The BIS-pod is no more! Long live the Neurodive pod!

Another great episode where I [Sam Harris in case you didn't know that bit] get to speak to the awesome Tigger Pritchard. Ignore the first few minutes as this was recorded a few months back in my transition from BISnet the Neurodive and Running Deer, so had to hold it back until I knew I would be able to re-brand the podcast. 

In this episode, we discuss how different cultures approach and understand Autism and Autistic experience. What we can gain from looking at these differences as well as the changes in our own cultural approaches over the years. Tigger as usual shares he awesome insight and personal experiences and I add my two pence in there as well.

Talking Autism and culture with Tigger Pritchard

I am joined by Author, Advocate, parent of 3 Autistic children and Autistic adult Jodie Isitt. Jodie is also the creator of the Nurture programme, an online programme for parents of Neurodivergent children and young people. 

In this episode, Jodie talks to me about her own diagnosis and reflects on how it impacted her childhood and in school. She shares some real insight into her own experiences of social situations, greetings and eye contact. We also discussed some of the challenges in the current school system regarding neurodiverise and inclusive environments.....I had a bit of a rant about having to pay the school to take my son on holiday.....[which hasn't even happened yet and I'm annoyed already]. We also discussed how her Neurodivergence has been helpful in the work she has gone onto do and how she manages her life and those around to ensure she stays able to continue creating the fantastic projects she has created. 

Having worked with Jodie a number of times and found her approach to supporting parents both inspiring and reaffirming with the work we do at Neurodive, it was great to chat to her more about her own life experiences. You can find her by heading to facebook and the @thenurtureprogramme, or check out her publications at www.autismwithlove.co.uk.

If you enjoyed the episode, please like share and subscribe. To really help, leaving a positive review on itunes and other podcast providers is huge and I really appreciate it.

Growing up Autistic, school and the Nurture programme with Jodie Isitt

I am joined in this episode by Linara Tyler, Autistic and PDA Self-Advocate, Relationship Consultant & Mentor. Linara is someone I have bene fortunate enough to run some webinars with and her area of focus is in Attachment styles and how understanding them can play a helpful part in improving your relationships. 

In this episode, Linara shared some of her own life experiences with me, as well as some really insightful thoughts on her experience as a mother. Then we delved into her area of particular interest, Attachment Styles. She helped me understand them and we even at one point used the contestants on Love Island to help bring it to a level I could manage! I never miss an episode. [We recorded back in the summer].

It's always fun talking to Linara and I learnt a huge amount this episode thanks to her openness.

Talking Autistic experience and attachment styles with Linara Tyler

Around a year ago I was made aware of a research paper and the work of a fantastic Autistic advocate, author and researcher by the name of Kieran Rose. Some of the connections his paper helped me make around the Autistic experience of masking where truly game changing for me. It helped me understand how stigma and prejudice around what is 'normal' and 'acceptable' in our culture plays a huge part in why Autistic people mask.   It also made me question how I have approach teaching things like 'social skills' and giving support and advice to Autistic children and young people in the past, as well as some of the early approaches I used that could well have been feeding into that need to mask for fear of being 'different.' 

In this episode we chat about this, the paper and some of the problematic ideas that have been part of this issue. As well as trying to get our heads around ways of moving forward. I really enjoyed talking to Kieran and hope you do to. 

Please like, share and subscribe. Plus positive reviews on itunes and other podcast providers really really help so are hugely appreciated. I want this one to get lots of listens so I can persuade Kieran to talk to me again and work with me in the future but shhhhhhhh, don't tell him! [That's a joke. I realise he may see this and that also my tone doesn't come across in this text.....should probably take all that out....must remember to do that.....]

Kieran Rose discussing masking, stigma around differences how we move forward

A bit of a shift from the usual content for this episode but one I am very proud to have on the podcast. Around this time last year I got chatting to a friend, Pete Howard. We talked and got onto the subject of mental health, of wanting to do something to raise awareness and money. Somehow, a year later we have just completed a marathon by alternatively piggy backing each other! So far we have raised of 3.5k for the charity mind. 

In this episode I sit down with Pete and also Dom Alford, someone I had never met before the day who showed up at 5am, rode his bike to follow us all the way, grabbing us supplies and generally being a witness and our piggy back angel. Pete shares his own story and challenges around mental health and addiction, we discuss our own thoughts around mental health in general. Dom describes the day from his perspective and we talk about why we took on such a ridiculous task in the first place, what it was like and what it meant to us achieving it. 

I really enjoyed the conversation and it did actually hammer home a bit more what we had done and why. Please take a listen and share are story if you feel able. We are still raising money for a great cause and if anyone wishes to donate they can do so here:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/piggybackmarathon

Mental health and a Piggyback Marathon with Pete & Dom

After lots of comments, self-relisations and connections and advice and support from the fantastic Neurodivergent people I am now fortunate enough to work with, it is time for me to explore my own possible Neurodivergence. To be honest. I am just not sure either way. 

In this episode [recorded at 4am in the gym with my mind whirring....not sure if this is a clue....] I outline what I intend to do and why. It won't be a traditional route. I'm not going for an official diagnosis. I intend to use the process as a learning opportunity and to document it as much as possible in a series of podcasts. 

Really appreciate any feedback and comments.

ADHD and..... me? - part 1

In this episode I am joined by Maddie Roberts, who contacted me regarding a petition to stop fines for school absences for parents of SEN children. 

I am so behind anything that looks at making a positive impact and change for families of Neurodivergent young people, that I wanted to get her on the podcast to discuss the petition and her own personal journey. I am sure many can find connection, validation and hopefully some inspiration from it.

Maddie Roberts and a petition to stop fines for non school attendance

In this 2nd part of my journey to discover if rumours about my Neurodivergence are true, I outline my plan to go about a possible unofficial but thorough self-identification. 

I have chosen to enlist some help with the diagnostics from a friend who is a clinical psychologist and Dr of psychology, in order to combat my own potential bias if I looked at them myself. In this episode I also discuss some issues I have with these diagnostics and talk about the pre-screening forms I had back from my parents and wife. I share some thoughts on labels as a whole as well as my plans to do a live initial pre-screening with Harry Thompson The PDA Extraordinaire.

ADHD and Me? - part 2

In this episode I chat with Eliza Fricker, creator, illustrator, advocate, blogger and now, in a much more proper sense then me, podcaster. In all of these areas she uses her own lived experience of Neurodivergence and parenting. 

Eliza's illustrations on her missing the mark facebook page and blog are widely recognised in the Neurodivergent advocacy community for there beautiful pathos and ability to really capture the challenges of both Neurodivergent young people and their parents. I was lucky enough to be introduced to her as part of the 'F that Narrative' lives I was invited to be a part of and since then have been really keen to speak to her on the podcast. When I found out she was branching out into podcasting, I wanted to chat even more.....until I listened and the incredible quality and depth of her podcast totally intimidated me! Yet impulsivity wins the day, we went ahead. It was too late to say 'I can't interview you anymore cos your podcast sounds pro and mine is more basic then a ham sandwich with just butter.' In the end, I'm so glad it did as was great to sit down with someone so like minded, hear about her projects as well as discuss some practical ideas and changes that could be made to improve experiences for Neurodivergent families.

Hitting the Mark with Eliza Fricker of 'Missing the Mark'

It's been a while and so in this short episode, I explain future plans for the podcast and have a big announcement to make! 

Plus, I reveal the next guest I have lined up which for me is a huge one. Someone whose work and ideas follow a very similar perspective to my own and who since discovering, has also influenced it greatly. As a result, aside from the updates and news.....there's a fair bit of my thoughts on punitive and conditional approaches, their risks and why we need another way.

Podcast update, big news and a huge guest coming soon

In this episode I get the opportunity to interview Alfie Kohn, author of one of my favorite books 'Unconditional parenting' as well as 'Punished by rewards' and several other works.

I must admit to being a little starstruck. His work is so important in not just outlining some of the key elements of my own approach to supporting Neurodivergent young people, but also in providing the research and evidence as to why it is so important that we move away from some of the traditional ideas that continue to dominate our education system and advice to parents. For the sake of all our young people, but especially those with Neurodivergence. 

I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Interview with Alfie Kohn

In this episode I have the privilege of sitting down and recording a chat with a young Autistic man called Zac, who I have supported for a number of years through his transition between mainstream school and into alternative provision. He is wonderfully open and honest about his experiences and able to articulate things that I feel many other Neurodivergent young people have been through, are going through or may go through at points in their lives. I have learnt lots from working with him and am sure this episode will be a great learning resource for parents & professionals supporting Autistic young people with school. As well as hopefully as source of validation and inspiration to other young people. 

We talk about his challenges through mainstream primary and secondary, experiences of bullying and difficult social interactions. As well as what hasn't helped him in these settings, as well as some things that did for short periods. He gives an insight into what those difficult experiences are like and how they have effected him. Before sharing what has helped him more recently and offering some hope and ideas for others.

Interview with Zac - my school experience and recovery

The podcast is back! With monthly episodes featuring guests and Neurodive creator and coach Sam Harris sharing more personal stories, experiences and news from his work supporting Neurodivergent young people and their families. 

In this episode, Sam identifies some of the things that working with Autistic people taught him. Reflecting on the time being a nose hair away from a slide smeared with poo taught him about seeing things from another perspective.....even if very different from his own..... As well as insight into how he learnt to manage his non verbal communication to allow him to support those who might find his natural communication style overloading. 

To catch the full, extended episodes with extra tips and ideas for parents & professionals, as well as access tons of past webinars and video content, check out the patroen page to see our memberships options.

www.patreon.com/Neurodiveplus



What supporting Autistic people taught me

An introduction from me, Sam Harris BISnet Manager, about the BISnet project and the BISpod podcast. 

I try to explain a little about the organisation I work for, the project I run and what it does as well as a little about my background and role. It's an informal podcast and also my first time so I will be going back over some of these areas in more detail in the future, for now I just wanted to keep it sweet so we could get on with the interviews!

Introduction to BISpod

Adam Williams is a clinical hypnotherapist who I met through my work with the National Citizen Service programme run by Exeter City football club. 
Adam specializes in anxiety management through 1-1 sessions, or delivering his Anxiety Regulation Workshops in Schools and Workplaces. If you are in the South West of England and want to check out what he does, head to:

ajwilliamshypnotherapy.com or find him on twitter and facebook @ajwilliamshypno

In this episode we talk about Adam's background, what hypnotherapy is and how it can help people, as well as a fair amount of tangents into areas such as emotional regulation, breathing and how Adam could not hypnotize me just by saying the word 'Penguin' randomly. 

I learnt an awful lot from Adam and have booked in for a session with him off the back of this podcast so will keep you posted on how that goes. He is also a great person to bounce ideas off of and I look forward to having him back on again in the future.

This is my first interview and I perhaps didn't warn Adam I wouldn't really be editing it, so excuse the occasional bumpy bit and some whispered convos about starting over again.....I didn't let him as all of what he was saying was really interesting to me.

Interview with Adam Williams [Clinical Hypnotherapist

Adam and Sam discuss how emotions are formed in the brain, the difference between a bodily experience or feeling of emotion to a cognitive appraisal or thinking of emotion....all with fair to short a time limit and dealing with Sam's hot coffee spillage. A topic to be re-visited and continued in the future for sure! 

understanding emotions part 1 - with Adam Williams

In this series of episodes our manager and trainer Sam Harris gives us some short 15 minutes discussions around particular ideas and concepts that have shaped the way BISnet supports individuals and families. This are ideas that could be applied to anyone with behaviour support needs or who is at risk of displaying challenging, aggressive or socially isolating behaviours.

'No magic wand; no one way approach' - Ideas for parents & professionals series

So pleased to have a mentor, friend and total expert in the podcast. 

Silvia is currently researching her PhD in Autism and the area of social looking (including social referencing) in infants. 

In this episode I ask her about her research and what led her into this area, get some exclusive info on her latest findings and how it can inform practice, as well as just generally mine her for her expertise in the area of social referencing and Autism. 

Interview with Silvia Haywood Panella on her research into social looks and Autism

Whilst I had Silvia here we each put together our top 3 ideas for parents or professionals supporting an individual with Autism. 

We managed to keep it to a half hour and hopefully this episode can provide some helpful ideas for anyone supporting someone on the Autism spectrum.  

'Silvia & Sam's top 3 ideas for supporting Individuals with Autism' - Ideas series

In this series of episodes our manager and trainer Sam Harris gives us some short 15 minutes discussions around particular ideas and concepts that have shaped the way BISnet supports individuals and families. This are ideas that could be applied to anyone with behaviour support needs or who is at risk of displaying challenging, aggressive or socially isolating behaviours.

In this episode, he covers the idea of putting yourself first, to remain in the best place to support the person with challenging or socially isolating behaviours. As well as the importance of paying attention to what you do during a de-escalation as this is the main aspect that can be within your control.

'You first' - ideas for parents & professionals series

In this episode of BISpod, host Sam sits down with a parent he has been working with for over 4 years. Julia has a son who is 16 with a diagnosis or High Functioning Autism or Aspergers.

In part 1, Julia tells of her and her sons journey through main stream education, what has helped and the challenges along the way. She has a fantastic way of explaining things and incredible empathy for her son, as well as bags of resilience and perspective. 

We hope you enjoy it and we'll be getting her back to finish off her story soon so please share and comment as much as possible.

Interview with a parent [Julia - part 1]

In this episode of BISpod, host Sam sits down with a parent he has been working with for over 4 years. Julia has a son who is 16 with a diagnosis or High Functioning Autism or Aspergers.

In part 2, Julia picks up her story with her son starting mainstream secondary school. This is around the time that BISpod host and family consultant Sam started working with her and in this episode they discuss the techniques and approaches that have been effective in that time. With lots of details and ideas around supporting a young person with high functioning Autism, this is a really helpful and informative episode. 

We hope you enjoy it and will be looking to get more stories from parents and young people in the future. We love hearing your feedback and questions so please get in touch.

Interview with a parent - Julia [part 2]

BISnet host Sam Harris sits down with colleague and fellow trainer Andy Southwell following their 2 day course 'Understanding and Supporting Autistic individuals with Demand Avoidance [PDA] and Strategies to support them.' 

In this informative and in depth episode, Andy and Sam try to answer in detail some of the key questions that the most recent group of parents and professionals on the BISnet course put to them. Both have over a decade of experience supporting Autistic individuals with Demand Avoidance in both Educational and Health & Social care settings. 

Sam has spent time working with families to personalise strategies in the home, as well as with young people to support them with developing skills that may help them in later life. Andy has been involved in not only classroom delivery to young people,  but also overseeing and implementing support throughout the school.

We hope this episode will be helpful to any parent or professional supporting a young person with Autism and Demand Avoidance or 'PDA' - depending on your perspective or area code!

Autism and Demand Avoidance [PDA] Q&A - with Sam and Andy

BISpod host and BISnet manager Sam Harris sits down to catch up with Jake, a young person he worked with over 5 years. Jake has a diagnosis of Autism with Demand Avoidance and is someone Sam often refers to as the person who challenged him most to adapt and find new ways to support him. Whilst also being someone who taught him an awful lot about the importance of a flexible and self reflective approach, with an awareness of how important our own interaction style can be. 

Jake's journey, along with his Mum who joins for the episode, has been challenging for many involved, his family, those supporting and most of Jake himself. It is a stark reflection of how difficult it can be to find a fit for some young people in the current educational system. However, once all pressure and demand was eventually removed, Jake's own motivation to better himself as led him back onto the path towards a brighter future.

We think this episode provides fantastic insight into the perceptive of a young person who has displayed challenging behaviour with a demand avoidance profile. As well as a fun and entertaining listen. We hope you enjoy it.

Interview with Jake

Harry Thompson is a public speaker, PDA Emissary and Consultant, and the author of The PDA Paradox. He was diagnosed with Pathological Demand Avoidance as a teenager and in this episode of the podcast, he gives host Sam Harris some insights into how he experiences the world, demands and anxiety. They also discuss supportive approaches that are used and how feel to a person with PDA, plus Sam gets to check Harry thoughts on some of the approaches BISnet teach in our training courses and work with parents. 

A fascinating episode with some great insights and tips for parents, professionals, those with PDA themselves or anyone interested in the subject.

Interview with Harry Thompson - author of the PDA Paradox

In this episode, host Sam Harris is joined again by Special educational needs specialist Fintan O Regan, author of Can’t learn, won’t learn, don’t care and creator of the SF3R model. 

They discuss the current state of support for young people with additional needs in the current education system as well some ideas and advice for parents and professionals working to support these young people.

Neurodiversity, challenging behaviour and the education system - with Fintan O Regan

In this episode, host Sam Harris talks with Harry on the ever shifting roles an Autistic person with a PDA profile might give themselves, the automatic nature of a demand avoidance response and how backing off can sometimes be enough to allow the demand avoidance to reduce, priming virtues rather then demanding help-fullness for the sake of it.
The need for a more in-depth understanding of some general ideas around PDA such as 'doesn't respond well to praise' and perhaps different terminology for certain approaches such as 'disguising demands.' Harry discusses Neuro-typicals that 'get-it' and those that don't. 
Freddie Mercury and splat pig make and appearance and it does get a little sweary at times so apologies for that.

Harry Thompson is back with more PDA insight

In part 1 of this 2 part episode, host Sam is joined by Harry Thompson, Mollie Sherwin and Chloe Farahar. Three Autistic adults with a huge depth of knowledge and experience, making this an absolute must listen for anyone supporting or working with Autistic people.

In part 1, they discuss terminology and Harry and Chloe educate Sam in the most current and acceptable terminology in the Autistic community. Then the group discuss special interests and Mollie gives some incredible insight into the unseen benefits of computer gaming, as well as some of the varied and unique games that exist and how they can be helpful. 

They also discuss and put right some 'Autism Myths' as well as discussing friendships and socialising from an Autistic perspective in comparison to a Neurotypical expectation. 

Check out the aucademy facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/Aucademy

To book tickets to the webinar all 4 will be hosting in December click below
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/127702578851

Harry Thompson, Mollie Sherwin & Chloe Farahar - part 1

In this episode Sam is joined by the awesome Tigger Pritchard, creator of The Autism Coffee shop and Tigger Training. He is someone with a wealth of experience supporting Autistic people and in particular Autistic people with a PDA profile. 

During Lockdown, Tigger came to a realisation about his own Neuro-diversity. Something he talks really wonderfully, openly and honestly about in this episode. There is also discussion around some of the challenges of the medical model of Autism and the need for a rethink that involves Autistic people. 

A long episode due to all the fantastic insights, tips and ideas from Tigger and the usual ramblings of Sam as well.

Why is Tigger called Tigger and lots more with Tigger Pritchard

We had a few [well.....2] requests to hear more about my professional journey. I don't need much excuse to talk about myself and at the same time, Craig Bowden of CEDA and his brother Chris, a CEDA service user, wanted to interview me for their show on Access all Ariel's radio station. 

Feel free to skip this one.....I am a little concerned I have over shared.....let's hope my Mum doesn't listen to it. Or my wife. Or my boss......

Anyway, we chatted about how BISnet started, my various roles at CEDA and even my not so successful educational pathway. There might be the odd useful tip or idea in there somewhere amongst my waffle for any parents or professionals supporting Neuro-divergent children and young people with traits or diagnosis of Autism, ADHD/ADD; hopefully some positive messages for those inspiringly Neuro-diverse people themselves and plenty of me trying to be funny.

Interview with Sam Harris of BISnet - Taken from 'a sit down with' on Access all Ariel's

A podcast for parents and professionals supporting Neuro-diverse children and young people, focusing mainly on those with Neurodivergence such as being Autistic and having Attention differences. 

Host Sam Harris has been supporting Neurodivergent children and young people and there families for 15 years and his training courses and support to families over the years has been highly acclaimed. He believes that the best way to understand and learn about Neurodiversity, is to meet different people and talk to them about their experiences. The podcast will include interviews with some incredible Neurodivergent people as well as some solo-casts aimed to provide free ideas and advice for parents and professionals.

The Neurodive podcast

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