In this powerful episode, we feature Madeleine Jaine Lobsey, a trailblazing advocate for neurodivergent individuals and General Manager of The A-List, an Australian platform connecting young people with autism and other neurodivergent traits to social opportunities and communities. Madeleine’s work is reshaping the way we understand and support neurodiversity, creating environments where individuals are free to be themselves.
As a mother of two neurodivergent children and a neurodivergent individual herself, Madeleine brings a deeply personal perspective to her work. Her journey is rooted in a profound commitment to empowering neurodivergent teens and young adults by providing them with spaces where they feel truly seen and accepted. This commitment led to the creation of The A-List Social Hubs—transformative environments designed to foster social connection and inclusion for neurodivergent teens.
In this conversation, Madeleine shares the sobering reality faced by many neurodivergent individuals, including social isolation and unemployment rates six times higher than the general population. She reveals the heartbreaking statistic that 32% of autistic individuals in Australia will never have a friend outside their family. Her response? A groundbreaking initiative to provide neurodivergent teens with a space to connect, express themselves, and build lasting friendships—on their own terms.
We also delve into Madeleine’s personal experience as a neurodivergent individual navigating professional and personal development. She candidly discusses the challenges of “masking”—hiding her authentic self to fit societal expectations—and how discovering her neurodivergence later in life has brought her a new sense of freedom and purpose. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of embracing one’s identity.
Madeleine’s passion extends to the arts, where she uses her creative background in acting, directing, and choreography to amplify neurodivergent voices. From writing plays that reflect authentic experiences to creating performance opportunities for neurodivergent teens, she’s helping rewrite the narrative of what inclusion looks like.
This episode is a heartfelt exploration of advocacy, creativity, and the transformative power of human connection. Madeleine reminds us of the importance of granting people the freedom to be, just as they are, and of the profound impact this can have on their lives.
🎧 Tune in now to hear Madeleine’s inspiring journey and learn how her work is creating a world where neurodivergent individuals are celebrated for their unique brilliance.
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