Show Notes
How many things do you do every day without realising they might actually be stims?
In this episode, Kate returns from running a neurodivergent writing retreat in Scotland after accidentally blowing everyone’s minds with a session on language stims. What starts as a chat about repeating words quickly turns into a much bigger conversation about humming, echolalia, accents, family phrases and all the small things people do to regulate themselves without even noticing.
Kate and Nic talk about the ways stimming gets misunderstood through a diagnostic lens, why so many people grow up hiding it and how certain phrases, songs and repeated words can become their own form of comfort.
There’s also a genuinely brilliant detour into musicals as communication, the phrase “hydrate or die straight”, and an unexpected history lesson on the gin crisis.
If you’ve ever repeated a word because it sounds satisfying, communicated entirely through song lyrics or suddenly realised your family all hum, whistle or bounce in their seats… this one might feel very familiar.
More from Neurotypicals Don't Juggle Chainsaws
There’s a lot being said about neurodivergent people at the moment, and not all of it is easy to hear. In this episode, Kate and Nic talk about what happens when the wider conversation starts to feel hostile, whether that’s around autism, ADHD, self-identification, support, diagnosis or the way neurodivergent people are represented. Rather than getting stuck in everything happening outside of our control, they focus on the things that are still ours. Knowledge of ourselves, understanding what helps and what doesn’t, finding people who get it, and building community around us.
Summer might be lovely for some people, but for many neurodivergent people it can bring an entirely different set of challenges. In this episode, Kate and Nic explore what the recent heatwaves have been like through a neurodivergent lens. From sensory overwhelm and disrupted routines to medication affected by high temperatures, reduced capacity and the simple reality of having no escape from the heat, they discuss why "it's just a bit warm" can feel like so much more. Kate shares a month that seemed determined to test every sensory limit imaginable, while Nic talks about managing chronic pain medication during prolonged hot weather and the practical adjustments her family have had to make. Together they reflect on the importance of recognising your own needs, communicating them to the people around you, and giving yourself permission to adapt when your usual capacity simply isn't there. Sometimes the most neuroaffirming thing you can do is say, "I'm struggling today."
We're back with Part 2 of our live podcast from Gosforth Civic Theatre, and this time the audience takes centre stage.
We're back with the first part of our recent live episodes recorded at Gosforth Civic Theatre, and this one is all about giving yourself permission to stop doing things that make life harder than it needs to be. From supermarkets and recycling systems to forms, handshakes, Christmas dinner and social expectations, Kate, Nic and the audience share their own personal "just don't" moments. It's a funny, honest conversation about sensory needs, executive function, masking, and the small acts of rebellion that can make everyday life a bit easier. A huge thank you to everyone who came along and made the evening such a brilliant event. The audience played a big part in this episode and you'll hear plenty of their stories throughout. We've got Part 2 coming soon, and we'd love to hear your ideas for future podcast topics. If there's something you'd like us to explore, let us know. Recorded live at Gosforth Civic Theatre.
A quick note before this one: this episode was originally recorded as the April podcast for Autism Acceptance Month, but due to an upload error, it’s now landing in May. So if you hear Nic and Kate referring to “this month”, that’s why.