In this powerful second part of our conversation with Ellie, diagnosed as an adult with autism and ADHD, we explore the hidden emotional cost of masking, the teachers who made a difference, and what schools can do better for neurodivergent students.
Ellie shares her experiences of trying to fit in, what she wishes teachers had understood, and how we can design classrooms that feel safer and more supportive for every learner.
You can find out more about Ellie’s work at mantraandmoss.com.au.

🎙️ Hosted by Charlotte and Carla
🌟 Think Different, Teach Better – because inclusion starts with understanding.

#ThinkDifferentTeachBetter #Neurodiversity #NeurodivergentVoices #AutismAwareness #ADHDAwareness #InclusiveEducation #TeachingPodcast #Neuroinclusion #Masking #DiversityInEducation #EducationForAll #TeacherPD #AustralianTeachers #MantraAndMoss #TeacherLearning #StudentWellbeing #TraumaInformedEducation #AutisticAdults #ADHDWomen #EducationPodcast #TeachersOfInstagram #SchoolInclusion #EmpathyInEducation #EveryLearnerMatters

Think Different, Teach Better is back with Season 2!

In this episode, Charlotte and Carla speak with Ellie, who was diagnosed in adulthood with both autism and ADHD after navigating her entire schooling without knowing why things felt different for her.

Ellie reflects on her primary and secondary school years, the challenges of masking, sensory and social experiences, and the teachers who made a difference — even without knowing her neurodivergence. She shares what she wishes educators understood then, and what schools can do now to better support undiagnosed and neurodivergent students.

This is a powerful conversation for teachers, future teachers, and anyone committed to creating classrooms where every learner feels seen, safe, and supported.

In this season wrap-up, we revisit the key insights from our discussions on ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, OCD, PDA, Conduct Disorder, Trauma, and more. This episode ties it all together—clarifying neurodiversity vs. neurodivergence, exploring classroom strategies, and sharing resources to help every student thrive. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are tuning in for the first time, this episode is your one-stop refresher on understanding and supporting neurodivergent learners.

#ThinkDifferentTeachBetter #Neurodiversity #ADHD #Autism #AutismSpectrumDisorder #Anxiety #OCD #OCPD #ODD #PDA #ConductDisorder #Trauma #Neurodivergent #InclusiveEducation #TeachingTips #TeacherTraining #TeacherLife #StudentSupport #Nuerodiversityintheclassroom #Neurodivergenceintheclassroom #Strategiesforneurodiversity #Strategiesforneurodivergence

Episode 10 of Think Different, Teach Better explores two very different behavioural profiles: Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and Conduct Disorder. We unpack what each looks like, the underlying drivers, and why understanding the difference is essential for effective support. From reducing anxiety and offering choice, to building structure and using restorative practices, this episode gives educators, parents, and professionals practical, evidence-informed strategies to help every student thrive.#ThinkDifferentTeachBetter #PDA #PathologicalDemandAvoidance #ConductDisorder #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #InclusiveEducation #SpecialEducation #BehaviourSupport #PositiveBehaviourSupport #BehaviourStrategies #ClassroomStrategies #RestorativePractice #TeacherPodcast #EducationPodcast #TeacherTraining #StudentSupport #TeachingTips #Differentiation #MentalHealthAwareness #SchoolWellbeing #TraumaInformed #ChildBehaviour #ParentSupport #TeacherLife #EducatorLife #TeachBetter #TeacherCommunity

In this episode of Think Different, Teach Better, Charlotte and Carla dive into the intersection of trauma-informed teaching and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).

We explore:

• How trauma impacts learning, behaviour, and classroom dynamics
• Strengths-based strategies that build safety, trust, and engagement
• Understanding ODD through a lens of autonomy, anxiety, and communication
• Practical, evidence-based approaches for reducing power struggles and supporting emotional regulation
• Real classroom case studies and resources for educators

This is a must-listen for teachers, school leaders, and anyone passionate about creating classrooms where every student—especially those with challenging behaviours—can thrive.

Instagram Post Caption

NEW EPISODE ALERT!
Trauma-Informed, Strengths-Based Classrooms & Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Defiance isn’t always what it seems. Often, it’s a sign of stress, unmet needs, or trauma. In this episode, we unpack:

• How trauma shapes behaviour and learning
• What Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) really is—and why punishment doesn’t work
• Strengths-based strategies to build trust, reduce conflict, and empower students
• Real-life classroom stories of how reframing behaviour can transform outcomes

Our classrooms can be places of healing, connection, and growth—when we lead with empathy and understanding.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Got questions or strategies that worked for you? DM us or email thinkdifferentteachbetter@gmail.com.
Follow @thinkdifferentteachbetter for more insights.

#ThinkDifferentTeachBetter
#TraumaInformedTeaching
#StrengthsBasedEducation
#OppositionalDefiantDisorder
#ODDSupport
#ClassroomManagementStrategies
#TraumaInformedEducation
#PositiveBehaviourSupport
#NeurodiversityInEducation
#InclusiveTeaching
#TeacherWellbeing
#StudentWellbeing
#SchoolBehaviourSecrets
#BerryStreetEducationModel
#NeurodiverseClassrooms
#EducationalPsychology
#RelationshipBasedLearning
#TraumaSensitiveSchools
#TeachingWithEmpathy
#TeacherLifeAustralia
#ClassroomConnection
#BuildingResilienceInStudents
#SocialEmotionalLearning
#AutonomySupport
#StudentEngagement
#SchoolLeadership
#TeacherPodcast
#StudentCentredLearning

Tourette Syndrome, tic disorders, and trichotillomania are often misunderstood in school settings—mistaken for disruptions, attention-seeking, or behavioural issues. In this episode, we uncover what these conditions really are: neurological, often invisible, and deeply affecting for students.

We explore:

• The difference between Tourette Syndrome, Provisional Tic Disorder, and Persistent Tic Disorder

• What teachers should never do when a student is ticcing

• Practical strategies for inclusive classrooms

• Understanding trichotillomania (hair pulling) and how to support without shame

• The role of CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics)

• Real classroom case studies that show what support can look like

Whether you're a teacher, learning support staff, or school leader, this episode is filled with evidence-based, student-centred insights to help all learners thrive.

🎧 Tune in now to rethink classroom inclusion from a neurological lens.

#ThinkDifferentTeachBetter
#TouretteSyndromeAwareness
#TicDisorders
#TrichotillomaniaSupport
#BodyFocusedRepetitiveBehaviours
#NeurodiversityInEducation
#InclusiveEducation
#TraumaInformedTeaching
#TeacherPodcast
#StudentWellbeing
#OCDandTics
#ADHDAwareness
#AutismAcceptance
#CBIT
#MentalHealthInSchools
#EducationalSupport
#TeacherLifeAustralia
#SupportEveryLearner
#NeurodivergentStudents
#ClassroomStrategies

OCD and OCPD are often confused—but they’re fundamentally different. In this episode, we break down the psychological and behavioural distinctions between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), and why understanding these differences is crucial in the classroom.

Charlotte and Carla explore how each can affect student behaviour, engagement, and wellbeing—and share practical strategies for managing anxiety, perfectionism, and rigid thinking at school. From Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to flexible success criteria and reflective journaling, this episode is packed with tools and case studies to support inclusive, compassionate teaching.

#ThinkDifferentTeachBetter
#OCDinTheClassroom

#OCPDinThe Classroom#OCPDexplained

#NeurodiversityInEducation
#TeacherPodcast
#InclusiveTeaching
#MentalHealthAwareness
#TraumaInformedTeaching
#SupportAllStudents
#PrimaryTeacherTools
#FlexibleTeaching
#MindfulEducation
#ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder

#PerfectionismInStudents
#EmpoweredEducation
#EducationalPsychology

In this episode of Think Different, Teach Better, we unpack three common yet often misunderstood learning challenges: dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and math anxiety. You'll learn how to identify signs in the classroom, understand how these difficulties differ, and implement evidence-based strategies to support students. We also discuss the role of self-efficacy and how teacher mindset can influence student outcomes. Practical examples, toolkits, and case studies included.

#Dysgraphia #Dyscalculia #MathAnxiety #ThinkDifferentTeachBetter #NeurodiversityInEducation #InclusiveTeaching #PrimaryEducation #TeacherSupport #SelfEfficacy #LearningDifferences #VisibleLearning #CBTStrategies #MathematicsEducation