Neurodiversity Celebration Week Mini-Series with Sarah Atkins & Cassie Footman - Part 1

Send us Fan MailNeurodiversity Celebration Week Mini-Series with Sarah Atkins & Cassie FootmanEpisode Summary:To celebrate Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025 (March 17-23), Sarah Atkins and Cassie Footman bring you this special mini podcast series exploring neurodivergence, workplace inclusion, and the real-life experiences of ADHD and Autism.Sarah, an ICF-accredited neurodiversity coach, and Cassie, a business/life coach and HR strategist, share their professional expertise and lived experience as neurodivergent women. Together, they discuss the challenges and strengths of neurodivergent minds, the misconceptions around ‘neurodivergence as a superpower,’ and how organisations can create truly inclusive workplaces.They also introduce alternative cultural perspectives on neurodivergence, including the Maori language’s empowering definitions of Autism and ADHD, which shift the focus from deficits to strengths.Topics Discussed:Why we created this mini-series for Neurodiversity Celebration WeekLived experiences of late-diagnosed ADHD & AutismThe myth of “neurodivergence as a superpower” & why it’s problematicChallenges with visibility, identity & self-acceptanceWorkplace misconceptions & corporate ‘tick-box’ inclusionManaging burnout, transitions & structure in daily lifeThe Maori perspective on Autism & ADHD – a more empowering languageTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome to our Neurodiversity Celebration Week series! 03:10 - Who we are: Our professional & personal journeys with neurodivergence 07:45 - Why we struggled to own our expertise in this space 12:30 - Is neurodivergence really a “superpower”? 18:20 - The challenges of workplace inclusion & corporate misconceptions 23:45 - How transitions impact neurodivergent brains (structure vs. freedom) 34:40 - The Maori perspective on Autism & ADHD – a game-changer 41:20 - How we can create truly inclusive workplaces & support systemsKey Quotes:"We don’t buy into the idea that neurodivergence is a ‘superpower’—it can be dismissive of the very real challenges people face.""Corporate workplaces love a good inclusion ‘tick-box’, but true inclusion means understanding individuals—not forcing people into the same mold.""The Maori word for Autism, ‘Takiwatanga,’ means ‘in their own time and space’—what a beautiful way to describe neurodivergence.""I need structure, but I don’t want to follow the process. I need an anchor, but I need the freedom to explore—I realise this sounds like a contradiction, but that’s neurodivergence."Links & Resources:Cassie Footman – LinkedInNeurodiversity Celebration Week Official SiteMaori Word for AutismConnect With SarahWebsite: www.sarahatkinsdesign.comFollow on InstagramConnect on LinkedInBuy the 2026 Energetics of Being Journal on Amazon Buy this month's Transit Guide or subscribe to receive them automatically