Psychologist & Neurodiversity Coach Maike Preißing

In this episode of 'The Lighter Side of the Spectrum,' David sits down with Maike Preißing, a neurodivergent psychologist and artist, to delve into the world of synesthesia and neurodiversity. Maike explains her personal experiences with synesthesia, a phenomenon where the senses cross in extraordinary ways, leading to unique sensory experiences such as seeing colors when hearing music or feeling pain. They discuss the genetic components, common misconceptions, and the significant overlap between synesthesia and autism, particularly highlighting its high occurrence within the autistic community. The conversation underscores the importance of understanding and validating neurodivergent experiences. Additionally, David shares personal insights from his son, Stone, who also experiences synesthesia. The episode provides valuable resources and tips for parents and educators to better understand and support neurodiverse individuals.

Topics

00:29 Meet Maike Preißing: Neurodivergent Psychologist

00:49 Understanding Synesthesia

02:10 The Science Behind Synesthesia

06:47 Synesthesia and Autism Connection

14:48 Sensory Sensitivities and Emotional Regulation

19:32 Exploring Food Sensitivities

22:18 Discovering Synesthesia in Childhood

24:57 Visualizing Music and Pain

28:38 Common Misconceptions About Synesthesia

30:33 Fact or Fiction: Debunking Myths

31:39 Understanding Synesthesia vs. Hallucination

32:42 Encouraging Empathy and Reducing Stigma

33:58 Fact or Fiction: The Rarity of Synesthesia

34:31 Exploring Mirror Pain and Mirror Touch Synesthesia

36:28 The Non-Speaking World and Heightened Sensitivities

44:53 Supporting Communication for Non-Speakers

57:49 The Synesthesia Tree: A Valuable Resource

01:01:10 Final Thoughts and Encouragement