What if your biggest struggle wasn’t a lack of effort… but a brain wired differently?In this powerful conversation, psychologist, researcher, and ADHD advocate Shannon Fernandes ‪@dionysy joins host Ann Thomas to unpack the lived reality of ADHD — beyond the stereotypes, beyond the checklists.We talk about:Masking and missing signs — even as a psychology studentRejection sensitivity and how it sabotages relationshipsADHD and high intelligence: the underdiagnosed “smart kids”Emotional dysregulation, school struggles, and adult burnoutThe truth about meds, motivation, and managing stigma in IndiaWhy our education system is failing neurodivergent mindsHow can we rethink parenting, diagnosis, and self-worth📍 This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a space to feel seen.🎧 Full episode available soon on Spotify, Amazon Music & Apple Podcasts.👇 Drop a 🥄 in the comments if you’ve ever run out of energy and didn’t know why.🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to support Just Your Normal Missfit.📌 Connect with us:🎙️ Podcast Page: / justyournormalmissfit 🌐 More on JYNM & Ann Thomas: https://mommysuitup.org00:00 Introduction to the Conversation01:24 Shannon's Journey into Psychology03:23 Challenges of ADHD in Education04:37 Impact of ADHD on Relationships10:08 Founding CogVerge12:31 Critique of the Education System15:24 The Importance of ADHD Diagnosis19:37 Navigating ADHD Medication31:03 ADHD Awareness on Instagram35:09 The Importance of Professional Monitoring in Psychiatric Medication36:04 Creating an ADHD Community: Challenges and Feedback37:14 Common Misconceptions About ADHD38:45 The Role of Professionals in ADHD Diagnosis42:01 Challenges in Diagnosing ADHD with Comorbidities45:26 Parenting Tips for Children with ADHD46:14 The Importance of Sampling Period for ADHD Children01:05:05 Understanding Rejection Sensitivity in ADHD01:11:09 Advocating for ADHD: Personal and Professional Insights01:12:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

This episode is a quiet, honest reflection on what it means to not fit in—especially when you or your child navigates the world with learning differences like ADHD, dyslexia, or dysgraphia.

I speak about the invisible weight we carry, the expectations that feel impossible, and the longing for a space that simply gets it. This isn't about fixing. It's about seeing, understanding, and holding space—for our children and ourselves.

If you’ve ever whispered, “Maybe it’s not me, maybe it’s the system,” this one's for you.

About the Guest: Sonal Singh Certified ADHD Coach

Sonal Singh is an internationally recognized, ICF-certified ADHD and Family Coach—widely regarded as India’s first trained and certified ADHD Coach. With over 25 years of diverse experience, including roles at Dow Jones Newswires, Aon Hewitt, and McKinsey Knowledge Center, she combines evidence-based strategies with her lived AuADHD perspective. Sonal specialises in coaching adults, parents, and groups, as well as guiding organisations to build neurodivergent-friendly workplaces. Beyond her coaching endeavours, she serves as CEO of a nonprofit empowering vulnerable communities. Her multidimensional expertise and compassionate approach help individuals unlock their full potential, fostering personal growth, resilience, and lasting transformation.

Sonal's journey began when a close family member was diagnosed with ADHD, which propelled her to explore child and adolescent mental health and family therapy. This personal encounter led her to formal training as an ADHD coach, and she now brings her lived experience and expertise to help others harness their strengths and navigate the challenges of ADHD.

You can learn more about her approach and offerings on her website, sonalsinghcoaching.com and reach her at:

Email: info@sonalsinghcoaching.com
Mobile: +91-98102-33494
Instagram: @adhdcoachsonalsingh

In This Episode:

In this episode, we'll dive deep into:

• The emotional journey of receiving an ADHD diagnosis
• The power of validation and the impact of timely intervention
• Strategies for managing ADHD, from building executive functioning skills to embracing alternative approaches
• How to leverage intrinsic motivation and create structured yet flexible support systems for lasting change

🎧 Listen in, share with someone who needs to hear this, and let’s keep the conversation going.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that challenge norms and spark change!🔗 Listen & Follow JYNM:

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📌 About the Guest:
Mangala Jayachandran is a pioneering special educator with over 30 years of experience in inclusive education. She played a crucial role in establishing Lady Andal School’s disability and inclusion model, mainstreaming over 1,000 children with learning disabilities. Through her dedication, she has helped shape a more empathetic and accessible learning environment, challenging outdated educational norms and advocating for children who learn differently.

🔗 Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode of Just Your Normal Missfit, host Ann sits down with Mangala Jayachandran to discuss her journey in inclusive education, the challenges she faced in implementing learning support systems, and how she fought against societal stigma to bring real change to classrooms. Mangala shares insights on ADHD, learning disabilities, teacher training, and how parents and educators can work together to create a truly inclusive education system.

🕒 Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Introduction to Mangala Jayachandran
01:12 – The Journey into Special Education
05:30 – Challenges & Triumphs in Establishing Inclusion
10:48 – Understanding ADHD & Learning Disabilities
17:15 – Identifying Struggling Students: What Teachers Can Do
23:05 – How Schools Can Support Students with LD
28:42 – Balancing Academics, Play & Mental Health
35:19 – The Role of Parents in Inclusive Education
41:50 – Overcoming Stigma & Changing Mindsets
50:02 – Why Empathy & Flexibility Matter in Education
55:20 – Creating an Inclusive Future: Key Takeaways

Reach Mangala Jayachandran

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Ever started something with passion, only to hit a wall before it feels ‘complete’? In this episode, I dive into the messy, frustrating, and deeply personal cycle of hyperfocus, burnout, and self-doubt—especially as someone navigating ADHD and neurodivergence.

Why do unfinished projects feel like failures? Why is it so hard to restart after a slump? And most importantly, how do we find grace for ourselves in the process?

If you’ve ever struggled with motivation, procrastination, or feeling like you never “finish” what you start, this one’s for you. 💙

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on neurodivergence, mental health, and the creative process!

📌 Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Why This Podcast Almost Didn’t Happen
02:15 – The ADHD Cycle: Hyperfocus to Burnout
05:30 – Why I Struggle to Finish Projects
08:45 – The Weight of Self-Doubt & Comparison
12:00 – Learning to Be Kinder to Ourselves
15:30 – Final Thoughts: Moving Forward Without Guilt

🔔 Subscribe for more: https://www.youtube.com/@JustYourNormalMissfit-o9q
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About the Guest: Sharmila Jois Vellal

Sharmila is a special educator with over 20 years of experience in inclusive education. She is the founder-director of Anantha Academy for Special Education, where she creates safe spaces for children to thrive at their own pace. Sharmila is also a co-founder of Ishanya Center for Special Needs and Eka Educational and Charitable Trust. She serves on the board of SERPA, advocating for the rights of children with disabilities across Karnataka.

Social Media Links:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ananthaacademy.blr/

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmila-jois-vellal-77080a9b/

- Website: www.Ananthacademy.com

Episode Summary:

Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Journey of Special Education with Sharmila Joyce Villal

In this episode of 'Just Your Normal Misfit', host Ann engages in a heartfelt conversation with Sharmila Joyce Villal, an experienced special educator and the founder of Anantha Academy for Special Education. Sharmila shares her insights gained from over two decades in inclusive education, her motivations behind establishing Anantha Academy, and her journey towards creating safe, empowering environments for children with diverse needs. The discussion also covers the importance of individualised education plans, early diagnosis, various therapy options, and the challenges parents face. Full of practical advice and wisdom, this episode is a resource for parents, educators, and anyone interested in special education.

00:00 Introduction to Sharmila Jois Vellal

01:11 Sharmila's Journey in Inclusive Education

04:37 Founding Anantha Academy

07:18 Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment

10:27 Challenges and Learnings from Previous Experiences

16:08 Philosophy and Approach at Anantha

21:23 Mainstream vs. Integrated Education

27:26 Empowering Children and Teachers

35:31 Supporting Parents and Families

43:51 Navigating the Diagnosis: First Steps for Parents

45:55 Empowering Independence: Early Interventions

46:57 The Importance of Consistency in Therapy

48:27 Financial Planning for Special Needs

50:20 Building a Support Network

54:49 Understanding Different Therapies

01:03:08 The Role of Assessments

01:09:24 Creating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

01:16:04 Managing Time and Structure

01:21:09 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

#SpecialEducation #Inclusion #Parenting #Neurodiversity #EmpathyInEducation

Other Work by Host:

- Blog Posts

- Social Media

- Books

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In this episode, I sit down with Suchitra Narayan to learn about her experience over the past 40 years looking at disability and advocating for inclusion. In this deeply personal account, Suchitra takes us through a timeline of the evolving lenses used to view disorders, disabilities, and now differences.

Together, we discuss the personal and societal challenges of raising and educating children with learning disabilities in India. Suchitra's life story and fierce commitment to change will move you, encourage you, and challenge your perspective on life, relationships, and inclusion.

From a woman without a voice to becoming a powerful voice for countless mothers and children with disabilities, Suchitra has faced, adapted to, and overcome incredible challenges. She opens up about managing and training her own daughter’s challenges with hearing loss and learning disabilities, confronting her struggles, and navigating an education system that often fails those who are "different."

The emotional and physical toll of this journey is immense, and while Suchitra is taking a well-earned break, her fight for real, impactful legal changes continues, with a vision for laws that will drive real, lasting change.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that we hope will stay with you long after you listen.