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The Neurodivergent Experience
Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month
In this episode, Simon Scott and Jordan James share and discuss three hot topics about Autism and ADHD as they celebrate Autism Acceptance Month.
They critique a recent article in The Independent that reflects on the themes of the last episodes hot topic around Bella Ramsey being diagnosed Autistic. The articles author dismisses self diagnosis as 'armchair diagnoses', bashes social media advocating as misinformation and brands the act of suggesting to someone they may be neurodivergent as a rude and unacceptable thing to do. Simon and Jordan emphasize the importance of understanding and celebrating neurodivergence while addressing the harmful narratives perpetuated by ill informed media outlets and share personal experiences and insights on navigating conversations about neurodivergence, celebrating neurodiversity and the positive aspects of being autistic.
The second Hot Topic explores the cultural significance of the custom NBA sneakers campaign that is raising money and awareness in relation to autism acceptance month. They discuss the impact of custom sneakers designed to support the autism community and the importance of broader awareness campaigns: https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/custom-sneaker-campaign-organized-by-utah-jazz-coach-to-benefit-autism-acceptance-efforts-returns-for-second-season
The conversation shifts to the controversial changes proposed by NHS England regarding the Right to Choose, highlighting the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in accessing timely diagnoses and support.
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71. Neurodivergent Parenting Q & A: Social Struggles, Sensory Overload & Surviving Meltdowns
01:02:04||Ep. 71In this episode, hosts Jordan James, Simon Scott, and special guest Sylvia James dive deep into your questions about the unspoken chaos of neurodivergent parenting. From the sensory nightmare of a UK heatwave to managing meltdowns caused by your own ND kids, this episode is as raw as it is relatable.Jordan and Sylvia open up about raising late-diagnosed autistic children, the trauma of childhood bullying, and how their own experiences as autistic adults shaped how they parent. They share lived experiences navigating:🔥 Sensory overload while parenting neurodivergent teens👶 Growing up with masking, rejection sensitivity, and "special interest" friendships💔 The heartbreak of seeing your child's joy extinguished by social rejection👨👩👧👦 Tips for helping ND kids build meaningful, healthy friendships🧠 Managing your meltdowns while your child is having theirs🧼 The mental health link between tidy spaces and emotional regulation💼 Neurodivergent young adults entering the workforce and decoding office politicsWhether you're an autistic parent, a late-diagnosed adult, or just trying to survive life with a sensory-challenged household, this episode is full of humor, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom.❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)→ Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperienceHot Topic: ADHD Referrals Denied After 25? What the NHS Isn’t Telling You
22:44|🔥In this week's Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott unpack the announcement that Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust has temporarily suspended adult ADHD referrals for people over 25, and our hosts are fired up. What does this mean for late-diagnosed adults? Why is 'Right to Choose' being left out of the conversation? And how does this reflect a bigger systemic issue around neurodivergent care in the UK?🎙️ With wit, passion, and deep lived experience, the hosts dive into:Coventry and Warwickshire NHS says it’s to prioritize children—but is that the full story? Why cutting off care for adults sends a harmful message to undiagnosed neurodivergents. Right to Choose: The NHS ADHD Loophole They’re Not Telling You AboutFrom improved emotional regulation to better executive function, Jordan and Simon share raw, personal stories of how diagnosis and medication transformed their lives. How ADHD affects more than focus—covering overstimulation, fatigue, and the misunderstood benefits of medication.You can read the full article here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyrgrng3njo.amp🔥Have you been denied a referral or left in NHS limbo? Check the links in our show notes for RTN and explore your Right to Choose. You don’t need to wait 10 years. You’re not invisible, and we’re here for you!❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)→ Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperience70. You’ve Got An ND Friend In Me: Sensory Clashes, RSD, And The Joy Of ND Connection
01:11:35||Ep. 70In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott dive into the chaotic beauty of neurodivergent friendships. From the heartbreak of sensory overload to the emotional minefield of alexithymia and rejection sensitivity dysphoria, they unpack the complex layers of autistic–autistic relationships, misunderstanding ADHD traits, and the healing power of shared ND experience.🎤 In this episode, you'll learn about:Managing sensory hell in shared spaces (yes, that includes loud eaters and perfume)Autistic love languagesHow trauma and mental health shape ND friendshipsMiscommunication, meltdowns, and how to repair after a shutdownThe real reason you stopped texting your bestie (and why they probably didn’t hate you)If you’ve ever felt “too much” or “too sensitive,” this one’s for you.❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)→ Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperienceHot Topic: CDB Experiments On Autistic Children
23:45|🔥In this week's Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott unpack a recent study testing CBD (cannabidiol) on autistic boys aged between 7 and 14 in the USA. Is this breakthrough research, or just another way of sedating neurodivergent children to make them easier to manage? You can read the article here: https://neurosciencenews.com/cbd-asd-psychopharmacology-29315/🎙️ With wit, passion, and deep lived experience, the hosts dive into:The science behind CBD, what it does and their own experiences using CBD as neurodivergent adultsWhy targeting only "severely autistic boys" is problematicThe dangers of reducing neurodivergent behavior to something that needs to be fixedWhy understanding the "why" behind behavior matters more than masking or muting it🔥 If you've ever questioned the ethics of autism research or want a more compassionate take on supporting autistic children, this episode is a must-listen.❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)→ Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperience69. Girls Are Autistic Too: Misdiagnosed By Misogyny
01:26:44||Ep. 69In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott are joined by in-house therapist Ahsley Bentley to explore the key differences between autistic men and women. We discuss how traits like repetitive behaviors and emotional expression show up differently, and the diagnostic biases and misogynistic societal expectations that affect late or missed diagnoses in women.🎤 In this episode, you'll learn about:How autistic masking differs between men and womenHow special interests manifest in men and womenWhy autistic girls and women are often overlooked or misdiagnosedThe role of social conditioning in shaping autistic expression in men and womenThe societal pressures faced by Autistic women in relation to masking behaviorsWhether you're autistic, suspect you might be, or want to support a loved one better, this episode is packed with insights on gendered experiences of autism you won't want to miss.❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)→ Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperienceHot Topic: Elon Musk's Big Beautiful Meltdown
46:44|🔥In this week's Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott dive deep into the high-profile fallout between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump over the big beautiful bill.From viral tweets to public pettiness, justice sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and the regret that comes after an autistic meltdown, they explore Elon Musk's behavior through a neurodivergent lens to analyse what they believe to be the most public autistic meltdown ever! ❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)→ Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperience68. Dyslexia Isn't the Problem, The English Language Is
01:18:47||Ep. 68In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott dive into life with dyslexia and how the quirks of the English language—like silent letters, inconsistent spelling, and grammar chaos—make reading and writing harder for neurodivergent minds. 🎤 In this episode, we explore:🔤 Why English spelling feels like a cruel joke to dyslexic readers🧠 What “brain muddle” really feels like during writing📚 Tips for navigating reading and memory challenges🎧 How audiobooks and alternative formats can level the playing field🤯 The emotional impact of being misunderstood (and how to cope)✍️ What it’s like to self-publish with dyslexia — the good, the bad, and the typo-ridden If you’ve ever felt like your brain just doesn’t "get" English, this episode is for you!❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)→ Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperienceHot Topic: Jamie Oliver And Media's Role in Shaping Neurodivergent Narratives
28:00|🔥In this week's Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott dive into celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s recent revelations about his family's neurodiversity. They explore the importance of neurodivergent representation in mainstream media, the concept of 'bravery' in discussing these topics, and the impact of media representation on the public perception of being neurodivergent.Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about neurodiversity, media influence, and breaking stigmas around ADHD and dyslexia.❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)→ Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperience67. Why Is Eating So Hard? Food, ARFID & the Neurodivergent Brain
01:21:21||Ep. 67In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott are once again joined by Sophie James as they get real about the challenges neurodivergent individuals face with food, from ARFID and sensory issues to body image and emotional regulation. They share personal stories, reflect on childhood eating habits, and explore how cooking and self-compassion play a role in healing.🎤 In this episode, we explore:The challenges of eating as a neurodivergent personHow executive dysfunction impacts food choicesThe role of childhood habits, cooking, and parental influenceStruggles with self-perception and emotional regulationThe influence of social media on body image and self-worthWhether you're neurodivergent, a parent, or just curious about the complex relationship between food and mental health, this episode offers a compassionate and eye-opening perspective. Tune in for a journey toward self-acceptance, balance, and kinder relationships with food.Sophies email: Sophiecofy@gmail.comHer new podcast - Navigating Neurodivergence:https://open.spotify.com/show/54rB8kwCwTwoVB6kBpaOo5?si=6z6Q3-J7QrywPhJSO37KCg❤️ Support the ShowIf this episode resonated with you:✅ Follow or Subscribe to The Neurodivergent Experience⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodesOur Sponsors:🧘♀️ Ashley Bentley – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy→ https://bit.ly/ashleynde🧠 RTN Mental Health Solutions – Autism & ADHD Assessments (UK)→ Use code RTN23 for a discount when making your initial enquiry.🔗 Stay ConnectedInstagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook pageYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperienceTikTok: @neurodivergentexperience