Do you wish they found you another time?
Hi Em, I know from what you have said that you didn't have a good time doing breakfast radio, I am wondering how do you feel when people say that they became a fan of ours during that time? Do you have a thought of I wish it was a time that was mentally better for you or are you just happy they found you and your content?
Long Journey for Diagnosis
Hi Em, Thank you for sharing the conversation with Matilda Boseley this week. I've reached my 40s and am discovering the wonderful world of neurodivergence. This journey began when some "behaviours" were being picked up by my sons Carers from childcare around age 4 all the way through to school now aged 9. I proactively listened and took action reading and learning about what was happening. But there's been barriers all the way along. Over this journey (still going with no true clarity) I've been to GPs, Pediatricians, Child Psychologists, and finally Occupational Therapist. All the way along constant meetings with his Teachers in each year at school and they continually ask "What are you doing about seeing a Specialist? "Have you got any answers or a diagnosis?" Which leads to a long explanation of this journey in detail, but little to no response or from them, just note taking. Making me feel like I'm not doing anything! Also pushing an uneasy feeling that my child is different and must be categorized as such. It feels so cruel. The most helpful was the OT (who had a long waiting period for appointment - three months initially), but after some long paperwork tests and questions he said "your son has Aspergers (old term) like traits and some modalities that need treatment", explaining these in detail, and saying "he can be treated from home and with support from my reports with recommendations I will email you". We have followed through, buying the Wilbarger brush for reprograming oversensitivity to touch, paying for a hearing program app to retrain the over sensory auditory system, etc. etc. But I've often felt that if my son was fully diagnosed would it just be a much better outcome? Are his symptoms considered 'not as bad' as some? I often think its due to being in a Regional town and a lack of awareness from Professionals, I respect all medical and teaching related professionals but WOW they have a lack of deeper understanding about what neurodivergence is and how to approach it. There's often an underlying dismissiveness or a forcefulness to be labelled. I've read so much more now about it. I'm learning about my son, myself, my parents and my siblings and there's a LOT of realisation that we all have the patterns, it's mind blowing. It explains so much but its overwhelming at this stage of life finding out why some things have been hard. I don't want to be called "different" but I always have been, and your crowd of people feel like home. Do I just got to a capital city for diagnosis and stop hoping for help in the country? Thank you. LOVE your Podcast. Cheers from Monique
Co sleeping love.
Not a question Em and Michael, just a comment and sharing my lived experience. My ADHD son co slept with me, terrible for marriage but great for my relationship with son. He is turning 14 in 4 weeks and just this week he literally said to me "it's ok mum I'll go to sleep by myself tonight" and has done so every night since.. He was so excited and proud of himself, we have been through cycles of him being embarrassed and trying to force it, but not being successful, but I always knew in my heart it would happen when he was ready. It will for you and Elio too! Xo
Always the one checking in
I was wondering if ether of you have experienced being the friend who always checks in on friends but didnt feel that it was reciprocated. What did you do? Because frankly I'm O V A H Over it. Like I don't want to get rid of the friendships but I never feel like I actually get asked how I am or if I'm struggling with anything
Coming out at a new job
Em and Michael, I am 30 year old female, married to my wife (we have been together for almost 15year) and have 2 boys. I started a new job in July, I speak fairly openly about my wife and children however it has come to my attention that a colleague I work fairly closely with is not aware that I am a lesbian. I work in a very male dominated industry and in the past have held jobs as a sales person who would attend a customer once a month. I never felt the need to correct them if they assumed that I was straight as a) I wasn’t sure how they would react and b) it didn’t affect my daily life. However, should I correct people and come out when I meet new people? I don’t want them to feel embarrassed in the future when they meet my wife. But also want to protect myself and the company from negativity relating to my sexuality.