As we head into the holidays Aniesa wanted to explore stress and what is referred to as allostasis. She explores the concept of the allostatic load and the impact this has on the body in both the short term and long term. Aniesa also discusses the role things like sleep and trauma can play in how we manage and cope with stress. Importantly, Aniesa talks about how we can all learn to manage our stress levels and take ownership of minimising the impact as much as possible. KEY TAKEAWAYS Allostasis...
Dec 14, 2023•15 min•Ep. 88
Aniesa explores the reasons behind camouflaging, which has three categories: compensation, masking and assimilation. Aniesa talks about what these can look like, why so many neurodivergent people feel the need to camouflage and talks about how we can demystify and educate everyone on camouflaging. KEY TAKEAWAYS Masking is essentially changing your personality and natural way of being to fit in, to be perceived as neurotypical. Camouflaging in the natural world is an evolutionary trait that has d...
Dec 07, 2023•19 min•Ep. 87
Aniesa is joined by Archie in this episode to talk about what is frequently called the 8th sense, interoception. Interoception is associated with everything from pain sensitivity to decision making and Aniesa and Archie discuss why struggles with its regulation are associated with neurodivergence and the common challenges it often presents. KEY TAKEAWAYS Your interoception is there to show you when your body has needs such as thirst but it is also there to show you when you are angry, for exampl...
Nov 30, 2023•34 min•Ep. 86
Aniesa interviews Archie about sensory processing and how it impacts kids and people with neurodiverse conditions. They explore the different senses like touch, movement, and sound, and how over or under-responsiveness to stimuli can affect learning, behaviour, and emotional regulation. KEY TAKEAWAYS The vestibular system impacts balance and spatial orientation, located in the inner ear Proprioceptors provide feedback from joints and muscles, helping with body awareness Tactile input like deep p...
Nov 23, 2023•52 min•Ep. 85
Whilst Aniesa has been travelling in South America, including hiking the Inca trail and being in the Amazon jungle, she reflected on all the things she is grateful for. In this episode, she shares the top three things she is grateful for in life and talks about why connection is a pillar for regulation in all areas of life. KEY TAKEAWAYS Aniesa’s Top 3 Things to be Grateful for: Running drinkable water Every one of her senses, her sensory systems and having her interoceptive awareness Human conn...
Nov 09, 2023•15 min•Ep. 84
Join Aniesa and Sensory Intergration Physiotherapist Mel King as they chat to Elmien about her vestibular disorder. Elmien talks about the journey to her diagnosis and her experience of living with debilitating migraines, vertigo, and balance issues for years. She provides a revealing look into the daily struggles of living with chronic vertigo and migraines, but also discusses the importance of pushing forward one step at a time. KEY TAKEAWAYS Elmien has had chronic migraines and vertigo since ...
Oct 26, 2023•39 min•Ep. 83
Aniesa and Archie chat about things they wish they knew as neurodivergent kids before getting their diagnosis, such as wishing they knew it was normal to react differently to their environments, not having to justify everything, taking time to process before responding and more. They open up and share their thoughtful reflections on growing up neurodivergent and give some great advice for neurodivergent kids (and their parents!) today. KEY TAKEAWAYS I wish I knew my reactions were normal for neu...
Oct 12, 2023•29 min•Ep. 82
The theory of monotropism suggests there is an autistic-specific tendency to focus attention on a small number of interests. It is a big part of modern autism theory and Archie joins Aniesa to talk in depth about what it is and what it means for those with autism including the difficulties it can present and why it can also be a strength. KEY TAKEAWAYS In a monotropic mind, fewer interests can be aroused at one time but each interest is delved into more deeply. This can require more resources fr...
Oct 04, 2023•26 min•Ep. 81
Archie joins Aniesa to discuss RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria), the extreme emotional sensitivity or pain which is triggered by the perception that they are being rejected or criticised by important people in their life. It can also come into play when they feel like they have failed to meet their own, or others, expectations. They talk about how RSD presents, what the experience feels like and whether RSD is specific to ADHD including what other conditions or issues can present in a similar...
Sep 28, 2023•32 min•Ep. 80
Aniesa is joined by Archie again but this time to discuss alexithymia: the inability to identify and describe emotions in oneself. They explore the spectrum of alexithymia, how it impacts interoception, and share strategies like tapping into bodily cues, surrounding yourself with understanding people, and using tools like journals and voice memos to help identify emotions. Aniesa and Archie have an insightful conversation about how this lesser-known trait manifests in neurodiverse people and pro...
Sep 20, 2023•29 min•Ep. 79
Dive into the lesser-known strengths of neurodivergence as autism mentor Archie joins Aniesa once again and shares uplifting insights on the talents and abilities people overlook in neurodivergent individuals. Learn how intense focus, honesty, pattern recognition, creativity, and acceptance can all be traits of neurodivergence. Explore how rigid thinking can also lead to flexibility, how potential weaknesses can become strengths given the right environment, and more. Their thoughtful discussion ...
Sep 14, 2023•30 min•Ep. 78
Join Aniesa as she speaks to Archie Gouldsborough, a mentor who has ADHD and is awaiting and ASD diagnosis. They discuss what mentoring is, how Archie discovered it and the many benefits it can have. Archie also shares his own personal struggles and talks about why he thinks having a neurodivergent brain makes you empathetic and compassionate in a unique and powerful way. KEY TAKEAWAYS Archie is good at speaking as well as listening and this is why his mum knew he’d be great at mentoring. Asking...
Sep 06, 2023•23 min•Ep. 77
Aniesa is joined by mentor Archie in this episode to debunk many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding autism. They talk about the most common ones they have heard and discuss what might be the reasons behind them. COMMON MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT AUTISM Autistic people are introverted and anti-social: It’s actually difficulty with understanding social cues that might make autistic people seem this way and often autistic people need more processing time after social situations. Autism...
Aug 31, 2023•30 min•Ep. 76
Aniesa met Charlotte when she brought her daughter to see her. Charlotte joins the podcast to talk about being a parent of neurodivergent children, including when she realised they had additional needs, the differences between her two children and their difficulties as well as how she and her family manage each day with two neurodivergent children. KEY TAKEAWAYS Both Charlotte's son and daughter have additional needs but present very differently. Her son will talk about anything and everything y...
Aug 10, 2023•17 min•Ep. 75
Aniesa wants to remind everyone that the summer holidays are a big transition point for so many of us and we need to recognise that. From some children starting reception to others moving up to secondary school or even to university, there is a lot of change and we need to support our children with this where we can. KEY TAKEAWAYS The summer holidays may seem like a more relaxed environment but actually, it is a huge transition period for many and with this comes anxiety. We have to be kind to o...
Aug 02, 2023•5 min•Ep. 74
Join Aniesa as she shares some of her top tips for ‘surviving the summer holidays with neurodivergent children including tips to keep them regulated and how to avoid added stress and difficulties. KEY TAKEAWAYS Be organised. Plan in four categories, expensive activities, small-cost activities, free activities and home activities Make snack pots and snack ideas for kids to be able to help themselves and not always shave to come to you. See if there are any clubs or holiday schemes children can go...
Jul 26, 2023•10 min•Ep. 73
In this episode Aniesa explores the concept of whether our feelings, emotions and reactions are just our own to control or whether other people and external factors influence them. KEY TAKEAWAYS Emotions are very complex, they are a mixture of internal and external factors, other people can have an impact on our own emotional state. Our emotions are closely tied to our relationships and interactions with others, something that is essential to human nature. There is the concept that we need to ow...
Jul 20, 2023•13 min•Ep. 72
Aniesa is joined by Elmien a therapist with a daughter who has ADHD. She talks to Aniesa about her and her daughter's journey to getting diagnosed including her own realisation that there might be something else happening when her daughter was missing milestones and acting out. Elmien also talks about the uniqueness of having a child with additional needs and how you can find the special moments in your journey with your child, regardless of the difficulties and struggles they may face. KEY TAKE...
Jul 12, 2023•32 min•Ep. 71
Aniesa is joined by Stacey a mother of two, to talk about life as a parent of a child with additional needs. Stacey talks about her journey to finding out her eldest, Viv had autism, the many challenges they face and what her every day looks like. She also talks about the things she finds helps her as a mum with a neurodivergent child and advice she would give to any other parent who is dealing with the same challenges. KEY TAKEAWAYS When Stacey’s daughter, Viv, was small she had many trips to t...
Jul 05, 2023•22 min•Ep. 70
When we garden with kids it’s an incredible way to teach them about nature and responsibility. Aniesa shares in this episode the many benefits of gardening with our children and why it is also something she enjoys too. KEY TAKEAWAYS There are great sensory aspects to gardening. Digging in particular is a great activity. Involve your kids in the planning of the garden including choosing the plants, this will give them a sense of ownership and responsibility. The fun activities to be created from ...
Jun 29, 2023•9 min•Ep. 69
While on holiday, Aniesa kept hearing the same phrase over and over again, parents telling their children to ‘use their words’. In this episode, Aneisa talks about why this isn’t a fair expectation of young children and actually why it could do more harm than good as a parenting technique and what to do instead. KEY TAKEAWAYS When children are struggling to communicate with you, telling them to use their words isn’t clear to them. They don’t have the capability to digest and understand this phra...
Jun 21, 2023•8 min•Ep. 68
In this quick and informative episode, Aniesa shares a few tips to make things easier for you and your family in the hot weather! KEY TAKEAWAYS Make sure everyone is hydrated, even if this means using squash to incentivise people to drink and think about what temperature they like their drinks to be Pay attention to energy and tiredness levels Keep your freezer stocked up with cold treats If your child struggles with certain textures and appropriate clothes, sometimes it’s best to just leave the...
Jun 14, 2023•7 min•Ep. 67
In this episode, Aniesa focuses on how we can talk to children about loss and grief as well as the ways we can help them come to terms with death and how to deal with the many emotions and challenges it presents. KEY TAKEAWAYS Dealing with grief and loss is a natural part of the human experience and children aren’t immune to this. It’s important we give children the right tools to manage their grief. Be honest and open about what has happened, sugar coating is not necessary, use the most develop...
Jun 07, 2023•15 min•Ep. 66
In this episode, Aniesa discusses the concept of optimal sensory engagement thresholds/bands. Aniesa explains what this means in real terms, giving clear examples and talks about what you can do to self-regulate and self-manage, including utilising external factors in your environment to help yourself in times of high stress and anxiety. Aniesa also talks about the role of masking, difficulty in making decisions and other challenges neurodiverse people may come across when outside of their optim...
May 31, 2023•25 min•Ep. 65
In this episode, Aniesa gives her thoughts on the recent BBC Panorama documentary on private ADHD clinics. Aniesa also talks about the topic of diagnosis, the crisis in the system and why she thinks we are seeing such an increase in people seeking diagnosis for ADHD. KEY TAKEAWAYS The system is broken when it comes to diagnosing people with ADHD. It is not being over diagnosed at all, it’s actually taking far too long to diagnose. People don’t want a diagnosis just for the sake of it or to be me...
May 24, 2023•20 min•Ep. 64
Exams are something that can be a real challenge for neurodiverse individuals, particularly those with ADHD. In this episode, Aniesa talks about this topic and the role exams currently play in schooling, education and our children's lives. KEY TAKEAWAYS Those with ADHD may need different preparations for exams. What do exams prepare our children for, dealing with failure or stress? Are exams really necessary for young children in particular? We need to think about the level of stress and anxiety...
May 17, 2023•6 min•Ep. 63
Kerry is a Senco at a preschool and joins Aniesa in this episode to give some insight into her role including why relationships with the child and families are so important and the tremendous value in getting support in at the early years stage for children with special educational needs. KEY TAKEAWAYS Part of Kerry’s role is to look for earlier identifiers of children who may have additional needs or be neurodiverse and provide early intervention. Sometimes children come to the preschool with a...
May 10, 2023•21 min•Ep. 62
A few difficult weeks including a bereavement has meant that Aniesa has been reflecting on the relationships in her life, recognising the people that validate her emotions and feelings and that we all need to be doing this for young people in our care too. KEY TAKEAWAYS We need to validate and acknowledge when kids are struggling, allowing them to feel seen. Simply by saying we know something is hard for someone or that we are sorry they are finding something hard is enough to acknowledge it and...
May 03, 2023•8 min•Ep. 61
In this episode, Aniesa wants to talk about the lengths we all go to in order to fit in. Everyone, regardless of whether they are neurodiverse or neurotypical mask to some extent in order to fit in and Aniesa talks about why she thinks this may be. KEY TAKEAWAYS There are countless examples of us all trying to fit in, from styling our clothes to putting on a smile at a job we hate. There are things in life we have to do but there are lots of things we don’t have to do but often feel like we must...
Apr 26, 2023•8 min•Ep. 60
Chantal is a mum of four children, all of whom are neurodiverse. Chantal joins Aniesa to talk about life with multiple children with additional needs, including seeking a diagnosis, coping with the mental health implications and how to advocate for your neurodiverse child, especially when you aren’t believed by professionals. Chantal also opens up about receiving her own diagnosis and the impact this has had not only on her but her children's lives too. KEY TAKEAWAYS Chantal’s third child was di...
Apr 13, 2023•50 min•Ep. 59
