E106: Dr Ann Ozsivadjian

Dr Ann Ozsivadjian, Clinical Psychologist specialising in autism, joins Ben to unpack the reality of mental health in neurodivergent children and adults - and why so much of it is misunderstood. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Ann explains how anxiety, depression and low self-esteem often sit on top of something deeper: emotional dysregulation, unmet needs and environments that don’t fit.

Together, they explore how this shows up in children and the long-term impact of being misunderstood early on. They also break down the difference between meltdowns and shutdowns - what’s really happening beneath the surface, and how to respond with understanding, not judgment.