The Neurodivergent Experience

"The only people that I spoke to that one, didn't make me feel like an alien and two, spoke my language were neurodivergent people."In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan and Simon are joined by Jordans wife Sylvia. They discuss how they discovered their neurodivergence, how Sylvia was the one who first realized that Jordan might be autistic, and her experience of discovering her own neurodivergence and the positive impact it has had on their family. The couple talk about the importance of understanding and supporting each other, and how they have worked through challenges in their relationship. The conversation highlights the need for patience, empathy, and a different approach to communication when dealing with neurodivergent individuals. Simon shares his journey navigating struggles with school, questioning his identity, and finally finding his tribe. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and acceptance from family and friends, and the power of connecting with other neurodivergent individuals.TakeawaysUnderstanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to learn different communication strategies.Working through challenges in a neurodivergent relationship requires ongoing effort, understanding, and a commitment to personal growth. Discovering one's neurodivergence can be a challenging and confusing journey, but it can also lead to self-acceptance and a sense of belonging.Connecting with other neurodivergent individuals can provide a sense of community and understanding.Society needs to change its perception of neurodivergent individuals and provide better support and resources.Get 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.Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent ExperienceYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

"Neurodivergent Jenga is like many little triggers, which take away each one of your little bricks"In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott discuss the concept of losing spoons and playing Neurodivergent Jenga. We talk the concept of spoons, which represents energy levels, and how different factors can drain or add to their spoons throughout the day. Have you ever been stuck playing Neurodivergent Jenga, where small triggers can lead to a meltdown? We share our personal experiences with triggers and sensory issues and how they can affect our daily lives. Jordan discusses the challenges of being a parent and how neurodivergent children can trigger your own triggers.TakeawaysSpoons represent energy levels, and various factors can drain or add to them throughout the dayUnderstanding and managing triggers can help prevent meltdowns and preserve spoonsParents of neurodivergent children may face additional challenges and need to find a balance between guidance and understanding.Executive dysfunction can affect daily tasks and routines, leading to triggers.Get 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.Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent ExperienceYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

"Neurodivergent tax, also known as ADHD tax, is the impulse buying that has been a delight and a burden on me and my finances."In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott discuss impulse buying and 'Neurodivergent Tax'. The hosts discuss their personal experiences with impulse buying, including purchasing expensive items like dogs and sneakers, and having to pay the ND tax. They also touch on the impact of FOMO (fear of missing out) and the role of research in impulse buying.TakeawaysFOMO (fear of missing out) can contribute to impulse buying, as individuals may feel the need to participate in certain trends or experiences.Research can play a role in impulse buying, as individuals may justify their purchases by conducting extensive research and convincing themselves of the value.Impulse buying can have both positive and negative consequences, ranging from the joy of acquiring desired items to financial strain and regret.Setting boundaries and being mindful of impulsive tendencies can help manage and control impulse buying behaviour.Sales and second-hand items can be more affordable options for satisfying shopping desires.Parents may feel compelled to buy things for their children to ensure they don't miss out.Get 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.Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent ExperienceYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

"My relationship with food is incredibly complex. I hate food that is unpredictable."In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott discuss their complex relationships with food. They share their experiences with 'fussy' eating, body dysmorphia, and trauma-related food aversions. They also talk about the impact of neurodivergent traits on their eating habits, such as demand avoidance and hypersensitivity. They highlight the unpredictability of food textures and flavours for neurodivergent people and the preference for routine and familiarity.TakeawaysNeurodivergent individuals often have complex relationships with food, influenced by factors such as picky eating, body dysmorphia, and trauma-related aversions.Neurodivergent traits, such as demand avoidance and hypersensitivity, can impact eating habits and food preferences.Childhood experiences with food, including restrictions and negative associations, can shape an individual's relationship with food as an adult.Developing a healthier relationship with food may involve exploring new flavours, managing sensory sensitivities, and addressing underlying emotional issues.It is important to be mindful of how we talk about food and body image, avoiding negative language and promoting self-acceptance as understanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals' unique food preferences and challenges can promote their overall well-being.Parents should avoid labelling their children as 'fussy eaters' and instead create a positive and supportive environment to encourage trying new foods.Chapters00:00 RTN Sponsor01:43 The Complexity of Neurodivergent Relationships with Food06:26 Childhood Experiences and Food Challenges09:20 Food as Comfort and Trauma Response13:15 Struggles with Eating and Starvation25:15 Negative Associations and Social Exclusion27:10 Conclusion and Support for Neurodivergent Food Preferences32:10 Navigating Unpredictability: Food Textures and Flavours for Neurodivergent People45:06 Childhood Memories and Associations with Food50:42 Supporting Neurodivergent Children in Developing Healthy Eating Habits52:09 The Impact of Food on Neurodivergent Individuals' Cognitive Abilities53:07 Promoting Positive Body Image and Mindful Eating for Neurodivergent IndividualsGet 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.Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent ExperienceYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

Traveling as a neurodivergent person can present unique challenges, such as dealing with sensory issues and knowing your rights for special assistant and accommodations.In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan and Simon discuss their recent travel experiences as neurodivergent individuals. They share their personal stories of navigating airports, dealing with special assistance, and the challenges they faced during their journeys. They talk about their fears and anxieties while flying, as well as the strategies they use to cope, the importance of special assistance and accommodations for neurodivergent individuals when traveling, the difficulties and stress that can come with navigating public transportation, especially in unfamiliar cities. The conversation also touches on the most interesting countries visited, the impact of travel on photography, and the cultural differences experienced in different parts of the world.TakeawaysSpecial assistance and accommodations are available for neurodivergent individuals when traveling, and it's important to take advantage of them.Understanding one's neurodivergent identity and seeking support can help alleviate the difficulties and stress of traveling. Neurodivergent individuals may have specific needs and preferences when it comes to travel, such as meticulous planning and having alternative plans.Traveling to events and destinations that align with personal interests can enhance the travel experience for neurodivergent individuals.Different countries and regions offer unique cultural experiences and landscapes that can be both awe-inspiring and challenging for neurodivergent individuals.Chapters00:00 RTN Sponsor01:18 Traveling as a Neurodivergent Person24:08 The Restlessness of Long Journeys31:09 Navigating the Anxieties of Flying45:18 Challenges of Crowded Trains50:06 Importance of Special Assistance and Accommodations57:16 Stressful Experiences in Unfamiliar Cities01:08:12 Nature vs. Cities: Preferences for Travel01:14:06 Exploring Interesting Destinations01:23:09 Cultural Differences in Travel ExperiencesGet 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.Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent ExperienceYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

"Growing up in an undiagnosed family made me feel different from others and lead to a sense of being strange or weird!"This episode of the Neurodivergent Experience discusses growing up in an undiagnosed family. Sophie James, Jordan's daughter, joins to share her experience about feeling different from other families, the challenges of navigating the school playground, the lack of support from the school, and the importance of bonding through daddy-daughter days. Sophie, shares her perspective on growing up with an undiagnosed autistic father and the challenges they faced as a family and reflect on the changes that occurred after Jordan's autism diagnosis and the newfound understanding and acceptance it brought them.TakeawaysStruggles and successes in school can vary for neurodivergent individuals, and it's important to focus on the strengths and abilities rather than just the deficits.Neurodivergence can impact family dynamics, and understanding and support from parents can make a significant difference in a child's experience. Neurodivergent experiences can vary, with some individuals being more external and emotional, while others are more internal and repetitive.It is important to lower unrealistic expectations and standards in friendships to foster healthier relationships at school.Having a diagnosis can provide validation and support, but it is not always necessary for personal growth and understanding Chapters00:00 RTN Sponsor01:18 Introducing Sophie James08:50 Independence and Struggles in Primary School16:23 Challenges in the School Playground32:02 Impact of Neurodivergence on Family Dynamics36:15 Growing Up with an Undiagnosed Autistic Father48:25 The Shift in Understanding and Acceptance55:30 The Impact of Not Having A Filter01:00:11 Understanding Each Other's Differences01:07:41 Self-Awareness and AcceptanceGet 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.Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent ExperienceYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

Navigating romantic relationships can be challenging for neurodivergent individuals.In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott discuss their experiences with romantic relationships. They share stories from their teenage years including the challenges of navigating dating and intimacy, the impact of past traumas and the importance of being true to oneself in a relationship, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. Jordan discusses how meeting his wife, Sylvia, changed everything. They formed a deep connection and understood each other on a level that no one else did and attributes their successful relationship to both of them being neurodivergent. He expresses gratitude for having Sylvia in his life and credits her for helping him better himself. Simon reflects on his past relationships and how they were influenced by his neurodivergent traits and shares his experiences of being taken advantage of and feeling misunderstood in past relationships.TakeawaysBeing true to oneself is important in building a healthy and fulfilling relationship but past traumas can impact how we approach and experience them.Dating and intimacy can be particularly difficult for neurodivergent individuals, who may struggle with social cues and communication.Building a relationship without masks and being open and honest can lead to a stronger connection, being in a relationship with someone who is also neurodivergent can lead to a deep connection and understanding.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Topic07:42 Navigating Dating and One Night Stands26:30 Difficulties with Initiating Intimacy35:21 Building Relationships while Masking44:11 Confidence and Attracting Attention57:36 Finding Connection and Understanding in a Relationship01:05:32 The Power of Gratitude in a Successful Relationship01:15:26 Reflecting on Past Relationships for Personal GrowthWhether you're Neurodivergent yourself, a friend, family member, or simply curious about this extraordinary way of experiencing the world, this podcast is your guide to unravelling The Neurodivergent Experience.Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: theneurodivergentexperienceYoutube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

Art and creative expression can be a powerful way for neurodivergent individuals to communicate and share their unique experiences.In this conversation, Jordan James and Simon Scott talk to Bret Malley, a recently diagnosed neurodivergent individual, and father of an autistic son. They discuss Brett's journey of self-discovery, his experiences as a filmmaker and artist, talk about his upcoming documentary film, The Divergent Gift: Unboxing Autism, led by Bret and starring Jordan and the challenges he and his son face in the US education system.The conversation explores the need for flexibility and multiple ways of learning in education, particularly for neurodivergent individuals, and emphasize the importance of listening to parents and understanding the unique strengths and weaknesses of each child.The upcoming documentary film 'The Divergent Gift; Unboxing Autism, led by Brett Mallie, aims to amplify the voices of the neurodivergent community and promote acceptance and inclusion.TakeawaysThe education system often fails to accommodate the diverse learning styles and needs of neurodivergent students, leading to feelings of frustration and isolation.There is a need for a shift in the education system to prioritize individuality, autonomy, and support for neurodivergent students. Education should provide flexibility and multiple ways of learning to accommodate the diverse needs and interests of students, particularly neurodivergent individuals.Teachers should listen to parents and take the time to understand each child's unique strengths and weaknesses in order to provide appropriate support.Storytelling, animation, and creativity can be powerful tools for expressing the neurodivergent experience and promoting understanding and acceptance.00:00 Introduction and Background14:10 Art as a Form of Communication35:50 The Need for a Shift in Education44:34 Flexibility and Autonomy in Education51:48 The Importance of Listening to Parents01:08:00 The Power of Documentary Film in AdvocacyBret Malley: Educator, Speaker, Professional photographer, author of Adobe Master Class; Advanced Compositing in Adobe Photoshop CC, and all around Photoshop magician specializing in surreal, epic, and imaginative image creation.Website: https://www.bretmalley.com/Documentary: https://www.thedivergentgift.com/Please consider supporting this incredible project: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/88kj6Q?vid=14zjxqWhether you're Neurodivergent yourself, a friend, family member, or simply curious about this extraordinary way of experiencing the world, this podcast is your guide to unravelling The Neurodivergent Experience.Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: theneurodivergentexperienceYoutube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience