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On this episode of Neurodivergent Mates, I’m excited to sit down with Vicky Little, Chief Operating Officer at Specialisterne Australia! With over 17 years of experience in autism and neurodivergent employment across Australia and the UK, Vicky is a passionate disability trainer and advocate who’s transforming how organisations engage with neurodivergent talent.

From developing autism-specific transition programs at the National Autistic Society in London to launching NSW’s first autism-specific employment service, Aspect Capable, Vicky’s journey is both inspiring and impactful. Now, at Specialisterne Australia, she’s leading efforts to create alternative recruitment pathways, helping businesses unlock the unique strengths of autistic individuals and embrace the autism advantage.


Questions:

1. Can you start by sharing a bit about yourself and your journey?
2. What was your experience like receiving a late diagnosis, and how has it shaped you?
3. Tell us about the work you’re doing now and what drives your passion.
4. In your view, how has the conversation around Neurodiversity evolved over the years?
5. What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered along the way?
6. On the flip side, what have been some of the most positive or rewarding experiences for you?
7. What do you think needs to happen next in the Neurodiversity employment space?
8. Finally, how can our listeners connect with you and learn more about your work?

✨ If you're passionate about building inclusive workplaces or want to learn how to better support neurodivergent talent, this episode is for you!

🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation!

#NeurodivergentMates #Neurodiversity #InclusiveWorkplaces #AutismAdvantage #SpecialisterneAustralia #NeurodivergentTalent #DiversityAndInclusion #Podcast

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Neurodivergent Mates presents: "Stronger Together: The Power and Purpose of Building a Community" 🌟

In this episode, we explore how building meaningful connections can transform your personal and professional life—especially as a neurodivergent individual. 💡 From fostering resilience to creating inclusive spaces, community is the key to growth and success.

🔥 Here’s what we’ll cover:
1️⃣ The role of community in personal & professional growth
2️⃣ Fostering resilience through support networks
3️⃣ Creating inclusive spaces for neurodivergent individuals
4️⃣ Overcoming barriers to building meaningful connections
5️⃣ Practical steps to start building your community today

Whether you're looking for support, opportunities, or a space where you truly belong, this episode is for YOU. 🙌

🎧 Tune in now!
#NeurodivergentMates #Neurodiversity #CommunityBuilding #Inclusion #Resilience #Networking #SupportSystems #StrongerTogether

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🎙️ Next on Neurodivergent Mates: The Importance of Neurodivergent Teachers with Katie Fleet 🎙️

In this episode, we’re joined by Katie Fleet, a passionate educator and advocate for neurodivergent teachers. We’ll dive into her journey as a neurodivergent teacher, exploring the challenges, strengths, and impact that neurodivergent educators bring to the classroom.

Katie will share insights on how neurodivergent teachers can drive meaningful change, why all educators need neurodiversity training, and what parents and schools should know about embracing neurodivergent educators. Plus, she’ll offer valuable advice for fellow neurodivergent teachers navigating the profession.

Tune in to hear Katie’s story and discover how neurodivergent teachers are shaping the future of education! 🎧✨

Questions asked during the podcast:

• Share a bit about yourself
• Tell us about your work
• What’s it like being a neurodivergent teacher?
• How can neurodivergent teachers create change?
• Why do all teachers need neurodiversity training?
• What should parents and schools know about neurodivergent teachers?
• Advice for other neurodivergent teachers?
• Where can people find your work?

Brought to you by Neurodiversity Academy

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In this episode of Neurodivergent Mates, we’re joined by Aaron Saint-James to explore the critical differences between traditional accommodations and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Aaron shares his journey and professional insights, highlighting why a proactive approach to inclusion in higher education is essential.

Questions:

• Tell us a bit about yourself
  
  
• Tell us a bit about your work
  
  
• Proactive vs. Reactive: Rethinking Inclusion in Higher Education
  
  
• Breaking the Mold: Why Accommodations Alone Aren’t Enough
  
  
• UDL in Action: Practical Steps for Educators
  
  
• Future-Proofing Education: The Role of UDL in Emerging Learning Environments
  
  
• Building Inclusive Universities: The Intersection of Policy, Practice, and Culture
  
  
• Where can people connect with you
  
  

Join us for this thought-provoking episode, filled with practical advice, professional insights, and stories that shine a light on this often-overlooked topic.

All episodes are brought to you by neurodiversityacademy.com

To check out more episodes, visit all our social media platforms or check us out where you listen to all your podcasts.

#UniversalDesignForLearning #InclusiveEducation #Neurodiversity
#UDLInAction #Accessibility #InclusiveTeaching #EducationForAll
#EquityInEducation

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On this episode of Neurodivergent Mates, we explore the intersection of menopause and neurodivergence with two incredible guests, Georgie Drury and Dr. Nicole Avard. This enlightening discussion dives deep into how menopause uniquely impacts neurodivergent individuals and practical strategies for navigating this life stage.

Topics we’ll cover include:

• Meet our guests: Georgie Drury and Dr. Nicole Avard.
  
  
• Insights into their work and expertise.
  
  
• The effects of menopause on neurodivergent people.
  
  
• Strategies and resources for coping with menopause.
  
  
• Do medical professionals understand menopause and neurodivergence well?
  
  
• The role of stigma and its impact on neurodivergent people in menopause.
  
  
• Expert advice for neurodivergent individuals experiencing menopause.
  
  
• How to connect with Georgie Drury and Dr. Nicole Avard’s work.
  
  

Join us for this thought-provoking episode, filled with practical advice, professional insights, and stories that shine a light on this often-overlooked topic.

All episodes are brought to you by neurodiversityacademy.com

To check out more episodes, visit all our social media platforms or check us out where you listen to all your podcasts.

#MenopauseAndNeurodivergence #NeurodivergentWellness #MenopauseSupport #BreakingStigma #NeurodivergentMatesPodcast

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On this 15-minute chat on Neurodivergent Mates, I’ll be diving into "The Importance of Building a Network as a Neurodivergent Professional" and exploring why it’s such a game-changer. Networking has not only opened doors in my career but also allowed me to connect with mentors, advocates, and allies who truly understand and support my journey. I’ll share how authenticity plays a critical role in building meaningful connections and how embracing your neurodivergence can strengthen relationships.

We’ll also talk about practical ways to get started with networking, even if it feels overwhelming at first, and how leveraging online communities can help you connect with like-minded professionals. Additionally, I’ll touch on how storytelling—sharing your unique experiences as a neurodivergent individual—can foster trust and empathy within your network. Finally, I’ll highlight the importance of giving back and supporting others in your network to create a cycle of mutual growth and advocacy.

Please be sure to subscribe, like and follow all our social media platforms.

Click on our Linktree link provided below to access all of our social media platforms:

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In this episode of Neurodivergent Mates, we dive into the world of Neuro-inclusive People Leadership with our special guest, Kate Hardiman.

Join us as Kate shares her journey, the work she’s passionate about, and her insights on the value of inclusive leadership. Tune in to discover actionable strategies and where you can connect with Kate to learn more about her work.

Questions

1. Tell us a bit about yourself
2. Tell us a little bit about the work that you do
3. What is inclusive leadership, and why does it matter today?
4. Why should leaders consider neurodiversity?
5. What basic steps help create a neuro-inclusive environment?
6. How does neuro-inclusion benefit the employee lifecycle?
7. What are the long-term benefits of inclusive leadership for organizations?
8. Where can people connect with you and find out more about your work?

All episodes are brought to you by neurodiversityacademy.com

To check out more episodes, visit all our social media platforms or check us out where you listen to all your podcasts.

#NeuroInclusiveLeadership #NeurodiversityAtWork #Neurodiversity #DiversityAndInclusion #InclusiveLeadership

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Join us on Neurodivergent Mates as we welcome Dr. Matt Zakreski, a psychologist specializing in neurodiversity, to explore the unique world of twice-exceptional (2e) individuals.

Ever wondered what it means to be “twice-exceptional”? Dr. Matt breaks down how someone can be both gifted and face challenges, the impact of 2e on self-esteem, and the unique hurdles 2e students encounter in school. We’ll also dive into ways schools and workplaces can better support 2e individuals.

Tune in to hear Dr. Matt’s expert insights on maximizing the potential of neurodivergent minds!

Questions

• Tell us a bit about yourself
  
  
• Tell us a bit about your work
  
  
• What does “twice-exceptional” mean?
  
  
• How can someone be gifted and have challenges?
  
  
• What issues do 2e students face in school?
  
  
• What effect does being 2e have on self-esteem?
  
  
• What could schools and workplaces do to better support 2e individuals?
  
  
• Where can people connect with your work
  
  

All episodes are brought to you by neurodiversityacademy.com

To check out more episodes, visit all our social media platforms or check us out where you listen to all your podcasts.

#NeurodivergentMates #TwiceExceptional #2e #GiftedAndChallenged #Neurodiversity #Inclusion

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