Neurodivergent Nook

Helen and Diane talk about ADHD, neurodivergence and addiction, with warmth and without judgment. Diane begins with a chance dinner-table meeting with a couple who have been in recovery for over a decade. From there, the pair explore childhood trauma, dopamine-seeking and the healthy replacements people find. They also talk about why services need to understand neurodivergent brains. Both share pe...

Summary In part two of their interview with Sarah Ellis, Helen and Diane pick up after the moment Sarah's rehearsal room burst out laughing when she wondered aloud if she had ADHD. Sarah talks about the anger that followed, because nobody spotted her ADHD for decades. She is angry on behalf of a generation of women who were missed. With some empathy from Helen, she also admits to the sadness under...

Helen and Diane welcome their first ever guest, Sarah Ellis. She is the Artistic Director of Theatre Inspiring Change and was diagnosed with ADHD late in life. Sarah describes how she began to wonder about ADHD around 18 months ago, after her daughter asked whether she was sure she didn't have it. Looking back, she sees how many of her lifelong traits she had put down to something else. She also t...

Unmasking, safety, and becoming more authentically yourself Helen Neale and Diane Frainer discuss unmasking in a neurodivergent context, focusing on what it looks like in everyday life and why it can feel both liberating and difficult. They explore the mental health cost of masking, the importance of safe environments, and the growing confidence that comes from better understanding your own needs....

Neurodivergence and Animals: Therapy, Regulation, and Joy This episode explores how animals can support neurodivergent people through co regulation, calm presence, and connection. Diane and Helen Neal, both autistic and ADHD, discuss what they have seen in schools, coaching, and therapy, from dogs in classrooms to goats, horses, and farm animals in regulated settings. We discuss how animals can he...

What’s in a Label? — Part Two In Part Two, Diane and Helen explore how diagnostic labels can shape understanding, access to support, and self-perception. They reflect on family experiences of schizophrenia and autism, the limits of diagnosis-led systems, and the role of self-compassion in living with neurodivergence. Connect with: Diane: Olive Branch Consulting Helen: Neurodivergent Nook Come join...

What’s in a Label? — Part One In Part One, Helen and Diane explore why diagnostic labels can be both helpful and harmful. They discuss how labels may give people language for their experiences and help open the door to support, while also inviting assumptions about what someone can or cannot do. Using examples from schools, late diagnosis, emotional regulation, and family experience, they argue th...

Helen Neale and Diane Frainer unpack what selfcare actually means for neurodivergent kids adults, and how rest can look different. Covering rest, sensory regulation and advocacy too. Connect: Helen: Neurodivergent Nook Diane: Olive Branch Consulting Key Topics: What selfcare means Diane describes self-care as something she knows she should do more of, rooted in self-compassion and prioritising her...

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Nook podcast, Helen and Diane explore the complexities of friendship, social understanding, and relationship building from the perspective of neurodivergent adults. They share personal experiences, challenges, and insights on finding authentic connections, understanding social cues, and developing trust. Whether you're navigating relationships yourself or supp...

Explore the intersection of menopause, autism, ADHD, and neurodivergence in this candid conversation between Helen Neal and Diane Franer. They share personal experiences, discuss the gaps in research, and offer practical advice for neurodivergent women facing hormonal changes. In this episode The impact of menopause on neurodivergent traits like focus and emotional regulation Challenges in communi...

In this episode, Helen and Diane explore the intricate relationship between procrastination and neurodivergence, highlighting practical strategies to better support ourselves and others. Their candid discussion offers insight into the emotional and executive function challenges faced by autistic and ADHD adults. Key Topics Covered: The emotional rollercoaster of procrastination, including the role...

Proprioception and neurodivergence: Understanding your position in the world In this episode of Neurodivergent Nook, Helen and Diane explore the often overlooked sense of proprioception—the body's awareness of its position and movement. They discuss real-life experiences, sensory challenges in daily routines, and practical insights for supporting neurodivergent individuals in various settings. Mai...

Understanding Guilt and Shame as Neurodivergent People In this episode of Neurodivergent Look , Helen and Diane explore the complex emotions of guilt and shame, especially through the lens of neurodivergence. They share personal stories and professional perspectives, uncovering how these feelings manifest in everyday life and strategies to foster self-compassion. Key Topics Covered: The difference...

Lightning Guide to Self-Compassion for Neurodivergent Mind 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. Key Topics: The difference betwee...

Understanding Dyspraxia: Personal Stories and Educational Insights In this episode of Neurodivergent Nook , 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 child...

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. Key topics The emotional impact of diagnosis and the grieving process Personal stori...

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Nook podcast, Helen and Diane share their personal and professional journeys with diagnosis, exploring the pros, cons, and emotional impact for both children and adults. Whether you’re considering a diagnosis or supporting someone who is, these insights shed light on the complexities and importance of understanding neurodivergence. Key Topics Personal stories...

Summary In this episode of Neurodivergent Nook, hosts Helen Neale and Diane Franier explore the concept of autistic energy, sharing personal experiences with burnout and its impact on neurodivergent individuals. They discuss the importance of mindfulness and recovery practices, particularly in the context of children and teenagers facing burnout. The conversation highlights the role of connection,...

This podcast episode explores the complex topic of masking in neurodivergent individuals, highlighting personal experiences, systemic challenges, and strategies for support. Helen Neale and Diane Franer share insights on the emotional toll of masking, unmasking journeys, and how educators and loved ones can foster more accepting environments. Why not check out our other weekly podcasts on all thin...

Unlock the hidden world of interoception: an often overlooked sense that impacts how neurodivergent individuals understand their own bodies and emotions. If you’ve ever wondered why recognizing hunger, thirst, or even pain feels so elusive, this episode reveals the surprising truth behind this vital yet misunderstood sense. Join Helen Neale, a therapist with lived experience of autism and ADHD, an...

Unlock the hidden world of sensory experiences and discover how understanding your sensory needs can transform your daily life. Whether you're neurodivergent or neurotypical, missing this insight means missing out on easier, more enjoyable ways to thrive, especially in hectic environments like school or work. If sensory overwhelm has ever held you back, this episode shows you practical tools to re...

The first episode of Neurodivergent Nook introduces the hosts, Helen Neal and Diane Franer, who share their experiences as neurodivergent individuals. They discuss rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD) and its impact on their lives, as well as the importance of empathy, self-compassion, and adapting to individual needs. The conversation highlights the challenges of seeking clarity, the impact of tra...