Episode #46 Freeing Up Time for What Matters: Reducing the Hidden Load for Neurodivergent Families

What happens when AI is built with neurodivergent people, not about us?

Caitlin and Teena are joined by Laetitia Andrac (CEO/co-founder of Understanding Zoe) for a grounded, hope-filled conversation about AI, ethics, and easing the invisible work carried by neurodivergent families.

Together, we explore how AI can support scripting, communication, advocacy, and admin, while staying mindful of risks like bias and deficit-based language. Laetitia shares findings the 2025 Making the Invisible Visible report that includes research with data from 1,091 families, including the reality that many parents are carrying an extra 33 hours per week—with around 10 hours often swallowed by admin.

We also unpack what “non-negotiables” look like for ethical AI in care spaces: privacy and security, lived experience design, and using AI as an extension of human connection, not a replacement.

If AI can take some of the hidden load, families can reclaim time for what matters most: connection.

In this episode, we cover:

• AI as a “second brain” (and why critical thinking still matters)

• Bias in AI outputs and why neuroaffirming design is essential

• The hidden load of parenting neurodivergent kids (and what the data says)

• NDIS prep, advocacy, and practical ways AI can support

• Ethics + privacy: frameworks, data protection, and trust

• The emerging “AI gap” and equity in access

• A sneak peek at Understanding Zoe’s upcoming app update (including support for adults)

Laetitia Andrac is CEO and co-founder of Understanding Zoe, an AI-powered platform providing neuroaffirmative support for families raising neurodivergent children. A neurodivergent woman and mother of two neurodivergent daughters, Laetitia brings over 15 years of experience in strategy and innovation, including her role as former General Manager at Telstra and as a strategy consultant with Monitor-Deloitte. She's a bestselling author, international speaker, and host of The Neurodivergent Pulse Podcast. Understanding Zoe recently completed Australia's largest study on neurodivergent families (1,091 participants), published as the white paper "Making the Invisible Visible" in November 2025. Through her work, Laetitia champions moving from deficit to strength-based models, creating neuroaffirming systems rather than compliance-based solutions.

Website: www.understandingzoe.com

LinkedIn (personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/laetitiaandrac/

LinkedIn (company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/understandingzoe/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/understanding.zoe/

Email: laetitia@understandingzoe.com

For more information about our podcast hosts check out the links below:

• Caitlin Hughes

  • Cathartic Collaborations

  • Social media: @cathartic.collaborations

• Teena Mogler

  • Balance Centre for Mental Health

  • Social media: @balancecentreformentalhealth

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