The Neurodivergent Experience

In this heart-tuning episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott, with a few delightful drop-ins from Sylvia James, explore music's powerful role in shaping memory, identity, and connection. Music isn’t just background noise—it’s the emotional soundtrack to our neurodivergent lives.🎶 In this episode, we explore:A sensory-friendly getaway to Pembrokeshire and how photography and music provide grounding, clarity, and creative expression.The nostalgia of childhood bangers, epic wrestling walkout songs, and why certain tracks just hit differently.How playlists become personalized emotional toolkits, and how shared musical interests can strengthen relationships, especially within neurodivergent families.Whether you’re moved by melody or fueled by rhythm, this episode is a love letter to the emotional gravity of music.▶️ Want to hear the songs we talk about? Check out our companion playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4wO9Ww2Rls3K81aVucedQH?si=b6ad76de0232471a💡 Support Our Sponsors:🌿 Break through emotional blocks with Ashley Bentley’s Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy Live with more clarity, confidence, and connection: https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 Need an Autism or ADHD assessment in the UK? Visit RTN Mental Health Solutions Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.📲 Stay connected with NDE: Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience💬 Love the show? Please leave us a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It only takes a minute and will help more neurodivergent folks find our community.

In this week's Hot Topic, we dive headfirst into the swirling storm of ignorance, outrage, and eye rolls sparked by Reform Party Leader Nigel Farage MP’s latest comments on SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) individuals in the UK. From tone-deaf soundbites to a complete misunderstanding of what being a victim actually means, Farage once again proves that when it comes to empathy and education, he's more out of touch than ever.Join us as we unpack the backlash and throw in a few well-deserved side-eyes along the way. Spoiler alert: it's not just offensive—it's exhausting! If you're tired of politicians using vulnerable communities and minorities for cheap political points, this one’s for you.SUPPORT US THROUGH OUR SPONSERS:Work with Ashley Bentley at Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence, and connection - https://bit.ly/ashleyndeGet an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.Follow NDE on social media:Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperienceIf you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could we please ask that you consider leaving a short a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show.

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott speak with Speaker and Advocate, Asher Jenner, who shares their journey of navigating childhood struggles, school bullying and the complexities of PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), the impact of trauma on mental health, and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals navigating CHaMs, particularly in relation to eating disorders and rumination syndrome.⚠️ Content Warning: Self-Harm and SuicideThis episode contains open and honest discussions around self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and mental health challenges. Listener discretion is strongly advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact a crisis support service in your area.Here's what we cover in this episode We discuss the misconceptions surrounding PDA, the importance of tailored treatment approaches, and the emotional toll of navigating these experiences. The need for understanding and support for those with neurodivergent conditions, emphasizing the significance of lived experiences in shaping treatment and care.The therapeutic benefits of dance, and the role of stim toys in managing sensory needs. Asher Jenner shares insights on their journey, the significance of finding safe ways to express emotions, and the impact of sharing personal stories to help others. SUPPORT US THROUGH OUR SPONSERS:Work with Ashley Bentley at Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence, and connection - https://bit.ly/ashleyndeGet an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.Follow NDE on social media:Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperienceIf you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could we please ask that you consider leaving a short a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show.

In this weeks Hot Topic, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott discuss the alarming new proposals for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in the UK, which could lead to 90% of current standard daily living awards failing on renewal.Here's what we cover in this episode:We share personal experiences with the PIP application process, highlighting the struggles faced by those with disabilities, particularly neurodivergent individuals. What are the implications of these changes, the internalized ableism that many face when attempting the application process?We express our frustration over the system's failures and emphasize the importance of community unity in advocating for the rights of disabled individuals.SUPPORT US THROUGH OUR SPONSERS:Work with Ashley Bentley at Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence, and connection - https://bit.ly/ashleyndeGet an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.Follow NDE on social media:Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperienceIf you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could we please ask that you consider leaving a short a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show.

This episode isn't just good, it's sofa king good!Ever catch yourself - or someone else - repeating the same phrase again and again? Why do Neurodivergent people repeat words or phrases over and over? Is it just mimicry or something more meaningful? In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott are once again joined by in-house therapist Ashley Bentley to dive into the fascinating world of echolalia, the often misunderstood speech pattern based on mimicry and repetition, a common autistic trait that relates to early language development, and is the backbone of neurodivergent communication.Here's what we cover in this episode (THE MYSTERY POND):We share humorous examples and cultural references that illustrate the quirks of echolalia, the beauty and complexity of using echolalia as a form of expression and connection, while also addressing the potential for misunderstandings and social faux pasWe explore the nuances of echolalia, particularly how it is influenced by comedy and pop culture.We share personal anecdotes about our favourite TV shows , catchphrases, and family dynamics, highlighting how these elements shape our communication styles but create complexities in social interactions with neurotypicals.From immediate repetition to delayed scripting, echolalia can serve important roles in learning, self-regulation, and expression for Autistic people and be a relief from when Alexithymia hits!SUPPORT US THROUGH OUR SPONSERS:Work with Ashley Bentley at Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence, and connection - https://bit.ly/ashleyndeGet an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.Follow NDE on social media:Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperienceIf you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could we please ask that you consider leaving a short a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show.

In this weeks Hot Topic, Jordan James and Simon Scott explore the complexities of who should play neurodivergent roles on screen and the stereotypes that often arise in media portrayals, particularly focusing on the recent BBC One comedy 'Austin'.Here's what we cover in this episode: The need for neurodivergent actors, and the responsibility of media creators to provide accurate and respectful representations of neurodiverse individuals. The importance of recognising when media is laughing at not with Neurodivergent people.We discuss the non neuro-affirming nature and hidden etiquette of film sets and the challenges faced by autistic individuals in these spaces. We debate the complexities of who should play neurodivergent roles and the huge importance of lived experience in storytelling. SUPPORT US THROUGH OUR SPONSERS:Work with Ashley Bentley at Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence, and connection - https://bit.ly/ashleyndeGet an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.Follow NDE on social media:Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperienceIf you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could we please ask that you consider leaving a short a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show.