Summary: In this episode, Sam Marion speaks with Erin Alexander—neurodivergent parent, educator, and artist—about her journey through online and offline advocacy, the importance of community care, and the daily realities of parenting autistic children. They explore how Erin balances her own needs with those of her children, how she navigates social media with intention, and how micro-moments of regulation can build sustainability for caregivers. The conversation offers both encouragement and tangible insights for neurodivergent families and advocates. Quotes: “I want to share what I’m learning—but not at the expense of my own mental well-being.” “Sometimes our self-care has to include our kids—and that’s okay.” “When we model that we have needs to our kids, then our kids grow up knowing it’s okay to meet their own.” Contact Information: Instagram: @spinsandstomps (https://www.instagram.com/spinsandstomps) Keywords: Neurodivergence Autism PDA parenting Self-regulation Screen time Advocacy Parenting autistic children Neurodivergent creators Family balance Caregiver sustainability Inclusive communities Follow the show to make sure you don't miss any episodes! You can also connect with me on Instagram on my show page @NeurodivergentSpot (https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentspot/)or my professional page @sammarioncounseling (https://www.instagram.com/sammarioncounseling/). Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Summary: In this solo episode of Neurodivergent Spot, Sam Marion shares personal updates and reflections on recent changes, national events, and the evolving landscape of neurodiversity advocacy. Sam discusses why the podcast is shifting to a biweekly release schedule and reflects on his experiences presenting at major national conferences. He also dives into important and heavy current events, including the death of Victor Perez and concerning political rhetoric about autism. Drawing on his background as a trauma therapist and lived experience as a multiply neurodivergent person, Sam offers heartfelt insights on the intersections of race, disability, policing, and advocacy. This candid episode invites listeners to reflect, stay connected, and continue pushing for a world that recognizes and affirms neurodivergent lives. Quotes: "A lot of trauma-informed approaches work really, really well with the autistic community — being sensory aware, being aware of things that might startle somebody — that's trauma-informed and that's also neurodiversity-informed." "The idea of a registry is terrifying for so many people. It feels like we've gone back almost a hundred years." "Advocacy shows up in so many places, and we've all got to keep it going." Keywords: Neurodivergence Autism ADHD Neurodiversity advocacy Trauma-informed care Disability and policing Systemic ableism Neurodiversity affirming practices Follow the show to make sure you don't miss any episodes! You can also connect with me on Instagram on my show page @NeurodivergentSpot (https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentspot/)or my professional page @sammarioncounseling (https://www.instagram.com/sammarioncounseling/). Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot, Sam Marion talks with ADHD productivity and technology coach Brittany Smith. With a background in cognitive neuroscience, Brittany brings insight and humor to a conversation about burnout, brain breaks, body doubling, and the surprising power of the right tech tools. They discuss common myths about productivity, how to work with your brain, and the importance of joyful downtime. Quotes: "Your brain's going to have a downtime—either it's scrolling you'll feel bad about, or it's going to be a fun thing on purpose." "We can’t trick ourselves out of needing rest, hobbies, or joy. Happy brains work better." "If the task just needs to get done, the number one tool for ADHD brains is body doubling—every time." Contact Information: Devise and Conquer Coaching (https://conquer.consulting/) Keywords: ADHD productivity Body doubling Neurodivergent technology tools Burnout and ADHD Executive functioning tools Cognitive neuroscience Follow the show to make sure you don't miss any episodes! You can also connect with me on Instagram on my show page @NeurodivergentSpot (https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentspot/)or my professional page @sammarioncounseling (https://www.instagram.com/sammarioncounseling/). Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Summary: In this powerful episode, Sam Marion sits down with Erick Petterman—brain aneurysm survivor, dyslexic adult, and emotional healing coach—to discuss neurodivergence, trauma, and the journey from shame to self-empowerment. Erick shares his personal story of surviving childhood bullying, living with dyslexia before it was widely understood, and healing from a life-changing brain aneurysm. He now helps others overcome low-vibration emotions and reclaim their identity as victors, not victims. This episode explores acquired neurodivergence, emotional healing practices, and the importance of identifying core values. Quotes: “You're not just a trauma survivor. You are a trauma overcomer.” “All emotions have value. Our low-vibration emotions just have different values.” “Write down your core values—and let them define you.” Contact Information: Website: Divine Soul Sanctum (https://divinesoulsanctum.com/) Instagram: @divinesoulsanctum (https://www.instagram.com/divinesoulsanctum) Email: erick@divinesoulsanctum.com (mailto:erick@divinesoulsanctum.com) Keywords Neurodivergence Dyslexia Brain aneurysm survivor Emotional healing Trauma recovery Shame Acquired neurodivergence Low-vibration emotions Core values Binaural beats Positive affirmations Self-acceptance journey Follow the show to make sure you don't miss any episodes! You can also connect with me on Instagram on my show page @NeurodivergentSpot (https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentspot/)or my professional page @sammarioncounseling (https://www.instagram.com/sammarioncounseling/). Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot, Sam Marion is joined by Sarah Templeton, an expert in neurodiversity, to discuss the critical issue of the school-to-prison pipeline and its impact on neurodivergent children, especially those with ADHD and autism. Sarah emphasizes the importance of recognizing early warning signs in schools and the role of teachers in providing the right support to prevent exclusion and negative outcomes. Sarah also explores the systemic lack of neurodiversity training in education and how better understanding can help avoid the stigmatization of neurodivergent students. Quotes: "The school-to-prison pipeline is real, and it's full of neurodivergent kids. These children, if we don't get it right early, they could end up in prison." "Very rarely have the words 'try harder' or 'calm down' made any difference." "If we just view neurodivergence as a superpower, we ignore the support that so many need to thrive." Contact Information: Sarah Templeton’s website: www.sarahtempleson.org.uk (http://www.sarahtempleson.org.uk) Books: How to NOT Murder Your ADHD Kid (https://amzn.to/441QyUp) How Not to Damage Your ADHD Adolescent (https://amzn.to/4jc9tAo) Teachers, How Not to Kill the Spirit in ADHD Kids (For educators) (https://amzn.to/4l3AJmt) The Prison Counselor (Coming April 2025) Keywords (SEO): Neurodivergent children ADHD Autism School-to-prison pipeline Neurodiversity in schools Teacher training Dyscalculia Special education Neurodivergent support Rejection-sensitive dysphoria Criminal justice system Early identification ADHD in prison Follow the show to make sure you don't miss any episodes! You can also connect with me on Instagram on my show page @NeurodivergentSpot (https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentspot/)or my professional page @sammarioncounseling (https://www.instagram.com/sammarioncounseling/). Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot, host Sam Marion sits down with ADHD coach Olivia Rose to discuss neurodivergence, productivity, and the importance of rest. Olivia shares insights from her own late ADHD diagnosis, her experiences supporting working mothers and adults with ADHD, and the balance between ambition and peace. Together, they explore why slowing down can be the key to sustainable success and how different seasons of life require different approaches to productivity. Quotes: "Rest and stillness are the greatest tools to productivity." "For a long time, I chased productivity and the thrill of doing, but what I really craved was peace." "We are part of nature—just like the seasons change, so do our needs for rest and activity." Contact Information: Website: Olivia Rose Coaching (https://rblxcoach.com/) Instagram: @OliviaRoseCoach (http://www.instagram.com/oliviarosecoach) Keywords: ADHD coaching Neurodivergence and productivity Working mothers with ADHD Late ADHD diagnosis ADHD in women Rest and productivity Burnout recovery Sustainable success Executive functioning ADHD life strategies Follow the show to make sure you don't miss any episodes! You can also connect with me on Instagram on my show page @NeurodivergentSpot (https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentspot/)or my professional page @sammarioncounseling (https://www.instagram.com/sammarioncounseling/). Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot, host Sam Marion speaks with Shane Thrapp, CEO of Creating Order from Chaos, an ADHD life coaching organization. Shane is also an operations director for the Men's ADHD Support Group and a consultant helping businesses implement neurodivergent-friendly accommodations. They discuss Shane’s personal journey navigating ADHD and autism, the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in understanding themselves, and the critical need for updated education on neurodivergence. Shane also shares insights into workplace accommodations and the importance of aligning work with personal values. Quotes: "People grow up living to expectations instead of living to who they are." "We don't naturally introspect—metacognition isn't our thing—so we need outside perspectives to help us understand ourselves." "ADHD and autism aren’t childhood disorders; they’re lifelong neurodevelopmental differences that need better awareness and support." Contact Information: Shane Thrapp Website: Creating Order from Chaos (https://www.creatingorderfromchaos.com/) LinkedIn: Shane Thrapp (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanethrapp/) Facebook: Men's ADHD Support Group (https://www.facebook.com/CreatingOrderFromChaosLifeCoaching/) Keywords: Neurodivergence ADHD coaching Autism support Workplace accommodations ADHD awareness Neurodivergent advocacy Mental health Executive functioning Self-discovery Neurodiversity in education Follow the show to make sure you don't miss any episodes! You can also connect with me on Instagram on my show page @NeurodivergentSpot (https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentspot/)or my professional page @sammarioncounseling (https://www.instagram.com/sammarioncounseling/). Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot, host Sam Marion speaks with Shara Tipton, a multiply neurodivergent executive function coach with a background in public school teaching. Shara shares insights into her neurodivergent journey, the challenges of executive dysfunction, and the importance of rest in self-management. They discuss the impact of shame in neurodivergent experiences, the transition from teaching to coaching, and practical strategies for overcoming demand avoidance. Shara also highlights the significance of meeting basic needs before tackling executive function struggles. Quotes: "When you are not properly nourished or rested, and you aren't having real brain rest, the difficulty level of everything is harder." "A lot of neurodivergent people get stuck in a space where they keep pushing a task forward in their mind but never actually start it." "Being in relationship with someone who does not feel shame about my dirty dishes or unopened emails anymore can be really healing." Contact Information: Shara Tipton Website: sharatipton.com (http://sharatipton.com) Instagram: @wellnesspun (https://www.instagram.com/wellnesspun/) Keywords: Executive function Neurodivergent coaching ADHD support Demand avoidance Rest and productivity Neurodivergent burnout Executive dysfunction Learning differences Self-management Neurodivergent shame PDA profile Brain rest Autistic adults ADHD strategies Follow the show to make sure you don't miss any episodes! You can also connect with me on Instagram on my show page @NeurodivergentSpot (https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentspot/)or my professional page @sammarioncounseling (https://www.instagram.com/sammarioncounseling/). Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Summary In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot, Sam Marion talks with Julia DeNey, founder of Sense-ational You, a company creating adaptive apparel with built-in sensory tools for autistic and ADHD children. Julia shares her journey from studying fashion design at Cornell University to working in special education and developing products that meet the unique needs of neurodivergent kids. Tune in for insights on inclusive fashion, sensory-friendly clothing, and the intersection of design and neurodiversity. Quotes "Adaptive fashion isn’t just about clothing—it’s about dignity, comfort, and self-expression." "When we design with sensory needs in mind, we create a world that’s more inclusive for everyone." "Every child deserves to feel comfortable and confident in what they wear." Contact Information: Website: Sense-ational You (https://shopsenseationalyou.com/?ref=Sam) Instagram: @SenseationalYou (https://www.instagram.com/senseational_you/) Keywords: Neurodiversity Adaptive fashion Sensory-friendly clothing Autism support ADHD children Inclusive design Special education Sensory tools Cornell fashion designFollow the show to make sure you don't miss any episodes! You can also connect with me on Instagram on my show page @NeurodivergentSpot (https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentspot/)or my professional page @sammarioncounseling (https://www.instagram.com/sammarioncounseling/). Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Episode Summary In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot, host Sam Marion welcomes Sam Mitchell, the creator of Autism Rocks and Rolls, a podcast dedicated to sharing the experiences and perspectives of autistic individuals. Sam discusses his journey with autism, his passion for podcasting, and his advocacy work, which includes public speaking and nonprofit efforts. He shares insights on the challenges autistic individuals face, the importance of structured yet accepting environments, and how he balances his many commitments using intentional organization. This conversation offers valuable perspectives on embracing neurodivergent strengths and building inclusive spaces. Quotes: "People with autism have actually listened and nodded their head. It’s like, ‘Yes! Oh my goodness, yes! Someone finally gets why I’m doing this.’" "I think our uniqueness and our quirks—and the fact that we can still do something—should make up for our lack of social skills." "I started podcasting through my high school’s media club, but I didn’t want to wait until college. I’ve always believed in starting early." Contact Information: Sam Mitchell’s Podcast: Autism Rocks and Rolls (https://autismrocksandrolls.com/) Instagram: @AutismRocksAndRolls (https://www.instagram.com/autismrocksandrollspod/) Keywords: Autism advocacy Neurodivergence and podcasting Autism Rocks and Rolls podcast Autistic public speakers Neurodiversity and social skills Balancing advocacy and college Autism and structured environments Neurodivergent strengths Follow the show to make sure you don't miss any episodes! You can also connect with me on Instagram on my show page @NeurodivergentSpot (https://www.instagram.com/neurodivergentspot/)or my professional page @sammarioncounseling (https://www.instagram.com/sammarioncounseling/). Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.