In this episode of A Different Brilliant, host Madeline Jaine Lobsey sits down with social worker and behaviour support practitioner Bella Smythe for an open and empowering conversation about neurodiversity, co-occurring experiences, and what it means to create genuinely neuro-affirming environments.

Bella shares insights from her years of experience supporting Autistic people, including her work in Aspect’s Adult Community Services, and reflects on identity, language, acceptance, and the systems that shape our wellbeing.

This episode is warm, practical and deeply relatable for Autistic people, families, carers, educators and anyone wanting to better understand the richness of neurodivergent experiences.

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In this episode of a different brilliant, host Madeline Jane Lobsey is joined by Sandee Facy, Hd of Business Development for Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Australia & New Zealand (via Bayley House), and Matt Oastler (he/they), Aspect Autism Friendly Melbourne Team Leader, to explore how the Sunflower symbol and Autism Friendly practices work together to make everyday life more welcoming for Autistic people and others with hidden disabilities.

Drawing on lived experience and practical examples, Sandee and Matt unpack what the Sunflower is (and isn’t), why it helps people signal a need for time, space, or support without disclosing diagnoses, and how Aspect’s Autism Friendly team partners with organisations to turn good intentions into tangible change — from quiet rooms and familiarisation sessions to visual stories, sensory maps, and inclusive workplace design.

Topics include:

• What the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is and who it’s for
• How the Sunflower supports Autistic people and others with non-visible disabilities
• Starting supportive interactions without disclosure
• How Aspect’s Autism Friendly team assesses spaces and trains staff
• Real-world examples: airports, museums, stadiums, Legoland, and libraries
• Creating Sunflower-friendly and Autism Friendly workplaces
• Practical resources and inclusive design strategies for businesses

Whether you’re an Autistic adult, a parent or carer, an educator or allied health professional, or a business leader aiming to lift inclusion, this episode offers clear, actionable ideas you can use right away.

Practical info:

A person can get a Sunflower lanyard in two ways:

1️⃣ Purchase a lanyard from www.hdsunflower.com/au

2️⃣ Find a complimentary lanyard at a Sunflower Friendly organisation near you using the Sunflower Map

Additional resources:

• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower ANZ (via Bayley House) — awareness training and accessibility partnerships
• Aspect Autism Friendly — consultancy, environmental assessments, staff training, and resources for organisations.

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In this episode, host Madeleine Jaine Lobsey chats with Mel Spencer OAM, CEO of Different Journeys, who draws on her lived experience and professional expertise to discuss unpaid carers of Autistic people.

Mel explores the key challenges and barriers carers face, the supports available, and what can be done to help carers balance their responsibilities with their own wellbeing, personal goals and community participation.

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