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The neurodivergent blog

Short reads, real stories and news on neurodivergent life.

The Understanding Zoe blog shares short, plain-language articles for families raising neurodivergent children, neurodivergent adults, and the people who support them. You will find recent stories, practical tips and Australian neurodivergence news. For step-by-step guides, see our Guides. Understanding Zoe is a neurodivergent app made in Australia.

Latest update: 23 June 2026

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6 Aug 2026Laetitia Andrac

Dissociation and felt safety: understanding autistic shutdown

Autistic shutdowns and dissociation are nervous system survival mechanisms, not behaviour problems. In this episode with occupational therapist Stephanie Robertson, discover why neurodivergent brains are more likely to use dissociation, how trauma is shaped by post-event support rather than the event itself, and concrete strategies for offering felt safety when someone you love is overwhelmed. Learn the 'change the pot, not the plant' framework for adjusting environments instead of trying to fix people.

Autistic ShutdownDissociation and AnxietyFelt Safety+2