Across the Desk

In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the complexities of neurodivergence, touching on themes of systemic harm, personal experiences, and the importance of community and self-advocacy. They discuss the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in relationships and social integration, emphasizing the need for age-appropriate support and understanding from society. The conversation is infused with humor, personal anecdotes, and a commitment to creating safe spaces for neurodivergent individuals to thrive.TakewaysNeurodivergent individuals often face systemic harm in various aspects of life.Humor can be a coping mechanism for discussing serious topics.Community support is crucial for neurodivergent individuals.Self-advocacy is important for setting boundaries in relationships.Parents play a significant role in supporting their neurodivergent children.Navigating relationships can be challenging for neurodivergent individuals.There is a need for age-appropriate support for neurodivergent individuals.Society often infantilizes neurodivergent individuals, impacting their self-perception.Interests and hobbies can shape how neurodivergent individuals are perceived by others.Creating safe spaces for neurodivergent individuals is essential for their well-being.

In this episode we review our July NimbleND Connect session where Sydney ran with the topic of Disability Pride.

This lively panel discussion explores the importance of authentic advocacy, the challenges of content theft, and strategies for empowering neurodivergent voices in the workplace and beyond. Join us for insights, personal stories, and practical tips on using your voice effectively. key topicsThe distinction between advocacy and activismStrategies for protecting content and intellectual propertyThe importance of self-advocacy and community voicesChallenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in workplacesPractical tips for effective advocacy and voice use

Join us for an insightful conversation on autism awareness, intersectionality, boundaries, and neurodivergence. Sydney Elaine Butler shares personal experiences, professional insights, and practical resources to foster understanding and acceptance beyond labels.

In this engaging conversation, a diverse team explores the nuances of change—forced versus voluntary—and its impact on neurodivergent individuals and workplaces. They share personal stories, strategies for managing discomfort, and insights on supporting others through change, emphasizing respect, buy-in, and self-awareness.

In this episode, Elizabeth, Sydney, and Paul explore the multifaceted nature of grief, especially through the lens of neurodivergence, personal loss, and life challenges. They share personal stories, support strategies, and insights on navigating grief's nonlinear journey.

In this episode of the Riff Raff, the team explores the complex relationship between neurodivergence, grief, and emotional regulation. They share personal stories, coping strategies, and insights into how neurodiversity influences the grieving process.

In this episode, Elizabeth, Sydney, Maddy and Paul explore the complex ways celebrity deaths impact us emotionally, the role of media and social media in grief, and how we process loss through movies, music, and shared stories. They also discuss the importance of boundaries and support systems in managing grief and celebrating legacies.

Elizabeth and Sydney explore the chaos and discipline experienced by neurodivergent entrepreneurs, sharing practical tools and insights for managing ADHD and autism in daily life and work.Key topicsNeurodivergent entrepreneurs and their unique challengesTools and routines to manage chaos and increase productivityThe concept of the chaos goblin and how to recognize itImportance of self-reflection and feedback in personal growthStrategies for maintaining routines and managing mental healthTakeawaysSelf-awareness is key to managing chaos and discipline.Using visual tools like whiteboards and digital lists helps keep track of tasks.Gamifying tasks can increase motivation for ADHD brains.Asking for feedback is a strength, not a weakness.Routine and self-care are crucial for managing neurodivergence.

In this episode, we explore the importance of community, self-acceptance, and the power of sharing stories within neurodivergent spaces. Our guests discuss their experiences with disability pride, sensory sensitivities, and how storytelling fosters understanding and growth. In this lively panel discussion, participants explore sensory experiences, neurodivergence, and the importance of community understanding. They share personal stories, insights on sensory challenges, and ways to foster inclusive spaces.

In this episode, we explore the nuances of asking for help, self-advocacy, and communication within neurodivergent communities. Our guests share personal stories and insights on navigating support systems, advocating for oneself, and understanding the importance of inclusive spaces. In this episode, we explore the importance of asking for help, how past experiences shape our willingness to seek assistance, and strategies to foster independence and trust in support systems.

We're talking about moments in our lives which create a lesson, a pivot or a change. Sometimes it comes from a secret identity, a big life moment or related to business. Sounds boring but for some folks watershed moments can have a huge impact.

In this episode, the Riff-Raff team discusses their personal experiences with the education system, focusing on the challenges faced by neurodivergent students in high school. They explore the impact of systemic harm, the role of teachers, and the importance of advocacy and emotional support. The conversation highlights the need for better communication and understanding between educators and students, as well as the necessity for parents to advocate for their children's needs.

This podcast explores neurodivergence in trades and manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of understanding sensory issues, dispelling stereotypes, and creating inclusive pathways into careers for neurodivergent individuals. The hosts share personal experiences, industry insights, and practical strategies to support neurodiverse workers and their families.

In this episode of the Riff Raff Podcast, hosts Elizabeth, Sydney, and Paul discuss the complexities of neurodivergence and the importance of advocacy. They share personal experiences and insights on navigating systems that often create barriers for neurodivergent individuals. The conversation emphasizes the role of parents in advocating for their children and the need for better support systems that facilitate self-advocacy.neurodivergence, advocacy, parenting, ADHD, autism, lived experience, systems, barriers, self-advocacy, support

In this episode of the Riff Raff podcast, the hosts discuss the complexities of parenting, particularly in the context of neurodivergent children. They explore systemic harm in parenting practices, the importance of setting expectations, and the role of advocacy. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to build competence and independence in their children while navigating their own fears and limitations. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on how to foster a supportive environment that encourages learning and growth.

SummaryIn this episode of the Riff Raff podcast, the hosts, Elizabeth, Sydney, and Paul, dive into the complexities of neurodivergence, sharing personal stories and insights about their experiences. They discuss the importance of understanding individual experiences with neurodivergence, emphasizing that each person's journey is unique. The conversation touches on the challenges of masking behaviors, the impact of late diagnoses, and the significance of self-acceptance and grace in navigating life as neurodivergent individuals. The hosts also explore the tools and strategies they use to manage their neurodivergent traits, including fidgeting and open communication with supportive partners.As they reflect on their past experiences, the hosts highlight the importance of kindness—both to oneself and to others. They encourage listeners to embrace their identities and to recognize that neurodivergence is not an excuse for negative behavior but rather a reason to cultivate understanding and compassion. The episode concludes with a reminder that being kind and accepting oneself is crucial in the journey of self-discovery and growth.Keywordsneurodivergent, ADHD, autism, self-acceptance, masking, late diagnosis, personal stories, kindness, mental health, podcast

It's the pirates version of the BradyBunch today as we explore what being neurospicy means to each of us.

This podcast explores the intersection of AI and neurodivergence, featuring experts sharing insights on how AI can support neurodiverse communities, address biases, and enhance accessibility. The discussion covers practical tools, ethical considerations, and personal stories of transformation.Key TopicsAI's role in supporting neurodivergent individualsBiases and ethical considerations in AIPractical AI tools for accessibility and support

Join us as we explore sensory issues, neurodivergence, and workplace accommodations through personal stories and expert insights. This episode offers practical tips for understanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals in various environments.sensory issues, neurodivergence, workplace accommodations, sensory overload, neurodiversity, sensory tools, workplace inclusion, sensory-friendly, neurodivergent support

This episode explores neurodivergent communication styles, challenges, and strengths within a team. The hosts share personal experiences, practical tips, and insights on fostering understanding and effective collaboration. This episode explores the nuances of communication, neurodivergence, and the importance of understanding implicit cues in both personal and professional contexts. Hosted by Elizabeth, with insights from Maddie and Sydney, it emphasizes practical strategies for clearer interactions and building trust.

This episode explores managing social energy, self-awareness, and boundaries, especially for neurodiverse individuals, with practical tools and personal insights.

This panel explores the complexities of social engagement for neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, self-care, and strategic social management. Participants share personal experiences, practical tools, and insights on navigating social situations while honoring their neurodivergent needs.

This podcast explores the nuanced differences between being alone and feeling lonely, especially within neurodivergent communities. The hosts share personal experiences, insights on social connection, and practical strategies for managing solitude and loneliness.

This episode explores the intersection of AI and neurodivergence, highlighting practical tools, ethical considerations, and personal experiences. It emphasizes responsible AI use, the importance of data, and how technology can support neurodivergent individuals in productivity and mental health.

In this episode, we explore the nuances of asking for help, self-advocacy, and communication within neurodivergent communities. Our guests share personal stories and insights on navigating support systems, advocating for oneself, and understanding the importance of inclusive spaces. In this episode, we explore the importance of asking for help, how past experiences shape our willingness to seek assistance, and strategies to foster independence and trust in support systems.

In this episode, we explore the nuances of communication, independence, and compliance within neurodivergent communities, emphasizing the importance of autonomy and authentic connection. In this episode, we explore neurodivergence, agency, and advocacy through personal stories and insights, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and intentionality in building independence.

The Riff Raff crew got together to share about their combined sensory issues, how they impact daily life and what it's like to realize after decades of tags bothering you that you're not SENSITIVE, it's sensory ;)

Cripes we're all over the place today but are we? We're diving in to self care, self love, boundaries and no batteries are involved. We're lucky to be working with the production team on Love on the Spectrum to bring Canadians to the show. This episode we get in to what we found during our first interview event.

Careful about the team you choose because they might be exactly what need ;) Some will be thrust upon you in the best way possible. Highschool is something I know most folks manage with little scarring. Some? Some come out with serious scars.

The Riff Raff team are folks who have all been kids at some point. Most of us still are in most ways. Growing up neurodivergent, whether we knew it or not, presented some challenges. As we became parents of neurotypical or neurodivergent kids, that added its own spiciness. Join us as we talk about letting your kids fail, watching the biases that come with being neurodivergent and how it all comes together whether we like it or not.

Some folks are born knowing they're neurodivergent and some have neurodivergence thrust upon them once their kids are diagnosed. Our little mob of pirates is a combo crew. Some grew up with a diagnosis from the get go and some have come in to spiciness later in life.

What are we kicking off with with? Meet the Riff Raff! Each of us has grown up with those awesome moments of being on the outside. Some knew they were neurospicy, some found out later life. All of us have a lens as neurodivergent individuals, professionals and parents of what life is like as someone who might be ADHD, Autistic or some other form of neurospiciness ;) Join us to find out what we've learned, what we wish we hadn't and how we're helping others.

Once again, we started a conversation, Maddy said something smart and then I said ... Shall we press record? And smart stuff just kept happening! We're into stories, why data is important, show that sharing builds connections and the importance of chocolate rocks.

Ep 24 - Sometimes life rolls us in to chaos. Sometimes we need support. Sometimes we have jerks in our life who create the chaos and create the need for support! Come roll along with us ;)

Ep 23 Betty and I have gotten a bit off track but we're DELIGHTED to pick things up again with this episode! I'm sliding this in for Christmas because who doesn't need a bit of comfortable during the Holidays?

On this episode of the Future Looks Good, we meet Jason Bean. Jason is one of the most resilient people and persistent learners I've ever met. Today we get to peel pack some layers of the onion that is Jason and find out how he made the transition from "you can't do that" to "I'll show you" without completely losing his Ogre in the process ;)

Why does society get to dictate how people express their emotions? Excellent question. Let's discuss ;)

Do you deny your pink? Do you mask to fit in? We're talking embracing the things in life that make you happy vs worrying about what other dingalings think you should be. Someone wants you to fit in? That's a them issue, not a you issue. Are you getting grief about what colors you choose to wear? Also a them issue. We're chatting about our "roles" in life and how sometimes that needs to roll away ...

Ep23 Maddy and I began this podcast talking about coffee. The beans of the gods for some folks. Or is it? Is it the beans or the moment you take for yourself to do something just for you? That moment of comfort. And then I said, Should we press record. Maddy said yes and now you have whole podcast dedicated to why finding what gives you comfort and not letting others judge you out of it is so important!

Ep 21 What if we started looking at change as a pivot? Looking at our existing skills and building on them instead of thinking we have to learn a whole new set of skills? Pivoting isn't just a funny Friends meme - it's a tactic used in business and many other places when what we're doing just isn't working for us anymore.

Ep 20 Have you ever tried something brand spanky new? Something different than anyone else in your network? Something that causes you to feel uncomfortable? Good! The feelings that come along with that are a human response to doing something brave. Unless you are lying your face off, you are not an imposter. You are just kicking ass and taking names ;)

Ep 19 The C word. I'm sure some of you thought cancer. Some thought something I can't type here without getting censored. And some just wondered, what the heck does this mean??? Without context, it's hard to understand ;)

Ep 18 I had a GREAT description written and then Soundcloud messed it up! Now my expertise is in writing and crafting messaging but that doesn't mean I want to rewrite this one ;) Today we're talking about the value of lived experience and owning the title of expert if it fits you. It's a bit of a journey to get there but the other value is that if you can find a way to share your voice and expertise, then you make change happen. People who have no lived experience in some areas should NOT be in charge of creating policy, programs or other opportunities without folks with lived experience being involved. And much like how you can't pay an architect for their experience using gift cards, lived experience experts should also get paid. If you valued someone enough to ask for their opinion / expertise, then it's valuable enough to pay for ;)

Ep 17 Sometimes navigating the world of autism can be a dark and lonely place for many people. Those diagnosed and those along for the ride to support the individual. The ever lovin' Maddy came up with the PERFECT analogy to describe what that wild ride can be like. Today's a shorty podcast but we expand on it next session. Don't miss it!

Ep 16 Once again, Betty and I get in to a non-podcast podcast where Betty starts talking smarticles and all I did was ask a damn question. Jeepers. We talk about the anticipatory energy brought to a conversation which can either go smoothly or become a conflict depending on how we show up. Then we leap to change: who should start? More importantly, why should someone else change when you aren't willing to budge your arse a bit? I'll let Betty explain the smart stuff ;) I just come along for comic relief.

Ep 15 What do we ramble on about on this episode? When I listened back while editing, I had to message Maddy because we covered SOOOO much that all tied back to communication and personal space. We touch on how trauma influences how we engage in certain situations. How our lenses on life can contribute or get in the way of belonging. How personal space, a valuable pandemic lesson, needs to be remembered. And how if you're at a conference and you stop suddenly to check your farking phone that SOME people might view that as an opportunity to go Free Guy on your butt ;) Just sayin'.

Ep 14 One thing I've always struggled with is putting value on lived experience. Not that it doesn't have value but how do you get paid for it? How do you get others to recognize it? If you think I've struggled, I've got nothing on the autism community. Tokenism is not paying someone a fair value in exchange for sharing lived experience. If it's valuable enough to ask for, it's valuable enough to pay for ;)

Ep 13 Socrates, Suzy's, Robert's and more. We get in to the necessity of having variety on a team and particularly so when dealing with the neurodivergent community. If you're a service provider and you've hired yourself a team of Suzy's, that all meet the same hiring criteria and wouldn't know the Socratic method of teaching if the philosopher himself walked up to you and used it, you need to listen to this podcast. Your clients would LOVE you to listen to this podcast. Trust us ;)

Ep 12 Adulting was hard on the day we recorded this podcast. HARD I tell you. But as usually Betty pulled up their socks and dragged me along for an insightful, vulnerable and honest to goodness learning session on setbacks. They do have value as long as you try to learn from them and don't let them keep you mired in the muck for too long. A little pity party? We all have them. Moving in to Pitytown? Well that's just no good for anybody ;)