In this episode of Adventures with ADHD (YouTube and Podcast), I share my journey as an autistic individual with ADHD, Tourette's, and OCD. I discuss the importance of a strengths-based approach to neurodivergence, emphasising how focusing on strengths can help manage challenges. I reflect on my childhood experiences, the impact of my inner critic, and the significance of self-acceptance. I also highlight the need for understanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals, particularly in educational settings, and conclude with insights from my upcoming book: Lost and Now Found: A guide to understanding and accepting yourself for late-discovered autistic adults.TakeawaysA strengths-based approach can help neurodivergent individuals thrive.Childhood experiences shape our inner critic and self-perception.Navigating school can be challenging for neurodivergent children.Embracing differences can lead to leadership qualities.Self-acceptance is crucial for personal growth.It's important to express feelings and seek support.Neurodivergent individuals can be leaders of tomorrow.Reframing thoughts can improve self-esteem.Suzi and Kate’s upcoming book offers guidance for late-identified autistic adults.Our book is now available for pre-order here (affiliate link so I will get a small commission if you use it): https://amzn.to/4foy5Fi

In this conversation, I interview Melissa Kelly, an ADHD coach, who shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life. We discuss the challenges of neurodivergence, including rejection sensitivity, dysphoria and trauma responses, and emphasise the importance of self-care and energy management. The conversation also explores the debate surrounding the concept of neurodivergent traits as 'superpowers' and provides guidance for those who may be questioning their neurodivergence.Topics discussed:Melissa was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at 43.Coaching transformed Melissa's life and inspired her to help others.Rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) is common among neurodivergent individuals.RSD can lead to overwhelm and burnout.Trauma responses in neurodivergent individuals can be similar to PTSD.Self-care for neurodivergent people is unique and essential.Rest is as productive as work for neurodivergent individuals.The term 'superpower' can minimise the challenges of neurodivergence.Connecting with other neurodivergent individuals is affirming and supportive.Being kind to oneself is crucial in the journey of self-discovery.Connect with Melissa here:https://www.pauseandthriveadhdcoachin...#adhd #autismawareness #neurodivergentvoices #adhdcoach #rejectionsensitivity

In this episode of Adventures with ADHD, I speak with Joy Schulz, a holistic life coach and spiritual mentor, about her journey of self-discovery as a neurodivergent individual. Joy shares her experiences growing up in a cult, realising her neurodivergence, and how her spiritual awakening has shaped her identity. We discuss the importance of community, the role of human design in understanding oneself, and the tools available for embracing neurodivergence. Joy emphasises the need for representation and the power of choosing one's beliefs in the journey towards self-acceptance and healing.Find out more about Joy here:https://www.radicaljoyfulness.com

In this episode of Adventures with ADHD, I interview Gemma Hentsch about her experiences as a trans woman navigating the intersections of gender identity, neurodivergence, and the tech industry. We discuss the complexities of gender, the current climate for trans rights, and the importance of support systems. Gemma shares her journey of self-discovery, the challenges faced by the trans community, and the resilience needed to advocate for change. The conversation highlights the need for understanding and acceptance in a world that can often be hostile to those who are different.#Gender #Neurodivergence #TransRights #ADHD #Autism #LGBTQ+Please like and subscribe :)

In this episode of Adventures with ADHD, I interview Vicki Jones, a mother of twin boys, one of whom is diagnosed ADHD and autistic (PDA). Vicki shares her journey of writing the children's book 'I've Got You', which aims to support children with neurodivergence and their families. The conversation explores the challenges and triumphs of parenting neurodivergent children, the importance of communication and acceptance, and the need for community support for parents. Vicki emphasises the unique strengths of her son and the collaborative process of creating the book, highlighting the message that families can navigate their journeys together.Get your copy of 'I've got you' here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ive-got-you-...

Meet Ruth Berkoff Rubarb Cough, a talented performer who discovered her neurodivergence by writing a play!
In this interview, Ruth discusses her journey to discovery and her passion for performing her play The Beauty of Being Herd, which is about a woman who goes to live as a sheep.
See link to interview in the comments
Ruth gives an open an honest account of the struggles to get writing when her inner critic is getting loud as well as tried and tested ways to work with it so that she can do what she loves; writing and performing!
Ruth is a Leeds born and bred performer and writer. She trained in contemporary circus at Circomedia, Bristol, and spent two years with master clown and pedagogue, Philippe Gaulier.
She's acted professionally since 2015 on stage, playing Lady Macbeth, Mrs Cratchitt and many more roles, including the wife of a man with motor-neurone disease in the short film, Grace, in which she was the top finalist in Actress Universe Film Festival 2022.
As an ex-Samaritan, Ruth cares deeply about people feeling understood. As a four time pantomime dame, she cares passionately about people having a BRILLIANT time at the theatre. Her performance has been described by the British Theatre Guide as ‘warm hearted and empathic.’
Ruth began writing in earnest after she had a brain haemorrhage in 2017. When she couldn’t find any stories from other survivors, she wrote her own. Her light-hearted blog, A Small Bleed on the Brain, has been shared by charities like Headway.
She writes so that other people (and herself) don't feel so alone.
The Beauty of Being Herd is her first full show and you can see it at The Brighton Fringe in May on the 2nd, 3rd, 24th and 25th.Get your tickets here:
The Beauty of Being Herd - Brighton Fringe

In this episode of Adventures with ADHD, I interview the multi-talented and creative Sammi Ford.

We discuss her journey to a late-in-life diagnosis of autism and ADHD and how her differently wired brain has enabled her to pursue a variety of careers (she has flown planes in the RAF and parachuted out of them!).

It hasn’t all been all highs, though, and Sammi discusses candidly her low point where she experienced a breakdown, which led to her discovery of being neurodivergent.

Sammi discusses her passion for art and poetry, as well as helping other neurodivergent individuals find their way, through sharing her personal journey.

A former RAF officer, Sammi Ford is a linguist and the MD and owner of an international industrial company SPCB UK.

Diagnosed late in life with autism and ADHD, her creative career started in her spare time as a means for mindfulness.

She is currently working on her memoir and a poetry anthology and has performed at events such as Neurodiversity Pride, the Vegan Wellbeing Retreat and the Lincoln Book Festival.

She has won several awards for photography including a national wildlife competition. Her fine art and poetry is featured in the e-zine “Beyond The Spectrum” and she was shortlisted for the 2024 Hammond House International Literary Prize.

Sammi is passionate about raising positive awareness of neurodiversity, particularly in later-diagnosed women, using her own experience and can be booked as a speaker or to lead poetry workshops.

Find Sammi in the following places:

www.spcb.co.uk

www.mosskillers.co.uk

www.sammifordart.co.uk

www.bespokefilters.co.uk

www.bestsprayers.co.uk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthaford/

https://www.instagram.com/sammifordart/

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#ADHDSpeaker

#AutismSpeaker

#MentalHealthAwareness

#NeurodivergentStories

PS Please get in touch if you are looking for a dynamic autism and ADHD speaker for your event or conference at www.suzipayton.com