Neurodivergent Report

61: Anti-Fat Bias, Autism & Intersectionality with Zoe John-Kay

This convo has me thinking about how often we size up those we interact with, be it subconscious or intentional. We talk gender identity, intersectionality, and autism; imagine the freedom that comes from approaching confusion with curiosity instead of trying to force compliance. Curious what else is inside: • What is anti-fat bias and why it's harmful for every body size • How identity exploration can be approached gently • Tune in for a powerful analogy for understanding communication differences between neurodivergent and neurotypical people This episode might resonate if you: • Have ever felt rejected and struggled to understand why • Are exploring your identity, diagnosis, gender, sexuality, or place in the world • Want a more compassionate framework for understanding yourself and others In coaching, I attract people who feel pressure to "fix" themselves as quickly as possible. They want certainty, a label, or a final answer. But self-understanding is usually much messier than that. If this feels like you, you do not need to have everything figured out today. Practice makes progress. If you're looking for support with that: 👉 Neurodivergence Coaching with Sarah [https://www.ndreportpod.com/coaching] Looking for Zoe John-Kay? Website: therapywithzoe.co.uk Instagram: @therapy_with_zoe https://substack.com/@unrulybodyminds Resources: Podcast: At The Intersection, Turn Left Book mentioned: Working Within Diversity by Myira Khan

60: ADHD, Burnout & Chronic Pain: How the Nervous System Lives in the Body

This episode really made me think about my bendy body in a new way. We got into how the body and mind are connected through fascia, and honestly it transformed how I understand things like stress, ADHD, and nervous system healing. We talk about fascia, embodiment, and neurodivergence, especially for people who feel stuck in their heads or overwhelmed by their feelings. Curious what else is inside: * Why “just breathe” advice does not always work on its own * How ADHD brains need physical action to understand and process things * The idea that your body is more fluid than solid, and why that matters There is a moment where we realize that mental overwhelm might actually be unprocessed physical tension in the body. And another where it clicks that movement is not just exercise, it is a way to process emotions. This episode might resonate if you: * Feel overwhelmed by your thoughts or emotions * Struggle to stay consistent unless something works right away * Deal with chronic pain, fatigue, or symptoms that feel unexplained This is something I see a lot in coaching too. People try to solve everything in their minds and keep collecting information, but they do not have a way to actually use it to move forward. If that is you, you are not failing nor are you broken. You might just need a more body based way to approach life. If you're looking for compassionate support with that: 👉https://www.ndreportpod.com/coaching * Website: gstbody.com * Instagram: @gstbody & @annarahe

59: Meditation 101 for Neurodivergent Minds: How to Start + Why It Works w/ Kelly Smith

Featuring: Kelly Smith, meditation teacher, author, and host of Mindful in Minutes We've all been told to try meditation. But some of our brains rebel against us when we try: your brain won’t slow down, your thoughts get louder, and it feels impossible. What if the problem isn’t you… but how meditation has been taught? In this episode, we explore: The “I Can’t Meditate” Moment: Sarah and Kelly reflect on initially rejecting meditation as something their brains couldn’t do. The “Workaround / Framework”: Meditation as single-pointed focus (not “emptying your mind”) — and why short, guided practices work best for neurodivergent brains. Protecting Your Peace: How the nervous system, the 90-second stress response, and constant stimulation keep us stuck in fight-or-flight. The Unexpected Human Detail: Goat cheese metaphors, self-doubt, and a real conversation about learning to be kinder to yourself. Key Questions Answered in the Audio: 1. How to build a meditation practice for ADHD brains? 2. What actually happens in your brain when you meditate for 8 weeks? 3. What is the purpose of meditation for neurodivergent people? Resources Mentioned: Kelly Smith’s podcast, Mindful in Minutes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyuAzAFsNzcypnAa1XSlnog [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyuAzAFsNzcypnAa1XSlnog] Kelly’s Website: http://yogaforyouonline.com/ Connect With Us! ndreportpod.com/contact [http://ndreportpod.com] Follow us on all the socials @NDreportpod

58: Neurodiversity at Work: A Clinician Explains Why Workplace Accommodations Go Wrong & How to Do Better

Featuring: Matthew Seneshen, clinical counselor & educator specializing in neurodiversity and workplace mental health How do you survive at work when the system expects you to prove you’re struggling before it offers help? In this episode, we explore: Neurodiversity & Identity * Early diagnosis, dysgraphia, and processing differences * Shifting from “broken” to understanding neurodivergence as natural variation Workplace Reality * Why accommodations often fail in real-world settings * The gap between inclusive policies and actual day-to-day experiences * Stigma, “othering,” and the pressure to self-disclose Systems & Models * Medical model vs. social model of disability * Introducing the biopsychosocial approach to workplace support * Why workplaces struggle to implement meaningful change Universal Design & Solutions * Moving from individual accommodations to universal workplace design * Collaborative, proactive support instead of reactive gatekeeping * Why supporting all workers improves outcomes (and retention) Self-Advocacy & Boundaries * How to communicate needs without over-pathologizing yourself * Knowing your “line” at work before burnout hits * Navigating conflict with managers and systems Mental Health & Meaning * Separating your worth from productivity * Values-based work and identity outside of your job * Grief, burnout, and rebuilding a sense of self Key Questions Answered in the Audio: 1. Why do workplaces require proof of struggle before offering support? 2. How do you know in advance if an accommodation will be helpful or sustainable? 3. How do you advocate for yourself without oversharing or stigmatizing yourself? * https://walktalkcounselling.com/about * Email: Contact@walktalkcounselling.com * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-seneshen-5347ab172/ Connect With Us! ndreportpod.com Follow us on all the socials @NDreportpod

57: Chronic Pain & ADHD: Janet Jay Explains How Community Support Makes Life Easier

Featuring: Janet Jay, writer and advocate exploring intersection of chronic pain, ADHD, and community care How do you navigate life when your body and your brain aren’t cooperating & there’s no system in place to provide support? In this episode, we explore: Chronic Pain & ADHD * Overlap between chronic pain and ADHD * Adult ADHD diagnosis and identity shift Navigating Systems * Barriers within the healthcare system * Using technology/AI to manage care and information Community & Support * Community as a survival tool * Finding and building supportive networks Coping & Regulation * Practical coping tools and workarounds * Creative practices as regulation (knitting, art, movement) Life Integration * Parenting, emotional regulation, and nervous system support * Grief, resilience, and meaning-making * Building a life that works with your limitations, not against them Key Questions Answered in the Audio: 1. How do you build a meaningful life when your body and brain both create barriers? 2. What actually helps when the healthcare system fails you? 3. How do you find (or build) community that truly gets it? Resources Mentioned: * JanetJay.com (blog, tools, and upcoming projects) * The US Pain Foundation + The Invisible Project magazine: https://uspainfoundation.org/ * Our Painful Truth: https://www.youtube.com/@OurPainfulTruth Connect With Us! ndreportpod.com [http://ndreportpod.com] Follow us on socials @NDreportpod