Autisticly Aar’s NeuroCast

Exploring Neurodivergence and Self-Discovery with Author Sarah BoonIn this episode of Neuro Rainbow Cast, host Autisticly Aar is joined by Sarah Boon for a second enlightening discussion. Sarah, an author on autism and ADHD, shares her journey of late diagnoses and the personal growth that followed. Initially diagnosed as dyslexic, she later discovered she was also autistic and had ADHD. Sarah emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting neurodivergence. She talks about her book 'Young Autistic and ADHD,' which aims to guide and support young people navigating their diagnoses. The conversation covers topics such as self-diagnosis, mental health, social interactions, and the challenges of adulthood for neurodivergent individuals. Sarah also shares practical tips for managing daily life and stresses the significance of self-acceptance. Their discussion is a valuable resource for those seeking insight into the lived experiences of autistic and ADHD individuals.00:00 Welcome Back, Sarah Boon!00:28 Sarah's Journey with Autism and ADHD02:55 The Importance of Self-Diagnosis04:12 Personal Growth and Self-Acceptance06:08 Practical Tips for Neurodivergent Life07:19 Understanding Stimming and Social Challenges08:47 Discovering Autism and ADHD13:13 Writing the Book: Young Autistic and ADHD27:54 Reflecting on Teenage Years and Early Adulthood31:06 Realizing Neurodivergence31:58 Writing the Book: Key Themes and Chapters33:34 Exploring Executive Functioning34:42 Navigating Young Adulthood35:07 Relationships and Social Interactions35:25 Emotional Well-being and Mental Health37:10 Identity and Acceptance42:21 Challenges in Academia and Research48:10 The Role of Technology in Overcoming Challenges51:41 Becoming a Published Author53:36 Feedback and Future Plans56:53 Historical Misdiagnoses and Family Ancestry58:35 Promoting the Book and Final ThoughtsWhere you can buy Sarah's book: https://tr.ee/Iq6REy-s_V How to order direct from publisher: https://uk.jkp.com/products/young-autistic-and-adhdSarah's Blog: https://autisticallysarah.com/Sarah's Social media: @saraheboon on all platforms. Follow on social media: @neurorainbowproject Email: neurorainbow@neurorainbowproject.comFind out more: https://neurorainbowproject.com/Support the podcast" https://ko-fi.com/neurorainbowproject

Empowering Youth Voices: An Interview with Troy Njenje-MbangaIn this episode, the host, Autisticly Aar, interviews Troy Njenje-Mbanga, a 21-year-old ambassador and youth activist from West Oxford Wakefield. Troy shares his journey of advocating for inclusion and the rights of young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). He discusses his personal experiences with autism, the support he received, and the importance of youth participation in activism. Troy highlights his involvement with organizations like iWill and Reach Out To All, focusing on social issues such as education, climate change, and mental health. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in accessing support services and the need for improved mental health resources.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:46 Meet Troy: Advocate and Activist01:24 Troy's Personal Journey with Autism02:53 Challenges and Coping Strategies08:26 Involvement in Advocacy Groups11:49 Campaigns and Key Issues13:01 Improving Education and Inclusion22:39 Mental Health Support for Young People32:54 Political Engagement and Voting39:17 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Episode description:Paula Peters: A Lifelong Activist for Disability RightsIn this heartfelt and compelling interview, Paula Peters recounts her journey as a disability rights activist starting from the age of eight. Paula discusses her personal struggles with hypermobility syndrome and the fight to keep hydrotherapy services available in Southeast London. She delves into her experiences within the mental health system, challenges with employment, and the impact of political decisions on disabled individuals. Peters highlights her involvement with Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), emphasizing their campaigning efforts, the importance of collective activism, and their fight against austerity and privatization of the NHS. The discussion also explores her views on the current political climate and the necessity of continued activism to secure the rights and dignity of disabled people. Trigger warnings include mentions of mental health struggles, psychiatric abuse, and the impacts of austerity measures.Find out more about DPAC: https://dpac.uk.net/about/Timings of episode running order:00:00 Introduction to Paula Peters00:15 Early Activism and Hydrotherapy Campaign01:42 Mental Health Struggles and Advocacy04:22 Joining DPAC and Fighting Austerity14:53 Challenges in the Workplace17:52 Issues in Mental Health System22:24 Impact of Political Decisions on Mental Health27:43 The Need for Systemic Change31:28 Concerns Over Lifelong Disabilities and Government Reforms35:06 The Impact of Political Parties on Disability Rights38:51 Upcoming Day of Action and Campaign Demands42:57 Challenges in Voting and Political Representation53:01 Future Hopes and Continued Campaigning

Autistic people are faced with the stereotype of lacking empathy but this may not be the case. But what you may not think is emotional processing is a sixth sense. Back in 2020 Autisticly Aar in wrote this article on sensory processing of emotions and empathy with additions in 2022 on alexythimiafollow @neurorainbowproject / @pacifyingmyautismread more on-line: https://neurorainbowproject.com/rainbowreadsfind more about the podcast: https://neurorainbowproject.com/neurocastdonate to support the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/neurorainbowproject

As published on https://neurorainbowproject.com/rainbowreadsdonate via https://ko-fi.com/neurorainbowprojectfollow @neurorainbowproject on social media

About the BBC One documentary on autistic model, campaigner and television personality Christine McGuinness

Kayla Smith is a black autistic disability rights advocate in the United States of America. She joins Autisticly Aar to talk about her experiences as a black autistic woman, how autism affects, her sharing truths on ableism, privilege and misinformation and racism and sexism in ableism. She has done previous interviews and articles on her lived experiences, public speaking, answering questions from parents of autistic children and those who listen with a passion for justice.

Bex Foulsham (They/She) Neurodivergent queer political campaigner, history and politics student and sailor opens up about their gender and sexuality identity and their neurodivergent conditions dyspraxia, ADHD and autism and how christian faith has helped them accept their non binary gender identity and their passion for politics

Autisticly Aar chats to Tumi Sotire a,k.a The Black Dyspraxic about his dyspraxia, and what it was like growing up dyspraxic, being dyspraxic in his job as a health data economist with University of Newcastle and his advocacy and activism work he has done with his social media @TheBlackDyspraxic. He has a keen interest in talking about intersectionality when it comes to his disability as when it comes to him being a black British neurodivergent person which forms his work. He does public speaking and consultancy work having written and contributed to Forbes on neurodiversity in the world of work. He also shares his experience of how faith has helped him as a Christian with his mental health.Email: neurorainbow@neurorainbowproject.comFor more support: https://neurorainbowproject.com/olive-branchMore about the podcast: https://neurorainbowproject.com/neurocastSupport the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/neurorainbowprojectFollow on social media: @neurorainbowproject - Threads/Facebook/Instagram/TikTok/Bluesky