43: Dissociation, anxiety and the power of felt safety with Stephanie Robertson

Think about it like this… anxiety isn't something to fix, but something to understand. And what if dissociation isn't a failure of coping, but one of the brain's most remarkable survival responses?

In this deeply thoughtful episode, Laetitia sits down with neurodivergent occupational therapist, speaker and advocate Steph Robertson to explore the often misunderstood relationship between anxiety, trauma and dissociation through both a clinical and lived experience lens.

Together, they unpack why neurodivergent nervous systems may be more likely to use dissociation as a protective response, how trauma is shaped by what happens after difficult experiences, and what true neuroaffirming support looks like when someone is overwhelmed.

Steph generously shares parts of her own journey as an autistic, ADHD, cPTSD individual and plural system, offering profound insights into identity, internalised ableism, healing and self-understanding. This conversation is compassionate, validating and filled with practical ways to support ourselves and the people we love.

✨ Try Understanding Zoe free for 7 days – the neuroaffirming app turning every report, observation and meltdown into an actionable next step.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 👇

🧠 Why trauma is about how the nervous system adapts, not simply the event itself

🧠 What dissociation is and why it exists as a protective survival response

🧠 The connection between anxiety, neurodivergence and dissociation

🧠 Why autistic and ADHD nervous systems may be more likely to experience dissociation

🧠 How to gently support someone experiencing a dissociative state without forcing them out of it

🧠 The importance of co-regulation, felt safety and sensory support

🧠 Internalised ableism, late identification and creating a life that genuinely fits your neurotype

🧠 Why community, interdependence and finding your neurokin matter so deeply

🧠 Practical ways to change the "pot" instead of trying to change the person

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ABOUT THE GUEST 👇

Steph Robertson is an experienced neurodivergent occupational therapist, speaker and advocate with a commitment to trauma-responsive and neurodiversity-affirming care. As an autistic, ADHD, cPTSD individual and plural system, Steph combines professional expertise, research and lived experience to support neurodivergent people and their families to challenge neuronormativity and build lives that genuinely work for them.

With more than a decade of experience, Steph delivers training, presentations and practical resources that encourage a deeper shift towards inclusive, affirming and compassionate practice. When she's not working, you'll usually find her wandering in nature, reading or spending time with her many animals.

💻 Website:www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com

📸 Instagram: @sgroccupationaltherapy

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.