In this episode of "Just Your Normal Missfit," host Ann Thomas welcomes Nikita Crasta, a communications professional and a fiercely dedicated mom, to discuss what it truly means to raise, support, and champion children who learn and live differently.Nikita courageously shares her family's journey: from the first instincts that something was different about her son, through the confusion of early red flags, painful school rejections, and the constant search for an environment where her son could thrive. Together, Ann and Nikita unpack what so many parents of neurodivergent children experience but often keep silent—the guilt, the battles, the patience, and the endless emotional labour.The conversation candidly explores:🚩 Spotting the first signs of learning differences, and what to do when others dismiss your concerns🏫 The reality (and limitations) of “inclusive” education, decoding the gap between policy and practice🧠 The complex world of multiple diagnoses, navigating dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD while honouring each child’s unique way of learning🌀 The unseen work: managing arguments, guilt, comparison, and burnout as a parent and professional👣 Finding—and reshaping—routines that work for neurodivergent kids, from childhood to adolescence💬 Why refusing to hide or feel ashamed is key to breaking stigma, building community, and changing conversations around learning differences💡 Tips for other parents: trusting yourself, letting go of comparisons, and boldly carving your own parenting path, even when it means breaking with traditionThey also reflect on maintaining self-care, holding onto career dreams, and how powerful—yet challenging—it can be to find "your tribe" of understanding supporters.If you’re looking for honest, raw, and relatable insights on the realities of parenting neurodivergent children in India, navigating the labyrinth of educational options, and reclaiming your own identity as a parent, this episode is for you.🎙️ Podcast Page: https://www.instagram.com/justyournormalmissfit🌐 More on JYNM: https://linktr.ee/jynmDon’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations about celebrating every unique mind. Drop your thoughts or experiences in the comments. Let’s break the silence together.00:00 The Everyday Juggle of Raising Misfits with Nikita Crasta00:15 Introduction and Today's Topic00:38 Meet Nikita Crasta01:31 Nikita's Family and Career Background02:37 Journey into Motherhood07:06 Discovering Craig's Learning Challenges11:56 Navigating the Education System16:20 Craig's School Journey17:54 Therapies and Strategies for Craig25:28 Parenting Challenges and Strategies32:11 Balancing Family Expectations36:27 The Argument Vortex40:24 Navigating Social Expectations41:12 Balancing Friendships and Social Norms41:57 Preparing for the Real World42:48 Addressing Arrogance and Humility45:25 Mothering: A Reality Check47:54 The Journey of Special Education50:40 Balancing Career and Parenting54:53 Encouraging Independence57:12 The Challenges of Neurodivergent Parenting01:08:23 Advice for Parents and Children01:16:47 Final Thoughts and Reflections

What if motherhood didn’t come with a manual, and every milestone felt like a question mark?In this deeply moving episode, strategist, writer, and parent Aparna joins host Ann Thomas to talk about raising an autistic, nonverbal child and all the shifts, doubts, and growth that come with it.Together, they explore:💬 When the red flags show up, but no one believes you🌀 Gaslighting, grief, and the emotional labour of being “the only one who sees it”👣 How parenting changes — from toddler meltdowns to teen transitions🧠 ADHD, silent epilepsy, and rethinking the role of medication🏫 Why “mainstreaming” isn’t always the answer🪞 The loneliness of caregiving — and how we find our people anyway💔 What regret and healing really look like💡 Finding yourself beyond being a motherThis isn’t just a podcast. It’s a space to feel seen.Full episode available now on Spotify, Amazon Music & Apple Podcasts.Drop a 💙 in the comments if you’ve ever had to fight to be heard.Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to support Just Your Normal Missfit.📌 Connect with us:🎙️ Podcast Page: / justyournormalmissfit 🌐 More on JYNM & Ann Thomas: https://linktr.ee/jynm00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:42 Aparna's Journey to Motherhood04:33 Early Signs and Diagnosis of Autism06:34 Challenges and Misconceptions12:12 Parenting Strategies and Adaptations23:49 Building Support Networks33:29 Navigating Schooling for a Neurodivergent Child35:50 The Importance of Community and Support37:11 Parental Challenges and Acceptance38:19 Impact on Relationships41:37 Personal Growth and Regrets42:41 Medication and Healing49:22 Prioritizing Self-Care as a Mother55:48 Balancing Career and Parenting01:04:10 Advice for Parents of Neurodivergent Children01:07:41 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Join Ann on this special episode of Just Your Normal Missfit as she sits down with Aarush/ET, a 20-year-old graduate student, to discuss his journey of thriving in education despite his learning challenges. ET opens up about his struggle with reading and writing from a young age, his decision to avoid being assessed for learning disabilities, and how he worked around these challenges. This episode is a conversation about resilience, finding alternative solutions, and navigating life without fitting into traditional norms. Ideal for anyone feeling different without a diagnosis, ET’s story underscores the importance of self-belief and the support of a kind community.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:28 ET's Early Struggles with Reading and Writing02:59 Avoiding Diagnosis and Coping Mechanisms05:40 Challenges and Support in School13:10 Internship Experience and Motivation18:53 Dealing with Emotional and Social Challenges26:30 Teacher's Unique Approach to Corrections26:56 Navigating Friendships with Learning Disabilities28:55 Reflections on Corporal Punishment31:11 Challenges with Learning Languages34:37 College Life and Coping Strategies45:07 The Philosophy of 'Snitches Get Stitches'48:43 Final Thoughts and Advice for the Younger Generation

What if your biggest struggle wasn’t a lack of effort… but a brain wired differently?In this powerful conversation, psychologist, researcher, and ADHD advocate Shannon Fernandes ‪@dionysy joins host Ann Thomas to unpack the lived reality of ADHD — beyond the stereotypes, beyond the checklists.We talk about:Masking and missing signs — even as a psychology studentRejection sensitivity and how it sabotages relationshipsADHD and high intelligence: the underdiagnosed “smart kids”Emotional dysregulation, school struggles, and adult burnoutThe truth about meds, motivation, and managing stigma in IndiaWhy our education system is failing neurodivergent mindsHow can we rethink parenting, diagnosis, and self-worth📍 This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a space to feel seen.🎧 Full episode available soon on Spotify, Amazon Music & Apple Podcasts.👇 Drop a 🥄 in the comments if you’ve ever run out of energy and didn’t know why.🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to support Just Your Normal Missfit.📌 Connect with us:🎙️ Podcast Page: / justyournormalmissfit 🌐 More on JYNM & Ann Thomas: https://mommysuitup.org00:00 Introduction to the Conversation01:24 Shannon's Journey into Psychology03:23 Challenges of ADHD in Education04:37 Impact of ADHD on Relationships10:08 Founding CogVerge12:31 Critique of the Education System15:24 The Importance of ADHD Diagnosis19:37 Navigating ADHD Medication31:03 ADHD Awareness on Instagram35:09 The Importance of Professional Monitoring in Psychiatric Medication36:04 Creating an ADHD Community: Challenges and Feedback37:14 Common Misconceptions About ADHD38:45 The Role of Professionals in ADHD Diagnosis42:01 Challenges in Diagnosing ADHD with Comorbidities45:26 Parenting Tips for Children with ADHD46:14 The Importance of Sampling Period for ADHD Children01:05:05 Understanding Rejection Sensitivity in ADHD01:11:09 Advocating for ADHD: Personal and Professional Insights01:12:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

This episode is a quiet, honest reflection on what it means to not fit in—especially when you or your child navigates the world with learning differences like ADHD, dyslexia, or dysgraphia.

I speak about the invisible weight we carry, the expectations that feel impossible, and the longing for a space that simply gets it. This isn't about fixing. It's about seeing, understanding, and holding space—for our children and ourselves.

If you’ve ever whispered, “Maybe it’s not me, maybe it’s the system,” this one's for you.

About the Guest: Sonal Singh Certified ADHD Coach

Sonal Singh is an internationally recognized, ICF-certified ADHD and Family Coach—widely regarded as India’s first trained and certified ADHD Coach. With over 25 years of diverse experience, including roles at Dow Jones Newswires, Aon Hewitt, and McKinsey Knowledge Center, she combines evidence-based strategies with her lived AuADHD perspective. Sonal specialises in coaching adults, parents, and groups, as well as guiding organisations to build neurodivergent-friendly workplaces. Beyond her coaching endeavours, she serves as CEO of a nonprofit empowering vulnerable communities. Her multidimensional expertise and compassionate approach help individuals unlock their full potential, fostering personal growth, resilience, and lasting transformation.

Sonal's journey began when a close family member was diagnosed with ADHD, which propelled her to explore child and adolescent mental health and family therapy. This personal encounter led her to formal training as an ADHD coach, and she now brings her lived experience and expertise to help others harness their strengths and navigate the challenges of ADHD.

You can learn more about her approach and offerings on her website, sonalsinghcoaching.com and reach her at:

Email: info@sonalsinghcoaching.com
Mobile: +91-98102-33494
Instagram: @adhdcoachsonalsingh

In This Episode:

In this episode, we'll dive deep into:

• The emotional journey of receiving an ADHD diagnosis
• The power of validation and the impact of timely intervention
• Strategies for managing ADHD, from building executive functioning skills to embracing alternative approaches
• How to leverage intrinsic motivation and create structured yet flexible support systems for lasting change

🎧 Listen in, share with someone who needs to hear this, and let’s keep the conversation going.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that challenge norms and spark change!🔗 Listen & Follow JYNM:

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📌 About the Guest:
Mangala Jayachandran is a pioneering special educator with over 30 years of experience in inclusive education. She played a crucial role in establishing Lady Andal School’s disability and inclusion model, mainstreaming over 1,000 children with learning disabilities. Through her dedication, she has helped shape a more empathetic and accessible learning environment, challenging outdated educational norms and advocating for children who learn differently.

🔗 Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode of Just Your Normal Missfit, host Ann sits down with Mangala Jayachandran to discuss her journey in inclusive education, the challenges she faced in implementing learning support systems, and how she fought against societal stigma to bring real change to classrooms. Mangala shares insights on ADHD, learning disabilities, teacher training, and how parents and educators can work together to create a truly inclusive education system.

🕒 Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Introduction to Mangala Jayachandran
01:12 – The Journey into Special Education
05:30 – Challenges & Triumphs in Establishing Inclusion
10:48 – Understanding ADHD & Learning Disabilities
17:15 – Identifying Struggling Students: What Teachers Can Do
23:05 – How Schools Can Support Students with LD
28:42 – Balancing Academics, Play & Mental Health
35:19 – The Role of Parents in Inclusive Education
41:50 – Overcoming Stigma & Changing Mindsets
50:02 – Why Empathy & Flexibility Matter in Education
55:20 – Creating an Inclusive Future: Key Takeaways

Reach Mangala Jayachandran

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