Differences NOT Deficits
Where being different is normal — and connection is universal.
This podcast is for the ones who’ve always felt a little off-script — and are starting to realize maybe they were never the problem. What started as a therapy-centered conversation has evolved into something deeper: an exploration of what it means to be fully human in a world obsessed with “normal.”
We still care deeply about supporting neurodivergent individuals and families — but now we’re widening the lens.
We’re talking about sensitivity, chronic pain, emotional intensity, burnout, masking, healing, and the thousand quiet ways people learn to hide who they are to fit in.
Hosted by Debbie (former speech-language pathologist turned soul-listener and Human Design guide) and Yolandi (behaviorist turned radical connector and label-questioner), this podcast explores what happens when we stop trying to fix people — and start seeing them.
Together, we talk about:
The harm in pathologizing difference
The beauty in unmasking and remembering who you are
The power of reconnecting with your body, soul, and deeper wiring
The systems that need rethinking — and the truths we’re reclaiming
Whether you’re a parent, a practitioner, or a person simply trying to feel more at home in yourself — you belong here.
This isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about being real.
Let’s unmask what divides us — and remember what connects us.
Interested in learning more about Debbie and her work...go to https://www.thetruthofyou.net/. Connect with Debbie or Yolandi at https://www.thetruthofyou.net/contact.
Follow the podcast and leave a comment on Instagram @DifferencesNotDeficits. And please rate, review, share, and subscribe!
Thanks for listening!
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Episodes
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
In this episode we give you a few examples from episode 8 where we talk about the new ideas that we have been discussing on this podcast so far and how difficult it can be to embrace doing something different than what has been done for so many years.
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Thursday Jan 25, 2024
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
In this episode we talk about the new ideas that we have been discussing on this podcast so far and how difficult it can be to embrace doing something different than what has been done for so many years.
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Thursday Dec 28, 2023
Thursday Dec 28, 2023
In this episode (Part 2 of 2) we continue our interview with Kim and her husband William. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, start there. Kim is an autistic occupational therapist. She has a passion for educating clinicians and challenging them to look outside the box when working with clients. She uses her personal journey and unique perspective to teach clinicians nationwide about autism, sensory processing disorder, and eating disorders.
In this episode Kim shares how William supported her in learning about social cues. She also talks about her journey with interoception which helped her to understand herself and her emotions and what she needed in order to learn. She sees it as a foundational skill that needs to be explored by all individuals.
We also hear about her views on adult autistic people only using “age-appropriate” items or watching “age-appropriate” shows and movies.
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Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
In this episode (Part 1 of 2) we had the pleasure of interviewing Kim and her husband William. Kim is an autistic occupational therapist. She has a passion for educating clinicians and challenging them to look outside the box when working with clients. She uses her personal journey and unique perspective to teach clinicians nationwide about autism, sensory processing disorder, and eating disorders.
Kim and William have a beautiful relationship. In this episode they discuss Kim’s journey discovering her strengths and challenges and eventually receiving a diagnosis of Autism later in life. Kim and William share how they met and how they support each other in their daily lives.
We also hear about what socializing means to Kim and thinking about “social” from an autistic perspective.
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Friday Nov 17, 2023
Friday Nov 17, 2023
This episode is Part 2 of 2. In these 2 episodes we discuss how individuals developing body awareness through interoception may discover some trauma responses or adaptations that they have. These may be completely unconscious body responses that were created to protect themselves. We continue our trauma or "distress" discussion and talk about the importance of always "seeing" behavior as communication. We share stories of past clients so our listeners have an idea of how autistic individuals can develop trauma responses that look very much like "behaviors".
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Also available on: Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Alexa, iHeartRadio, FM player, ListenNotes, Samsung Podcast, Podchaser and BoomPlay.
Sunday Nov 12, 2023
Sunday Nov 12, 2023
This episode is Part 1 of 2. In these 2 episodes we discuss how individuals developing body awareness through interoception may discover some trauma responses or adaptations that they have. These may be completely unconscious body responses that were created to protect themselves. We define what we mean by "trauma" and the importance of understanding it when learning about oneself. Yolandi shares more about her journey with interoception and what she is discovering!
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Also available on: Google Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Alexa, iHeartRadio, FM player, ListenNotes, Samsung Podcast, Podchaser and BoomPlay.
Friday Oct 20, 2023
Friday Oct 20, 2023
Chloe is a passionate advocate for autism, bringing her unique perspective to the forefront as an Autistic Self-Advocate, Public Speaker, Co-Author, Board Member, and Teacher's Aide. Her mission is clear: to foster understanding and awareness about autism through her experiences and insights.
As a co-author of the "My Interoception Workbook for Teens, Adolescents, and Adults," Chloe has played a pivotal role in providing resources that support those on the autism spectrum. In addition to her writing, Chloe actively contributes to the autism community by serving on the national board of The Arc of the United States and the advisory board of the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI).
Through her multifaceted contributions and experiences, Chloe strives to make the world a more inclusive and understanding place for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Find out more information about Chloe Rothschild at https://www.chloerothschildasd.com/. To find out more about The Premier Autism and Disability Conference that Chloe will be presenting at in November, please visit https://conference.ocali.org/
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Saturday Sep 30, 2023
Saturday Sep 30, 2023
Welcome to the 2nd Episode of the Differences Not Deficits podcast! This episode focuses on explaining why Debbie and Yolandi's favorite subject includes Interoception, as told through Debbie's own personal journey.
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Thursday Sep 21, 2023
Thursday Sep 21, 2023
Meet your hosts of this Podcast. Learn why Differences NOT Deficits Podcast was created.
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Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
As a speech language pathologist and a behaviorist we have realized that what we have been taught are “deficits” are often just “differences” in neurology. When we approach therapy in this light we learn from our neurodiverse clients every day. We want to empower neurodivergent people and those you care for them by discussing what we are learning and changing in our own therapy.
The Differences Not Deficits podcast aims to be an accepting space to provide education and support to neurodivergent individuals and their support systems.
We’re so excited to share this with you!