TED 09 | Neurodivergent Experiences + Masking to Fit In with Helen Daniel

Neurodiversity's impact on movement and social interaction, particularly within the context of dance, is a topic often overlooked.This episode highlights the challenges faced by some neurodivergent individuals in society from moving to adulthood to dance spaces, particularly those who struggle following instructions. The discussion also opens the potential of dance as a safe and empowering outlet for self-expression through movement, especially for those who find verbal communication difficult.In this episode, Helen and Bobbie dive into the world of neurodiversity and explore the intersection of neurodivergence and dance, as well as sensory processing and how the lack of understanding can impact how people interact with their environments, including dance spaces, and the eventual masking to fit in.What to expect in this episode:(0:00:00) -  Introduction.(0:01:39) -  Advocating neurodivergence.(0:01:53) -  School system creating a box.(0:06:02) -  Celebrating creativity.(0:07:15) -  ADHD and Autism.(0:09:02) -  Neurodivergent leader and follower.(0:11:20) -  Masking in the dance space.(0:13:14) -  Multiple marginalized identities.(0:16:30) -  The intention behind the words.(0:18:29) -  Sensory divergence.About Helen DanielHelen Daniel is a qualified autism and neurodiversity support practitioner passionate about helping neurodivergent families find radical self-acceptance. Helen empowers children and young people through workshops and resources, helping them understand their sensory profiles and develop self-advocacy skills. Helen brings expertise as a qualified teacher, mentor, and public speaker on neurosensory divergence, with a PGCert in teaching, an MA in progressive autism studies, and training in early communication strategies. Helen launched Outside the Box Sensory which promotes neurodivergent wellbeing and self-understanding. Connect with Helen DanielWebsite https://outsidetheboxsensory.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/otbsensory/About Bobbie Miles:Bobbie Miles is a social dancer and empowerment coach in the salsa, bachata, and kizomba scene. Dancing is a happy place for Bobbie, as it is for so many. In order to foster safer dance spaces for all dancers, Bobbie is on a mission to promote more accountability and responsibility surrounding boundaries, consent and safety within the community through education and conversations that matter. Bobbie is a coach and advocate for speaking up, boundary setting, and promoting respect in the dance scene. Through The Empowered Dancers Podcast, she promotes transparency, understanding, and accountability and as a coach and public speaker, she focuses on  boundary setting and respect in practice, both on and off the dance floor.Resources:Download my 5 Top Tips to boost your confidence on any dance night! https://empowereddancers.com/5tipsPractice saying NO on the dance floor: empowereddancers.com/noConnect with Bobbie MilesFollow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcastFind me on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadoraSubscribe to my YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA8pcAq9lXttVf9w9lDb1bQ?sub_confirmation=1