19: Building relationships with neurodivergent young people with Isobel Ziatas

How do we build authentic, lasting relationships with neurodivergent young people, especially when traditional approaches fall short?

In this deeply thoughtful episode, Laetitia is joined by psychologist and connection advocate Isobel Ziatas, whose work at The Kidd Clinic centres on truly seeing, hearing, and respecting young people on their own terms.

Together, they unpack how connection grows not from quick tricks or surface-level rapport but from curiosity, consistency and deep attunement. Isobel brings nuance to what “trust” really means, how to spot signs of safety beyond words, and the subtle magic of small, sensory-aligned moments.

From the PACE and NEST frameworks to memes, fidgets and “most generous interpretations”, this episode is a masterclass in what it means to relate without demand and co-create space that honours difference.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇

🧠 Why trust isn’t a checkbox, and how safety shows up differently for every young person

🧠 The PACE approach: Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy

🧠 What to do when we get it wrong: scripts and strategies for repair

🧠 “Most generous interpretation” – a simple mantra for keeping curiosity alive

🧠 Sensory regulation and how fidgets become portals to connection

🧠 How to honour communication preferences, even if it means dropping the “therapy voice”

🔗 Try Understanding Zoe for free today

ABOUT THE GUEST 👇

Isobel is a Registered Psychologist and presenter at The Kidd Clinic. She works from a neurodiversity-affirming, relationship-based lens, supporting neurodivergent young people and their families.

Her work centres on nervous system safety, connection, and understanding behaviour through compassion rather than compliance.

🖥️ Website: www.kiddclinic.com.au

📘 PACE Framework: ddpnetwork.org/about-ddp/meant-pace

🛠️ NEST Approach: spectrumgaming.net/the-nest-approach

📚 Most Generous Interpretation - Dr Becky Kennedy: Good Inside (book)

📖 Related blog posts:

• Building Relationships

• Ways We Connect

📄 Kidd Clinic Resource: Types of Connection

ABOUT THE HOST 👇

Laetitia Andrac (Autistic & ADHDer) is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and podcast host.

She is the bestselling author of Light It: How to Trust Your Intuition and Build a Thriving Business. With over 15 years of experience in consulting, strategy, and innovation, Laetitia has worked with industry leaders like Deloitte and Telstra.

Inspired by my journey as a neurodivergent parent, she co-founded Understanding Zoe, an AI-driven solution dedicated to supporting caregivers of neurodivergent children.

Her passion is creating a more neuroinclusive world, where everyone can thrive—whether in their homes, communities, or workplaces.