Helpful Blogs
Podcast with Unpacking Neuroqueerness
In this episode George talks with Joanne Seymon about the story behind "Kaiko Fidgets", a fidget tool company that Joanne and her son Kai founded together. Joanne and George also talk about how fidget tools can be essential for hyperactive kids and adults who may struggle with self harm or simply need self stimulation in order to focus or regulate sensory input.
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Podcast with Osher Günsberg
Listen as Osher Günsberg talks about why he loves Kaiko hand rollers and chain fidgets, especially when doing podcasts. He loves how quiet they are, the weight & repetitive nature of them. We love his Podcast - Better Than Yesterday & couldn't believe when he, unprompted, chatted about his love of Kai's fidgets. Won't lie... pretty amazing and humbled. Kai cant get the grin off his face. Thanks Osher!
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Fidgets: Designing sensory tools that people need
I stumbled onto the Kaiko Fidgets website and was excited to see a home-grown small business that was meeting a need for adults and teens with sensory needs. I reached out to Joanne Seymon to see if she was keen to have a virtual chat. We exchanged friendly banter over email, confirmed a date and before I knew it, I received a generous package of Kaiko Fidgets at my doorstep to try out. The colourful array of objects of different shapes and sizes beckoned me to have a play – and play I did. So did my family, and our friends! I observed how each person chose a different fidget based on tactile preference, different neurotypes but all keen to explore. Jo and her son, Kai, are the brains trust behind Kaiko Fidgets. Kaiko Fidgets grew out of Kai’s dissatisfaction in the sensory aids that were already on the market. He felt they were noisy, embarrassing to take into school and just not very cool. So, he set off designing what he thought would be a more attractive alternative. Kaiko Fidgets started as a two-fidget range, designed by Kai and sold via a stall on a card table at the local arcade. After a surge of interest, they took their product to local craft markets in 2016 and the business ramped up before Covid hit in 2020. By that stage, schools had become a strong client base, purchasing the fidgets for students and teachers. Jo describes herself as a ‘neurosparkly’ business owner who will often hyperfocus on new ideas. An Occupational Therapist by vocation, Jo is hands-on supporting the business and helping Kai, who is completing high school. Today, the Kaiko range provides options for diverse sensory profiles – from cog spinners, (my personal fave), to heavy hand grips, bicycle chains, a spikey range and multi coloured spinning cubes. From acupressure to rolling beads to aids that spin and provide a soft vibration and humming sound. The range targets teens and adults but is suitable for younger ages too. The design process starts with a simple drawing that is transformed into a prototype and rigorously tested. Obtaining the team’s input is an important part of the design process, so too is taking suggestions and inspiration from their customers. Between Kai, Jo and their customers, they have successfully created products that suit a large range of needs. Kaiko Fidgets now employs 10 staff, most of whom are neurodivergent, and carers who are supporting their neurospicy family. A majority of the team work part-time or flexible hours. Kai is hoping to grow the business after he finishes high school. For now, he spends his break times constructing the fidgets and encouraging others with sensory needs to use his cool products with pride. The Kaiko Fidgets range can be found at www.kaikofidgets.com. - Natalie Phillips-Mason from Inclusive Change
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Not all Heroes Wear Capes - The Story of a Young Entrepreneur
Introducing another young (11 years of age) proudly neurodistinct entrepreneur Jasper We received a wonderful email from Jasper and his mum, which not only brightened our day but also shared exciting news about Jasper's new business venture. We wanted to pass it on to our community to inspire you to chase your dreams. Additionally, we hope some of you might connect with Jasper for a custom-made survival band (his contact details below). Well done, Jasper! Impressive! From Jasper's mum, shared with permission: "Kai, you are an ABSOLUTE inspiration and remind me so much of our son, Jasper. We love your products and have loads... not so many recently as our funding has been cut. Jasper is an Autistic, ADHD'er who's also Dyslexic. He's found school really tricky this year and is now homeschooling (unschooling). Like you, Jasper is also an entrepreneur and has found his passion (and confidence) with his new business idea. He loves anything survival and outdoors. He's big into BMX, Mountain biking and pretty much anything dangerous. His business is making and selling survival bands and key chains at a local market. I'll pop his Facebook link below. I just want to thank you, as Jasper’s Mum I know he'll be able to do what he loves and succeed like you are. -Fleur (Jasper’s mum)" From Jasper: "Hi, I’m Jasper, I am 11 years old and love the outdoors. I particularly enjoy mountain biking, geocaching, and spending time in the bush. My small business, ‘SURVIVAL BY JASPER’ was inspired by going to bush school and the movie ‘Mad Max’. My survival bands and keychains are not only fashionable but could literally save your life! In a survival situation, simply undo the paracord and you have up to 11 feet. Uses may include, but are not limited to: •Replacing your tent guy-lines •Replacing your shoelaces •Tie gear to your backpack •Make a washing line •Wrap a tool handle •Build a shelter •Create trip wires! •Fishing line •Make a fire •Build a raft •First aid – use as a tourniquet And of course – to look fashionable! All orders are custom made, just for you :) -Jasper" To order, email Jasper at survivalbyjasper@gmail.com Connect with Jasper on: Instagram Facebook
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Kai & Jo talk to Mandy & Kate from Too Peas Podcast
All things ‘Neurospicy' We were both so excited to chat with Mandy & Kate from the Too Peas Podcast & it’s now up eek!Now we have to brave listening lol... am I the only one that finds it hard to listen to themselves?Spoiler alert... We have mentioned in the podcast a discount surprise which is valid till midnight on the 20th October. If you'd like to listen, click the link below! LISTEN NOW 🎧 Was such a privilege to chat with these two incredible women. Kai and I both really enjoyed it :) - Jo from Kaiko Fidgets
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Jo on the Touched Out Podcast
Jo chats with Carter on the Touched Out Podcast! It was such an honour to chat with this amazing human on the Touched Out Podcast. So much ‘messy’ AuADHD banter! To be honest, I forgot we were recording, such a pleasure to share space and time with Carter. If interested in hearing our chat here is the link! Would be awesome if you could share/forward it to anyone who you feel might find it relatable. LISTEN NOW 🎧 Carter wearing our silkworm fidget – his staple go-to… Would love you to give him a shoutout and follow too - such an authentic voice and an amazing human! - Jo from Kaiko Fidgets
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Neurodiversity is a Superpower
How Entrepreneurship Empowers Minds and Creates Opportunities An amazing program helping school aged kids foster Entrepreneurship! What’s not to love! Introducing First Pivot: Nurturing Tomorrow's Empathetic Entrepreneurs by Jim from First Pivot. There is a saying that says, "You can't be what you can't see." When we heard about Kai's remarkable entrepreneurial journey, we knew instantly that students needed to see and hear this inspiring story. At First Pivot, our mission is to inspire and educate the next generation of entrepreneurs. We firmly believe that entrepreneurship underpinned with empathy can provide a positive change on a global scale. Our programs extend to both primary and secondary schools throughout Australia. We’ve partnered with Kai and Kaiko Fidgets to allow students to learn and earn about entrepreneurship by opening up their own fidget spinner businesses. Unveiling the Neurodiverse Thread What do luminaries like Microsoft's founder Bill Gates, real estate magnate Barbara Corcoran, financial services company founder Charles Schwab, renowned fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger, David Neeleman, the founder of JetBlue airlines, Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Airlines, Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA, and Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, all have in common? The answer: neurodiversity. Entrepreneurship offers a range of benefits that align particularly well with the unique strengths and perspectives of neurodiverse individuals. Neurodivergent individuals often possess a high degree of creativity, innovative thinking and hyperfocus. Entrepreneurship allows them to channel this creativity and focus into developing unique solutions to problems. It goes beyond merely teaching business operations. It involves fostering creative thinking and cultivating a robust sense of self-value and responsibility. It is a mindset and a skillset. To quote Alexander Den Heijer, "When a flower fails to blossom, you adjust the environment it grows in, not the flower itself." Entrepreneurship provides neurodivergent individuals the opportunity to contribute their perspectives to the world of business and innovation. It is a platform where their strengths can shine and allow them to make a significant impact on their own terms. We are committed to supporting and guiding neurodivergent students on this incredible journey of entrepreneurship. To learn more about their programs and how they might benefit your child, please contact Jim via: Email: jim@firstpivot.com.au Phone: 0423 840 540 Web: www.firstpivot.com.au
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Let's Celebrate Dads!
Massive shout out to all the dads out there… and big hugs to those that have dad’s who have their angel wings. As much as I celebrate this day for my world, I very much ‘feel’ the trickiness & grief of this day for many too (hope it's not triggering to say that). Whatever your day holds, I hope it is nurturing & blessed. Mike - Kai & Kobi's Dad Love you to bits Mike! Literally couldn't do Kaiko without You. You tirelessly gives to all of us, put up with nagging & OCD tendencies (eek) & love on us in so many ways. You are unbelievably hard worker & supporter of our boys and I want to say THANK YOU MIKE for being such an incredible human, we are blessed to have you in our corner! My Dad Dad it's hard to find words to express how much my dad means to me! He tirelessly sacrifices EVERYTHING for his family, love on us, spoils us and is wise council ALWAYS. I get my impatience, expectations for perfectionism, voluptuous figure, heart, thinking outside the box, commitment to family, love of business and having a go and my generosity all from you... Honestly, I couldn't have a better dad, mentor and life coach. You literally pick me up, without judgement, every single time I fall. Love you dad... bless you are mine! Davo - Mike's Dad This is a rare photo of Davo without his 'Dr Harry' cap... her loves all over us and the boys, it's always YES when we need help, when here at Kaiko HQ; furiously can be found folds boxes for sending orders & is such a good dad, Davo (pop) and friend to many. We love you Davo.
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Siblings Support is Available
Are you a sibling or parent of a child or adult with additional needs who has siblings? Maybe you are an allied health professional, educator or work in the disability sector and work with siblings? If you answered yes, then Siblings Australia is your go-to for programs and supports for siblings of people with disabilities. The sibling relationship can be one of life’s longest lasting and supporting that relationship is at the core of what they do. They help to maximise the well-being of siblings and build their capacity to navigate life’s journey as the sibling of a person with a disability. Their programs and Supports include: SibWise: Designed for parents, healthcare workers, educators or disability professionals who care for, support or come into contact with siblings of children with disability. This learning program will assist people to better understand and respond to sibling needs and challenges. SibWorks: A peer support program for siblings aged 8-12. Facilitated by professionals in the health, education, disability or community services space whose work brings them into contact with siblings of children with disability. The program is designed to support siblings by building their emotional well-being and resilience and connecting with others who share the same experience. SibConnect: National, state-based, peer support groups that provide an opportunity for siblings to connect in person, and exchange experiences and provide mutual support, whether that be over a coffee or game of bowling. Recognising that, sometimes, ‘no-one understands a sib like another sib’. This program provides opportunities for siblings to connect with others who understand the sibling experience better than anyone. SibChat: An online private chat group (hosted on Facebook) exclusively for adult siblings to find support and connect with others who understand the sibling experience. Provides an opportunity for siblings to connect online in a moderated forum, exchange experiences, and provide mutual support. Subscribe to Siblings Australia updates via their website . They’d also love to hear from anyone with a TeenSib (aged 13-17 years) that would be interested in helping them create some teen-specific activities, such as: A discord server for teens to connect and chat via an online community. Collecting written/videoed stories of teen experiences as a sibling. Online/in-person peer groups for teens to meet and hang out with each other directly.
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Two autistic adults talk about adult diagnosis, parenting neurodivergent families and why fidget tools.
Joanne Seymon is an Occupational Therapist, mother of a neurodivergent family, founder of Kaiko Fidgets and was diagnosed Autistic/ADHD at 51 years of age.
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Celebrate Mothers Day the Neuro Spicy Way
For us, understanding this fact is everything… consistency around food (of texture, taste, smell) is key. It's not that we necessarily just want junk food, but what we DO NEED is things to taste, smell and feel the same way in our mouth each time. It is why its super common to see both children and adults smell food before they pop it in their mouth, even food they’ve had before countless times. Also, predictability is often super helpful in regulating and managing our world. I know I like (almost need) to eat the same thing EVERY DAY for breakfast. Sometimes I’ll eat ‘the thing’ so much that then it's ‘dead’ to me and I can’t make it again and I then move on to my new hyperfocus breakfast. As an emerging (in self-understanding) Autistic & ADHD’er I also get that breakfast is often my only consistent meal, as I often forget to eat and drink throughout the day… Something many of us struggle with. As I unpack my self-understanding of being a late-identified neuro spicy human, the surprising gift has been more self-compassion and grace, I am kinder to myself now & I also understand why things are important to me & that’s it is perfectly OK rather than think I’m weird or broken. I wanted to share for a range of reasons… firstly because, well lets be honest…I am an OVER SHARER, but also in the hope that it explains, affirms & validates the some of the things you may experience in your world. Have an awesome day! Jo
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Kaiko Fidgets on Sunrise
This very clever Melbourne teenager has managed to turn his fidgeting into a rewarding family business. - Sunrise
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