Amber Collins

The Neurodivergent Awakening

Health EN ↓ 66 episodes

Hi and welcome to The Neurodivergent Awakening Podcast. I call this the Neurodivergent Awakening because it does genuinely feel over the past few years the world has woken up to Neurodiversity, in particular understanding of Autism and ADHD. I share my lived experience of being early diagnosed Autistic, late diagnosed ADHD and parenting my own neurodivergent child, and share anecdotes, research and tips for things that work for my little family and things I have learned along the way. I really hope to create a safe and inclusive space for anyone going through diagnosis, on waiting lists or si...

Author

Amber Collins

Episodes

Episode 41- Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria 28.04.2023 37:29

This week I explore a much requested subject...RSD! Get your FREE low dopamine ebook here https://linktr.ee/itsambercollins Support the show Follow me on all socials @itsamberco get my free substack! https://neurodivergentamber.substack.com

Episode 40: Being an inconsistent human, handling meltdowns and being a low demand household 21.04.2023 51:21

This week join me as I discuss being more inconsistent than most, handling meltdowns and navigating more parenting challenges as usual, and how we have created a low demand-ish household. EFT Tapping - Brad Yates and Nick Ortner The Tapping Solution Join the bookclub below! Support the show Follow me on all socials @itsamberco get my free substack! https://neurodivergentamber.substack.com

Episode 39-Why Am I Finding Things Harder After Diagnosis? 14.04.2023 29:02

Have you recently been diagnosed and suddenly feel you "can't cope?" This episode explains why that might be... Support the show Follow me on all socials @itsamberco get my free substack! https://neurodivergentamber.substack.com

Episode 38 - How my special interest helped me process my neurodivergence 07.04.2023 59:07

This week I basically info dump my special interest which is manifestation, crystals and all things woo...but there's method to the madness I promise! Using these techniques kick started my whole advocacy and unmasking journey. Books mentioned: Good Vibes Good Life Vex King Just Fucking Do It by Noor Hibbert Do Less by Kate Northrup Support the show Follow me on all socials @itsamberco get my...

Episode 37: 1 Year On Being Diagnosed ADHD 31.03.2023 58:34

Welcome back! This week I reflect on one year of being diagnosed adhd, how I got my diagnosis and how my life has changed in that time. Low Dopamine Morning Ebook https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1440859043/adhd-low-dopamine-morning-guide-and?ref=listings_manager_grid Join the mailing list https://mailchi.mp/5aa1c07a99c6/getyourwallpapers Support the show Follow me on all socials @itsamberco get...

Episode 36: My Big Autistic Burnout 24.03.2023 55:36

Trigger warning: This episode contains mention of baby loss, miscarriage, panic attacks, suicidal ideation, body dysmorphia and eating disorders. This week I am talking about the big burnout I had after years of masking, and what I do now to break that cycle. If you are struggling with these kinds of thoughts here are some helplines: If you are having a difficult time, you can call the Samaritans...

Episode 35: Navigating ADHD and Depression as a Mental Health Pharmacist with Priyanka Patel 17.03.2023 1:11:50

She's baaaaaaack! Thank you SO MUCH for bearing with me whilst I have a little break. I am so excited to share this episode with the wonderful Priyanka Patel who is a mental health pharmacist and crisis worker for the NHS. After being diagnosed with ADHD last year she has created the most incredible platform on TikTok discussing the mental health implications of being an Asian ADHD woman, cut...

Episode 34 - Even with all the knowledge I have, I am not perfect. And that's ok. 03.03.2023 47:39

This week I share a monumental fuck up I made, I the hope you can give yourself some grace too. Support the show Follow me on all socials @itsamberco get my free substack! https://neurodivergentamber.substack.com

Episode 33 - My ADHD Medication Journey 24.02.2023 32:32

Here is my brutally honest account of my ADHD medication journey so far. TW - this episode discusses suicide ideation. Support the show Follow me on all socials @itsamberco get my free substack! https://neurodivergentamber.substack.com

Episode 32 - Self Diagnosis In The Autism and ADHD Community 17.02.2023 49:04

It's been a funny old week, and the media onslaught continues! Here's my take on self diagnosis. Watch Inside The Autistic Mind here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p0bbnh47/inside-our-autistic-minds If you enjoy the pod please rate and review! Support the show Follow me on all socials @itsamberco get my free substack! https://neurodivergentamber.substack.com

Episode 31 - The Best Things About being Neurodivergent 10.02.2023 36:22

Let's get some positivity in this gaff! The whole point of this podcast is to embrace our neurodiversity and honestly I think I have gotten so bogged down I have forgotten that. Let's talk about the good things because there are qualities about being ND that have massively helped me in life. Support the show Follow me on all socials @itsamberco get my free substack! https://neurodiverg...

Episode 30 - Autism and ADHD Survival Techniques, Empathy and Narcissism with Sareta Fontaine 03.02.2023 1:21:29

Join me and friend of the pod Sareta Fontaine as we deep dive into the intricacies of living as a Neurodivergent woman and navigating friendships, empathy and being hunters rather than gatherer ( you'll understand!) Sareta can be found @heysareta on instagram and is the founder of #WWRDigital a women's digital magazine that explores the stories of remarkable women and non–binary people...

Episode 29 - Is it worth seeking an Autism and/or ADHD diagnosis as an adult? 27.01.2023 26:05

THIS EPISODE IS LATE! I am so sorry guys! This week I am discussing a question I get A LOT which is...is it even worth seeking an autism/adhd diagnosis? I would love to hear your thoughts, please come chat to me @itsambercollins_ on instagram and @itsambercollins on TikTok! As ever, please rate the podcast if you're enjoying it Muchos Gracias Love ya Support the show Follow me on all socials...

Episode 28 - The Great Divide In The Autistic Community 20.01.2023 1:20:24

Slightly controversial topic this week, I am discussing the divide in the autism community between adult autistics and parents of autistic people. As an autistic adult who is also the parent of an autistic child I am in this strange limbo where I can actually see both sides of the argument... What are your thoughts? Let me know on Instagram or TikTok! https://linktr.ee/itsambercollins If you are f...

Episode 27- Is the education system failing neurodivergent children, PDA and Isolation with Sophie Cook 13.01.2023 1:17:06

This weeks episode we have the wonderful Sophie Cook from @iamsimplyysophie discussing all things education, PDA why isolation in schools needs to be banned. You can find Sophie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamsimplyysophie/ and Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@iamsimplyysophie?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc You can find Sophie's petition to ban isolation in all schools in Engl...

Episode 26 - Why traditional goal setting does not work for neurodivergents and what you can try instead! 06.01.2023 47:20

Oh it's a New Year and a NEW MEEE...or is it? This weeks episode is a reminder that honour the fact we are still in winter and you may need to rest still, because if natures new year is in spring why can't ours be? This is the literary agent I mention https://www.instagram.com/jessicakillingley/ NEW podcast instagram page https://www.instagram.com/theneurodivergentawakening/ If you enjo...

Episode 25 - Navigating Expectations and Gratitude with Autism 30.12.2022 1:23:37

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! We had such a lovely time and I think it was mainly due to the work I have done to adjust my expectations on how the day will go. Tiktok has been WILD the last few days with parents sharing meltdowns their kids have had christmas morning...(like ffs whyyy) and I want to cover that too. I'm sorry this episode is long and a bit rambly - I missed you gu...

Episode 24 - Accommodating Autism at Christmas 16.12.2022 53:41

Christmas can be so stressful for everyone, but for autistic people it can be so much more. Heres some tips how we navigate christmas as an autistic family. Get your free guide here https://mailchi.mp/203a55ead346/jointhendawakeningcommunity Support the show Follow me on all socials @itsamberco get my free substack! https://neurodivergentamber.substack.com

Episode 23 - Parenting as a Neurodivergent and dealing with overstimulation 02.12.2022 53:05

So tonight I watched Baby Steps with Tommy&Georgia and watching another parents process the fact they have ADHD was like watching my own life being played out. In this episode I talk about what I took away from the series, and how I have adapted and accepted my parenting style because guess what...it's going to be different! Watch the episode here https://www.itv.com/watch/georgia-and-tom...

Episode 22- Being Neurodivergent in the Workplace 25.11.2022 56:25

Did you know only 22% of autistic adults are in full time employment? This episode will be talking about accommodations you can ask for in the workplace, the power of asking for help and tips if you work from home or are self employed. These are relevant for autism, ADHD and dyslexia. Some links for help https://livingautism.com/employment-support-autistic-individuals/ https://psychiatry-uk.com/...

Episode 21 - Transforming your mornings to help with ADHD 18.11.2022 23:17

This week I am talking all about Low Dopamine Mornings, and how these have literally changed my life! I think this could benefit everyone, but especially us ADHDers. This is all about working with your brain and not against it. Let me know how you get on via Instagram or TikTok Keep in touch here! https://linktr.ee/itsambercollins Support the show Follow me on all socials @itsamberco get my free s...

Episode 20 - Does anyone know how we're supposed to do this? 11.11.2022 27:52

I apologise in advance for this episode I am coming off the back of a stomach bugs, but wanted to end a message of solidarity! If you did enjoy this pod please like subscribe and review etc it really helps! Support the show Follow me on all socials @itsamberco get my free substack! https://neurodivergentamber.substack.com

Episode 19 - Busting Autism/ADHD Myths 04.11.2022 54:47

This week I am myth busting some common misconceptions many have about Autism and ADHD. Some of these myths even stop people getting a diagnosis feel free to share this episode with anyone who you feel needs to hear it! Alexithymia, Empathy, and Autism https://livingautism.com/alexithymia-empathy-autism/ If you enjoy the pod please rate review and subscribe! Thank you thank you thank you Support...

Episode 18 - The Things I Have Learnt Since my ADHD Diagnosis ADHD Awareness Month 28.10.2022 49:06

Life lessons I have learned since my ADHD diagnosis and a medication update! How I got my ADHD diagnosis video https://www.instagram.com/p/CeMdChCl-o1/ Support the show Follow me on all socials @itsamberco get my free substack! https://neurodivergentamber.substack.com

Episode 17 - Why Autistic and ADHD Children Are Not Naughty 20.10.2022 28:35

Inspired by the Jo Frost of Supernanny fame uproar...why neurodivergent children are not naughty! If you enjoy this episode please subscribe and rate and review. Support the show Follow me on all socials @itsamberco get my free substack! https://neurodivergentamber.substack.com