Neurodivergence and Mental Health Podcast

11. S2, Ep1. Dr Liliya Wheatcraft talks about her work as an Autistic Guide/Trainer and the difficult subjects of suicide and anorexia

What a packed episode this proved to be with my fascinating guest Dr Liliya Wheatcraft. Liliya is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatry and tells us of her struggles with her diagnosis and coming to terms with her autism and ADHD.

She shares her family life (with all members being neurodivergent) and how she fought to get accommodations for her children, especially within educational settings. Liliya also shares her own challenges as a ‘chubby' child, then anorexic adult, and how she was not understood by those in important clinical roles within the NHS.

We talk about medication, including some fascinating insights into genes, and about the quality of life of autistic folk who struggle far more than others.

I found Dr Wheatcraft insightful, thought provoking and inspiring, and her talk was full of important learnings.

 

Apologies for the clicking sound which can be heard in this episode.

10. S1, Ep10. Mabz Beet on autism, modelling and fashion photography, being a carer and having an audio play written especially for them

Mabz Beet brings our first series to an end with an inspiring and fascinating episode.  They talk about struggles at school, being different and feeling anxious about their visible autistic traits in the playground and not getting clarity in the classroom.  

As a transgender model with a large following on Instagram, Mabz shares their love for fashion shoots, wonderful outfits and body painting.

Another love for Mabz is acting, and we talk about the fabulous audio play How to Drop a Piano, written especially for this aspiring actor by Samantha Grierson.  The play stars Jane Asher, President of The National Autistic Society, and it is through this charity that Mabz works as a carer for young autistic adults.

Mabz is a great Advocate for the autistic community and is involved in training programmes and the Oliver McGowan charity, which raises awareness for disability training after a young autistic man was wrongly prescribed psychotic medication, leading to his death.

 

Mabz's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mabzbeetmodel/ 

Their audio play: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3d5o5Ws9RblvEtfUMd6anL?si=NOY-4jiZRhiAGWVWwVoCsA&utm_source=native-share-menu 

Their blog on the intersection of autism and transgender: https://the-art-of-autism.com/a-child-of-two-spectrums-the-intersection-between-autism-and-transgender/

Blog about the tragic death of Oliver McGowan: https://blog.theautismsite.greatergood.com/oliver-mcgowen-death/ 

9. S1, Ep9. Sam Warner talks about her life as an autistic, ADHD, PDA, HSP, SPD, dyslexic and dyspraxic late diagnosed woman

I so enjoyed our talk. Sam is a vibrant and determined entrepreneur and has worked in a petrol station, for a big gas company and in the Police. She is also a well known Toastmaster.

We talk about her role as an autistic interpreter and her struggles with anorexia athletica and getting out of a narcissistic relationship.

Lots to listen to, inform, support and inspire!

 

Sam's website: https://get-your-message-across.com/

Her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwarner/

8. S1, Ep8. Chantelle Minchin tells her candid and heart-warming story of being a late diagnosed autistic woman

Though Chantelle has had many struggles in her life. what comes out from this honest and open episode is her constant desire to help others and to advocate both in education and the workplace.

Through many difficult experiences at school, including neglect and being forgotten on a school trip, to her mental breakdown and feelings of loneliness, her sensory issues and a lack of confidence, Chantelle’s determination shines through.

What an inspiring and warm hearted person.

 

Read Charlotte's article about being autistic and working in the NHS:
https://sicofficial.co.uk/magazine/The-challenge-of-being-autistic-and-working-in-the-nhs 

7. S1, Ep7. Miguel Toribio-Mateas talks about ADHD, fibromyalgia, university and gut health

Miguel shares his journey as a mature student and his frustrations when, as an undiagnosed ADHD adult, he struggled with getting the vital support he needed while studying for his degree.

We talk executive function, the pain of fibromyalgia, and coping with chronic stress in a world not accommodating to his obvious neurodivergence.

Miguel tells me about his love for his Labradors, and how he finds the best ways to de-stress are being a DJ and spending time with his loving partner. He also offers fascinating insights into how good gut health can improve mental health.

An all round jolly nice chap and an inspiring conversation.

https://www.instagram.com/miguelmateas/