What does an ADHD-friendly classroom really look like and why does it benefit every student, not just neurodivergent ones?In this episode of Just Your Normal Missfit, host Ann Thomas is joined by Dr. Neena David, a Clinical Psychologist with over 27 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She also heads the Counselling Services Team at Mallya Aditi International School. Trained at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, with doctoral research from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, Dr. David’s work sits at the intersection of psychology, education, culture, and family systems. Her research on ADHD, rooted in Indian classrooms, challenges Western-centric narratives and asks a deeper question: What do children actually need to learn well?This conversation goes beyond diagnoses and labels to explore the lived realities of ADHD, learning disabilities, and neurodivergence, especially within Indian classrooms and family systems.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, caregiver, or an adult unpacking your own school experiences, this episode offers insight, empathy, and practical perspectives rooted in real-world experience.📌 You are not alone and there is a tribe waiting for you.00:00 Introduction to the Guest and Topic02:23 Dr. Neena David's Journey into ADHD Research05:09 Cultural Nuances in ADHD Diagnosis10:55 Challenges in Indian Classrooms22:01 ADHD-Friendly Classroom Strategies34:12 Communicating with Parents about ADHD45:49 Family Dynamics and Support Systems48:40 Family Dynamics and Neurodivergence49:23 The Paradox of Stress and Resilience51:10 Coping with Relationship Struggles53:30 Logistics and Emotional Challenges for Single Parents54:59 Building a Support System01:02:37 Balancing Family Dynamics01:05:47 Managing Transitions and Resilience01:15:25 Handling Aggression and Emotional Regulation01:19:56 Parental Self-Reflection and Support01:30:21 Hope and Community Support

What if the way you move through the world, slower, differently, non-linearly, wasn’t something to fix, but something to honour?

In this episode of Just Your Normal Missfit, host Ann Thomas is joined by Arpita Gaidhane, an artist, facilitator, and creator of Fireplace, a free and intentionally held community space for people seeking emotional safety and belonging.

This conversation explores neurodivergence, neuroqueerness, and what it means to live creatively in a culture obsessed with hustle, productivity, and “normal” life timelines.

Arpita speaks about concepts like crip time and queer time, the emotional cost of masking, and how both neurodivergent and queer lives often resist linear ideas of success, growth, and adulthood.

Together, Ann and Arpita reflect on:

– Neuroqueerness as a creative and resilient way of living

– The pressure to keep up in a fast, productivity-driven world

– Building emotionally safe and brave spaces through Fireplace

– Unlearning shame around difference, disability, and identity

– How community, slowness, and honesty can become acts of care

This episode is an invitation to slow down, to question the rules we’ve inherited, and to imagine gentler, more authentic ways of being with ourselves and each other.

🔥 Watch the full episode to learn more about Arpita and Fireplace.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Emotional Spaces

00:42 Arpita's Journey to Self-Discovery

01:32 Understanding Neurodivergence and Masking

02:59 Gender, Neurodivergence, and Societal Norms

10:18 Historical Context of Queerness in India

15:17 Challenges in Therapy and Psychiatry

18:43 The Complexity of Neurodivergent Identities

28:51 Exploring Neuro Queering and Time Concepts

36:15 The Pressure of Modern Life

36:56 The Concept of Spoons and Emotional Taxation

39:36 Introducing Fireplace: A Safe Space

43:09 The Importance of Safety and Bravery

48:05 Navigating Shame and Vulnerability

52:09 Building Authentic Relationships

01:01:58 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Watch the full episode now and share with your friends. You can also stream it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0zv2LWxobts

In this episode of Just Your Normal Missfit, host Ann Thomas sits down with Pooja Sharma, a neurodivergent adult and founder of the Sarvodya Collective. They discuss Pooja's personal journey of growing up with a sibling with an intellectual disability, discovering her own neurodivergent identity, and her mission to promote neuro-inclusion through her ongoing campaign, Inclusive Duniya. The conversation dives deep into the importance of empathy, identity, and the role of ordinary people in fostering an inclusive society.

Discover the importance of allyship, the challenges of advocacy, and the small actions that can lead to big changes in creating a world where everyone feels seen, supported, and safe.

00:00 Introduction to Just Your Normal Missfit

00:31 Meet Pooja Sharma: Founder of Sarvodya Collective

02:06 Pooja's Personal and Professional Journey

03:11 The Impact of COVID-19 on Disability Inclusion

05:10 The Birth of Inclusive Duniya

07:05 Challenges in the Education Sector

10:44 Sarvodya's Approach to Inclusive Education

14:56 The Role of Allies in Neurodiversity

27:58 Personal Reflections on Being a Special Sibling

31:00 The Simple Joys of Everyday Life

31:30 Challenges of Growing Up with a Neurodivergent Sibling

32:04 Reflections on Childhood and Family Dynamics

33:25 Inclusive Duniya Comic and Reconnecting with Old Friends

34:59 Sibling Relationships and Caregiving Roles

42:05 Navigating Neurodivergent Relationships

44:28 The Importance of Labels and Awareness

50:46 Gender and Neurodivergence

53:45 The Role of Allies in Inclusion

59:05 Advocacy and Emotional Sustainability

01:03:30 Final Thoughts on Inclusion and Advocacy

Watch the full episode here or catch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p1Jti_k0PLM

In this episode of 'Just Your Normal Missfit,' we speak with our very special guest Rashmi Shetty, founder and CEO of Cohort Communicationz about the intersection of strategic communication and parenting a child with autism. Together, we explore the intersection of strategic communications and parenting a child with autism. Rashmi, an autism advocate and certified psychology counselor, shares her personal journey and professional insights into creating empathy-driven narratives. The discussion delves into the basics of autism, the importance of customized environments for autistic individuals, and the impact of a supportive community. Rashmi also discusses the Hidden Disability Sunflower initiative for invisible disabilities and what it means for parents who worry about their children's future after they are gone.

Tune in to learn about the importance of community, the role of communication in inclusivity, and practical solutions for supporting children with autism.

📌 Timestamps below:

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

01:49 Understanding Autism: Rashmi's Perspective

04:53 Navigating Parenting and Autism

08:25 Dealing with Grief and Expectations

11:49 Challenging Misconceptions and Myths

15:39 Building a Supportive Environment

24:07 Effective Therapies and Strategies

33:12 The Hidden Disability Sunflower

34:01 The Sunflower Lanyard: A Symbol of Potential

34:29 Global Adoption and Implementation

35:04 India's Progress and Challenges

37:43 The Importance of Communication and Corporate Responsibility

49:13 Creating Inclusive Spaces in Schools and Workplaces

56:58 Planning for the Future: Wills, Trusts, and Residential Living

01:05:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In a country where education is often synonymous with exam results and entrance ranks, how do we make space for every kind of learner?

In this episode of Just Your Normal Missfit, we speak to Manju Balasubramanyam, Principal of Delhi Public School Bangalore North, a National Award-winning educator, Fulbright alumna, and one of India’s leading advocates for inclusive education.

Manju has been instrumental in building one of the most comprehensive inclusive education programs in the country, with over 23 special educators and counsellors working across 5 academic boards to ensure that children with learning differences and neurodivergence are not left behind.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Just Your Normal Missfit

00:24 Inclusive Education at DPS Bangalore North

01:43 Mindset Shift Towards Diversity

02:00 Interview with Ms. Manju Balasubramanyam

03:08 Diversity as a Rainforest

05:56 Impact of Inclusion at DPS Bangalore North

08:18 Journey of Inclusion: From UK to India

14:34 Challenges and Strategies in Inclusive Education

19:00 Empathy and Teacher Training

41:54 Empowering Student Voice

44:15 Introduction to Multiple Boards

44:38 Catering to Diverse Needs

46:10 Choosing the Right Board for Your Child

50:05 Counseling and Support for Students

53:33 Exemptions and Accommodations

56:35 Inclusion and Special Education

01:00:30 Challenges and Strategies for Gifted Students

01:05:24 Vocational Training and Arts Integration

01:11:17 Building an Inclusive Community

01:20:43 Final Thoughts and Advice

Watch, listen and share with your friends and family because inclusion isn’t just a policy. It’s a promise that every child deserves to belong. 💙

🔗 Follow Just Your Normal Missfit: Instagram: @justyournormalmissfit

What does it mean to balance career ambitions while raising a child on the autism spectrum? In this episode of Just Your Normal Missfit, I sit down with Ajita Shashidhar, National Editor at Fortune India and mother of two sons, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. Ajita opens up about the emotional labour of raising a neurodivergent child, the constant advocacy required, and why she chose not to give up on her professional career despite the challenges.We talk about the emotional labor of advocacy, the challenges of education systems, sibling dynamics, and why holding onto one’s professional identity is vital for personal sanity. This conversation is a candid yet deeply personal look at resilience, empathy, and courage needed to support neurodivergent individuals. Ajita’s honesty about the struggles and triumphs of parenting while leading a newsroom makes this one of our most moving episodes yet.📌 Episode Timestamps00:00 – Everything You Didn’t Know You Needed to Know About Autism00:13 – Introduction to the Podcast and Guest02:02 – Ajita’s Journey: Balancing Career and Motherhood04:45 – Challenges of Raising a Neurodivergent Child08:12 – Support Systems and Advocacy11:59 – Navigating Higher Education for Neurodivergent Students27:02 – Travel Challenges and Solutions33:29 – Parental Challenges and Safety Concerns34:52 – Dealing with Aggression During COVID-1937:26 – Navigating Social Interactions49:17 – Sibling Dynamics and Independence50:57 – Balancing Work and Personal Life54:23 – Creating Inclusive Workplaces1:00:33 – Empathy and Firmness in Parenting👉 Watch listen and share with your friends because empathy, structure, and resilience are critical not just for families, but for organizations and society as a whole.🔗 Follow Just Your Normal Missfit:Instagram: @justyournormalmissfit

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In this episode of "Just Your Normal Missfit," host Ann Thomas welcomes Nikita Crasta, a communications professional and a fiercely dedicated mom, to discuss what it truly means to raise, support, and champion children who learn and live differently.Nikita courageously shares her family's journey: from the first instincts that something was different about her son, through the confusion of early red flags, painful school rejections, and the constant search for an environment where her son could thrive. Together, Ann and Nikita unpack what so many parents of neurodivergent children experience but often keep silent—the guilt, the battles, the patience, and the endless emotional labour.The conversation candidly explores:🚩 Spotting the first signs of learning differences, and what to do when others dismiss your concerns🏫 The reality (and limitations) of “inclusive” education, decoding the gap between policy and practice🧠 The complex world of multiple diagnoses, navigating dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD while honouring each child’s unique way of learning🌀 The unseen work: managing arguments, guilt, comparison, and burnout as a parent and professional👣 Finding—and reshaping—routines that work for neurodivergent kids, from childhood to adolescence💬 Why refusing to hide or feel ashamed is key to breaking stigma, building community, and changing conversations around learning differences💡 Tips for other parents: trusting yourself, letting go of comparisons, and boldly carving your own parenting path, even when it means breaking with traditionThey also reflect on maintaining self-care, holding onto career dreams, and how powerful—yet challenging—it can be to find "your tribe" of understanding supporters.If you’re looking for honest, raw, and relatable insights on the realities of parenting neurodivergent children in India, navigating the labyrinth of educational options, and reclaiming your own identity as a parent, this episode is for you.🎙️ Podcast Page: https://www.instagram.com/justyournormalmissfit🌐 More on JYNM: https://linktr.ee/jynmDon’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations about celebrating every unique mind. Drop your thoughts or experiences in the comments. Let’s break the silence together.00:00 The Everyday Juggle of Raising Misfits with Nikita Crasta00:15 Introduction and Today's Topic00:38 Meet Nikita Crasta01:31 Nikita's Family and Career Background02:37 Journey into Motherhood07:06 Discovering Craig's Learning Challenges11:56 Navigating the Education System16:20 Craig's School Journey17:54 Therapies and Strategies for Craig25:28 Parenting Challenges and Strategies32:11 Balancing Family Expectations36:27 The Argument Vortex40:24 Navigating Social Expectations41:12 Balancing Friendships and Social Norms41:57 Preparing for the Real World42:48 Addressing Arrogance and Humility45:25 Mothering: A Reality Check47:54 The Journey of Special Education50:40 Balancing Career and Parenting54:53 Encouraging Independence57:12 The Challenges of Neurodivergent Parenting01:08:23 Advice for Parents and Children01:16:47 Final Thoughts and Reflections

What if motherhood didn’t come with a manual, and every milestone felt like a question mark?In this deeply moving episode, strategist, writer, and parent Aparna joins host Ann Thomas to talk about raising an autistic, nonverbal child and all the shifts, doubts, and growth that come with it.Together, they explore:💬 When the red flags show up, but no one believes you🌀 Gaslighting, grief, and the emotional labour of being “the only one who sees it”👣 How parenting changes — from toddler meltdowns to teen transitions🧠 ADHD, silent epilepsy, and rethinking the role of medication🏫 Why “mainstreaming” isn’t always the answer🪞 The loneliness of caregiving — and how we find our people anyway💔 What regret and healing really look like💡 Finding yourself beyond being a motherThis isn’t just a podcast. It’s a space to feel seen.Full episode available now on Spotify, Amazon Music & Apple Podcasts.Drop a 💙 in the comments if you’ve ever had to fight to be heard.Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to support Just Your Normal Missfit.📌 Connect with us:🎙️ Podcast Page: / justyournormalmissfit 🌐 More on JYNM & Ann Thomas: https://linktr.ee/jynm00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:42 Aparna's Journey to Motherhood04:33 Early Signs and Diagnosis of Autism06:34 Challenges and Misconceptions12:12 Parenting Strategies and Adaptations23:49 Building Support Networks33:29 Navigating Schooling for a Neurodivergent Child35:50 The Importance of Community and Support37:11 Parental Challenges and Acceptance38:19 Impact on Relationships41:37 Personal Growth and Regrets42:41 Medication and Healing49:22 Prioritizing Self-Care as a Mother55:48 Balancing Career and Parenting01:04:10 Advice for Parents of Neurodivergent Children01:07:41 Final Thoughts and Gratitude