TED 09 | Neurodivergent Experiences + Masking to Fit In with Helen Daniel

The Empowered Dancers Podcast

Neurodiversity's impact on movement and social interaction, particularly within the context of dance, is a topic often overlooked.
This episode highlights the challenges faced by some neurodivergent individuals in society from moving to adulthood to dance spaces, particularly those who struggle following instructions. The discussion also opens the potential of dance as a safe and empowering outlet for self-expression through movement, especially for those who find verbal communication difficult.
In this episode, Helen and Bobbie dive into the world of neurodiversity and explore the intersection of neurodivergence and dance, as well as sensory processing and how the lack of understanding can impact how people interact with their environments, including dance spaces, and the eventual masking to fit in.
What to expect in this episode:
(0:00:00) - Introduction.
(0:01:39) - Advocating neurodivergence.
(0:01:53) - School system creating a box.
(0:06:02) - Celebrating creativity.
(0:07:15) - ADHD and Autism.
(0:09:02) - Neurodivergent leader and follower.
(0:11:20) - Masking in the dance space.
(0:13:14) - Multiple marginalized identities.
(0:16:30) - The intention behind the words.
(0:18:29) - Sensory divergence.
About Helen Daniel
Helen Daniel is a qualified autism and neurodiversity support practitioner passionate about helping neurodivergent families find radical self-acceptance. Helen empowers children and young people through workshops and resources, helping them understand their sensory profiles and develop self-advocacy skills. Helen brings expertise as a qualified teacher, mentor, and public speaker on neurosensory divergence, with a PGCert in teaching, an MA in progressive autism studies, and training in early communication strategies. Helen launched Outside the Box Sensory which promotes neurodivergent wellbeing and self-understanding.
Connect with Helen Daniel
Website https://outsidetheboxsensory.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/otbsensory/
About Bobbie Miles
Bobbie Miles is a social dancer and local teacher based in Bristol. The Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba scene is special to so many, Bobbie included. However, the more she danced, the more she became aware of inappropriate behaviours in the scene, ranging from low-level “creepiness” to undeniable abuses of power. After being bullied by a teacher one time too many, Bobbie realised that she would no longer keep quiet and be subject to any sort of misconduct, and nor should anyone else. Bobbie is an advocate for speaking up, boundary setting, and respect in the dance scene. Through The Empowered Dancers Podcast, she promotes transparency, understanding, and accountability and as a public speaker, she talks about putting boundary setting and respect into practice, both on and off the dance floor.
Resources:
Download my 5 Top Tips for a great dance night! https://empowereddancers.com/5tips
Connect with Bobbie Miles!
Follow me on Instagram @theempowereddancerspodcast https://www.instagram.com/theempowereddancerspodcast
Follow me on Instagram @bobbiemilesdancer (https://www.instagram.com/bobbiemilesdancer)
Find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bobbiemilesbailadora
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