15: Communication breakdown: How visual support ease executive overload with Jessica Shahbazi and Jennifer Winstone

How can we reduce communication breakdowns for neurodivergent learners, across every setting?

In this affirming and practical episode, Laetitia is joined by Jess and Jenn, the co-creators of MyComms, a communication accessibility app supporting children, families, and professionals with visual supports that actually work.

Drawing from years of experience across education, behaviour support, assistive tech and speech pathology, Jenn and Jess share how their unique collaboration is helping neurodivergent individuals understand and be understood in the moments that matter most. They unpack executive functioning overload, school transitions, meltdowns, and explain why visuals aren’t just helpful, they’re essential.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, therapist or just visual yourself (hello Post-Its!), this episode will show you how visuals are anchors for emotional security, and how personalisation can make all the difference.

✨ Try Understanding Zoe free for 30 days – the neuroaffirming app turning every report, observation and meltdown into an actionable next step.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇

🧠 What executive functioning overload really looks like (and how to support it)

🧠 Why visual supports are better than verbal instructions for overwhelmed nervous systems

🧠 How to make transitions and school routines easier with task breakdowns and visual cues

🧠 What “co-design” means when it comes to communication tools for kids and adults

🧠 The ripple effect of clear communication

🧠 Why assistive tech like MyComms can empower families, not replace therapists

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ABOUT THE GUEST 👇

Jess is a highly experienced and empathetic Teacher, Behaviour Support Practitioner and Inclusion Consultant with a focus on executive functioning, behaviour and meaningful inclusion. Her work spans classroom teaching, behaviour support and inclusion consulting, bringing practical expertise in creating environments that enable learning, communication and independence.

Jenn is a highly experienced Speech Pathologist specialising in complex communication needs, inclusive practice and assistive technology. Jenn lectures medical students at Macquarie University and has completed senior-level leadership training through the Association of Independent Schools, building a strong foundation in education leadership, organisational change and collaborative practice.

Together Jess and Jenn have created MyComms, a communication accessibility platform designed to ensure that every person can understand and be understood in the moments that matter most. Their combined transdisciplinary expertise drives a powerful focus on co-design, real-world application and tools that reduce communication barriers across home, school, health, disability and aged care settings. Through MyComms and their professional learning programmes, Jess and Jenn are championing a future where communication support is accessible, adaptable and genuinely inclusive for people of all ages and communication profiles.

💻 Website: https://www.commspec.co

📸 Instagram: @mycomms.au

📱 App Store: Download MyComms on Apple

📱 Google Play: Download MyComms on Android

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.