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.

Episode Summary: In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot, host Sam Marion speaks with Ellen Busch, a dyslexia advocate, speaker, and mentor, about her journey navigating neurodivergence. Ellen shares how early diagnoses of dyslexia came with low expectations from the education system and how she fought against stigma to redefine her strengths. She discusses the impact of internalized ableism, the vulnerability neurodivergent individuals can face, and the power of reframing dyslexia as a super ability. Through advocacy and mentorship, Ellen now helps others embrace their differences and thrive. Quotes: "When you take away a child’s future and destroy their self-esteem, you change the trajectory of their life." "Dyslexic people are really good at certain things—creative problem-solving, dynamic reasoning, and seeing patterns others miss. To us, they’re obvious." "I had to hit my surrender point before I could let go of the belief that I was broken and start to heal." Contact Information for Ellen Busch: Ellen's Website (https://www.ellenbusch.com/) Instagram: @ellenbusch1500 (https://www.instagram.com/ellenbusch1500) (dis)Empowered by Ellen Busch (https://amzn.to/3Qu6hDL) Keywords: Dyslexia advocacy Neurodivergence and self-esteem Dyslexia and education stigma Learning differences Creative problem-solving and dyslexia Overcoming neurodivergent trauma Empowering neurodivergent individuals Dyslexia as a strength Landmark College and dyslexia support Healing from childhood stigma 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.

Episode Summary In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot, host Sam Marion sits down with Shea Belsky—autistic self-advocate, tech lead at HubSpot, and former startup CTO—to explore the intersections of neurodivergence and the tech industry. Shea shares insights on self-advocacy, workplace communication, and the importance of self-care in high-pressure environments. From navigating career growth to fostering inclusive spaces, this conversation sheds light on what it means to thrive as a neurodivergent professional in tech. Quotes "You are your own best advocate. And that also means you are your own best mindful advocate." "It's not that I'm trying to be a bad communicator—it's that I struggle with this inherently for reasons that may or may not be in my control." "You owe it to yourself to be kind to yourself. Jobs can be stressful, and self-care is key to sustaining a long-term career." Connect with Shea Instagram: @sheabelsky (https://www.instagram.com/sheabelsky/) Instagram: @autistic_techie (https://www.instagram.com/autistic_techie/) Website: Autistic Techie (https://autistic-techie.com/) Keywords Neurodivergence in tech Autistic professionals Workplace inclusion Self-advocacy Disability in the workplace Neurodivergent careers Tech industry Neurodiversity ERG 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.

Season 2 of Neurodivergent Spot is here! This season continues to explore the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals, offering insights into their challenges, triumphs, and unique perspectives. With a mix of structured questions and unexpected twists, each episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at how neurodiversity shapes lives. New episodes drop every Tuesday starting February 18th—subscribe and join the 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.

Episode Summary In the final episode of Season 1 of Neurodivergent Spot, host Sam Marion takes the hot seat, answering six thoughtful questions he typically asks his guests. Sam reflects on his personal neurodivergent journey, his motivations for starting the podcast, the themes that emerged during interviews, and his hopes for listeners. With vulnerability and authenticity, he shares what neurodiversity means to him, celebrates the success of the first season, and provides a glimpse into what’s next. Quotes "Neurodiversity is a beautiful thing—it’s about embracing the differences that make us who we are and finding strength in them." "I started this podcast so people could feel seen, heard, and connected through the shared experiences of neurodivergent individuals." "Some successes in my life may seem small to others, but they’re really big deals to me—and that’s what makes them meaningful." Keywords Neurodivergent Spot Neurodiversity Autism ADHD Learning differences Late identification Personal journey Season finale Neurodivergent struggles Podcast reflections 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.

Episode Summary In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot, host Sam Marion welcomes Eva Ceja—actor, writer, producer, and late-diagnosed neurodivergent individual. Eva shares her transformative journey of self-awareness, beginning with a major life transition that led to her autism and ADHD diagnoses. Through her passion for acting, Eva explored the human condition, honing her ability to understand and portray others while masking her neurodivergence. Together, Sam and Eva dive into topics such as masking, late diagnoses, systems for thriving as a neurodivergent adult, and the power of self-compassion. Quotes "Acting became my way to study people because I didn’t understand how they worked. It wasn’t until my diagnosis that I realized it was my neurodivergence all along." "I thought I was lazy, but it turns out my brain just works differently. Learning that gave me permission to be kinder to myself." "If I hadn’t been an actor, I wouldn’t have developed the tools to connect with people. Acting was my way of creating systems to survive before I even knew I was neurodivergent." Connect with Eva Instagram: @evaceja (https://instagram.com/evaceja) Keywords: Neurodivergence Late Autism Diagnosis ADHD in Women Masking and Acting Neurodivergent Systems Self-Awareness Journey ADHD and Creativity Autism Representation Neurodivergent Spot Podcast 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 interviews Chris Wenger, a high school speech therapist and advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practices. Chris shares his journey with ADHD, how his lived experience informs his work, and his approach to fostering authentic connections in therapy. From empowering students to embrace their differences to using creative tools like TikTok, Chris highlights the power of authenticity and empathy in building a more inclusive world. Quotes "The authenticity wins the race. It always will." "We’re getting away from neurotypical standards and focusing on what makes each student feel safe and valued." "Just being around others, in your own way, can foster healthy mental health outcomes." Connect with Chris: Website: speechdude.com (http://speechdude.com) Instagram: @SpeechDude (https://instagram.com/speechdude) Podcast: Making the Shift for Autistic Kids (https://www.sensoryslp.com/podcasts/making-the-shift-for-autistic-kids) Keywords: Neurodivergent Spot ADHD Neurodiversity-affirming practices Authentic connections Neurodivergent students Speech therapy Mental health Empathy 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.

Episode Summary In this episode, we sit down with Claire Jordan, a freelance graphic designer and adjunct instructor at the University of Georgia's New Media Institute. Claire, who identifies as both autistic and living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), shares her journey of self-discovery and how her neurodivergence has shaped her career, creativity, and teaching style. Quotes "Trying to treat OCD as anxiety was like thinking I was making progress, but really just tightening the loops. Once I got the right diagnosis, it felt like I was slowly unraveling those cycles and finding joy." "One of the assets of OCD is thoughtfulness. It can be distressing at times, but it makes you a very thoughtful person, and that’s what I love about art—channeling that into a specific vision and bringing it to life." "Getting diagnosed and talking about it has led to so much more compassion and joy in my life. It’s taken away the shame around things that I once thought made me weird." Connect with Claire Claire Jordan’s work: clairejo.co (http://clairejo.co) Follow Claire on Instagram: @clairejo.co (https://instagram.com/clairejo.co) Keywords Neurodivergence in creativity Late-diagnosed neurodivergent adult OCD and autism in career paths Freelance graphic designer with OCD Neurodivergent collaboration Creative process and neurodivergence Special interests in neurodivergent adults Autism and OCD self-advocacy 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 or my professional page @sammarioncounseling. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Episode Summary In this episode of Neurodivergent Spot, host Sam Marion interviews Maggie Beattie Roberts, an educator, author, and literacy consultant with expertise in ADHD and neurodiversity. Maggie shares her journey to understanding her own ADHD diagnosis, how it has influenced her professional and personal roles, and practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent students in the classroom. From the importance of classroom structure to allowing choice and agency, Maggie offers thoughtful insights and actionable advice for educators and parents alike. Quotes "Now that I have a greater understanding of my own neurodiversity, I can see things in students that I previously missed." "Different bodies need different things in order to pull off focus and regulation." "Don’t underestimate the power of kid watching—just observing a child engage in a task can offer profound insights into their learning process." Connect with Maggie Instagram: @kateandmaggie (https://www.instagram.com/kate_and_maggie/) TikTok: @kateandmaggie (https://www.tiktok.com/@kateandmaggie) Website: kateandmaggie.com (https://www.kateandmaggie.com/) Keywords Neurodivergence ADHD Education Classroom strategies Literacy Neurodiversity Executive functioning Student support Parenting Teacher resources 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.