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EP 145: Finding Their Tribe

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Manage episode 518889099 series 3434428
Content provided by Dr. Olivia Kessel. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Dr. Olivia Kessel or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Many neurodivergent children struggle to make and keep friends — not because they do not care, but because they experience the world differently. In this episode, Dr Olivia speaks with Kirsten, founder of Uncommon, a unique online community that helps neurodiverse children build friendships and confidence through shared interests like gaming, art, and creativity.

Kirsten shares her personal journey to an autism diagnosis, why traditional social spaces often fail neurodivergent kids, and how Uncommon’s mentoring model is transforming lives. Together, they explore what true belonging means — and how finding your tribe can change everything.

Whether your child is shy, anxious, or struggling to connect, this episode will give you hope, practical insights, and a new perspective on social growth for neurodiverse children.

🌐 Learn more about Uncommon

💬 Connect with Us

Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand.

And if you are ready to go deeper, join our ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, access to experts, support, connection, and calm.

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Welcome & Community Invitation (00:00:00)

2. Theme: Confidence And Friendships (00:01:06)

3. Meet Kirsten And Uncommon Minds (00:01:23)

4. Kirsten’s Late-Teen Diagnosis Journey (00:02:41)

5. Masking, Workplaces, And Mixed Outcomes (00:06:00)

6. From Global Work To Founding Uncommon (00:09:26)

7. Why Social Life Feels So Hard (00:11:23)

8. Validation, Double Empathy, And Belonging (00:14:55)

9. How Clubs Work: Mentors And Safety (00:17:56)

10. Safe Gaming Versus The Wild West Online (00:22:35)

11. Coaching Through Misreads And RSD (00:26:25)

12. Responsibility, Repair, And Self‑Advocacy (00:30:20)

13. Beyond The Playground: Supported Practice (00:33:38)

14. Diagnosis Labels, Overlap, And Access (00:36:05)

15. Isolation, Identity, And Mental Health (00:39:44)

16. School Fit, Deep Focus, And Change (00:43:20)

17. Mentoring, Courses, And Joining Paths (00:46:05)

18. Pricing, Access, And School Partnerships (00:49:08)

19. Three Practical Tips For Parents (00:51:12)

20. Contacts, Links, And Closing (00:56:00)

146 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 518889099 series 3434428
Content provided by Dr. Olivia Kessel. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Dr. Olivia Kessel or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Many neurodivergent children struggle to make and keep friends — not because they do not care, but because they experience the world differently. In this episode, Dr Olivia speaks with Kirsten, founder of Uncommon, a unique online community that helps neurodiverse children build friendships and confidence through shared interests like gaming, art, and creativity.

Kirsten shares her personal journey to an autism diagnosis, why traditional social spaces often fail neurodivergent kids, and how Uncommon’s mentoring model is transforming lives. Together, they explore what true belonging means — and how finding your tribe can change everything.

Whether your child is shy, anxious, or struggling to connect, this episode will give you hope, practical insights, and a new perspective on social growth for neurodiverse children.

🌐 Learn more about Uncommon

💬 Connect with Us

Join our SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community — a safe space to share, learn, and feel supported by parents who truly understand.

And if you are ready to go deeper, join our ADHD Warrior Mum’s Recharge Station — your space for group coaching, access to experts, support, connection, and calm.

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Welcome & Community Invitation (00:00:00)

2. Theme: Confidence And Friendships (00:01:06)

3. Meet Kirsten And Uncommon Minds (00:01:23)

4. Kirsten’s Late-Teen Diagnosis Journey (00:02:41)

5. Masking, Workplaces, And Mixed Outcomes (00:06:00)

6. From Global Work To Founding Uncommon (00:09:26)

7. Why Social Life Feels So Hard (00:11:23)

8. Validation, Double Empathy, And Belonging (00:14:55)

9. How Clubs Work: Mentors And Safety (00:17:56)

10. Safe Gaming Versus The Wild West Online (00:22:35)

11. Coaching Through Misreads And RSD (00:26:25)

12. Responsibility, Repair, And Self‑Advocacy (00:30:20)

13. Beyond The Playground: Supported Practice (00:33:38)

14. Diagnosis Labels, Overlap, And Access (00:36:05)

15. Isolation, Identity, And Mental Health (00:39:44)

16. School Fit, Deep Focus, And Change (00:43:20)

17. Mentoring, Courses, And Joining Paths (00:46:05)

18. Pricing, Access, And School Partnerships (00:49:08)

19. Three Practical Tips For Parents (00:51:12)

20. Contacts, Links, And Closing (00:56:00)

146 episodes

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