Psychologist & Neurodiversity Coach Maike Preißing

In this episode of 'The Lighter Side of the Spectrum,' David sits down with Maike Preißing, a neurodivergent psychologist and artist, to delve into the world of synesthesia and neurodiversity. Maike explains her personal experiences with synesthesia, a phenomenon where the senses cross in extraordinary ways, leading to unique sensory experiences such as seeing colors when hearing music or feeling pain. They discuss the genetic components, common misconceptions, and the significant overlap between synesthesia and autism, particularly highlighting its high occurrence within the autistic community. The conversation underscores the importance of understanding and validating neurodivergent experiences. Additionally, David shares personal insights from his son, Stone, who also experiences synesthesia. The episode provides valuable resources and tips for parents and educators to better understand and support neurodiverse individuals.   Topics   00:29 Meet Maike Preißing: Neurodivergent Psychologist 00:49 Understanding Synesthesia 02:10 The Science Behind Synesthesia 06:47 Synesthesia and Autism Connection 14:48 Sensory Sensitivities and Emotional Regulation 19:32 Exploring Food Sensitivities 22:18 Discovering Synesthesia in Childhood 24:57 Visualizing Music and Pain 28:38 Common Misconceptions About Synesthesia 30:33 Fact or Fiction: Debunking Myths 31:39 Understanding Synesthesia vs. Hallucination 32:42 Encouraging Empathy and Reducing Stigma 33:58 Fact or Fiction: The Rarity of Synesthesia 34:31 Exploring Mirror Pain and Mirror Touch Synesthesia 36:28 The Non-Speaking World and Heightened Sensitivities 44:53 Supporting Communication for Non-Speakers 57:49 The Synesthesia Tree: A Valuable Resource 01:01:10 Final Thoughts and Encouragement