From Struggles to Strengths: The Story Behind Kindling Minds

From Struggles to Strengths: The Story Behind Kindling MindsIn this very first episode of Neurodiverse Voices | A Kindling Spark, Kara, a primary teacher, proudly dyslexic, autistic, and neurospicy, shares her personal journey from feeling overlooked in school to creating Kindling Minds, a safe and supportive space for neurodivergent learners.You’ll hear the story of why Kindling Minds was founded, the services it offers, and how it’s making learning feel kind, inclusive, and confidence-building for children, families, and educators. This episode sets the stage for a podcast dedicated to debunking stigma, celebrating strengths, and empowering neurodiverse voices everywhere.Because every mind deserves to shine, not in spite of differences, but because of them.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:06):
Welcome to Neurodiverse Voices, a kindling spark, the podcast that
celebrates every mind. Here will share stories, strategies, and real
conversations about what it means to learn, live, and thrive
as neurodivergent because every mind matters and every voice deserves
to be heard. Hi, everyone, welcome to the very first

(00:28):
episode of Neurodiverse Voices. My name's Kara and I'm the
founder of Kindling Minds. I'm also a qualified teacher, and importantly,
I'm neurodiverse myself. I live with both dyslexia and autism.
Now why am I sharing that way from the start
Because my experiences of school and learning have shaped everything

(00:50):
I do today. I know what it feels like to
learn differently, to be overlooked, and to feel like you're
always a step behind. I also know how how powerful
it can be when someone believes in you, adapts their approach,
and helps you shine in your own way. That's really
where Kindling Minds and this podcast begins. School wasn't easy

(01:12):
for me. I struggled most with literacy and mass, and
at times I didn't believe i'd ever succeed. Some teachers
reinforced that belief but two amazing teachers changed everything. They adapted,
encouraged and helped me get through my exams. That suppor
opens doors for me. It showed me that the problem

(01:34):
wasn't me, it was the system that wasn't built for
learners like me and like you. Fast forward to today
and I've seen how many children and families are still
left behind, learners who need something different, but instead are
given more pressure, more testing, and so much more frustration.
That's why I started Kindling Night to create an inclusive,

(01:58):
compassionate space where learning from safe, supported and tailored to
each individual. It's not about fixing someone, It's about celebrating
who they are, building confidence and showing them they're capable
and brilliant just as they are. So what does the
Kinding Winds actually do well? I provide a variety of sport,

(02:20):
one on one tutoring in group sessions currently tailored around
the Scottish curriculum, homework and exam prep support, helping children
not just complete tasks, but actually understand them. I create
inclusive resources and digital downloads designed with neurodiverse learners in mind.
They're visual, accessible and simple. A growing membership hub where

(02:45):
families can access videos, worksheets, and even live feedback, and importantly,
support for parents and teachers. Because confidence and inclusion don't
stop with the child, they're part of a whole system
around them. Everything I create is neurodiverse, affirming strengths based,
and focused on making learning feel achievable and not overwhelming. Now,

(03:10):
let's talk about this podcast, because I'm quite excited about it.
This space is about debunking mythicine stigma around being neuro
divergent and living in a neurotypical world. We'll be diving
into real stories from learners, families, and educators, stories that
remind us we're not alone. We'll talk about ADHD, autism, dyslexia,

(03:33):
and more. We'll share practical strategies you can use at
home or take with you into the classroom or workplace.
We'll highlight the positives, the creativity, and the resilience that
come with thinking differently. Most of all, this podcast is
here to remind you that being you're divergent is not

(03:54):
a flaw. It's a different way of experiencing the world
and it comes with its own strength. Thanks Whether you're
a parent, a teacher, or someone who's neurodiverging yourself. My
hope is that you'll find encouragement, tools and a sense
of connection here a community of like minded people. If
this sounds like a journey you'd like to be a

(04:15):
part of, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss
future episodes. They're going to be short, packed with impact
so that you can get on with your day to
day life. You can also check out my website at
www dot Kindlingminds dot co dot uk, where you'll find resources,
guides and more about the services I offer. And if

(04:37):
you know someone a parent, a teacher, or even a
young person who might benefit from this podcast, please share
it with them. Together we can build a community that
supports every learner to shine. Thanks for listening to neurodiverse
voices a Kindling spark. Remember your mind matters, your voice matters,

(04:58):
and together we can light the way for a more
inclusive world. Subscribe, share and join me next time for
more stories and strategies to help every mind shine.