Today, we're chatting with Vanessa Eastmure & Jessie Collins from the London Children's Museum - the masterminds behind the museum's redesign, focused on making it a welcoming haven for all kids, whether neurodiverse or neurotypical.

Throughout our conversation, we explore how they've created a space that’s all about accessibility and inclusion for all families. We learn about their awesome sensory-friendly evenings, new exhibits, special events, and much more! So, grab your headphones, kick back, and let’s dive into how the London Children's Museum is making play & learning accessible for all!

Timestamps:

(01:28) - Welcome

(01:54) - Meet Vanessa & Jessie

(08:55) - Accessibility and Inclusion at the museum

(16:52) - Creating Inclusive Spaces:

(20:26) - Sensory Friendly Evenings

(27:52) - Designing for Accessibility and Predictability

(32:55) - Evaluating Community Feedback and Design Improvements

(46:21) - What To Know Before Coming

Mentioned In This Episode:

Follow the London Children's Museum on Instagram: @londonchildrensmuseum

For questions about the London Children’s Museum, reach out to info@londonchildrensmuseum.ca

Special thanks to:

Mira Noordermeer, Director of Marketing & Visitor Services

Vanessa Eastmure, Director of Exhibits and Visitor Experience

Jessie Collins, Director of Education

The London Children’s Museum was designed with all types of families in mind. For more information about their quiet rooms, free sensory-friendly evenings, adventure backpacks, sensory & visual supports and more, visit: https://www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca/accessibility

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Learn about our clinic Elemenoe where we work to reach milestones together through speech, language, behaviour & learning.

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Today, we're speaking with a very exciting guest - author Julie M. Green!

Julie M. Green is the author of Motherness, a memoir of generational autism, parenthood, and radical acceptance (ECW Press, 2025). In 2024, she was a finalist for the CBC Nonfiction Prize. Her writing has appeared in the Washington Post, Globe and Mail, HuffPost, Parents, Chatelaine, CBC, Today's Parent, and more. She also writes The Autistic Mom on Substack.

Throughout our conversation with Julie, we discuss her parenting journey to her autistic son and as a late-diagnosed autistic adult. We peel-back the complexities of parenting and the emotional rollercoaster it brings, especially when navigating both autism and motherhood. Learn all about her memoir "Motherness" - available now! - where she shares her candid reflections on the messy, often overwhelming realities of raising a neurodivergent child while wrestling with her own late diagnosis. There’s a ton of relatable wisdom packed in here, from the struggles of societal expectations to the brutal honesty of mental load that many parents carry. So, whether you’re a parent, a professional, or just someone trying to figure out this wild ride called life, buckle up - this one is for you!

Timestamps:

(01:34) - Welcome

(03:16) - Welcome Julie!

(07:35) - The Journey of Writing Motherness

(16:54) - The Complexity of Parenting a Neurodivergent Child

(24:21) - Navigating the Challenges of Autism Diagnosis and Acceptance

(28:33) - Challenges of Caregiving for Neurodivergent Children

(37:42) - Education and Support for Children with Disabilities

(44:07) - Understanding Developmental Differences in Children

(51:54) - Navigating Parental Guilt and Growth

(56:31) - Neurodiversity in Parenting

(01:06:45) - Community for Neurodivergent Teens

(01:17:41) - Parenthood During Tough Times

Mentioned In This Episode:

Where To Find Julie:

1. IG: @juliem.green
2. Substack: The Autistic Mom
3. Website: juliemgreen.ca

Julie's Book: Motherness: a Memoir of Generational Autism, Parenthood, and Radical Acceptance

*Disclaimer: At the time of recording this episode, Julie's son Carson used he/him pronouns.

The Spoon Theory:

The Spoon Theory is a metaphor for managing limited energy, particularly for people with chronic illness, neurodivergence, or caregiving responsibilities. Each “spoon” represents a unit of energy or capacity for the day, and once your spoons are used up, you need to rest before you have more to give. The concept helps explain why individuals sometimes have to prioritize tasks, activities, or social interactions, and why energy can feel finite or quickly depleted.

Brief History of Asperger’s Syndrome:

Asperger’s syndrome was a diagnostic term used to describe...

The holidays & new year can be a time of emotional highs and lows, so today, we're diving into the topic of young ones grappling with "big feelings" - whether neurodiverse or neurotypical!

We kick things off by emphasizing the importance of recognizing the subtle signs that precede emotional outbursts—because there's usually a whole lot brewing before the storm hits. With a blend of our real-life moments and professional insights, we'll share our experiences as moms and clinicians dealing with emotional rollercoasters, whether it’s a joyous moment or a meltdown. We'll also highlight the need for parents and professionals to adopt a curious mindset, spotting those precursor behaviours, and using practical strategies to help kiddos navigate their emotions. If you’re a parent or working with young ones, this episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable tips to better support those wild emotional waves!

Timestamps:

(01:31) - Welcome

(04:39) - Inspiration For This Episode: Biting At Home

(11:43) - In The Moment Teaching

(23:38) - Strategies For Emotion Regulation

(34:45) - Understanding Big Feelings In Neurodivergent Learners

(57:22) - Coaching Strategies for Older Kids

(01:03:57) - Book: The Fantastic Elastic Brain

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak - This engaging picture book introduces children to the concept of neuroplasticity, explaining how the brain can grow and change through learning and experience. It's a great resource for fostering a growth mindset and helping kids understand that mistakes are part of the learning process.
2. I Just Don't Like the Sound of NO! by Julia Cook - A part of the "Best Me I Can Be!" series, this book helps children understand the importance of accepting "no" for an answer and the value of patience and respect. It's a great tool for teaching emotional regulation in situations where children might feel frustrated or upset.
3. Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cook - This book addresses anxiety and worry in children, providing strategies for managing these emotions. It's particularly helpful for children who tend to overthink or become anxious in new or challenging situations.
4. I'm Stretched! by Julia Cook - This book discusses the feeling of being overwhelmed and provides strategies for managing stress and finding balance. It's a great resource for children who have difficulty handling multiple demands or transitions.
5. I Think I Think a Lot by Jessica Whipple (2023) - This picture book delves into the experience of overthinking, portraying it as a chaotic swirl of thoughts. It provides a metaphorical approach to understanding obsessive thoughts, making it accessible for children to grasp the concept of mental overload.
6. My Brain Is a Race Car by Nell Harris (2023) - Utilizing the metaphor of a race car, this book explains how the neurodivergent brain processes experiences differently. It offers self-regulation tools in a fun, rhyming format, aiming to open conversations about managing emotions and behaviours.
7. Flamingo Boy by Michael Morpurgo (2018) - Set during World War II, this novel follows Lorenzo, an autistic boy living on a farm...