Money with Alpha: Thriving with Neurodivergence with Francesca Casaro

In this episode, Alpha sits down with Francesca Casaro — developmental educator, autism and ADHD specialist, and founder of Neuro Connections — to talk about what neurodivergence actually is, why so many people are only getting diagnosed in adulthood, and how to stop working against your brain and start working with it. Francesca's path is a fascinating one. Born in Italy, she moved to New Zealand, had a daughter, and it was only when her daughter started school that the journey toward diagnosis began — for her daughter, and eventually for Francesca herself. Both are autistic and ADHD. Rather than sitting with that information, Francesca went deep, completed a Master of Autism Neurodivergence, and built a career supporting autistic and ADHD families. This conversation is warm, honest, and genuinely useful — whether you're navigating neurodivergence yourself, supporting a child, or simply trying to understand why some things feel so much harder than they should. What We Cover • What developmental education actually is (and why it's different from teaching) • Why autism isn't more common — we just understand it better now • What a 'spiky cognitive profile' means and why it matters • Why formal labels can be useful — but only when they give you tools, not more shame • The neurodiversity movement and what 'neuro-affirmative' practice actually looks like • How hyperfocus is a strength, not just an ADHD trait to manage • What to do if you suspect neurodivergence — in yourself or your child — without a formal diagnosis • Practical strategies for money avoidance when your brain works differently • Why working to your strengths matters more than fixing your weaknesses About Francesca Casaro Francesca is a developmental educator and founder of Neuro Connections, based in Brisbane. She holds a Master of Autism Neurodivergence and works with autistic and ADHD individuals aged 9 and up, and their families. She also works as a facilitator with Reframing Autism. Francesca works face-to-face in limited capacity and offers telehealth sessions Australia-wide. Find Francesca: Neuro Connections: https://neuroconnections.au/