Hi, I'm Jessica Kidwell. And this is Neuroversity. A weekly podcast focused on expanding our knowledge and understanding of the diverse ways humans can think, communicate love, live, work, and learn. Neurodiversity is a fairly new word coined in 1998 by sociologist Judy Singer, and it seems to be popping up everywhere. Big business is heralding its importance in hiring and development of employees. Education is looking at ways to include different learning styles in a way that's more inclusive and less isolating. It's finding its way into acceptance speeches at award shows and social media is full of hashtag neurodiversity. And yes, there are even podcasts solely focused on neurodiversity. And this podcast neuroversity aims to be another source for information and support for all members of this community. So what can you expect from this podcast? Well, this is a conversational style format, where I will interview a wide variety of people who are in the neurodivergent community, whether it is first person experiences, academic or research focused, or places and organizations that provide support and tools. I want to talk to them. neuroversity is dedicated to providing a space to educate ourselves and others about what neurodiversity is, elevate the experiences of the neurodivergent be a source of support for members and allies of this community and help move our culture towards valuing and including diverse neurological conditions because systems cannot change until education and understanding take place. Listen, different people think differently, not just because of differences in where they were born or how they were raised, or the life experiences they have, but because their brains are wired to work differently. One in five people have some form of neuro divergence, which can include autism, sensory processing disorder, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, a combination of many of those, and also conditions I haven't even named. This is a space where questions are welcomed and encouraged. An honoring individual experiences is the number one rule. This is not a space for cures or fixes because there is no fit next to somebody who's different. There's just understanding and acceptance. And I am certainly no expert and have lived my entire life with a neurotypical label. But I'm also a mom of an autistic daughter and a neurotypical son and I want to do the work to broaden my understanding of the infinite variations, the human brain can function. And I'd love for you to come along, it's time to enroll in Neuroversity.