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In this important episode, Will sits down with Cas Guerra to explore what true inclusion in higher education really looks like for neurodivergent students.

Together, they unpack how universities are moving beyond traditional support models and shifting towards more proactive, accessible and neuro-inclusive learning environments. Cas shares real-world insights from their work at Collarts, including the challenges institutions face, the changes that are already making a difference, and what still needs to happen for long-term, meaningful inclusion.

This conversation covers:

• The current state of accessibility and neuro-inclusion in tertiary education
• How universities can move beyond accommodations towards systemic change
• The role of educators, leadership, and culture in shaping inclusive campuses
• What the future of learning could look like when neurodivergent voices are centred

A must-listen for educators, students, leaders, and anyone passionate about transforming education for neurodivergent learners.

🎧 Podcast Questions

1. Can you share a bit about your journey as a neurodivergent person, and how that has shaped the role you’re currently doing as the Equitable Learning & Accessibility Coordinator at Collarts?

2. From your perspective, what are some of the biggest barriers neurodivergent students still face in universities and creative institutions today?

3. A lot of universities focus on accommodations — how can institutions shift towards proactive, system-wide neuro-inclusion instead of reactive support?

4. What are some examples of changes Collarts has made (or is working towards) that you’ve seen genuinely impact neurodivergent student experiences?

5. How do educators and academic staff play a role in shaping inclusive environments, and what practical steps can they take tomorrow to be more neuro-inclusive?

6. Looking ahead, what do you think the future of inclusive education could look like if neurodivergent voices are truly centred in design and decision-making?

7. For neurodivergent students who might be listening and struggling to navigate university systems, what advice or reassurance would you want to give them based on your experience?

8. And finally, if people want to connect with you or follow your work, where’s the best place for them to find you?

🔗 Want more episodes like this?

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to check out more episodes of Neurodivergent Mates at:
https://neurodiversityacademy.com/neu...

Explore past episodes, guest insights, and resources to support neuro-inclusive education, work and life.

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In this heartfelt episode of Neurodivergent Mates, Will Wheeler chats with Sarah Hayden — accredited social worker, equine-assisted psychotherapist, and bestselling author of Parenting Different: How to Raise Your Neurodivergent Kids to Be Their Authentic, Awesome Selves.

Sarah shares her incredible journey as a neurodivergent mum of five, including world-renowned actor, author, and advocate Chloé Hayden. With warmth, humour, and honesty, she reflects on life as a parent, foster carer, and advocate — having supported more than 55 foster children, volunteered for refugees and disaster-affected communities, and worked tirelessly to promote inclusion and emotional wellbeing.

Together, Will and Sarah dive into the joys and challenges of parenting through a neurodivergent lens — from finding creative family rhythms and embracing imperfection to understanding strengths, struggles, and the unique spark that neurodivergent parents bring to family life.

It’s a moving and uplifting conversation that celebrates difference, compassion, and the beauty of parenting the neurodivergent way.


Questions asked during the podcast:

1. To start off — can you tell us a bit about yourself and what “Sparkling Minds” means to you?

2. What do you think are some of the biggest strengths that neurodivergent parents bring to their families?

3. Parenting can be unpredictable at the best of times — how do you navigate those moments when ADHD or other neurodivergent traits show up in daily family life?

4. How has being neurodivergent shaped the way you connect with your kids and understand their needs?
      
5. A lot of parents put pressure on themselves to “get it right.” What helps you let go of that pressure and just enjoy parenting your way?
      
6. What are some fun or creative routines, hacks, or “sparkling” moments that make your family life work?
      
7. Finally, what message would you share with other neurodivergent parents who might be struggling or feeling like they’re not doing enough?

To checkout other neurodivergent mates podcast, please visit:
https://neurodiversityacademy.com/neu...

Please be sure to subscribe, like and follow all our social media platforms.

Click on our Linktree link provided below to access all of our social media platforms:

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In this episode, Will sits down with his business partner and mate, Pratik Bhumkar, to dive deep into the story behind Neurodiversity Academy — how it started, why it matters, and what it really takes to build something that makes a difference.

Together, they open up about the highs and lows of creating a social impact organisation, from big wins to unexpected challenges, and why building for purpose often means taking the harder road.

This honest and down-to-earth conversation shines a light on the realities of growing a mission-driven business that’s working to create a more neuro-inclusive future — one partnership, one learner, and one organisation at a time.

Questions:

• Pratik, please share with the audience a bit about yourself.
  
  
• What inspired us to create Neurodiversity Academy, and what problem were we trying to solve in the education space?
  
  
• What were some of the biggest challenges in building the platform and turning our vision into something real?
  
  
• How would you describe the difference between building a social impact business versus a traditional startup focused purely on profit?
  
  
• What have been some of the biggest lessons or turning points for us as co-founders working in the neurodiversity and education space?
  
  
• Running a social impact organisation isn’t easy — what’s one challenge we faced that really tested our resilience, and how did we push through it?
  
  
• Let’s talk about the future — what does success look like for Neurodiversity Academy over the next few years?
  
  
• For anyone listening who wants to start their own purpose-driven business, what advice would we give them about building something that truly creates change?
  
  
• Where can people connect with you?

Please be sure to subscribe, like and follow all our social media platforms.

Click on our Linktree link provided below to access all of our social media platforms:

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