The Neurodivergent Experience

In this week's Hot Topic , we dive headfirst into the swirling storm of ignorance, outrage, and eye rolls sparked by Reform Party Leader Nigel Farage MP’s latest comments on SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) individuals in the UK. From tone-deaf soundbites to a complete misunderstanding of what being a victim actually means, Farage once again proves that when it comes to empathy an...

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott speak with Speaker and Advocate, Asher Jenner, who shares their journey of navigating childhood struggles, school bullying and the complexities of PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), the impact of trauma on mental health, and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals navigating CHaMs, particularly in rel...

In this weeks Hot Topic, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott discuss the alarming new proposals for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in the UK, which could lead to 90% of current standard daily living awards failing on renewal. Here's what we cover in this episode: We share personal experiences with the PIP application process, highlighting the struggles faced by those with disabilities, particu...

This episode isn't just good, it's sofa king good! Ever catch yourself - or someone else - repeating the same phrase again and again? Why do Neurodivergent people repeat words or phrases over and over? Is it just mimicry or something more meaningful? In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott are once again joined by in-house therapist Ashley Bentley to di...

In this weeks Hot Topic, Jordan James and Simon Scott explore the complexities of who should play neurodivergent roles on screen and the stereotypes that often arise in media portrayals, particularly focusing on the recent BBC One comedy 'Austin'. Here's what we cover in this episode: The need for neurodivergent actors, and the responsibility of media creators to provide accurate and respectful re...

In this episode Jordan James and Simon Scott chat about one of the worlds most famous and loved tv shows, the Simpsons. Why do we relate to this cartoon family so much and how does the show serve as a medium to explain and represent Autism and ADHD people? Plus we discuss why the titular family aren't the only autistic-coded characters in Springfield who reflect and resonate with the experiences o...

HOT HOT HOT! In our first standalone Hot Topic episode (released every Friday) we discuss and debunk the inaccurate remarks made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr (26th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services) in responding to a new report from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. This report claims that rates of Autism had increased to one in 31 among 8-year-olds. We analy...

In this episode Jordan and Simon return to a topic that they first discussed right at the beginning of Season 1 of The Neurodivergent experience - Meltdowns and Emotional Regulation . Its been over a year since they first talked about meltdowns and life could not be more different for either of our hosts. So what has changed and how has Simon's perspective and coping strategies changed now he has...

In this episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott, are joined by Jordan's autistic daughter Sophie. Sophie recalls her experiences as a diagnosed women at university interacting with friends, colleagues and lecturers who are yet to recognise or accept they are neurodivergent. We explore how important it is to self-identify rather than self-diagnose, the shocking...

In this episode, Simon Scott and Jordan James share and discuss three hot topics about Autism and ADHD as they celebrate Autism Acceptance Month. They critique a recent article in The Independent that reflects on the themes of the last episodes hot topic around Bella Ramsey being diagnosed Autistic. The articles author dismisses self diagnosis as 'armchair diagnoses', bashes social media advocatin...

In this engaging conversation, Simon Scott and Jordan James explore various themes including neurotypical interactions, the transition to full-time podcasting and the thought-provoking show 'Severance'. They delve into the concept of 'innies' and 'outies' as a metaphor for the duality of self in the context of neurodivergence. They discuss the impact of past experiences on character building, the...

In this conversation, Jordan and Simon discuss the concept of time blindness, with both speakers sharing their experiences and perspectives on managing time and procrastination in their daily lives. They share their tips and experiences around the intricacies of their morning preparations and daily routines, the struggles they face with time management, the challenges of demand avoidance, and the...

In this conversation Jordan James and Simon Scott, speak with resident therapist Ashley Bentley about the the impact of RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) on mental health, nervous system regulation and self-soothing techniques to manage anxiety and overwhelming feelings. They discuss the importance of visual stimuli in creating a comforting environment, the inner critic stemming from childhood t...

In this conversation, Jordan and Simon discuss their personal experiences with anxiety sickness, particularly in relation to life changes and global events. They explore the impact of moving house, the nature of anxiety, and how it can manifest physically and emotionally. The discussion also touches on the overwhelming empathy felt towards global crises and the challenges of staying informed witho...

In this engaging conversation, Jordan James and Simon Scott explore the themes of self-care, stress management, and the psychology behind collecting and purchasing items. They share personal experiences with financial management and the impact of obsessions on their lives, particularly in relation to their neurodivergent experiences. They explore the themes of nostalgia, how childhood experiences...

In this conversation, Simon Scott and Jordan James talk to Chris Ash, an autistic student at the University of Exeter, exploring the challenges and experiences of navigating university life as neurodivergent individuals. They discuss the impact of chaotic living environments, the importance of self-awareness, and the fears associated with transitioning into the challenges of navigating adult life....

In this engaging conversation, Jordan James, Simon Scott, and Ashley Bentley explore the importance of embracing one's inner child, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. They discuss personal experiences, the healing power of connecting with the inner child, and the role of hypnotherapy in this process. The conversation delves into the impact of synaptic pruning on mental health, the danger...

In this episode, Jordan James and Simon Scott discuss their personal journeys with accepting their neurodivergence. They share their experiences with pain, positivity, and the challenges of navigating societal perceptions of autism and ADHD. They discuss the impact of societal expectations on individuals with disabilities, the importance of recognizing and addressing internalized ableism, and the...

In this episode, Jordan James and Simon Scott reconnect for Season 2, sharing their personal journeys of growth, mental health, and the neurodivergent experience. They discuss the importance of focusing on what can be controlled, the challenges of moving house, and reflections on their Christmas experiences. They discuss Simon's journey of unmasking his neurodivergence, the impact of supportive fr...

The Neurodivergent Experience podcast is back with Season 2! This is a podcast where we share the lived experiences of Neurodivergent people to help create a better understanding for our community. Join us every week as we bring you honest, raw, and inspiring conversations with specialists, advocates, and individuals who know what it’s like to live the Neurodivergent experience. Meet Jordan James,...

In our final episode of the year and our first season, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott reflect on their experiences and growth throughout 2024, discussing starting a podcast, personal achievements, family dynamics, and the challenges they faced as neurodivergent individuals. We encapsulate a year of significant personal development and connection, our mental health journeys, the impact of signi...

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott discuss various themes around the infamous Autistic sense of justice. We share our personal anecdotes and insights on dealing with liars, how past experiences of violence and trauma shape our current behaviours and perceptions, particularly regarding trust and disingenuousness. We delve into the complexities of em...

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, hosts Jordan James and Simon Scott explore the multifaceted aspects of being Autistic at Christmas, discussing their personal traditions and the ups and downs of the holiday season. We explore various aspects of Christmas, from personal traditions and family dynamics to the anxieties and expectations that come with the holiday season. We discuss th...

In this episode we answer your questions! We will be doing more episodes like this weekly in addition to our Thursday episodes in the new year! If you have any questions for us email us at theneurodivergentexperience@gmail.com and use Mailbag in the subject line. Who knows, we could answer yours next! SPONSER: Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.co...

"Don't worry. Everyone is a little Autistic". In this episode we delve into the complexities that come from Neurotypicals saying the wrong thing to us, especially Autistic, ADHD or AuDHD people. We discuss the harmful nature of functioning labels, the need for updated language around the disabling sides of neurodivergence and for greater understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity in society as...