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In this episode of the Therapod Podcast, we dive deep into a heartfelt conversation on the power of compassion, responsiveness, and teaching - CRAFT in the world of autism support. Our guest Jude Ragan — a seasoned educator with decades of experience — shares their journey of teaching.

Together with Georgie and Banu, they explore what it truly means to support autistic children in a way that honors their individuality. From battling rigid systems to championing occupational therapy as transformative, the episode introduces listeners to CRAFT: a mindset rooted in Compassionate, Responsive, Autism-Focused Teaching.

This is more than an educational model — it's a philosophy. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, you’ll leave with insights that just might shift the way you see your role in a neurodiverse world.

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In this inspiring episode, we speak with Robert James Gabriel, founder of the accessibility tool Helperbird, who shares his personal journey from struggling with undiagnosed dyslexia to becoming a tech innovator. Robert opens up about the challenges he faced in school, where he was nearly taken out of mainstream education, and the life-changing moment he was finally diagnosed. Robert created a Chrome extension to help dyslexic users, which evolved into Helperbird—now used by over 1.8 million people globally. Robert discusses the growth of the platform, its customizable reading tools, and his mission to make digital content accessible for everyone. This episode is a powerful reminder of how timely support, inclusive tech, and determination can completely transform lives.

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In this episode, we speak with Kel Menton, a writer and debut author. Kel shares their journey as a non-binary, neurodivergent person growing up in Ireland, recently receiving an autism diagnosis after years of self-reflection and working in autistic support settings. We discuss the impact of early literary influences like Enid Blyton, Judy Blume, and Jacqueline Wilson, the value of seeing local spaces reflected in fiction, and how COVID lockdowns helped them unmask and better understand their needs. Kel opens up about their difficult school experiences, their academic path through UCC, and how literature and storytelling became powerful tools for connection and self-expression. The conversation also explores the shortcomings of traditional autism assessments and the need to shift toward a strengths-based, socially informed understanding of neurodiversity.

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In this episode, we hear from Padraig Drake, an occupational therapist who was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia later in life. He shares his journey navigating academic challenges, leaving school early, and finding his way back to education and a meaningful career. Padraig discusses how his personal experiences have shaped his approach to supporting others, especially within the neurodivergent community. The conversation touches on the complexities of diagnosis, the importance of finding healthy coping strategies, and the impact that one supportive person can have on a life. This episode offers insight into resilience, self-discovery, and the value of understanding different ways of thinking and learning.

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In this episode Banu and Georgie chats with Timmy Long, who previously hosted the Long Back Podcast. Timmy opens up about his experiences growing up facing challenges with learning differences and a tough environment. He talks about how understanding himself better later in life helped change his perspective and gave him tools to cope. The conversation explores themes of struggle, growth, and resilience, showing how hard work and self-awareness can lead to new possibilities. It’s an honest look at overcoming obstacles and finding strength in unexpected places.

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On this episode, Banu and Georgie, we sit down with Brian, an outspoken advocate for neurodiversity, who shares his journey from being diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome at fifteen to navigating the complexities of identity, acceptance, and language within the autistic community. With raw honesty and wit, Brian talks about facing bullying, the challenges of fitting into rigid labels, and the struggles with cancel culture around terminology. He also opens up about finding strength in self-expression — through piercings, tattoos, and embracing his true self — and the lifelong experience of masking. Brian’s story is a testament to resilience, individuality, and the beauty of embracing "neurospice."