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