Episode 17: Kori Tomelden, autism mom

Welcome to episode #17. We’re thrilled to be joined by Kori Tomelden today. Kori is a late-diagnosed ADHD and autistic mom raising a neurodiverse family. She uses her internet presence to share her neurodivergent life in a neurotypical world.JN: How does your neurodiversity impact your productivity both positively and negatively?2019 looking for strategies to support autistic daughter (ASD L3) who was becoming adultAlready doing many of the strategies to support herselfEntire life been told too sensitive/emotional - “highly sensitive person”?Is HSP actually codeword for ASD/ADHD?Diagnosis process:Rabbithole of self diagnostic testsADHD inattentive/ADD showed upProfessional diagnosis offputting: financial/waitlistsPursued evaluation in case medication was requiredUnexpected additional diagnosis of ASD L1Diagnosis in 2020Medication for depression and open to medicationWhat would life have been like if diagnosis earlierHelp with sensory overloadSocial skillsJC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Communications Specialist (social media) part time jobEntrepreneur/coach ( https://koriathome.com/ )Helping parentsSince 2017JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Work life balance: hard cut off time (stop using laptop and phone)Watch:DocumentariesJeopardyGardeningCrochetCats x 3JC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?CoffeePrepare launch for daughtersDrop daughters to schoolLaundryCatsMedicationEase into workdayPhone on Do not Disturb from 8am to 4pmEmails - check for urgent responsesCheck google calendarCheck Asana - project management listStart workingJN: What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours?Challenges:RSDCatastrophisingContingency plans for contingency plansStrategies that don’t workTime boxingExcess planningStrategies that workMondays = CEO dayPlanning week aheadChecking calendarEducational and development timeAudible + note takingPomodoro techniqueBlock schedulingTriggers to break out of hyper focusPlaylistFocus Music for boring tasksOperaTime tracking: TogglThemed daysJC: What is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?GamesFacebook on phoneOnline shoppingJN: How do you switch off at night?Hard stopJC: What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?AppsTogglAsanaGoogle Drive + Google CalendarCanvaJN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?Instagram: https://instagram.com/nostalgicneurodivergent  JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Be gentle with yourself, be forgiving, you’re only human.