Episode 76: Clare Gibellini

Focus and Chill - productivity tactics for AuDHDers and other neurodivergent folks

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Welcome to episode #76! We’re thrilled to be joined by Clare Gibellini today.

Clare Gibellini is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion in Australia and internationally. She is the co-chair of the Oversight Council for the First National Autism Strategy and the deputy chair of WA’s Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability. Clare also works as a policy officer for Women with Disabilities Australia and has been newly appointed as the chair for the National Disability Research Partnership.

With a background in advocacy, research, and policy reform, Clare is committed to creating a more inclusive world. In this episode, she shares her journey of discovering her neurodivergence, the challenges of navigating multiple roles, and her strategies for balancing advocacy, productivity, and self-care.

Welcome to the show, Clare!

Questions

JN: What was your journey to discovering your neurodivergence?

Grew up as a military kid, constantly moving, which made it difficult to understand differences
Realized similarities with her son after his autism diagnosis
Received her own autism diagnosis from the same clinician who diagnosed her son
Diagnosis helped her understand herself, parent differently, and practice self-compassion

JN: How did the diagnosis change your self-perception?

Stopped internalizing negative self-talk
Developed strategies to manage social situations and advocate for herself
Shifted perspective from “something’s wrong with me” to “society isn’t built inclusively”

JN: What are your current work roles?

Policy officer at Women with Disabilities Australia
Co-chair of the National Autism Strategy
Chair of the National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP)
Advocates for more disability-led research and inclusive policy development

JC: How do you manage multiple high-responsibility roles?

ADHD helps her balance tasks by switching between projects
Strong support network keeps her accountable and reminds her to take breaks
Finds fulfillment in advocacy work, which fuels her motivation

JC: How do you prevent burnout in advocacy and policy work?

Limits social media engagement to avoid negativity and toxicity
Has hobbies unrelated to disability work, including volunteering for emergency services
Engages in creative activities like crocheting, gardening, and baking
Works out regularly to manage chronic pain and mental well-being

JN: What does your work in disability research aim to achieve?

Advocates for disability-led, purpose-driven research to inform better policies
Aims to include lived experience in research rather than extractive studies
Pushes for research that improves real-life outcomes rather than abstract academia

JC: How do you optimize productivity during the day?

Works from home to manage sensory needs
Uses a yoga ball chair for movement while working
Schedules movement breaks and weight training to stay regulated
Uses live transcription instead of note-taking to stay fully engaged in meetings

JC: What productivity advice doesn’t work for you?

Finds back-to-back meetings overwhelming and non-productive
Rejects corporate jargon and vague email requests—prefers direct communication
Pushes back against the expectation to have cameras on in every virtual meeting

JN: What does your morning routine look like?

Not a morning person, keeps routine simple
Prepares everything the night before to reduce stress
Gets her son ready for school, grabs coffee, and starts work with a structured plan
Relies on checklists and habit-tracking apps to stay organized

JN: How do you manage sleep with ADHD and frequent travel?

Struggles with sleep due to travel, ADHD, and hormonal cycles
Creates a familiar sleep environment by mimicking hotel room settings at home
Uses earplugs and occasional sleep medication when necessary

JN: Where can people connect with you?

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/clare-gibellini-653b98142

JC: Final words for the audience?

The disability advocacy space is tough right now, but don’t give up
Surround yourself with good people and protect your energy
Keep pushing for change—we will get there