34: Online safety and connection with neurodivergent kids with Shadia Hancock

How do we create online safety for neurodivergent children and young people without turning online spaces into something to fear?

In this thoughtful and nuanced episode, Laetitia is joined by Shadia Hancock, autistic and ADHD speech pathologist, advocate, educator and founder of Autism Actually. Together, they unpack the complex conversations around online safety, digital connection and what online spaces can mean for neurodivergent individuals and families.

Shadia shares their lived and professional perspective on how online spaces have historically created belonging, community and accessibility for autistic people, while also exploring how families can navigate safety through curiosity, connection and understanding rather than fear and restriction.

Whether you’re a parent wondering about screen time, a professional supporting neurodivergent young people, or someone trying to understand digital life through a neuroaffirming lens, this conversation offers a fresh perspective.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇

🧠 Why online spaces have historically been important for autistic community and connection

🧠 How online communication can create accessibility for neurodivergent people

🧠 Why online spaces are not inherently “good” or “bad”

🧠 How curiosity creates more safety than restriction

🧠 Why understanding why children engage online matters

🧠 The importance of collaborative conversations over control and punishment

🧠 How online spaces can support regulation, autonomy and belonging

🧠 Why there are no one-size-fits-all rules for neurodivergent families

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ABOUT THE GUEST 👇

Shadia is the proud owner and founder of Autism Actually and enjoys presenting, consultancy and advocacy work. They are also an ambassador for Yellow Ladybugs, an autistic-led organisation supporting autistic girls, women and gender-diverse individuals.

A Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP), Shadia completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) and a Cert IV in Animal Behaviour and Training. Their professional interests include autism, multimodal communication supports, animal-assisted services and language.

Formally identified as autistic at age three and ADHD at 23, Shadia proudly embraces their intersectional identity as an autistic, ADHD and queer individual. They are passionate about sharing neurodiversity-affirming perspectives and creating conversations that challenge traditional views of autism.

💻 Website: https://www.autismactually.com.au/

💻 Next Level Collaboration: https://nextlevelcollaboration.com/

📸 Instagram: @autismactuallyau

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.