In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Riko Ryuki, a neurodivergent parent, advocate, and writer, about their journey through autism, gender, and identity. Riko shares how discovering they are agender and asexual helped them feel more whole, and why language and community are so important in the process of self-discovery.

This conversation offers strength, validation, and practical advice for anyone exploring neurodivergence and queerness. Listeners will leave feeling seen, supported, and inspired to embrace their authentic selves.

Key Takeaways from the episode:

• Having the right words matters as they help explain your experience and connect with others.
• Feelings and actions aren’t always aligned and that’s okay.
• There is power in owning your identity, as being yourself brings clarity and strength.
• Safe spaces are essential, find and build communities where you feel free to be you.

“Now I know who I am, I can be me a lot easier. I have the words to describe my experiences. I can connect with other people. I can stop feeling different from others for not understanding who I am. It can make you feel like you're broken or like you're missing something that everyone else has. It's good when you have the words to explain that.”

About Riko Ryuki (they/them):

Riko Ryuki (they/them) is an autistic and PDA-identified parent, writer, and blogger. They are agender, aromantic, and asexual, and proudly has multiple disabilities. Riko writes about PDA, disability, identity, and parenting. They are passionate about creating inclusive spaces for expression and connection. When they’re not writing, Riko enjoys books, cacti, and going to the gym.

Learn more about Achievable Journey.

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In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Nia Zihni, a neurodivergent parent navigating life with her autistic son, who has a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile. Nia shares the emotional and practical realities of parenting, including managing sensory needs, meltdowns, and burnout. Her story is one of learning, adapting, and building community. Listeners will gain insights into creating a more understanding, flexible, and compassionate home environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Traditional parenting doesn’t always work. Nia has learned to reframe expectations and adapt strategies to fit her family’s needs.

• Reducing daily demands helps her son feel safer and more regulated.

• Community matters, finding your tribe brings support, strength, and shared understanding.

• Self-compassion is key. Letting go of guilt and being gentle with yourself is essential when parenting neurodivergent children.

“The extra thought that goes into providing everything that my son needs, because as his needs change and as I work out what they are, and they're constantly changing. And then as I look at myself through a different lens as well, I found that it's the right thing to do to sort of reduce the expectations on myself.”

About Nia:

Nia is 38 and self-identifies as AUDHD and is Mum to J, a 7-year-old diagnosed as autistic (PDA profile), she works from home while supporting her son and learning to support both their Neurodivergent needs in harmony. Nia finds solace in support groups where she can both offer and receive support for/from adults and parents in similar situations.

Learn more about _Achievable Journey

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Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions of chronic illness, physical pain, medical trauma, and the emotional impact of living with invisible conditions. Listener discretion is advised.

“The more experience you have with something, the less hard it gets. The more knowledge, the more wisdom you have about it. It's freeing your mind.” — Carolyne Shallop

In this episode, host Asma Jacob speaks with her niece, Carolyne Shallop, about life with two autoimmune conditions: rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis.

Carolyne opens up about her journey from diagnosis to acceptance, the emotional toll of chronic illness, and how her support network helped her find strength and purpose.

This conversation highlights the power of shared experience and the importance of being seen and understood. Whether you're living with an invisible condition or supporting someone who is, this episode offers hope, honesty, and connection.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s okay to do what works best for you, even if it looks different from others.

• Leaning on trusted people can bring comfort, clarity, and strength.

• Find supportive healthcare professionals who truly listen and advocate for you.

• Connecting with others who have similar experiences can help ease feelings of isolation.

About Carolyne Shallop:

Carolyne Shallop was born in Sierra Leone to Lebanese parents. She moved to England aged 12, with her mum and siblings. For the past 13 and a half years, Carolyne has been living with 2 Autoimmune Disorders. In December of 2008, at the age of 21, she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, after about 9 months of symptoms the majority of which was joint pain. In January of 2014, Carolyne was diagnosed with Vasculitis, after a major flare-up, and in April of 2014, she was told the type of Vasculitis she has is Microscopic Polyangiitis.

Learn more about _Achievable Journey

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