Do not underestimate the power of routine

Caragh McMurtry, an Olympic Rower for Team GB, shares her remarkable journey on this podcast. Despite the already challenging path of pursuing Olympic excellence, Caragh’s neurodiversity added an extra layer of complexity. She reveals how she initially struggled as she was misdiagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and underwent ineffective treatments, including medication that hindered her rowing performance.

It took five years, until 2019, for Caragh to receive the correct diagnosis of High-functioning Autism. This revelation empowered her to embrace her uniqueness, leading to newfound happiness. Following her retirement after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Caragh founded Neurodiverse Sport CIC to ensure others with neurodiversity don’t face the same hurdles she did. Her mission is to provide support, education, and advocacy for neurodivergent athletes, believing that no athlete should feel isolated due to not conforming to neurotypical standards.

Caragh’s inspiring story highlights the importance of inclusivity in sports and is a must-listen for all.

In this episode, we meet Jack Churchill OBE, Founder and CEO of Scanning Pens and Empowering Technology Group. Diagnosed with dyslexia at 14, Jack experienced firsthand the challenges of keeping up in school. After losing his job during the late 1990s dot-com bubble burst, Jack and his university friend Toby started Scanning Pens. They recognized the immense benefits of text-to-audio pens for dyslexic individuals. Today, their advanced scanning pens, including exam-approved versions, support people with dyslexia globally. In 2023, Jack and Toby received an OBE for their contributions to international trade and the dyslexia community. This episode delves into the journey of Scanning Pens, its evolution, and the future of assistive technology.

Discover the impact of micro-traumas on neurodivergent individuals in this episode with host Matt Head and Devon Lowndes, Co-founder of ‘Self Agency.’ Delve into the 1,500 micro-traumas experienced by neurodivergent people during primary school, ranging from dismissive phrases to attacks on self-worth. Devon, who has Dyslexia and ADHD, shares firsthand experiences and emphasizes that while these traumas lack physical scars, they manifest within, affecting all aspects of life. The episode explores the crucial need for belongingness and how it empowers those with dyslexia to thrive. Devon advocates for recognizing the strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to society, calling for understanding and valuing conditions like dyscalculia, dyspraxia, OCD, Tourette syndrome, and more. Uncover insights on navigating challenges, embracing authenticity, and evolving organizational cultures to accommodate neurodiversity. Keywords: belongingness, micro-traumas, neurodiversity, ADHD, dyslexia.