Spot Life Podcast

Join this honest conversation with two neurodivergent founders, Occupational Therapists and mums, Kate Broderick and Claire Britton, as they explore pregnancy through a neurodivergent lens. When they realised they were both pregnant at the same time, it felt like the perfect moment to talk about something that assumed to be a universal experience for all women - pregnancy. However, as Kate & Claire discuss, pregnancy for neurodivergent women often comes with unique challenges, ranging from sensory shifts to systemic barriers & shortcomings. That being said, motherhood for ND women can also be a source of profound joy - something they also strive to highlight. This episode centres lived experience, validation and visibility. We hope neurodivergent women, partners and allies feel encouraged to trust their instincts, self advocate and celebrate. Claire Britton: www.neuroinclusion.com.au @neuroinclusion @claire.neuroinclusion   Kate Broderick: www.spottherapyhub.com.au @spottherapyhub www.neuroway.com.au @neuroway.learning www.katebroderick.com.au @katebroderick.official  

In this solo episode, OT & Speech Pathologist Kate Broderick unpacks why neurodivergence can be "easy to spot" in infancy - because babies don't mask. We explore early clues that often get dismissed (sleep, feeding, reflux, sensory distress, connection, muscle tone), why stigma delays understanding, and how a neuroaffirming lens helps us meet needs, support development, well-being and flourishing.   www.spottherapyhub.com.au (Therapy & Support Work)  www.neuroway.com.au (Learning for Parents/Carers, Educators, Therapist & Organisation)  www.katebroderick.com.au (All parents, educators - books coming in 2026!)   @spottherapyhub @neuroway.learning @katebroderick.official

From Food Battles to Felt Safety: A Regulation-Based Approach to Feeding.   Join Spot's Founder & CEO, Kate Broderick, for an in depth discussion with Rachel Zabel, a PhD qualified clinical dietician and feeding therapist who specialises in supporting neurodivergent children with feeding challenges, including extreme picky eating, ARFID and paediatric feeding disorders.   Kate & Rachel talk about: Their own parenting journeys with regard to feeding. Why feeding is one of the most stressful parts of family life Why "picky eating" misses the mark for many neurodivergent kids, and what to look out for. What happens in the body when kids feel anxious around food. How polyvagal theory helps us to understand feeding challenges differently. Responsive feeding therapy - what it means and what progress may look like Advice for parents who may be feeling stuck. Things clinicians may miss with other approaches. Why feeding stress often increases around back-to-school time Want to learn more?   Rachel Zabel: Back to school lunchbox products:  https://fun-family-food.kit.com/mylunchboxrules Instagram: @dr.rachelfeedingkids Website: www.funfamilyfood.com.au   Kate Broderick: Therapy: www.spottherapyhub.com.au Neuroaffirming Learning: www.neuroway.com.au Parenting: www.katebroderick.com.au

Join this rich discussion with two neurodivergent Founders, therapist, and parents to ND kiddos, who know what advocacy feels and looks like on the front line. Kate Broderick and Jess Dolev explain what School Can't is (and why it's a far more accurate term than 'School Refusal'). We dive into the myriad of factors that lead to nervous system burn out, and provide explanations of concepts that are useful for all parents to know (interoception, alexithymia, RSD, prosopagnosia and gestalt processing). Jess talks about the power of protecting your own nervous system in high stakes planning meetings, by knowing your rights and preparing well. When we show us in a regulated state, true collaboration in the support process becomes possible. This is a long episode, but remember you can always hit pause and come back to it. We're hoping parents, teachers and other therapists find this one useful.   Website: https://perfectlyimperfect.net.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/perfectly-imperfect-au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perfectlyimperfectaus/ Instagram: @perfectlyimperfect.australia/ TikTok: @perfectlyimperfecttok And of course hopefully you're already following us: @spottherapyhub With enquiries for SP, OT and Support Work via our website www.spottherapyhub.com.au   Please follow Kate @katebroderick.official and you can PRE-ORDER her first book here: https://www.katebroderick.com.au/shop/p/inourclassroom

Join Kate for a follow up episode on the topic of Gestalt Language Processing where she discusses her own learning journey, reflections around different language processing types, and the way she has observed them in the children she works with. Some topics mentioned leave a lot unanswered, but as always, Kate shows up as an authentic and open learner, driven by curiosity and an assumption that the future will always bring greater depth of understanding when we are brave enough to share our observations and ask questions. We hope you enjoy!

Kate meets with expert Marge Blanc to discuss Gestalt Language Processing and the stages of language development and acquisition.  See more of Marge's work and Information on GLP at the Communication Development Center: https://communicationdevelopmentcenter.com/

Join Kate as she shares Spot's Vision and explains how she is hoping to achieve it through a community-wide movement of education, coupled with the growth of a national directory. The Spot Life community will connect services with aligned inclusive values & people who are sensitive, neurodivergent or disabled.   Effecting change across every industry sector was never going to be easy, but that can't be a barrier to taking the first steps towards a more inclusive world where everyone is able to live their life with autonomy & joy.   Let's bring together our unicorn providers, keep raising awareness, and actively support each other to make small changes until so many services in our community have evolved… we won't even remember what a unicorn provider is!

Kate meets with Daisy Turnbull to discuss her book '50 risks to take with your Children' as well as 'anti fragility' and executive functioning. 

Kate meets with psychologist Clare Rowe to discuss the neurology surrounding ADHD as well as the big topic of screen time for neurodivergent children.

Join Kate as she sits down with Kizzy Searle, a fellow Speech Pathologist with lived experience of trauma. Together, they explore the impact of trauma on development, learning, and regulation, and discuss why trauma-informed, relationship-based care is essential for everyone.

An updated Introduction to the Spot Life Podcast 2025!

Join Kate (OT & SP) & Autumn Read Henning (SP, IBCLC & Orofacial Myologist), for answers to all your questions about Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs) and a discussion on the myriad of factors that influence our Orofacial Function, health and well-being.

Kate shares a very personal reflection that explores the many facets of Identity. She talks about the way other people & the spaces we live in, directly shape our quality of life through the experience of inclusion.

Join Kate (OT & SP), Meg McIntosh (Paediatric OT) & Tara Broughan (Parent Mentor/Child Rights & Social Justice Consultant) for a deep dive into the topic of Co-regulation & the power of Relationships in transforming family life in our contemporary life.

Join Kate and IBCLC, Avery Young, for a chat about Infant Feeding, Oral-Motor Development & Neurological Wellness. This is not an ordinary informative episode about breastfeeding. It's a mind blowing educational resource that joins the dots for parents & professionals!

Join Kate as she talks about the POWER of telehealth, especially for Occupational Therapy. She talks about elevating the RELATIONSHIP 'piece,' and shares insight regarding the UNIQUE needs of families during this pandemic.

Join Kate for a conversation with Social Worker & Play Therapist, Sam Casey. We talk about modern day Parenting, 'Re-parenting,' Showing up for your child and the Power of Play in building a Secure Relationship with your Child.

Join Kate for a chat about one of her favourite topics (& passions!) - Breathing. What is functional breathing & what symptoms to look out for if you want a healthier, happier life!

Join Kate for a chat about Early Intervention, Milestones and Strategies to support early speech and language development.

Assistive Technology - Making things possible? Join Kate and OT Louise Cadell for a chat about AT: What it is and how its role in all our lives (especially those with disabilities) is changing.