Show Notes:

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Brooke Garren, an autistic, ADHD, and dyslexic licensed clinical social worker and founder of Uniquely You Behavioral Health and Affirming Minds Coaching and Consulting. Brooke shares how her lived experience shapes her work in creating neurodivergent affirming therapy, workplaces, and communities. She discusses the importance of moving beyond awareness into true inclusion, removing barriers to authenticity, and supporting individuals without pathologizing differences. Together, they explore practical ways leaders, parents, and organizations can honor neurodivergence, reduce stigma, and foster cultures where people thrive as their authentic selves.

Key Takeaways:

Defining Inclusion – Inclusion means removing barriers so people can show up authentically without judgment or expectation.

Masking Explained – Masking becomes harmful when individuals can’t remove it, leading to exhaustion and burnout.

Neurodivergent Affirming Care – Supporting natural variations of brains and behaviors, not pathologizing them.

Family-Centered Approach – True accessibility means supporting entire families, not just the identified client.

Curiosity Over Judgment – Inclusion starts with curiosity about others’ lived experiences instead of assumptions.

About the Guest(s):

Brooke Garren:

Brooke Garren, LCSW (she/her) is the founder and CEO of Uniquely You Behavioral Health and Affirming Minds Coaching & Consulting. An autistic ADHDer and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Brooke specializes in neurodiversity-affirming care for children, teens, and families. She’s passionate about dismantling barriers to mental health care and helping parents reframe their understanding of behavior through a developmental and strengths-based lens. Brooke brings both professional expertise and lived experience to conversations about parenting, identity, and inclusive systems of care.

Brooke's definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is creating spaces where people are able to be supported without having to mask.

Connect with Brooke Garren:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniquely_you_behavioral_health/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Uniquelyyoubh/

Website: https://uniquelyyoubehavioralhealth.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-garren/

Instagram - Affirming Minds Coaching: https://www.instagram.com/affirmingmindscoaching

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest: 

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 54

No - 79

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