Spot Life Podcast

Episode 32: Neurodivergent Lived Experience & Pregnancy

Join this honest conversation with two neurodivergent founders, Occupational Therapists and mums, Kate Broderick and Claire Britton, as they explore pregnancy through a neurodivergent lens. When they realised they were both pregnant at the same time, it felt like the perfect moment to talk about something that assumed to be a universal experience for all women - pregnancy. However, as Kate & Claire discuss, pregnancy for neurodivergent women often comes with unique challenges, ranging from sensory shifts to systemic barriers & shortcomings. That being said, motherhood for ND women can also be a source of profound joy - something they also strive to highlight. This episode centres lived experience, validation and visibility. We hope neurodivergent women, partners and allies feel encouraged to trust their instincts, self advocate and celebrate. Claire Britton: www.neuroinclusion.com.au [http://www.neuroinclusion.com.au/] @neuroinclusion @claire.neuroinclusion Kate Broderick: www.spottherapyhub.com.au [http://www.spottherapyhub.com.au/] @spottherapyhub www.neuroway.com.au [http://www.neuroway.com.au/] @neuroway.learning www.katebroderick.com.au [http://www.katebroderick.com.au/] @katebroderick.official

Episode 31: It's Easy to Spot Neurodivergence in Infancy

In this solo episode, OT & Speech Pathologist Kate Broderick unpacks why neurodivergence can be "easy to spot" in infancy - because babies don't mask. We explore early clues that often get dismissed (sleep, feeding, reflux, sensory distress, connection, muscle tone), why stigma delays understanding, and how a neuroaffirming lens helps us meet needs, support development, well-being and flourishing. www.spottherapyhub.com.au [http://www.spottherapyhub.com.au/] (Therapy & Support Work) www.neuroway.com.au [http://www.neuroway.com.au/] (Learning for Parents/Carers, Educators, Therapist & Organisation) www.katebroderick.com.au [http://www.katebroderick.com.au/] (All parents, educators - books coming in 2026!) @spottherapyhub @neuroway.learning @katebroderick.official

Episode 30: Responsive Feeding Therapy

From Food Battles to Felt Safety: A Regulation-Based Approach to Feeding. Join Spot's Founder & CEO, Kate Broderick, for an in depth discussion with Rachel Zabel, a PhD qualified clinical dietician and feeding therapist who specialises in supporting neurodivergent children with feeding challenges, including extreme picky eating, ARFID and paediatric feeding disorders. Kate & Rachel talk about: * Their own parenting journeys with regard to feeding. * Why feeding is one of the most stressful parts of family life * Why "picky eating" misses the mark for many neurodivergent kids, and what to look out for. * What happens in the body when kids feel anxious around food. * How polyvagal theory helps us to understand feeding challenges differently. * Responsive feeding therapy - what it means and what progress may look like * Advice for parents who may be feeling stuck. * Things clinicians may miss with other approaches. * Why feeding stress often increases around back-to-school time Want to learn more? Rachel Zabel: Back to school lunchbox products: https://fun-family-food.kit.com/mylunchboxrules [https://fun-family-food.kit.com/mylunchboxrules] Instagram: @dr.rachelfeedingkids Website: www.funfamilyfood.com.au [http://www.funfamilyfood.com.au/] Kate Broderick: Therapy: www.spottherapyhub.com.au [http://www.spottherapyhub.com.au/] Neuroaffirming Learning: www.neuroway.com.au [http://www.neuroway.com.au/] Parenting: www.katebroderick.com.au [http://www.katebroderick.com.au/]

Episode 29: School Can't

Join this rich discussion with two neurodivergent Founders, therapist, and parents to ND kiddos, who know what advocacy feels and looks like on the front line. Kate Broderick and Jess Dolev explain what School Can't is (and why it's a far more accurate term than 'School Refusal'). We dive into the myriad of factors that lead to nervous system burn out, and provide explanations of concepts that are useful for all parents to know (interoception, alexithymia, RSD, prosopagnosia and gestalt processing). Jess talks about the power of protecting your own nervous system in high stakes planning meetings, by knowing your rights and preparing well. When we show us in a regulated state, true collaboration in the support process becomes possible. This is a long episode, but remember you can always hit pause and come back to it. We're hoping parents, teachers and other therapists find this one useful. Website: https://perfectlyimperfect.net.au/ [https://perfectlyimperfect.net.au/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/perfectly-imperfect-au/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/perfectly-imperfect-au/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perfectlyimperfectaus/ [https://www.facebook.com/perfectlyimperfectaus/] Instagram: @perfectlyimperfect.australia/ TikTok: @perfectlyimperfecttok And of course hopefully you're already following us: @spottherapyhub With enquiries for SP, OT and Support Work via our website www.spottherapyhub.com.au [http://www.spottherapyhub.com.au/] Please follow Kate @katebroderick.official and you can PRE-ORDER her first book here: https://www.katebroderick.com.au/shop/p/inourclassroom [https://www.katebroderick.com.au/shop/p/inourclassroom]

Episode 28: Gestalt Language Processing

Join Kate for a follow up episode on the topic of Gestalt Language Processing where she discusses her own learning journey, reflections around different language processing types, and the way she has observed them in the children she works with. Some topics mentioned leave a lot unanswered, but as always, Kate shows up as an authentic and open learner, driven by curiosity and an assumption that the future will always bring greater depth of understanding when we are brave enough to share our observations and ask questions. We hope you enjoy!