In this episode of Just Your Normal Missfit, host Ann Thomas sits down with Pooja Sharma, a neurodivergent adult and founder of the Sarvodya Collective. They discuss Pooja's personal journey of growing up with a sibling with an intellectual disability, discovering her own neurodivergent identity, and her mission to promote neuro-inclusion through her ongoing campaign, Inclusive Duniya. The conversation dives deep into the importance of empathy, identity, and the role of ordinary people in fostering an inclusive society.

Discover the importance of allyship, the challenges of advocacy, and the small actions that can lead to big changes in creating a world where everyone feels seen, supported, and safe.

00:00 Introduction to Just Your Normal Missfit

00:31 Meet Pooja Sharma: Founder of Sarvodya Collective

02:06 Pooja's Personal and Professional Journey

03:11 The Impact of COVID-19 on Disability Inclusion

05:10 The Birth of Inclusive Duniya

07:05 Challenges in the Education Sector

10:44 Sarvodya's Approach to Inclusive Education

14:56 The Role of Allies in Neurodiversity

27:58 Personal Reflections on Being a Special Sibling

31:00 The Simple Joys of Everyday Life

31:30 Challenges of Growing Up with a Neurodivergent Sibling

32:04 Reflections on Childhood and Family Dynamics

33:25 Inclusive Duniya Comic and Reconnecting with Old Friends

34:59 Sibling Relationships and Caregiving Roles

42:05 Navigating Neurodivergent Relationships

44:28 The Importance of Labels and Awareness

50:46 Gender and Neurodivergence

53:45 The Role of Allies in Inclusion

59:05 Advocacy and Emotional Sustainability

01:03:30 Final Thoughts on Inclusion and Advocacy

Watch the full episode here or catch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p1Jti_k0PLM

In this episode of 'Just Your Normal Missfit,' we speak with our very special guest Rashmi Shetty, founder and CEO of Cohort Communicationz about the intersection of strategic communication and parenting a child with autism. Together, we explore the intersection of strategic communications and parenting a child with autism. Rashmi, an autism advocate and certified psychology counselor, shares her personal journey and professional insights into creating empathy-driven narratives. The discussion delves into the basics of autism, the importance of customized environments for autistic individuals, and the impact of a supportive community. Rashmi also discusses the Hidden Disability Sunflower initiative for invisible disabilities and what it means for parents who worry about their children's future after they are gone.

Tune in to learn about the importance of community, the role of communication in inclusivity, and practical solutions for supporting children with autism.

📌 Timestamps below:

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

01:49 Understanding Autism: Rashmi's Perspective

04:53 Navigating Parenting and Autism

08:25 Dealing with Grief and Expectations

11:49 Challenging Misconceptions and Myths

15:39 Building a Supportive Environment

24:07 Effective Therapies and Strategies

33:12 The Hidden Disability Sunflower

34:01 The Sunflower Lanyard: A Symbol of Potential

34:29 Global Adoption and Implementation

35:04 India's Progress and Challenges

37:43 The Importance of Communication and Corporate Responsibility

49:13 Creating Inclusive Spaces in Schools and Workplaces

56:58 Planning for the Future: Wills, Trusts, and Residential Living

01:05:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In a country where education is often synonymous with exam results and entrance ranks, how do we make space for every kind of learner?

In this episode of Just Your Normal Missfit, we speak to Manju Balasubramanyam, Principal of Delhi Public School Bangalore North, a National Award-winning educator, Fulbright alumna, and one of India’s leading advocates for inclusive education.

Manju has been instrumental in building one of the most comprehensive inclusive education programs in the country, with over 23 special educators and counsellors working across 5 academic boards to ensure that children with learning differences and neurodivergence are not left behind.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Just Your Normal Missfit

00:24 Inclusive Education at DPS Bangalore North

01:43 Mindset Shift Towards Diversity

02:00 Interview with Ms. Manju Balasubramanyam

03:08 Diversity as a Rainforest

05:56 Impact of Inclusion at DPS Bangalore North

08:18 Journey of Inclusion: From UK to India

14:34 Challenges and Strategies in Inclusive Education

19:00 Empathy and Teacher Training

41:54 Empowering Student Voice

44:15 Introduction to Multiple Boards

44:38 Catering to Diverse Needs

46:10 Choosing the Right Board for Your Child

50:05 Counseling and Support for Students

53:33 Exemptions and Accommodations

56:35 Inclusion and Special Education

01:00:30 Challenges and Strategies for Gifted Students

01:05:24 Vocational Training and Arts Integration

01:11:17 Building an Inclusive Community

01:20:43 Final Thoughts and Advice

Watch, listen and share with your friends and family because inclusion isn’t just a policy. It’s a promise that every child deserves to belong. 💙

🔗 Follow Just Your Normal Missfit: Instagram: @justyournormalmissfit