85. Embracing Neurodiversity: Insights from the International Women's Day Panel on Late Diagnosis

Recorded as a podcast for International Women’s Day, this panel hosted by Dr Shae brings together Nicci Richman, Dr Kim Gordon, and Dr Annalisa Contos, to share experiences of late diagnosis (ADHD, autism, dyslexia/dysgraphia) and how it reshaped identity, self-compassion, and career trajectories. The discussion links perimenopause/menopause to reduced capacity to mask, emotional peaks and troughs, and grief over missed support and opportunities. Panelists describe the invisible load of masking, executive-function demands, parenting neurodivergent children, burnout, and workplace penalties for non-linear careers, “cultural fit,” and intersectional bias. They outline practical workplace changes—universal design, clarity, flexible output-focused work, supportive tools (including AI), easier adjustments, and leaders who model disclosure while noting supports like JobAccess and resources from ADHD Australia. About Dear Dyslexic Podcast The Dear Dyslexic Podcast amplifies the voices, experiences and expertise of people from the dyslexia and broader neurodivergent communities, creating conversations that inform, empower and inspire. Learn more about re:think dyslexia: https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/ Stay Connected Thanks for listening to Dr Shae and the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, proudly produced by re:think dyslexia, a certified social enterprise. To stay up to date with our latest episodes, resources and events, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review the podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Listen to more Dear Dyslexic Podcast episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/0jx91no... Need Support? If any of the topics discussed in this episode have caused distress, support is available: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 13YARN: 13 92 76 re:think dyslexia Helpline: 1800 13 6327