c2gether Podcast

Elizabeth speaks with AuDHD community member Agata, who discusses how their process of unmasking autism was initiated and how it progressed over the past three years. The complexities of this undertaking are explored, including the tenuous balance between safety (emotional, financial, professional, etc) and freedom. The implications of masking for mental health are outlined and taking a first step toward unmasking is encouraged. To further explore this topic, we suggest the books "Unmasking Autism" by Devon Price, "Untypical" by Peter Wharmby, and "Unmasked: the Ultimate Guide to ADHD, autism and Neurodivergence" by Ellie Middleton.

Elizabeth talks with her colleague, Anca Siminea, a psychologist specializing in diagnostic assessment and trauma . She discusses how the process of assessment and the diagnosis impact the way that clients think about themselves and understand their struggles and strengths. Anca describes the symbiotic relationship between assessment and treatment, particularly for working therapeutically with neurodivergent people. Elizabeth and Anca discuss how clients can inform themselves about what a valid assessment includes, and inquire thoughtfully about how testing can help them to build on their available resources.You can learn more about Anca and her work via her website: https://ancasiminea.ch/You can learn more about the assessment process and inquire about having the testing done via the Neurodiversity Support Network of Switzerland website: https://nsns.ch/en/assessment/

Elizabeth speaks with driving instructor and driving expert, Stefan Plüss, about how his industry is an example of how simple relationship-based adaptations and accommodations can improve road safety and mental health. He describes the vision that he has for industy standards based on meeting the needs of all driving students, including neurodivergent students or those with driving anxiety. Stefan advocates for inclusion using intuition, experience and self-reflection, and demonstrates how instuctors can use their own individual experiences to better relate to and connect with their students. To learn more about Stefan, you can check out his website: https://drivingschoolstefan.ch/enOr follow him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drivingschoolstefan/Or via Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/driving_school_stefan?igsh=cmpmODRqc2V1Yzd6

Elizabeth chats with fellow mental health advocate, Martin Coul, about ways to get men to "cross the threshold" to take care of themselves and to join evolving conversations related to masculinity, cancer and suicide. He reflects on the recent Movember events he organized across Switzerland and the ways that he cares well for himself in spite of the frustration of fighting against continued mental health stigma. Martin has recently launched his own podcast called The Hushed®, which you can listen to on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/2lafkvylgOMopNoj79uFRp?si=0jztlILaSxGx1yPZQWv-OQor Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hushed/id1846522160You can learn more about Martin and his efforts via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coulmc/

Samantha Ayers chats with Elizabeth about what she does as a neurodiversity coach and how her work differs from therapy or counseling. She describes the ways that clients connect to strengths and resources to deal with everyday challenges, and ultimately, learn to accept (and even celebrate) their unique wiring. To learn more about Sam and her way of working as a coach, you can check out her website: https://www.samanthaadhdcoach.com/ or email her directly at [email protected] can also read more about her through the Neurodiversity Support Network of Switzerland directory: https://nsns.ch/language/en/coach/samantha-ayers/