Nurturing Neurodiversity

Following on from our delve into what emotion regulation really is (see our previous episode), Patricia and Sammy discuss some key strategies to use when supporting children, as a parent, teacher or anyone who works closely with children. We explore interoception further and discover ways we can support our children in strengthening this sense (check out Kelly Mahler's free resources here). This is vital understanding as it links so closely to so many of our neurodivergent people's struggles! We then discuss other strategies and frameworks we can use to support our children's understanding of their emotions (read: our understanding of their behaviours), such as HALT and Phoenix Cups (for more information and to find out your needs profile, check out the Phoenix Cups website here). All underpinned by psychological safety, which we discuss also. In what we planned to be a bite-sized episode, we actually cover a lot of ground and hope you can take some great ideas with you into your parenting and life! . Join Patricia Falcetta (Social Living Solutions) and Sammy Anne (Map the Maze) as they discuss Nurturing Neurodiversity; all the ways we can create a truly inclusive society. Our passion lies in supporting whole families to navigate the challenges and revel in the joys of their neurodivergent children. A big part of this support entails advocating for changes within our systems and society, to ensure our children grow up knowing and loving who they are. No matter our ability, race, gender, sexuality, beliefs – we all deserve to be loved and appreciated. We aim to educate, connect and inspire. We do this by sharing with you our stories, experiences and relevant research, along with neurodivergent voices through interviews and quotes with permission. We open dialogue on what we can all do to create positive social change. With backgrounds in the education and allied health industries, as well as experience working directly with families, we work within AND continually challenge the existing systems we all operate under. We wholeheartedly believe that if we can all open our minds and our hearts, share the message of love and equity for all, that we will be part of creating a truly inclusive world for generations to come. We hope you will join us on our journey. Want to share your story? Have a guest you’d love us to interview? Questions you’d like us to answer? Get in touch with us via your preferred means below! :) . Email Sammy Anne here or message via Facebook  . Patricia Falcetta: www.sociallivingsolutions.com.au Email | Facebook | Instagram

Welcome to Nurturing Neurodiversity for 2024! Sammy and Patricia are excited to continue this journey with you for our third year :) We begin with an exploration of Emotion Regulation, what it means, what we often are actually referring to when we use this term, and what theorists and research are telling us about it. Sammy and Patricia discuss our personal philosophies and what is exciting us about more recent psychological research. For more information on Glasser's Choice Theory (mentioned in our podcast today) click here. To delve into Kelly Mahler's resources on interoception, click here. As always, please feel free to reach out with questions, ideas, thoughts - we love to hear from you! . Join Sammy Anne (Map the Maze) and Patricia Falcetta (Social Living Solutions) as they discuss Nurturing Neurodiversity; all the ways we can create a truly inclusive society. Our passion lies in supporting whole families to navigate the challenges and revel in the joys of their neurodivergent children. A big part of this support entails advocating for changes within our systems and society, to ensure our children grow up knowing and loving who they are. No matter our ability, race, gender, sexuality, beliefs – we all deserve to be loved and appreciated. We aim to educate, connect and inspire. We do this by sharing with you our stories, experiences and relevant research, along with neurodivergent voices through interviews and quotes with permission. We open dialogue on what we can all do to create positive social change. With backgrounds in the education and allied health industries, as well as experience working directly with families, we work within AND continually challenge the existing systems we all operate under. We wholeheartedly believe that if we can all open our minds and our hearts, share the message of love and equity for all, that we will be part of creating a truly inclusive world for generations to come. We hope you will join us on our journey. Want to share your story? Have a guest you’d love us to interview? Questions you’d like us to answer? Get in touch with us via your preferred means below! :) . Sammy Anne: Email / Facebook . Patricia Falcetta: www.sociallivingsolutions.com.au Email / Facebook / Instagram

We discover similarities and differences in experiences of neurodivergence across the world, through our conversations in this series. In this episode, we are joined by Haley Moss, a lawyer, neurodiversity expert, and the author of four books that guide neurodivergent individuals through professional and personal challenges. Haley shares her experiences growing up autistic in America, the changes in society's understanding across her lifetime, the balance needed between the medical and social model of neurodiversity, and her advice for other neurodiverse young people. You can find out more about Haley and her work in the world here. We hope you enjoy this chat as much as we did! . Join Patricia Falcetta (Social Living Solutions) and Sammy Anne (Map the Maze), as they discuss Nurturing Neurodiversity; all the ways we can create a truly inclusive society. Our passion lies in supporting whole families to navigate the challenges and revel in the joys of their neurodivergent children. A big part of this support entails advocating for changes within our systems and society, to ensure our children grow up knowing and loving who they are. No matter our ability, race, gender, sexuality, beliefs – we all deserve to be loved and appreciated. We aim to educate, connect and inspire. We do this by sharing with you our stories, experiences and relevant research, along with neurodivergent voices through interviews and quotes with permission. We open dialogue on what we can all do to create positive social change. With backgrounds in the education and allied health industries, as well as experience working directly with families, we work within AND continually challenge the existing systems we all operate under. We wholeheartedly believe that if we can all open our minds and our hearts, share the message of love and equity for all, that we will be part of creating a truly inclusive world for generations to come. We hope you will join us on our journey. Want to share your story? Have a guest you’d love us to interview? Questions you’d like us to answer? Get in touch with us via your preferred means below! :) . Patricia Falcetta: ⁠www.sociallivingsolutions.com.au⁠Email | Facebook | Instagram . Sammy Anne: Email | Facebook

We discover similarities and differences in experiences of neurodivergence across the world, through our conversations in this series. In this episode, we are joined by Kate Moryoussef, a women's ADHD Lifestyle and Wellbeing Coach and EFT practitioner. Kate is also the creator and host of The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast, which you can check out here. We explore Kate's journey to understanding ADHD, from her childhood when her brothers were diagnosed through to her experiences with her daughter during the pandemic lockdowns, and how this led to her own (and 2 of her other children's) diagnoses. Our discussion leads on to medical research, the DSM-5 criteria and emerging research into hormones. It's a fascinating chat and one we think you'll enjoy as much as we did! . Join Sammy Anne (Map the Maze) and Patricia Falcetta (Social Living Solutions) as they discuss Nurturing Neurodiversity; all the ways we can create a truly inclusive society. Our passion lies in supporting whole families to navigate the challenges and revel in the joys of their neurodivergent children. A big part of this support entails advocating for changes within our systems and society, to ensure our children grow up knowing and loving who they are. No matter our ability, race, gender, sexuality, beliefs – we all deserve to be loved and appreciated. We aim to educate, connect and inspire. We do this by sharing with you our stories, experiences and relevant research, along with neurodivergent voices through interviews and quotes with permission. We open dialogue on what we can all do to create positive social change. With backgrounds in the education and allied health industries, as well as experience working directly with families, we work within AND continually challenge the existing systems we all operate under. We wholeheartedly believe that if we can all open our minds and our hearts, share the message of love and equity for all, that we will be part of creating a truly inclusive world for generations to come. We hope you will join us on our journey. Want to share your story? Have a guest you’d love us to interview? Questions you’d like us to answer? Get in touch with us via your preferred means below! :) . Sammy Anne: Email | Facebook .  Patricia Falcetta: www.sociallivingsolutions.com.au Email | Facebook | Instagram

Through discussing culture, understandings, resources, assessment and therapy options; we discover similarities and differences in experiences of neurodivergence across the world. In this episode we are joined by Nahid Hassan, a entrepreneur in the telecom industry, who has used her experiences as a mother to a non speaking autistic son to branch out into creating a vocational training and employment centre in the UAE for people of determination in her community. We delve into Nahid's personal experiences with seeking assessment and support, flying internationally and borrowing money on the journey to discovering her son's needs. Her passion and dedication to supporting her son, as well as other autistic young people in her community, shines through her story. Discover more about the MyMaximus centre and how you can support here: https://mymaximus.ae/ . Join Patricia Falcetta (Social Living Solutions) and Sammy Anne (Map the Maze) as they discuss Nurturing Neurodiversity; all the ways we can create a truly inclusive society. Our passion lies in supporting whole families to navigate the challenges and revel in the joys of their neurodivergent children. A big part of this support entails advocating for changes within our systems and society, to ensure our children grow up knowing and loving who they are. No matter our ability, race, gender, sexuality, beliefs – we all deserve to be loved and appreciated. We aim to educate, connect and inspire. We do this by sharing with you our stories, experiences and relevant research, along with neurodivergent voices through interviews and quotes with permission. We open dialogue on what we can all do to create positive social change. With backgrounds in the education and allied health industries, as well as experience working directly with families, we work within AND continually challenge the existing systems we all operate under. We wholeheartedly believe that if we can all open our minds and our hearts, share the message of love and equity for all, that we will be part of creating a truly inclusive world for generations to come. We hope you will join us on our journey. Want to share your story? Have a guest you’d love us to interview? Questions you’d like us to answer? Get in touch with us via your preferred means below! :) . Patricia Falcetta: ⁠www.sociallivingsolutions.com.au⁠ Email | Facebook | Instagram . Sammy Anne: Email | Facebook

**Trigger warning** This episode discusses some traumatic events experienced by Shangwe's autistic son. Please listen with discretion and should you need support, please reach out - in Australia you can call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636. This series explores global experiences and perspectives on neurodivergence. Through discussing culture, understandings, resources, assessment and therapy options; we discover similarities and differences in experiences across the world. We are joined for this episode by Shangwe Mgaya, founder of Living Together Autistic Foundation (Li-TAFO) and author of "The Victorious Journey of a Mother Raising a Child with Autism". She shares her journey through seeking out support and receiving a diagnosis for her son, her husband and his family's reaction and their subsequent divorce, the discrimination and violations experienced by her son within her community, and how it has all led to her advocacy work and mission to build a centre accepting and supporting neurodivergent people in Tanzania. At times harrowing but ultimately hopeful, Shangwe's story highlights the work still needed to bring awareness and acceptance to our world. To find out more about LiTAFO's project, check out the website here. . Join Sammy Anne (Map the Maze) and Patricia Falcetta (Social Living Solutions) as they discuss Nurturing Neurodiversity; all the ways we can create a truly inclusive society. Our passion lies in supporting whole families to navigate the challenges and revel in the joys of their neurodivergent children. A big part of this support entails advocating for changes within our systems and society, to ensure our children grow up knowing and loving who they are. No matter our ability, race, gender, sexuality, beliefs – we all deserve to be loved and appreciated. We aim to educate, connect and inspire. We do this by sharing with you our stories, experiences and relevant research, along with neurodivergent voices through interviews and quotes with permission. We open dialogue on what we can all do to create positive social change. With backgrounds in the education and allied health industries, as well as experience working directly with families, we work within AND continually challenge the existing systems we all operate under. We wholeheartedly believe that if we can all open our minds and our hearts, share the message of love and equity for all, that we will be part of creating a truly inclusive world for generations to come. We hope you will join us on our journey. Want to share your story? Have a guest you’d love us to interview? Questions you’d like us to answer? Get in touch with us via your preferred means below! :) . Sammy Anne: Email | Facebook . Patricia Falcetta: www.sociallivingsolutions.com.au Email | Facebook | Instagram

In this series we are exploring global experiences and perspectives on neurodivergence. Through discussing culture, understandings, resources, assessment and therapy options; we discover similarities and differences in experiences across the world. In this episode we are joined by Natalie Pelto, an expert in multiple nutrition certifications and lifestyle integration that specialises in treating children with Autism/ADHD and their families. Natalie describes her experience going through the diagnostic process with her son, who was non-speaking until she spent a year focussing on his gut health and diversifying his diet (not an easy task with a sensory eater!) This is a fascinating discussion delving into the importance of the gut-brain connection - we are sure you'll want to check out Natalie's website here and her Facebook page here! . Join Patricia Falcetta (Social Living Solutions) and Sammy Anne (Map the Maze) as they discuss Nurturing Neurodiversity; all the ways we can create a truly inclusive society. Our passion lies in supporting whole families to navigate the challenges and revel in the joys of their neurodivergent children. A big part of this support entails advocating for changes within our systems and society, to ensure our children grow up knowing and loving who they are. No matter our ability, race, gender, sexuality, beliefs – we all deserve to be loved and appreciated. We aim to educate, connect and inspire. We do this by sharing with you our stories, experiences and relevant research, along with neurodivergent voices through interviews and quotes with permission. We open dialogue on what we can all do to create positive social change. With backgrounds in the education and allied health industries, as well as experience working directly with families, we work within AND continually challenge the existing systems we all operate under. We wholeheartedly believe that if we can all open our minds and our hearts, share the message of love and equity for all, that we will be part of creating a truly inclusive world for generations to come. We hope you will join us on our journey. Want to share your story? Have a guest you’d love us to interview? Questions you’d like us to answer? Get in touch with us via your preferred means below! :) . Sammy Anne: Email | Facebook | Instagram .  Patricia Falcetta: www.sociallivingsolutions.com.au Email | Facebook | Instagram

In this series we are exploring global experiences and perspectives on neurodivergence. Through discussing culture, understandings, resources, assessment and therapy options; we discover similarities and differences in experiences across the world. In this episode we are joined by Raelene Sebastian, advocate, speaker and podcast host. Rae describes her experiences being diagnosed as an adult, what the process was like, the reactions from her family being an Australian-born Filipino woman, how her ADHD diagnosis has changed her perspective and shaped her future goals. Check out Rae and her podcast here! [N.B. episode marked explicit due to a couple of swear words towards the end of the episode - close little ears!] . Join Sammy Anne (Map the Maze) and Patricia Falcetta (Social Living Solutions) as they discuss Nurturing Neurodiversity; all the ways we can create a truly inclusive society. Our passion lies in supporting whole families to navigate the challenges and revel in the joys of their neurodivergent children. A big part of this support entails advocating for changes within our systems and society, to ensure our children grow up knowing and loving who they are. No matter our ability, race, gender, sexuality, beliefs – we all deserve to be loved and appreciated. We aim to educate, connect and inspire. We do this by sharing with you our stories, experiences and relevant research, along with neurodivergent voices through interviews and quotes with permission. We open dialogue on what we can all do to create positive social change. With backgrounds in the education and allied health industries, as well as experience working directly with families, we work within AND continually challenge the existing systems we all operate under. We wholeheartedly believe that if we can all open our minds and our hearts, share the message of love and equity for all, that we will be part of creating a truly inclusive world for generations to come. We hope you will join us on our journey. Want to share your story? Have a guest you’d love us to interview? Questions you’d like us to answer? Get in touch with us via your preferred means below! :) . Sammy Anne: Email | Facebook | Instagram .  Patricia Falcetta: www.sociallivingsolutions.com.au Email | Facebook | Instagram

In this series we are exploring global experiences and perspectives on neurodivergence. Through discussing culture, understandings, resources, assessment and therapy options; we discover similarities and differences in experiences across the world. Patricia is joined by Karen Kehdy, health insurance expert turned neurodiversity advocate and writer, through her experience seeking a diagnosis for her daughter. Karen lives and works in Dubai in the UAE; and this conversation dives into what she describes as "before Karen and after Karen", the changes in her own perspectives after her daughters' diagnosis, and the impact this has had not only on her own life but on the lives of her family and wider community. To find out more about Karen and her services please check our her website here! . Join Patricia Falcetta (Social Living Solutions) and Sammy Anne (Map the Maze) as they discuss Nurturing Neurodiversity; all the ways we can create a truly inclusive society. Our passion lies in supporting whole families to navigate the challenges and revel in the joys of their neurodivergent children. A big part of this support entails advocating for changes within our systems and society, to ensure our children grow up knowing and loving who they are. No matter our ability, race, gender, sexuality, beliefs – we all deserve to be loved and appreciated. We aim to educate, connect and inspire. We do this by sharing with you our stories, experiences and relevant research, along with neurodivergent voices through interviews and quotes with permission. We open dialogue on what we can all do to create positive social change. With backgrounds in the education and allied health industries, as well as experience working directly with families, we work within AND continually challenge the existing systems we all operate under. We wholeheartedly believe that if we can all open our minds and our hearts, share the message of love and equity for all, that we will be part of creating a truly inclusive world for generations to come. We hope you will join us on our journey. Want to share your story? Have a guest you’d love us to interview? Questions you’d like us to answer? Get in touch with us via your preferred means below! :) . Patricia Falcetta: ⁠www.sociallivingsolutions.com.au⁠ ⁠Email⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ . Sammy Anne: Email | Facebook | Instagram

Introducing our latest series, where we explore global experiences and perspectives on neurodivergence. Discussing culture, understanding, resources, assessment and therapy options, we explore the differences and similarities in experiences across the world. We begin this series with our very own Patricia Falcetta, talking us through her journey with her sons' diagnoses (which lead to her own) and the profound impact this has had, not only on her family's life, but her career direction also. During our chat Patricia mentions "energy accounting", which we dive into more detail on in our episode "Parenting Paradigm for Neurodivergence", if you'd like to learn more. Feel free to let us know your thoughts! . Join Sammy Anne (Map the Maze) and Patricia Falcetta (Social Living Solutions) as they discuss Nurturing Neurodiversity; all the ways we can create a truly inclusive society. Our passion lies in supporting whole families to navigate the challenges and revel in the joys of their neurodivergent children. A big part of this support entails advocating for changes within our systems and society, to ensure our children grow up knowing and loving who they are. No matter our ability, race, gender, sexuality, beliefs – we all deserve to be loved and appreciated. We aim to educate, connect and inspire. We do this by sharing with you our stories, experiences and relevant research, along with neurodivergent voices through interviews and quotes with permission. We open dialogue on what we can all do to create positive social change. With backgrounds in the education and allied health industries, as well as experience working directly with families, we work within AND continually challenge the existing systems we all operate under. We wholeheartedly believe that if we can all open our minds and our hearts, share the message of love and equity for all, that we will be part of creating a truly inclusive world for generations to come. We hope you will join us on our journey. Want to share your story? Have a guest you’d love us to interview? Questions you’d like us to answer? Get in touch with us via your preferred means below! :) . Sammy Anne Email | Facebook | Instagram .  Patricia Falcetta: www.sociallivingsolutions.com.au Email | Facebook | Instagram