In this week's Hot Topic, we dive headfirst into the swirling storm of ignorance, outrage, and eye rolls sparked by Reform Party Leader Nigel Farage MP’s latest comments on SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) individuals in the UK. From tone-deaf soundbites to a complete misunderstanding of what being a victim actually means, Farage once again proves that when it comes to empathy and education, he's more out of touch than ever.

Join us as we unpack the backlash and throw in a few well-deserved side-eyes along the way. Spoiler alert: it's not just offensive—it's exhausting! If you're tired of politicians using vulnerable communities and minorities for cheap political points, this one’s for you.

SUPPORT US THROUGH OUR SPONSERS:

Work with Ashley Bentley at Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence, and connection - https://bit.ly/ashleynde

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.

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In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott speak with Speaker and Advocate, Asher Jenner, who shares their journey of navigating childhood struggles, school bullying and the complexities of PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), the impact of trauma on mental health, and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals navigating CHaMs, particularly in relation to eating disorders and rumination syndrome.

⚠️ Content Warning: Self-Harm and Suicide

This episode contains open and honest discussions around self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and mental health challenges. Listener discretion is strongly advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact a crisis support service in your area.

Here's what we cover in this episode

• We discuss the misconceptions surrounding PDA, the importance of tailored treatment approaches, and the emotional toll of navigating these experiences.
• The need for understanding and support for those with neurodivergent conditions, emphasizing the significance of lived experiences in shaping treatment and care.
• The therapeutic benefits of dance, and the role of stim toys in managing sensory needs.
• Asher Jenner shares insights on their journey, the significance of finding safe ways to express emotions, and the impact of sharing personal stories to help others.

SUPPORT US THROUGH OUR SPONSERS:

Work with Ashley Bentley at Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence, and connection - https://bit.ly/ashleynde

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.

Follow NDE on social media:

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

If you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could we please ask that you consider leaving a short a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show.

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

In this weeks Hot Topic, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott discuss the alarming new proposals for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in the UK, which could lead to 90% of current standard daily living awards failing on renewal.

Here's what we cover in this episode:

• We share personal experiences with the PIP application process, highlighting the struggles faced by those with disabilities, particularly neurodivergent individuals.
• What are the implications of these changes, the internalized ableism that many face when attempting the application process?
• We express our frustration over the system's failures and emphasize the importance of community unity in advocating for the rights of disabled individuals.

SUPPORT US THROUGH OUR SPONSERS:

Work with Ashley Bentley at Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence, and connection - https://bit.ly/ashleynde

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.

Follow NDE on social media:

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

If you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could we please ask that you consider leaving a short a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show.

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

This episode isn't just good, it's sofa king good!

Ever catch yourself - or someone else - repeating the same phrase again and again? Why do Neurodivergent people repeat words or phrases over and over? Is it just mimicry or something more meaningful? In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott are once again joined by in-house therapist Ashley Bentley to dive into the fascinating world of echolalia, the often misunderstood speech pattern based on mimicry and repetition, a common autistic trait that relates to early language development, and is the backbone of neurodivergent communication.

Here's what we cover in this episode (THE MYSTERY POND):

• We share humorous examples and cultural references that illustrate the quirks of echolalia, the beauty and complexity of using echolalia as a form of expression and connection, while also addressing the potential for misunderstandings and social faux pas
• We explore the nuances of echolalia, particularly how it is influenced by comedy and pop culture.
• We share personal anecdotes about our favourite TV shows , catchphrases, and family dynamics, highlighting how these elements shape our communication styles but create complexities in social interactions with neurotypicals.
• From immediate repetition to delayed scripting, echolalia can serve important roles in learning, self-regulation, and expression for Autistic people and be a relief from when Alexithymia hits!

SUPPORT US THROUGH OUR SPONSERS:

Work with Ashley Bentley at Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence, and connection - https://bit.ly/ashleynde

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.

Follow NDE on social media:

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

If you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could we please ask that you consider leaving a short a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show.

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

In this weeks Hot Topic, Jordan James and Simon Scott explore the complexities of who should play neurodivergent roles on screen and the stereotypes that often arise in media portrayals, particularly focusing on the recent BBC One comedy 'Austin'.

Here's what we cover in this episode:

• The need for neurodivergent actors, and the responsibility of media creators to provide accurate and respectful representations of neurodiverse individuals.
• The importance of recognising when media is laughing at not with Neurodivergent people.
• We discuss the non neuro-affirming nature and hidden etiquette of film sets and the challenges faced by autistic individuals in these spaces.
• We debate the complexities of who should play neurodivergent roles and the huge importance of lived experience in storytelling.

SUPPORT US THROUGH OUR SPONSERS:

Work with Ashley Bentley at Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence, and connection - https://bit.ly/ashleynde

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.

Follow NDE on social media:

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

If you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could we please ask that you consider leaving a short a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show.

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

In this episode Jordan James and Simon Scott chat about one of the worlds most famous and loved tv shows, the Simpsons. Why do we relate to this cartoon family so much and how does the show serve as a medium to explain and represent Autism and ADHD people? Plus we discuss why the titular family aren't the only autistic-coded characters in Springfield who reflect and resonate with the experiences of neurodivergent audiences.

Here's what we cover in this episode:

• Through character analysis, particularly of Bart Simpson, we delve into the neurodivergent traits of Bart Simpson, exploring how his character could reflect the experiences of the show's creators.
• How Ralph and Martin could be viewed as 'high and low functioning' characters yet we relate to both of them!
• We discuss the complexities of Bart's intelligence and struggles with traditional education, as well as the similarities between Bart and his father, Homer.
• The discussion also touches on Maggie's representation of nonverbal autism and the broader themes of mental health and family dynamics within The Simpsons.
• We discuss the complexities of autism representation in media, the significance of non-speaking individuals on tv, and the unique dynamics of characters like Maggie and Marge Simpson.

SUPPORT US THROUGH OUR SPONSERS:

Work with Ashley Bentley at Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence, and connection - https://bit.ly/ashleynde

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.

Follow NDE on social media:

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

If you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could we please ask that you consider leaving a short a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show.

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

HOT HOT HOT!

In our first standalone Hot Topic episode (released every Friday) we discuss and debunk the inaccurate remarks made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr (26th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services) in responding to a new report from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. This report claims that rates of Autism had increased to one in 31 among 8-year-olds. We analyse the claims made, the studies cited, and the broader impact of such rhetoric on public perception and policy.

Here's what we cover in this episode:

• Mr Kennedy blames environmental risk factors for the uptick, he accused the media and the public of succumbing to a “myth of epidemic denial” when it came to autism. We discuss why he is so wrong!
• He called research into the genetic factors that scientists say play a vital role in whether a child will develop autism “a dead end” and that autism was preventable - while directly contradicting researchers within his own agency on a primary driver behind rising rates of Autism diagnosis in young children.
• The importance of accurate representation, the role of genetics in autism, and the need for advocacy and community support to combat damaging misinformation and stigma.

Resources:

Article written by Columnist (and father to an Autistic Son) John Harris in the Guardian

A new report from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention

SUPPORT US THROUGH OUR SPONSERS:

Work with Ashley Bentley at Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence, and connection - https://bit.ly/ashleynde

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.

Follow NDE on social media:

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

If you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could we please ask that you consider leaving a short a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show.

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

In this episode Jordan and Simon return to a topic that they first discussed right at the beginning of Season 1 of The Neurodivergent experience - Meltdowns and Emotional Regulation. Its been over a year since they first talked about meltdowns and life could not be more different for either of our hosts. So what has changed and how has Simon's perspective and coping strategies changed now he has better understand of himself as an Autistic and ADHD individual?

Here's what we cover in this episode:

• Emotional regulation through retail therapy shopping and the challenges of self soothing meltdowns by using our special interests
• The significance of family support systems and the complexities of emotional responses in love, relationships, and the challenges of navigating family relationships.
• Parental expectations of personal growth in Neurodivergent children and the necessity of clear communication and boundaries in relationships between parent and child.
• The challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the workplace and the systemic issues surrounding assessments and accommodations with a need for better understanding, resilience, and advocacy within the neurodivergent community.
• We discuss our recent life updates, focusing on Simon's new role as a producer at the Autistic Culture Podcast and Jordans new love for oversized hoodies.

SUPPORT US THROUGH OUR SPONSERS:

Work with Ashley Bentley at Integrative Coaching, Breathwork & Hypnotherapy to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence, and connection - https://bit.ly/ashleynde

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.

Follow NDE on social media:

Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepod

Facebook: The Neurodivergent Experience & Jordan's Facebook page

YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

TikTok: @neurodivergentexperience

If you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could we please ask that you consider leaving a short a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show.

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