Your Voice Matters

What if exhaustion wasn't a character flaw but your brain working twice as hard just to get through the day? We're exploring autism, ADHD, burnout, and why understanding your needs matter. "We're like a beautiful constellation, and we all have differences and you've got a place where you fit in." In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob is joined by Lyric Rivera (also known online as the...

Trigger warning: This episode touches on themes of childhood bullying, internalised shame and medical trauma, autistic burnout. What if everything that made life harder finally had a name and started to make sense? We're exploring late autism and ADHD diagnosis. "There's not one way to be autistic. There's as many ways to be autistic as there are autistic people in the world." In this episode of Y...

How do we ensure disability, ADHD and neurodivergence inclusion at work (and personal life). That's the topic of this week's podcast episode. "Life sometimes is difficult and we are thrown lots of different hands. It's about getting back to self-acceptance. Put your own oxygen mask on first. It's not selfish, it's necessary." Hannah Gibson, founder of a disability inclusion consultancy and registe...

Why is people pleasing so common in the neurodivergent community? We discuss that very topic on this week's episode of the podcast. "It is what it is. If people don't wanna be friends with me, it is what it is. Every day should be a learning day. Every day should be a day to work on yourself and your confidence." Asma welcomes back autism advocate Carly Considine to explore the often overlooked to...

How do we amplify student voices when it comes to SEND education? Neurodiversity and inclusion specialist, Alex Silk, comes on the podcast to discuss. "We need to be asking how they feel about their school experience. Do they feel a part of that whole school dynamic? Do they belong?" In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob welcomes Alex Silk, with 12 years of expertise in special educati...

What if the key to helping your child navigate school transitions isn't about removing their anxiety but giving them the tools to transform it? "On the other side of fear is the thing that you want." In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob welcomes Sam Bowley, a hypnotherapist specialising in anxiety management for neurodivergent children and young people. Sam shares her experience runni...

"When I put my mind to something, I get it. No matter what's in my way, I get it."   In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Chris, a hypnotherapist and former paramedic who shares her journey with dyslexia.    For decades, Chris kept her dyslexia hidden, carrying shame from being labeled 'a bit slow' as a child in the 1970s. From hairdressing to becoming a paramedic and even...

"Anxiety is more than nothing. It's extremely exhausting and debilitating. It's okay not to be okay." Anxiety doesn't always need a reason and it's never "nothing." In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Carly Considine, an autistic adult and mother of autistic children, about the reality of living with heightened anxiety.  Carly shares personal stories of panic attacks, the...

"We sing, we create, we play, we have fun and it can't be one without the other." In this episode of Your Voice Matters , Asma Jacob speaks with Bella Ely, a music teacher with 23 years of teaching experience who specialises in working with autistic children. Bella shares how she discovered the power of music as a tool for emotional regulation early in her career, working with vulnerable children...

Trigger warning: This episode discusses childhood trauma, sexual abuse, medical trauma, paralysis, and societal discrimination. Living with a disability and neurodivergence while defying the odds, Malaika (MK) proves that medical expectations don't define your journey and achievements. "Find your spark. Go make your soul happy. Do what you love, and let's heal this world together." - Malaika (MK)...

Trigger warning: This episode includes honest discussion about isolation, stigma, and the challenges of living with chronic illness.   In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Belinda Moscoso, a passionate advocate for the neurodivergent and SEND communities.   Belinda shares her journey of receiving a late diagnosis of ADHD and autism alongside her son, as well as her experie...

Trigger warning: This episode touches on themes of trauma, isolation, and the impact of the pandemic on children's mental health. Please take care while listening. In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob chats with Mick Collins, a storyteller, theatre practitioner, leading practitioner in Trauma Informed Practice, and educator. Mick shares his creative and compassionate approach to worki...

Trigger warning: This episode briefly discusses challenges faced by disabled and neurodivergent individuals, including social isolation and stigma. In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Dale Dixon, a passionate musician and advocate from the neurodivergent community. Dale shares how his love for music began with his mother's influence, the challenges and joys of his musical...

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions around friendship challenges, feelings of isolation, and the emotional impact of not being accepted for who you are. While the conversation is uplifting, some listeners may find these themes emotionally sensitive. In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob speaks with MissNatasha Connect, an author, digital educator, and passionate adv...

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of isolation, stigma, and the emotional challenges of coming out. Listener discretion advised. In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Andrea Schiff, a proud trans woman, neurodivergent advocate, and creative spirit. Andrea shares her journey navigating life with ADHD and dyslexia while exploring gender identity in a world th...

Trigger Warning: This episode explores themes of identity, including autism, gender, and asexuality. It touches on feelings of isolation, confusion, and the emotional impact of not having the language to describe one's experience. These topics may be sensitive for some listeners. Please listen with care. In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Riko Ryuki, a neurodivergent par...

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses the emotional challenges of parenting a neurodivergent child, including topics such as burnout, meltdowns, sensory overload, and parental guilt. Some listeners may find these themes emotionally sensitive or triggering. Please take care while listening. In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Nia Zihni, a neurodivergent parent navigating...

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of chronic illness, physical pain, medical trauma, and the emotional impact of living with invisible conditions. Listener discretion is advised. "The more experience you have with something, the less hard it gets. The more knowledge, the more wisdom you have about it. It's freeing your mind." — Carolyne Shallop In this episode, host Asma Jacob spe...

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of stigma, isolation, and parental guilt, which may be sensitive for some listeners. In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob speaks with Karen Brennan, a family practitioner, advocate, and mother, about her journey supporting neurodivergent children and families.  Karen shares her personal and professional insights into recognising...

"I reduce demands before an activity so that my anxiety reduces." In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob chats with Julia Daunt, a passionate advocate for the neurodivergent community. Julia shares her lived experience with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and ADHD, offering insights into how she overcame the challenges she faced from childhood and adulthood.  She discusses the lack...

"If we don't take breaks, we burn out. Accept help where you can." In this episode of Your Voice Matters , Asma Jacob speaks with Folashade Dan-Oketola, a parent, caregiver, and advocate for the neurodivergent and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) community. Folashade shares her journey of parenting an autistic child, highlighting the importance of understanding neurodiversity and...

"As an autistic individual, as somebody that's neurodiverse, the ability to organise information and filter out what's important, all those kinds of things, they don't come naturally to us." In this episode of Your Voice Matters , host Asma Jacob speaks with Kareena Kai, an autistic adult and the founder of Busy Bees Inc Club CIC. Kareena shares her personal journey of navigating the challenges an...

"The diagnosis is not a label, it's a key. It's a key to understanding." In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob speaks with psychotherapist and coach Jen Slaton, who has extensive experience working with the neurodivergent community. Jen shares her personal and professional journey, highlighting the impact of late diagnosis on mental health and the importance of a holistic approach...

"Masking is a form of trying to fit into social norms—pretending to be someone you're not. It comes at a cost: burnout, anxiety, and mental health challenges." In this episode of Your Voice Matters , host Asma Jacob welcomes back advocate Carly Considine for another insightful conversation about masking within the neurodivergent community. Carly shares her experiences as an autistic adult and moth...

"We all should be thoughtful of each other. Whether we see something or don't see something, we should all be treated with respect, politeness, and a willingness to learn and grow from whomever we're interacting with." In this episode of Your Voice Matters , host Asma Jacob speaks with Antonio Myers, a dedicated disability advocate and host of the TonioTimeDaily podcast. Antonio shares his inspiri...