The Neurodivergent Woman

• High Support Needs and Autism with Sienna Macalister

  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 [email protected], or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  59:01
• Neurodivergence and Teens with Dr Michelle Garnett

  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 [email protected], or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  1:35:35
• Functional Neurological Disorder with Simone Mangelsdorf-Collett

  We’re super excited to bring you this week’s episode with Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist, Simone Mangelsdorf-Collett (she/her). We chat with Simone about Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) – or, as Simone puts it “the most common disorder you’ve never heard of”. Simone specialises in FND, neurodegenerative syndromes, and movement disorders, and practices out of Yarra City Psychology in Richmond, Melbourne. She is experienced in both ends of patient care, including assessment and diagnosis and rehabilitation and intervention. If you’ve been wondering about FND, this episode is for you! We cover: What is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and how does FND differ from other neurological disorders (like epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson’s etc.) What does the term ‘functional’ mean, in this context? The historical context of FND and how our understanding of this condition has evolved over time. Some of the currently known mechanisms behind FND, including predictive coding theory. Some common vulnerabilities and triggers for FND. The overlap between FND, neurodivergence, and gender. Simone takes us through treatment options for FND and who would be involved in the treatment team. How Simone came to specialise in FND and her work in FND advocacy and education. Things mentioned: FND Australia Support Functional Neurological Disorder in Australia Functional Neurological Disorder Society (FNDS), for professionals. Here are some studies on the link between FND and Autism – Tamilson et al., 2024, Gonzalez-Herrero et al., 2024, Pun et al., 2020, Link between gender and FND – McLoughlin et al., 2023. 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 [email protected], or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  1:24:30
• Neurodivergence and Chinese Culture with Sharen Lui

  This week Monique chats with Sharen Lui. Sharen is a neurodivergent Educational and Developmental Psychologist, and the Director of Sprout Psychology Melbourne. Sharen specialises in neurodivergence within Asian communities, supporting families with assessments, therapy, and culturally responsive mental health support. Sharen and Monique cover: What neurodivergence means to Sharen and the driving force behind establishing Sprout Psychology in Melbourne. Sharen’s path to discovering her own neurodivergence and the role of her cultural identity in this process. The impact of words and language on the perception of neurodivergence in Chinese culture. The importance of meeting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) families and individuals ‘where they are at’ when working therapeutically. How do Chinese cultural norms interact with the experience of neurodivergence? Sharen talks Monique through filial piety, gendered expectations for women, and behavioural norms around what it means to be a ‘mature’ adult within Chinese culture. The layers of masking for neurodivergent Chinese folk. Barriers to accessing culturally competent neurodiversity-affirming health care in Australia for neurodivergent Chinese folk, and Sharen’s work in this space. Things to keep in mind when working with CALD groups. Find Sharen at her Melbourne-based practice – Sprout Psychology. Monique and Sharen also gave a shout-out to LOAPAC (The League of Autistic Psychologists and Affirming Colleagues), which you can check out to find an affirming psychologist. 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 [email protected], or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  52:58
• Unschooling with Sari González and Becka Koritz

  On this week’s episode we chat with Sari González and Becka Koritz – co-founders of Radical Learning – about unschooling and alternative models of education. Sari and Becka are mums to neurodivergent unschoolers, youth rights advocates, and agile learning facilitators who challenge conventional education and parenting. Through their business, Radical Learning, and their podcast, Radical Learning Talks, they support parents and educators in unlearning control-based approaches to education and embracing trust, consent, and youth agency - especially when supporting neurodivergent kids. On this episode we cover: How Becka and Sari think about neurodivergence. Becka and Sari’s paths to alternative education. What’s the difference between homeschooling and unschooling? Concepts in unschooling, including de-schooling, consent-based learning, and understanding how power manifests in mainstream ideas of teaching and learning. How can we teach our kids if we aren’t teachers? Navigating our inner ‘Mrs. Trunchbull’ and the internal work of de-schooling. Neurodivergence and learning; honouring our unique talents and skills. Unpacking the concept of ‘resilience’. The Shift Retreat from Radical Learning Sari and Becka are coming to us from Mexico, so listeners may occasionally hear the sounds of nature in the background! Connect with Sari and Becka through their podcast, their website, or their Instagram @radical_learning. Plus, books that Marie recommends in this space: Unschooling To University: Relationships matter most in a world crammed with content by Judy Arnall Homeschool Gone Wild: Inspired Learning Through Living by Karla Marie Williams College Without High School: A Teenager’s Guide by Blake Boles The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson Raising Free People: Unschooling as Liberation and Healing Work by Akilah S. Richards 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 [email protected], or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  1:07:37

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