Neurodiversity defined and the benefit of different thinking

About this episode

The episode features a conversation about neurodiversity and creating supportive environments for Autistic individuals.

In this episode of A Different Brilliant , host Madeline Jaine Lobsey sits down with social worker and behaviour support practitioner Bella Smythe for an open and empowering conversation about neurodiversity, co-occurring experiences, and what it means to create genuinely neuro-affirming environments. Bella shares insights from her years of experience supporting Autistic people, including her work in Aspect’s Adult Community Services, and reflects on identity, language, acceptance, and the systems that shape our wellbeing. This episode is warm, practical and deeply relatable for Autistic people, families, carers, educators and anyone wanting to better understand the richness of neurodivergent experiences. All rights reserved.

People in this episode

Host: Madeline Jaine Lobsey

Guest: Bella Smythe

Topics covered

• neurodiversity
• Autistic experiences
• neuro-affirming environments
• identity
• acceptance

Keywords

• neurodiversity
• Autistic
• behaviour support
• neuro-affirming
• wellbeing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Autism Spectrum Australia, Aspect

More episodes of A Different Brilliant

• Autistic entrepreneurship: a different path to work · June 1, 2026 · 26 min
• Creating inclusive recruitment practices for Autistic people · May 4, 2026 · 42 min
• Thriving Kids: A conversation with Minister Jenny McAllister · April 14, 2026 · 40 min
• AI's role in the future of inclusive classrooms · March 30, 2026 · 40 min
• Eye care for Autistic people · March 2, 2026 · 33 min
• Exploring inclusive education through the lens of a student’s lived experience · February 4, 2026 · 32 min