Shows
Nurturing NeurodiversityAutism is not Always the Only AnswerJoin Sammy and Patricia as they discuss some common co-occurring conditions that can come with neurodivergence, stressing that even after you receive a diagnosis of autism, ADHD or both, these labels may not be the only answers you'll need.
We explore learning difficulties (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia), mental health such as anxiety and depression, the varying types of ADHD, OCD, ODD, PDA and 2E (twice exceptional). We hope to highlight the intersectionality of different types of neurodivergence and mental health, which can affect people's experience of the world in many different ways.
Always coming back to t...2022-09-011h 00Nurturing NeurodiversityParenting Paradigm for NeurodivergenceIn this episode Patricia and Sammy share their thoughts, experiences and ideas around the most important job in the world - parenting!
We discuss the transition from old paradigm to new, the importance of meeting our children where they're at, some key strategies we can implement into our daily lives to bring some certainty to uncertain times, and the importance of giving to ourselves as much as we give to our children.
Please reach out to either of us if you'd like support to create and implement strategies specific to your family. We love helping...2022-08-111h 07Nurturing NeurodiversityEducation Series - Part 4 with Sam PollockIn our fourth installment of our education series we welcome Sam Pollock, Director and Inclusion Consultant for SP Specialist Inclusion Services. Sam supports children, families, teachers and schools in creating inclusive and supportive learning environments, through 1:1 work, group programs and professional development.
Sam shares her passionate, grounded and research-based perspectives on our education system; relationship building between teachers, children and families; working with individual children's needs and balancing those within a classroom; the impacts we are feeling and some we are yet to fully experience from the pandemic; Universal Design for Learning and how it can shift o...2022-07-191h 10
Nurturing NeurodiversityEducation Series - Part 3 with Michelle HeriotIn this episode we have a brilliant conversation with epic human Michelle Heriot - a dynamic and inspiring Thought Leader in the field of alternative and diverse education and wellbeing solutions for youth aged 6 to 18 years.
We dive into Michelle's E-Gen movement; her experiences as a student and then advocating for her child as a student in the education system; the alternative options we all have but may not know much about; some starting steps and advice for those considering home education; busting some common myths; and education ideology.
You can connect with Michelle via F...2022-07-041h 10Nurturing NeurodiversityEducation Series - Part 2 with Jennifer RickardOur second episode in our education series sees us welcome Jennifer Rickard, Executive Officer of APFACTS, which is the peak body of parents with children in non-government schools in the ACT, Australia. APFACTS contributes to shaping educational policy and practice, raising issues from parents' perspectives with stakeholders, political and government representatives, advocating for fairness and equity and improving educational opportunities for all children attending non-government schools.
We go deep into the possibilities for education, creating truly equitable practices and accessible environments. We discuss the powerful role we have as parents in children's education, not only for our...2022-06-2149 minNurturing NeurodiversityEducation Series - Part 1 with Kristen EcclestonOur next topic of focus is education; and we kick off this series with an incredible teacher, exceptional needs specialist, mental health and neurodiverse champion - Kristen Eccleston, The Neurodiverse Teacher.
*CONTENT WARNING: Towards the end of this episode we discuss mental health impacts and this includes discussion around suicidal ideation and adult content being accessed by children online. Please go gently with yourself and if this is not something you can hear right now, know we send our love and support. Please reach out to a trusted loved one or a support line in your country...2022-06-061h 14Nurturing NeurodiversityEmployment Series - Part 4 with Jonathan LalozWe couldn't have an employment series without welcoming back Jonathan Laloz, founder and CEO of Self Plus Plus (see Episode 9 for our first chat)!
With 22 years of experience in the small business, corporate and government sectors, Jonathan combines this with his understanding and lived experience of neurodiversity to support autistic people from teens to adults gain meaningful employment (or to create their own).
In today's episode we discuss: some common obstacles that prevent neurodiverse people from gaining employment; how this changes or amplifies for long term unemployed people; a range of benefits that come from...2022-05-1550 minNurturing NeurodiversityEmployment Series - Part 3 with David SmithIn this episode Patricia welcomes David Smith, founder of Employ For Ability.
David is an Autism and Neurodiversity employment specialist and advocate. Since 2016, David has been focused on helping organisations become more inclusive by hiring Neurodiverse staff to gain competitive advantage. A leader in his field, he brings many years of experience, education and knowledge to our employment series!
We dive into the following ideas: the value of following your purpose; the main barriers to gaining and then maintaining employment for our neurodiverse people; the misnomer of functioning labels; the double empathy problem; masking and a...2022-05-021h 01Nurturing NeurodiversityEmployment Series - Part 2 with Charuni WeerasooriyaOur second interview in our employment series sees us welcome Charuni Weerasooriya, founder of EDII (Engage, Design, Innovate, Improve).
Charuni brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to her current work with our teens and young people, supporting them to develop skills and understanding that will set them up for a successful future. We were fortunate to tap into this wisdom throughout this episode!
Some of the key concepts we explored were: design thinking and how it can reshape our approach to learning and education; the question "what is an education worth having?"; connecting education...2022-04-111h 00Nurturing NeurodiversityEmployment Series - Part 1 with Jodie StephensonWelcome to the first in our series of interviews focussing on employment.
In this episode we chat to Jodie Stephenson from Kirribilli Partners - and we cover plenty of conceptual and practical ideas to create true inclusion within the workplace.
Some key points we cover: starting with safety and respect; building relationships and balancing strengths within a team to bring out the best in people; bridging the communication gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical people; changing our expectations and adjusting our societal norms to better reflect where we are as a society (hint: no longer in...2022-03-2148 minNurturing NeurodiversityFrom Anxiety to Empowerment: Tips for Managing Back to School OverwhelmThis episode is taken from a series of Facebook Lives Sammy and Patricia presented in 2021. Although you may notice some of our language has changed, the strategies offered throughout this episode are still very relevant and helpful in 2023.
From supporting our children through the use of visuals, routines and plans, to taking small moments throughout the day to check in with ourselves and provide for our own needs, you'll find plenty of tips to work through feelings of anxiety and overwhelm, especially as they relate to returning to school.
If you would like further support o...2022-03-1050 minNurturing NeurodiversityInterview with Jodie ThorntonAs we round out 2021, this is an episode not to be missed! Jodie is a parent coach, passionate about emotional awareness, communication skills and questioning the things we often take for granted in our society.
These themes are weaved throughout our conversation, as we dive into the following topics:
* key tips and strategies for the upcoming holiday season, in particular navigating extended family relationships
* working with and through different perspectives and opinions between parents, especially for separated and blended families
* supporting your child to navigate different environments (including family, community and s...2021-12-141h 07Nurturing NeurodiversityFrom Busy to Being - with Michelle HeriotThis episode is the audio from a Facebook Live hosted on Sammy's page, Map the Maze, titled "From Busy to Being".
Michelle Heriot from E-Gen joins Sammy for an insightful conversation full of tips and strategies you can utilise for yourself and for your children, all about emotional intelligence, becoming aware of your "stuff", discovering your values and strategies for regulating ourselves, so we can then be more effective at supporting our children to regulate.
Michelle has had a diverse range of experiences in her working life, home schools her neurodivergent teen and is neurodivergent h...2021-11-181h 16Nurturing NeurodiversityInterview with April MackApril Mack is a Strategic Business Consultant, a Trainer and Mentor, who lives in Canberra, Australia. Just as importantly, she is a parent to two beautiful people aged 11 and 9.
Join Patricia and Sammy as they dive into April's journey through the assessment process, diagnosis and beyond for her 9 year old son. We cover a range of topics, many of which will be familiar to our listeners who have also been through this journey, including: managing different expectations and approaches amongst family members; the relief and the fear that can be felt when receiving a diagnosis and what...2021-11-0152 minNurturing NeurodiversityInterview with Caroline Ellen***CONTENT WARNING: In this episode we discuss child abuse, exploitation and predatory behaviour. Please use caution when considering if this episode is right for you. We believe it's vital to discuss these issues and bring them into our collective awareness, in order to better protect our children. We do cover key child safety themes and strategies, and we also encourage you to reach out for professional support.***
Caroline Ellen is a social worker and parenting coach, who believes all children deserve a childhood free to play and discover. With her raw, real and relatable style; she combines...2021-10-181h 15Nurturing NeurodiversityInterview with Joanne HolbrookJoanne Holbrook is an author, professional keynote speaker, parenting advocate and entrepreneur. Through her friendships, book and speaking events, she shares parenting stories to help build positive, values-based families around the world.
Having lived in 5 different countries and across several states in the U.S., Joanne has a broad range of experiences and immense wisdom to share, especially when it comes to how much our similarities as parents outweigh our differences.
Join us in this rich and diverse conversation, as we explore how to have more curiosity and value that over judgement, how to understand...2021-10-0449 minNurturing NeurodiversityInterview with Bec McFarlandBec McFarland is a career and business coach and the owner of Pop Your Career and Pop Your Business. She is passionate about helping you find your own personal flavour of fulfilment, whether you’re a business owner or in a more traditional career.
It was our absolute pleasure to welcome Bec to our podcast and explore a previously (publicly) unspoken part of her story; her diagnosis and journey with ADHD.
We also explore "Imposter Syndrome" and it's widespread effects, in particular how it may show up for neurodiverse people; as well as Bec's work in...2021-09-2152 minNurturing NeurodiversityInterview with Natalie CharlotteIn this episode we meet Natalie Charlotte, Paediatric OT and Piano Teacher for neurodiverse and highly sensitive and/or energetic children.
Our conversation is jam-packed full of wisdom and learnings from Natalie, who shares her experience following many breadcrumbs over the years from music student to now changing the game in allied health service delivery.
We delve into what's beneath not only our children's behaviour, but our own, and how being continually curious about the why behind it all can lead us to a much greater understanding of ourselves and others.
Natalie is...2021-09-061h 08Nurturing NeurodiversityInterview with Jonathan LalozJonathan is the founder and CEO of Self Plus Plus, a coaching and mentoring service for people 15 years or older seeking employment, housing or other life skills support.
In this episode, Jonathan shares his journey to self diagnosis of Autism and ADHD, and how, along with supporting a young person with autism, it inspired him to create Self Plus Plus.
We also cover a myriad of topics ranging from finding our place in the world, teaching people how they need to learn, finding your "ikigai" and some common myths around hiring neurodiverse or disabled people.2021-08-2358 minNurturing NeurodiversityInterview with Yenn PurkisYenn is a generous, open-hearted truth teller; and the depth of our conversation in this episode will attest to that.
Exploring topics from function labels, masking, rejecting diagnoses to embracing discovered identities, gender diversity and the correlation to neurodiversity, to the myth of autistics being "rule followers" - this episode is jam packed with wisdom and thought provoking ideas. Yenn combines their lived experience and personal journey with years of working with and listening to others' experiences.
It's not to be missed!
Yenn Purkis is an autistic and non-binary author, public speaker and...2021-08-0953 minNurturing NeurodiversityInterview with Harry ArmytageThis episode explores listening therapy with the learning difficulty expert, Harry Armytage.
In case you haven't heard of listening therapy before, we dive into who and how it can help; it is a brilliant option for those facing difficulties with auditory processing. We also delve into Harry's ways of being with his clients, with his motto being "start from safe". He describes listening as a pathway to the brain.
As some added inspiration, we get to hear Harry's journey from economist to listening therapist, showing us that following your joy is an option at any s...2021-07-2646 minNurturing NeurodiversityInterview with Carlie MareeIn this episode we have a deeply thought provoking conversation with the wonderful Carlie Maree, which can be best summarised with her brilliant quote "the land of plenty lies outside the cage of conditioning."
Carlie is a writer of world-changing words, leader of life-changing online experiences and personal mentor to a select few superstars. She is also an incredible mother to two children, one of whom is neurodiverse, and they home educate.
Sammy and Patricia dive into everything with Carlie, from her perspective altering concept "Soul Modes", to her journey with neurodiversity and learning from...2021-07-1154 minNurturing NeurodiversityNeurodiversity and Mental HealthWith estimates of 50-70% of autistic people also experiencing mental health conditions, this episode centres around the individual, diagnostic and systemic reasons this may be.
Initially delivered live on Facebook, Patricia and Sammy have a passionate discussion exploring both what may be causing such a high rate of mental health conditions and also, how we can move towards greater support of our neurodiverse people.
Noting that, by creating a world where neurodiverse people are loved and accepted for who they are, we all get to feel loved, accepted and supported.
Reaching out for h...2021-07-0252 minNurturing NeurodiversityEarly Intervention: ABA TherapyCONTENT WARNING: During this episode the topic of "conversion therapy" comes up, in relation to LGBTQIA+ people and their mistreatment. We send our love to those who are not able to engage in this content at this time, and encourage you to reach out to Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 if you are in Australia (or your country's equivalent service).
One of the more controversial topics of conversation in the neurodiverse space, this episode dives into the opposing arguments both for and against early interventions, specifically ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) therapy.
...2021-06-2840 minNurturing NeurodiversitySocial SkillsTRIGGER WARNING: Towards the beginning of this episode the conversation turns to discussing sexual abuse. We send our love and compassion to you and understand if this is something you may not wish to hear. We encourage you to reach out to Lifeline 13 11 14 or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) if you are in Australia, or your country's equivalent.
Diving into the topic of Social Skills sounds a little different to what you might "typically" expect!
Initially delivered live on Facebook, Patricia and Sammy explore how "Social Skills" are often framed as something Neurodiverse people need to learn or "get...2021-06-1854 minNurturing NeurodiversityEmpathyThis episode explores the topic of Empathy, busting the myth that neurodiverse people do not have the capacity to experience empathy.
Initially delivered live on Facebook, Sammy & Patricia discuss some common reasons why empathy may look different on the outside for our neurodiverse population, to what we might generally expect.
Including bonus tangents into the systems that continue to perpetuate this stereotype! Let us know what you think.
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Join Sammy Anne (Map the Maze) and Patricia Falcetta (Social Living Solutions) as they discuss Nurturing Neurodiversity; all the ways we can create a...2021-06-1445 minNurturing NeurodiversityWhat is Neurodiversity?Our first episode delves deeper into the movement that is "Neurodiversity", as opposed to the medical model of "Autism Spectrum Disorder", amongst other "disorders".
Initially delivered live on Facebook, Patricia & Sammy share details about what the medical model really means, as well as our reasons behind subscribing to the neurodiverse view of the world.
As is our way, there's a few tangents thrown in for good measure! We'd love to hear from you so feel free to send us your feedback.
Join Sammy Anne (Map the Maze) and Patricia Falcetta (S...2021-06-1052 minNurturing NeurodiversityNurturing Neurodiversity TrailerJoin Sammy Anne (Map the Maze) and Patricia Falcetta (Social Living Solutions) as they introduce themselves and their "why" behind their new podcast, "Nurturing Neurodiversity".
Our passion lies in supporting whole families to navigate the challenges and revel in the joys of their neurodiverse children. A big part of this support entails advocating for changes within our systems and society, to ensure our children grow up knowing and loving who they are. No matter our ability, race, gender, sexuality, beliefs – we all deserve to be loved and appreciated.
So, we decided to start a podcast, wi...2021-06-0422 min