Ep 163: Neurodivergence, Unmasking, Late Diagnosis and Growing Up with Dr Emma Offord
Grow Yourself UpShow Notes
In this episode Cath was joined by Dr Emma Offord. Cath and Emma talked about Emma's path to motherhood, childhood trauma, how Emma tends to and advocates for herself and her children and sensory needs and how these are so important to understand, particularly in the context of families/food/parenting. We talked about autism, ADHD, neurodivergence and trauma, late diagnosis, OCD and how Emma experiences OCD and Emma talked about unmasking and how she advocates for herself in order to tend to her needs.
Dr Emma Offord is a clinical psychologist and founder of Divergent Life, a neuroaffirming practice supporting neurodivergent children, parents, and adults. Divergent Life offers diagnostic assessments for autism and ADHD, alongside therapy, coaching, and group programmes that centre the whole person rather than deficit-based models. Emma is passionate about challenging medicalised approaches to neurodivergence and naming the systemic harms that arise when difference is misunderstood. Her work helps people understand their nervous systems, developmental histories, and strengths in context, with a particular focus on breaking cycles of shame, survival, and self-blame in parenting and family life.
She brings both clinical expertise and lived experience as a late-identified neurodivergent woman and parent, shaped by complex developmental trauma and a deep understanding of how these layers interact across generations.
Emma hosts This Voice Is Mine: The Unquiet Podcast and offers group programmes including the Neurodivergent Identity Programme (NDIP), Nervous System Reset (NSR), and Empowered Parenting.
Instagram: @divergentlives Website: divergentlife.co.uk
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