About Neurodiverse Conversations with Katie and Steph
Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations, the podcast where we delve into the vast and unique world of neurodiversity through candid conversations with individuals representing a spectrum of neurodivergent experiences. Join us as we navigate topics such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more, unraveling the complexities of the human brain in a respectful and enlightening manner.
Katie and Steph host each episode, which features insightful discussions, personal stories, expert interviews, and practical tips to foster understanding, acceptance, and celebration of neurodiversity. Whether you are neurodivergent yourself, a caregiver, an educator, or simply curious about the diverse ways our brains work, this podcast is your space to listen, learn, and connect in a supportive and inclusive community.
Navigating Transitions
In this episode of 'Neurodiverse Conversations,' the hosts discuss the challenges and strategies for managing transitions for neurodivergent individuals. They emphasize the need to understand person-specific factors, the importance of clear communication, and the benefits of using visuals and social stories. Practical advice such as allowing comfort items, preparing for sensory sensitivities, and establishing routines are shared to help ease transitions for both children and adults. The conversation highlights empathy and adaptability as key components in supporting neurodiverse individuals through various life transitions.
00:00 Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations
00:45 Understanding Transitions in Neurodivergent Individuals
02:40 Personal Experiences with Transitions
03:47 Helping Children with Transitions
05:58 Strategies for Managing Sensory Sensitivities
12:48 Navigating Appointments and Social Situations
17:47 Effective Communication and Visual Aids
24:10 The Importance of Comfort Items
25:55 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement
If you liked to work with Katie please reach out here : https://nourishyourlifesensory.com/
Learn more about the Living Balanced Nonprofit here: https://living-balanced.org/
22 Dec 2025
Empowering Neurodiverse Families: The Mission of Living Balanced
Empowering Neurodiverse Families: The Mission of Living Balanced
In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, the hosts discuss the launch and mission of the nonprofit organization Living Balanced, which aims to provide accessible support services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and mental health support to families, regardless of their financial or insurance situation. The conversation highlights the unique approach of occupational therapy in natural environments and the importance of personalized, empathetic care. Insights into the challenges of navigating insurance and the desire to create a supportive community for neurodiverse individuals and their families are also shared.
00:00 Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations
00:36 The Inspiration Behind Starting a Nonprofit
02:47 Challenges and Solutions in Accessing Therapy
04:10 Personalized Therapy Approaches
07:07 Introducing the Nonprofit's Mission
07:59 How to Access Support Through Living Balanced
12:18 The Journey into Occupational Therapy
18:31 Unique Fieldwork Experience in Ecuador
21:14 Closing Remarks and Resources
https://living-balanced.org/
https://nourishyourlifesensory.com/
26 Oct 2025
Retained Reflexes Part 1
Understanding Retained Reflexes: Insights from an Occupational Therapist
In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, the focus is on retained reflexes and their impact on children's motor, sensory, and learning development. The host engages in a detailed discussion with Katie, an occupational therapist, who provides expertise on identifying and addressing retained reflexes. They cover various types of reflexes, such as the rooting, ATNR, and Moro reflexes, and explore how these reflexes should integrate within the first year of life. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of these reflexes and practical ways to identify and work on them with their children.
00:00 Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations
00:26 Introduction to Retained Reflexes
01:17 Understanding Retained Reflexes
06:43 Common Reflexes and Their Impact
17:04 Practical Exercises for Reflex Integration
24:27 Seeking Professional Help
28:10 Conclusion and Resources
11 Jun 2025
Navigating Neurodiversity: Tips for Parents from a Fellow Neurodivergent
Host Steph shares her experiences and insights on raising a neurodivergent family, emphasizing understanding underlying issues and promoting mental health, in this interview episode.
6 Jun 2025
Understanding ADHD: Insights, Strategies, and Practical Tools
Hosts Katie and Steph explore the complexities of ADHD, from impulsivity and primitive reflexes to practical management tools, offering valuable insights for navigating neurodiversity.
6 Jun 2025
Navigating ADHD: Understanding Impulsivity, Primitive Reflexes, and Effective Strategies
Hosts Katie and Steph explore ADHD's complexities, including impulsivity and primitive reflexes, and share practical strategies for managing its challenges in this episode about neurodiversity.
29 May 2025
What is ADHD??
Hosts KATIE and STEPH define ADHD, explore its manifestations, and share personal strategies for managing symptoms, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's neurotype.
16 May 2025
Sensory first
Understanding Sensory Regulation in Children: Tips for Parents
In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, host Steph concludes the discussion on sensory regulation introduced in last week's podcast. Katie provides an in-depth example of how sensory issues, like avoiding bath time, can impact a child's behavior. The episode explores the concept of regulation, offering practical strategies for parents to help children feel balanced and regulated. Katie also shares valuable resources, including the Ross Green approach and programs by Kelly Mallard and Autism Level Up, to assist parents in creating positive sensory experiences for their children.
00:00 Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations
00:45 Understanding Sensory Regulation
01:29 Sensory Challenges in Daily Life
04:09 Collaborative Problem Solving
05:07 Programs and Strategies for Sensory Regulation
07:09 Final Thoughts and Resources
08:16 Closing Remarks
7 May 2025
Is it behavior or something else?
Understanding Our Senses and Their Impact on Behavior
In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, the hosts discuss the crucial role of sensory processing and its impacts on behavior and mood, especially in children. They delve into how the eight senses (visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory, tactile, proprioceptive, vestibular, and interoceptive) affect our daily lives. Katie, a sensory-trained occupational therapist, explains the concepts of self-regulation and co-regulation, offering insights and strategies to help children navigate sensory experiences. They also touch on the importance of sensory diets in helping children stay regulated throughout the day. This episode aims to provide parents and caregivers with a better understanding of how sensory inputs influence behavior and stress management.
00:00 Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations
00:35 Understanding the Connection Between Senses and Behavior
01:49 Introducing Katie and the Eight Senses
02:46 Self-Regulation vs. Co-Regulation
05:23 Breaking Down the Eight Senses
11:56 Sensory Input and Behavior
13:20 A Parent's Perspective on Regulation
15:15 Recap and Final Thoughts
22 Apr 2025
Learning about Occupational Therapy with Katie
Understanding Occupational Therapy and Sensory Processing in Neurodiversity
In this episode of Neurodiverse Conversations, hosts Steph and Katie delve deeper into the world of occupational therapy (OT), exploring its importance and various applications. Katie explains the diverse roles OTs play in aiding both adults and children with daily living activities, sensory processing challenges, and developmental needs.
The conversation highlights the significance of neuro affirming therapy, which focuses on respecting and validating individuals' unique neurological wiring rather than trying to change them. The episode also addresses the critical role of mental health, the impact of insurance on therapy access, and provides a comprehensive list of recommended books for parents, teachers, and caregivers to better understand neurodiversity.
00:00 Introduction to Neurodiverse Conversations
00:37 Understanding Occupational Therapy (OT)
02:28 Sensory Processing Disorder and OT for Children vs. Adults
05:32 The Concept of Neuro Affirming Therapy
12:18 The Importance of Mental Health and Support
13:58 Recommended Books for Parents and Children
16:34 Conclusion and Call to Action
22 Apr 2025
Interviewing Katie with Nourish Your Life Sensory
Learning From Neurodivergent Voices: The Importance of Lived Experience
This episode emphasizes the value of learning from actually autistic people and listening to neurodivergent voices. It highlights the significance of mental health and the importance of experiences and storytelling within the neurodivergent community to understand what truly works.
16 Apr 2025
Welcome to Neurodiverse Conversations with Katie and Steph
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Neurodiverse Conversations with Katie and Steph. In this episode, Katie, a neuroaffirming pediatric occupational therapist, and Steph, a mother of two neurodivergent children, introduce themselves, share their backgrounds, and discuss their personal experiences with neurodivergence. They explore the motivations behind starting this podcast and the mission to support and connect with the neurodivergent community.
Katie and Steph delve into the realities of raising neurodivergent children, the importance of understanding sensory needs, and the societal perceptions that need to change. They also discuss the significance of mental health awareness in both children and adults and emphasize the need for spaces where neurodivergent individuals can thrive.
Join them as they navigate the world of neurodiversity, offering insights, resources, and support for families and individuals. This episode sets the stage for future discussions on sensory integration, parenting neurodivergent children, and creating a more inclusive and accepting world for everyone.
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100
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Quality
49
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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