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

What does it mean to balance career ambitions while raising a child on the autism spectrum? In this episode of Just Your Normal Missfit, I sit down with Ajita Shashidhar, National Editor at Fortune India and mother of two sons, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. Ajita opens up about the emotional labour of raising a neurodivergent child, the constant advocacy required, and why she chose not to give up on her professional career despite the challenges.We talk about the emotional labor of advocacy, the challenges of education systems, sibling dynamics, and why holding onto one’s professional identity is vital for personal sanity. This conversation is a candid yet deeply personal look at resilience, empathy, and courage needed to support neurodivergent individuals. Ajita’s honesty about the struggles and triumphs of parenting while leading a newsroom makes this one of our most moving episodes yet.📌 Episode Timestamps00:00 – Everything You Didn’t Know You Needed to Know About Autism00:13 – Introduction to the Podcast and Guest02:02 – Ajita’s Journey: Balancing Career and Motherhood04:45 – Challenges of Raising a Neurodivergent Child08:12 – Support Systems and Advocacy11:59 – Navigating Higher Education for Neurodivergent Students27:02 – Travel Challenges and Solutions33:29 – Parental Challenges and Safety Concerns34:52 – Dealing with Aggression During COVID-1937:26 – Navigating Social Interactions49:17 – Sibling Dynamics and Independence50:57 – Balancing Work and Personal Life54:23 – Creating Inclusive Workplaces1:00:33 – Empathy and Firmness in Parenting👉 Watch listen and share with your friends because empathy, structure, and resilience are critical not just for families, but for organizations and society as a whole.🔗 Follow Just Your Normal Missfit:Instagram: @justyournormalmissfit

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@JustYourNormalMissfit-o9q

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