Neurodivergent Nook
Claim This Podcastby Helen Neale and Diane Frainer
Podcast Overview
<p><b>Neurodivergent Nook</b> is your go-to podcast for everything neurodivergent: from ADHD to Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and all cognitive difference! Hosted by a compassionate therapist and an experienced SEND headteacher, this podcast dives deep into the world of neurodiversity. From sharing lived experiences to offering expert advice, we cover it all to empower and support neurodivergent individuals across the globe. Whether you're seeking practical tips, heartfelt stories, or a sense of community, Neurodivergent Nook is here to help you navigate life as an ND individual. Tune in and join the conversation that celebrates neurodiversity in all its forms!</p>
Language
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Publishing Since
4/18/2026
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Recent Episodes
June 16, 2026
Neurodivergent Nook Ep9: Quick Guide to Neurodivergent Self-Compassion
<p><b>Lightning Guide to Self-Compassion for Neurodivergent Mind</b></p><p></p><p>This final episode in season 1, dives into the nuances of self-compassion from lived experience of neurodivergent individuals. Diane and Helen explore practical ways to nurture kindness inward, especially for those with autism and ADHD, emphasising the power of awareness, visualisation and neuroplasticity.</p><p></p><p><b>Key Topics:</b></p><ul><li>The difference between self-care and self-compassion</li><li>How neurodivergent conditions influence self-talk and self-criticism</li><li>Practical strategies: mindfulness, sensory anchors, and visualizations</li><li>Recognizing and challenging negative inner voices</li><li>The impact of trauma and negative narratives on self-love</li><li>The importance of community, relationships, and hope for healing</li></ul><p></p><p><b>In this episode:</b></p><ul><li>How to distinguish self-compassion from simple solitude or self-care</li><li>The role of the inner critic and ways to gently challenge it</li><li>Visualizing a compassionate other—therapist, younger self, or symbolic figure</li><li>The importance of neuroplasticity in rewiring negative self-narratives</li><li>Practical tips: starting a gratitude journal, mindful breathing, and self-acceptance</li><li>The effects of lifelong criticism and trauma on self-worth, with pathways to recovery</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Timestamps:</b></p><p>00:00 - Introduction to neurodivergent perspectives on self-compassion</p><p>00:37 - Defining self-compassion versus self-care</p><p>01:15 - Forgiveness and kindness inward</p><p>02:31 - Recognizing unhelpful inner dialogue during walks</p><p>03:23 - Challenging negative thoughts and forgiving mistakes</p><p>04:40 - Supporting neurodivergent clients with critical inner voices 05:24 - Patience and incremental change in self-compassion practice</p><p>06:11 - Celebrating small wins and positive moments 07:38 - Impact of diagnosis on self-perception</p><p>08:42 - Visualizing and externalizing compassionate inner voices 09:52 - Sensory regulation and mindfulness practices</p><p>10:45 - The influence of childhood criticism on adult self-talk</p><p>12:33 - The importance of neuroplasticity and rewiring negative patterns</p><p>13:18 - Cognitive differences like alexithymia and implications for self-compassion</p><p>14:37 - Understanding how trauma impacts self-esteem over decades</p><p>16:24 - The long-term effects of criticism and emotional wounds</p><p>18:07 - Practical little daily acts for self-kindness</p><p>18:42 - The power of visual affirmations and mindfulness</p><p>20:23 - Building a gratitude practice and its benefits</p><p>21:24 - Challenges in forming new, positive habitual self-talk</p><p>22:45 - Hope, healing, and the ongoing process of rewiring the brain</p><p>24:36 - Supporting children and young people with trauma histories</p><p>25:50 - The importance of patience, love, and community in healing</p><p></p><p>Connect with:</p><p>Diane:</p><p>Helen: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://neurodivergent-nook.com/" target="_blank">Neurodivergent Nook</a></p><p>Diane: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://olivebranchconsulting.co.uk/" target="_blank">Olive Branch Consulting</a></p>
June 9, 2026
Neurodivergent Nook Ep8: Understanding Dyspraxia - Personal Stories and Educational Insights
<p><b>Understanding Dyspraxia: Personal Stories and Educational Insights</b></p><p></p><p>In this episode of <i>Neurodivergent Nook</i>, Helen Neale and Diane share their personal experiences and professional perspectives on dyspraxia, also known as developmental coordination disorder. They explore how dyspraxia affects everyday life, particularly within educational settings, and discuss practical support strategies for children and teenagers.</p><p></p><p><b>Key Topics</b></p><ul><li>Personal stories of dyspraxia and related clumsiness</li><li>Common misconceptions and stereotypes about dyspraxia</li><li>How dyspraxia manifests in children and adults</li><li>Challenges faced in schools: PE, handwriting, and social pressures</li><li>Strategies for supporting neurodivergent children, including sensory interventions</li><li>The importance of reasonable adjustments and fostering self-esteem</li><li>Impact of secondary school transitions and lack of tailored support</li><li>Practical tools like typing versus handwriting for children with dyspraxia</li><li>The role of educators and families in creating inclusive environments</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Timestamps</b></p><p>00:00 - Introduction to episode and guest background<br />00:15 - Personal experiences with dyspraxia<br />00:55 - Understanding what dyspraxia is and common misconceptions<br />01:40 - Dyspraxia's physical manifestations and injuries<br />02:09 - Dyspraxia and neurodivergence co-occurrence<br />02:34 - Social observations: clumsiness and menopause influence<br />02:47 - Funny stories highlighting dyspraxic traits<br />03:23 - Dyspraxia’s impact on motor coordination from childhood to adulthood<br />04:09 - How dyspraxia shows up in educational contexts<br />04:25 - Challenges in diagnosis and accessing support<br />05:10 - Dyslexia and dyspraxia in school: practical examples<br />06:01 - Embarrassments and misunderstandings around physical coordination<br />07:23 - Sensory exercises to illustrate dyspraxia’s physical challenges<br />08:16 - Need for understanding and reasonable adjustments in schools<br />09:20 - Energy drain and fatigue associated with motor difficulties<br />10:06 - The importance of teacher awareness beyond primary school<br />11:00 - Teenagers managing dyspraxia and social pressures<br />11:40 - Personal anecdotes about PE and coordination challenges<br />12:00 - Physical skills, running, and hypermobility<br />12:55 - Insights from trainers and body awareness<br />13:09 - Supporting children’s motor development at home and school<br />14:34 - Strategies for pacing and self-esteem building<br />15:18 - Effective school interventions: sensory trails and early support<br />16:19 - The benefits of targeted physical activities in school<br />17:04 - The over-reliance on sedentary classroom learning<br />18:19 - The potential of typing as an alternative to handwriting<br />19:03 - Technology and resource limitations in schools<br />20:44 - Autonomy, choice, and reducing shame for children<br />21:17 - The need for thoughtful planning in supporting children with dyspraxia<br />22:33 - Encouragement and positive support in schools and families<br />22:45 - Closing remarks and appreciation for listeners</p><p></p><p>Connect with:<br />Diane: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://olivebranchconsulting.co.uk/" target="_blank">Olive Branch Consulting</a></p><p>Helen: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://neurodivergent-nook.com/" target="_blank">Neurodivergent Nook</a></p><p></p><p><b>Note:</b><br />The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding, patience, and practical adjustments to help neurodivergent children thrive in educational environments and beyond.</p>
June 2, 2026
Neurodivergent Nook Ep7: Grief after diagnosis
<p>This podcast episode explores the complex emotions surrounding diagnoses of neurodivergence, particularly focusing on grief, acceptance, and self-understanding. Helen and Diane share personal experiences, shedding light on the emotional journey many neurodivergent adults face upon diagnosis or self-identification.</p><p></p><p><b>Key topics</b></p><ul><li>The emotional impact of diagnosis and the grieving process</li><li>Personal stories of grief, acceptance, and self-understanding in neurodivergence</li><li>The influence of childhood experiences and societal understanding of neurodivergence</li><li>How grief manifests differently in individuals and coping mechanisms</li><li>The importance of community, support, and self-compassion during this journey</li><li>Internalized ableism and challenges to accepting neurodivergent identities</li><li>The significance of finding a supportive tribe and shared experiences</li></ul><p></p><p><b>In this episode</b></p><ul><li>Diane shares her two-year grieving process after her ADHD diagnosis and how understanding changed her perspective</li><li>Helen reflects on her own childhood memories and the grief associated with unrecognized neurodivergence</li><li>They discuss the idea of "going to Holland instead of Italy," a metaphor for unexpected life paths after child diagnosis</li><li>The importance of allowing space for grief and self-acceptance</li><li>The role of societal and internalized ableism in complicating the acceptance process</li><li>Practical advice for navigating grief, self-understanding, and supportive relationships</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Timestamps</b></p><p>00:00 - Introduction to the episode and topics<br />00:30 - Diane’s initial response to her ADHD diagnosis<br />01:16 - Grieving the loss of previous self-understanding<br />01:44 - Childhood experiences influencing current perceptions<br />02:15 - How diagnosis prompted reflection and life changes<br />03:57 - The necessity and value of grief in acceptance<br />04:41 - Loss of friendships and the process of letting go<br />06:09 - Acceptance after autism diagnosis<br />06:31 - Reflecting on childhood and missing understanding<br />07:02 - Supporting neurodivergent children and trauma<br />08:39 - Expectations vs reality of parenthood<br />09:29 - The poem "Welcome to Holland" and life’s unexpected journey<br />10:19 - The guilt and self-criticism in grief<br />10:49 - Processing late diagnosis and masking<br />11:33 - Reflecting on childhood memories and strategies<br />12:20 - Grieving the young Helen’s challenges<br />13:08 - Realizing skills developed in adversity<br />13:59 - The importance of understanding oneself<br />14:38 - The internal struggle with self-concept and ableism<br />15:22 - Embracing new self-awareness<br />16:44 - Allowing space and support for grief<br />18:25 - Internalized ableism and self-identity<br />19:23 - The impact of diagnosis on self-perception<br />20:36 - The paradox of change and continuity after diagnosis<br />21:19 - The importance of support networks<br />22:26 - Obsessing over neurodivergence and grief<br />23:02 - Personal reflections on overanalysis<br />24:07 - Finding shared experiences and community<br />25:06 - Recognizing the power of sudden realizations<br />26:02 - Grieving childhood and unrecognized struggles<br />26:50 - Reflection on the emotional impact of diagnosis<br />27:07 - Closing remarks and support encouragement</p>
9 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Neurodivergent Nook?
<p><b>Neurodivergent Nook</b> is your go-to podcast for everything neurodivergent: from ADHD to Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and all cognitive difference! Hosted by a compassionate therapist and an experienced SEND headteacher, this podcast dives deep into the world of neurodiversity. From sharing lived experiences to offering expert advice, we cover it all to empower and support neurodivergent individuals across the globe. Whether you're seeking practical tips, heartfelt stories, or a sense of community, Neurodivergent Nook is here to help you navigate life as an ND individual. Tune in and join the conversation that celebrates neurodiversity in all its forms!</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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