In this episode Caitlin and Teena discussed the executive functioning challenges faced by Autistic folks and ADHDers, including difficulties in flexibility, stress tolerance, emotional regulation, sustained attention, working memory, and task initiation. They also shared their personal and professional experiences and strategies for managing these challenges, emphasising the importance of understanding and accommodating these differences. Additionally, they explored the role of emotion regulation in the diagnosis of ADHD and the unique strengths of Autistic folks in executive functioning. For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below: Caitlin Hughes Cathartic Collaborations https://catharticcollaborations.com.au/ Social media: @cathartic.collaborations Teena Mogler Balance Centre for Mental Health https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au/ Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/divergentdialogues/message

Caitlin and Teena dive into the fascinating topic of executive functioning of Autistic folks and ADHDers. They shed light on the executive functioning challenges faced, emphasising the importance of acknowledging and addressing these struggles. They explore differences in brain structure and connectivity in Autistic folks and ADHDers. They discuss stress and its effect on executive functioning challenges, along with the societal and work contexts that can pose additional hurdles. Caitlin and Teena provide personal insights and strategies for managing these challenges, leaving listeners with a deeper understanding of executive function and its impact on everyday life. For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below: Caitlin Hughes Cathartic Collaborations https://catharticcollaborations.com.au/ Social media: @cathartic.collaborations Teena Mogler Balance Centre for Mental Health https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au/ Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/divergentdialogues/message

Caitlin and Teena shared their experiences and challenges with dating and social interactions as Autistic folks. They discussed the difficulties in navigating societal norms and expectations in relationships. They acknowledged that these challenges add complexity to the dating process for Autistic folks. They emphasised the importance of direct communication, prioritising personal needs in relationships, finding unique solutions to problems, and the need for understanding and accommodation of individual needs. They also highlighted the importance of structure, communication, consent, flexibility, and growth in relationships. For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below: Caitlin Hughes Cathartic Collaborations https://catharticcollaborations.com.au/ Social media: @cathartic.collaborations Teena Mogler Balance Centre for Mental Health https://www.balancecentreformentalhea... Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/divergentdialogues/message

Caitlin and Teena discussed the challenges faced by ADHDers in romantic relationships, including impulsivity, rejection sensitivity and attention regulation. They emphasised the importance of understanding and respecting these challenges, along with the need for establishing healthy boundaries. The conversation further explored the importance of understanding neurotypical expectations in relationships and how ADHDers might approach managing these expectations. They also explored the challenges faced in relationships when one partner is an ADHDer and the importance of equity in relationships. They emphasised the importance of balance and mindfulness in relationships, noting that it's crucial to address one's own needs while also considering your partner's needs. Don't forget to explore our previous episodes! For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below: Caitlin Hughes Cathartic Collaborations https://catharticcollaborations.com.au/ Social media: @cathartic.collaborations Teena Mogler Balance Centre for Mental Health https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au/ Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/divergentdialogues/message

Topic - Self Esteem Teena and Caitlin delved into the significance of self esteem and the unique challenges faced by Autistic folks and ADHDers. They also explored the detrimental impact of external influences and societal perceptions on Autistic folks and ADHDers, emphasising the need for understanding, acceptance, and focusing on individual strengths. The conversation delves into the effects of sensory overload, difficulties in social interaction, struggles with memory and the 'double empathy problem'. Additionally, they discussed the importance of mindfulness, self-acceptance, and supportive relationships in boosting self esteem. Don't forget to explore our previous episodes! For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below: Caitlin Hughes Cathartic Collaborations https://catharticcollaborations.com.au/ Social media: @cathartic.collaborations Teena Mogler Balance Centre for Mental Health https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au/ Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/divergentdialogues/message

Topic - Self Esteem Teena and Caitlin discussed self-esteem in the first episode of their show, "Divergent Dialogues". They emphasised its importance, particularly for Autistic folks and ADHDers. Caitlin highlighted self-esteem's role in coping, resilience, and trying new things. They also explored the neurological and psychological aspects of self-esteem, including the amygdala, hormones, and neurotransmitters. They considered how a lack of understanding can contribute to low self-esteem in Autistic folks and ADHDers. Caitlin and Teena explored challenges faced by Autistic folks, emphasising the impact of early experiences of social rejection and exclusion on their development. The conversation also touched on self-esteem and the role of parents in supporting their children while attending to their own needs. They emphasised building a strong foundation of self-esteem in children to help them be their authentic selves in the world. Teena and Caitlin explored the stigma surrounding ADHD diagnosis and medication. They stressed the importance of understanding brain differences. The impact of this stigma on self-esteem was acknowledged, along with the harmful message that individuals with ADHD and autism aren't trying hard enough to overcome their challenges. Don't forget to explore our previous episodes! For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below: Caitlin Hughes Cathartic Collaborations https://catharticcollaborations.com.au/ Social media: @cathartic.collaborations Teena Mogler Balance Centre for Mental Health https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au/ Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/divergentdialogues/message

Topic - Introductory Episode IMPORTANT: Watch this episode first as it's the introductory episode for Divergent Dialogues which will help to provide context for all the following episodes. Caitlin and Teena, both Accredited Mental Health Social Workers in private practice in Brisbane, shared their experiences as Autistic/ADHDers and how these have influenced their therapeutic approaches. They also discussed their current roles as academic tutors and their upcoming PhDs. Caitlin's research will focus on autistic mental health, while Teena's will explore women's experiences in accessing assessment and diagnosis of neurodiversity in adulthood. During their conversation, Caitlin and Teena delved into the multidimensional approach to human development (Harms, 2021), which encompasses the inner dimensions of biopsychosocial and spiritual aspects, as well as the outer dimensions of relationships and environment. They underscored the importance of acknowledging the intricacy and diversity of Autism and ADHD, which can be influenced by cultural and familial factors. As social workers, Caitlin and Teena shared their approach to working with Autistic folks and ADHDers, emphasising their dedication to social justice, human rights, and empowering individuals. They also revealed their plans to launch a fortnightly podcast to further delve into these topics. Here is a link to the diagram of the multidimensional approach to human development (Harms, 2021) discussed during the episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oFrnuLZby5EZRNT_XXF1Il7weRKUpiLX/view?usp=drive_link For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below: Caitlin Hughes Cathartic Collaborations https://catharticcollaborations.com.au/ Social media: @cathartic.collaborations Teena Mogler Balance Centre for Mental Health https://www.balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au/ Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/divergentdialogues/message