Alphabet Soup! Exploring Complex Neurodiversity

In this episode, Steph explores Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) through both lived experience and a neurodiversity-affirming lens. She shares some of her own reflections alongside accessible information about what PMDD is, how it shows up, and why it is so often misunderstood or dismissed. Steph talks about the cyclical nature of PMDD, common experiences, and how this can intersect with neu...

In this reflective episode, Steph shares from a place of lowered capacity, describing what it can feel like when internal systems are "shaken up" during deeper therapeutic work. Through the lens of plurality and lived experience, this episode explores the disorientation, increased dissociation, and need for retreat that can arise, and how these moments invite us to slow down and turn inward. Steph...

In this episode, Steph shares the heart behind her new resource on autistic burnout, created after noticing how many people are quietly approaching exhaustion. She explores what autistic burnout really is: a state of profound, long-term nervous system depletion caused by chronic environmental mismatch, masking, sensory overload, and the cumulative labour of navigating neuronormative systems. Throu...

In this episode of Alphabet Soup , Steph brings together a series of short "Back to Basics" recordings exploring the foundations of dissociation, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), and Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD). We cover: • What DID is and how it develops as an adaptive response to early trauma • The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for DID • How OSDD differs from DID • Common signs...

In this episode, Steph shares an open letter written from a place of deep rest — and reflects on why rest is not a luxury, reward, or indulgence, but a biological necessity and a birthright. Speaking gently about urgency culture, productivity, capitalism, colonised time, and nervous system safety, this episode explores rest as an act of sovereignty, self-trust, and quiet resistance. Steph reflects...

In this episode of Alphabet Soup , Steph explores the idea that consistency isn't natural and that fluctuating capacity is a normal, healthy part of being human. Drawing on lived experience, occupational therapy practice, and a decolonial lens, Steph reflects on how capitalism, colonialism, and neuronormative expectations have shaped our beliefs about productivity, reliability, and worth. When sys...

In this episode, Steph dives deeper into pacing and energy conservation, sharing the lived experience and reflections that led to the creation of a free  Energy Accounting and Activity Tracker. She explores how different people recover from exertion in different ways, including delayed crashes that can show up days or even weeks later, and why this makes planning, rest, and sustainability so compl...

After a year away from the microphone, Alphabet Soup returns with a softer, slower, and more intentional rhythm. In this opening episode, Steph reflects on the growth, healing, and unlearning of the past year; from pacing and energy conservation, to breaking boom–bust cycles and honouring capacity. This season will gently explore lived experiences of plurality and dissociation, unpack internalised...

Check out this new resource- Masking and Unmasking Reflection and Checklist! It's completely Free! Let me know what you think! Get your copy  HERE   Connect with me, Steph: www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com Email:  hello@sgroccupationaltherapy.com   Come and join us on the socials: Instagram:  www.instagram.com/sgroccupationaltherapy/   Facebook:  www.facebook.com/SGROccupationalTherapy Facebook grou...

Welcome back for 2025! Just a little life update in this one :)    Connect with me, Steph: www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com Email:  hello@sgroccupationaltherapy.com   Come and join us on the socials: Instagram:  www.instagram.com/sgroccupationaltherapy/   Facebook:  www.facebook.com/SGROccupationalTherapy Facebook group- The Neurodiversity Empowerment Movement  https://www.facebook.com/groups/125843...

Let's explore Autistic Identity with Chelsea Luker. Chelsea Luker is an Autistic/ADHDer psychologist, author, and parent of two neurodivergent children. With a passion for neurodiversity-affirming practice, Chelsea draws on both her professional and lived experience to support Neurodivergent individuals and their families. Through her work at Connect Us Psychology, she empowers parents, educators,...

NDIS Myths and Mistakes with Anna Commons from Commonground Disability! Need I say more!? In this episode Anna and I address the following Myths and Mistakes: Myth: NDIS don't fund Core supports for children because it is parental responsibility. Myth: You need a diagonsis to get access to NDIA after the age of 7. Myth: The NDIS don't fund sensory items. Mistake: Asking NDIS to fund supports that...

  This is so important! Let's learn how to support our children by Recognising Responding to Sexual Abuse and Violence and also understanding how we can help our children be empowered to proect themselves.  Find out more:  www.yellowladybug.com.au Live Panel Discussion: Recognising and Responding to Sexual Abuse and – Yellow Ladybugs Connect with me: www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com Email:  hello@sg...

Join me on this important deep dive into all things sex, intimacy, connection and relationships for neurodivergent folk! Lil and I don't hold back in addressing the things that often get swept under the rug and not addressed in relation to wholistic welllness... and yes, I am talking about sex and intimacy! Connect with Annelil: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurokinnection?utm_source=ig_we...

In this episode I had the pleasure of talking the the incredible Christina Schmidt! Christina Schmidt (she/her/hers) is an AuDHD, multiply-dialectal, and multicultural Black woman. She lives, works, plays, and creates on the unceded lands of Wurundjeri Country in Naarm (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia). Born in the US, Christina has spent the majority of her adult life overseas in Austria and now A...

In this episode I am sharing some really interesting information I have learnt about the experience of dissociation in autistic and ADHD people. This is an area that often gets overlooked and I think this is a consideration that is important to take notice of when supporting neurodivergent people.  I was having a 'word finding difficulty' kind of day when recording this so thanks for sticking with...

Michael Coles is kind enough to share his experience of autistic burnout and discuss supports that are helping him to recover and reengage in meaningful occupations.  Connect with Michael and listen to the Deep Dive Podcast: https://linktr.ee/michaelcoles Find out more about Annie Crowe and the NeuroAccess Network that we mention in the chat www.neuroaccess.com.au Annie Crowe | Advocacy Coach (@_a...

In this episode Claire and I explore what it's like being a neurodivergent occupational therapist and the role lived experience plays in supporting out neurokin.  Claire is an experienced OT and director of NeuroInclusion based in Western Australia.  Connect with Claire here:  Home | Neuroinclusion | Allied Health Claire | Neurodivergent OT & Mum (@theneurodivergentot) • Instagram photos and video...

In this episode I talk about my own spiky profile and fluctuating capacity and how this may apply to many neurodivergent folk.  Link to free Neurodivergent Masking webinar: https://connect.sgroccupationaltherapy.com/nd-masking-webinar Link for information on upcoming Embracing You course:  https://connect.sgroccupationaltherapy.com/embracing-you-course Connect with me :) www.sgroccupationaltherapy...

The topic of the diagnostic criteria for autism and ADHD seems to be coming up a lot lately and so I thought what better way to explore than to consult an expert like Amanda Moses! Not only is Amanda a diagnosing psychologist but she specialises in the more internalised presentation of ADHD and Autism which can so often go unrecognised.  Enjoy! Connect with Amanda Instagram: Amanda Moses Psycholog...

In this chat with Holly we explore neurodivergent affirming care in rural health. Holly has such an incredible and unique role working in some very remote areas and she explains how important building relationships is when developing a true understanding of the needs of a community. Holly is such a breath of fresh air to listen to and she always shows up as her authentic self which is such an insp...

Welcome to what I hope to be the first of many chat with the wonderful Tarese and Co, DID system! After my recent chats about dissociation and trauma with Kizzy, I was keen to keep the ball rolling and talk to Tarese and co about their experience! As well as being a qualified therapist, Tarese and Co are also a fashion designer and social media personality, raising awareness about DID and sharing...

Join me as I have a deep and enlightening conversation with Nicole Amery, OT, mother, and passionate advocate for affirming practice. Nicole speaks to us about matrescence; the journey of shift in identity that one goes through when becoming a mother. Nicole expresses that her work takes place in the intersection of matrescence and neurodivergence. Nicole is super passionate about support mothers...

This episode comes with a trigger warning for discussion of sexual assault and victimisation. This was another uplanned episode, brought about by a recent discussion I had. I was reminded of a horrifying ststistic. That 9 in 10 autistic woman have experienced sexual abuse, domestic abuse or rape in their life.  This is part of my story and a reflection on why this is happening and what we might be...

Join me and Kizzy in this dive into the experience of dissociation and how this links in with the neurodivergent experience. Kizzy and I always end up in such a flow state when we connect and share our experiences. Connect with Kizzy at  www.attunedspeech.com.au LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kizzysearle/  I nstagram is @attunedspeech Kizzy also shares a free resource here  https://attunedsp...