"Anxiety is more than nothing. It's extremely exhausting and debilitating. It's okay not to be okay."

Anxiety doesn't always need a reason and it's never "nothing." In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Carly Considine, an autistic adult and mother of autistic children, about the reality of living with heightened anxiety.

Carly shares personal stories of panic attacks, the struggle to find rationality in anxious moments, and practical coping strategies that help her family navigate daily challenges.

From mindfulness techniques to the exhaustion of masking, this conversation offers validation and hope for anyone whose anxiety feels overwhelming.

Key takeaways:

• You don't need something specific to be anxious about. Sometimes anxiety comes from nowhere, and that's valid.
• When anxiety takes over, logical thinking becomes nearly impossible. Having a calm, rational person nearby can help ground you.
• Racing heart, shaking, feeling hot, stomach aches etc. Anxiety shows up in the body in powerful ways that can't be dismissed.
• Hiding anxiety to fit in or get through social situations uses enormous energy and leads to exhaustion afterward.
• Walking, breathing exercises, mindfulness activities and keeping busy with small tasks can help regulate during anxious moments.

"If you can be anything in this world, be kind."

About Carly:

Carly Considine is an autistic adult and a mother to autistic children. She is an online advocate passionate about raising awareness of anxiety as a common comorbidity with autism. Through her platform, Carly shares the realities of navigating neurodivergence as both a parent and an individual, emphasising the importance of understanding, acceptance, and kindness. Her honest approach to discussing panic attacks, school anxiety, and the exhaustion of masking helps others feel less alone in their experiences.

Learn more about Achievable Journey.

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Trigger warning: This episode discusses childhood trauma, sexual abuse, medical trauma, paralysis, and societal discrimination.

Living with a disability and neurodivergence while defying the odds, Malaika (MK) proves that medical expectations don't define your journey and achievements.

"Find your spark. Go make your soul happy. Do what you love, and let's heal this world together." - Malaika (MK)

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob chats with Malaika, a multi-creative advocate who shares their journey of navigating multiple disabilities, childhood trauma, and discovering healing through creativity and community.

From professional football to working with UNICEF, Malaika opens up about boundaries, self-care, and advocating for the Black disabled community. This honest and raw conversation is for anyone seeking to live authentically and find what makes their soul spark - and how we're soul-beings not human beings.

"We treat each other like we're money beings, not human beings. We're more than that, we're soul beings." - Malaika (MK)

Key takeaways:

• The body keeps score. Childhood trauma, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, lives in the body. Healing requires acknowledging pain and creating safe spaces for release.

• Learning to set boundaries as an adult is a process of reparenting yourself. Not everyone will like your boundaries, but they're necessary for your wellbeing.

• Find what makes your soul spark. Discovering activities that bring joy and balance is crucial for managing physical and emotional regulation.

• Community and connection heal us. Sharing stories, building authentic relationships, and supporting each other reduces isolation and creates collective healing.

About Malaika:

Malaika is a multi-creative advocate, disabled person, and neurodivergent individual living in the UK. Born in Uganda in 1988 and raised in Britain from age two, Malaika has worn many hats, from playing professional football and working with UNICEF and UNAIDS to advocating for Project Red and challenging childhood trauma patterns. Living with multiple disabilities including paralysis, autism, and ADHD, she uses their platform to speak about the intersections of race, disability, neurodivergence, and spirituality. Through creative expression and community building, she champions the message that our voices matter and that healing is possible when we find our spark.

Where to find Malaika:

Learn more about Achievable Journey.

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Trigger warning: This episode includes honest discussion about isolation, stigma, and the challenges of living with chronic illness.

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Belinda Moscoso, a passionate advocate for the neurodivergent and SEND communities.

Belinda shares her journey of receiving a late diagnosis of ADHD and autism alongside her son, as well as her experiences of living with chronic illness.

Together, they explore the importance of acceptance, resilience, inclusivity, and the power of advocacy in breaking down stigma. This episode offers encouragement, practical insight, and hope for families and individuals navigating neurodivergence.

"Being positive is the key. I really do. Because if you're going to be negative about it, how are you going to get people to accept it? How are you going to get people to want to learn?" - Belinda Moscoso

Key takeaways:

• Neurodivergence and chronic illness can overlap, creating unique challenges that require compassion and understanding.

• Advocacy and community support are powerful tools for creating change.

• Acceptance without judgment is essential for building an inclusive world.

• Positivity and openness can encourage others to learn, understand, and support neurodivergent individuals.

Learn more about Achievable Journey

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Trigger warning: This episode touches on themes of trauma, isolation, and the impact of the pandemic on children's mental health. Please take care while listening.

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob chats with Mick Collins, a storyteller, theatre practitioner, leading practitioner in Trauma Informed Practice, and educator.

Mick shares his creative and compassionate approach to working with SEND children and children with trauma backgrounds, showing how theatre, play, and sensory experiences can open up communication and connection.

Together, they explore the importance of safe spaces, understanding behaviours, and rebuilding communication between children, families, and schools. Listeners will gain practical ideas and inspiration for supporting children in joyful, strength-based ways.

"It's not just the kids we work with. We work with the families, and we work with the schools, because for me, what's happened is communication's broken down." - Mick Collins

Key Takeaways:

• Follow children's interests. Bringing their passions into learning spaces helps them feel safe and engaged.

• Play builds connection. Creativity and play are powerful tools for communication.

• Families matter too. Supporting parents and schools is just as important as supporting children.

• Safe spaces help healing. Environments like sensory gardens and interactive theatre allow children to express themselves.

About Mick:

Mick Collins is a storyteller, theatre practitioner, leading practitioner in Trauma Informed Practice, and teacher with over 30 years of experience and passion in theatre and education. His speciality is technical theatre, specifically light, sound, and AV. He believes stories are imaginative learning experiences that can be accessed through the senses. His work combines technical theatre, sound, light, and movement with a love of dance and play. Mick currently teaches at Root'n'Branch Acres, an 18-acre woodland stage and working farm in the UK, where he helps children, many from trauma backgrounds, build confidence and connection through storytelling and creativity. When a story is interactive, he knows it becomes play, which is how he teaches.

Learn more about Achievable Journey

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Trigger warning: This episode briefly discusses challenges faced by disabled and neurodivergent individuals, including social isolation and stigma.

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Dale Dixon, a passionate musician and advocate from the neurodivergent community. Dale shares how his love for music began with his mother's influence, the challenges and joys of his musical journey, and his dreams of performing around the world.

"We can tell our own self that we love our own disability, whether you're blind or visually impaired or whatever your disability is. Be patient with it and see what it's all about." – Dale Dixon

His story celebrates resilience, friendship, and the importance of community in helping us grow and thrive. Listeners will come away inspired to embrace their passions and support others in pursuing their dreams.

Key Takeaways:

• Community support can open doors and help dreams flourish.

• Your voice and your story are valuable, speak your truth.

• Embracing your identity, including disability, can be empowering.

• Patience and self-compassion are key to personal growth.

Learn more about Achievable Journey

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Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions around friendship challenges, feelings of isolation, and the emotional impact of not being accepted for who you are. While the conversation is uplifting, some listeners may find these themes emotionally sensitive.

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, host Asma Jacob speaks with MissNatasha Connect, an author, digital educator, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent communities. Together, they explore what real, affirming friendship looks like for neurodivergent people.

"Having someone that really accepts you for you, your whole. The light, the dark, the whole shebang that comes with it and supporting us to be ourselves."

From embracing boundaries to honouring individuality, this conversation invites listeners to reflect on how friendships can become more inclusive, respectful, and empowering. You'll hear both personal reflections and practical advice that centre authenticity and connection.

Key Takeaways:

• True friendship starts with being accepted just as you are, no masking needed.

• Open, honest conversations help build trust and emotional safety.

• Boundaries are not barriers, they're bridges to healthier relationships.

• It's okay to ask for what you need in a friendship. Embrace your unique way of thinking and connecting, there is strength in it.

About MissNatasha Connects:

MissNatasha Connects is an author, digital educator, and speaker who is authentically autistic. Mother of two, Auntie to many. She supports education, employment and family organisations to uplift and value the individuals they serve. Through books; organisational strategising sessions, support groups and speaking engagements.

Connect on Instagram: @natashaconnect or @tashas_tees

Learn more about Achievable Journey

Follow Your Voice Matters and connect with Asma on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

Remember to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts!

Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing the voice of the SEND and neurodivergent community.