- 13
- Episodes
- 2025
- First episode
About Neuromentoring
Lucy & Brian talk about all things Specialist Autism Mentoring in Higher Education and beyond.
- Publisher
- Lucy and Brian
- Category
- education
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 3 Sept 2025
- Latest episode
- 25 Sept 2025
Latest episodes
13 episodes in the feed.
25 Sept 2025
NDinHE3 NeuroMentoringLive
Recorded in front of a live audience at NDinHE 3 (Neurodiversity in Higher Educations), Brian and Lucy were joined by Amanda & Archie from Bridge Mentoring. Amazing questions from the audience led us to cover the significant changes in how universities support neurodiverse students, defining 'neurocosmopolitan' environments and highlighting the importance of holistic, individualised support models for students, particularly those with autism and ADHD. We took a punt on the nuances between mentoring and coaching, emphasizing the value of personalized, flexible approaches. We shared insights on workarounds for neurodivergent folk, self-advocacy, and the transformative role of neurodivergent-led mentoring. Ending up with reflections on the wisdom and adaptability required in effective mentoring relationships. 00:00 Hello... where's my script 01:13 Specialist Autism Mentoring. Whoop! 03:10 Transition Mentoring and Personal Experiences 05:00 Challenges and Coping Mechanisms 11:59 Mentoring vs. Coaching 19:25 The Importance of Neurodivergent-Led Mentoring 22:41 Discussing Neurodivergent Strategies 23:41 Research on Neurodivergent Workarounds 24:06 Overlap in Neurodivergent Strategies 25:43 Personal Experiences with Neurodivergence 28:05 Buddhism and Neurodivergence 29:12 Medieval Neurodivergence and Sainthood 37:44 Final Thoughts and Bits of nearly Wisdom
3 Sept 2025
The reflective mentor
Robust Humility and the Reflective Mentor In this episode of Neuromentoring, hosts Lucy and Brian consider the essential responsibility of mentors to engage in self-reflection within neurodiverse university settings. They discuss their personal challenges with mentoring, such as pronoun usage and the tension between action and being. By emphasizing the importance of humility, emotional intelligence, and the craft of mentoring, they advocate for a textured approach to support students. Their last conversation of the series meanders through reflections on the role of honesty, emotional literacy, and the balance between knowledge, skills, and wisdom in effective mentoring. 00:00 Welcome to Neuromentoring 00:10 The Mentor's Responsibility to Reflect 00:40 Personal Struggles in Mentoring 01:23 Pronouns and Mentoring Challenges 03:27 Humility in Mentoring 06:44 Emotional Intelligence and Literacy 10:26 The Art of Reflection 14:54 Honesty and Lying in Mentoring 22:58 The Craft of Mentoring 26:39 Concluding Thoughts and Future Series
3 Sept 2025
The mentoring year
Navigating the Ebb and Flow of the Mentoring Year in Universities In this episode of Neuromentoring, hosts Lucy and Brian discuss the cyclical 'ebb and flow' of the academic year, starting with the transition period in September, through to the November crash, and the January abyss, before touching on the period of spring growth leading up to exams in summer. They offer practical advice on time management, revision techniques, and transitioning from university to the workforce, including utilizing resources like Access to Work. They also highlight the emotional highs and lows of university life, share personal anecdotes, and wrap up with thoughts on graduation and the value of celebrating student achievements. 00:00 Welcome to Neuromentoring 00:08 Understanding Ebb and Flow 01:21 Navigating the Start of the Academic Year 04:03 The November Crash and Beyond 12:01 The Role of Mentors and Technology 17:00 Freshers Week and Settling In 18:24 A Sci-Fi Joy: Empire Strikes Back Experience 19:32 Unexpected Joys of Freshers Week 21:21 Navigating the First Weeks of University 22:02 The November Crash and Reading Week 23:33 Balancing Work and Breaks 27:52 The Importance of Routine and Revision 34:57 Transitioning to the Workplace 39:03 Celebrating Graduations
3 Sept 2025
Boundaries
Navigating Boundaries in Neurodiverse Mentoring In this episode of Neuromentoring, hosts Brian and Lucy have a go at the concept of boundaries within the context of mentoring neurodiverse students in universities. They discuss the importance of setting clear boundaries for both mentors and mentees, and share their personal strategies and experiences, such as the 'honestly dishonest' approach to balancing flexibility and structure. They reeally mean it when they talk about the significance of mental, physical, and digital rest, and the role of liminal spaces in maintaining balance. You may also find a few practical tips for managing time and energy, including the benefits of a four-day workweek and incorporating breaks between sessions. The episode highlights the human side of mentoring, acknowledging how mentors too have to navigate and often fail in maintaining their own boundaries. 00:00 Welcome to Neuromentoring 00:20 The Importance of Boundaries 00:55 Ice Cream and Emotional Balance 01:22 Setting Boundaries as a Mentor 05:47 The Honestly Dishonest Mentor 09:41 Balancing Work and Personal Life 20:43 The Concept of Liminal Spaces 28:10 Digital Hygiene and Mental Rest 34:38 Conclusion and Contact Information
3 Sept 2025
Tech (pt. 2) the return of tech and wellbeing
Neuromentoring: Tech and Wellbeing - Part Two In this episode of Neuromentoring, hosts Lucy and Brian continue their exploration of tech and wellbeing in university settings. They discuss the evolution and impact of technology from early university experiences to the rise of AI tools in education, with both the benefits and challenges for neurodivergent students. Topics range from the use of assistive technologies like speech-to-text and color filters, the importance of setting boundaries with tech, to the implications of AI on academic honesty and personalized learning. They also geek out with the social and collaborative dimensions of tech, such as Google Docs and Discord, and emphasize the need for a balanced and self-guided approach to integrating technology in higher education. 00:00 Welcome to Neuromentoring 00:08 Recap of Part One: Tech and Well-being 01:03 Personal Experiences with Tech in Education 02:02 The Evolution of Tech in Universities 03:56 Assistive Technology and Learning 05:59 Balancing Tech and Well-being 06:45 The Impact of COVID on Tech in Education 12:10 Managing Tech Overload 19:27 The Role of Social Media and New Platforms 32:07 AI in Education: Opportunities and Challenges 36:07 Conclusion and Contact Information
3 Sept 2025
Special interests and joy
The Joy of Special Interests in Neurodiverse Mentoring In this episode of Neuromentoring, hosts Brian and Lucy are joined by Sara King, an experienced autistic mentor, trainer and all-round superstar. The discussion explores personal special interests including the Eric Clapton-Patty Boyd-George Harrison love triangle and deep lore of Star Wars. They tell tales about how special interests can enrich mentoring relationships and support student well-being. The episode also underscores the importance of creating safe spaces for sharing these interests and the potential challenges of aligning academic pursuits with personal passions. 00:00 Welcome to Neuromentoring 00:26 Introducing Sara King 01:30 Exploring Special Interests 03:05 The Joy of Immersive Interests 05:31 Mentoring and Special Interests 15:08 Student Societies and Special Interests 21:42 Mentoring Through Interests 26:38 Defining Special Interests 29:20 Conclusion and Contact Information
3 Sept 2025
Tech & wellbeing (pt1)
Tech, Mentoring, and Wellbeing: Navigating Executive Functioning with AI and Tools In this episode of Neuromentoring, hosts Lucy and Brian have a good rootle into the intersection of tech, mentoring, and wellbeing within neurodiverse university environments. They discuss the integration of new technologies, like Lucy's shiney new machine that goes ping, and their impact on executive functioning. Emphasizing the importance of tech solutions like Apple, Google Suite, and AI tools, they explore how mentors can leverage these to better support students. They share personal experiences and practical tips for organization, productivity, and balancing digital and analog methods. The episode concludes with insights into the future of AI in education and the potential for AI-assisted mentoring. 00:00 Welcome to Neuromentoring 00:24 Unboxing the New MacBook Air 01:37 Tech Preferences: Apple vs. Windows 03:07 The Role of Tech in Daily Life 04:42 Google Suite for Organization 07:39 Tech Tips for Mentors and Mentees 12:51 Password Management Challenges 17:03 University Email and Tech Support 20:35 Research Tools: Google Scholar 21:27 Google Scholar Features 22:35 Exploring AI Tools for Research 24:00 Goblin Tools for Students 28:10 AI in Education 38:04 Dictation and Writing Tools 43:10 Conclusion and Next Steps
3 Sept 2025
Remote mentoring
Remote Mentoring: Navigating Neurodiverse Needs in a Virtual World In this episode of Neuromentoring, hosts Brian and Lucy explore the nuances and benefits of remote mentoring within neurodiverse university environments. They share their diverse experiences and discuss how remote mentoring offers flexibility and - best of all - comfort for autistic students. They have a poke at the differences between remote and in-person mentoring, the importance of creating a comfortable and tailored space for mentees, and how remote mentoring can be adapted to individual preferences. They also touch on the challenges faced back during the COVID-19 lockdown, including the rapid shift to remote interactions and maintaining engagement and rapport. Brian and Lucy highlight the significance of holistic approaches, along with personal rituals that help create an effective remote mentoring environment. 00:00 Welcome to Neuromentoring 00:19 Introduction to Remote Mentoring 00:49 Experiences and Benefits of Remote Mentoring 04:06 Challenges and Solutions in Mentoring Spaces 07:57 The Role of Technology in Remote Mentoring 14:26 Balancing Professionalism and Informality 19:21 Student Preferences and Flexibility 28:16 Mentoring Rituals and Self-Care 35:25 Parental Involvement in Remote Mentoring 39:04 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
3 Sept 2025
Rest
Exploring Mentoring Breaks and Breakdowns: The Seven Types of Rest In this episode of Neuromentoring, hosts Lucy and Brian have a good old think about mentoring breaks and breakdowns, focusing on the need for rest and offering insights from Dalton-Smith’s 'seven types of rest' framework. Throughout their conversation, they emphasize the importance of various forms of rest including physical, mental, sensory, creative, emotional, social, and spiritual rest, and how they individually and collectively support both mentors and mentees in achieving better well-being and productivity. 00:00 Welcome to Neuromentoring 00:19 The Importance of Taking Breaks 01:09 Transitioning Between Roles 02:00 The Concept of Rest 06:05 The Seven Types of Rest 06:34 Physical and Mental Rest 08:56 Sensory and Creative Rest 19:36 Emotional and Social Rest 30:01 Spiritual Rest and Conclusion
3 Sept 2025
Time off
Balancing Mentoring and Self-Care in Neurodiverse Universities In this episode of Neuromentoring, hosts Lucy and Brian delve into the complexities of mentoring in neurodiverse university environments, focusing on the importance of taking breaks and self-care. They discuss the critical need for downtime and the challenges students face, particularly around high-stress periods like mid-November. They share personal anecdotes and practical strategies for managing burnout, guilt, and establishing routines. The conversation touches on the significance of coping strategies, sensory diets, and the nuanced differences between downtime and decompression. The hosts also explore how past experiences and foundational childhood traumas influence adult neurodivergent behaviors, masking, and the mentor-mentee relationship, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and personal ethics in effective mentoring. 00:00 Welcome to Neuromentoring 00:28 The Importance of Breaks 01:11 Academic Pressures and Jargon 04:11 Guilt and Rest 08:20 Burnout and Sleep 10:48 Learning and Downtime 15:10 Coping Strategies and Masking 23:31 Transitioning to University Life 35:46 Reflecting on Mentoring 38:23 Surprise Mentoring and Conclusion
3 Sept 2025
Double Empathy
Understanding the Double Empathy Problem in Neurodiverse Mentoring In this episode of Neuromentoring, hosts Lucy and Brian introduce the double empathy problem and its significance in mentoring within neurodiverse university settings. They discuss how the lack of mutual understanding between neurodivergent individuals and neurotypical peers can affect communication and relationships. The conversation delves into definitions, insights from Damian Milton's work, and practical applications in mentoring. They also address related issues like the mismatch of salience, the importance of using positive language, and the profound impact of mentor empathy. The episode touches on the rise of late diagnoses in the neurodiverse community and briefly introduces the emerging concept of the triple empathy problem. 00:00 Welcome to Neuromentoring 00:07 Understanding the Double Empathy Problem 03:41 Impact of Double Empathy in Daily Life 06:36 Diagnosis vs. Disposition 08:50 Imposter Syndrome in Neurodivergent Individuals 12:20 Introducing the Triple Empathy Problem 19:13 The Role of Autistic Mentors 25:21 Building Trust and Communication in Mentoring 32:19 Reflection, Boundaries, and Positive Language 39:04 Empathy and Love in Mentoring 42:37 Conclusion and Contact Information
3 Sept 2025
Holisti...holisticiy..
Holistic Mentoring in Neurodiverse University Spaces In this episode of Neuromentoring, hosts Lucy and Brian delve into the concept of 'Holisticity' in mentoring, emphasizing its application within neurodiverse university environments. They explore the evolution of mentoring since its early days around 2008, touching on key reports like the National Autistic Society's guidelines. The discussion highlights the importance of removing barriers to learning by addressing the student's overall well-being—mental, emotional, and personal. They also examine ethical considerations, flexible boundaries, and the significance of authentic relationships in mentoring. Practical examples illustrate their points, such as outdoor walks and shared interests, while they stress the value of continuous learning and adapting one's mentoring approach to individual student needs. 00:00 Welcome to Neuromentoring 00:20 Introduction to Holistic Mentoring 01:11 Defining Barriers to Learning 03:27 Ethics and Boundaries in Mentoring 11:02 Building Authentic Relationships 19:06 The Role of Special Interests 24:24 Handling Sensitive Topics 32:28 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information
3 Sept 2025
What is mentoring?
Welcome to Neuro Mentoring, where hosts Lucy and Brian tell stories about the world of mentoring within neurodiverse university spaces. In this episode, they explore the big question: "What is mentoring?" Drawing from personal experiences, research, and a touch of humour, Lucy and Brian discuss the evolving role of mentors, the importance of relational support, and how mentoring differs from coaching and teaching. They share stories of growth, the challenges and joys of supporting neurodivergent students, and the creative, adaptive nature of effective mentoring. Whether you're a mentor, mentee, or simply curious about neurodiversity in higher education, this episode rocks.
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