In this episode of the NDV Podcast: Neurodiverse Voices, I had the pleasure of speaking with Susan Liverman – a late diagnosed autistic and ADHD woman, parent to neurodivergent children, and founder of The Kindful, a Community Interest Company focused on wellbeing and mindful support.
We recorded this conversation at the Phoenix Picturehouse, and it was a deeply reflective and honest discussion. Susan opened up about the struggles she faced in her twenties that went unsupported, and how discovering she was neurodivergent later in life felt like a new beginning. It gave her the language and insight to better understand her needs and how to meet them.
With a Masters in Cognitive-Based Therapy and in Mindfulness, Susan spoke about her early interest in self-discovery and positive psychology, long before terms like "autism" or "ADHD" were part of her vocabulary. We explored what mindfulness really is – not about relaxation, but about bringing awareness and compassion to the present moment.
In our conversation, we talked about:
The emotional impact of a late autism and ADHD diagnosis
Parenting neurodivergent children while discovering her own neurodivergence
Using mindfulness as a tool for emotional awareness and navigating overwhelm
Her ongoing campaign against SEND-related attendance fines and working with MPs
The importance of peer support and finding community
How The Kindful came to life – and why the name is so meaningful
The power of rest, sensory experiences, and self-compassion for overwhelmed parents
Susan shared her views on emotions as important signals rather than things to fear, and reminded us that we don’t have to do it all alone. She’s inspired by those in the community who create initiatives to help others – and she’s one of them.
This episode is full of warmth, wisdom, and a strong message: be kind to yourself.
Please note that we had some technical difficulties with the video, therefore there are few seconds with freezing images or no images.
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