Explain my Brain

Welcome to the very first episode of "Explain My Brain," hosted by psychologist and mother, Tyla. This podcast is specially made for kids aged 4 to 10 and their caregivers, as a resource to better understand their unique minds. In this introductory episode, Tyla shares her motivation behind creating short, accessible episodes that tackle complex topics like brain function, anxiety, and neurodivergence, all while reassuring listeners about the uniqueness of every brain. With a focus on making learning manageable and engaging, each episode will last under five minutes, making it perfect for listening during brief moments throughout the day. Join Tyla on this journey to explore our minds, suitable for all types of brains.

Welcome to the first episode of "Explain My Brain" where psychologist Tyla dives into the concept of "neurotypical." Join us as we explore what it means to have a brain that fits societal norms and why it's essential to understand the diversity of brain types. Discover how the world is often designed for neurotypical brains, yet all brains are unique and valued. Through thoughtful analogies and questions, this episode encourages us to appreciate differences and ensure inclusive environments for everyone. Whether you're neurotypical or neurodivergent, your brain is just right for you!

Welcome to "Explain My Brain," a podcast dedicated to helping kids and their grown-ups learn about the wonders of diverse brain functions. In this episode, host Tyla delves into the concept of neurodivergence, explaining how it defines brains that work differently from the typical expectations. Tyla reassures listeners that being neurodivergent is not just normal but also valid and exceptional. Listeners gain insight into the characteristics of neurodivergent brains, from intense focus on preferred activities like drawing or collecting facts to feeling overwhelmed in specific environments. Tyla emphasises the importance of recognising neurodivergence as often genetic and deeply rooted in family traits, reassuring those who may see the world differently that they are part of a long line of creative and insightful thinkers. Through personal reflection and understanding of one's own brain, individuals can better advocate for themselves and seek supportive environments. Tyla highlights the significance of tailoring support to meet individual needs, allowing unique minds to shine. The episode ends on a light-hearted note with a fun fact about octopuses, also known for their neurodivergent traits, linking this to the podcast's thoughtful logo. Join Tyla in celebrating the beauty of different minds, fostering an accepting and understanding world for everyone.

In this episode of Explain My Brain, host Tya delves into the often misunderstood emotion of anxiety, a feeling that affects both kids and adults. Tyla clarifies what anxiety truly means and how it's your brain's mechanism to sense danger, even in safe environments. Discover the common symptoms of anxiety, from wobbly tummies to rapid heartbeats, and learn why it occurs through an insightful explanation of the brain's "safety guard," the amygdala. Although anxiety can sometimes be overwhelming, Tyla offers practical strategies to manage it, such as breathing exercises, seeking comfort in familiar objects, and expressing worries through writing or art. Furthermore, the episode emphasises the importance of understanding that anxiety isn't inherently negative—it's your brain's way of keeping you secure. With helpful examples from the animal kingdom, Tyla reassures listeners that anxiety is a common experience, providing listeners with tools to navigate their own anxious moments confidently.

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Explain My Brain. I'm Tyla, your host and psychologist, here to guide kids and families in understanding ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Join us as we debunk common misconceptions about ADHD and explore how an ADHD brain navigates the world with curiosity and creativity. This episode delves into the multitasking marvel that is the ADHD brain, highlighting both the challenges and the strengths it brings. Learn why ADHD should be celebrated as "attention does everything brain," and hear firsthand experiences from kids living with ADHD. Gain insights into the tools and support systems that empower those with ADHD, and discover how some of history's greatest minds thrived with their ADHD traits. Tune in to understand, appreciate, and normalize the beautiful differences brought by an ADHD brain. Remember, next time we will focus on Inattentive ADHD, so stay tuned!

Welcome back to Explain My Brain with Tyla, your guide to the fascinating functions of the brain. In this episode, we delve into the often overlooked world of inattentive ADHD, characterised by a brain that drifts quietly in multiple directions. Discover how this serene type of ADHD affects both children and adults, influencing their ability to focus, complete tasks, and navigate daily routines. Explore what inattentive ADHD looks like at school and home, and understand the challenges faced by those living with it. Learn how executive functioning, the brain's control centre, can feel impaired, making organisation and task completion difficult. Get practical tips on supporting inattentive ADHD with strategies like breaking tasks into smaller steps and using reminders. This episode emphasizes the importance of understanding and the need for different kinds of support, highlighting that having inattentive ADHD doesn’t equate to being lazy or uncaring.

Welcome to Explain My Brain! In this episode, host Tyla, who is both a psychologist and someone familiar with ADHD, dives into the complexities of hyperactive and impulsive ADHD. Discover how this type of ADHD manifests, from fast-paced thoughts to restless behaviours, and learn why it's not about being 'too much' but about having a vibrant, lively brain. Explore how this energy translates into daily life at school and home, and the challenges and gifts that come with it. Understand the brain's executive functioning and why impulsivity and hyperactivity occur, and get advice on what can help manage these traits. Join Tyla as she celebrates the accomplishments of historical figures with similar minds, and open your heart to the beauty of a brain that speaks louder and dreams bigger.

Welcome to another episode of Explain My Brain with Tyla, a psychologist who values the uniqueness of every brain. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of verbal hyperactivity, a type of ADHD where the brain's craving for communication manifests as enthusiastic talking. Tyla explains that this isn't just an issue of being "chatty," but a fast-paced brain that is full of creativity and emotion. We uncover how verbal hyperactivity often goes unnoticed, especially in girls and quieter individuals, due to their ability to mask these behaviours. Join this insightful conversation, embracing those who might interrupt to finish sentences, enjoy storytelling, or express themselves through a rapid flow of words. Learn strategies to manage verbal energy and recognise the strengths that accompany a fast-talking brain.

In this episode of Explain My Brain, join psychologist Tyla as she dives into the often overlooked concept of internal hyperactivity. While ADHD is commonly associated with visible hyperactivity, internal hyperactivity manifests as a whirlwind of thoughts and ideas constantly buzzing in the mind. Tyla explores how this inner activity can be especially prevalent in girls, often leading to misunderstandings and delayed support. Discover how creative and imaginative this type of brain can be, and learn strategies to harness its potential effectively. Through relatable examples and insights, Tyla offers a fresh perspective on recognising and embracing the unique strengths of an internally hyperactive brain.

Tyla explains autism as a neurotype, covering common traits such as sensory sensitivities, stimming, intense routines, special interests, and various ways of communicating. The episode highlights autistic strengths (memory, pattern recognition, creativity) and invites reflection and conversation; the next episode will look more closely at social interactions and communication differences.

Psychologist Tyla explains how autistic children experience social interaction and communication, dispels the myth that they don’t want friends, and shows that autistic kids often connect in different but meaningful ways. The episode provides examples of social and communication differences, highlights the strengths that autistic kids bring to friendships, and offers simple ways for neurotypical children to be patient, inclusive, and supportive of them.

Stimming is short for self-stimulatory behaviour, which is movements or sounds like rocking, hand-flapping, humming, or tapping that help people feel calm, focused, or joyful. Everyone stims sometimes, but autistic and other neurodivergent people often stim more because their brains experience the world more intensely. Stimming is a natural way to regulate feelings and communicate needs. Support means accepting safe stims, asking kindly if unsure, and helping swap unsafe stims for safer options. Stimming is not something to hide - it helps people feel safe, calm, and happy.