Neurodivergent Perspectives Podcast

What happens when you spend decades believing you're not smart enough, only to discover at age 46 that you have dyslexia?

For Julia Ornelas, that discovery changed everything.

In Episode 8 of the Neurodivergent Perspectives Podcast, Julia shares her powerful journey of navigating undiagnosed dyslexia throughout her education, career, and personal life.

Growing up, Julia loved learning. But despite her passion for education, she struggled with reading, writing, and traditional academic expectations. Teachers questioned her abilities, and workplace challenges left her feeling overlooked and underestimated.

For years, she wondered why her intellectual curiosity and capabilities didn't always translate into the results others expected.
It wasn't until she was pursuing her doctorate at the University of La Verne that she finally began getting answers.

Today, Julia is turning those experiences into advocacy. Her dissertation research explores the lived experiences of dyslexic adults in the workplace, shedding light on the invisible barriers, misconceptions, and organizational practices that can prevent talented individuals from reaching their full potential.

In this candid and inspiring conversation, we explore:
• Late Dyslexia Diagnosis
• Educational Barriers
• Dyslexia in the Workplace
• The Strengths of Dyslexia
• AI and Accessibility
• Creating Neuroinclusive Workplaces
• The Power of Self-Compassion

Julia's story challenges a common misconception: struggling with reading, writing, or traditional ways of working doesn't mean someone lacks intelligence, ambition, or potential.

Sometimes the greatest barrier isn't how someone's brain works. It's how our schools and workplaces expect everyone's brain to work.

Whether you're dyslexic, neurodivergent, an educator, an organizational leader, or someone passionate about workplace inclusion, this conversation offers an important perspective on what it means to feel seen, understood, and supported.

Dyslexic Adults SoCal Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dyslexicadultssocal/

What actually happens in the brain when we learn to read, and why does that process look different for someone with dyslexia?

Dr. Marga Madhuri, professor of Teacher Education and chair of the Dyslexia Teacher Training Program at the University of La Verne in California, joins the Neurodivergent Perspectives Podcast to talk about dyslexia, the science of reading, and the power of early and effective support.

She explains why reading is not something our brains naturally evolved to do, how dyslexic learners may need more repetition and explicit instruction to build the neurological pathways involved in reading, and why dyslexia is about far more than reversing letters.

The conversation also explores what happens when children don't receive the support they need, and how those experiences can follow people into adulthood and the workplace.

This episode is an important reminder: when someone struggles with reading or learning, the answer isn't to assume they aren't capable. It's to understand how they learn, and give them the tools and opportunities to thrive.

Discussed in this episode:

• What dyslexia is (and what it isn't)

• How the brain learns to read

• Why early identification and intervention matter

• Common myths about dyslexia

• The connection between decoding, comprehension, and confidence

• How dyslexia can affect adults in the workplace

• Technology and tools that can reduce cognitive load

• Why self-advocacy and alternative ways of demonstrating ability matter

• How educators, parents, and employers can better support neurodivergent people

Recommended by Dr. Madhuri:

[Video] How the Brain Learns to Read by Stanislas Dehaen, link.

[Book] Heart Centered Connections by Niki Elliot, Ph.D., link.

[Book] Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain by Maryanne Wolfe, link.

[Book] Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, M.D., link.

What does ADHD really look like for an educator in the K-12 public school system in California?

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Perspectives Podcast, Dr. Allison Leanos sits down with middle school teacher Cyndi Rivera to explore her lifelong experience with ADHD, from struggling to fit the traditional school model to discovering a career where her neurodivergent strengths could shine.

Cyndi shares how being diagnosed as a young adult helped explain years of feeling "one step behind," why traditional learning didn't work for her, and how she now uses those experiences to create an inclusive classroom where neurodivergent students feel understood, accepted, and empowered.

Together, they discuss:

• What it feels like to have a constantly active ADHD mind
• Why reading and learning looked different growing up
• The challenges of navigating corporate America with ADHD
• How education became a workplace where she could thrive
• Practical strategies for managing overstimulation and anxiety
• Why authenticity helps students (and colleagues) feel safe
• How greater awareness of neurodiversity can transform workplace culture

Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, lead a team, work in education, or want to better understand ADHD and neurodivergence, Cyndi's story offers honest insights and practical advice.

What happens when you're diagnosed with ADHD after spending nearly 50 years wondering why your brain works differently?

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Perspectives Podcast, Dr. Allison Leanos sits down with Ole Brøgger, an IT professional, entrepreneur, YouTuber, and creative from Denmark, who shares his powerful story of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life. After years of being labeled "lazy" and struggling in school, Ole finally found answers after his son's ADHD diagnosis led him to recognize the same traits in himself.

Together, they discuss:

• Receiving an ADHD diagnosis at age 49 and how it transformed his life

• The surprising impact of ADHD medication and finally experiencing a "quiet mind"
• Growing up struggling with reading, possible dyslexia, and being misunderstood in school
• Working in IT and creating a workplace that supports neurodivergent strengths
• Why leaders should ask employees what they need to thrive
• How Denmark approaches ADHD awareness in schools and the workplace
• Hyperfocus, creativity, entrepreneurship, and turning passion into purpose
• How coffee became a form of self-medication before diagnosis
• Advice for adults who suspect they may be neurodivergent

Ole also shares why understanding how people learn matters just as much as what they're expected to learn, and why simple workplace accommodations, like reducing unnecessary meetings, providing visual learning opportunities, and minimizing distractions, can make a meaningful difference.

If you've ever wondered whether an ADHD diagnosis later in life can change everything, this conversation offers hope, validation, and practical insights.

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Perspectives Podcast, Dr. Allison Leaños sits down with entrepreneur, father, and neurodiversity advocate Rodney Campbell to discuss his experience of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how it transformed his understanding of himself.

Rodney shares how the structure of school helped mask his ADHD, why executive functioning became more challenging in adulthood, and how years of searching for the "right" productivity system finally led to answers. Their conversion explores the realities of navigating work with ADHD, the value of supportive leadership, and why creating neuroinclusive workplaces benefits everyone, not just neurodivergent employees.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why ADHD often goes undiagnosed until adulthood
• How structure can both support and mask ADHD
• The impact of executive functioning challenges at work
• Practical workplace accommodations that benefit everyone
• How empathetic leadership creates more inclusive teams
• Why understanding different ways of thinking strengthens organizations

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Paige Piontkowsky, who shares her experience navigating ADHD and the unique ways it shapes her life, work, and leadership in higher education. From realizing her mind works differently while in college to finding ways to thrive in a busy office environment, Paige's insights are invaluable.

She dives into how multitasking comes naturally to her, yet understanding her limits is crucial. Plus, she discusses the importance of flexibility in the workplace, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Don't miss the part where she discusses fidget toys!

Registered nurse, Stefani Schuil shares her journey of discovering her neurodivergence as an adult, her experiences in high-stakes emergency environments, and practical strategies for thriving with ADHD in the workplace. Learn about the importance of understanding neurodivergence, creating supportive work environments, and embracing your strengths.

In this insightful interview, digital marketing and social media professional Rebecca Determan shares her journey of discovering her ADHD at 33, how she leverages her neurodivergence as a superpower, and practical strategies for creating inclusive work environments. Learn about the importance of boundaries, advocacy, and modeling positive behaviors to foster understanding and support for neurodivergent individuals.