Carly talks about Anxiety
Your Voice Matters
"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 struggle to find rationality in anxious moments, and practical coping strategies that help her family navigate daily challenges. From mindfulness techniques to the exhaustion of masking,...
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Music, Regulation & Play with Bella Ely
Your Voice Matters
"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 in foster care and orphanages. She explains her unique approach to online music sessions that combine creativity, play, and emotional regulation strategies, helping children and their families...
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Malaika (MK) on Life in our Shoes & Finding your Spark
Your Voice Matters
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) In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob chats with Malaika, a multi-creative advocate who shares their journey of navigating multiple disabilities, childhood trauma, and discovering...
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Strength and Resilience in Neurodivergence with Belinda Moscoso
Your Voice Matters
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 experiences of living with chronic illness. Together, they explore the importance of acceptance, resilience, inclusivity, and the power of advocacy in breaking down stigma. This episode...
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Connecting with Children through Theatre and Play with Mick Collins
Your Voice Matters
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 working with SEND children and children with trauma backgrounds, showing how theatre, play, and sensory experiences can open up communication and connection. Together, they explore the importance of safe...
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The Passion That Drives My Music with Dale Dixon
Your Voice Matters
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 journey, and his dreams of performing around the world. "We can tell our own self that we love our own disability, whether you're blind or visually impaired or whatever your disability is. Be...
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Neurodiversity and Friendship with MissNatasha Connects
Your Voice Matters
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 advocate for neurodivergent communities. Together, they explore what real, affirming friendship looks like for neurodivergent people. “Having someone that really accepts you for you, your whole....
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ADHD, education, coming out, and the LGBTQA community with Andrea Schiff
Your Voice Matters
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 that often misunderstands both. Together, they reflect on the power of supportive communities, the need to challenge harmful narratives, and the importance of being truly seen and accepted. This...
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Riko Ryuki’s journey and the link with the LGBTQ+ community
Your Voice Matters
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 parent, advocate, and writer, about their journey through autism, gender, and identity. Riko shares how discovering they are agender and asexual helped them feel more whole, and why language and...
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Navigating Parenthood with PDA and Autism with Nia Zihni
Your Voice Matters
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 life with her autistic son, who has a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile. Nia shares the emotional and practical realities of parenting, including managing sensory needs, meltdowns, and...
info_outline"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 and stigmas associated with being neurodivergent, from self-identification and masking to the struggle of communicating in conventional ways.
Together, they explore the transformative power of accepting neurodiversity, the significance of self-advocacy, and the role of supportive communities in helping neurodivergent individuals thrive. Kareena also discusses the importance of resources, awareness, and individualised approaches in managing daily challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding and embracing neurodiversity can be life-changing.
- Self-advocacy is crucial for navigating challenges and accessing the right support.
- Diagnosis and awareness can foster personal growth and self-acceptance.
- Medication and strategies play different roles in managing symptoms - it’s about what works for the individual.
"We all process the world differently and having the right support makes all the difference."
About Kareena:
Kareena Kai is an autistic adult and the founder of Busy Bees Inc Club CIC, an initiative dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for neurodivergent individuals. She is passionate about raising awareness, challenging stigmas, and advocating for the importance of understanding different communication styles. Through her work, she empowers others to embrace their identities and access the support they need.
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