Ep 16 | Breaking Stigmas | ADHD | Autism | Innovative Sensory Solutions with Jo from Kaiko Fidgets
Welcome to Episode 16 The Touched Out! A Mental Health Podcast for Parents.
I&aposm your host, Carter, and today, we&aposre 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&aposs 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&aposs 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&aposs 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&aposs continue to break down stigmas and explore innovative ways to support our neurodiverse community. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions.
Explore Kaiko&aposs 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.
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