Episode 71: Michelle Ridsdale

Welcome to episode #71 We’re thrilled to be joined by Michelle Ridsdale today. Michelle is the visionary force behind Kaboose, an innovative app designed to foster a sense of community for autistic individuals and those embracing neurodiversity. Drawing from her own personal journey and lived experiences, Michelle is a dedicated advocate and volunteer within the autistic community. Witnessing her own son grapple with isolation and disconnection, she was inspired to create a platform that addresses these challenges head-on.Welcome to the show Michelle!QuestionsJN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical? Son diagnosedI'm very socialDaughter: ADHD and AutismSignsRoutinesMaskAutistic meltdownWhat challenges did you face? Not many friendsSon gravitated to adults no kidsWhat changes have come post-diagnosis?Self acceptanceLess verbalWhat challenges do you still face now?ADHD - too many internal convosGetting upset over small thingsWhat neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now?HyperfocusLearning more about routines and quiet workJC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on? Friends, mentors, jobsTribesSongs on repeat TikTokLimit the number of people in groupJN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Work = special interestReading = mystery/nonfiction Let It Go by Dame Stephanie - autistic feelsJC: Productivity tips  What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours? Calendar - colour codedKaboose = purplekids = different colorssocialLists (notebook, phone)Tasks in calendarWhat is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Mindfulness leads to more stress BREAK  JC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time? Dog follows routine tooWalk at 6 amShowerCoffeeStart the night beforeClothes and food organizedJC: How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night? Ready yourself the night beforeMenu planJN: Where can people connect with you or find your work? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleridsdale/Kaboose on app storeskaboose.app - https://www.kaboose.app/kaboose_app - social mediaJC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience? More from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbearConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/