Transvox - Katie Munday talks Neurodiversity

This week, Gillian and Katie Munday meet up for the latest edition of Transvox. Katie shares their background, including their work in consultancy training, youth work, and coaching wheelchair basketball, and their involvement in cancer service research. They also discuss their personal life, being a mother, wife, and a recent Ph.D. candidate at the University of Portsmouth. The pair also discuss the challenges of balancing multiple responsibilities and the potential benefits of having a diagnosis of ADHD.

Katie shares their research on the experiences of trans and non-binary autistic people, highlighting the overlap between these two minority groups and the lack of research specifically focused on their needs. Katie discusses the challenges faced by autistic trans people, including societal pathologisation and the struggle to find a sense of belonging. Katie also clarifies the concept of neurodivergence, which encompasses any neurological condition that doesn't fit the neurotypical norm.

Katie and Gillian discuss the challenges and potential improvements for creating inclusive environments for people with neurodiverse conditions. Katie emphasises the importance of giving people choice and autonomy, such as providing breakout spaces in group settings and offering various communication options. They both agree that common sense and good practice should be the foundation of these efforts, rather than diagnosing and labeling individuals.

They discuss the lack of representation and inclusion of people with disabilities in society. Katie explains that many disabled people face challenges in accessing community spaces and services, leading to isolation from the broader society. The conversation highlights the intersectionality of disability, gender identity, and neurodiversity, and the complex challenges faced by individuals belonging to these multiple minority groups.

Gillian and Katie discuss the misconceptions surrounding ADHD and the stigmatisation of individuals who are diagnosed with it. Katie emphasises the misogyny that often underpins the blame placed on mothers for their child's ADHD, highlighting the significance of parental blame in heterosexual relationships. They also discuss the genetic component of ADHD and how undiagnosed cases can lead to further shame and internalised ableism.

Finally, the discussion covers the changing dynamics of parenting and family structures, with a focus on the impact of individualism in contemporary society. They also explore the role of new technology and its effects on future generations.

Hope you enjoy and find this useful.

You can donate to support the work on the podcast or to help build the ‘hardship fund’ at @BeyondReflections - to help those who are financially challenged but still need support

You can submit questions to gillianrussell77@yahoo.com