Episode 28 - Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Zoey’s Favorite Book, and Big Ideas
In celebration of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, this episode of Unlabelled and Limitless takes a slightly different approach.
Instead of speaking with experts or researchers, Lois sits down with someone who experiences the world through a beautifully unique lens every single day: Zoey, an autistic child and the daughter of Kay.
Together, they talk about Zoey’s favorite book, All Families Are Different by Jacques Bastien and Dahcia Lyons-Bastien, a story inspired by their daughter Dahlia and the many different kinds of friendships and families that exist in the world.
From kindness and respect to emotions, nature walks, creativity, and even naming frogs and snakes, this conversation offers a glimpse into how Zoey understands the world around her.
Along the way, Zoey shares her thoughts about school, time blindness, drawing, nature, and her dream of becoming a nurse one day. The discussion also touches on how stories, friendships, and supportive environments can help children learn about themselves and others.
This episode is a reminder that neurodiversity isn’t just a concept or a diagnosis. It’s a lived experience, full of curiosity, creativity, humor, and insight.
Sometimes the most meaningful lessons about understanding differences come from simply listening.
Key themes include:
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Celebrating Neurodiversity Celebration Week through a child’s voice
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Zoey’s favorite book and what it teaches about kindness and respect
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All Families Are Different by Jacques Bastien and Dahcia Lyons-Bastien
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How stories help children understand different families and friendships
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A child’s perspective on emotions, anxiety, and growing up
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Neurodivergent experiences like time blindness and deep focus
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Creativity, nature, curiosity, and the joy of learning
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Why listening to neurodivergent children matters