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The Neurodivergent Lens

The Neurodivergent Lens

Written by: Dyscourse
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If many podcasts explain what neurodiversity is, The Neurodivergent Lens explores what the world looks like when you genuinely listen. Through conversations with individuals of lived and professional experience, The Neurodivergent Lens explores the realities of dyslexic and neurodivergent lives, aiming to educate, reduce stigma, and foster a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of neurodivergence.

© 2026 The Neurodivergent Lens
Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • The Truth About Neurodivergent Empathy
    Jun 10 2026
    Do neurodivergent people lack empathy? It's one of the most damaging and persistent myths out there - particularly about autistic individuals. In Episode 5, we challenge that assumption head on, exploring how empathy is genuinely felt and expressed across neurodivergence, and why so much of the misunderstanding comes down to difference, not deficit.What This Episode CoversIn this episode, we discuss:The myth that autistic and neurodivergent people lack empathyWhy empathy is experienced and expressed in many different waysThe spectrum of neurodivergent traits - the "television pixels" analogyHow relating through your own example can be misread as self-centredCognitive empathy vs affective empathy explainedHeightened sensory responses and intuitive feelingHow lived experience can deepen empathic capacityWhy neurodivergent people often empathise easily with each otherThe role of intuition in empathyReciprocal empathy - and the neurotypical expectations around itCuriosity over judgement when empathy looks differentExpressive vs internalised empathy in relationshipsHow misunderstanding fuels conflict - and why communication matters mostThis episode is for: Neurodivergent individuals who've been wrongly labelled as lacking empathy. Educators, leaders, and clinicians wanting to challenge outdated assumptions. Anyone exploring autism, ADHD, and the realities of neurodivergent emotional experience.Guest: Emma Lord-JenkinsFounder of Rethink Inclusion, Emma provides consultancy and neurodiversity training informed by both professional and lived experience. As a late-diagnosed ADHDer, she is passionate about creating inclusive workplaces and removing barriers for neurodivergent people.Find Emma here:Website | LinkedIn | Instagram (@rethink_inclusion)Timestamps00:00 Introduction 00:32 The empathy debate & common misconceptions 00:59 Understanding the spectrum - the television analogy 01:52 Empathy is experienced & expressed in many ways 02:08 Misconceptions across different neurodivergent traits 03:03 Relating through your own example - mirroring 04:12 Cognitive empathy vs affective empathy 05:12 Heightened sensory responses & intuitive feeling 06:16 How lived experience can deepen empathy 07:11 Neurotypical vs neurodivergent - relating to each other 07:55 Intuition and empathy 08:18 Autistic people do feel & have empathy 09:19 The importance of reciprocal empathy 09:45 Curiosity over judgement 10:39 Expressive vs internalised empathy 11:17 Empathy, relationships & misunderstanding 12:17 Communication & asking better questions 12:51 Outro Why This MattersThe belief that neurodivergent people - and autistic people in particular - lack empathy is not only inaccurate, it's harmful. It shapes how people are judged, treated, and understood in workplaces, relationships, and society. This episode reframes empathy as something felt and expressed in diverse ways, challenging stigma and opening up a more compassionate, curious conversation.About The Neurodivergent LensA video podcast exploring neurodivergence through conversations with lived and professional experience. We challenge assumptions, reduce stigma, and promote a more inclusive, strengths-based understanding. This podcast is brought to you by Dyscourse - a consultancy, training, and mentoring organisation empowering neurodivergent individuals and organisations. Find out more: https://dyscourse.orgKeywordsNeurodivergent empathy | Autism and empathy | Do autistic people have empathy | Cognitive empathy | Affective empathy | Empathy misconceptions | Double empathy problem | Neurodivergent vs neurotypical | Heightened sensory response | Reciprocal empathy | ADHD empathy | Autism myths | Neurodivergent communication | Neurodiversity | Lived experienceSpecial Thanks:Sue McMillan - Strumhum Creatives (production, editing, music), Hannah Taylor - The Lens Box (filming, photography), Emma Lord-Jenkins (guest)Watch, Listen & ConnectWatch & Subscribe on YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentLensPodcastWebsite: https://dyscourse.org/podcastApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4wVeWmSSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Vzy9a6fLbo3YnmNUuiM43Download our free PDF guide on Myths & Misconceptions: https://dyscourse.org/ (above footer)Follow:Instagram: @the.neurodivergent.lensLinkedIn: DyscourseFacebook: TheNeurodivergentLensDisclaimer:This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional support. Please seek qualified guidance where needed.
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    13 mins
  • Why time feels different when you’re neurodivergent
    May 20 2026

    Does time feel like your enemy? In Episode 4, we explore why neurodivergent individuals experience time so differently - from time blindness and hyperfocus to punctuality, executive functioning, and the shame of never quite keeping up.

    We cover: time slippage vs time management, why the language matters, time blindness and the neurodivergent brain, hyperfocus and losing track of time completely, the shame around needing support with something "everyone else can do", practical strategies including the Pomodoro technique, contingency planning and setting alarms, how COVID changed workplace expectations, and how unstructured time can become a genuine neurodivergent strength.


    👤 Guest: Emma Lord-Jenkins Founder of Rethink Inclusion - neurodiversity consultancy and training informed by lived and professional experience. As a late-diagnosed ADHDer, Emma is passionate about creating inclusive workplaces and removing barriers for neurodivergent people.

    This episode is for neurodivergent individuals who've struggled with time and punctuality, and for employers, educators, and HR professionals wanting to better understand and support neurodivergent people.


    📌 Brought to you by Dyscourse — empowering neurodivergent individuals and organisations. https://dyscourse.org

    Watch, Listen & Connect

    Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentLensPodcast

    Website: https://dyscourse.org/podcast

    Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4wVeWmS

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Vzy9a6fLbo3YnmNUuiM43

    Download our free PDF guide on Myths & Misconceptions: https://dyscourse.org/ (above footer)

    Follow:

    Instagram: @the.neurodivergent.lens

    LinkedIn: Dyscourse

    Facebook: TheNeurodivergentLens

    Disclaimer:

    This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional support. Please seek qualified guidance where needed.

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Why Do Neurodivergent Individuals Experience Decision Paralysis?
    Apr 29 2026

    Why Do Neurodivergent Individuals Experience Decision Paralysis?

    Do you freeze when faced with a decision? In Episode 3, we explore decision paralysis and the "don't knows" - unpacking why neurodivergent individuals are disproportionately affected, how alexithymia, shame, and anxiety intersect, and what self-understanding and psychological safety can unlock.

    In this episode, we discuss: decision paralysis and alexithymia, nervous system shutdown and overwhelm, the duality of shutdown vs impulsive over-commitment, rejection sensitivity, shame and trauma, processing speed and working memory, the ADHD brain and decision-making, psychological safety, reasonable adjustments at work, and self-coaching strategies.

    👤 Guest: Emma Lord-Jenkins Founder of Rethink Inclusion — neurodiversity consultancy and training informed by lived and professional experience. As a late-diagnosed ADHDer, Emma is passionate about creating inclusive workplaces and removing barriers for neurodivergent people.

    This episode is for neurodivergent individuals who've felt frozen or overwhelmed, and for educators, leaders, and HR professionals wanting to better support neurodivergent people.

    📌 Brought to you by Dyscourse - a consultancy, training, and mentoring organisation empowering neurodivergent individuals and organisations. https://dyscourse.org

    Watch, Listen & Connect

    Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentLensPodcast

    Website: https://dyscourse.org/podcast

    Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4wVeWmS

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Vzy9a6fLbo3YnmNUuiM43

    Download our free PDF guide on Myths & Misconceptions: https://dyscourse.org/ (above footer)

    Follow:

    Instagram: @the.neurodivergent.lens

    LinkedIn: Dyscourse

    Facebook: TheNeurodivergentLens

    Disclaimer:

    This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional support. Please seek qualified guidance where needed.

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
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