The space to discuss diversity and how to embrace our neurodivergent kids at home, at school and in the work place.
Latest Episode
PDA and CPS with Dr Theresa Kidd and Dr Miriam Kirby
In this episode Lou discussed PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) with Dr Theresa Kidd and Dr Miriam Kirby. They also discussed Collaborative Proactive Solutions and how they utilise the model in their clinical practice as well as working within schools to help PDA students to access learning.
“As a Mum of a young boy with ADHD I’ve had many experiences like this and have felt overwhelmed and helpless, adopting techniques that just weren’t working. Lou said, ‘just put your arms around them’. That sentence changed my life.”
Nat
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All Episodes
PDA and CPS with Dr Theresa Kidd and Dr Miriam Kirby
Dr Theresa Kidd
Episode 1
In this episode Lou discussed PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) with Dr Theresa Kidd and Dr Miriam Kirby. They also discussed Collaborative Proactive Solutions and how they utilise the model in their clinical practice as well as working within schools to help PDA students to access learning.
Western Australian Warrior with parent advocate, Symone Wheatley-Hey
Symone Wheatley-Hey
Episode 15
Lou and Symone talk about Western Australian education and how it's deeply failing Western Australian children. They discuss advocacy efforts at department and Minister level and also discuss Symone's clever idea for a group Disability Royal Commission submission that is entirely anonymous. An episode not to be missed for anyone in Australia!
In this episode, Lou talks to Yenn Purkis. Yenn Purkis is an author, public servant and passionate advocate for Autistic people and their families. Lou and Yenn talk about behaviourism, Yenn's life growing up, the intersection of neurodivergence with mental illness, gender diversity and other related topics that Yenn has first hand experience with, as well as Yenn's experience when they spent som
In this episode Lou and Dr Sarah Bernard talk about life growing up for Sarah and her discovery of her own neurodivergence. They also discuss Sarah's blogs about Ableist School Reports and letters, Autistic play and Behaviourism.
This is a long episode but worth every minute of your time! Whilst this episode focuses on education and will be particularly useful to Queenlanders, there's messages, tips and knowledge shared here that is for anyone.
This episode is a conversation between two loving mums. Lou talks to Jane Hancock, mum to previous guest, Shadia Hancock. It's an honest, and cathartic chat and reflection of times gone by. This episode will give young families hope, support and optimism for the future. It was an absolute pleasure to talk to such a beautiful person and loving mum.
In this episode, Lou and Dr Ross Greene passionately argue in favour of the introduction of CPS (Collaborative Proactive Solutions) in Australian schools. Please write to Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell and request that CPS be introduced to NSW schools: [email protected]
Dr David Roy has lived through the worst trauma possible; knowledge that his son was allegedly abused whilst attending his special school aged 3 years old.
We Don't Yet Know What we Don't Yet Know, Bridges Learning system with Dr Katrina Martin and Kat Harhai
Kat Harhai
Episode 8
Lou interviews Katrina and Kat from the Bridges Learning System. On the same journey as Lou, moving away from behaviourism and towards neurodiversity affirming practices, these two clever women have created a wonderful curriculum for neurodivergent children.
Finally the wonderful Chris Varney is on the podcast! Lou and Chris talk about the foundation of the I CAN Network, Chris's life growing up, self acceptance and development of Autistic identity and how he learned that it's more important to be proud of what you CAN do than what you CAN'T!
Dancing in the Grey with Entrepreneurial Educator, Peter Hutton
Peter Hutton
Episode 6
If this episode doesn't get action, I don't know what will! Peter says teachers should learn to be comfortable "dancing in the grey". Challenge the status quo and find better ways to do things. This is an episode not to be missed. If you want motivation for change, I give you Peter Hutton!
My Spirited Child, Rebecca Perkins and ADHD Conferences
Rebecca Perkins
Episode 5
Lou and Ash Kuchel will be speaking at the "My Spirited Child" Victoria ADHD Conference and what better way to discuss the excitement than to invite the founder and organiser, Rebecca Perkins on to the podcast!
Lou interviews Sarah Humphreys from Inclusive Schools Australia. Sarah has an uncanny way of just making inclusive education to be so black and white and easy to implement.
Mel shares her experiences from behaviourism to neurodiversity affirming approaches, peaceful parenting, home schooling and the birth of the organisation she founded, Reframing Autism.
Today is a discussion between the two Lous!! Lou Kuchel speaks to Lou Brown about ADHD. When Lou B was a child, she was misunderstood. That led to shame and a poor self image. After discovering her son was ADHD, she realised she's also neurodivergent and that led to a re-birth of sorts
Lou and Will discuss Will's lived experience as a young neurodivergent person living with Dyslexia and probable ADHD. Will also explains his organisation, The Neurodiversity Academy, aiming to work with organisations and individuals to achieve "neuroinclusion for the neurodistinct".
Christina Keeble is a complex and authentic neurodivergent educator. She has a deep understanding from personal experience, parenting experience, teaching and psychology. Christina learned early on that non-behaviourist approaches that are neurodiversity affirming is the way to go with Square Pegs.
Lou and George talk about "the human right to read, write and numerate" as George put it. They discuss language and diagnosis of learning disorders, advocacy, reasonable adjustments at school, assistive technologies, myths and more.
This really is "A Special Understanding". It's story of neurodivergent single parenting and all that comes with and it's a story of self discovery and advocacy.
The Next Frontier: Square Peg Employment with The Neurodivergent Coach.
Samantha Nuttall
Episode 22
Samantha Nuttall is The Neurodivergent Coach and she talks to Lou about life as a neurodivergent mum to two neurodivergent sons and the interesting lightbulb moment she had that led her to develop her business as The Neurodivergent Coach.
Tania is a lawyer and psychology student. Other accomplishments are her three sons, two of whom are neurodivergent. Mrs Kindness is their "lighthouse" teacher.
Lou chats to Australia's national treasure, Maggie Dent! Lou learns that Maggie's key early intuitions led her to a deep understanding for our neurodivergent youth, their strengths, challenges and their need for our support and understanding, especially when they are at school.
Lou talks to lawyer, Laura Cottam from Australian Centre for Disability Law (ACDL). They talk about disability laws and the importance of understanding those in order to advocate for your Square Peg at school and across all settings.
Lou and Shadia discuss Shadia's life growing up, their amazing advocate/teacher mum, the progressive and inclusive school that Shadia attended in recent years, Autistic identity, animal therapy, speech pathology, gender identity, mental health and a whole lot more.
Zoe is Lou's son's best friend. Zoe is living with mental illness, and like so many others, to look at her and to know her reasonably well, you would never know what’s going on under the surface.
Mona and Lou discuss the fundamental messages of Mona's book, Beyond Behaviours, they delve in to COVID induced trauma, school "push out", Mona's thoughts on ODD, PDA, behaviour charts and behaviour management strategies and the importance of respecting the Sensory Systems and mind-shift away from compliance and towards connections and compassion for neurodivergent children.
Loren Swancutt is a highly experienced inclusive educator and leader who is committed to advancing the realisation of inclusive education within the Australian context.
In this episode, Lou and Carly discuss Occupational Therapy and the concept of adapting the environment to suit the needs and preferences of the child.
In this episode, Lou talks to Melinda Gindy about being Gifted and Talented with Disability, also known as Twice Exceptional. Did you know that you can be gifted but also have one or more disabilities?
Lou talks to Nathalie Steinmetz again but this time they take a deep dive in to school suspensions and behaviour school experiences within Nathalie's "Brady Bunch" family.
Lou talks to Nathalie Steinmetz about the life of a large, blended and mostly neuordivergent family. They discuss the adjustments that Nathalie makes at home to keep things running smoothly, education experiences, supporting everyone's mental health and why it's so important to have good "neurodiversity literacy" when working with schools to support our kids.
This episode explores the experience of an ADHD diagnosis when you are 18, in your final year of school, during a pandemic! Lou's son Matt has recently been diagnosed with ADHD at a very fragile and difficult time in his life.
In this episode, Lou talks to Mark Hunyor, a local parent. Mark and his wife have worked very hard to ensure that their son, Luca receives an inclusive education at his local public school.
In this episode, Lou talks to Dr Siobhan Lamb. Siobhan is the "perfect storm" of neurodivergence and she tells some fascinating facts about her life and growing up different and embracing that difference through to her adult life.
During this episode Lou talks to her husband, Ash about the early years up to present day. They talk about their initial stumbles and the moments that made them "wake up" and realise that their son didn't need to be fixed or changed but that embracing him and treating him with compassion would change everything.
Have an idea for an episode? Have a question you want answered?
We love using ideas from our community to guide upcoming episodes of Square Peg Round Whole. Help us to make episodes relevant and motivational. We are listening...
PDA and CPS with Dr Theresa Kidd and Dr Miriam Kirby
Dr Theresa Kidd
In this episode Lou discussed PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) with Dr Theresa Kidd and Dr Miriam Kirby. They also discussed Collaborative Proactive Solutions and how they utilise the model in their clinical practice as well as working within schools to help PDA students to access learning.
Western Australian Warrior with parent advocate, Symone Wheatley-Hey
Symone Wheatley-Hey
Lou and Symone talk about Western Australian education and how it's deeply failing Western Australian children. They discuss advocacy efforts at department and Minister level and also discuss Symone's clever idea for a group Disability Royal Commission submission that is entirely anonymous. An episode not to be missed for anyone in Australia!
In this episode, Lou talks to Yenn Purkis. Yenn Purkis is an author, public servant and passionate advocate for Autistic people and their families. Lou and Yenn talk about behaviourism, Yenn's life growing up, the intersection of neurodivergence with mental illness, gender diversity and other related topics that Yenn has first hand experience with, as well as Yenn's experience when they spent som
Now is the time to get involved. Why not join the Square Peg Round Whole state advocacy groups and speak up for our children and their right to be included.
If your state does not have a group yet, and you want to get involved, get in touch.