Different by Design: A Journey of Neurodivergent Self-Discovery with Tamsyn Hawken
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
Release Date: 05/28/2025
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)...
info_outlineThe 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...
info_outlineThe Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
info_outlineThe Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
info_outlineThe Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
info_outlineThe Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
info_outlineThe Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
info_outlineThe Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
info_outlineThe Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
info_outlineThe Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
info_outlineGuest: Tamsyn Hawken, a mental health mentor supporting university students across the UK, shares her powerful journey of self-discovery, autism, and ADHD diagnoses, and how being a queer neurodivergent woman shapes her unique mentoring approach.
Growing up in a rural village, Tamsyn found a supportive environment but struggled with a lack of representation and understanding, which delayed her awareness of neurodivergence. She emphasizes the critical need for safe, inclusive spaces where individuals can explore their identities, unmask, and embrace their differences, symbolized by her metaphor of a zebra among horses.
Tamsyn highlights systemic barriers in academia, advocating for genuine inclusivity and cultural change. Through mentoring and developing online courses on self-advocacy, she empowers neurodivergent students to find their voice, navigate challenges with kindness, and celebrate their authentic selves.
This episode offers vital insights into neurodivergent identity, community support, unmasking, and empowerment, encouraging listeners to practice self-kindness on their unique journeys.
How does embracing being “different by design” transform neurodivergent self-discovery and belonging?
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