Breaking Stigmas | ADHD | Autism | Innovative Sensory Solutions with Jo from Kaiko Fidgets

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09/26/23 • 74 min

1 Listener

Touched Out! A Mental Health Podcast for Parents

Welcome to Episode 16 The Touched Out! A Mental Health Podcast for Parents.
I'm your host, Carter, and today, we're diving into the fascinating and often misunderstood dynamics of ADHD and Autism in our society.

Meet Jo, the mother of Kai and Kobe. Kai, a brilliant young mind, founded Kaiko at just 11 years old in 2017. Kaiko was created to provide age-appropriate sensory solutions and fidget toys, born out of Kai's personal experiences with dyslexia and autism. These sensory solutions have significantly boosted his confidence and mental well-being.

Challenging Stigmas Around Autism

In our conversation, Jo and I discuss the negative stigma often associated with Autism and how it impacts late diagnoses. We delve into Kai's mental health journey and how his struggles led to the creation of Kaiko.

The Growth of Kaiko

Starting at local markets, Kaiko has now expanded to over 120 stockists. They focus on creating needs-based tools designed to replace non-suicidal self-harm practices. We explore the difference between self-harm as a coping mechanism for sensory overload and using tools like wrist and finger spiky's to provide non-harmful pain relief.

The Importance of Wearable Fidgets

Wearable fidgets offer individuals immediate sensory relief. Jo and I emphasize the importance of having these tools readily available, discussing how they can improve daily life for those with sensory needs.

Neurodiversity, Gender Fluidity, and Body Modification

Drawing from personal experiences, I share my history with self-harm and masking behaviors. We discuss the strong overlap between neurodiversity and gender fluidity, theorizing a potential connection between body modification and neurodiversity.

Powerful Insights and Continued Conversations

Thank you for joining us on this insightful episode. Let's continue to break down stigmas and explore innovative ways to support our neurodiverse community. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions.

Explore Kaiko's Range

You can browse and purchase Kaiko’s extensive range at Kaiko Fidgets. Head to the podcast Instagram and hit the bio link to sign up for preorder today.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Touched Out: A Mental Health and Parenting Support Podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, share, and leave a rating and review. Your support helps others discover their new favorite parenting and mental health podcast.

Connect with Us:

Drop a comment on Spotify if you have any questions or thoughts. You can also visit The Touched Out Website to leave a voice message or contact me via email. If you are interested in being a guest on Touched Out you can access the guest form HERE

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

Challenging Stigmas Around Autism

The Growth of Kaiko

The Importance of Wearable Fidgets

Neurodiversity, Gender Fluidity, and Body Modification

Powerful Insights and Continued Conversations

Thank you for joining us on this insightful episode. Let's continue to break down stigmas and explore innovative ways to support our neurodiverse community. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions.

Explore Kaiko's Range

You can browse and purchase Kaiko’s extensive range at Kaiko Fidgets. Head to the podcast Instagram and hit the bio link to sign up for preorder today.

Support the show

Connect with Us:

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

Previous Episode

Season 2 Trailer (04/10/23)

1 Recommendations

The Touched Out Podcast is back with a second season. Premiering on 4th October 2023. Mark your calendars!

Support the show

Connect with Us:

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

Next Episode

Gentle Parenting and Boundaries | Insights from a Trauma Specialist

1 Recommendations

Welcome to Episode 17 of Touched Out! A Mental Health and Parenting Podcast.
Today, we unravel the delicate balance of gentle parenting and setting boundaries with our special guest, Mark, a clinical psychotherapist and trauma specialist from Montreal, Canada.

Mark's Background and Career

Mark's upbringing and personal experiences have profoundly influenced his approach to parenting. Overcoming his own substance abuse struggles and being diagnosed with drug-induced paranoia, Mark began his career by aiding traumatized youth. These experiences have shaped his work as a psychotherapist and his parenting philosophy.

A Heartwarming Love Story

Discover the heartwarming story of how Mark met his wife, Kara. Together, they navigated the complexities of mental health during pregnancies and births, strengthening their bond and shaping their parenting journey.

Balancing Work and Family Life

Mark shares the challenges he faced upon returning to work as a therapist while balancing the innocence of his son and the harrowing experiences of his clients. He offers personal insights into the delicate balance of being both a parent and a professional.

Raising Kind and Assertive Children

Mark's main goal as a parent is to raise a child who embodies kindness, assertiveness, and engagement while understanding the significance of boundaries. He emphasizes the importance of these values in fostering a healthy and respectful relationship with children.

Debunking Misunderstandings About Gentle Parenting

In an enlightening discussion, Mark and I debunk societal misunderstandings surrounding gentle parenting. We shed light on effective parenting strategies that incorporate gentleness and boundary-setting.

Join the Conversation

Thank you for joining me and Mark on this episode. We hope you enjoyed the discussion and gained valuable insights into the delicate balance of gentle parenting and setting boundaries.

Support the show

Connect with Us:

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion