We are back with Season 7 of the podcast on March 24th!

 

In the meantime, we both have some online training for professionals. Check out Michelle’s training on providing meaningful and theraputic Assessment Feedback for psychologists, running online on the 28th Feb, and Monique’s training on the Square Model – Supporting Neurodivergent Folks in Therapy, running online on the 12th-14th March. Both trainings can be attended live or watched later.

 

See you in a month for Season 7!

 

~ Michelle and Monique  

We are back with Season 7 of the podcast on March 24th!
&nbsp;
In the meantime, we both have some online training for professionals. Check out Michelle&rsquo;s training on providing meaningful and theraputic <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1047451996117?aff=oddtdtcreator">Assessment Feedback for psychologists</a>, running online on the 28th Feb, and Monique&rsquo;s training on the <a href="https://www.divergentfutures.com/df-squaremodel">Square Model &ndash; Supporting Neurodivergent Folks in Therapy</a>, running online on the 12th-14th March. Both trainings can be attended live or watched later.
&nbsp;
See you in a month for Season 7!
&nbsp;
~ Michelle and Monique &nbsp;

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.

The Neurodivergent Woman

Season 7 coming March 24th!

Hey everyone, just a heads up that in this episode Jessica mentions times in her life when she was suicidal. If this brings up anything for you, please reach out to someone you trust, or contact one of the support lines we’ve included in the show notes. Take care of yourselves, and feel free to pause or skip this one if you need to.

 

This week we are chatting to Jessica Horner about neurodivergent stories. Jessica is a proudly AuDHD and disabled woman and she works as a policy advisor with People With Disability Australia. She has previously worked as a journalist at the ABC, where she focused on the experiences of late diagnosed Autistic adults across Australia and wrote, among other pieces, a long form feature article called “A Rich New Lens”. She would later be nominated as a finalist for this article, alongside her producer, for the Media Diversity Australia Award, issued by the Walkley Foundation in 2023. She has also written for ABC Everyday, ABC News, Reframing Autism, Yooralla, and others.

 

In this episode we deep dive into how neurodivergent stories are told, by whom, and for what purpose, and unpack to impact of this on the neurodivergent community.

 

We cover:
How Jessica thinks about neurodivergence.
Jessica’s experience of her neurodivergence, and how this evolved over time along with her sense of self and identity.
What are stories, why do we tell stories, and why are stories important?
How power dynamics become embedded in cultural stories and ways we can work to shift this.
Unpacking how neurodivergent stories are told.
What does trauma-informed journalism and storytelling look like?
Jessica’s current hyperfixations and a personal story on how Autism can show up for her.

 

You can find Jessica through her website, Spoonfuls of Whimsy, or on Instagram and Facebook @spoonfuls_of_whimsy

 

Looking for mental health support? Try these resources:

Immediate Support
Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention)
Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467 (24/7 telephone and online counselling for people affected by suicide)
Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 (24/7 support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention)
Kids Helpline — 1800 55 1800 (24/7 free, private, and confidential phone and online counselling for young people aged 5 to 25)

Additional Resources
headspace — Support for young people aged 12–25, with mental health, physical health, work, and study support.
SANE Australia — Support for people living with complex mental health issues and their families.
13YARN — 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support line run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
QLife — 1800 184 527 (Support for LGBTQIA+ people, available every day from 3pm to midnight)

 

Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). Grab a ticket here and submit your question!

 

Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). 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

Hey everyone, just a heads up that in this episode Jessica mentions times in her life when she was suicidal. If this brings up anything for you, please reach out to someone you trust, or contact one of the support lines we&rsquo;ve included in the show notes. Take care of yourselves, and feel free to pause or skip this one if you need to.
&nbsp;
This week we are chatting to Jessica Horner about neurodivergent stories. Jessica is a proudly AuDHD and disabled woman and she works as a policy advisor with People With Disability Australia. She has previously worked as a journalist at the ABC, where she focused on the experiences of late diagnosed Autistic adults across Australia and wrote, among other pieces, a long form feature article called &ldquo;<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-06/autistic-adult-autism-diagnosis-identity-stereotypes-myths/101678172">A Rich New Lens</a>&rdquo;. She would later be nominated as a finalist for this article, alongside her producer, for the Media Diversity Australia Award, issued by the Walkley Foundation in 2023. She has also written for ABC Everyday, ABC News, Reframing Autism, Yooralla, and others.
&nbsp;
In this episode we deep dive into how neurodivergent stories are told, by whom, and for what purpose, and unpack to impact of this on the neurodivergent community.
&nbsp;
We cover:
<ul>
<li>How Jessica thinks about neurodivergence.</li>
<li>Jessica&rsquo;s experience of her neurodivergence, and how this evolved over time along with her sense of self and identity.</li>
<li>What are stories, why do we tell stories, and why are stories important?</li>
<li>How power dynamics become embedded in cultural stories and ways we can work to shift this.</li>
<li>Unpacking how neurodivergent stories are told.</li>
<li>What does trauma-informed journalism and storytelling look like?</li>
<li>Jessica&rsquo;s current hyperfixations and a personal story on how Autism can show up for her.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
You can find Jessica through her website, <a href="https://www.spoonfulsofwhimsy.com.au/">Spoonfuls of Whimsy</a>, or on Instagram and Facebook @spoonfuls_of_whimsy
&nbsp;
Looking for mental health support? Try these resources:
Immediate Support
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">Lifeline Australia</a> &mdash; 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/">Suicide Call Back Service</a> &mdash; 1300 659 467 (24/7 telephone and online counselling for people affected by suicide)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/">Beyond Blue</a> &mdash; 1300 22 4636 (24/7 support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention)</li>
<li><a href="https://kidshelpline.com.au/about/about-khl">Kids Helpline</a> &mdash; 1800 55 1800 (24/7 free, private, and confidential phone and online counselling for young people aged 5 to 25)</li>
</ul>
Additional Resources
<ul>
<li><a href="https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/work-and-study/">headspace</a> &mdash; Support for young people aged 12&ndash;25, with mental health, physical health, work, and study support.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.sane.org/">SANE Australia</a> &mdash; Support for people living with complex mental health issues and their families.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.13yarn.org.au/">13YARN</a> &mdash; 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support line run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)</li>
<li><a href="https://qlife.org.au/">QLife</a> &mdash; 1800 184 527 (Support for LGBTQIA+ people, available every day from 3pm to midnight)</li>
<ul></ul>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&amp;A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-neurodivergent-woman-podcast-live-qa-event-tickets-1252647836399?aff=oddtdtcreator">Grab a ticket here and submit your question</a>!
&nbsp;
Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). 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>

Neurodivergent Stories with Jessica Horner

This week Monique chats with Sienna Macalister (they/them), who listeners may know by their Instagram handle @sienna.stims, about being an Autistic person with high support needs. Sienna is a non-binary, ‘unreliably speaking’ Autistic advocate, diagnosed with Autism Level 3. They are multiply neurodivergent and have a number of co-occurring health conditions, including Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Sienna is passionate about creating a world where Autistic people are not just accepted but celebrated, with a deep affinity for exploring neurodivergence with nuance.

 

Monique and Sienna cover:
What does ‘unreliably speaking’ mean?
What neurodivergence means to Sienna and the importance of understanding the term to mean more than just Autism and ADHD.
Sienna’s experience of early diagnosis of Autism and the diagnostic overshadowing this led to, particularly around diagnosis of their health conditions.
The evolution of Sienna’s neurodivergent identity.
Sienna’s experience of using mobility, communication, and health and wellbeing supports.
Support needs, disability, and therapeutic intervention as a valid part of the neurodivergent experience, and the difference between affirming and non-affirming therapies.
The role of lateral violence and internalised ableism in excluding people with higher support needs from the cultural conversation on Autism.
Sienna’s suggestions to increase inclusion and representation for Autistic people with higher support needs.
Sienna’s current special interest – budgie breeding!

 

Find Sienna on TikTok and Instagram @sienna.stims, on their professional Instagram @sienna.macalister_media, or on YouTube @sienna_stims.

 

Sienna’s writing is features in the anthologies Someone Like Me, edited by Clem Bastow and Jo Case, and Hyperfocus, edited by Spectrum Writing.

 

Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). Grab a ticket here and submit your question!

 

Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). 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

This week Monique chats with Sienna Macalister (they/them), who listeners may know by their Instagram handle @sienna.stims, about being an Autistic person with high support needs. Sienna is a non-binary, &lsquo;unreliably speaking&rsquo; Autistic advocate, diagnosed with Autism Level 3. They are multiply neurodivergent and have a number of co-occurring health conditions, including <a href="https://www.edsaustralia.com/">Ehlers Danlos Syndrome</a> (EDS), <a href="https://potsfoundation.org.au/">Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome</a> (POTS), and <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/neurofibromatosis/neurofibromatosis-type-1">Neurofibromatosis Type 1</a> (NF1). Sienna is passionate about creating a world where Autistic people are not just accepted but celebrated, with a deep affinity for exploring neurodivergence with nuance.
&nbsp;
Monique and Sienna cover:
<ul>
<li>What does &lsquo;unreliably speaking&rsquo; mean?</li>
<li>What neurodivergence means to Sienna and the importance of understanding the term to mean more than just Autism and ADHD.</li>
<li>Sienna&rsquo;s experience of early diagnosis of Autism and the diagnostic overshadowing this led to, particularly around diagnosis of their health conditions.</li>
<li>The evolution of Sienna&rsquo;s neurodivergent identity.</li>
<li>Sienna&rsquo;s experience of using mobility, communication, and health and wellbeing supports.</li>
<li>Support needs, disability, and therapeutic intervention as a valid part of the neurodivergent experience, and the difference between affirming and non-affirming therapies.</li>
<li>The role of lateral violence and internalised ableism in excluding people with higher support needs from the cultural conversation on Autism.</li>
<li>Sienna&rsquo;s suggestions to increase inclusion and representation for Autistic people with higher support needs.</li>
<li>Sienna&rsquo;s current special interest &ndash; budgie breeding!</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Find Sienna on TikTok and Instagram @sienna.stims, on their professional Instagram @sienna.macalister_media, or on YouTube @sienna_stims.
&nbsp;
Sienna&rsquo;s writing is features in the anthologies Someone Like Me, edited by Clem Bastow and Jo Case, and Hyperfocus, edited by Spectrum Writing.
&nbsp;
Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&amp;A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-neurodivergent-woman-podcast-live-qa-event-tickets-1252647836399?aff=oddtdtcreator">Grab a ticket here and submit your question</a>!
&nbsp;
Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). 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>

High Support Needs and Autism with Sienna Macalister

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

 

Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). Grab a ticket here and submit your question!

 

Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). 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;
Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&amp;A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-neurodivergent-woman-podcast-live-qa-event-tickets-1252647836399?aff=oddtdtcreator">Grab a ticket here and submit your question</a>!
&nbsp;
Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). 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>

Season 7 coming March 24th!

The Neurodivergent Woman

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