In this episode, we are in the same room for the very first time on this podcast, so we're bringing you a preview of our live show in Cardiff! Many Neurodivergent people struggle with impulse control and addiction, something we have both struggled with throughout our journeys. We share our personal experiences with addiction to phones and social media, food, video games, plus we talk the need for balance and self-awareness when it comes to addictive behaviours and the dangers of Neurodivergent people chasing the buzz of a dopamine high through narcotics.

Takeaways

• The need for dopamine and the desire for instant gratification can contribute to addictive behaviours.
• Co-dependency in relationships can be both healthy and unhealthy, depending on the individuals involved.
• Finding a balance and practicing self-awareness are important in managing addictive behaviours.
• It's important to be aware of one's own addictive tendencies and seek help if needed.

Our first live show at Autistic Minds Live 2024 Cardiff is fast approaching! It is the Premier FREE to attend event for and by the autistic community. To book your FREE tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../autistic-minds-live...

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.

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In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience podcast, Jordan flies solo as he is joined by Nadine Honeybone and Raj Chand to discuss the importance of autism-led charities and their upcoming live event, Autistic Minds Cardiff. Nadine shares her motivation for creating the charity, her personal experiences as a parent of a nonverbal autistic child and the challenges she faced in raising her son Thomas. Raj Chand, who is an Autistic Business owner, talks about the need for neurodivergent voices to be heard and respected, the necessity for autistic charities run by autistic people and the importance of creating inclusive spaces and opportunities for neurodivergent individuals to thrive in a neurotypical world.

Takeaways

• Autistic Minds UK is an autism-led charity that provides resources and support for the autistic community.
• Employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals are crucial for promoting inclusion and allowing them to lead fulfilling lives.
• Neurodivergent voices should be heard and respected, and their experiences should inform decision-making processes.
• Support, resources, and inspiration are crucial for the neurodivergent community to navigate and succeed in society.

Our first live show at Autistic Minds Live 2024 Cardiff is fast approaching! It is the Premier FREE to attend event for and by the autistic community. To book your FREE tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../autistic-minds-live...

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.

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

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In this episode, we are joined by Matt Jolly, the Operations Director at RTN Diagnostics, to discuss the topic of getting diagnosed and whether going private is worth it. We share our personal experiences with the diagnostic process and highlight the challenges we faced within the NHS system in the UK and why we had to go private. Matt shares his personal journey of getting his family diagnosed, the positive effects it had on his family and why he now works in the business of diagnosis with RTN diagnostics. We talk the importance of early intervention and the positive impact that a diagnosis can have on individuals and their families and the right to choose, which allows individuals to choose alternative providers for assessments if the NHS waiting times are too long.

Takeaways

• Getting a diagnosis can provide a sense of peace and understanding about oneself and can help individuals and their families navigate challenges more effectively.
• Private assessments can offer faster and more comprehensive evaluations compared to the NHS, but cost can be a barrier for some individuals.
• The current NHS system often falls short in providing timely and adequate support for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
• Improving training and awareness about neurodiversity among healthcare professionals and educators is crucial to ensure better support for neurodivergent individuals. RTN provides aftercare and support to individuals after the assessment process, going beyond the diagnostic criteria.
• The right to choose allows individuals to choose alternative providers for assessments if the NHS waiting times are too long.

Our first live show at Autistic Minds Live 2024 Cardiff is fast approaching! It is the Premier FREE to attend event for and by the autistic community. To book your FREE tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../autistic-minds-live...

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.

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

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In this episode, we discuss the challenges of changing schools for neurodivergent individuals. . We start by reading an email from a listener who is a parent who is struggling to find a school that understands and supports their neurodivergent child. We share our personal experiences of moving schools and the difficulties we faced, including bullying, the need to mask their true selves and the frustration with the lack of training and understanding among teachers and school administrators. The conversation explores the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the education system and the need for better support and understanding, the importance of teachers who go the extra mile and the need for schools to be more inclusive and accommodating and the decision of home schooling, and the pros and cons associated with it.

Takeaways

• Changing schools can be a challenging experience for neurodivergent individuals, often leading to feelings of isolation and the need to mask their true selves.
• Many neurodivergent students face bullying and mistreatment in schools, which can have long-lasting effects on their mental health and well-being.
• The education system often lacks proper training and understanding of neurodivergent needs, leading to a lack of support and inclusion for these students.
• Parents of neurodivergent children often struggle to find schools that are willing to listen and accommodate their child's unique needs.
• Home schooling can be a viable option for some neurodivergent individuals, but it comes with its own challenges and considerations.

Our first live show at Autistic Minds Live 2024 Cardiff is fast approaching! It is the Premier FREE to attend event for and by the autistic community. To book your FREE tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../autistic-minds-live...

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.

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

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In this episode, we discuss living with pathological demand avoidance (PDA), a condition that is not officially recognized by most authorities. We share personal experiences and examples of how demand avoidance affects our daily lives, including struggles with completing tasks, seeking medical help, and pursuing hobbies. We reflect on the impact of demand avoidance on mental health and relationships, the lack of recognition and understanding of the condition, and how it can both help and hinder us in different aspects of our lives.

Takeaways

• Living with demand avoidance can have a significant impact on various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and personal well-being.
• Demand avoidance is not laziness or procrastination due to anxiety, but a genuine struggle to overcome barriers in the mind.
• The lack of official recognition and understanding of demand avoidance can lead to frustration and a lack of support from others.
• It is important to listen to and validate the experiences of individuals with demand avoidance, as their struggles are real and valid. Neurodivergent individuals often face challenges in receiving support and understanding for their mental health needs.
• The lack of recognition and misdiagnosis of neurodivergent conditions can have a negative impact on individuals' well-being.

Our first live show at Autistic Minds Live 2024 Cardiff is fast approaching! It is the Premier FREE to attend event for and by the autistic community. To book your FREE tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../autistic-minds-live...

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.

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

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In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience Podcast, we talk about how we switch their brains off when it all gets a bit too much!

We talk about the importance of music in our lives and our love for video games, TV shows, movies, and how they use them as a form of escapism and to switch off their brains. We talk using music and soundproof headphones to balance our moods, stimulate our minds, and find peace. We talk about the role of video games in providing escapism and allowing us to immerse ourselves in different worlds as tools for relaxation and self-expression. Plus we talk the importance of not judging others' interests and finding joy in familiar, the benefits of online gaming for socializing and the challenges of balancing screen time.

Takeaways

• Engaging in activities that stimulate the mind, such as listening to music or playing video games, can help switch off the brain and provide a sense of relaxation.
• Finding moments of happiness and appreciating them can be challenging for neurodivergent individuals, but music and gaming can help create those moments.
• Online gaming can be a valuable form of socializing, especially for neurodivergent individuals.
• Balancing screen time and understanding its impact is crucial, especially for Neurodivergent children.

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.

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

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

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan is back from Canada and Simon has just turned 30! We talk our travels, big birthdays and the challenges of obtaining ADHD medication. We share our personal experiences with the medication methylphenidate and how it has helped manage the more disabling sides of our Neurodivergence, the lack of understanding and support from healthcare professionals, and why people should treat ADHD as a life long condition. We cover how we use stimulants like caffeine, exercise and how medication affects our brains and provide relief from the more challenging aspects of ADHD.

Takeaways

• ADHD medication can be life-changing for Neurodivergent individuals, helping them manage their symptoms as it can improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of accidents and premature deaths.
• The process of obtaining ADHD medication can be challenging, with issues such as limited availability, brand preferences, and difficulty in accessing the correct dosage.
• Healthcare professionals should have a comprehensive understanding of both ADHD and autism to provide appropriate support and treatment.
• There is a need for a more holistic approach to neurodivergent conditions, where individuals are assessed for their specific difficulties and abilities rather than being categorized into separate diagnoses.
• The current system of managing ADHD medication is often frustrating and lacks empathy and understanding for the needs of neurodivergent individuals.
• Mindfulness can be a helpful tool for managing ADHD symptoms, but it may need to be adapted to suit individual needs and preferences.

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.

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

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

"One of the key disability sides of my hyper focus is that I can hyper focus on things that I don't like and can be quite distressing to think about."

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott discuss neurodivergent abilities versus disabilities. We share personal experiences and insights into how hyper-focus and tree learning, anxiety, and eidetic memory are both abilities and disabilities. We talk about difficulties processing empathy, deep emotions and how these impact their lives, plus our experiences with exceptional memories and how it can be both a gift and a burden.

Takeaways

• Hyper-focus and tree learning are common traits in neurodivergent individuals, allowing them to deeply explore and understand specific subjects.
• Anxiety can be both helpful and disabling, providing heightened awareness but also causing distress and physical symptoms.
• Eidetic memory, or the ability to recall detailed sensory information, can be both a gift and a burden, impacting daily experiences and emotional well-being.
• Hyper-empathy allows for deep connections with others but can also be disabling.
• Navigating neurodivergent experiences requires patience and not settling for less.

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.

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

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'One of the worst things that happens to neurodivergent people is their ability to trust themselves and love themselves. Bullying can shape a person's identity and have a lasting impact'

In this episode, Jordan and Simon talk to Summer Farrelly, Animal Behaviourist and Autism Advocate on the topic of bullying. We share personal experiences of being bullied, including by teachers, and highlight the long-lasting impact it can have and have had on our lives. Summer emphasizes the need for teachers to be aware of their power and the effect their words and actions can have on students and the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment in schools to prevent bullying. We touch on the issue of trolls and the lack of accountability on social media and the need for empathy, understanding, and self-reflection in online interactions.

• Bullying can have a long-lasting impact on individuals, especially during their developmental stages.
• Teachers should be aware of their power and the effect their words and actions can have on students.
• Neurodivergent individuals often have common experiences of bullying and require greater understanding and support. Bullying can have long-lasting effects on self-esteem and body image.
• Finding a supportive community and unmasking around like-minded individuals can help build trust and self-acceptance.
• Online bullying is a prevalent issue, and many people lack accountability for their actions and words.

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.

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

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"We don't need a neurotypical saviour and a holistic saviour, whatever. We don't need you. We didn't ask you to save us. We need diversity and neurodiversity does serve this purpose."

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott interview Lyric Rivera, a neurodiversity consultant and educator. Lyric shares their journey of self-discovery after being diagnosed as autistic and how it led them to create their Facebook page which now has 179,000 followers.

The conversation touches on the differences in perspectives and understanding of autism between countries, with the UK and Australia being more forward-thinking compared to the US, the harmful narratives and fear campaigns surrounding autism, the dangers of seeking to eradicate or 'correct' autism, the different rules and regulations regarding neurodivergence in the workplace in different states in the US and emphasizes the importance of including autistic individuals in research and decision-making processes.

Takeaways

• The UK and Australia are considered by Lyric as 'more forward-thinking' in their understanding of autism compared to the US.
• Including autistic individuals in research and decision-making processes is crucial.
• Many employers still lack understanding of neurodivergence and may not provide necessary accommodations. Neurodivergent individuals may face discrimination and challenges in the workplace, such as being denied reasonable accommodations.
• There are differences in Neurodivergence Laws and Workplace Accommodations in the US
• Neurodivergent individuals are constantly evolving and changing, and it is important to understand and embrace one's own unique experience.

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.

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

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