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  • The Power of Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance: A Talk with Author and Self-Advocate Lisa Hurley

    The Power of Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance: A Talk with Author and Self-Advocate Lisa Hurley
    2025/12/15

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    Summary

    This conversation explores the complexities of neurodiversity, particularly autism, within the Caribbean context. Lisa Hurley reflects on her personal experiences growing up in a society that lacks awareness and understanding of neurodivergence. She discusses the cultural perceptions of autism, the challenges faced by individuals who do not fit the stereotypical image of autism, and the need for greater visibility and acceptance.

    Takeaways

    • Cultural perceptions shape the understanding of autism.
    • There is a lack of awareness about neurodiversity.
    • Expectations of presentation can exclude many individuals.
    • Visibility is crucial for acceptance of neurodiversity.
    • Challenging stereotypes is necessary for broader understanding.
    • Personal experiences highlight systemic issues in society.


    Sound Bites

    "I've known from childhood that I was different."
    "We're not talking about neurodivergence."
    "People who look like us are not even considered."

    Where to find Lisa Hurley: The Great Exhale

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    1 時間
  • On The Road To Wholeness, A Family Episode

    On The Road To Wholeness, A Family Episode
    2025/12/10

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    In this heartfelt episode, Lola Dada-Olley and Tosan Olley reflect on their journey through autism advocacy, sharing insights from their experiences over the past five years. They discuss the universality of autism, the power of storytelling, and the importance of embracing wholeness while breaking generational cycles. The conversation highlights the intersections of race, disability, and neurodivergence, and sets the stage for their transition to a new podcast identity, 'Unapologetically Whole.'

    Takeaways

    • The podcast has been a platform for sharing our family's journey with autism.
    • The universality of autism transcends geography and culture.
    • Sharing our story has allowed others to feel seen and understood.
    • The richness of humanity is reflected in the diverse stories shared on the podcast.
    • Embracing wholeness means acknowledging both joy and pain in our lives.
    • Breaking generational cycles is essential for healing and growth.
    • The intersection of race and disability shapes unique experiences.
    • The transition to 'Unapologetically Whole' signifies a new chapter in advocacy.
    • Gratitude for the community that has supported our journey.
    • The evolution of our understanding of success and thriving.

    Chapters

    00:00 Reflecting on a Journey of Autism Advocacy
    03:05 The Universality of Autism and Its Impact
    06:03 The Power of Sharing Stories
    08:56 Embracing Wholeness and Breaking Generational Cycles
    11:54 The Intersection of Race, Disability, and Neurodivergence
    14:58 Transitioning to Unapologetically Whole
    18:00 Gratitude and Looking Forward



    www.loladadaolley.com
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    35 分
  • Navigating Transitions in Family Life

    Navigating Transitions in Family Life
    2025/08/27

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    SUMMARY
    In this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism Podcast, hosts Lola and Tosan Olley discuss the various transitions their family is experiencing, including changes in their children's education, their own career roles, and the impact of policy changes on caregiving. They reflect on the importance of community support, self-care, and the lessons learned from navigating these transitions. The conversation also touches on their shift from audio storytelling to a visual medium, emphasizing the power of sharing their journey to foster understanding and connection.
    Takeaways
    • Transitions are a recurring theme in family life.
    • Policy changes can significantly impact caregiving responsibilities.
    • Community support is essential during transitions.
    • Self-care is crucial for managing stress and responsibilities.
    • Laughter can be a powerful tool for coping.
    • It's important to give yourself grace during difficult times.
    • Time is finite; prioritize what truly matters.
    • Creative outlets can help reconnect with oneself.
    • Navigating transitions requires flexibility and adaptability.
    • Lessons learned from past experiences can guide future decisions.





    www.loladadaolley.com
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    38 分
  • Sensory Overload: A Talk with The Filmmakers of the Hulu Documentary

    Sensory Overload: A Talk with The Filmmakers of the Hulu Documentary
    2025/05/17

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    In this episode, we discuss Sensory Overload, a film about how three communitiesnavigate oral care and the world in general with sensory sensitivities in mind.It's also a film about neurodivergence, sensory differences, and how the worldcan be better designed to accommodate people. It's a Vox Media produced film in partnership withHaleon and Sensodyne as part of Sensodyne's Sensory Inclusion Initiative, amission to build better sensory inclusion in oral care.
    This episode features Executive Producer Samantha Knowles, Director and Head of Content at Vox Creative Kiana Moore, and Producer Dylan Lenze. They all discuss their journey into storytelling, the filmmaking process, and the importance of representing neurodivergent communities. They share insights on the challenges and joys of documentary filmmaking, the emotional resonance of storytelling, and the significance of creating safe spaces for participants. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of diverse stories and the personal reflections of the filmmakers on their own neurodivergent experiences.
    The documentary is currently streaming on Hulu.
    Takeaways
    • The documentary 'Sensory Overload' focuses on sensory sensitivities in oral care.
    • Filmmakers share their personal journeys into storytelling.
    • Documentary filmmaking involves preparation but requires adaptability.
    • Creating a safe filming environment is crucial for participants.
    • Editing is an iterative process that emphasizes emotional resonance.
    • Diverse stories can connect through shared experiences of neurodivergence.
    • Personal reflections on neurodivergence enrich the storytelling process.
    • Knowing when to let go of a project is part of the creative process.
    • The film aims to spark positive conversations about neurodivergence.
    • Storytelling has the power to make individuals feel seen and heard.


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    43 分
  • Better Understanding Challenging Behavior: A Talk with Larissa Heise, BCBA

    Better Understanding Challenging Behavior: A Talk with Larissa Heise, BCBA
    2025/04/01

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    Summary
    In this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism, host Lola Dada-Olley speaks with licensed social worker and BCBA Larissa Heise about the complexities of challenging behavior in neurodivergent individuals. They discuss the definition of challenging behavior, trends observed in recent years, the importance of identifying triggers, and the role of sensory needs. Larissa emphasizes the need for individualized approaches to support, the common misconceptions surrounding challenging behavior, and the importance of understanding the full context before implementing interventions. The conversation also covers strategies for navigating support systems and the significance of insurance in accessing professional help.
    Takeaways
    • Challenging behavior varies in definition and context.
    • Challenging behavior often exceeds a family's ability to support.
    • Safety concerns are a primary focus in identifying challenging behavior.
    • Attention-seeking behavior is often misunderstood; it is about connection.
    • Sensory needs can become more complex as individuals grow older.
    • Understanding individual needs is crucial for effective support.
    • Misconceptions about challenging behavior can lead to ineffective interventions.
    • Gradual approaches are necessary for managing triggers and interventions.
    • Reassessing strategies is important when previous methods stop working.
    • Navigating insurance and support systems is essential for accessing help.

    Chapters
    00:00 Understanding Challenging Behavior02:59 Trends in Challenging Behavior06:06 Identifying Triggers09:06 Complex Sensory Needs12:00 Misconceptions About Challenging Behavior15:05 Approaching Triggers and Interventions19:04 Reassessing Strategies24:03 Navigating Support Systems35:55 Getting Started with Professional Help

    Transcript Lola Dada-Olley (00:02.364)Larissa Heise, thank you. Thank you for being on the Not Your Mama's Autism podcast today.
    Larissa Heise (00:10.317)Thank you for having me.
    Lola Dada-Olley (00:13.148)So you are a licensed social worker. You are also a BCBA for those listening who don't understand what that acronym means. In these neurodivergent streets, it means board certified behavioral analyst.
    I am going to really enjoy this episode talking to you about behavior. So let's talk about challenging behavior. But before we do so, let's do some level setting. Because challenging behavior means different things to different people. So what would you identify as a challenging behavior?
    Larissa Heise (00:57.485)I'm going to give you my personal definition and then I'm going to give you like what I think out in the world people are like generally having consensus on. Given the work that I do, I work a lot with family, families and very, a very parent centered model of support in the work that we do and some of the programs I supervise, very unique programs actually compared to maybe some other providers who are very family centric kind of approach to treatment.
    I look at challenging behavior as being something that exceeds the family's ability to support. And that can mean different things for different people. I've had some families who are dealing with the more traditional definition of challenging behavi

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    40 分
  • Creating Cultures of Neuroinclusion: A Talk with Dr. Theresa Haskins

    Creating Cultures of Neuroinclusion: A Talk with Dr. Theresa Haskins
    2025/03/01

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    Summary
    Dr. Theresa Haskins, a professor, researcher, consultant, corporate executive, mom, wife, and advocate, joins the podcast. She shares her journey as an advocate for her children and a self-advocate. Dr. Haskins discusses the diagnosis process for her children and the challenges they faced. She also talks about her experience studying educational psychology and getting her PhD in education. She emphasizes the importance of choice and autonomy in education and the need for inclusive and differentiated learning approaches. Neuroinclusion means creating environments that respect and accept differences in how individuals engage, communicate, and interact with each other. It involves allowing multiple realities and ways of being to coexist without judgment or the need to change others. To achieve neuroinclusion, it is important to start young by building cultures of inclusion in schools and teaching children to respect and value diversity. Additionally, workplaces should prioritize neuroinclusion by creating equitable opportunities for neurodivergent individuals and allowing all employees to be their authentic selves. Neuroinclusion benefits everyone by fostering authenticity and creating a more accepting and inclusive society.
    Keywords
    advocate, diagnosis, children, educational psychology, PhD, choice, autonomy, inclusive education, differentiated learning, neuroinclusion, differences, respect, acceptance, diversity, inclusion, communication, engagement, authenticity, workplace, education
    Takeaways
    Dr. Theresa Haskins is an advocate for her children and a self-advocate.She shares her experience with the diagnosis process for her children and the challenges they faced.Studying educational psychology and getting her PhD in education taught her the importance of choice and autonomy in education.Dr. Haskins emphasizes the need for inclusive and differentiated learning approaches. Neuroinclusion means respecting and accepting differences in how individuals engage, communicate, and interact with each other.Starting young by building cultures of inclusion in schools is crucial for promoting neuroinclusion.Workplaces should prioritize neuroinclusion by creating equitable opportunities and allowing all employees to be their authentic selves.Neuroinclusion benefits everyone by fostering authenticity and creating a more accepting and inclusive society.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Background04:16 Discovering Giftedness08:04 The Importance of Choice and Autonomy in Education27:36 The Impact of Psychological Safety on Autistic Inclusion32:20 Increasing Empathy for More Inclusive Classrooms and Workplaces36:25 Corporations vs. Classrooms: The Inclusiveness Divide41:29 The Human Nature of Dividing and the Need for Neuroinclusion43:31 Defining Neuroinclusion: Acceptance and Respect for Differences45:18 Unconscious Bias and the Importance of Neuroinclusion47:58 Neuroinclusion in the Workplace: Authenticity and Equitable Opportunities

    TRANSCRIPT
    Lola (00:02)Hello, welcome. Welcome to the Not Your Mama's Autism podcast. I'm Lola Dada -Olley On the podcast today, we have within our midst, Dr. Theresa Haskins, a woman who wears many, many, many hats. Professor, researcher, consultant, corporate executi

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    50 分
  • Serving Families in Crisis: A Conversation with Breanna Kelly-Higgs LCSW, BCBA

    Serving Families in Crisis: A Conversation with Breanna Kelly-Higgs LCSW, BCBA
    2025/02/01

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    Summary
    Breanna Kelly, a licensed social worker and BCBA, shares her journey into the field of autism and her passion for supporting individuals with co-occurring conditions. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and acknowledging the experiences and needs of individuals with disabilities, as well as the significance of cultural competence in providing effective care. Breanna discusses the challenges within the medical system and the need for collaboration and holistic approaches to support individuals with autism and mental health needs. She also highlights the importance of caregiver training and empowerment. Overall, Breanna advocates for systemic changes and increased resources to improve the lives of individuals with autism and co-occurring conditions.
    Takeaways
    Understanding and acknowledging the experiences and needs of individuals with disabilities is crucial in providing effective care.Cultural competence and relevance are important in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds.The medical system needs reform to better support individuals with co-occurring conditions.Caregiver training and empowerment are essential in helping families navigate the challenges of raising a child with autism.Collaboration and holistic approaches are needed to provide comprehensive care for individuals with autism and mental health needs.Increased resources and systemic changes are necessary to improve the lives of individuals with autism and co-occurring conditions.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Background02:01 Personal Connection and Early Experiences08:49 Challenges within the Medical System12:02 Cultural Competence and Trauma-Informed Care19:00 Empowering Caregivers through Training23:33 Meeting Caregivers Where They Are30:16 Supporting Families and Building Relationships34:05 Reforming the Medical System41:38 Connecting with Others and Finding Resources
    Transcript
    Lola Dada-Olley (00:02)Brianna Kelly, thank you. Thank you so much for visiting us today on the Not Your Mama's Autism Podcast.
    Breanna (00:11)Thank you for having me. I'm excited.
    Lola Dada-Olley (00:16)Me too, me too. I just know you're going to drop the nuggets. The nuggets shall have nuggets. So with that in mind, let's learn a little bit more about you. So you are a true multi -hyphenate. You are a licensed social worker. You're a BCBA. Those not familiar with the term, board certified behavior analyst, and the owner in your spare time of synergy behavioral consulting.
    Synergy behavioral consulting. But before we get to all these wonderful things, like what you're currently doing now, let's start, let's go back a little bit. Let's start from the beginning. What made you enter this field? Like, do you have a personal connection?
    Breanna (00:46)Yeah.
    So it goes back to the early 2000s. And so I was in high school and a freshman in high school actually, and I got invited over to this party that this Christian club was having at my school. And it was at an attached school, which I now know was an alternative school. And it had kids with severely profound, severe and profound disabilities, quote u

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    47 分
  • Access to Reproductive Health Care: Autism and Intellectual Disability Edition

    Access to Reproductive Health Care: Autism and Intellectual Disability Edition
    2025/01/01

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    SummaryIn this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism podcast, Lola Dada-Olley and her husband, Tosan Olley, discuss the complexities of navigating reproductive healthcare for their daughter, who is on the autism spectrum. They share their journey from recognizing the onset of puberty to preparing for their daughter's first period, emphasizing the importance of communication, family support, and collaboration with healthcare providers. The couple reflects on the emotional challenges and milestones they encountered, as well as the long-term considerations for their daughter's reproductive health.
    Takeaways
    • Navigating reproductive healthcare is crucial for children with autism.
    • Communication about puberty can be challenging but necessary.
    • Dads play an important role in discussions about reproductive health.
    • Preparation for menstruation involves multiple therapy disciplines.
    • Understanding sensory challenges is key in healthcare planning.
    • Access to reproductive healthcare can significantly impact quality of life.
    • Long-term planning is essential for children with special needs.
    • Collaboration with healthcare providers is vital for effective care.
    • Celebrating milestones is important in the parenting journey.
    • Pre-decisioning helps in managing future healthcare needs.

    Chapters
    00:00 Navigating Reproductive Healthcare for Our Daughter02:51 Understanding Puberty and Its Implications11:10 Preparing for the First Period16:25 The Day It Happened20:14 Long-Term Considerations for Reproductive Health25:03 Celebrating Milestones and Future Planning


    Transcript
    Lola Dada-Olley (00:01.395)
    Welcome, welcome everyone to the Not Your Mama's Autism podcast. I am back yet again with the hubster, the hubby, Tosan Olley. We are talking about a not so light topic about our daughter's reproductive healthcare and the decisions we are starting to make for her in hopes of
    her living the highest quality of life possible. For those new to the podcast, we have an 11 -year -old daughter who's minimally verbal, on the autism spectrum, and intellectually disabled. So, this episode will walk through some traditionally seen as uncomfortable topics, things like periods, things like cramps.
    things like talking it through as a family for a child who has communication challenges. This is naturally a difficult conversation, whether or not your child can traditionally communicate or not. So, our daughter has a history of some sensory challenges associated with the way her autism manifests. So, once she turned 10,
    And we knew that that next phase was right around the corner. We had to really sit down and think about the type of options she would have, not only based on her autism, but quite frankly, based on her family history that we know of at least when it comes to reproductive health, our family on my side, at least part of my side of the family, we've had a history of fibroids, PCOS, difficult periods.
    how could that potentially look in a growing child who will one day become a young woman who may not be able to communicate things like pain in a traditional way. So, we are pulling back the covers on this so you all could see some

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    29 分