On today’s episode we are deeply honoured to have Dr Michelle Garnett speaking with us about neurodivergence in the teen years, as well as her own life experience as a neurodivergent woman. Dr Garnett is a clinical psychologist, author, and late-diagnosed AuDHDer, and she has worked in the autistic community for over 30 years. Listeners would likely know her as the co-founder of Attwood & Garnett Events, with Professor Tony Attwood. Dr Garnett is a leading voice in neuro-affirming care, research, and advocacy.

 

We cover:
What neurodivergence means to Michelle.
Michelle’s experience of her neurodivergence and anxiety throughout her life, and things that she has personally found helpful in managing anxiety.
[We get here at about the 40 minute mark!] Reasons why the transition to the teen years can be so challenging for neurodivergence teens and their families, including neurological changes and differences, and school and the broader environment.
Identity formation in the teen years for neurodivergent teens.
Making room for your own emotions as a parent.
Signs to look out for that may indicate your young person is struggling.
Tips for parents and caregivers supporting neurodivergent young people.
Michelle’s five key messages for neurodivergent teens.

 

Things we mentioned + helpful resources:
Attwood & Garnett Events in general
Webcast: Autism and Carer Burnout - 11th April 2025 – Attwood & Garnett Events
Webcast: Autism: Developing a Positive Self-Identity - 22nd August 202 – Attwood & Garnett Events
Succeeding with Autistic Teenagers – Attwood & Garnett Events
School Can’t Australia
Books Dr Garnett recommends for parents

Out of the Box by Madonna King and Rebecca Sparrow
Supporting Autistic Girls and Gender Diverse Youth - Yellow Ladybugs
If autistic themselves: The Neurodivergence Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD by Jennifer Kemp & Monique Mitchelson
Podcasts Dr Garnett recommends for teens

For identity and self-acceptance (not identified as ND): Feeling Seen, The Happiness Lab, Ologies
For identified and accepted ND: Uniquely Human: The Podcast, The Divergent Mind
Storytelling & relatable for teens: This Teenage Life, Teenager Therapy, Brave Not Perfect

 

Find Michelle at Attwood and Garnett Events and on socials @ attwoodgarnett

 

Enjoyed this episode and want more content? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, 50% off our episode articles, plus access to a huge backlog of bonus content, including bonus episodes, access to online courses, tip sheets and workbooks, and guided meditation practices. Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod.

 

Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here. 

 

Contact us at ndwomanpod@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.com

On today&rsquo;s episode we are deeply honoured to have Dr Michelle Garnett speaking with us about neurodivergence in the teen years, as well as her own life experience as a neurodivergent woman. Dr Garnett is a clinical psychologist, author, and late-diagnosed AuDHDer, and she has worked in the autistic community for over 30 years. Listeners would likely know her as the co-founder of <a href="https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/pages/about-us">Attwood &amp; Garnett Events</a>, with Professor Tony Attwood. Dr Garnett is a leading voice in neuro-affirming care, research, and advocacy.
&nbsp;
We cover:
<ul>
<li>What neurodivergence means to Michelle.</li>
<li>Michelle&rsquo;s experience of her neurodivergence and anxiety throughout her life, and things that she has personally found helpful in managing anxiety.</li>
<li>[We get here at about the 40 minute mark!] Reasons why the transition to the teen years can be so challenging for neurodivergence teens and their families, including neurological changes and differences, and school and the broader environment.</li>
<li>Identity formation in the teen years for neurodivergent teens.</li>
<li>Making room for your own emotions as a parent.</li>
<li>Signs to look out for that may indicate your young person is struggling.</li>
<li>Tips for parents and caregivers supporting neurodivergent young people.</li>
<li>Michelle&rsquo;s five key messages for neurodivergent teens.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Things we mentioned + helpful resources:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/pages/about-us">Attwood &amp; Garnett Events</a> in general</li>
<li><a href="https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/products/webcast-autism-and-carer-burnout">Webcast: Autism and Carer Burnout - 11th April 2025 &ndash; Attwood &amp; Garnett Events</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/products/webcast-autism-developing-a-positive-self-identity-22nd-august-2025">Webcast: Autism: Developing a Positive Self-Identity - 22nd August 202 &ndash; Attwood &amp; Garnett Events</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/products/succeeding-with-autistic-teenagers?_pos=2&amp;_sid=bf6ec6202&amp;_ss=r">Succeeding with Autistic Teenagers &ndash; Attwood &amp; Garnett Events</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au/">School Can&rsquo;t Australia</a></li>
<li>Books Dr Garnett recommends for parents
<ol>
<li>Out of the Box by Madonna King and Rebecca Sparrow</li>
<li>Supporting Autistic Girls and Gender Diverse Youth - Yellow Ladybugs</li>
<li>If autistic themselves: The Neurodivergence Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD by Jennifer Kemp &amp; Monique Mitchelson</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>Podcasts Dr Garnett recommends for teens
<ol>
<li>For identity and self-acceptance (not identified as ND): Feeling Seen, The Happiness Lab, Ologies</li>
<li>For identified and accepted ND: Uniquely Human: The Podcast, The Divergent Mind</li>
<li>Storytelling &amp; relatable for teens: This Teenage Life,&nbsp;Teenager Therapy, Brave Not Perfect</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Find Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.attwoodandgarnettevents.com/pages/about-us">Attwood and Garnett Events</a> and on socials @ attwoodgarnett
&nbsp;
Enjoyed this episode and want more content? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, 50% off our episode articles, plus access to a huge backlog of bonus content, including bonus episodes, access to online courses, tip sheets and workbooks, and guided meditation practices. Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: <a href="http://www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod">www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod.</a>
&nbsp;
Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them <a href="https://www.ndwomanpod.com/transcripts">here</a>.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Contact us at <a href="mailto:ndwomanpod@gmail.com">ndwomanpod@gmail.com</a>, or visit our website: <a href="http://www.ndwomanpod.com">www.ndwomanpod.com</a>

A podcast for neurodivergent women, hosted by clinical psychologist Monique Mitchelson and clinical neuropsychologist Michelle Livock. Covering Autism to ADHD and everything in between, we aim to educate and inspire women who think differently.

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