In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Danielle Sullivan, a neurodivergent educator, writer, and founder of Neurodiverging, about redefining inclusion through the lens of neurodiversity. Danielle shares her personal journey with autism and ADHD, highlighting the power of embracing one’s identity and the importance of community. Together, they discuss how parents, educators, and systems can shift from pathologizing to empowering neurodivergent individuals. This heart-centered conversation challenges assumptions, invites curiosity, and explores practical ways to make space for different ways of thinking, feeling, and being—starting at home and extending to classrooms and beyond.

Key Takeaways:

Neurodiversity Awareness – Danielle emphasizes that understanding neurodiversity means recognizing natural variations in the human brain rather than viewing them as deficits.

Identity and Diagnosis – Receiving an autism and ADHD diagnosis as an adult gave Danielle clarity, language, and connection—not limitation.

Inclusive Parenting – Parents can foster inclusion by validating their children’s unique needs and honoring their individual rhythms and experiences.

Community Building – Creating spaces for neurodivergent people to connect and feel seen is crucial for empowerment and healing.

Education Reform – Shifting from behavioral control to supportive, adaptive strategies in schools helps neurodivergent learners thrive.

Danielle’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is that feeling that I can go into a space and behave the way that comes naturally to me, as long as I'm not harming others, and that I am honored and respected as another human being.

Danielle’s Bio:

Danielle Sullivan is an autistic neurodiversity life coach, parent coach, and parent of two neurodivergent kids living in Colorado.

Danielle works with neurodivergent individuals and families worldwide on their personalized self-development goals. Learn more about her approaches, education, and specialities here: https://neurodiverging.com/life-coaching/

Danielle also hosts the Neurodiverging Podcast, streaming wherever you get your podcasts. Our mission is to help neurodiverse folks and families find the resources we need to live better lives as individuals, and to further disability awareness and social justice efforts to improve all of our lives as part of the larger world community.

Connect with Danielle:

Website: https://www.neurodiverging.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodiverging

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neurodiverging

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielleatneurodiverging/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/neurodiverging

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 37

No - 51

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