom to pursue their interests while still meeting learning outcomes or accreditation standards?

5. Can you share an example where giving students more autonomy led to unexpected or transformative learning outcomes?

6. What are some ways educators and curriculum designers can advocate for more inclusive, student-led practices — even when the system feels rigid?

7. How can we ensure that neurodivergent students, or those with less traditional learning profiles, truly benefit from a more flexible curriculum model?

8. Looking ahead, what’s one change you’d love to see in how we design learning — and what can people listening do to help make it happen?

💡 Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or passionate about inclusive learning, this one’s packed with insight and action.

#NeurodivergentMates #InclusiveEducation #CurriculumDesign #Neurodiversity #StudentVoice #EducationReform #GrantSciberras #UDL #EquityInEducation #Podcast #NeurodivergentVoices

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From global brands to grassroots startups, Kerry has carved out a dynamic career as a marketing strategist and founder of GAP., all while navigating life with late-diagnosed ADHD and Autism. In this episode, Kerry shares her journey of embracing neurodivergence, building a values-led business, and redefining success on her own terms.

Expect raw honesty, strategic gold, and plenty of laughs as we talk anxiety, unconventional pathways, and what it really takes to thrive as a neurodivergent entrepreneur in a high-performance world.

🎧 Listen to other episodes via Neurodivergent Mates → https://neurodiversityacademy.com/neu...

🎤 Podcast Questions:
Let’s start at the beginning – can you tell us about your career journey and how GAP. came to be?

What was it like receiving a late diagnosis of ADHD and ASD? How did that change how you saw your past experiences?

How has being neurodivergent shaped the way you approach strategy, creativity, and marketing?

You’ve worked with some major players like GE, Vodafone, and Plico — how did those environments support or challenge your neurodivergent brain?

You talk openly about anxiety and academic setbacks. How have those experiences influenced your leadership style?

What advice do you have for neurodivergent young people or aspiring entrepreneurs who feel like they don’t fit the traditional mould?

You call yourself a “growth junkie” — what does growth look like to you now, both personally and professionally?

Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

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New Episode – Neurodivergent Mates Mates
Breaking the Mould: Without Traditional Education
with special guest Gemma McLean


In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Gemma McLean — a neurodivergent powerhouse who’s built a successful and fulfilling life by stepping outside the boundaries of traditional education.

Gemma shares her journey of realising that school wasn’t the right fit, the challenges she faced forging her own path, and how she found growth, learning, and purpose beyond the classroom. We dive into the impact of being neurodivergent, dealing with judgment, and redefining success on your own terms.

If you’ve ever felt like the system wasn’t built for you — this one’s for you.


Questions

-Tell us a bit about who you are and what you’re doing now.

-What was school like for you growing up?

-When did you realise traditional education wasn’t for you?

-What challenges came with taking a different path?

-How did you learn and grow outside the system?

-How has being neurodivergent shaped your journey?

-Have you faced judgment for not having formal qualifications?

-What advice would you give to others going their own way?

🎧 Tune in now!

Brought to you by Neurodiversity Academy —advocating for a more inclusive and supportive world.

Please be sure to subscribe, like and follow all our social media platforms.

#BreakingTheMould #NeurodivergentVoices #BeyondTheClassroom #RedefiningSuccess #NeurodiversityInLife

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🎧 Back and Ready to Rock n Roll – Neurodivergent Mates Returns!

We’re back, mates! After a bit of a break, I’m jumping on the mic solo to share what’s been going on behind the scenes. In this short and honest catch-up, I’ll be talking about why the podcast hit pause — from the financial realities of running a social impact to the mental load that comes with building something meaningful.

But it’s not all challenges — I’ll also be sharing some of the exciting wins and events we’ve got coming up at Neurodiversity Academy. If you’re someone who’s ever had to step back before stepping forward, this episode’s for you.

🎧 Tune in now!
#NeurodivergentMates #Neurodiversity #CommunityBuilding #Inclusion #Resilience #Networking #SupportSystems #StrongerTogether

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🚀 AI and the Neurodivergent Brain: A Game-Changer for Focus and Productivity 🎙️

How is AI transforming the way neurodivergent individuals navigate work, communication, and daily life? In the latest episode of Neurodivergent Mates, I sit down with Craig Smith to dive into the power of AI as a tool for neuro-inclusion.

From executive functioning support to productivity hacks, we explore:
🔹 How neurodivergent individuals use AI for organization, time management, and focus
🔹 Real-world examples of AI enhancing personal and professional life
🔹 The ethical considerations—privacy, accessibility, and over-reliance
🔹 The future of AI and neurodiversity, and how we can push for more inclusive tech

💡 Some of the key questions we tackle in this episode:

• Tell us a bit about yourself.
• Tell us about your work.
• How do neurodivergent individuals use AI to support executive functioning challenges like organization, time management, and focus?
• What are some real-world examples of neurodivergent people leveraging - - AI tools in their personal and professional lives?
• Are there any AI tools or technologies specifically designed with neurodivergence in mind, or are we adapting general AI tools to fit our needs?
• What are the ethical concerns or risks around AI when it comes to neurodivergence, such as over-reliance, privacy, or accessibility?
• What does the future of AI and neurodiversity look like? How can we advocate for more inclusive AI development?
• Where can people connect with you and your work?

Whether you're neurodivergent yourself or passionate about accessibility and innovation, this episode is packed with insights and practical takeaways!

🎧 Tune in now!

Brought to you by Neurodiversity Academy—advocating for a more inclusive and supportive world.

#Neurodiversity #AI #Accessibility #ExecutiveFunctioning #Inclusion #NeurodivergentMates #Productivity #TechForGood

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On this episode of Neurodivergent Mates, I’m excited to sit down with Vicky Little, Chief Operating Officer at Specialisterne Australia! With over 17 years of experience in autism and neurodivergent employment across Australia and the UK, Vicky is a passionate disability trainer and advocate who’s transforming how organisations engage with neurodivergent talent.

From developing autism-specific transition programs at the National Autistic Society in London to launching NSW’s first autism-specific employment service, Aspect Capable, Vicky’s journey is both inspiring and impactful. Now, at Specialisterne Australia, she’s leading efforts to create alternative recruitment pathways, helping businesses unlock the unique strengths of autistic individuals and embrace the autism advantage.


Questions:

1.   Can you start by sharing a bit about yourself and your journey?
2.   What was your experience like receiving a late diagnosis, and how has it shaped you?
3.   Tell us about the work you’re doing now and what drives your passion.
4.   In your view, how has the conversation around Neurodiversity evolved over the years?
5.   What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered along the way?
6.   On the flip side, what have been some of the most positive or rewarding experiences for you?
7.   What do you think needs to happen next in the Neurodiversity employment space?
8.   Finally, how can our listeners connect with you and learn more about your work?

✨ If you're passionate about building inclusive workplaces or want to learn how to better support neurodivergent talent, this episode is for you!

🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation!

#NeurodivergentMates #Neurodiversity #InclusiveWorkplaces #AutismAdvantage #SpecialisterneAustralia #NeurodivergentTalent #DiversityAndInclusion #Podcast

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Neurodivergent Mates presents: "Stronger Together: The Power and Purpose of Building a Community" 🌟

In this episode, we explore how building meaningful connections can transform your personal and professional life—especially as a neurodivergent individual. 💡 From fostering resilience to creating inclusive spaces, community is the key to growth and success.

🔥 Here’s what we’ll cover:
1️⃣ The role of community in personal & professional growth
2️⃣ Fostering resilience through support networks
3️⃣ Creating inclusive spaces for neurodivergent individuals
4️⃣ Overcoming barriers to building meaningful connections
5️⃣ Practical steps to start building your community today

Whether you're looking for support, opportunities, or a space where you truly belong, this episode is for YOU. 🙌

🎧 Tune in now!
#NeurodivergentMates #Neurodiversity #CommunityBuilding #Inclusion #Resilience #Networking #SupportSystems #StrongerTogether

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