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🎙️ Neurodivergent Mates — Episode Title: Rethinking ADHD Support in Tertiary Education - Dr Natasha Arthars
Guest: Dr Natasha Arthars, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, QUT

In this episode, we’re joined by the insightful Dr Natasha Arthars — an award-winning researcher, educator, and systems thinker with a passion for creating meaningful, student-centred learning experiences. With a deep background in VET, educational research, and a personal drive to tackle “wicked problems” in learning design, Natasha brings a powerful lens to a conversation that matters.

Together, we explore:
🧠 How ADHD impacts executive functioning — and what this means for learning, focus, planning, and emotional regulation.
🎓 The hidden challenges ADHD students face when transitioning to tertiary education, like TAFE or university.
⏳ Why "extra time" isn't the golden solution — and what research says about its limited impact.
✅ What actually works — evidence-based accommodations and inclusive practices that help ADHD students thrive.
🧩 How educators can redesign learning environments that don’t just tick boxes but create real engagement.

Interview Questions — Neurodivergent Mates with Dr Natasha Arthars
1. To start us off, can you share a bit about yourself and your background?

2. How does brain development in young people with ADHD—particularly in the prefrontal cortex—affect executive functioning?

3. What are some of the key challenges students with ADHD face when transitioning into tertiary education, like TAFE or university?

4. What supports and accommodations are typically made available to students with ADHD in tertiary settings?

5. There’s research suggesting that additional time on exams and assignments—while common—might not always be effective. What does the evidence say about this approach?

6. What evidence-based strategies should institutions consider offering instead of—or in addition to—extra time?

7. In terms of learning access, what are some ways educators can make lectures or classes more ADHD-friendly?

8. Finally, where can people connect with you if they’d like to learn more about your work or research?

Whether you're an educator looking to better support your students or someone navigating ADHD firsthand, this episode offers practical insights and important takeaways for building more inclusive tertiary education systems.

Please check out the research paper Dr Natasha Arthars mentioned in the podcast - Exploring the Perspectives of Australian Neurodivergent University Students.

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In this episode of Neurodivergent Mates, we explore the intersection of neurodiversity and retail with inclusion advocate and strategist Natalie Phillips-Mason. Natalie shares her personal journey and what led her to champion neuro-inclusion in one of the most fast-paced and sensory-rich industries—retail.

We unpack the unique challenges neurodivergent individuals face, whether they're behind the counter or browsing the aisles. From staff training and workplace adjustments to customer experience and inclusive design, Natalie offers practical strategies for creating more accessible and welcoming spaces for all minds.

Questions

- Can you share a bit about your background and what drew you to the intersection of neurodiversity and retail?

- From your experience, what are some of the biggest challenges neurodivergent individuals face when working in or shopping at retail stores?

- How can retail environments become more inclusive and welcoming for neurodivergent customers?

- What strategies or adjustments can retailers use to better support neurodivergent employees on the shop floor?

- Do you think staff training on neurodiversity should be a priority for retailers? If so, what should that training include?

- Have you seen any great examples of retail businesses doing neuro-inclusive practices really well? What stood out to you?

- If you could give one piece of advice to retail leaders who want to make their stores more neuro-inclusive, what would it be?

- Where can people connect with your work? I need to write a podcast blurb from this information for Neurodivergent mates

Whether you're in retail leadership or simply curious about how businesses can be more inclusive—this episode is packed with insight, empathy, and actionable ideas.

🎙️ Tune in now and discover how retail can evolve beyond the shopfront.

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From teaching across Sweden, Thailand, and Australia to working in human rights and foreign policy, Grant Sciberras brings a global perspective on education, equity, and innovation.

In this episode, we dive deep into:
✅ How student choice and passions can shape meaningful curriculum
✅ The hidden barriers in policy and practice that hold learners back
✅ Real-world strategies for designing inclusive, student-led learning
✅ Why neurodivergent students must be central to curriculum reform
✅ And the one change Grant wants to see in the future of education

Questions that will be asked during the episode
Podcast Questions

1. To start us off, can you tell us a bit about your journey into curriculum design and what drew you to focus on student choice, passions, and goals?

2. You’ve explored both the constraints and the enablers in education systems. What are some of the most common ways policies or stakeholders unintentionally limit student-driven learning?

3. On the flip side, what policies or approaches have you seen that actually enable inclusive, student-centered learning?

4. How do you approach designing curriculum that gives students real freedom to pursue their interests while still meeting learning outcomes or accreditation standards?

5. Can you share an example where giving students more autonomy led to unexpected or transformative learning outcomes?

6. What are some ways educators and curriculum designers can advocate for more inclusive, student-led practices — even when the system feels rigid?

7. How can we ensure that neurodivergent students, or those with less traditional learning profiles, truly benefit from a more flexible curriculum model?

8. Looking ahead, what’s one change you’d love to see in how we design learning — and what can people listening do to help make it happen?

💡 Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or passionate about inclusive learning, this one’s packed with insight and action.

#NeurodivergentMates #InclusiveEducation #CurriculumDesign #Neurodiversity #StudentVoice #EducationReform #GrantSciberras #UDL #EquityInEducation #Podcast #NeurodivergentVoices

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