Divergent Dialogues

How do hormones impact neurodivergent brains? In this episode of Divergent Dialogues, Caitlin and Teena dive into the intricate relationship between hormones, Autism, ADHD, and menstrual health. They explore how hormonal fluctuations affect mood, cognition, and sensory experiences for neurodivergent individuals. The duo also sheds light on PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), advocating for greater research and awareness. They also discuss medication management challenges related to hormonal cycles and highlight the importance of advocating for individualised treatment plans. The conversation wraps up with practical advice on approaching healthcare professionals about neurodivergent experiences and the necessity of finding practitioners who truly listen and adapt to personal needs. If you’ve ever struggled with managing hormones, menstrual-related challenges, or navigating healthcare as a neurodivergent person, this episode is packed with insight, validation, and practical strategies. Dive Deeper Into Divergent Dialogues: Exclusive Episode Guide PDFs for Neurodivergent Minds Ready 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 Hughes Cathartic Collaborations https://catharticcollaborations.com.au/ Social media: @cathartic.collaborations Teena Mogler Balance Centre for Mental Health https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth

In this episode of Divergent Dialogues, Caitlin and Teena sit down with special guest Meghan to explore the journey of transitioning from traditional workplaces to self-employment as neurodivergent professionals. Together, they discuss the challenges of setting boundaries, managing burnout, and building a sustainable business that aligns with their unique strengths and values. Meghan shares her inspiring journey—from starting her first business at just 10 years old to becoming a leading voice in the neurodiversity movement. The conversation covers the realities of self-employment, the importance of authenticity and self-care, and practical strategies for navigating business as a neurodivergent entrepreneur. In this episode, you'll hear about: The challenges neurodivergent professionals face in traditional workplaces Why self-employment can be empowering and challenging Practical strategies for setting boundaries and avoiding burnout The role of vulnerability and authenticity in supporting clients Future goals and community-building efforts Whether you’re a neurodivergent professional, entrepreneur, or simply curious about creating a more inclusive work environment, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable takeaways. Meghan Bonde is a leader in the neurodiversity movement, a Tedx speaker [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB_ohF57w3s], the founder of intensityhub.com [www.Intensityhub.com], and a Neurodivergent business coach who supports professionals to attract clients by designing systems to work the way they are wired. As a speech language pathologist, educational leader, and chair of the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce, she has facilitated transformational learning for thousands of leaders. She enjoys dance classes and dancing for a local band's concerts. Watch Meghan’s Tedx talk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB_ohF57w3s] Discover your intensity profile [www.Intensityhub.com] For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below: Caitlin Hughes Cathartic Collaborations [https://catharticcollaborations.com.au/] Social media: @cathartic.collaborations Teena Mogler Balance Centre for Mental Health [https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au/] Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth

In this episode of Divergent Dialogues, we unpack the systemic gender biases that continue to impact neurodivergent people and explore the barriers that make accessing a diagnosis so challenging. Social conditioning often encourages girls and gender-diverse individuals to suppress their natural ways of thinking, behaving, and expressing themselves to meet rigid societal expectations. As a result, instead of being recognised as neurodivergent, they are frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed leaving their true needs unaddressed. In this conversation, we also highlight the importance of safe, neuroaffirming spaces where individuals can explore their identity without fear of judgment. Self-identification is valid, and many people who recognise their own neurodivergence have spent significant time researching, reflecting, and connecting with others before coming to this understanding. However, the healthcare system often dismisses self-identified neurodivergent people, making access to affirming support even more difficult. This episode is a compassionate, necessary conversation about breaking down stigma, challenging outdated diagnostic models, and advocating for a world that truly sees and supports all neurodivergent experiences. Dive Deeper Into Divergent Dialogues: Exclusive Episode Guide PDFs for Neurodivergent Minds Ready 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 Hughes Cathartic Collaborations https://catharticcollaborations.com.au/ Social media: @cathartic.collaborations Teena Mogler Balance Centre for Mental Health https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au/ Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth

Become a paid subscriber and gain access to our Episode Guide PDFs. Scroll down for more information. In this episode of Divergent Dialogues, Caitlin, Teena, and Bee open up about the realities of neurodivergent parenting, offering a candid and heartfelt look into their experiences. From the fun and excitement of their children’s daily lives to the challenges of maintaining routines during holidays, the trio shares relatable moments that resonate deeply. They dive into topics like the transformative journey of discovering their own neurodivergence, and the importance of balancing everyone’s needs in a neurodivergent household. Bee’s unique approach of trusting intuition and rejecting societal norms, paired with Teena’s perspective as a therapist, provides listeners with practical and affirming advice. The conversation also highlights the power of emotional expression, boundary-setting, and open communication in fostering secure, empathetic, and self-advocating children. Finally, the group explores the importance of a supportive community—or “village”—for raising neurodivergent kids. ✨ Whether you’re a parent, ally, or neurodivergent individual, this episode offers warmth, wisdom, and hope for building a more understanding and inclusive world. Bee is a former restaurateur and hospitality professional with over 25 years experience balancing motherhood with the demands of small business life. Her voracious appetite for growth and development in leadership roles took her down a path of self directed inquiry into community advocacy that spans interests ranging from Worker Self Directed Enterprises and Cultural Anthropology to Attachment Theory and social work and beyond. Bee is a freelance writer, podcast co-host of Cosmic Cheer Squad Podcast and partner in the Positive Disintegration Network. She is an advocate for joy, rest and healing through her work regardless of job title. Bee is currently a full time unschooling mom of two neurodivergent kids, and (still a mom) to one who lives on their own in Texas and launched pragmagination.com [http://pragmagination.com/] as an aggregate for her various works-in-progress. For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below: * Caitlin Hughes * Cathartic Collaborations [https://catharticcollaborations.com.au/] * Social media: @cathartic.collaborations * Teena Mogler * Balance Centre for Mental Health [https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au/] * Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth Dive Deeper Into Divergent Dialogues: Exclusive Episode Guide PDFs for Neurodivergent Minds Ready to enhance your listening experience and make the most of each episode? Become a paid subscriber [https://divergentdialogues.substack.com/] and gain access to our specially tailored Episode Guides. 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 [https://divergentdialogues.substack.com/], you’ll unlock practical tools to help you on your journey to understanding and embracing your neurodivergence.

In this empowering episode of Divergent Dialogues, Caitlin and Teena share practical strategies for managing Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) while navigating relationships, friendships, and social expectations as neurodivergent individuals. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, they explore: The importance of setting and maintaining personal boundaries. How self-compassion can help in distinguishing perceived rejection from reality. Tips for communicating needs and clarifying misunderstandings without fear of conflict. The role of therapeutic approaches in reducing the intensity of RSD responses. The journey of embracing authenticity while navigating changing relationships. Caitlin and Teena remind listeners that it's okay to prioritise nourishing connections and embrace their unique communication styles. Whether you're new to RSD or looking for fresh approaches to coping, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and heartfelt encouragement. For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below: Caitlin Hughes Cathartic Collaborations [https://catharticcollaborations.com.au/] Social media: @cathartic.collaborations [https://linktr.ee/cathartic.collaborations] Teena Mogler Balance Centre for Mental Health [https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au/] Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth [https://linktr.ee/balancecentreformentalhealth]