Language matters when discussing autism, and it is important to use inclusive and empowering language that recognizes the abilities and strengths of autistic individuals. In this episode, Simon and Jordan are joined by Dr. Luke Beardon, Author and Senior Lecturer in Autism at The Autism Centre, Sheffield Hallam University. Dr Luke talks about the majority of students in his courses studying autism being autistic, the negative narratives and misinformation surrounding autism, the us vs them narrative, gaslighting and professional misinformation, the identity crisis faced by late-diagnosed individuals, and the criticism of high-functioning individuals on the autism spectrum.

SPONSER: Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.

Support the show with our merch! Get our t-shirts and hoodies at https://www.dollysdaydreamscheshire.co.uk/the-neurodivergent-experience

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

This is episode #6 of the Neurodivergent Experience, re-released while were on Hiatus. We Will be back with NEW episodes in February

Meltdowns can be overwhelming and uncontrollable experiences, often triggered by sensory overload or unexpected events. In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott share what meltdowns feel like from a neurodivergent perspective. They cover the causes and effects of meltdowns, the importance of self-care and coping mechanisms - such as stimming and finding ways to recharge - the challenges of social anxiety and the power of communication.

SPONSER: Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.

Support the show with our merch! Get our t-shirts and hoodies at https://www.dollysdaydreamscheshire.co.uk/the-neurodivergent-experience

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

In our final episode of the year and our first season, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott reflect on their experiences and growth throughout 2024, discussing starting a podcast, personal achievements, family dynamics, and the challenges they faced as neurodivergent individuals.

We encapsulate a year of significant personal development and connection, our mental health journeys, the impact of significant losses, and the importance of community. As we look forward to the new year, we set intentions and promises for personal growth and fulfilment, trying to buy less trainers and what to look forward to in Season 2 of The Neurodivergent Experience.

SPONSER: Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.

Support the show with our merch! Get our t-shirts and hoodies at https://www.dollysdaydreamscheshire.co.uk/the-neurodivergent-experience

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott discuss various themes around the infamous Autistic sense of justice. We share our personal anecdotes and insights on dealing with liars, how past experiences of violence and trauma shape our current behaviours and perceptions, particularly regarding trust and disingenuousness. We delve into the complexities of emotional expression, the impact of hypocrisy, and the challenges of honesty in relationships for Autistic people and the struggle between maintaining emotional safety and the desire for genuine connections.

SPONSER: Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.

Support the show with our merch! Get our t-shirts and hoodies at https://www.dollysdaydreamscheshire.co.uk/the-neurodivergent-experience

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott explore the multifaceted aspects of being Autistic at Christmas, discussing their personal traditions and the ups and downs of the holiday season.

We explore various aspects of Christmas, from personal traditions and family dynamics to the anxieties and expectations that come with the holiday season. We discuss the significance of family interactions over material gifts and reflect on how our perspectives on Christmas preparations have evolved over time, through kindness, understanding, and creating comfortable spaces for neurodivergent individuals.

SPONSER: Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.

Support the show with our merch! Get our t-shirts and hoodies at https://www.dollysdaydreamscheshire.co.uk/the-neurodivergent-experience

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

In this episode we answer your questions! We will be doing more episodes like this weekly in addition to our Thursday episodes in the new year!

If you have any questions for us email us at [email protected] and use Mailbag in the subject line. Who knows, we could answer yours next!

SPONSER: Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.

Support the show with our merch! Get our t-shirts and hoodies at https://www.dollysdaydreamscheshire.co.uk/the-neurodivergent-experience

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

"Don't worry. Everyone is a little Autistic".

In this episode we delve into the complexities that come from Neurotypicals saying the wrong thing to us, especially Autistic, ADHD or AuDHD people. We discuss the harmful nature of functioning labels, the need for updated language around the disabling sides of neurodivergence and for greater understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity in society as a whole.

Takeaways

• Being neurodivergent is a unique experience that deserves understanding.
• Misconceptions about autism and ADHD can be harmful and diminish individual experiences.
• Functioning labels are often misleading and can hinder support for those in need.
• It's important to educate others about neurodiversity to foster understanding.
• The struggles of ADHD are often oversimplified and misunderstood.
• Misconceptions about autism often diminish individual experiences.
• Support is not special treatment; it's necessary help.

SPONSER: Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.

Support the show with our merch! Get our t-shirts and hoodies at https://www.dollysdaydreamscheshire.co.uk/the-neurodivergent-experience

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

Extreme Demand Avoidance is the new, rebranded term for what used to be Pathological Demand Avoidance. It is not recognised by the NHS yet so many Neurodivergent people struggling with navigating its demands. After this episode its pretty clear we do too!

In this super sized episode, along with guest Ashley Bentley, we delve into the complexities of extreme demand avoidance in neurodivergent adults by taking a screening test to see how much we are effected by EDA or PDA and how it is different for Men and Women. We discuss how we have used the creation of fantasy worlds as a coping mechanism, how we navigate and can be guilty of several dynamics of manipulation in relationships, the complexities of keeping up your reputation, and the impact of 'outrageous' behaviour and emotional responses that are often misdiagnosed as a 'tantrum' on our lives.

https://embrace-autism.com/eda-qa/

Takeaways

• Extreme demand avoidance can lead to internal conflict about wanting to do things.
• Mimicking others can be a natural response to social situations.
• Demand avoidance can significantly impact behaviour and relationships.
• Creating fantasy worlds can serve as a coping mechanism for stress.
• Manipulation in relationships can be unintentional and rooted in self-preservation.
• Meltdowns can occur under pressure and are often a release of built-up stress and emotions which are often misunderstood. Emotional responses can vary greatly, from crying to anger.

Ashley Bentley: Hypnotherapist, Coach & Breathwork Practitioner, Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

Email: [email protected]

Web:  https://www.integrativeiom.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntegrativeIOM

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/integrativeiom/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@integrativehypnotherapy

Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/AshleyBentley

Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.

Get our t-shirts and hoodies at https://www.dollysdaydreamscheshire.co.uk/the-neurodivergent-experience

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, we discuss the impact of current events on our well-being as life seems to be getting in our way at the moment!

We answer one of your questions and chat about the challenges of navigating outdated perceptions of autism. We talk the significance of understanding autism as a spectrum of experiences rather than a singular definition, and trying to encourage engagement with each other and share resources that promote neurodiversity in a positive way.

We talk neurodivergent identities, the impact of community support, the need to challenge negative narratives surrounding autism, and the responsibility of individuals to advocate for themselves and others.

We have to share the positive aspects of being neurodivergent and show how important it is to education those around in the hope of fostering understanding!

Takeaways

• Social media platforms can hinder genuine connection.
• Conversations about autism can be challenging but necessary as outdated views on autism persist in many families.
• Personal experiences shape our understanding of neurodiversity.
• Advocacy is about helping others and sharing knowledge. Being autistic can be a source of pride and strength.
• Understanding and acceptance from family and community are crucial as the way autistic individuals are treated is often the real issue.
• Community support can significantly improve the lives of neurodivergent individuals.
• Education and open conversations can help dispel myths about autism.
• It's important to challenge negative narratives surrounding neurodiversity.

Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.

Get our t-shirts and hoodies at https://www.dollysdaydreamscheshire.co.uk/the-neurodivergent-experience

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

Get bonus content on Patreon

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

In this episode we discuss the educational system in the UK from the perspective of an autistic teacher. Mandy Cook is an influential figure in Autism on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok as The Autistic Teacher with over 100,000 followers on Facebook, sharing information and insights to a wider audience. Mandy is a teacher, speaker, trainer and consultant in autism with over 20 years experience working with Autistic children and adults.

She shares her journey as an autistic teacher and how her personal experiences have shaped her approach to education, the need for neurodivergent-friendly environments and the importance of inclusivity in education for neurodivergent children and the benefits it brings to all students.

The conversation explores the current state of inclusivity in schools, the challenges faced by neurodivergent children, and the misconceptions surrounding school refusal.

Takeaways

• Teachers often receive undue blame for systemic issues.
• Personal experiences can greatly influence teaching methods.
• Inclusivity in classrooms benefits all students, not just neurodivergent ones.
• Neurodivergent training from neurodivergent teachers is essential.
• School refusal often stems from fear, not laziness.
• Standardized tests do not accurately reflect a child's potential.

Mandy's Website: https://www.autisticteacher.co.uk/

Mandy's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autisticteach/

Mandy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_autistic_teacher_/

Charity: https://www.autismsoutheast.co.uk/

Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.

Get our t-shirts and hoodies at https://www.dollysdaydreamscheshire.co.uk/the-neurodivergent-experience

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

Get bonus content on Patreon

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