Divergent Dialogues

⚠️ Content Warning This podcast episode discusses domestic and sexual violence against autistic people. It includes references to abuse, trauma, and systemic harm. Please prioritise your wellbeing — feel free to pause, skip sections, or step away at any time. In this deeply insightful episode of Divergent Dialogues, we sit down with Jessica Fox, an Autistic doctoral researcher, to explore the intersecting experiences of Autistic women, domestic violence, sexual violence and trauma. Together with Caitlin and Teena, Jessica unpacks the prevalence of interpersonal violence, the impact of systemic failures, and the barriers Autistic individuals face when navigating social expectations and accessing support. Drawing from both lived experience and academic research, the conversation moves through themes of social isolation, gender oppression, neuroaffirming practice, and the triple empathy problem. We also discuss the power of community, the importance of autistic representation in research, and the need to centre consent and mutual understanding in therapeutic and relational contexts.Whether you're a professional, lived experience advocate, or community member, this episode is an essential listen for anyone working toward justice, safety, and equity for Neurodivergent women.Topics Covered:High rates of domestic and sexual violence among Autistic womenSocial masking, boundary challenges, and consent complexitiesSystemic and structural risk factorsThe value of neuroaffirming and feminist approachesJess is an autistic doctoral researcher at the Queensland University of Technology and a strong advocate for the human rights and wellbeing of autistic people. Jess is particularly passionate about autistic-led research and community building. Jess is an interdisciplinary researcher who is currently studying autistic women’s experiences of interpersonal violence and trauma. Before undertaking her PhD, Jess worked with autistic young people in school settings. Jess is also passionate about her work in supporting autistic adults through peer mentoring and mutual aid networks.Links to Jess’s research touching on the topics discussed:Neuro-queering feminism: Creating space within feminism to address autistic experiences of gender oppression: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09593535241306532The Impact of Intersectional Disadvantage on Autistic Women's Experiences of Interpersonal Violence: A Narrative Review: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2023.0100 – feel free to get in touch with Jess at jessicafox.hdr@qut.edu.au if you need access to this.Dive Deeper Into Divergent Dialogues: Exclusive Episode Guide PDFs for Neurodivergent MindsReady to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber on Substack and gain access to our specially tailored Episode Guides: https://divergentdialogues.substack.com/What’s inside?Clear, Concise Summaries: Easily revisit episode highlights to ensure you’ve got the essentials covered, all presented in a straightforward, digestible format.Reflective Questions: Explore thought-provoking prompts that honour diverse thinking styles. Whether you prefer quiet contemplation or lively discussion, these questions invite you to delve deeper at your own pace.Supportive Activities: Discover exercises and gentle strategies designed to foster learning, personal growth, and emotional wellbeing. Build on your unique strengths and nurture a sense of self-understanding.By joining our community of paid subscribers on Substack, you’ll unlock practical tools to help you on your journey to understanding and embracing your neurodivergence.For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below:Caitlin HughesCathartic Collaborationshttps://catharticcollaborations.com.au/Social media: @cathartic.collaborationsTeena MoglerBalance Centre for Mental Healthhttps://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.auSocial media: @balancecentreformentalhealth

In this episode, we (Caitlin and Teena) explore the importance of creating safe, collaborative spaces in therapy where neurodivergent clients feel truly seen and supported. We unpack common barriers people face when approaching therapy and share ways to prepare for a first session so it feels less daunting. Together, we highlight the power of client autonomy, the need for therapists to adapt with openness, and the value of mutual respect in the therapeutic process. In this episode, we cover:The importance of client comfort and preparation in therapyWhy a collaborative, flexible approach is keyRespecting client autonomy and lived experienceDive Deeper Into Divergent Dialogues: Exclusive Episode Guide PDFs for Neurodivergent MindsReady to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber on Substack and gain access to our specially tailored Episode Guides: https://divergentdialogues.substack.com/What’s inside?Clear, Concise Summaries: Easily revisit episode highlights to ensure you’ve got the essentials covered, all presented in a straightforward, digestible format.Reflective Questions: Explore thought-provoking prompts that honour diverse thinking styles. Whether you prefer quiet contemplation or lively discussion, these questions invite you to delve deeper at your own pace.Supportive Activities: Discover exercises and gentle strategies designed to foster learning, personal growth, and emotional wellbeing. Build on your unique strengths and nurture a sense of self-understanding.By joining our community of paid subscribers on Substack, you’ll unlock practical tools to help you on your journey to understanding and embracing your neurodivergence.For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below:Caitlin HughesCathartic Collaborationshttps://catharticcollaborations.com.au/Social media: @cathartic.collaborationsTeena MoglerBalance Centre for Mental Healthhttps://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.auSocial media: @balancecentreformentalhealth

In this episode, we sit down with Marni Kammersell, to explore alternative education models and how they support neurodivergent children. From forest schools to unschooling and self-directed learning, we discuss the importance of flexibility, autonomy, and embracing diverse learning preferences.We also dive into the social benefits of gaming for neurodivergent individuals, reflecting on how video games can support regulation, connection, and skill development—when approached with balance and understanding. Finally, we explore parenting neurodivergent children, empowering autonomy and decision-making from an early age.Topics covered:Forest schools & nature-based learning – Pros & considerations for neurodivergent kidsGaming & neurodivergence – How it fosters social connection & emotional regulationHomeschooling & unschooling – Self-directed education and why it works for some neurodivergent learnersEmpowering autonomy – Encouraging independence and self-advocacy in neurodivergent childrenMarni Kammersell is a neurodivergent educator, consultant, and parent to three neurodivergent kids. She specializes in helping families create liberatory, neuro-affirming educational environments and is passionate about self-directed education, the neurodiversity paradigm, and non-coercive relationships. A doctoral student researching neurodivergence and self-directed learning, Marni has over 15 years of experience in alternative education, including homeschooling, unschooling, democratic schools, and forest schools.Learn more about Marni’s work here: https://wanderingbrightly.com/For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below:Caitlin HughesCathartic Collaborationshttps://catharticcollaborations.com.au/Social media: @cathartic.collaborationsTeena MoglerBalance Centre for Mental Healthhttps://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.auSocial media: @balancecentreformentalhealthDive Deeper Into Divergent Dialogues: Exclusive Episode Guide PDFs for Neurodivergent MindsReady to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber on Substack and gain access to our specially tailored Episode Guides: https://divergentdialogues.substack.com/What’s inside?Clear, Concise Summaries: Easily revisit episode highlights to ensure you’ve got the essentials covered, all presented in a straightforward, digestible format.Reflective Questions: Explore thought-provoking prompts that honour diverse thinking styles. Whether you prefer quiet contemplation or lively discussion, these questions invite you to delve deeper at your own pace.Supportive Activities: Discover exercises and gentle strategies designed to foster learning, personal growth, and emotional wellbeing. Build on your unique strengths and nurture a sense of self-understanding.By joining our community of paid subscribers on Substack, you’ll unlock practical tools to help you on your journey to understanding and embracing your neurodivergence.

In this deeply reflective conversation, Caitlin and Teena unpack the systemic barriers that autistic individuals and ADHDers often face when navigating mental health care and assessment pathways. Drawing from both lived experience and professional expertise, they explore the confusing, costly, and often invalidating processes involved in accessing support. The episode shines a light on the importance of neuro-affirming, autism-specific training for GPs and mental health professionals, and discusses how therapy environments can be better tailored to meet neurodivergent needs. It ends on a hopeful note, acknowledging the challenges of creating systemic change while affirming the power of small, individual actions toward a more inclusive, understanding society.Dive Deeper Into Divergent Dialogues: Exclusive Episode Guide PDFs for Neurodivergent MindsReady to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber on Substack and gain access to our specially tailored Episode Guides: https://divergentdialogues.substack.com/What’s inside?Clear, Concise Summaries: Easily revisit episode highlights to ensure you’ve got the essentials covered, all presented in a straightforward, digestible format.Reflective Questions: Explore thought-provoking prompts that honour diverse thinking styles. Whether you prefer quiet contemplation or lively discussion, these questions invite you to delve deeper at your own pace.Supportive Activities: Discover exercises and gentle strategies designed to foster learning, personal growth, and emotional wellbeing. Build on your unique strengths and nurture a sense of self-understanding.By joining our community of paid subscribers on Substack, you’ll unlock practical tools to help you on your journey to understanding and embracing your neurodivergence.For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below:Caitlin HughesCathartic Collaborationshttps://catharticcollaborations.com.au/Social media: @cathartic.collaborationsTeena MoglerBalance Centre for Mental Healthhttps://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.auSocial media: @balancecentreformentalhealth

In this episode of Divergent Dialogues, we sit down with Chris Payten, a 29-year-old entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in holistic health. From navigating a turbulent childhood to building his own business at just 17, Chris shares how his journey led him from personal training to breathwork, a practice that has transformed his mental health and now helps others.Together with Caitlin and Teena, the conversation delves into the neurodivergent experience, exploring the challenges and strengths of ADHD and autism. We discuss the importance of self-acceptance, early diagnosis, and holistic therapy—considering both cognitive and physiological aspects of well-being. Chris also introduces the science behind conscious breathing, explaining how breathwork can regulate the nervous system and support neurodivergent minds.We also unpack the complexities of neurodivergent relationships, communication styles, and executive function challenges. Chris offers insights into how breathwork can reduce stress, improve focus, and support emotional regulation. Plus, he generously provides access to his free breathwork course, available via the episode show notes.Chris Payten is a 29-year-old entrepreneur with over a decade in Holistic Health. Overcoming a turbulent childhood, he has transformed thousands of lives through Personal Training, Nutrition, NLP, Hypnosis, and Breathwork. As co-founder of Infinity Training & Coaching, one of Australia's fastest-growing Breathwork Certification companies, he is on a mission to empower millions to achieve peak performance and purpose.Chris’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrispayten_/Infinity Training & Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infinitytrainingandcoaching/Infinity Training and Coaching Website: https://infinitytrainingandcoaching.com/home-9123Beyond Your Breath Perth event: https://infinitytrainingandcoaching.com/landing-pageFor more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below:Caitlin HughesCathartic Collaborationshttps://catharticcollaborations.com.au/Social media: @cathartic.collaborationsTeena MoglerBalance Centre for Mental Healthhttps://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.auSocial media: @balancecentreformentalhealthDive Deeper Into Divergent Dialogues: Exclusive Episode Guide PDFs for Neurodivergent MindsReady to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber on Substack and gain access to our specially tailored Episode Guides: https://divergentdialogues.substack.com/What’s inside?Clear, Concise Summaries: Easily revisit episode highlights to ensure you’ve got the essentials covered, all presented in a straightforward, digestible format.Reflective Questions: Explore thought-provoking prompts that honour diverse thinking styles. Whether you prefer quiet contemplation or lively discussion, these questions invite you to delve deeper at your own pace.Supportive Activities: Discover exercises and gentle strategies designed to foster learning, personal growth, and emotional wellbeing. Build on your unique strengths and nurture a sense of self-understanding.By joining our community of paid subscribers on Substack, you’ll unlock practical tools to help you on your journey to understanding and embracing your neurodivergence.