- 36 minutes 22 secondsEp. 20: Executive Functioning (EF) and Executive Dysfunction
Have you ever heard of executive function? It's a set of skills related to organization, planning and more. In this episode we talk about what executive functioning is, who is affected by it, why it's important, the models of executive functioning, what executive dysfunction is, then we went in depth on executive function skills - working memory, cognitive flexibility, impulse control, inhibition, planning and prioritization, attentional control, organization, metacognition, emotional control, time management, decision making, goal setting, and task initiation, we talk about why just try harder doesn't work, myths about executive functioning, how to support your own executive functioning and how to support you or someone else with executive dysfunction.
Email me at [email protected]
Find more information and transcripts on my website thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com
27 October 2026, 10:00 am - 28 minutes 37 secondsEp. 19: Rituals and Routines in Neurodivergent People
What are rituals and Routines in the context of neurodivergence? Rituals and routines are things we all do. We all have a morning routine or a bedtime routine, but for neurodivergent people these rituals and routines can be stronger and more noticeable and necessary. In this episode of Minds That Think Differently we will cover:
- What rituals and routines actually are and the difference between them
- Examples of rituals and routines
- Why rituals and routines are so important to neurodivergent people and the purpose of them
- What happens when routines are disrupted and what happens when they keep being disrupted
- How to make rituals and routines as a neurodivergent person
- The types of rituals and routines
- What to do when a routine stops working for you
- How rituals and routines change across your life
- Difference between healthy and harmful rituals and routines
- The difference between rituals routines and compulsions
- The difference between preference and necessity in rituals and routines
- Rituals and routines during burnout
- How to support others with rituals and routines
Through this episode you will come to understand why rituals and routines are so important to neurodivergent people you will learn how to identify your own rituals and routines and you will understand the purpose of rituals and routines and be able to identify if it’s necessary and healthy
Want to learn more about autism listen to episode 16
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Want to learn more about ADHD? Listen to episode 17
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Want to learn more about what autism and adhd actually look like listen to episode 4
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Email me with stories questions or if you would like to be a guest
Find more information and full transcripts at my website
thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com
Join the community to start seeing the world a little differently
If you aren’t already listening on YouTube my YouTube channel is Minds That Think Differently I post full episodes and clips
https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=yQgSMsZ7rZ8yxYxO
20 October 2026, 10:00 am - 31 minutes 42 secondsEp. 18: Models of Disability Medical, Social and Beyond
Is there a right model or perfect model of disability? In this episode of Minds That Think Differently we will cover:
- what a model of disability is
- why models of disability are important
- the medical model which emphasizes understanding an impairment and treating or limiting it through medical technology
- the social model which emphasizes looking at social physical and institutional barriers that restrict access and participation for disabled people
- the tragedy model which views disability as a personal misfortune or tragedy
- the charity model which views disabled people as needing help and being dependent
- the biopsychosocial model which emphasizes that social and biological and psychological components all contribute to disability not just one
- the expert model emphasizes the role of experts in helping support disabled people
- the human rights model which emphasizes that disabled people deserve rights and equality
- the social identity or cultural model views disabled people as having their own culture and that they are a category of people and it's not just medical or social
- the economic model focuses on how disability affects employment and focuses on barriers to disabled people being able to work
- the affirmation or identity model views disability as a positive and as an integral part of the person's identity and it reframes disability as being a natural part of human diversity
Through this episode we will reframe the idea of disability and we will discuss whether there is one right or perfect model the benefits and drawbacks of certain models, how the model of disability we use affects disabled people in their daily lives, and what models disabled people actually prefer.
Throughout this episode you will learn about the different ways people think about disability and challenge your views on what disability means and which model of disability you see disability through and you will be able to apply these models to society and the way disabled people are treated in society.
Correction: in this episode I was talking about the biopsychosocial model as the model of disability that encompasses biological psychological and social aspects of disability not the biopsychological model.
Want to learn more about invisible disability? Listen to invisible disability part 1 foundations
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/48DYNMjsBh7hCc192tjJ8R?si=nuUaq6htTfS35Dfjjbwl1Q
Apple Podcasts
Want to learn more about how the medical tragedy and charity models of disability affect disabled people and contribute to harmful stereotypes? Listen to episode 7
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dszuQOxK5VywyP8rtQNqU?si=Nq-Xll-FR6C-mLuQCpgYWg
Apple Podcasts
Listen to podcast and shorts on YouTube - Minds That Think Differently
https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=BAJ8E_avet7Hjwmh
Email me
Find more information, ways to listen, and transcripts on my website thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com
13 October 2026, 11:30 am - 32 minutes 58 secondsEp. 17: ADHD Explained: A Deep Dive Into Executive Function Attention Subtypes and More
In this episode we will be deep diving into ADHD. A lot of people only think of one version of ADHD when really there are many different presentations and it’s quite complex. In this episode we will cover
- What ADHD actually is and the subtypes
- Diagnostic criteria for ADHD
- What executive functioning is
- Going into each executive functioning skill including working memory impulse control time management emotional regulation attention regulation
- Motivation and dopamine
- Time blindness
- How ADHD shows up in girls and women
- Strengths and challenges of having ADHD
- Medication
- ADHD in relationships and in adulthood
- ADHD burnout
- Strategies to use as an ADHDer and supporting someone else with ADHD
- The symbol of ADHD
- ADHD awareness month
This episode will give you a more nuanced understanding of what ADHD actually is and will help you learn and understand more about ADHD. So whether you are an ADHDer you are supporting someone else who is or just want to learn more this episode is for you.
Want to learn more about what ADHD looks like listen to episode 4
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Want to learn more about hyperfixations? Listen to episode 10
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Want to learn more about rituals and routines? Listen to episode 19
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Email me with stories questions or if you would like to be a guest
Find more information and full transcripts at my website
thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com
Join the community to start seeing the world a little differently
If you aren’t already listening on YouTube my YouTube channel is Minds That Think Differently I post full episodes and clips
https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=yQgSMsZ7rZ8yxYxO
6 October 2026, 10:00 am - 54 minutes 44 secondsEp. 16: Autism Explained: A Deep Dive Into Traits Support Needs Diagnosis Masking and More
This episode is my first deep dive and we are deep diving into autism. As an Autistic person myself I bring my unique lived experience along with a lot of research to this deep dive on autism in this episode we cover:
- What Autism is
- Diagnostic criteria of Autism
- How Autism can present differently in girls women and minorities
- History of Autism
- Strengths and challenges of being Autistic
- Terminology you should use when talking about Autism
- My personal experience
- Support needs and how there are so many different presentations of Autism across the Autism spectrum
- Social communication challenges
- The need for routines
- Masking
- Stimming
- The controversy around ABA therapy
- The symbol of Autism and the evolution of the symbol
- Helpful and harmful autism organizations
- The difference between autism awareness and autism acceptance
- Myths misconceptions and stereotypes around autism
- How to support autistic people and strategies you can use if you are autistic
This episode is a good deep dive and a great way to learn more about autism. Whether you are autistic know someone who is or just want to learn more through listening to this episode you will gain a deeper understanding of Autism and the nuances in this condition. Autism isn’t a black and white condition and it has many different presentations among people remember if you’ve met one autistic person you’ve met one autistic person
Interested in learning more about Autism misconceptions? listen to episode 4
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Interested in learning more about special interests and hyperfixations listen to episode 10
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Interested in learning more about sensory sensitivity listen to episode 2
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Interested in learning more about masking? Listen to episode 3
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Interested in learning more about routines listen to episode 19
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Interested in learning more about meltdowns shutdowns and burnout? Listen to episode 5
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Email me with stories questions or if you would like to be a guest
Find more information and full transcripts at my website
thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com
Join the community to start seeing the world a little differently
If you aren’t already listening on YouTube my YouTube channel is Minds That Think Differently I post full episodes and clips
https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=yQgSMsZ7rZ8yxYxO
29 September 2026, 12:00 pm - 31 minutes 26 secondsEp. 15: Getting a Diagnosis and Self Diagnosis: What to Do After Getting a Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis can change your whole life. It changes how you think about your life and live your life, that’s why it’s so important to be able to access diagnosis and get accurate diagnoses. In this episode of Minds That Think Differently we will cover:
- What the general assessment process is like for various neurotypes including the emotional impact of taking the assessment and what assessments can look like
- Why people want a diagnosis and what it means to them
- What a diagnosis actually is and what it does
- Barriers to getting a diagnosis
- Misdiagnosis
- Self diagnosis and self identification and what well researched self diagnosis looks like
- Early vs late diagnosis
- What happens after you receive your diagnosis
- What if people deny or don’t think your diagnosis is correct
- Myths and misconceptions about diagnosis
- How to find a neurodivergent community after diagnosis both online and in person communities
This episode will help you understand why diagnoses are so important and what exactly they do and their purpose. If you have just been diagnosed this will also help you with the emotional rollercoaster that usually comes with getting a diagnosis and gives you some next steps for if you have just gotten diagnosed. It will also help you understand what self diagnosis is and why there are so many barriers to getting a diagnosis
Want to learn more about neurodivergence listen to episode 1
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Want to learn more about lesser known neurodivergent identities listen to episode 6
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Want to learn about accommodations listen to episode 9
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Email me with stories questions or if you would like to be a guest
Find more information and full transcripts at my website
thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com
Join the community to start seeing the world a little differently
If you aren’t already listening on YouTube my YouTube channel is Minds That Think Differently I post full episodes and clips
https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=yQgSMsZ7rZ8yxYxO
22 September 2026, 12:00 pm - 43 minutes 43 secondsEp. 14: Why Neurodivergent Students Struggle so Much in School and What We Can do About It
The school system wasn’t designed with neurodivergent students in mind, so neurodivergent students have a lot of unique struggles in school. In this episode we will talk about
- What schools expect of students and why these expectations can be harmful to neurodivergent students
- Specific struggles neurodivergent students face in school like social struggles masking sensory environments executive dysfunction and more
- Twice exceptional students and the unique struggles they face
- The emotional impact of school and how it can lead to burnout and school avoidance
- Strengths neurodivergent students bring to the classroom
- Specific accommodations and changes that can be made to the classroom and education system to better support neurodivergent students
- Some alternatives to the mainstream like UDL or universal design for learning as a framework, neuroinclusive schools, homeschooling, online schools
- Specific steps that students teachers and parents can take to make classrooms more inclusive for neurodivergent students
- The future of education for neurodivergent students
Whether you are neurodivergent an educator a parent or just want to learn more this episode will teach you more about how the mainstream education system creates a lot of challenges for neurodivergent students and creates significant barriers to their participation in schools, we also examine how we can change and adapt the classroom environment to better support neurodivergent students.
Want to learn more about accommodations? listen to episode 9
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Want to learn more about what neurodivergence is? listen to episode 1
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Email me with questions stories or if you want to be a guest
Find more information and transcripts on my website
Thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com
Join the mailing list to start seeing the world a little differently
If you aren’t already listening on YouTube check out my YouTube channel Minds That Think Differently
https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=gZ8_U0sg_H1zuIWi
15 September 2026, 12:00 pm - 39 minutes 46 secondsEp. 13: Invisible Disabilities Part 3: Neurological Neurodevelopmental Communication Sensory Sleep
Neurological and Neurodevelopmental disabilities are often invisible as well as sleep sensory and some communication invisible disabilities. In this episode we will be covering
- Epilepsy a neurological condition tha causes seizures
- Migraines
- FND or functional neurological disorder where there is an issue with how the brain and body send and receive signals
- TBI or traumatic brain injury caused by a head wound
- Parkinson’s which has some visible symptoms but it can also be invisible
- Dementia a group of progressive conditions that involve memory loss
- Huntington's disease which can be an invisible disability in the early stages
- Narcolepsy where someone falls asleep at inappropriate times
- Aphasia which involves difficulty processing and understanding messages
- Social communication disorder
- Stuttering intermittent interruptions in the pattern of speech flow
- Non verbal learning disability
- Dyslexia
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder a wide variety of symptoms caused by being exposed to alcohol in the womb
- Idiopathic hypersomnia excessive daytime sleepiness and unrefreshing sleep
- Severe sleep apnea severe disturbances in breathing during sleep
- Hyperacusis everyday sounds are painful
- Deaf
- Blind
- Cystic fibrosis mucus build up in organs
- PTSD
- The invisible disabilities sunflower
From this episode you will learn more about neurological and neurodevelopmental invisible disabilities as well as sleep sensory and communication invisible disabilities. While the point of this series wasn’t to cover every invisible disability I covered as many common ones as I could but I’m open to more episodes. Through this episode you will gain a greater understanding of these invisible disabilities and some of the myths surrounding them and what you can do to support people living with these invisible disabilities.
Enjoyed this episode and want to learn more about invisible disabilities listen to part 2 of the series episode 12
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Listen to part 1 of the invisible disabilities series episode 11
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Email me with questions stories or if you want to be a guest
Find more information and transcripts on my website
Thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com
Join the mailing list to start seeing the world a little differently
If you aren’t already listening on YouTube check out my YouTube channel Minds That Think Differently
https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=gZ8_U0sg_H1zuIWi
8 September 2026, 12:00 pm - 37 minutes 17 secondsEp. 12: Invisible Disabilities Part 2: Physical Invisible Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses
Did you know that a physical disability can still be invisible? Many people are living with physical invisible disabilities and chronic illnesses and you would never know. In this episode of Minds That Think Differently we will be covering
- Ehlers danlos syndrome a connective tissue condition involving stretchy and fragile skin some types involve joint instability
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome where a change in position causes a rise in heart rate
- Mast cell activation disorder where mast cells release too much chemical mediators leading to reactions across the body
- Dysautonomia we cover the most common types including vasovagal syncope, orthostatic hypertension, baroreflex failure, autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy, multiple system atrophy, familial dysautonomia, pure autonomic failure and inappropriate sinus tachycardia
- Fibromyalgia a chronic illness involving widespread body pain
- ME/CFS a chronic illness involving debilitating fatigue and post exertion malaise
- Lupus a chronic illness where the immune system attacks healthy organs
- Arthritis which involves joint pain and swelling
- Osteoporosis where the bones become brittle leading to frequent fractures
- Endometriosis a condition where tissue grows on the outside of the uterus
- Crohn’s disease which involves chronic inflammation of the GI tract
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome where the muscles in your gut are overly sensitive or contracting and can involve reoccurring abdominal pain
- Celiac disease where gluten causes your immune system to attack your small intestine
- Congestive heart failure where the heart doesn’t pump blood as quickly or effectively as it should
- Hemophilia where the body can’t make blood clots
- Sickle cell disease where red blood cells are misshapen
- Anemia where your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells
- Asthma a group of conditions that affects the airways in your lungs
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease a group of conditions that can cause breathing difficulties
- Long Covid is symptoms experienced months or years after having the virus
- Multiple sclerosis a condition that affects the central nervous system
- Diabetes where your body can’t produce enough insulin
- Cancer a group of diseases involving the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells throughout the body
Through this episode you will learn more about all of these conditions and what you can do to help even if you aren’t living with an invisible disability. This episode will help bring more understanding to chronic illnesses and physical invisible disabilities that people live with everyday and will help make these conditions more visible.
Learning about these conditions shows us how people can be in pain or struggling with a chronic illness that we might never know about. Learning to understand the invisible struggles that disabled people and those with invisible disabilities face is a big part of this series.
To learn more about what invisible disabilities are listen to part 1 of the invisible disabilities series
On Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/48DYNMjsBh7hCc192tjJ8R?si=nuUaq6htTfS35Dfjjbwl1Q
On Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-11-invisible-disabilities-part-1-the-foundations/id6785985912?i=1000785767853
To learn about neurological and neurodevelopmental invisible disabilities listen to part 3 of the invisible disabilities series
On Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3nzIob0DgD60OGcK6QZBY3?si=Jc_SX4DpTSOP6FIjgsO2jg
On Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-13-invisible-disabilities-part-3-neurological-neurodevelopmental/id6785985912?i=1000788462074
For more ways to listen visit my website
Email me
Find more information on my website
Thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com
Listen on YouTube
https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=qyxvVEW0hmfcQICs
1 September 2026, 12:00 pm - 29 minutes 27 secondsEp. 11: Invisible Disabilities Part 1: The Foundations: What are Invisible Disabilities?
What really is an invisible disability? And what does it mean for a disability to be invisible? It doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist or isn’t real an invisible disability, it just means one that we can’t outwardly see. And since most disabilities are invisible disabilities this is a highly important topic. In this episode of Minds That Think Differently we will cover
- What invisible disabilities are
- What chronic illnesses are
- Examples of invisible disabilities chronic illnesses and visible disabilities
- Mobility aids and assistive technology what they are and why they are helpful
- Unique challenges disabled people face
- Dynamic disabilities
- The invisible labor of disability and decision fatigue
- The spoon theory
- Medical gaslighting
- Advocacy and action steps if you are disabled
- The symbol of invisible disabilities
- Building a foundation for part 2 and part 3 of invisible disabilities series
From this episode you will build a greater understanding of what invisible disabilities are and you will learn about terminology and challenges that people with invisible disabilitie face and you will have more understanding going into part 2 and 3 of the series which dive into specific invisible disabilities and chronic illnesses.
Enjoyed this episode and want to learn more about invisible disabilities listen to part 2 of the series episode 12
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Listen to part 3 of the invisible disabilities series episode 13
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Email me with questions stories or if you want to be a guest
Find more information and transcripts on my website
Thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com
Join the mailing list to start seeing the world a little differently
If you aren’t already listening on YouTube check out my YouTube channel Minds That Think Differently
https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=gZ8_U0sg_H1zuIWi
25 August 2026, 12:00 pm - 32 minutes 31 secondsEp. 10: Special Interests and Hyperfixations
Do you have interests that seem more intense than everyone else’s but you aren’t sure why? Neurodivergent people often have more intense interests like special interests and hyperfixations. In this episode we will cover
- What special interests and hyperfixations are and the difference between them
- The importance of special interests and hyperfixations and why they matter
- The benefits and challenges of having special interests or hyperfixations
- Losing a special interest and learning how to cope with losing a special interest
- My personal special interests and ones I’ve lost
- Myths and misconceptions about special interests and hyperfixations
- Monotropism and infodumping
- Timeblindness
- How to support yourself as someone with intense interests and how to support someone else with intense interests
From this episode you will gain a greater understanding of intense interests like special interests and hyperfixations and why they are important and matter. You will learn about what losing a special interest means and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it. We will debunk myths and misconceptions about special interests and hyperfixations and you will gain a greater understanding of your own or someone else’s hyperfixations and special interests
Want to learn more about Autism? Check out my deep dive episode 16
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/02cMI38DylYO39XCXydiXh
Apple Podcasts
Want to learn more about ADHD? Check out my deep dive episode 17
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Want to learn more about myths and misconceptions around autism and adhd and what autism and adhd actually look like check out episode 4
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ
Apple Podcasts
Email me questions stories or if you want to be a guest
Find more information and full transcripts on my website
thinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com
Join the community to start seeing the world a little differently
If you aren’t already listening on YouTube check out my YouTube channel Minds That Think Differently where I post full episodes and clips
https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=eAvbHj5wsOVkMDis
18 August 2026, 12:00 pm - More Episodes? Get the App