Simon is away on holiday, so please enjoy this re-run while he gets some much-needed sunshine!

In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott are joined by in-house therapist Ashley Bentley to explore the key differences between autistic men and women. We discuss how traits like repetitive behaviours and emotional expression show up differently, and the diagnostic biases and misogynistic societal expectations that affect late or missed diagnoses in women.

🎤 In this episode, you'll learn about:

• How autistic masking differs between men and women
• How special interests manifest in men and women
• Why autistic girls and women are often overlooked or misdiagnosed
• The role of social conditioning in shaping autistic expression in men and women
• The societal pressures faced by Autistic women in relation to masking behaviours

Whether you're autistic, suspect you might be, or want to support a loved one better, this episode is packed with insights on gendered experiences of autism you won't want to miss.

Our Sponsors:

🧘‍♀️ Ashley Dupuy – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

• → https://bit.ly/ashleynde

🔗 Stay Connected

• Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod
• Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page
• YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience
• TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

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This week, Ashley is prioritising her health, so please enjoy this re-run of Episode 7 of Mindful Mondays.

In this episode of Mindful Mondays, we explore what it means to truly allow — to let life, emotions, and even other people simply be as they are.

Spiritual teacher, Ram Dass, once observed that when we look at trees, we accept them - crooked, bent, imperfect, yet utterly beautiful. But when we look at people and ourselves, we judge. In this episode, Ashley explores how we can return to that same compassionate seeing toward others and toward ourselves. Blending mindfulness, neuroscience, and psychology, we explore how allowing what is can reduce anxiety, soften resistance, and bring peace to the neurodivergent mind and body.

Ashley also shares a modern Buddhist parable and Jon Kabat-Zinn’s timeless reminder:

“Give yourself permission to allow this moment to be exactly as it is,

and allow yourself to be exactly as you are.”

The episode closes with a deeply hypnotic guided meditation - a forest journey into self-acceptance and inner stillness.

❤️ Support the Show

If this episode resonated with you:

✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience

⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodes

Our Sponsors:

🧘‍♀️ Ashley Dupuy – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

• → https://bit.ly/ashleynde

🔗 Stay Connected

• Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod
• Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page
• YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience
• TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

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In this Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott react to the sudden cancellation of Smiling Friends — a hugely popular animated show created by Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel.

At the height of its success, the creators announced they were ending the show after season three due to burnout. Jordan and Simon unpack what that decision means, not just for fans, but for neurodivergent creatives who know what it feels like to hit a wall after achieving something huge.

They explore the tension between creative integrity and audience grief, the difficulty of abrupt endings, and why burnout can sometimes mean walking away — even from something you love.

With Malcolm in the Middle and Scrubs both returning, they reflect on how Malcolm's family remains one of the most authentic portrayals of a chaotic, neurodivergent-coded family on television — and what it means when our comfort shows return after years away.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Neurodivergent creator burnout
• Walking away at the height of success
• creative Integrity vs financial opportunity
• Audience grief when shows end
• The risk of investing in cancelled series
• Comfort shows and “cosy watch” rewatches
• Malcolm in the Middle as ND representation

A thoughtful, funny conversation about burnout, creative autonomy, comfort shows, and the emotional impact of losing — and regaining — the stories that feel like home.

Our Sponsors:

🧘‍♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

• → https://bit.ly/ashleynde

🔗 Stay Connected

• Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod
• Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page
• YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience
• TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

❤️ Support the Show

If this episode resonated with you:

✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience

⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott explore why neurodivergent people can be more vulnerable to negative influence.

Growing up feeling different often leads to masking, people-pleasing, and a fragile sense of identity. When belonging has felt conditional, it can become easier to agree, adapt, and absorb the views of others just to avoid rejection.

Jordan shares a recent experience of being let down by someone he trusted, while Simon reflects on a past friendship that crossed into manipulation and exploitation. They unpack how loneliness, burnout, justice sensitivity, and the need for certainty can leave neurodivergent people more susceptible to toxic dynamics.

The conversation also dives into social media, echo chambers, and algorithm-driven radicalisation, and how validation, moral clarity, and belonging can feel regulating even when the influence itself is harmful.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Masking and weakened identity
• People-pleasing and toxic friendships
• Justice sensitivity is being exploited
• Loneliness and manipulation
• Social media echo chambers
• Doom-scrolling and radicalisation
• Burnout and impulsive decisions
• Knowing your vulnerable seasons

An honest episode about influence, autonomy, and learning to protect yourself without losing your openness.

Our Sponsors:

🧘‍♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

• → https://bit.ly/ashleynde

🔗 Stay Connected

• Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod
• Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page
• YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience
• TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

❤️ Support the Show

If this episode resonated with you:

✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience

⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Six months ago, Mindful Mondays began as a simple weekly pause - a space to soften into presence and honour the neurodivergent nervous system.

Twenty-six episodes later, something far more coherent has emerged.

In this special half-year reflection, Ashley traces the living map that has been quietly forming beneath the surface - from radical acceptance and time reframing, to forest wisdom and the art of allowing… from nervous system cartography and breath as bridge, to loving-kindness, radical permission, and the true architecture of change.

Together, we revisit the core sequence that has shaped this journey:

Presence.

Allowing.

Regulation.

Story.

Compassion.

Breakthrough.

Resilience.

Sensitivity as strength.

This episode is not simply a recap - it is an integration. A chance to step back and see the pattern. To recognise that your sensitivity was never a flaw to correct, but an instrument to understand.

The episode closes with a deeply immersive guided practice, Reweaving the Map, blending three beloved meditations from the past six months - the Forest of Allowing, the Weaver of Stories, and Loving-Kindness - into one cohesive inner journey.

A celebration.

A consolidation.

And a reminder that the map is still unfolding.

Our Sponsors:

🧘‍♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

• → https://bit.ly/ashleynde

🔗 Stay Connected

• Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod
• Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page
• YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience
• TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

❤️ Support the Show

If this episode resonated with you:

✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience

⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this brief statement, Jordan James speaks on behalf of The Neurodivergent Experience to address the recent BAFTA incident involving John Davidson.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott react to major BAFTA wins for I Swear — including Robert Aramayo taking home Best Actor and the EE Rising Star Award.

After previously calling it a “travesty” that Aramayo wasn’t Oscar-nominated, Jordan reflects on why this win feels so significant — not just for the actor, but for neurodivergent representation in film.

They unpack why I Swear works: it doesn’t reduce Tourette’s to a stereotype, it tells the story of one human being. The film focuses on John Davidson’s life, not just his diagnosis — showing difference without pity, and representation without forcing a message.

The conversation expands into a wider discussion about authentic storytelling vs performative diversity, why some representation feels natural while others feel manufactured, and how shows like Malcolm in the Middle, The Simpsons, Stranger Things, Bob’s Burgers, and Rick and Morty have portrayed neurodivergent-coded characters for decades without making diagnosis the sole narrative.

Note: This episode was recorded before wider discussion emerged regarding a moment during the BAFTA ceremony involving an involuntary vocal tic from John Davidson. We recognise the complexity and sensitivity of the situation. Our discussion here focuses specifically on the significance of authentic neurodivergent representation in film.

This episode discusses:

• Robert Aramayo’s BAFTA win
• Why I Swear resonates so deeply
• Authentic vs forced representation
• Tourette’s, autism, ADHD and coded characters
• The legacy of Rain Man and stereotypes
• Why storytelling should centre the person, not the condition
• How powerful representation builds confidence
• Neurodivergent “goggles” and seeing ND traits everywhere
• Why natural inclusion works better than box-ticking

A passionate, funny, and thoughtful reaction episode about film, advocacy, and why authentic representation matters more than ever.

Our Sponsors:

🧠 RTN Diagnostics - Right to Choose – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)

🧘‍♀️ Ashley Dupuy – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

• → https://bit.ly/ashleynde

🔗 Stay Connected

• Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod
• Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page
• YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience
• TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

❤️ Support the Show

If this episode resonated with you:

✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience

⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James returns from New Zealand and joins Simon Scott for an honest and surprisingly positive conversation about travelling as a neurodivergent person.

From long-haul flights and jet lag to airport anxiety and invisible disability accommodations, they reflect on how different this trip felt compared to previous travel experiences. Jordan shares how advocating for pre-boarding, using the sunflower lanyard, and clearly communicating needs made a significant difference — and why asking for accommodations can completely change the experience of flying.

They also explore the cognitive and sensory impact of jet lag, navigating time zone shifts, balancing FOMO with regulation, and knowing when to cancel plans instead of pushing through burnout.

This episode explores:

• Travelling with invisible disabilities
• Advocating for airport accommodations
• Sunflower lanyards and pre-boarding
• Long-haul flights and neurodivergent sensory stress
• Jet lag and ADHD brain fog
• FOMO vs nervous system regulation
• Special interests and travel intensity
• Being present vs filming everything
• Post-holiday blues and returning to routine

A relaxed but reflective episode about autonomy, accessibility, travel anxiety, and learning to prioritise regulation over pressure — even when you’re standing at Mount Doom.

Our Sponsors:

🧠 RTN Diagnostics - Right to Choose – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)

🧘‍♀️ Ashley Dupuy – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

• → https://bit.ly/ashleynde

🔗 Stay Connected

• Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod
• Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page
• YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience
• TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

❤️ Support the Show

If this episode resonated with you:

✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience

⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sound is one of the fastest, most powerful systems in the human brain. It can soothe, destabilise, regulate, overwhelm - and, when used intentionally, it can become a profound tool for nervous system support.

In this episode of Mindful Mondays, Ashley explores the neuroscience and lived experience of sound for neurodivergent minds. From music and rhythm as ancient emotional language, to binaural beats and brainwave states, humming and vagus nerve activation, ASMR, pink noise, and the surprising science behind tinnitus and musical ear syndrome.

We also talk honestly about misophonia, loud noise sensitivity, and the cocktail party effect - and why regulation, not exposure, is the key.

The episode closes with a guided theta journey using Alexander Voloshin of Healing Meditation Music's theta binaural beats - an immersive sound experience designed to gently support deep rest, insight, and recalibration.

If sound has ever felt like too much - or not enough - this episode will help you understand why, and how to work with it.

Headphones recommended.

Our Sponsors:

🧠 RTN Diagnostics - Right to Choose – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)

🧘‍♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

• → https://bit.ly/ashleynde

🔗 Stay Connected

• Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod
• Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page
• YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience
• TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

❤️ Support the Show

If this episode resonated with you:

✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience

⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Simon Scott is joined by Ashley Dupuy to explore why the news feels so overwhelming — especially for neurodivergent brains.

With relentless headlines, graphic footage, political division, and algorithm-driven doom-scrolling, they unpack how constant exposure to crisis can heighten anxiety, disrupt sleep, and intensify black-and-white thinking.

Ashley explains the role of the brain’s reticular activating system (RAS) — the internal filtering system that shows us more of what we focus on. When we consume dark, catastrophic stories repeatedly, our brains begin scanning the world for more threats, reinforcing anxiety and hypervigilance.

They discuss:

• Doom-scrolling and negativity bias
• Heightened empathy and justice sensitivity
• PTSD and re-traumatisation through graphic media
• ADHD, stimulation-seeking, and news addiction
• Black-and-white thinking in polarised times
• The pressure to “have an opinion” on everything
• Feeling powerless outside your circle of control
• Social conversations built around “ain’t it awful”
• News detoxes and intentional media boundaries
• Using gratitude and inspiration to rebalance the brain

A thoughtful, honest discussion about emotional intensity, media overwhelm, and how to stay informed without sacrificing your nervous system.

Our Sponsors:

🧠 RTN Diagnostics - Right to Choose – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)

🧘‍♀️ Ashley Dupuy – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

• → https://bit.ly/ashleynde

🔗 Stay Connected

• Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod
• Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page
• YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience
• TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

❤️ Support the Show

If this episode resonated with you:

✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience

⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.