Helen Neale and Diane Frainer unpack what selfcare actually means for neurodivergent kids adults, and how rest can look different. Covering rest, sensory regulation and advocacy too.

Connect:

Helen: Neurodivergent Nook

Diane: Olive Branch Consulting

Key Topics:

What selfcare means

• Diane describes self-care as something she knows she should do more of, rooted in self-compassion and prioritising herself.
• Helen frames it as understanding your own needs rather than adopting a generic definition.

Why rest looks different for NDers

• Diane explains that active experiences like sea swimming can be deeply regulating and restorative.
• Helen shares that sitting still does not feel like rest to her, while learning about passions and special interests does.

Burnout, sleep & survival mode

• Diane talks honestly about poor sleep, early waking, and using short morning naps just to get through the day.
• Discussion draws a clear line between genuine restoration and coping.

Passions as selfcare

• Helen notes working within her special interests is a privilege, also a major source of regulation.
• She stresses the need to notice when something restorative starts tipping into burnout.

Sensory selfcare

• Both speakers discuss walking as a form of selfcare, especially when it is intentional and not just a route for problem-solving.
• Helen shares how sensory elements like wet grass and open-toed sandals can make a walk feel restorative.

Self care as a spoken commitment

• Saying “this is for me” out loud is presented as a powerful act of self-acknowledgement.
• Diane compares it to giving yourself a smile or high five in the mirror.

Social rest and belonging

• Diane reflects on a walk with her husband and goats as a different kind of rest, social not solitary.
• Helen points out that rest can also mean feeling safe, connected, and socially supported.

Children needing rest and energy

• The conversation shifts to how school and family life often leave children with too little choice and too little downtime.
• Helen argues that learning what restores your energy is an essential life skill.

Support for young people to advocate

• Diane shares coaching example of a student given an hour of maths homework after a full school day, which the student knew was unmanageable.
• Young people need support to advocate about executive function and attention needs.

School systems and unfair punishment

• Critique of schools punishing behaviour that is part of disability.
• Diane and Helen emphasise compassionate environments and better advocacy.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

01:42 The Challenge of Prioritizing Self-Care

3:32 Different Types of Rest and Their Significance

05:22 Active and Sensory Rest as Restorative Activities

07:12 Recognizing Signs of Burnout and the Need for Breaks

08:40 The Power of Small Acts of Self-Care

10:27 The Role of Environment and Sensory Experiences

12:17 Supporting Children and Advocating for Needs

13:53 Educational environments and systemc challenges

15:59 Self advocacy and systemic change

17:57 Closing Remarks and Resources

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Nook podcast, Helen and Diane explore the complexities of friendship, social understanding, and relationship building from the perspective of neurodivergent adults. They share personal experiences, challenges, and insights on finding authentic connections, understanding social cues, and developing trust. Whether you're navigating relationships yourself or supporting neurodivergent loved ones, this conversation offers valuable reflections and practical advice.

Key topics:

• The social struggles faced during childhood and how masking influences relationships
• The concept of the "double empathy problem" and mutual understanding in neurodivergent friendships
• The importance of authenticity and vulnerability in forming meaningful connections
• Recognizing and trusting your intuition and gut feelings in relationships
• Long-term impacts of early relationship experiences, including vulnerability and relationship cycles
• Building a support network and finding your tribe, especially post-university or after challenging relationships
• Practical advice for teenagers and young adults on safety, boundaries, and trusting oneself
• The significance of understanding different communication styles within friendships and romantic relationships

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode’s focus on friendships and social challenges
00:44 - Sharing childhood social experiences and the difficulty of understanding friendship signals
01:50 - The exhausting nature of masking and navigating social expectations
02:18 - The impact of social masking and the absence of clear social guidelines
03:10 - The challenges schools faced with neurodivergent students before awareness and training
04:17 - Communication differences and the effect of bluntness on friendships
04:34 - The importance of mutual understanding in comms styles
05:24 - The "double empathy problem" and need for reciprocal understanding
06:09 - Building authentic relationships by being honest about neurodivergence
07:24 - The value of finding your tribe and role of shared neurodivergent experiences
08:07 - The importance of connection in university and early adult life
09:18 - The long-term effects of diagnosis and importance of belonging
10:31 - Trust and boundaries in friendships, especially for neurodivergent individuals
11:04 - Recognizing the difference between acquaintances and true friends
12:14 - People-pleasing behaviors driven by neurodivergence and past trauma
15:00 - Recognizing toxic relationships and the importance of safety in relationships
16:19 - Trusting instincts and recognizing unhealthy relationship patterns
19:23 - Practical advice for teenagers on safety, boundaries, and trusting instincts
21:14 - The significance of self-worth and not settling for unhealthy relationships
22:24 - Listening to internal cues and safety feelings, especially for neurodivergent teens
23:29 - The challenge of change and uncertainty in relationships for neurodivergent individuals
24:46 - The role of trusted friends and familial support in overcoming relationship challenges
26:11 - Closing thoughts: trusting oneself and advocating for support

Connect:

Helen: Neurodivergent Nook

Diane: Olive Branch Consulting

Closing note:

Remember, trusting your instincts, seeking support, and understanding your worth are vital steps towards healthy relationships. If you’re navigating similar challenges, know that you're not alone, and support is available.

Explore the intersection of menopause, autism, ADHD, and neurodivergence in this candid conversation between Helen Neal and Diane Franer. They share personal experiences, discuss the gaps in research, and offer practical advice for neurodivergent women facing hormonal changes.

In this episode

• The impact of menopause on neurodivergent traits like focus and emotional regulation
• Challenges in communication and medical support for neurodivergent women during menopause
• The importance of self-compassion and understanding your body's signals
• How hormonal fluctuations influence anxiety, fatigue, and brain fog
• The need for increased research and awareness about women's health across the lifespan
• Practical tips: sleep, pacing, and advocating for yourself, and
• Encouraging open conversations with family and peers

Research on menopause and neurodivergence

Examining the link between ADHD symptoms and menopausal experiences:

https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/publications/examining-the-link-between-adhd-symptoms-and-menopausal-experienc/

ADHD experiences in perimenopause and menopause: a qualitative exploration

https://www-tandfonline-com.uoelibrary.idm.oclc.org/doi/full/10.1080/18387357.2026.2673126

My own article on my personal experiences as a AuDHDer:

https://ncps.com/our-voice/audhd-perimenopause-and-the-coping-mechanisms-that-suddenly-dont-work

Timestamps
00:05 - Introduction to menopause and neurodivergence
01:04 - Neurodivergent traits affected by hormonal changes
02:04 - The gap in clinical discussions about neurodivergence during menopause
03:06 - Increase in diagnosis and understanding of neurodivergent women
04:00 - Personal diagnosis stories linked to menopause
04:27 - Managing emotional regulation and anxiety
05:33 - Seeking medical advice and advocating for HRT
06:23 - The challenge of supporting neurodivergent health needs
08:00 - The importance of self-advocacy with healthcare professionals
08:54 - Practical coping strategies: pacing and rest
09:54 - Recognizing and normalizing menopausal symptoms
10:43 - Sleep and fatigue management
11:07 - The societal taboos around menopause
12:23 - Accessibility of menopause support (specialist clinics)
14:21 - The impact of brain fog and forgetfulness
15:37 - Self-compassion and accepting neurodivergent traits
16:40 - The importance of community and peer support
18:35 - How biological and hormonal changes affect daily life
20:04 - The significance of planning and predictability
21:38 - Celebrating resilience and everyday achievements
23:19 - The importance of open family conversations
24:06 - Education in schools about menopause
25:08 - Call for increased research and awareness
26:03 - Closing remarks and resources

Connect:

Helen: Neurodivergent Nook

Diane: Olive Branch Consulting

A call for more comprehensive research and societal support for women navigating menopause with neurodivergence, emphasizing self-care, advocacy, and community support.

In this episode, Helen and Diane explore the intricate relationship between procrastination and neurodivergence, highlighting practical strategies to better support ourselves and others. Their candid discussion offers insight into the emotional and executive function challenges faced by autistic and ADHD adults.

Key Topics Covered:

• The emotional rollercoaster of procrastination, including the role of adrenaline and dopamine in motivation
• How creating self-imposed deadlines can sometimes backfire, leading to more stress and less productivity
• The significance of task breakdowns, and why small, manageable tasks help overcome overwhelm
• The impact of task aversion, such as avoiding phone calls or chores, and personalized coping strategies
• Creative solutions like gamification and body doubling to boost task initiation
• The importance of self-compassion and understanding that procrastination is a natural neurodivergent trait
• The role of environmental modifications and support systems in facilitating task start and completion
• Challenging standard expectations for children and adults with neurodivergence and advocating for tailored support

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to procrastination and neurodivergence challenges

00:55 - The difficulty of starting big tasks and feeling overwhelmed

01:28 - Dopamine hits and breaking down tasks into manageable steps

01:53 - The adrenaline rush near deadlines and motivation

02:07 - Why we need pressure to initiate tasks

02:29 - Creating self-imposed deadlines and their effectiveness 03:11 - The role of neurotransmitters like dopamine in executive functioning

03:39 - Diary methods and realistic planning challenges 04:02 - Overambitious to-do lists and self-criticism

04:28 - Personal motivation for work-related tasks vs personal tasks

05:24 - How procrastination impacts finances and daily life

06:13 - The "ADHD tax" and financial consequences of procrastination

06:24 - Prioritization and interest-based task motivation

06:49 - Distractions and time management in daily life

07:07 - The limitations of lists and reliance on mental tracking

07:49 - Supporting memory with conversations and partner help

08:17 - Body doubling and the importance of social support

08:37 - Task boredom and difficulty with mundane chores

09:56 - The emotional weight of procrastination and self-criticism

10:39 - Impact of task aversion on motivation

11:49 - Creative strategies like delegating or gamifying tasks

12:15 - The benefits of helping others to motivate oneself

12:31 - Using rewards and self-initiated breaks

13:14 - The importance of immediate rewards in maintaining motivation

13:24 - Treating oneself to special breaks or outings

15:05 - How shared responsibilities can ease procrastination

16:02 - The significance of self-compassion and re-framing tasks

16:33 - The messages we tell ourselves about laziness and worth

17:00 - Task switching as a core challenge in procrastination

18:32 - Supporting children with executive function challenges

20:03 - Supporting neurodivergent children with tailored scaffolding

20:37 - The importance of understanding and patience from adults

21:05 - Challenging societal expectations around productivity

22:09 - The systemic pressures in educational settings and support gaps

Connect:

Helen: Neurodivergent Nook

Diane: Olive Branch Consulting

Proprioception and neurodivergence: Understanding your position in the world

In this episode of Neurodivergent Nook, Helen and Diane explore the often overlooked sense of proprioception—the body's awareness of its position and movement. They discuss real-life experiences, sensory challenges in daily routines, and practical insights for supporting neurodivergent individuals in various settings.

Main Topics Covered

• What is proprioception and how does it differ among individuals
• Personal stories of proprioceptive challenges, including driving and movement
• Sensory regulation strategies, like hugging, body scans, and barefoot grounding
• The impact of proprioceptive differences in school environments and workspaces
• Practical tips for respecting bodily autonomy through permission and sensory support

In this episode

• Helen shares her difficulties with spatial awareness and driving, highlighting how proprioceptive differences affect safety and confidence
• Diane discusses her experiences with sensory regulation, including outdoor vs indoor sensory input
• They emphasize the importance of asking permission before touch and tailoring sensory activities to individual needs
• Examples of effective accommodations, such as sensory breaks and inclusive design in workplaces
• The significance of body awareness practices for emotional regulation and sleep

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to proprioception & relevance for neurodivergent individuals
00:37 - Helen introduces personal proprioceptive challenges, especially in driving
02:13 - Driving anxiety linked to proprioceptive disconnects; learning to navigate edges
03:37 - Comparing personal experiences with driving success after practice
04:49 - Role of feedback and response in developing proprioceptive skills
05:36 - How sensory sensitivities impact everyday tasks, like parking and crowded spaces
06:39 - Differences in indoor versus outdoor sensory responses, and managing crowds
07:34 - Importance of physical contact, like hugs, in regulation and consent
08:40 - Supporting children and adults with proprioceptive needs through gentle input
09:20 - Respecting boundaries and autonomy during sensory activities
10:04 - Risks of uninvited touch for neurodivergent people
11:15 - School environments and need for tailored sensory strategies
12:02 - Impact of school routines on proprioceptive regulation and behavior
13:24 - "One size doesn't fit all" approach to sensory breaks in education
14:14 - How unregulated sensory systems influence behavior
15:03 - Creative workplace accommodations
16:09 - Simple sensory self-care practices, such as grounding barefoot and body scans
17:10 - The power of listening to your body's signals for regulation
18:13 - Practical grounding techniques to calm the nervous system before sleep
19:06 - The importance of footwear choices and sensory-friendly environments in schools
20:06 - Advocating for greater understanding and accommodation of proprioceptive needs
21:13 - Final tips: listening to our body / respecting sensory boundaries
21:46 - Closing thoughts on sensory awareness / neurodivergence

Connect:

Helen: Neurodivergent Nook

Diane: Olive Branch Consulting

This episode offers valuable insights into proprioception and how it shapes movement, regulation, and everyday confidence, while emphasising the importance of sensory awareness, compassion, and practical support to foster autonomy and well-being.

Understanding Guilt and Shame as Neurodivergent People

In this episode of Neurodivergent Look, Helen and Diane explore the complex emotions of guilt and shame, especially through the lens of neurodivergence. They share personal stories and professional perspectives, uncovering how these feelings manifest in everyday life and strategies to foster self-compassion.

Key Topics Covered:

• The difference between guilt and shame and how they show up in neurodivergent experiences
• Personal anecdotes illustrating daily feelings of guilt regarding parenting, work deadlines, and social expectations
• The impact of perfectionism and the unrealistic pursuit of doing everything perfectly
• How childhood experiences and societal expectations intensify feelings of guilt and shame
• The role of understanding one's neurodivergent diagnosis in managing emotional responses
• The importance of self-compassion and therapeutic work in healing chronic shame
• Recognizing and navigating feelings of guilt in professional settings, including public speaking
• The long-term effects of guilt and shame stemming from childhood and caregiving roles
• Strategies for fostering emotional regulation and resilience through awareness and education

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to guilt vs. shame and their significance
01:13 - How guilt and shame manifest in professional roles as neurodivergent individuals
02:36 - Small daily guilt triggers: parenting and responsibilities
04:21 - Childhood roots of guilt and societal commentary
05:21 - The impact of perfectionism on feelings of guilt
06:20 - Challenging unrealistic standards and being kinder to oneself
07:40 - Pressure of performance and fears of failure in leadership roles
09:10 - Understanding misunderstandings and social norm differences
10:29 - Recalling childhood experiences of guilt and anxiety
11:33 - The discomfort of social judgment and public speaking
13:07 - The guilt of saying no and setting boundaries
14:07 - The difficulty of exposure and vulnerability in presentations
15:00 - Guilt related to childhood trauma and the role of caregiving in neurodivergence
16:43 - Parenting guilt and managing day-to-day interactions positively
17:04 - Imperfection in parenting and self-forgiveness
18:10 - Experiences of guilt among foster children and their lifelong impact
19:53 - The importance of therapy and support for healing childhood guilt
21:18 - Reflection on childhood responsibilities and their effects into adulthood
22:58 - The deep-seated desire to please authority figures from a young age
23:38 - The significance of awareness and understanding trauma and emotional triggers
24:28 - Recognizing sensory and exposure anxiety as sources of guilt
25:51 - The journey of self-compassion and emotional regulation
27:01 - Managing chronic shame and internal self-rejection
28:22 - The process of therapeutic insight and perspective shift
30:01 - Unpacking intense feelings with safe, compassionate space
31:11 - Role of societal and familial trauma in shaping guilt and shame
32:40 - Encouragement for ongoing self-awareness and seeking support

Connect with:

Helen: Neurodivergent Nook

Diane: Olive Branch Consulting

This episode offers valuable insights into understanding the sources of guilt and shame, emphasising the importance of compassion, awareness, and therapeutic support to foster healing and well-being.

Lightning Guide to Self-Compassion for Neurodivergent Mind

This final episode in season 1, dives into the nuances of self-compassion from lived experience of neurodivergent individuals. Diane and Helen explore practical ways to nurture kindness inward, especially for those with autism and ADHD, emphasising the power of awareness, visualisation and neuroplasticity.

Key Topics:

• The difference between self-care and self-compassion
• How neurodivergent conditions influence self-talk and self-criticism
• Practical strategies: mindfulness, sensory anchors, and visualizations
• Recognizing and challenging negative inner voices
• The impact of trauma and negative narratives on self-love
• The importance of community, relationships, and hope for healing

In this episode:

• How to distinguish self-compassion from simple solitude or self-care
• The role of the inner critic and ways to gently challenge it
• Visualizing a compassionate other—therapist, younger self, or symbolic figure
• The importance of neuroplasticity in rewiring negative self-narratives
• Practical tips: starting a gratitude journal, mindful breathing, and self-acceptance
• The effects of lifelong criticism and trauma on self-worth, with pathways to recovery

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to neurodivergent perspectives on self-compassion

00:37 - Defining self-compassion versus self-care

01:15 - Forgiveness and kindness inward

02:31 - Recognizing unhelpful inner dialogue during walks

03:23 - Challenging negative thoughts and forgiving mistakes

04:40 - Supporting neurodivergent clients with critical inner voices 05:24 - Patience and incremental change in self-compassion practice

06:11 - Celebrating small wins and positive moments 07:38 - Impact of diagnosis on self-perception

08:42 - Visualizing and externalizing compassionate inner voices 09:52 - Sensory regulation and mindfulness practices

10:45 - The influence of childhood criticism on adult self-talk

12:33 - The importance of neuroplasticity and rewiring negative patterns

13:18 - Cognitive differences like alexithymia and implications for self-compassion

14:37 - Understanding how trauma impacts self-esteem over decades

16:24 - The long-term effects of criticism and emotional wounds

18:07 - Practical little daily acts for self-kindness

18:42 - The power of visual affirmations and mindfulness

20:23 - Building a gratitude practice and its benefits

21:24 - Challenges in forming new, positive habitual self-talk

22:45 - Hope, healing, and the ongoing process of rewiring the brain

24:36 - Supporting children and young people with trauma histories

25:50 - The importance of patience, love, and community in healing

Connect with:

Diane:

Helen: Neurodivergent Nook

Diane: Olive Branch Consulting

Understanding Dyspraxia: Personal Stories and Educational Insights

In this episode of Neurodivergent Nook, Helen Neale and Diane share their personal experiences and professional perspectives on dyspraxia, also known as developmental coordination disorder. They explore how dyspraxia affects everyday life, particularly within educational settings, and discuss practical support strategies for children and teenagers.

Key Topics

• Personal stories of dyspraxia and related clumsiness
• Common misconceptions and stereotypes about dyspraxia
• How dyspraxia manifests in children and adults
• Challenges faced in schools: PE, handwriting, and social pressures
• Strategies for supporting neurodivergent children, including sensory interventions
• The importance of reasonable adjustments and fostering self-esteem
• Impact of secondary school transitions and lack of tailored support
• Practical tools like typing versus handwriting for children with dyspraxia
• The role of educators and families in creating inclusive environments

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to episode and guest background
00:15 - Personal experiences with dyspraxia
00:55 - Understanding what dyspraxia is and common misconceptions
01:40 - Dyspraxia's physical manifestations and injuries
02:09 - Dyspraxia and neurodivergence co-occurrence
02:34 - Social observations: clumsiness and menopause influence
02:47 - Funny stories highlighting dyspraxic traits
03:23 - Dyspraxia’s impact on motor coordination from childhood to adulthood
04:09 - How dyspraxia shows up in educational contexts
04:25 - Challenges in diagnosis and accessing support
05:10 - Dyslexia and dyspraxia in school: practical examples
06:01 - Embarrassments and misunderstandings around physical coordination
07:23 - Sensory exercises to illustrate dyspraxia’s physical challenges
08:16 - Need for understanding and reasonable adjustments in schools
09:20 - Energy drain and fatigue associated with motor difficulties
10:06 - The importance of teacher awareness beyond primary school
11:00 - Teenagers managing dyspraxia and social pressures
11:40 - Personal anecdotes about PE and coordination challenges
12:00 - Physical skills, running, and hypermobility
12:55 - Insights from trainers and body awareness
13:09 - Supporting children’s motor development at home and school
14:34 - Strategies for pacing and self-esteem building
15:18 - Effective school interventions: sensory trails and early support
16:19 - The benefits of targeted physical activities in school
17:04 - The over-reliance on sedentary classroom learning
18:19 - The potential of typing as an alternative to handwriting
19:03 - Technology and resource limitations in schools
20:44 - Autonomy, choice, and reducing shame for children
21:17 - The need for thoughtful planning in supporting children with dyspraxia
22:33 - Encouragement and positive support in schools and families
22:45 - Closing remarks and appreciation for listeners

Connect with:
Diane: Olive Branch Consulting

Helen: Neurodivergent Nook

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This podcast episode explores the complex emotions surrounding diagnoses of neurodivergence, particularly focusing on grief, acceptance, and self-understanding. Helen and Diane share personal experiences, shedding light on the emotional journey many neurodivergent adults face upon diagnosis or self-identification.

Key topics

• The emotional impact of diagnosis and the grieving process
• Personal stories of grief, acceptance, and self-understanding in neurodivergence
• The influence of childhood experiences and societal understanding of neurodivergence
• How grief manifests differently in individuals and coping mechanisms
• The importance of community, support, and self-compassion during this journey
• Internalized ableism and challenges to accepting neurodivergent identities
• The significance of finding a supportive tribe and shared experiences

In this episode

• Diane shares her two-year grieving process after her ADHD diagnosis and how understanding changed her perspective
• Helen reflects on her own childhood memories and the grief associated with unrecognized neurodivergence
• They discuss the idea of "going to Holland instead of Italy," a metaphor for unexpected life paths after child diagnosis
• The importance of allowing space for grief and self-acceptance
• The role of societal and internalized ableism in complicating the acceptance process
• Practical advice for navigating grief, self-understanding, and supportive relationships

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and topics
00:30 - Diane’s initial response to her ADHD diagnosis
01:16 - Grieving the loss of previous self-understanding
01:44 - Childhood experiences influencing current perceptions
02:15 - How diagnosis prompted reflection and life changes
03:57 - The necessity and value of grief in acceptance
04:41 - Loss of friendships and the process of letting go
06:09 - Acceptance after autism diagnosis
06:31 - Reflecting on childhood and missing understanding
07:02 - Supporting neurodivergent children and trauma
08:39 - Expectations vs reality of parenthood
09:29 - The poem "Welcome to Holland" and life’s unexpected journey
10:19 - The guilt and self-criticism in grief
10:49 - Processing late diagnosis and masking
11:33 - Reflecting on childhood memories and strategies
12:20 - Grieving the young Helen’s challenges
13:08 - Realizing skills developed in adversity
13:59 - The importance of understanding oneself
14:38 - The internal struggle with self-concept and ableism
15:22 - Embracing new self-awareness
18:25 - Internalized ableism and self-identity
19:23 - The impact of diagnosis on self-perception
20:36 - The paradox of change and continuity after diagnosis
21:19 - The importance of support networks
22:26 - Obsessing over neurodivergence and grief
24:07 - Finding shared experiences and community
26:02 - Grieving childhood and unrecognized struggles
27:07 - Closing remarks and support encouragement

Connect:
Diane: Olive Branch Consulting

Helen: Neurodivergent Nook

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In this episode of the Neurodivergent Nook podcast, Helen and Diane share their personal and professional journeys with diagnosis, exploring the pros, cons, and emotional impact for both children and adults. Whether you’re considering a diagnosis or supporting someone who is, these insights shed light on the complexities and importance of understanding neurodivergence.

Key Topics

• Personal stories of late diagnoses of ADHD and autism
• The process of questioning and family reflections leading to diagnosis
• The emotional and identity challenges associated with late diagnosis
• The significance of understanding diagnoses for self-compassion and support
• The impact of diagnoses on self-esteem and internal narratives
• Challenges in advocating for assessments within educational systems
• The importance of diagnosis for accessing tailored support and understanding
• Differing perspectives on seeking diagnosis among neurodivergent individuals
• How society and medical models influence perceptions of diagnosis
• The broader context of neurodiversity beyond labels and diagnoses

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and topic of diagnosis
00:28 - Diane shares her journey to diagnosis of ADHD and autism
01:07 - Reflections on family history and late diagnosis
01:36 - Personal experiences supporting children and self-reflection
02:02 - Recognizing family members' neurodivergence
02:24 - The realization about autism and processing diagnoses
03:16 - Helen’s late diagnosis of ADHD and autism in her 50s
03:45 - The aha moment during counselling training about cognitive differences
04:28 - The importance of compassion and self-awareness
05:09 - The role of pressure and adrenaline in motivation
05:40 - Analyzing family and genetic links to neurodivergence
06:26 - Exploring family health history and neurodivergent traits
07:37 - Empowerment of acceptance after diagnosis
08:55 - Supporting children and students with diagnoses in education
09:25 - The benefits of early diagnosis for better support
11:12 - The importance of tailored support and societal inclusion
12:04 - Challenges in getting appropriate support and funding
13:20 - Supporting families through the diagnosis journey
14:40 - Emotional impacts on families and the importance of family support
16:18 - The ongoing struggles with educational funding and training
17:22 - Experiences of diagnosing children and teens
19:42 - Self-perception and internal voices post-diagnosis
20:12 - The importance of self-forgiveness and understanding
21:35 - The significance of emotional regulation and feeling 'not rubbish'
22:03 - Embracing human complexity and diversity beyond labels
23:04 - Reflecting on societal perceptions of neurodivergence
25:03 - The language of diagnosis versus self-understanding
26:04 - The impact of family perceptions and societal attitudes
28:32 - Raising awareness and taking time for self-reflection
29:04 - Closing remarks and encouragement for ongoing dialogue

Connect with:
Diane: Olive Branch Consulting

Helen: Neurodivergent Nook

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