The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast

What happens when a late diagnosis doesn't just explain your past — it reshapes how you move through the present? In this episode, Paul Cruz talks with Erica about late-identified autism and ADHD (combined type), alexithymia, and the layered experience of unmasking while parenting a neurodivergent child. Erica shares the validation and clarity that came with diagnosis — alongside the grief for the younger self who navigated without support. We also explore how creative practice can become a lifeline: why poetry offered a "nonlinear" container for truth-telling, how nature and animals provide kinship and unconditional grace, and how activism can evolve into something sustainable through words, art, and care. Erica explains how tarot and spiritual frameworks can function as tools for self-understanding (and why "one-size-fits-all" approaches can harm neurodivergent people), and introduces her forthcoming book, The Autistic Arcana — a neurodivergent approach to tarot, magic, and the Major Arcana. If you've ever felt "too much," "not enough," or simply misunderstood — this conversation offers both language and permission. If this episode resonated, please follow/subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might feel seen by it. Be A TNVP Ad-Free + Subscriber https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-neurodiversity-voices-podcast/id1806028241

In this deeply honest and expansive conversation, Paul and Tegan sit down with musician and advocate Jon Hart to explore identity, late diagnosis, burnout, creative processing, and what it means to unmask in an industry that often rewards performance over wellbeing. Jon shares his journey from building and losing a music business to experiencing a mental health crisis that ultimately led to discovering his ADHD and autism. What followed wasn't just recovery — it was what he calls a five-year metamorphosis. Together, we explore: The crash that forced a reinvention ADHD, autism, and late diagnosis in adulthood Music as nervous system regulation Why "sex, drugs & rock and roll" hides unhealthy coping Processing through creativity as an "external hard drive." The power of sitting in the mud with someone instead of fixing them Why neurodivergence isn't a deficit — it's creative wiring What the music industry must confront about inclusion Building community for neurodivergent musicians Jon also shares practical strategies he uses to regulate and protect his well-being online and build sustainable systems as a neurodivergent entrepreneur. If there's one takeaway from this episode: Process what you're going through in a way that feels natural to you — your creativity can become your clarity. Connect with Jon Hart: https://jonhartmusic.com/ndm Music about page: https://jonhartmusic.com/about Facebook: facebook.com/jonhartmusic Instagram: instagram.com/jonhartmusic Youtube: youtube.com/jonhartmusic TikTok: tiktok.com/@jonhartmusic Listen, follow, and share with someone who needs to feel less alone in their journey. Be A TNVP Ad-Free + Subscriber https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-neurodiversity-voices-podcast/id1806028241

Guest: Dr. Shani Challenor. In this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz is joined by educator, advocate, and "Neurodiva" Dr. Shani Challenor for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about neurodivergence, education, faith, and what becomes possible when people are truly seen. Dr. Shani shares her journey as a trained dancer, special and general education teacher, adjunct professor, and mom—along with her experience being diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, and depression while earning her doctorate. She reflects on growing up feeling unheard in school, how movement and the arts became a gateway to learning, and why connection—not compliance—is the foundation of meaningful education. Together, Paul and Dr. Shani explore the emotional weight that families of neurodivergent children carry, the gaps in overwhelmed school systems, and the importance of shifting mindsets from "fixing" students to honouring their brilliance. Dr. Shani also speaks candidly about intersectionality, sharing what it means to navigate neurodivergence as a Black woman, and how faith continues to guide her calling and advocacy. This episode is a reminder that progress doesn't always look like perfection—and that breakthroughs often begin with patience, grace, and hope. Connect with Dr. Shani Instagram: @DRSHANICHALLENOR The Challenor Challenge: Shifting spaces, mindsets, and systems so neurodivergent individuals and all learners are genuinely included, valued, and supported through storytelling, education, creativity, and lived experience. About the Podcast The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast centers lived experience, amplifies neurodivergent voices, and explores what it really means to be supported, understood, and valued in our communities and systems. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it—and follow or subscribe so you don't miss future conversations. Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com Be A TNVP Ad-Free + Subscriber https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-neurodiversity-voices-podcast/id1806028241

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) couldn't reliably stabilize focus. He describes the daily push-and-pull of time, unfinished projects, distraction, and the constant practice of patience and flexibility. The conversation also highlights the gifts: deep hyperfocus (including marathon video-editing sessions), creative spark, humour, and the ability to turn chaos into story. Nathan shares a wildly unforgettable travel moment from a night bus in India — a perfect example of how impulsivity and problem-solving collide in real life. They close with a powerful message for listeners who feel scattered or "too multi-passionate," including a recommendation for the book Range and a reminder that accumulated experiences can add up in meaningful ways — even when the path looks non-linear. Memorable Moments / Quotes (pull quotes) "Some days I did everything right… and I still couldn't focus. It felt unfair." "Task initiation is sometimes really hard… but with video editing, I could just go." "Identity is the one thing about us that isn't ours — it's given by others." "If you can step into someone else's perspective, you double your knowledge." Where to find Nathan Instagram: @NathSK Link to his play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8CJ1yXZMBY Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World (Book recommendation) Amazon US/International Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3MBrtcjAmazon Canada Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3XTKdWT Connect With Us Learn more about the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast: www.neurodiversityvoices.com Be A TNVP Ad-Free + Subscriber https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-neurodiversity-voices-podcast/id1806028241 Grab your The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast Merch Items from our Storehttps://www.neurodiversityvoices.com/category/all-products Support by joining our Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/14218572/join If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast player you love, please take a moment to rate the show and leave a comment. It makes a huge difference!

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 use immediately, and a moving success story that proves early struggles do not define long-term potential. Whether you're a parent, educator, or neurodivergent learner yourself, this conversation is packed with actionable insights that foster confidence, independence, and meaningful academic growth. Learn More About Dr. Levy & EBL Coaching Visit EBLCoaching.com for: Articles Resources Program details Additional podcasts and interviews Follow EBL Coaching on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebl_coaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EBLCoaching LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilylevy/ Connect With Us Learn more about the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast: www.neurodiversityvoices.com The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast would love your feedback. Post a review on our Google profile. https://share.google/9RAoxcWhwXu5Pl1xY Grab your The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast Merch Catalogue Items from our Storehttps://www.neurodiversityvoices.com/category/all-products Support by joining our Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/14218572/join Be A TNVP Ad-Free + Subscriber https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-neurodiversity-voices-podcast/id1806028241 If you're listening on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any podcast player you love, please take a moment to rate the show and leave a comment. It makes a huge difference!