Your Voice Matters

Autism, ADHD & Burnout: Prioritising Needs over Labels with Lyric Rivera

What if exhaustion wasn't a character flaw but your brain working twice as hard just to get through the day? We're exploring autism, ADHD, burnout, and why understanding your needs matter. "We're like a beautiful constellation, and we all have differences and you've got a place where you fit in." In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob is joined by Lyric Rivera (also known online as the Neurodivergent Rebel), an autistic ADHDer, author, and workplace inclusion consultant. Lyric shares their personal journey, from being diagnosed with autism at 30, followed by a later ADHD diagnosis in their mid-30s. They talk about what each process looked and felt like. We explore how autism and ADHD can intertwine, and how unmet needs and masking can lead to burnout. Listeners will come away with a fresh perspective: understanding your needs matters more than labels. Key takeaways: * Autism and ADHD diagnoses are very different. The autism assessment often requires childhood history and family input, while ADHD assessment tends to be more straightforward and adult-focused. * Hiding or adjusting autistic and ADHD traits to fit in (known as masking) takes a real toll. Over time, the effort of constant masking can lead to burnout, physical illness, and loss of skills. * Knowing your needs matters more than labelling every trait. Rather than sorting behaviours into "that's autism" or "that's ADHD," it's better to focus on what support you need. * Neuro-affirming workplaces benefit everyone. When environments are designed with neurodivergent needs in mind, everyone benefits. This could include flexible working hours, reduced sensory load, and clear communication. * You don't need to have it all figured out. Whether you have a diagnosis or not, you can advocate for yourself by naming what you need and that is enough. "The things that neurodivergent people need benefit everyone, if we just lean into them." About Lyric: Lyric Rivera is a late-identified Autistic and ADHD adult, best known for their blog, NeuroDivergent Rebel, and for the best-selling business ethics book, Workplace Neurodiversity Rising (which was praised in Forbes as "an excellent 'how to manual 'based on lived Experience and professional competence.") Other titles Lyric has worked on include the popular children's workbook Autism, Identity, and Me (adult version coming soon), and Neurodivergent Rebel's The Weight of Normal (released this past fall). The philosophy of Neurodivergent Consulting is to support the creation of accessible workplaces and other spaces (via universal design) that enable Neurodivergent (and all) people to fully realize their unique talents and fresh perspectives through care and support of the whole person. This allows us to bring our full selves to the spaces we enter. Where to find Lyric: 🔗 Neurodivergent Rebel Website [https://neurodivergentrebel.com/] 🔗 Neurodivergent Consulting Website [https://neurodivergentconsulting.org/] 🔗 Neurodivergent Rebel Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/NeurodivergentRebel] --- Learn more about Achievable Journey [http://www.achievablejourney.co.uk/]. Follow Your Voice Matters and connect with Asma on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/achievablejourney/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/asmajacobsentherapy], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/asma-jacob-2613a752/], and X [https://x.com/AJICAsmaJacob]. Remember to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts! Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing the voice of the SEND and neurodivergent community.

Finding Yourself After a Late Autism and ADHD Diagnosis with Lyric Rivera

Trigger warning: This episode touches on themes of childhood bullying, internalised shame and medical trauma, autistic burnout. What if everything that made life harder finally had a name and started to make sense? We're exploring late autism and ADHD diagnosis. "There's not one way to be autistic. There's as many ways to be autistic as there are autistic people in the world." In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob is joined by Lyric Rivera, a late-identified autistic and ADHD adult, writer, and the creator of Neurodivergent Rebel. Lyric was 29 when they received their autism diagnosis, and over the past 10 years they have built a thriving community dedicated to sharing lived experience, challenging myths, and celebrating neurodivergent identity. Lyric and Asma talk openly about what life looked like before diagnosis such as the masking, the burnout, the sense of never quite fitting in. Then how everything began to shift once Lyric understood themselves as autistic. Whether you are newly identified, supporting someone you love, or simply curious about neurodivergent experiences, this conversation is for you. "The worst times of my life have kind of forced me to do the most growth." Key takeaways: * No two autistic people are the same, it's a vast spectrum and every person's experience is shaped by their own unique combination of identity, background, and co-occurring conditions. Stop comparing yourself to others. * Masking has a real cost. Years of hiding traits and trying to fit in leads to exhaustion and burnout. Understanding why you mask, and learning to unmask safely, is a vital part of autistic self-discovery. * A diagnosis can be the beginning, not the end. Over time shame is replaced with self understanding and acceptance. Safe relationships are possible once you know your needs. * Small, consistent strategies make a big difference. From 'parking lot' notebooks for ideas and tasks, to body doubling in the mornings and time-blocked calendars, there are actionable tools that support focus, memory, and regulation. About Lyric: Lyric Rivera is a late-identified Autistic and ADHD adult, best known for their blog, NeuroDivergent Rebel, and for the best-selling business ethics book, Workplace Neurodiversity Rising (which was praised in Forbes as "an excellent 'how to manual 'based on lived Experience and professional competence.") Other titles Lyric has worked on include the popular children's workbook Autism, Identity, and Me (adult version coming soon), and Neurodivergent Rebel's The Weight of Normal (released this past fall). The philosophy of Neurodivergent Consulting is to support the creation of accessible workplaces and other spaces (via universal design) that enable Neurodivergent (and all) people to fully realize their unique talents and fresh perspectives through care and support of the whole person. This allows us to bring our full selves to the spaces we enter. Where to find Lyric: 🔗 Neurodivergent Rebel Website [https://neurodivergentrebel.com/] 🔗 Neurodivergent Consulting Website [https://neurodivergentconsulting.org/] 🔗 Neurodivergent Rebel Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/NeurodivergentRebel] --- Learn more about Achievable Journey. [https://achievablejourney.co.uk/] Follow Your Voice Matters and connect with Asma on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/achievablejourney/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/asmajacobsentherapy], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/asma-jacob-2613a752/], and X [https://www.linkedin.com/in/asma-jacob-2613a752/]. Remember to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts! Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing the voice of the SEND and neurodivergent community.

Hannah's Whirlwind

How do we ensure disability, ADHD and neurodivergence inclusion at work (and personal life). That's the topic of this week's podcast episode. "Life sometimes is difficult and we are thrown lots of different hands. It's about getting back to self-acceptance. Put your own oxygen mask on first. It's not selfish, it's necessary." Hannah Gibson, founder of a disability inclusion consultancy and registered blind advocate, shares her personal journey of unmasking and self-acceptance. She opens up about living with retinitis pigmentosa, her experiences masking in corporate leadership roles, and the transformative moment when she chose vulnerability over hiding. She discusses how she now empowers organisations and individuals through ADHD coaching, Reiki practice, and colour therapy, whilst exploring the often-overlooked connection between burnout and neurodivergence. Key takeaways: * Building a small, trusted circle is essential when beginning to unmask. Who can support and empower you? * Articulating your needs without overwhelming emotion takes time and practice - be patient with yourself as you develop confidence in self-advocacy. * Neurodivergent burnout often shows warning signs. Watch for increased anxiety over minor details, feelings of upset before work, and a persistent sense of heaviness or "ice in your chest." * Self-acceptance is not a destination but an ongoing journey that requires active work, vulnerability, and kindness. * Meditation, yoga, Reiki, and similar practices can help neurodivergent individuals move out of chaotic thinking minds and into the body. "When I enabled myself to be vulnerable with this really small group of people, they were able to empower me and in return I'm able to support them with things they need help with. It is a two-way collaboration." About Hannah: With 20+ years in corporate leadership, Hannah combines lived experience, business acumen, and accessibility expertise to deliver transformational projects that balance business priorities with inclusive design across organisations. On an individual basis, Hannah supports and empowers people with disabilities through varied therapies and ADHD coaching. Her ambition is to create a world where everyone belongs and help the disabled community on the journey to self-acceptance in order to thrive. Where to find Hannah: Diverse Integration on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@diverse_integration] Diverse Integration on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/diverse_integration/] Diverse Integration Website [https://diverseintegration.co.uk/] --- Learn more about Achievable Journey [http://www.achievablejourney.co.uk/]. Follow Your Voice Matters and connect with Asma on Instagram, [https://www.instagram.com/achievablejourney/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/asmajacobsentherapy], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/asma-jacob-2613a752/], and X. [https://x.com/AJICAsmaJacob] Remember to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts! Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing the voice of the SEND and neurodivergent community.

People Pleasing in the Neurodivergent Community with Carly Considine

Why is people pleasing so common in the neurodivergent community? We discuss that very topic on this week's episode of the podcast. "It is what it is. If people don't wanna be friends with me, it is what it is. Every day should be a learning day. Every day should be a day to work on yourself and your confidence." Asma welcomes back autism advocate Carly Considine to explore the often overlooked topic of people-pleasing within the neurodivergent community. Carly shares her personal journey with people-pleasing, anxious attachment, and rejection sensitivity dysphoria. She offers practical insights into recognising these patterns and setting healthy boundaries. This conversation is a good reminder that understanding our values and prioritising self-care isn't selfish. It's essential for wellbeing. Key takeaways: * People-pleasing is common in neurodivergent individuals and often stems from a fear of rejection, anxious attachment, and difficulty understanding social expectations. * Many neurodivergent people use masking techniques and say "yes" automatically to maintain friendships and avoid hurting others. Even at the cost of their own wellbeing and energy. * Learning to differentiate between surface-level friendships and genuine connections helps you decide where to invest your time and energy. * The Spoon Theory framework helps you to recognise when you're overcommitting and pushing beyond your limits. * Setting boundaries is a journey, not a destination. If you're still learning to say no, that's okay. Progress comes from daily reflection and self-compassion. "People don't want you to be a yes person. They want you to have your own opinions, they want you to have your own choices." About Carly: Carly Considine is an autistic adult from England diagnosed in 2015. She has two autistic daughters diagnosed in 2019. Carly for several years volunteered for National Autistic Society co-running the South Wiltshire Branch. Carly now is an online advocate and shares her experiences as not only an autistic adult but a parent of autistic children. Carly has a keen interest in female autism and how the traits can differ, she also has a passion to highlight the comorbidities that can come with Autism such as ADHD. Carly is currently working on qualifications to support her presence in the community. Where to find Carly: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/askautistics] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/askautistics/] --- Learn more about Achievable Journey [http://www.achievablejourney.co.uk/]. Follow Your Voice Matters and connect with Asma on Instagram, [https://www.instagram.com/achievablejourney/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/asmajacobsentherapy], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/asma-jacob-2613a752/], and X. [https://x.com/AJICAsmaJacob] Remember to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts! Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing the voice of the SEND and neurodivergent community.

Amplifying Student Voice in SEND Education with Alex Silk

How do we amplify student voices when it comes to SEND education? Neurodiversity and inclusion specialist, Alex Silk, comes on the podcast to discuss. "We need to be asking how they feel about their school experience. Do they feel a part of that whole school dynamic? Do they belong?" In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob welcomes Alex Silk, with 12 years of expertise in special educational needs. Alex shares her journey from a well-paid corporate career to working as a teaching assistant in a special needs school, where she discovered her true calling. Alex discusses the vital importance of listening to young people's voices in educational decisions, the realities of different school provisions, and practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent students. Whether you're a parent navigating educational choices or someone interested in inclusive education, this episode offers valuable insights into creating meaningful support systems that truly meet the needs of every young person. Key takeaways: * Career fulfillment comes from making a genuine difference, not just earning money. Find your true purpose. * Learning communication goes both ways: observing and adapting to how young people communicate is more effective than expecting them to adapt to us. * Most children with additional needs thrive in mainstream schools with appropriate support, and families should explore all options, including resource provisions within mainstream settings. * Educational decisions should prioritise the young person's voice and experience. * Research and school visits are essential, but the most important factor is listening to what feels right for your child and respecting their preferences. "I learned so much about communication from these young people in that so many of them didn't have a voice at all. They used signing, gesture, eye gaze, or various different communication styles that I had no idea even existed." About Alex Alex Silk is a passionate Neurodiversity and Inclusion Specialist with over 12 years of experience teaching young people with SEND thrive across mainstream, resourced, and specialist settings. She works at the intersection of education, research, and real-world impact — leading inclusive curriculum design, empowering families and professionals through training, and shaping meaningful change in schools. Where to find Alex LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-cozens/] SENsational Tutors [https://www.sensationaltutors.co.uk/tutors-list/alex-2/] --- Learn more about Achievable Journey [http://www.achievablejourney.co.uk/]. Follow Your Voice Matters and connect with Asma on Instagram, [https://www.instagram.com/achievablejourney/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/asmajacobsentherapy], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/asma-jacob-2613a752/], and X. [https://x.com/AJICAsmaJacob] Remember to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts! Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing the voice of the SEND and neurodivergent community.