In the inaugural episode of 'Diverge & Disrupt', Liz Vossenkemper, a neurodivergent nurse practitioner, shares the journey and the motivations behind this podcast. This episode discusses the importance of understanding and embracing neurodivergence, the need for systemic change, and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and their families. Liz emphasizes the necessity of disrupting misconceptions surrounding ADHD and autism, advocating for a more inclusive and affirming approach to healthcare and education.

Key term that may require clarification:

1. Neurodivergent: Refers to individuals whose brain functions differently from what is considered typical or neurotypical. This term is often used to describe those with autism, ADHD, learning differences, trauma and other cognitive variations.

2. Masking: The process by which individuals, particularly those with autism and ADHD, hide or suppress their natural behaviors or traits to conform to societal expectations. It often leads to mental exhaustion and can contribute to increased stress and anxiety.

3. Rejection-sensitive anxiety: A type of anxiety that involves heightened fear of rejection or negative judgment from others, commonly experienced by individuals with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions. This anxiety can cause individuals to be overly sensitive to perceived criticisms or rejection.

4. Chronic Lyme disease: A condition caused by a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks, which can result in long-term, often debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and neurological problems.

5. Deficit model of medicine: This refers to a healthcare perspective that focuses primarily on what is wrong with a patient, emphasizing limitations or deficits rather than strengths and abilities. This model has been criticized for its narrow approach, particularly when applied to neurodivergent individuals.

6. DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders): A manual published by the American Psychiatric Association used by clinicians to diagnose mental health disorders. It categorizes and defines various mental health conditions, including autism and ADHD, and is sometimes critiqued for its limited flexibility in accounting for the complexity and nuance of neurodivergent conditions.

7. Neurotypical: A term used to describe individuals whose neurological development and functioning are typical/average, as opposed to neurodivergent individuals.

8. IQ test: A standardized test designed to measure intellectual ability. It has been widely used to assess cognitive abilities but is often critiqued for being limited in scope and for not adequately measuring the full range of human intelligence, particularly in neurodivergent individuals.

9. Non-speaking/non-verbal: Refers to individuals who do not use spoken language to communicate, often associated with certain neurodivergent conditions such as autism. Non-verbal individuals may communicate through other means, such as body language, sign language, or assistive technology.

10. Self-advocacy: The act of speaking up for oneself and making decisions about one's own life, particularly in the context of navigating systems such as healthcare, education, or social services. For neurodivergent individuals, self-advocacy is critical in ensuring that their needs are understood and met.

Transcript: S1E1_Transcript.docx