Neurodivergent Voices

Neurodivergent Voices

By Rachel RobertsonSociety & Culture
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Neurodivergent Voices episodes

  • S2 Episode 5: Interview with Elana

    In this episode we interview Portland, Oregon-based neurodivergent occupational therapist, Elana, who shares her perspective on neurodiversity and occupational therapy in the US and New Zealand through her lived experience practicing in both countries.

    Elana provided the following bio: "I value time spent in the forest and in bodies of water. Ultimate frisbee, spoon carving, food projects, gardening, meditating, and climbing are some of the ways I nourish myself and feel connected. As an OT, I am passionate about working alongside children and families to support their developmental journeys and wellbeing.

    My website: Bloom OT and Consulting and my: instagram @bloom_ot_consulting.


    1 hr 15 min
  • S2 Episode 4: "Hot Ones" with Our New Therapist, Matt!

    In this extra special, EXTRA SPICY, episode we introduce you to our new OT, Matt while taking on the "Hot Ones" Hot Sauce Challenge! Come for the spicy sauce, stay for the spicier brains as you get to know the Diverge Community Service crew on a whole new level.


    Watch along on YouTube for extra fun (and cringe).

    (4) Neurodivergent Voices - YouTube


    In case you're curious, listed below are the hot sauces we tried:

    #1 - The Classic - Garlic Fresno Edition | Hot Ones Hot Sauce

    1,700 Scoville Heat Units (SHU)

    #2 - ⁠Buffalo Hot Sauce | Hot Ones Hot Sauce⁠ - 1,800 SHU


    #3 - Dirty Dicks Hot Sauce 21,000 SHU


    #4 - Classic Ghost Pepper – Yellowbird® (yellowbirdfoods.com)

    23,435 SHU

    #5 - Los Calientes Verde | Hot Ones Hot Sauce 36,000 SHU

    #6 - Los Calientes Rojo | Hot Ones Hot Sauce 49,000 SHU

    #7 - Hellfire Fear This! Reaper Hot Sauce 679,000 SHU
    #8 - The Last Dab: Xperience | Hot Ones Hot Sauce⁠ - 2,693,000 SHU
    FYI, we were on TikTok live as we recorded this episode, so you will hear us engaging with viewers every now and again.

    PS: We will post Stephanie as Elvis pictures in the comments section :D

    1 hr 27 min
  • S2 Episode 2: Interview with Isabella

    In this episode, we were thrilled to interview Steph's longtime friend and disability advocate, Isabella (Izzie). Izzie brings a unique perspective to the world and we are excited to have her has a reoccurring guest on the podcast for further sex advocacy and education. Izzie is a disability and sex advocate who is constantly trying various new things to assist those she works with.

    You can follow her socials to keep up to date on her latest adventures.

    Instagram @izziebullock

    TikTok @izziebullock

    Also go check out her other episodes on other podcasts such as the Owning Your Sexual Self and Laugh It Off podcasts.

    21 min
  • S2 Episode 3: Self-Discovery with Bri

    In this episode we have the pleasure of talking with one of Stephanie's close friends and former roommate, Bri. Bri is one of the most wholesome people Stephanie has had the privilege of knowing. In this episode, Bri takes us inside her mind as she reflects on her journey of self-discovery as neurodivergent, sharing thoughtful takes on highly relatable neurodivergent/human experiences.

    1 hr 6 min
  • S2 Episode 1: UPDATES!
    WE'RE BAACCKKKKK! After a long summer hiatus (and much procrastination) we are back with updates to kick off season 2. We're super excited about the neurodivergent interviews we have to share this season. Get ready to laugh, re-think, and grow with us!
    29 min
  • Episode 12: Interview with Bryden

    In this episode, we had the privilege of interviewing fellow neurodivergent OT, Bryden Carlson-Giving. We explore the past, present, and future directions of Occupational Therapy in the world of neurodiversity. The bio below was provided by Bryden Carlson-Giving.

    "Bio: Bryden Carlson-Giving is a neurodivergent, doctoral student at Boston University and a pediatric occupational therapy practitioner with experience in pediatric outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation settings. He is passionate about community-defined evidence practice, mental health promotion, trauma-informed care, and incorporating strengths-based approaches to promote a positive self-identity for his pediatric patients. Bryden’s work includes encouraging a shift away from an impairment-based perspective and returning to strengths-based, occupation-centered practices. He seeks to promote neurodiversity-affirming practices, amplify the voices of the disabilities community, and challenge ableism within healthcare and research. From helping individuals discover and embrace their sensory processing differences to collaborating with their family and education team to improve their ability to be neurodiversity-affirming, Bryden aims to maximize his client's quality of life and well-being to support authentic, neurodivergent development."


    Resources:

    • Bryden and Katherine McGinley's Tedx Talk that we reference throughout: https://youtu.be/yhhhyV-q9KQ
    • The term "Neurodistinct" was coined by Tim Goldstein
    • VAST or "Variable Attention Stimulus Trait" was introduced by Drs Hallowell and Ratey
      • Dr. Kristie Patten's quote that Rachel butchered, "Be willing to be wrong, be curious, be better."
        Finding Our Strengths: Recognizing Professional Bias and Interrogating Systems | The American Journal of Occupational Therapy | American Occupational Therapy Association (aota.org)
        • 52 min
      • Episode 11: Interview with Ican

        In this episode we had the pleasure of interviewing Ican. Ican is a self-described "Swedish science nerd with PDA, AuDHD (combined), alexithymia, and RSD. Ican has been studying neurodiversity for the past 20 years and uses their knowledge and lived perspective to support others during their journey of self-discovery. Listen in! Visit our YouTube channel to enjoy this interview with closed captions. https://youtube.com/@neurodivergentvoices


        https://www.tiktok.com/@icansneurocreations?_t=8cOoD723z7D&_r=1 

        https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067047552713 

        https://www.instagram.com/icanscreations/

        49 min
      • Episode 10: Interview with Ben-Oní

        In this interview, we had the distinct honor of interviewing Ben-Oní from "Black Neurodiversity." Bio provided by Ben-Oní.

        "Ben-Oni (any/all pronouns)is a neuroindigenous queer trans-pangender psychologist, community organizer, and creative residing in the land of the Tongva people (los angeles). Ben-Oni holds a master's in Autism Spectrum Disorders and is currently pursuing a Clinical Psychology doctorate with a specialization in Advanced Psychological Assessment at Saybrook University. Basketball is still life for Ben-Oni, volunteer coaching a local youth basketball team aptly named the Princeton Tigers after their undergraduate alma mater.
        Their dream is to build a retreat/clinic/self-sustaining community centering Black neurodistinct people. You are helping them do that by utilizing the resources and offerings of Black Neurodiversity to make that dream a reality."


        Follow and support their work:

        www.blackneurodiversity.com

        www.instagram.com/blackneurodiversity

        www.benoni.world

        Black Futures Month: Unmasking As A Black Neurodivergent Employee (forbes.com)

        1 hr 4 min
      • Episode 9: Thoughts About Sensory Processing with Steph and Rachel

        In this episode, we info dump on sensory processing as it relates to neurodivergence. The book we reference is "No Longer a Secret" by Lucy Jane Miller, PhD, OTRL. Stephanie has undergone advanced training in sensory processing through the STAR institute and both Stephanie and Rachel have lived experience with sensory challenges.

        33 min
      • Episode 8: Interview with Gerry
        In this episode, we interview Gerry Roston. Gerry is a doctor of robotics, mentor, and serial entrepreneur. Gerry sustained a traumatic brain injury and recounts his miraculous recovery and adjustment to life post-brain injury. Listen in!
        22 min

      About Neurodivergent Voices

      From the publisher's feed

      Welcome to Neurodivergent Voices, a series where we, two licensed occupational therapists who are neurodivergent ourselves, highlight the lived experience of neurodivergent persons. Tired of allowing…