How often do you catch yourself thinking I should… or I have to…? In this episode of Mindful Mondays with Ashley Bentley, we explore how the language of pressure and judgment fuels shame, burnout, and disconnection — especially for neurodivergent minds. Ashley shares powerful reframes to shift should into could and have to into get to, restoring choice, gratitude, and presence. You’ll also be guided through a calming yoga nidra-inspired meditation to release expectations and reconnect with freedom and agency.

✨ Connect with Ashley:

🔗 Website: www.integrativeiom.co.uk

🔗 Facebook: Integrative IOM

🔗 Insight Timer: Ashley Bentley

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• → https://bit.ly/ashleynde

🔗 Stay Connected

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In this week’s Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott unpack a powerful story about a photography exhibition in South Wales titled “But You Don’t Look Autistic.”

The exhibition, featuring portraits of autistic children and adults, challenges stereotypes about what autism “should” look like and celebrates unapologetic neurodivergent pride. From purple beards and rubber ducks to teenage voices demanding respect, the project pushes back against patronising attitudes and harmful misconceptions.

Jordan and Simon bring their lived experiences into the conversation, reflecting on:

• Why the phrase “you don’t look autistic” is so damaging (even when meant kindly)
• The role of art, photography, and visibility in changing perceptions
• Everyday examples of condescension and infantilization faced by autistic adults
• The need for neurodivergent pride and representation over awareness campaigns
• Stories of ableism—from airports to festivals—that highlight how disability is still misunderstood
• Why invisible disabilities matter, and how assumptions harm neurodivergent people

Read the article here.

This episode blends humour, frustration, and hope—spotlighting the importance of representation and the freedom to be unapologetically neurodivergent.

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

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⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

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In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott dive deep into the often-overlooked concept of object permanence and how it shapes the everyday lives of autistic and ADHD adults.

From misplaced wallets to forgotten birthdays, Jordan and Simon unpack the challenges of “out of sight, out of mind” thinking, and how it impacts relationships, routines, and self-esteem. With humor and honesty, they share personal stories—from paramedic rescues and lost headphones to missed social events—that highlight both the struggles and resilience of neurodivergent living.

Together, they explore:

• What object permanence really means and how it links to autism, ADHD, and executive dysfunction
• Why neurodivergent people often forget tasks, dates, or even loved ones when they’re out of view
• How these challenges can damage friendships, work, and self-confidence—and why it’s not laziness
• Practical tools that help: reminders, shared calendars, “don’t put it down, put it back” hacks, and supportive partners
• Why patience, self-advocacy, and understanding from others make all the difference

Whether you constantly lose your keys, forget social plans, or feel guilty about being “that friend who never shows up,” this episode offers relatable stories, validation, and strategies to help you feel less alone.

❤️ 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:

🧠 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

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

What if time isn’t your enemy, but a rhythm you can learn to flow with? In this episode of Mindful Mondays with Ashley Bentley, we delve into time blindness, rushing, and the “hurry-up driver” that can trigger panic in neurodivergent brains. Ashley reframes time as a dance partner, not a deadline, and shares practices for syncing with your body’s natural rhythms. Plus, enjoy a guided meditation to release urgency and discover presence inside each moment.

✨ Connect with Ashley:

🔗 Website: www.integrativeiom.co.uk

🔗 Facebook: Integrative IOM

🔗 Insight Timer: Ashley Bentley

❤️ 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:

🧠 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

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 new research showing that over 90% of autistic adults over 40 in the UK are undiagnosed.

They break down a recent article highlighting the seven key signs of autism in adults aged 40+, while reflecting on their own lived experiences and the challenges of late diagnosis. With humour and honesty, they explore why so many autistic people go through life without answers. Read the article here

Together, Jordan and Simon discuss:

• Why autism often goes undiagnosed in adults over 40, 50, and even 60+
• The seven subtle signs of autism in later life (routine, sensory sensitivities, social rules, and more)
• The impact of masking and how it becomes harder to spot autism with age
• Why getting a diagnosis matters—accommodations, self-understanding, and family support
• The difference between lived experience vs. clinical descriptions of autism
• How the Right to Choose program is helping thousands skip years-long NHS waiting lists

Whether you’re exploring autism later in life, supporting a loved one, or just curious about late diagnosis, this episode blends research, advocacy, and lived insight to shed light on a “missing generation” of undiagnosed autistics.

❤️ 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:

🧠 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

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

In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott share their lived experiences with sensory hypersensitivity — from painful sounds, bright lights, and strong smells to the surprising joys of heightened senses.

They explore:

• Why sensory overload is so disabling for autistic & ADHD adults
• The difference between hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity
• How noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and environmental changes can help
• The emotional side of hypersensitivity: empathy, overstimulation & burnout
• Reframing sensitivity as both a challenge and a hidden strength

If you’ve ever struggled with noise sensitivity, light sensitivity, or sensory overload, this conversation offers practical tools, validation, and humour to help you feel less alone.

❤️ 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:

🧠 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

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

Start your week with clarity and calm. In this pilot of Mindful Mondays with Ashley Bentley, discover how presence and acceptance can transform overwhelm, ease the neurodivergent mind, and help you let go of the “second arrow” of suffering. Plus, enjoy a guided meditation to ground, reset, and carry you into the week with purpose.

✨ Connect with Ashley:

🔗 Website: www.integrativeiom.co.uk

🔗 Facebook: Integrative IOM

🔗 Insight Timer: Ashley Bentley

❤️ 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:

🧠 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

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

In this eye-opening episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott unpack the growing awareness of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) in relation to ADHD and autism—and why naming it can be life-changing.

Drawing from their lived experiences, they explore the emotional rollercoaster of RSD, from spiralling thoughts after a delayed text message to sleepless nights replaying old conversations. With humour, honesty, and hard-won insight, Jordan and Simon highlight how mainstream recognition of RSD is slowly catching up to what the neurodivergent community has been saying for years.

Together, they discuss:

• What Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria really feels like for ADHDers and autistic people
• Why naming RSD creates distance, self-awareness, and practical coping strategies
• How therapy (and finding the right therapist) can help untangle emotional floods
• The importance of starting young—teaching kids resilience, boundaries, and emotional language
• Why harmful advice from mainstream parenting “experts” can traumatise neurodivergent children
• Tools that actually help: clarity in communication, gentle feedback, and community validation
• 
  

Whether you’re navigating RSD yourself, parenting neurodivergent kids, or trying to understand a loved one’s inner world, this conversation blends science, lived experience, and humour to bring comfort, clarity, and hope.

The article discussed in this episode

❤️ 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:

🧠 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

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

In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Simon Scott is joined by returning co-host Jordan James for a deep dive into advocacy, self-acceptance, and the power of knowledge in navigating neurodivergence.

Jordan opens up about his personal journey from struggling with self-hatred after his autism diagnosis to embracing advocacy through writing, photography, and public speaking. Simon shares his own growth — from imposter syndrome to proudly advocating for himself at a music festival, where creating safe spaces and speaking openly about his needs led to connection, healing, and empowerment.

Together, Jordan and Simon discuss:

• The importance of self-advocacy and setting boundaries in daily life
• Why knowledge is power when navigating diagnoses, accommodations, and medical systems
• The emotional impact of hearing “you’re not alone” through books, podcasts, and neurodivergent communities
• Parenting while neurodivergent: raising autistic/ADHD kids with patience, advocacy, and self-compassion
• How representation, honesty, and positivity (without toxic positivity) change the way neurodivergent people see themselves
• The ripple effect of advocacy — inspiring others, from children in classrooms to entire families, to embrace their neurodivergence

Whether you’re exploring your diagnosis, learning to advocate for yourself, or supporting loved ones, this heartfelt conversation offers validation, encouragement, and practical tools to help you feel seen and empowered.

❤️ 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:

🧠 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

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

Can you spot the difference between real advocacy and AI fakery? In this week’s NeuroSpicy Hot Topic from The Neurodivergent Experience, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott dive into the disturbing rise of AI-generated disability accounts — fake profiles posing as disabled people to chase likes, sympathy, and cash.

From TikTok to Instagram, and from stolen advocacy posts to AI-created faces, we explore:

• How AI accounts impersonate disabled people and outpace real advocates
• The ethics of “sympathy as currency” online — when does support turn into exploitation?
• Jordan’s experience with stolen posts, fake profiles, and even AI-like accusations against his photography
• The thin line between AI as accessibility (non-speaking advocates finding a voice) and AI as deception
• Why fakes fuel distrust of genuine disabled creators and advocacy communities
• The psychology of comments, trolls, and why negativity drowns out thousands of quiet supporters
• How AI deepfakes risk eroding trust in images, podcasts, and even our own words

Whether you’re fascinated, fearful, or just fed up with online scams, this conversation blends advocacy, ethics, and plenty of neurospicy humour to ask: what happens when disability itself becomes content to counterfeit?

❤️ 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 Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

• → https://bit.ly/ashleynde

🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)

• → Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.

🔗 Stay Connected

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

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