Neurodiversity in the Sandwich | Nicole Rogerson, CEO of Autism Australia | Club Sandwich

In this episode, Sarah Macdonald talks to Nicole Rogerson, CEO of Autism Australia, about raising her son Jack, who has autism, while also navigating ageing parents in the sandwich generation. They cover the importance of starting legacy and estate planning early, regardless of how much the family has, to make sure a neurodivergent child is looked after. Plus, undiagnosed neurodivergent traits in grandparents, midlife self-diagnosis, and how to talk to a neurodivergent loved one about death and grief. Ageing parents? You've got them. We've got you. JOIN THE CLUB: Visit https://clubsandwich.community to join the conversation. SEND US YOUR QUESTION: hello@clubsandwich.community Chapters: 00:36 Welcome to Club Sandwich 01:25 From Sydney door bitch to autism advocate 02:27 The question most parents never have to think about 04:09 Planning for the unexpected 05:57 'One bad marriage away': Trusts and guardianship 08:17 Grandparents, masking and undiagnosed autism 12:39 Does a diagnosis help? 20:05 ADHD, technology and attention 26:22 Developing a responsible 'tech diet' 27:28 Talking about death with an autistic kid This episode is supported by Australian Unity Home Health and Care. Proactive local care that helps your parents live well at home. Less stress for them, less worry for you, more time for the good stuff. Visit https://australianunity.com.au/clubsa.... Club Sandwich is brought to you by Vera (https://vera.guide/), helping families caring for ageing parents navigate this stage of life so you don't have to do it alone. Find Put The Kettle On – Vera's free guide to the five questions worth asking your mum or dad – at https://putthekettleon.com.au Our FACES campaign: Last year, 4,812 older Australians died waiting for the aged care they'd already been approved for, about 13 a day. Vera started FACES to count the people waiting, and count the ones we lose, every quarter, published. If you're sitting in that wait with your mum or dad right now, add your name at vera.guide/faces. Sarah Macdonald – Host and Executive Producer. Melissa Reader – Commissioning Editor, Executive Producer and Clubber. Justin McArthur – Executive Producer and Editor for P. Zinner Pods https://pzinner.com.au Theme music 'Club Sandwich' by Sean Wayland. Hear more from Sean at https://www.seanwayland.com/ #clubsandwich #sandwichgeneration #ageingparents #agedcare #grief #carers #sarahmacdonald #veraguide #putthekettleon