Thriving With an Invisible Disability – Michelle Steiner’s Journey of Resilience, Creativity, and Advocacy
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
Release Date: 09/15/2025
Between Places: ADHD, Identity, and the Beauty of Being a Generalist with Nathan Stafford-King
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
Guest: Nathan Stafford-King. Paul sits down with Nathan, a storyteller, photographer, and theatre director whose life has unfolded across the UK, Germany, Denmark, India, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Mexico, and now Canada. Together, they explore how ADHD can be misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and masked, especially when moving through different systems and cultures. Nathan opens up about early signs in childhood, the impact of a later misdiagnosis, and the moment he finally sought an ADHD assessment after realizing that even “doing everything right” (sleep, routines, food, exercise)...
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Supporting Neurodiverse Learners with Dr. Emily Levy – Time Management, Organization, Reading, Writing & Math Strategies
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
Guest: Dr. Emily Levy, founder of EBL Coaching, to unpack practical, research-based strategies that help neurodiverse students thrive. From time management and organization to reading, writing, and math, Dr. Levy shares powerful tools rooted in executive functioning and multisensory instruction. You’ll learn how techniques such as ET vs. AT time-tracking, the three-tiered organization system, visual brainstorming webs, and Orton-Gillingham reading instruction transform learning for students with ADHD and dyslexia. Dr. Levy also offers guidance for parents, quick wins students can...
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Learning to See: Why Understanding Neurodivergent Brains Changes Everything with Jeff Brown
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
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Understanding Childhood Dyslexia: Early Signs, Diagnosis, and Support with Author Lynn Greenberg
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
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Building Belonging with NeuroMatch (ft. Kiran Rodriguez)
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
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Disability Justice, Lived Experience & Media: A Conversation with Andrew Letchuk
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
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Turning Dyslexia into Storytelling Power with Nellie Nakhel of Lovely Life Library
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
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Breaking Barriers in Adult Autism Diagnosis with Dr. Gregory Skinner, M.D.
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
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Building Sensory-Safe Spaces with Cynthia Miller-Lautman
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
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“Share Your Voice” Segment: Late diagnoses, Lifelong clarity: Stories from Gabe & Stacey
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
info_outlineGuest: Michelle Steiner, a writer, photographer, paraeducator, and disability advocate who lives with an invisible disability.
In this powerful and inspiring episode of the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, hosts Paul Cruz and Gino Akbari sit down with Michelle Steiner.
Michelle shares her deeply personal journey of being told what she couldn’t do—only to go on and earn her college degree, publish widely, advocate for students with disabilities, and build a meaningful creative career. Through heartfelt storytelling, Michelle sheds light on the realities of invisible disabilities, self-advocacy, resilience, relationships, and the power of creativity as healing and expression.
This episode is a must-listen for neurodivergent individuals, educators, parents, caregivers, and advocates seeking hope, understanding, and actionable insight.
Powerful Takeaways
- Invisible disabilities are real—even when they can’t be seen.
- Success doesn’t mean a disability disappears.
- Strength-based education changes lives.
- Advocacy starts with knowing your needs and speaking up.
- Creativity can be both a voice and a form of healing.
- The right relationships honour access needs—not judge them.
Memorable Quotes
“Just because people can’t see my disability doesn’t mean it’s not there.”
“I did it afraid. And when I started focusing on what I could do, I began to see success.”
“Having a disability isn’t a weakness—it can become a strength.”
Connect with Michelle:
Website: https://www.michellesmission.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.steiner.493966/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steiner7250/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-steiner-0573ba260/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/michellesmission.bsky.social
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