Episode 32: Evie Kennedy

Welcome to episode #32 Our guest today is Evie Kennedy today. 
Evie Kennedy is a Service Designer who works to drive equity and accessibility in health, disability and hardship public services. Evie is completing her Master’s degree in Health Policy with a focus on public mental health and health equity. Late diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Combined ADHD, Evie is also an Olympic Weightlifting coach and an advocate for both the physical and mental health and wellbeing of neurodivergent people. She is passionate about exercising for your brain, trauma-informed coaching and creating safe, inclusive sporting communities.Welcome to the show Evie!
Questions JN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now? Always had feeling of “a little bit different” Hyper verbal Hyper literate Got diagnosed when Easy to mask during school Entering workforce A lot of things out of your controlE.g. bright office light Tried to manage things with being really productive Girl boss books When this didn’t solve things, the next step was to get a diagnosis. Walked in to the psych with a power point presentation And a spreadsheet Had to see multiple psychs It was a surprise that she was diagnosed with AutismSo many questions How does it present in a woman? Does this explain why it takes so long to recover from social situations? Thought she was anxious Transitioning to university Journal of behavioural observations of other people Younger brother diagnosed with adhd - reference point for ADHD - couldn’t possibly be her Autistic burnout in last year Post diagnosis Being kinder to herself Realising sensory overload Prevents meltdowns Knowing how to recharge Being ok to schedule quiet timeStigma around being a woman that doesn’t wanting to be social Tough presenting the way she doesBecause people think someone with adhd and autism presents a certain way. JC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on? Service Designer for NSW government in Fines/Hardship space. Focused on designing for safety Current project: pathway for people who are experiencing financial abuseWorking with Domestic violence experts and police Intersection between service design and policy Other job: Olympic weightlifting coach Snatch/clean and jerk Competing for 6 years Doesn’t feel like work - physical stuff is fun Passionate about making sport more accessible Weightlifting perfect for autistic people: Solo Don’t have to touch anyone Clear progression Barbells noise = stim Active meditation Study: Masters in Health Policy JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?I think we’ve covered this - can move on to morn JC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time? Office routine: Wake up with existential dread Overstimulated on train Get home and meltdown ^ not always that bad but that’s what it felt like Wake up: ADHD brain fog Low dopamine morning (instead of doomscrolling) Protein shake Feed dog + b