ADHD Mums – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Ever walked away from school pick-up mentally exhausted from awkward small talk, unspoken social rules, or overthinking what you said? You’re not alone.

For ADHD and autistic mums, pick-up isn’t just about collecting your child - it’s a social minefield that can leave you feeling wiped out, anxious, or like you somehow “got it wrong.”

But what if school pick-up didn’t have to be so exhausting?

In this episode:

• How to stop replaying conversations in your head for hours after pick-up.
• A simple way to handle small talk without draining your energy.
• When masking is helpful and when it’s just not worth it.
• How to know who’s worth your energy (and when to let go of the guilt).
• What to do when rejection sensitivity kicks in and you start spiralling.

If school pick-up feels awkward, exhausting, or just too much, this episode is for you.

👉 Grab my guide Navigating School Pick-Up: A Guide for ADHD Mums - it’s full of real-life scripts and strategies to help you feel more confident. Get it for $30 on my website.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!

FOLLOW FOR MORE:

Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube

LEAVE A REVIEW:

Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.

COLLABS:

For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.

MORE RESOURCES:

Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

Topics Covered in This Episode: School pick-up, ADHD mums, autistic mums, social exhaustion, overthinking social interactions, small talk anxiety, masking, rejection sensitivity, social burnout, managing social energy, neurodivergent parenting, awkward social situations, playground dynamics, navigating school pick-up, ADHD social skills, ADHD and masking, social overwhelm, avoiding small talk, decoding neurotypical communication, school pick-up anxiety, ADHD mum life, neurodivergent communication, ADHD-friendly strategies, ADHD and social interactions, ADHD and social anxiety, ADHD mum struggles, ADHD-friendly parenting tips.

Mentioned in this episode:

A Guide to Navigating School Pick-Up

If school pick-up feels like an Olympic sport you forgot to train for, this guide is for you. Packed with relatable stories, actionable tips, and easy-to-use scripts, Navigating School Pick-Up is designed to help...

Thousands of families are being blindsided by the latest NDIS cuts, with children losing essential support before new systems are in place. Parents are being told their child has “achieved their goals” - only to be left scrambling for therapy they still desperately need. If you’re feeling frustrated, exhausted, or just plain angry, you’re not alone.

In this episode, Nicole Rogerson joins me for a straight-talking, no-nonsense conversation about what’s happening, why it matters, and what we can do right now to fight for our children’s support.

Nicole is the founding director of Autism Awareness Australia, a trusted, independent source of information for our community since 2007. For over 18 years, she’s cut through misinformation, fought for real change, and helped families like ours navigate a system that too often leaves us behind.

She is one of Australia’s leading spokespersons for autism awareness and understanding. She has appeared on 60 Minutes, The 7.30 Report, Today, A Current Affair, Australian Story, and The Australian Women’s Weekly, using every platform possible to make sure our voices are heard.

But above all, Nicole’s an autism mum. Her eldest son, Jack, is the reason she does this work - and why she’s so committed to making sure we have the information and support we need.

📌 Learn more about Nicole and her work here: Autism Awareness Australia

If your family has been impacted by these cuts, submit your experience here:

👉 NDIS Changes Impact Form

Resources mentioned:

Autism Awareness Australia - email office@autismawareness.com.au 

Nicole Rogerson on ABC News 24 | National Autism Strategy

Autism Awareness Australia - In the media 

Email templates to local MP

ADHD Mums Facebook Group 

Jotform - https://form.jotform.com/242968415771871

Related Episodes:

The NDIS Shake-Up and National Autism Strategy: What Jane Really Thinks. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Explaining ADHD to Your Child: Why It Matters (Part 1). Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Episode

Being diagnosed with ADHD can bring a mix of emotions - grief, relief, confusion, and a whole lot of questions. It’s a lot to process, and you’re doing the best you can.

In this episode:

• Grief, overwhelm, and imposter syndrome.
• Practical strategies designed for ADHD brains.
• Unmasking, managing the mental load, and finding what works for you.
• Most importantly, you’re not failing - you’re learning how to thrive.

Resources Mentioned:

• ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook: ADHD-friendly calendar
• A Guide to ADHD Medication
• The Gottman Institute

This episode is here to share experiences, insights, and strategies, but it’s not a substitute for medical advice. If you have questions about your ADHD diagnosis or treatment, chat with a trusted healthcare professional. Take what works for you and leave the rest - this is your journey!

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!

FOLLOW FOR MORE:

Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube

LEAVE A REVIEW:

Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.

COLLABS:

For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.

MORE RESOURCES:

Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

ADHD diagnosis as a mum Emotional impact of ADHD diagnosis Strategies for ADHD management Grieving after ADHD diagnosis Rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) ADHD and emotional regulation Masking and burnout in ADHD mums ADHD friendly tools and systems ADHD and relationships Neurodivergent parenting challenges ADHD strengths and superpowers Tips for ADHD mums ADHD friendly calendar tools Practical advice for ADHD mums

On this episode of The ADHD Mums Podcast, Jane is joined by Tania Waring, lawyer and advocate/care coordinator Mum of three neurodiverse boys. As they delve into the challenges faced by parents of neurodiverse children during school holidays. Tania, a mother of three boys, one with autism and ADHD, shares her journey and highlights the importance of celebrating small victories amidst the daily stress of school life. Jane and Tania cover the impact of neurodiverse children on family dynamics, addressing strains on marriages and mental health.

Tania provides hopeful insights based on her experiences, emphasising the positive impact of growth and maturity in neurodiverse children. The conversation also explores practical tips for holiday planning, collaborative problem-solving, and involving the child in discussions about potential challenges and solutions. Tania shares insights into traveling, accommodations, and planning activities, stressing the need for downtime and flexibility.

Tania encourages all mums to finding joy in moments amid the challenges as well as to plan with their child's needs in mind, which will help create a positive holiday experience for neurodiverse children, their siblings and parents.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to leave a rating on the streaming platform of your choice so that this podcast series is boosted in the charts, to help us reach more ADHD mums! 

Tania's other episodes are here:

Australian School System

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0os4ZsrjXEY9yTyWJqmf6M?si=DMkgSQWtTQO-Dc0KIWL-6g

Melt Downs

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7IdNqpCHo8IFLWAJ9axEFC?si=2f7BD7L0R1K-nF13zl8K4g

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Jane interviews Kylie Smart from

Jane interviews Kylie Smart, ADHD Mum and Naturopath on PMS and ADHD. The MOST anticipated subject EVER.

Highlights

- Why do we experience it 

- What does PMS feel like

- PMS and PMDD - people say online, 'I feel crazy.'

- Kylie talks about the WHEN and how important that is - when do the feelings happen, is it ovulation? or before period?

- What can we do about it?

- Will this get worse or better with age. ?

- Jane talks about barriers to doing naturopathy when you have ADHD (overwhelm and all or nothing attitude)

- Kylie talks prevention vs cure 

Check out Kylie's information on:

https://www.kyliesmart.com.au/

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Jane's back with Sharon Collin from 'The Functional Family'

Sharon is neurotypical (supposably) Jane says she is now dubious on this one. Sharon has a ADHD husband and three sons with ADHD.

Highlights:

- What to do with a sensory seeker

- What to do with an antagonist child

- What kind of attitude do we have?

- How can we find the joy even when there is just a second of it.

- Do we need to fix our kids?

- What are our family values

- What systems can we implement

- What are predictable problems

- Jane gives Sharon her most frustrating problem, the 10min period in her afternoon that ruins her. Sharon SOLVES it!

Check out Sharon's other episode here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2jSsYji6hrnVZ5rv793VlI?si=syC9H-DaR7GD1xN_CQwf9g

Check out Sharon's website here:

https://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/

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Jane interviews Millie (one of her favourite guests) on masking and highly camoflaging ADHD and ASD in females. Millie is a teacher based in Melbourne, she has ADHD and has neurodiverse children herself.

Highlights

- Can labelling be positive, why is there the hesitation?

- Should we talk to our kids about their ADHD?

- The trend towards successful celebrities or sports people being labelled neurodiverse.

- The correlation between success and neurodiversity.

- What is the personal cost of perfectionist behaviour and ADHD.

- Highly perfectionist children (or typically girls) who are conscientious are hard to identify.

- Physical 'symptoms' of being unwell for girls are often presented as anxiety such as stomach aches.

- Children's perception vs reality negative view on their lives

- Girls presenting with social issues can be an indicator

- Where can you find people who understand how ADHD presents in females? What can we do to improve that?

- Jane goes out of scope as per usual and speculates on prescribing rights and the Australian medical system which she has no business speculating on.

*Jane and Millie are not medical experts and you should always seek your own advice*

Check out Millie's other episodes here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Q3lfxlmvcaFVRuYkaxzHl?si=dmWW1YlbTk-PtgHgH_buRA

Masking ADHD in girls questionnaire

https://www.additudemag.com/self-test-adhd-symptoms-women-girls/

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Jane interviews Jessica Burgess (Psychologist and friend) on High Performance and ADHD.

Highlights:

- What is high achievement and how is it different to high performance?

- Women are praised for their ADHD traits but they are also sometimes detrimental to mental

and physical health.

- Does medication really dull the creativity and beauty?

- What are strengths for ADHD in the workplace?

- How does leadership look for ADHD and burnout?

- Why do ADHD so often start their own business?

- The interplay between perfectionism and 'not feeling good enough' and ADHD.

- Achievement cycles and how to stop doing it.

- Some strategies from Jess on how to align your values with what you actually do every week.

- Jane talks about wellbeing vs achievement at school.

- Should we disclose ADHD at work?

- How can we encourage more inclusion?

- Jane shares on her childhood and how it created a high achievement vortex that has proven her successful but at what cost?

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On this episode of The ADHD Mums podcast, Jane shares her personal journey with ADHD and her commitment to offering valuable insights and support based on extensive research.

Jane delves into her own experiences with NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) and the determination to provide assistance to others navigating similar challenges. Jane shares her experiences with her daughter, Gigi, and her developmental delays, along with the pivotal moment when specialised medical advice led to NDIS support.

Jane sheds light on various support avenues, including Centrelink options and early intervention programs for young children.

Jane also underscores the significance of early intervention for children, particularly those with developmental delays.

Jane stresses that a formal diagnosis isn't a prerequisite for accessing early intervention services through the NDIS, with NDIS now extending eligibility for early intervention services up to the age of nine.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to leave a rating on the streaming platform of your choice so that this podcast series is boosted in the charts, to help us reach more ADHD mums!

Episode Notes

Connecting with your local NDIS early intervention provider

https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/families-and-carers/early-childhood-approach-children-younger-9/connecting-early-childhood-partner

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Jane is joined by Jasmine Meek - they Bayside Doula for a f/up interview

on receiving a diagnosis.

The first episode 32. Preparing for a diagnosis appointment is a good one to start with

this episode is part two.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4lmaXn1P2UcKrMyK4RTFGo?si=IkQ7CiLASQK9UO0Yj4DeaQ

Highlights

- Jasmine discuss magic and time/space where she assumes she has enough time and is never

on time to appointments.

- Jasmine's in person Psychiatrist really focuses on the lack of childhood symptoms in Jasmine's

questionnaire.

- Jane and Jasmine discuss the DSM5 and the ADHD criteria to fulfil the diagnosis requirements

including the childhood symptoms component.

- Jane has PMS and rants hard on the camouflaging symptoms and masking and how the system

is rigged against women.

- Jane continues her rant onto Psychiatrists, problem solving and the validation that we think we are going

to get there which in her opinion rarely happens.

- Jasmine speculates that she has been offered anti depressants and anti anxiety medication instead of stimulants

just because of the 'street value' of stimulants.

- Jane and Jasmine talk about childhood as high maskers and high camouflages which means they don't have a lot

of childhood symptoms.

- Jane and Jasmine talk through Jasmine's options and Jasmine talks about how this appointment is effecting her

as a mother.

**Jane and Jasmine are not medical professionals, this is a heated discussion rather than an expert information session.

You need to check with your medical professional on your medication and treatment options**

Episode Notes

DSM-5 for ADHD

https://www.addrc.org/dsm-5-criteria-for-adhd/

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