top of page

 Neurodiversity
Videos and Podcasts

When one person in the family has received diagnosis (or investigating the possibility) of a learning disability, it doesn’t just affect the child or individual. It affects the whole family. Everyone in the family will try to understand what it means, and what adjustments may need to be made to accommodate their neurodiverse needs.

In this series we will be raising awareness and develop our understanding of specific learning difficulties by sharing personal stories, information as well as tips and advice to help you live confidently and compassionately with your own or your child's neurodiversity. ​

Videos

Introduction to neurodiversity
07:27

Introduction to neurodiversity

https://www.olivetree-neurodiversity.com/ Are you confused by all the jargon related to learning difficulties? In this video I try to explain as simply as possible: Neurodiversity: A term used to describe the normal variations or diversity found in the human brain. Neurodevelopmental: Refers to the development of the nervous system, especially the brain. A neurodevelopmental disorder, or condition, relates to the difficulties which occurred during the development of the brain. It includes conditions like dyslexia, dyscalculia, developmental coordination disorder (DCD/Dyspraxia), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Condition (ASD/ASC). Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD): A person only has difficulties with learning in a specific are, not with leaning in general, e.g., Dyslexia - difficulties with the development and manipulation of language affects reading and writing. Dyscalculia- difficulties with the development of a sense of number and calculation. Dyspraxia - difficulties in the development of motor control. ADHD - difficulties regulating attention and acting upon it. Co-occuring: People may have more than one overlapping SpLDs. Although Autistic Spectrum Condition is not technically classed as a SpLD, people with ASC often have co-occuring SpLDs. The video also discusses the two models of understanding SpLDs as developed by Prof. Oliver from the Univiersity of Birmingham: 1. Medical Model: In this model SpLDs are seen as disabilities as they deviate from the norm and people with such disabilities must be ‘fixed’ to fit in with society. 2. Social Model: Which sees neurodevelopmental conditions as part of the natural diversity of the human brain (hence the term, neurodiversity). In this model people with SpLDs are only disabled by the attitudes of society, not their differences. These differences are a valuable variation an important part of human diversity something to be celebrated rather than cured. However, the reality is that the educational system is still somewhat behind in catering for the full range of neurodiversity. People with dyslexia and other neurodevelopmental conditions continue to face bias and barriers and often need some support to help reduce those barriers. Although we celebrate the great strengths that a people with neurodiverse conditions often present, it is also important to validate the fact that it those barriers can be a nuisance to say the least. It can be frustrating and even lead to low self-esteem and mental health difficulties if they are left unsupported. Neuroplasticity: The wonderful thing is that our brains have the capacity to constantly adapt and change and learn new things. This is referred to as neuroplasticity, and is the reason why the right kind of intervention programmes are so successful. Intervention and support: The very first step is to determine the specific reason why a person experience barriers to leaning within the current educational and societal expectations. An assessment is an invaluable tool to help an individual understand how their brain works, what their strengths are and why they are having difficulties with some tasks such as reading, writing and spelling. It will explain some of the frustrations and help them to have a bit more compassion with their difficulties, so that they don’t label themselves as ‘dumb or stupid’. But it will also help them, and the people who support them, to understand their individual needs. This enables teachers and tutors to tailor their support to their unique profile and help them level the playing field so they can reach their potential. A simplified example of this can be how an athletics coach need to know whether the athlete is a sprinter or a marathon runner. Whether they had previous injuries or medical conditions they need to be aware of etc. before they can develop a coaching programme. Of course they can do a general fitness programme, but it is not going to let the athlete develop to their full potential if they don’t assess their needs and abilities first. This is why assessment reports are so valuable, they are far more than just a tool to get some accommodations in the classroom, workplace or exams. Although we have come a long way in creating a society that makes room for people with neurodiverse conditions, we still have a long way to go. It is so important to raise awareness and help people understand the social model of neurodiversity. Please help do this by sharing this video with family, friends and colleagues and subscribe to my you-tube channel for more videos like this. Do also take a look at my other videos in which I talk about dyslexia and other co-occurring difficulties in more details. For more information visit: https://www.olivetree-neurodiversity.com/
5. *EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT* Coffee on the couch
30:54

5. *EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT* Coffee on the couch

We are so excited to be sharing what we have been working on with you and we are so grateful for the support you have given us so far. We would really appreciate it if you could share it with your friends and family. We will be posting on our social media how you can get involved and our promotional offers on Monday 5th June 2023, so go follow us if you don't want to miss them. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivetree_neurodiversity/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OlivetreeNeurodiversity We will be sending out the first and best promotional deals through our emailing list before they are posted on our socials so make sure you sign up. You can email us: info@olivetree-nmh.com or sign up through your website, just scroll to the very bottom. https://www.olivetree-neurodiversity.com/ At Olive Tree Neurodiversity, we understand that every person has unique needs. We have therefore developed a network of experienced specialists who are passionate about providing one to one tutoring and parent coaching programmes, tailored to those needs. Our collective areas of specialisation cover a range of specific learning difficulties, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD and ASD. At present we also offer screenings for dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD for both children and adults. We also offer coaching for individuals and for families. We are based in England and can offer either in-person or remote support, depending on your location. #dyslexia #dyslexiauk #dyslexic #dyslexicthinking #dyspraxia #dcd #dysgraphia #dyscalculia #adhdcommunity #adhdparenting #adhdtips #asd #asdparenting #attentiondeficithyperactivitydisorder #autism #autismawareness #autismparents #autismparenting #dyslexiasupport #adhdsupport #dyspraxia #send #senteachers #specialeducationteacher #senparents #adhdcommunity #parentcoaching #adhdcoaching #asd #autismcommunity #adhdcommunity #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #parentcoaching #familycoach #familycoaching #christianparenting #executivefunction #executivefunctioning #semh #aspergers #aspergerssyndrome #aspergersyndrome
Coffee on the Couch Episode 1 - Our Personal Story
24:40

Coffee on the Couch Episode 1 - Our Personal Story

https://www.facebook.com/OlivetreeNeurodiversity https://www.instagram.com/olivetree_neurodiversity/ We are meeting you on the couch today to introduce you to some faces behind Olive Tree Neurodivesity, and share a very personal story. Marlene gives you a front row seat to the roller coaster ride of the challenges and delights of raising a neurodiverse child, while discovering and managing her own learning differences at the same time. Marlene and Christel both talk freely about their experiences with dyslexia and the process of getting Christel diagnosed as a child. Following this, Marlene really wanted to support Christel with her dyslexia, so she studied further to become a dyslexia specialist. However, she soon discovered the many challenges when a parent tries to tutor their own child, and realised that what Christel needed more was a strong connection and relationship with her parents. The focus therefore shifted towards supporting Christel in discovering and developing her strengths rather than trying to fix her difficulties. This gave Christel the necessary security and confidence to become a more independent learner, and the motivation to carry on with her studies. Marlene also discusses the emotions and lack of a support network when she had to deal with these things as a parent. It is not easy to share something this personal to the world, but we hope that by doing so we can help to normalise some of the experiences other families may be going though, as you navigate your own journey. It is a story of grace and hope. Please like and subscribe to stay informed about our exciting, next chapter. You can also follow us on https://www.olivetree-neurodiversity.com/ #dyslexia #dyslexiauk #dyslexic #dyslexicthinking #dyspraxia #dcd #dysgraphia #dyscalculia #adhdcommunity #adhdparenting #adhdtips #asd #asdparenting #attentiondeficithyperactivitydisorder #autism #autismawareness #autismparents #autismparenting #dyslexiasupport #adhdsupport #dyspraxia #send #senteachers #specialeducationteacher #senparents #adhdcommunity #parentcoaching #adhdcoaching #asd #autismcommunity #adhdcommunity #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #parentcoaching #familycoach #familycoaching #christianparenting #executivefunction #executivefunctioning #semh
Coffee on the Couch Episode 4 - DYSPRAXIA AND ADHD
21:25

Coffee on the Couch Episode 4 - DYSPRAXIA AND ADHD

https://www.facebook.com/OlivetreeNeu... https://www.instagram.com/olivetree_n... Dyspraxia, ADHD and ASD are very closely linked. I have been diagnosed with Dyspraxia about ten years ago, but as I have been learning more and more about ADHD, I realised that not all my difficulties could be explained by the dyspraxia diagnosis alone. I therefore went for a screening, which confirmed my suspicions; I have the combined type ADHD too. Although every person has a unique profile or strengths and difficulties, I hope that this video can help you to understand a bit more about the kind of difficulties experienced by a person living with ADHD and dyspraxia. I talk about how my assessor helped me to unravel some of the social skills difficulties and understand the similarities and differences with ADHD, Dyspraxia and ASD. e.g. Dyspraxia: Social difficulties occur when you get the wrong end of the stick in a conversation due to your slower rate of processing. Someone may be making a joke and you'll miss the nuance. Then you go and correct them, only to find out that the joke is on you. You may also have difficulty expressing your thoughts and what you say and what you meant end up being two different things. ADHD: You may appear not to listen to someone talking to you as you get distracted by things in your environment. Or you may interrupt a conversation so you don't forget what you wanted to say, or impulsively blurt our your thoughts and then regret it for the rest of the day. Or you don't keep in touch with people because your mind is so busy that you simply forget to send that text or make that call. You walk away from a social interaction overthinking what you have or haven't done or said, worrying that you may have offended that person - and these thoughts keep escalating until you have had the chance to set the record straight with that person. ASD: Could possibly have all of the above, but what sets you apart is your anxiety going into the social situations in the first place. You may have an acute awareness of your own social response and worry whether you are using your body language correctly, whether you are looking sincere enough, etc. You may end up avoiding the social situation altogether as the anxiety just makes it too much, or you just get so over-stimulated in the social situation that you cannot bear it very long. At Olive Tree Neurodiversity, we understand that every person has unique needs. We have therefore developed a network of experienced specialists who are passionate about providing one to one tutoring and parent coaching programmes, tailored to those needs. Our collective areas of specialisation cover a range of specific learning difficulties, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD and ASD. At present we also offer screenings for dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD for both children and adults. We also offer coaching for individuals and for families. We are based in England and can offer either in-person or remote support, depending on your location. You can find more information on our social media pages or email us at: info@olivetree-nmh.com #dyslexia #dyslexiauk #dyslexic #dyslexicthinking #dyspraxia #dcd #dysgraphia #dyscalculia #adhdcommunity #adhdparenting #adhdtips #asd #asdparenting #attentiondeficithyperactivitydisorder #autism #autismawareness #autismparents #autismparenting #dyslexiasupport #adhdsupport #dyspraxia #send #senteachers #specialeducationteacher #senparents #adhdcommunity #parentcoaching #adhdcoaching #asd #autismcommunity #adhdcommunity #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #parentcoaching #familycoach #familycoaching #christianparenting #executivefunction #executivefunctioning #semh #aspergers #aspergerssyndrome #aspergersyndrome
This channel is coming soon!
1. Executive Functions
04:42

1. Executive Functions

This is the first of a new series we are starting all about executive functions. Executive functions refers to the part of the brain that controls our every day activities, such as time management and organisation, impulse control, emotional regulation, prioritisation, flexible thinking, etc. Neurodiverse people often have difficulties in one or more areas of executive functioning, so it is helpful to understand how it works and what you can do to compensate or improve the areas you may have difficulties in. We are super excited to be sharing this with you, so make sure you don't miss it by subscribing and clicking the bell icon so that you are alerted when we post a video. Check out our website https://www.olivetree-neurodiversity.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OlivetreeNeurodiversity and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/olivetree_neurodiversity/ At Olive Tree Neurodiversity, we understand that every person has unique needs. We have therefore developed a network of experienced specialists who are passionate about providing one to one tutoring and parent coaching programmes, tailored to those needs. Our collective areas of specialisation cover a range of specific learning difficulties, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD and ASD. At present we also offer screenings for dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD for both children and adults. We also offer coaching for individuals and for families. We are based in England and can offer either in-person or remote support, depending on your location. You can find more information on our social media pages or email us at: info@olivetree-nmh.com #dyslexia #dyslexiauk #dyslexic #dyslexicthinking #dyspraxia #dcd #dysgraphia #dyscalculia #adhdcommunity #adhdparenting #adhdtips #asd #asdparenting #attentiondeficithyperactivitydisorder #autism #autismawareness #autismparents #autismparenting #dyslexiasupport #adhdsupport #dyspraxia #send #senteachers #specialeducationteacher #senparents #adhdcommunity #parentcoaching #adhdcoaching #asd #autismcommunity #adhdcommunity #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #parentcoaching #familycoach #familycoaching #christianparenting #executivefunction #executivefunctioning #semh #aspergers #aspergerssyndrome #aspergersyndrome

Podcasts

bottom of page