Trigger warning: This episode includes honest discussion about isolation, stigma, and the challenges of living with chronic illness.

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Belinda Moscoso, a passionate advocate for the neurodivergent and SEND communities.

Belinda shares her journey of receiving a late diagnosis of ADHD and autism alongside her son, as well as her experiences of living with chronic illness.

Together, they explore the importance of acceptance, resilience, inclusivity, and the power of advocacy in breaking down stigma. This episode offers encouragement, practical insight, and hope for families and individuals navigating neurodivergence.

"Being positive is the key. I really do. Because if you're going to be negative about it, how are you going to get people to accept it? How are you going to get people to want to learn?" - Belinda Moscoso

Key takeaways:

• Neurodivergence and chronic illness can overlap, creating unique challenges that require compassion and understanding.

• Advocacy and community support are powerful tools for creating change.

• Acceptance without judgment is essential for building an inclusive world.

• Positivity and openness can encourage others to learn, understand, and support neurodivergent individuals.

Learn more about Achievable Journey

Follow Your Voice Matters and connect with Asma on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

Remember to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts!

Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing the voice of the SEND and neurodivergent community.

Trigger warning: This episode touches on themes of trauma, isolation, and the impact of the pandemic on children’s mental health. Please take care while listening.

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob chats with Mick Collins, a storyteller, theatre practitioner, leading practitioner in Trauma Informed Practice, and educator.

Mick shares his creative and compassionate approach to working with SEND children and children with trauma backgrounds, showing how theatre, play, and sensory experiences can open up communication and connection.

Together, they explore the importance of safe spaces, understanding behaviours, and rebuilding communication between children, families, and schools. Listeners will gain practical ideas and inspiration for supporting children in joyful, strength-based ways.

“It's not just the kids we work with. We work with the families, and we work with the schools, because for me, what's happened is communication's broken down.” - Mick Collins

Key Takeaways:

• Follow children’s interests. Bringing their passions into learning spaces helps them feel safe and engaged.

• Play builds connection. Creativity and play are powerful tools for communication.

• Families matter too. Supporting parents and schools is just as important as supporting children.

• Safe spaces help healing. Environments like sensory gardens and interactive theatre allow children to express themselves.

About Mick:

Mick Collins is a storyteller, theatre practitioner, leading practitioner in Trauma Informed Practice, and teacher with over 30 years of experience and passion in theatre and education. His speciality is technical theatre, specifically light, sound, and AV. He believes stories are imaginative learning experiences that can be accessed through the senses. His work combines technical theatre, sound, light, and movement with a love of dance and play. Mick currently teaches at Root’n’Branch Acres, an 18-acre woodland stage and working farm in the UK, where he helps children, many from trauma backgrounds, build confidence and connection through storytelling and creativity. When a story is interactive, he knows it becomes play, which is how he teaches.

Learn more about Achievable Journey

Follow Your Voice Matters and connect with Asma on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

Remember to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts!

Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing the voice of the SEND and neurodivergent community.

Trigger warning: This episode briefly discusses challenges faced by disabled and neurodivergent individuals, including social isolation and stigma.

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Dale Dixon, a passionate musician and advocate from the neurodivergent community. Dale shares how his love for music began with his mother’s influence, the challenges and joys of his musical journey, and his dreams of performing around the world.

"We can tell our own self that we love our own disability, whether you're blind or visually impaired or whatever your disability is. Be patient with it and see what it's all about." – Dale Dixon

His story celebrates resilience, friendship, and the importance of community in helping us grow and thrive. Listeners will come away inspired to embrace their passions and support others in pursuing their dreams.

Key Takeaways:

• Community support can open doors and help dreams flourish.

• Your voice and your story are valuable, speak your truth.

• Embracing your identity, including disability, can be empowering.

• Patience and self-compassion are key to personal growth.

Learn more about Achievable Journey

Follow Your Voice Matters and connect with Asma on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

Remember to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts!

Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing the voice of the SEND and neurodivergent community.