What becomes possible when we stop demanding that every moment lead somewhere predictable?

In this episode of Mindful Mondays, Ashley explores the neurodivergent nuance of play as a powerful state of openness, learning and nervous-system flexibility.

For many neurodivergent adults, life can become tightly organised around prediction, responsibility and holding everything together. Play offers a different atmosphere. The outcome remains open. Mistakes become information. The body is given permission to experiment without needing to perform.

Drawing on ideas from Dr Andrew Huberman, movement specialist Ido Portal and basketball great Kobe Bryant, Ashley explores play as low-stakes possibility, active softness and a doorway into neuroplasticity. She reflects on the healing power of silliness, the surprising intelligence of the subconscious, the freedom of being misunderstood without abandoning yourself - and one deeply judgemental little plushie toy dog.

This week’s Bite-Sized Buddhism considers the balance between strings held too tightly and too loosely, while Microdosing Meaning invites you to make one ordinary moment just five per cent more playful.

The episode closes with Wild and Wise, a guided visualisation bringing together the part of you that creates safety and the part that remains willing to explore, laugh and be surprised.

Perhaps play is what happens when wisdom creates enough safety for wildness to come alive.

The eight-week From Mask to Map group coaching cohort begins on 15 September and is limited to ten people. Details are available at integrativeiom.co.uk.

Our Sponsors:

🧘‍♀️ Ashley Dupuy – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

🤝 Sophie James - Neurodivergent Mentoring: sophiejamesndmentoring.com

🎧 The Neurodivergent Experience is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodes

🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com

🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com

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A BBC News article about an ADHD employment tribunal sparks a wider conversation about what it means to be neurodivergent at work.

Jordan and Simon discuss reasonable adjustments, why communication differences are often misunderstood, and whether employers are keeping up with growing awareness of ADHD and autism. They also explore the difficult question many neurodivergent people now face: should you disclose your diagnosis during the hiring process, or could honesty work against you?

BBC News Article: ADHD has rewired the workplace. This is what it means for bosses and workers

Our Sponsors:

🧘‍♀️ Ashley Dupuy – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

🤝 Sophie James - Neurodivergent Mentoring: sophiejamesndmentoring.com

🎧 The Neurodivergent Experience is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodes

🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com

🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our first Reddit Stories episode, Jordan and Simon discuss four real-life neurodivergent dilemmas shared by the online community.

They begin with a heartfelt post from a 16-year-old worried he's "becoming an incel" after years of rejection and social isolation, exploring autism, rejection sensitivity, masking and why school can feel so overwhelming. They also discuss why so many people with ADHD struggle to finish video games despite genuinely wanting to, before unpacking a workplace story about someone being mocked for their special interest—and why accepting people's passions matters more than we often realise. Finally, they explore a refreshing first date between two neurodivergent adults and discuss authenticity, relationships and finding people who truly understand you.

The stories discussed in this episode are public Reddit posts. Titles may be shortened for readability, and all opinions expressed are those of the original posters.

• I'm Becoming An Incel, Help!

https://reddit.com/...

• How Do You Actually Finish Games with ADHD?

https://reddit.com/...

• AITA for Telling My Co-worker I'm Tired of Hearing About Her Nerdy Obsession?

https://reddit.com/...

• I Went on a Date with a Neurodivergent Guy

https://reddit.com/...

Our Sponsors:

🧘‍♀️ Ashley Dupuy – Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy

🤝 Sophie James - Neurodivergent Mentoring: sophiejamesndmentoring.com

🎧 The Neurodivergent Experience is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

⭐ Leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

🔔 Turn on notifications for new weekly episodes

🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com

🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.