Season 7 Episode 6: High Support Needs and Autism with Sienna Macalister
This week, Monique chats with Sienna Macalister (they/them), known by their Instagram handle @sienna.stims, about being an Autistic person with high support needs. Sienna is a non-binary, ‘unreliably speaking’ Autistic advocate diagnosed with Autism Level 3. They are multiply neurodivergent and have several co-occurring health conditions, including Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1).
Together, Monique and Sienna explore what ‘unreliably speaking’ means, the broader definition of neurodivergence beyond Autism and ADHD, Sienna’s early diagnosis experiences, the evolution of their neurodivergent identity, using mobility and communication supports, affirming versus non-affirming therapies, the impact of lateral violence and internalised ableism, suggestions for greater inclusion, and Sienna’s current special interest: budgie breeding.
Season 7, Episode 5: Neurodivergence and Teens with Dr Michelle Garnett
On today’s episode we are deeply honoured to have Dr Michelle Garnett speaking with us about neurodivergence in the teen years, as well as her own life experience as a neurodivergent woman.
Dr Garnett is a clinical psychologist, author, and late-diagnosed AuDHDer, and she has worked in the autistic community for over 30 years. Listeners would likely know her as the co-founder of Attwood & Garnett Events, with Professor Tony Attwood. Dr Garnett is a leading voice in neuro-affirming care, research, and advocacy.
We talk about what neurodivergence means to Michelle, her experience of anxiety, why the teen years can be so hard, identity formation, emotional overwhelm in parents, what to watch for when a teen is struggling, how to support them, and her five messages for neurodivergent young people.
Season 7, Episode 4: FND (Functional Neurological Disorder) with Simone Mangelsdorf-Collett
We’re super excited to bring you this week’s episode with Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist, Simone Mangelsdorf-Collett (she/her). We chat with Simone about Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), or as Simone puts it, “the most common disorder you’ve never heard of”.
In this episode, we cover what Functional Neurological Disorder is and how it differs from other neurological disorders, what the term ‘functional’ means in this context, the historical context and evolution of our understanding of FND, some of the known mechanisms and triggers behind FND, the overlap between FND, neurodivergence, and gender, treatment options, and Simone’s work in FND advocacy and education.
Season 7, Episode 3: Neurodivergence in Chinese Culture with Sharen Lui
In this episode, Monique explores the intersection of neurodivergence and Chinese culture with Sharen Lui. Sharen is a neurodivergent Educational and Developmental Psychologist, and the Director of Sprout Psychology Melbourne. Together, they discuss what neurodivergence means to Sharen and the driving force behind establishing Sprout Psychology, Sharen’s path to discovering her own neurodivergence, and the role of her cultural identity in this process.
They explore the impact of words and language on the perception of neurodivergence in Chinese culture, the importance of meeting CALD families ‘where they are at’, and how Chinese cultural norms interact with neurodivergence, including filial piety, gendered expectations, and behavioural norms. Sharen also shares insights on masking, barriers to accessing culturally competent care, and working with CALD groups.
Season 7, Episode 2: Unschooling with Sari González and Becka Koritz
This week, we chat with Sari González and Becka Koritz, co-founders of Radical Learning, about unschooling and alternative education. As mums to neurodivergent unschoolers and youth rights advocates, they challenge conventional education and parenting, helping families unlearn control-based methods and embrace trust, consent, and youth agency. We explore the differences between homeschooling and unschooling, the internal work of de-schooling—including confronting our inner Mrs. Trunchbull—and how unschooling honours neurodivergent learning styles. We also unpack the myth of resilience, questioning whether forcing kids through hardship actually helps them.
Season 7, Episode 1: Learning and Memory
We’re kicking off Season 7 with a deep dive into learning and memory—perfect for those who love an info dump! This episode explores the four key stages of memory, what affects perception and encoding, and the different types of memory, from working to long-term. We look at how neurodivergent brains process and recall information, the impact of hormonal changes on memory for women and AFAB people, and what influences memory retention over time. To wrap up, we share practical strategies for improving memory, from movement and environmental adjustments to structured learning techniques.