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What does it actually mean when we say a child is gifted?

And what about when that same child is really struggling?

I’m joined by the wonderful Mark Talaga, a counsellor who specialises in working with gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) children and adults.

This one is quite personal for me because giftedness is part of our family story too. And I’ve often found it quite difficult to talk about.

Because saying your child is struggling feels acceptable. Saying your child is gifted can somehow feel like you’re showing off.

But the two can absolutely sit side by side.

Mark and I chat about what 2e actually means, why being incredibly capable in one area doesn't mean everything else comes easily, and why these kids can sometimes be completely misunderstood.

We talk boredom, anxiety, shutting down, the pressure of having “so much potential” and what can happen when the way a child thinks and learns doesn't fit neatly into the classroom.

There’s a lot in this one about looking beyond what a child is struggling with, understanding what might actually be going on underneath and, perhaps most importantly, finding people who get them.

If you want to connect with Mark you can find him here: 

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

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

Center for Identity Potential: www.centerforidentitypotential.com

Mentioned in this episode

If This Is a Gift, Can I Send It Back? by Jen Merrill

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This episode comes with a content note. Rachel and I talk openly about suicidal thoughts and suicidal ideation in parents, including our own experiences and what it can feel like when everything becomes too much.

Please listen with care. If today isn't the day for this conversation, give this one a miss and come back to it another time.

Rachel Winder from Auticulate joined me for a conversation that went in quite a few different directions.

Because that's how our brains work.

We make connections, go off down a completely different path, forget where we started, find our way back again and occasionally get completely distracted by a dog.

This isn't the neatest, most linear podcast conversation I've ever recorded. But perhaps that's exactly why I didn't want to edit all of that out.

It's two neurodivergent brains having a conversation in the way that comes naturally to us.

We started with suicidal ideation in parents and the shame that can come with admitting that you are struggling and you have had thoughts about not wanting to be here anymore. Especially when you're a parent and there's that added voice saying, *but how could you ever think about leaving your children?*

We talk about what can sit underneath those thoughts. Overwhelm. Isolation. Not feeling understood. Asking for help and being told there isn't any. The fear that admitting you're struggling could lead to people questioning your ability to parent.

And that really important human need to feel that we belong somewhere.

Rachel also talks about what happens to her executive functioning when she reaches that point of overwhelm and some of the things she has learnt can help.

And then, because this is us, we travel through meltdowns, autistic social skills, Girl Guides, David Attenborough, thinking in pictures, education, AI as an accessibility tool and linear ableism,

It is a very human conversation about a very difficult subject. There is laughter in it too, because sometimes there can be lightness alongside really hard things.

**Please remember:** if you're experiencing suicidal thoughts or feel that you may not be able to keep yourself safe, you don't have to sit with that alone.

**Samaritans:** Call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day
**Shout:** Text SHOUT to 85258
**NHS 111:** Call 111 and select the mental health option for urgent mental health support
**Emergency:** If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.

You'll also hear more about Rachel's work with Auticulate and her experiences of autism, ADHD, dyslexia, education and communication.

You can find Rachel here:
https://www.instagram.com/auticulate_autisticallyblunt/
https://www.tiktok.com/@auticulate
 @Auticulate  

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Make sure to come and follow me on Instagram to keep up with new episodes etc

https://www.instagram.com/untypical_parent_podcast/

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This Bookshelf episode reminded me that sometimes a book gives us far more than just a good story.

Jo joined me to talk about Passiontide by Monique Roffey, but we ended up chatting about so much more than the book itself. We talked about finding a bit of escapism when life keeps you close to home, why some books completely pull you in, and how reading isn't always straightforward for all of us.

As two people who both find reading hard work, we also found ourselves talking about dyslexia, audiobooks, rereading pages and why the right book is worth the effort.

Jo also shared something I hadn't expected. As the story unfolds, women from very different backgrounds come together to stand up for what's right. It reminded her of the SEND parent community and how parents so often find strength in each other when the system feels stacked against them.

If you've ever been looking for a book that transports you somewhere else, or you've wondered whether you're the only one who struggles to read, I think you'll really enjoy this conversation.
 
 Jo has definitely persuaded me to add a few more of Monique Roffey's books to my ever-growing list. If you'd like to have a look at her other books too, you'll find them on her website: www.moniqueroffey.com

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The Untypical Podcaster Lab 

If you'd love to start a podcast but the usual advice just doesn't seem to fit you, come and have a look at The Untypical Podcaster Lab. I'll help you go from podcast brainwave to your very first episode in just two weeks, in a way that works for you. It starts on Monday 17th August.

https://info.the-untypical-ot.co.uk/untypical-podcaster-lab

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

There is a quiet strength to this episode. From discovering his own neurodivergence later in life, to supporting children in ways that help them feel understood rather than managed, Simon Airey shares what teaching looks like when you experience the world a little differently.

When we think about what makes a good teacher, we often talk about knowledge, experience and patience.

But what happens when the teacher is autistic too?

In this episode I sat down with autistic teacher and consultant Simon Airey to talk about how his own lived experience has shaped the way he teaches, supports behaviour and works alongside families.

We talked about why neuroaffirming practice is so much more than a poster on the wall, how understanding behaviour changes when you stop asking "What's wrong with this child?" and start asking "What does this child need?", and why some of the simplest adaptations can make the biggest difference.

What I could hear was was how often Simon noticed the things that could easily be missed. The child who isn't refusing to start their work but doesn't know how to begin. The child who needs movement rather than being told off. The teacher themselves who quietly puts on ear defenders or takes ten minutes to reset so they can keep showing up for their class.

It's a conversation about education, but it's also about understanding people.

You can connect with Simon here: 

https://www.instagram.com/neuroaffirmingwithsimon/

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The Untypical Podcaster Lab 

If you'd love to start a podcast but the usual advice just doesn't seem to fit you, come and have a look at The Untypical Podcaster Lab. I'll help you go from podcast brainwave to your very first episode in just two weeks, in a way that works for you. 

https://info.the-untypical-ot.co.uk/untypical-podcaster-lab

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Thank you to this season’s sponsors:

Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm
They are offering EBSA support through webinars and workshops.

Upcoming Sessions:

•  📅 2nd September – Webinar for Parents & Families 
•  📅 16th September – Joint Workshop (Parents + Schools) 

Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5.

• Parent/carer webinar
• Workshop

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Support the show

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

Please note: This episode discusses themes from The Girl with the Louding Voice, including child marriage, abuse and violence towards young women, which some listeners may find upsetting.

Another Untypical Parent Podcast Bookshelf episode, this time with listener Carly Cavilla Hunt. 

These episodes were only meant to be around 15 minutes long, but somehow, as always, I get completely drawn into the conversation and listening to other people.

This one was no different.

Carly joined me to talk about The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré, beautifully narrated by Adjoa Andoh. But our conversation became about so much more than one book.

We talked about the stigma that listening to an audiobook somehow doesn't count as reading, and why that's something we both challenge.

As a dyslexic person, audiobooks have opened up a whole world of books that I'd previously found inaccessible. For Carly, who is visually impaired, losing more of her sight also meant grieving the loss of reading in the way she had always known it. Together we explore what audiobooks make possible, not just for us, but for so many people who access stories differently.

Carly describes her reaction to The Girl with the Louding Voice as visceral. Just hearing the title brings back a physical response. Listening to her talk about Adunni, the story and the narration was so powerful that I went and bought the audiobook straight after we finished recording.

We also found ourselves talking about the role books can play when life feels overwhelming. They don't fix the hard things, but they can give us space to breathe, escape for a while and remind us that hope and beauty still exist, even when life feels heavy.

As if that wasn't enough for one episode, we finished by talking about Carly's work supporting parents to apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Drawing on her years working for the DWP and Citizens Advice, she now helps families navigate what can be an incredibly overwhelming process by helping them tell the whole story, not just fill in another form.

You can probably see why we went on for longer than 15 minutes.

I love these conversations. Every guest - and every listener who joins me for a Bookshelf episode - teaches me something new.

Thank you for joining me, Carly.

Please note: This episode discusses themes from The Girl with the Louding Voice, including child marriage, abuse and violence towards young women, which some listeners may find upsetting.

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The Untypical Podcaster Lab 

If you'd love to start a podcast but the usual advice just doesn't seem to fit you, come and have a look at The Untypical Podcaster Lab. I'll help you go from podcast brainwave to your very first episode in just two weeks, in a way that works for you. 

https://info.the-untypical-ot.co.uk/untypical-podcaster-lab

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Thank you to this season’s sponsors:

Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm
They are offering EBSA support through webinars and workshops.

Upcoming Sessions:

•  📅 2nd September – Webinar for Parents & Families 
•  📅 16th September – Joint Workshop (Parents + Schools) 

Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5.

• Parent/carer webinar
• Workshop

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Support the show

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

Parenting when your child hasn't got the memo that everyone expects them to do things a certain way isn't just hard... it's really hard.

Author and illustrator Eliza Fricker joins me on The Untypical Parent Podcast to talk about what happens when "traditional" parenting advice simply doesn't work for your family.

So much of what Eliza shared resonated with me as a parent. We talk about meetings that we have to attend that just feel ridculous, knowing there wasn't a coffee morning for parents like her, how she found herself questioning her own instincts, and the moment she decided she was going to start drawing the reality of what families like hers were living through.

I know we aren't the only parents to feel like this. 

If you'd like to connect with Eliza you can find her here: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizafricker_missingthemark/?hl=en

Website: https://missingthemark.co.uk/

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The Untypical Podcaster Lab 

If you'd love to start a podcast but the usual advice just doesn't seem to fit you, come and have a look at The Untypical Podcaster Lab. I'll help you go from podcast brainwave to your very first episode in just two weeks, in a way that works for you. 

https://info.the-untypical-ot.co.uk/untypical-podcaster-lab

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Thank you to this season’s sponsors:

Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm
They are offering EBSA support through webinars and workshops.

Upcoming Sessions:

•  📅 2nd September – Webinar for Parents & Families 
•  📅 16th September – Joint Workshop (Parents + Schools) 

Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5.

• Parent/carer webinar
• Workshop

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Support the show

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

Introducing David Kirkman. A late-diagnosed AuDHDer, parent and artist who loves a round of golf. 

As only you might expect with two neurodivergent brains, our conversation takes a wonderful meandering approach, and we cover so much. From David's beginning to understand his big emotions as a child, to discovering his diagnosis later in life. We talked about David’s art and what that means to David. We might have also got completely lost in the middle of what we were talking about, but that’s real life so after a good laugh it made the cut and stayed in the episode. 

We are about mental health, men's mental health, I could go on. If you’re a parent, there is so much to relate to in here. As with all my guests, David talks openly and honestly about what it is like to be neurodivergent and a parent. I am grateful for his time and the conversation. 

If you would like to connect with David you can find him here. 

Website: https://dkirkmanart.com/about-david/?v=7885444af42e

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

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Brainwave to episode workshop with me:

https://info.the-untypical-ot.co.uk/brainwave-to-episode 

Tuesday 14th July at 7.30pm

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Thank you to this season’s sponsors:

Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm
They are offering EBSA support through webinars and workshops.

Upcoming Sessions:

•  📅 2nd September – Webinar for Parents & Families 
•  📅 16th September – Joint Workshop (Parents + Schools) 

Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5.

• Parent/carer webinar
• Workshop

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

Content note: This episode discusses child bereavement and childhood cancer. Please listen gently and take care of yourself, or choose to come back another day.

I was worried about this episode.

Worried I'd say the wrong thing. Worried I'd upset Nici. Worried I wouldn't do Nici, her family and Charlie the justice they deserve.

I don't think I'm alone in desperately wanting to support parents who have experienced the trauma of child bereavement, while also worrying about saying the wrong thing.

Nici Robinson joins me to share the story of her son Charlie, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just two years old. After three years of treatment, Charlie died in 2021.

Together we talk about what no parent ever expects to face.

I'm in awe of Nici as she speaks so honestly about the guilt, the loneliness, the impact on her marriage and children, and the reality that grief doesn't simply disappear with time. She also shares how she has learned to live alongside it.

Out of unimaginable heartbreak came purpose.

Nici founded Blue Bear & Co, creating sensory memory bears that hold voice recordings, scent and a heartbeat, offering comfort to families experiencing loss, separation and change. She also established the charity Thumbs Up for Charlie, helping families affected by childhood brain tumours create precious memories together.

This episode is heartbreaking, hopeful and full of compassion. I'm incredibly grateful to Nici for trusting me with Charlie's story and for helping me reach parents who might desperately need to hear this conversation right now.

If you've experienced grief yourself, know someone who has, or have ever wondered how to support a bereaved family, I hope this conversation helps.

Find out more

Blue Bear & Co – Learn more about the sensory memory bears or donate a bear to a family who needs one:
www.bluebearandco.co.uk

Follow Blue Bear & Co on Instagram:
@bluebear_and_co

Thumbs Up for Charlie – Find out more about the charity supporting families affected by childhood brain tumours:
www.thumbsupforcharlie.co.uk

Derian House Children's Hospice – The children's hospice Nici speaks about in this episode:
📱 Follow Derian House on Instagram

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Brainwave to episode workshop with me:

https://info.the-untypical-ot.co.uk/brainwave-to-episode 

Tuesday 14th July at 7.30pm

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Thank you to this season’s sponsors:

Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm
They are offering EBSA support through webinars and workshops.

Upcoming Sessions:

•  📅 8th July – Webinar for School Leaders 
•  📅 2nd September – Webinar for Parents & Families 
•  📅 16th September – Joint Workshop (Parents + Schools) 

Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5.

• School webinar
• Parent/carer webinar
• Workshop

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

The Book That Inspired a Six-Year-Old to Write

Sometimes we don't realise the ripple effect our actions can have. 

In this episode of The Bookshelf, I'm joined by author, editor and writing coach Cara A'Court to talk about two very special books. Cara shares the story behind her own novel, Three People, Three Countries, One Path, and how publishing it inspired her six-year-old niece to write and publish her very first book, Matt the Mole and the Stormy Day.

We also talk about writing as a way of processing life's experiences, why perfection shouldn't stop creativity, and how finding your own way of telling a story matters far more than getting every word right.

As someone who is dyslexic, writing has never come naturally to me, so this was a conversation that challenged some of my own beliefs about what it means to be a writer.

Whether you love books, have always dreamed of writing one, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind them, I hope you enjoy this conversation.

You can find the books Cara spoke about here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-People-Countries-One-Path/dp/1639888527

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matt-mole-stormy-Billie-Rose-Lamb/dp/B0D4J91T5C

And if you'd like to connect with Cara, you can do that here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-a-court-335878143/

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

When Difference Stops Being Something to Fix

Sara Momtaz joined me to talk about her daughter and the journey that began when she was told her baby would be born with Down syndrome.

We talk about the realities of parenting a child with complex needs, the assumptions people make, and how quickly life can change when the future you imagined looks very different from the one you find yourself living.

We talk about curious children, nervous adults, and the lessons Sara has learned from her daughter along the way.

A wonderful conversation about difference, belonging and what happens when we stop trying to fix people and start seeing them for who they are.

Things we mention in the podcast: 

The Down Syndrome Association: www.Downs-syndrome.org.uk

Mou  Mou and Friends: https://moumouandfriends.com/

And if you'd like to connect with Sara you can find her here: https://www.instagram.com/moumouandfriends/

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Thank you to this season’s sponsors:

Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm
They are offering EBSA support through webinars and workshops.

Upcoming Sessions:

•  📅 8th July – Webinar for School Leaders 
•  📅 2nd September – Webinar for Parents & Families 
•  📅 16th September – Joint Workshop (Parents + Schools) 

Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5.

• School webinar
• Parent/carer webinar
• Workshop

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Support the show

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

What if the biggest lessons about being human come from the people society is most determined to change?

In this Bookshelf episode, I'm joined by author Elly Chapple to talk about her book Diagnosis Human and the extraordinary lessons she learned from her daughter.

Together we talk about what happens when we stop trying to make people fit into systems that were never designed for them, and instead become curious about who they really are.

The conversation touches on authenticity, psychological safety, discomfort, communication, disability, neurodivergence and the power of slowing down enough to truly understand another person's experience.

This isn't just a conversation about parenting or disability. It's a conversation about being human.

Links For Elly

Website: https://ellychapple.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellychapple2023/

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

Parents are often told to rest more, practise self-care, or take a break when they're overwhelmed.

But what happens when the demands never stop?

In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of talking with fellow occupational therapist, Rhiannon Crispe, where we talk about burnout, parenthood, values, boundaries, belonging and the things that truly fuel us.

Rhiannon talks about her Burn-In Model, a framework built around the idea of protecting and nurturing your inner flame.

Because burnout isn't about being weak.

It's about what happens when life asks more of us than we have available to give. 

You can connect with Rhiannon on: Instagram and LinkedIn and find out about the Burn In Framework here: https://www.burninnotout.com/the-burn-in-model

Thank you to this season’s sponsors:

Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm
They are offering EBSA support through webinars and workshops.Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5

The sponsors of this season of the podcast are Terri Wyse https://www.instagram.com/wyseinclusion/and Rachel Helm https://www.instagram.com/helmeducationconsultancy/. Please do reach out to them if you are supporting a child or young person struggling to access school.

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

Welcome to The Untypical Parent Podcast: The Bookshelf , a new series celebrating the books that shape, support, empower and sometimes just bring joy to neurodivergent families.

In this special episode, I'm joined by parent  Joanne Parry, alongside bestselling author Elle McNicoll, whose books have become deeply meaningful for many neurodivergent children and families.

Joanne shares the powerful moment her daughter first saw herself reflected in A Kind of Spark, and why Elle’s stories have become part of her family’s “quiet rebellion”, buying the books for schools, libraries and friends so more children can feel understood.

Elle talks about growing up as a high-masking autistic girl, the lack of representation she experienced, and how that inspired her to write stories where neurodivergent children are fully-rounded, loved, complicated and heroic, not reduced to stereotypes or “lessons”.

This is a warm, honest and hopeful conversation about identity, belonging and the life-changing power of books.

Books Mentioned

• A Kind of Spark
• Show Us Who You Are
• Unapologetic Love Story

About Elle McNicoll

Elle McNicoll is a bestselling and award-winning autistic author whose books centre neurodivergent young people with authenticity, warmth and humour. Her stories have resonated with families around the world and A Kind of Spark was adapted for television by the BBC.

You can find Elle and her books here:
 Elle McNicoll Official Website
Instagram

Thank you to this season’s sponsors:

Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm
They are offering EBSA support through webinars and workshops.Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5

Connect with Joanne & Family Avenues

Family Avenues

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

Your life can fall apart twice, once on the outside and once in your head, and you still might not know what the real issue is. I’m joined by Chris Braid, co-host of The After Party, to talk about what happened when a mental health breakdown, divorce, financial pressure, chronic pain, and emergency spinal surgery collided, and how a late ADHD diagnosis finally gave a clearer map of why things happened they way they did.

As parents, many of us carry stress that makes quick coping tools feel tempting. We explore the link between neurodiversity, depression, and addiction, plus what actually helps an ADHD brain feel regulated day to day: work that fits, creativity, music, and a movement-based mindfulness ritual through Pilates and yoga.

You don't want to miss this one. 

You can find Chris on:

Instagram: The After Party Invite

Facebook: The After Party

We spoke about AA if you need further information you can find that here

Thank you to this season’s sponsors:

Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm
Together, they are offering webinars and workshops focused on EBSA for both parents and professionals

 8th July – Webinar for School Leaders

 2nd September – Webinar for Parents & Families 

16th September – Joint Workshop (Parents + Schools) 

Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5.

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

A one-legged goose might not be the hero you’d expect… but maybe that’s exactly the point.

This episode is part of something new I’m trying this season.
As someone who’s dyslexic and has never really connected with traditional reading, I wanted to find a different way to explore books. So I’m inviting authors, parents and professionals to come on and share stories in a way that feels more accessible, especially for those of us who don’t see ourselves as “readers.”

In this episode, I’m joined by author Ryan Ritter, who shares the story behind his children’s book Frederick the One-Legged Goose, and how it all started with one little boy going through cancer treatment.

What began as a way to help a single child understand difference, change, and uncertainty quickly grew into something much bigger.

We talk about:

•  Why representation and disability awareness matter from a young age 
•  How stories can shape empathy, acceptance, and belonging 
•  The power of seeing difference as a strength, not something to fix 
•  Why this book isn’t just for children with disabilities… but for every child 

If we want children to grow into adults who accept difference…
 we have to start with the stories we give them.

🔗 Links & Resources

•  Find Frederick the One-Legged Goose on Amazon and Waterstones
•  Follow Ryan on Instagram: @RyanThe_Author_ 
•  Keep an eye out for the next book: Frederick’s Hop

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

One meeting can spiral into weeks of stress when you’re neurodivergent and constantly second-guessing what you said, how you came across, or what everyone “really meant.” Dr Jay Spence, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Avro AI, talks about a different way to look at communication breakdowns: most damage comes from misunderstood difference, not bad intent.

Elaine Lee, Avro’s co-founder, shares the story behind the product. After years in high-performing tech roles, repeated burnout, and a late diagnosis of ADHD, dyslexia, and autism, she realised how often people are judged for signals that simply don’t translate across brains. Her reflections on masking, workplace friction, and repairing relationships through better understanding shape the values behind Avro AI.

We dig into what an AI meeting assistant can actually do in real life: sitting alongside Zoom or Teams, creating accurate records, then helping you prep, rephrase, and debrief with less guesswork. We also tackle the hard question head-on: does this kind of tool support authentic communication, or does it push people toward neurotypical “norms”? Jay explains why choice matters, and why the goal is a bridge, not a makeover. 

To connect with Jay and Elaine you can find them here 

And through LinkedIn

Elaine Lee

Jay Spence

Thank you to this season’s sponsors:

Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm
Together, they are offering webinars and workshops focused on EBSA for both parents and professionals.

08.07.26  School webinar

02.09.26 Parent/carer webinar

16.09.26 Joint Workshop

Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5.

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

Do you ever feel like reading just… isn’t built for you?

In this solo episode, I talk about my honest experience with dyslexia, distraction, and why traditional reading has always felt like hard work rather than relaxation. From unfinished books to skipping straight to the ending, I reflect on the frustration and the quiet sense of missing out.

But this episode isn’t about giving up on books. It’s about finding a different way in.

So I've had a brand new idea.

I'm inviting listeners, parents, professionals, and authors to come onto the podcast for short 5–10 minute chats to share books they love, without spoilers, so more people who might not be typical readers, can discover stories and ideas in a way that actually works for them.

Message on the link at the top or on Insta HERE

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

In this episode of The Untypical Parent Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Kim Collett for a really honest conversation about the reality of parenting, and why knowing the “right” thing doesn’t mean it’s easy to do it.

Kim has a PhD in inclusive education and lectures on special educational needs and disabilities. She also lives in a neurodivergent household. Together, we explore the gap between theory and real life, and why even professionals with years of knowledge and experience still struggle with the day-to-day reality of parenting.

We talk about school experiences, masking, anxiety, and the pressure to “fit in,” as well as the guilt so many parents carry when they feel like they’re getting it wrong.

This episode is not about fixing everything.

It’s about understanding why it feels so hard, and reminding you that you’re not the only one.

A gentle reminder from this episode

There is no perfect way to parent.
 There is no single strategy that works for every child.
And you are not failing because it feels hard.

I mention Brene Brown and empathy vs sympathy here's the link to watch it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZBTYViDPlQ&list=PLOol2H2m6gNOdrOnWV_lJ3dDslWSqtzqQ&index=1

🔗 Connect with Dr Kim Collett

You can find Kim sharing more about inclusion, neurodivergence and education on:

•  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dr_kim_collett/
•  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kim-collett-fhea-41637537b/

Thank you to this season’s sponsors:

Terri Wyse
👉 https://www.instagram.com/wyseinclusion/

Rachel Helm
👉 https://www.instagram.com/helmeducationconsultancy/

If you’re supporting a child or young person struggling to access school, do reach out to them.

Support the show

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

Over 170,000 children in England were severely absent from school last year, according to the Department for Education.

Behind that number are families, schools, and children all trying to navigate something incredibly complex.

In this episode, I’m joined by Terri Wyse (Wise Inclusion) and Rachel Helm (Helm Education Consultancy), who are supporting the podcast this season, to talk about emotionally based school anxiety (EBSA).

Here's the important part:

Parents and schools are often on the same side
But the system can push them apart

We talk about:

•  What EBSA really is (and why language matters) 
•  Why “just make them go to school” isn’t the answer 
•  The reality for families trying to keep their children safe 
•  The pressures schools are under behind the scenes 
•  How relationships can break down, and how to rebuild them 

This isn’t about blame.

It’s about understanding, collaboration, and finding a way forward — together.

Together, they are offering webinars and workshops focused on EBSA for both parents and professionals.

Upcoming Sessions:

•  📅 8th July – Webinar for School Leaders 
•  📅 2nd September – Webinar for Parents & Families 
•  📅 16th September – Joint Workshop (Parents + Schools) 

Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5.

• School webinar
• Parent/carer webinar
• Workshop

This episode is supported by:

Terri Wyse – Wise Inclusion Terri Wyse
https://www.instagram.com/wyseinclusion/

Rachel Helm – Helm Education Consultancy
https://www.instagram.com/helmeducationconsultancy/

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Parents are often so busy meeting everyone else’s needs that they stop noticing their own.

And when that happens, burnout and overwhelm can build long before we even realise what’s going on.

In this episode, I'm joined by occupational therapist and interoception expert Kelly Mahler for a conversation about why parents need to understand their own interoception, not just their child’s.

Interoception is our ability to notice and make sense of the signals coming from inside the body. It helps us recognise things like hunger, tension, exhaustion, overwhelm, anxiety and discomfort, the early signs that something isn’t right.

But many parents are so used to pushing through, holding everything together and ignoring what their body is saying that they lose touch with those signals altogether.

This episode isn’t about quick fixes or a step-by-step solution to burnout.

It’s about something deeper, understanding what might be missing.

Because if we don’t notice what our body is telling us, we can’t respond to it. And that’s often where burnout begins.

We explore how interoception can act as a kind of internal compass helping us recognise when something feels off, when we need support, or when we are heading towards overwhelm.

We also talk about how this doesn’t just apply to children. Every parent has their own sensory profile, their own internal signals, and their own limits, and learning to notice these can be a powerful first step in protecting energy and supporting wellbeing.

This episode is a valuable listen for parents, carers, OTs, teachers and anyone supporting neurodivergent children or living in the reality of family life where the demands rarely stop.

If you are exhausted, overwhelmed, or feel like you’re constantly coping but not really checking in with yourself, this conversation will help you understand why — and where to start.

You can find Kelly here:

https://www.kelly-mahler.com/ 

On Facebook and Instagram

Thank you to this season’s sponsors:

Terri Wyse
👉 https://www.instagram.com/wyseinclusion/

Rachel Helm
👉 https://www.instagram.com/helmeducationconsultancy/

If you’re supporting a child or young person struggling to access school, do reach out to them.

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I recorded this one in my car, on my phone, because the irony finally caught up with me: I cannot keep talking about untypical parenting and ditching perfection while I’m secretly trying to manufacture a “perfect” milestone episode. So I just got on with it and recorded it, in my car. 

Episode 50, I can't quite believe it. This episode is an honest reflection on what I’ve learned from fifty conversations with parents and guests across neurodivergent, additional needs, and SEND family life, as well as through my own experiences as a parent. 

We get into the lessons that have actually changed how I parent day to day. 
I also share the things I still don’t know and maybe never will: what the future holds, whether a choice is the “right” decision, and when it’s the right time to jump. 

I finish with the things that help keep me going. And a big massive thank you to all the guests that have joined me on the podcast and all the listeners that tune in and choose to spend their time with me. 

Looking forwards to spending the next 50 episodes with you.

Take care you lovely lot

Here’s the link for the post with guests talking about what it was like to be on the podcast 🤩

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVq_mTXjY9v/?igsh=MWd5NmpqaWI3c2gxYg==

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Content note: This episode contains conversation about suicide. Please look after yourself when listening. 

This episode is a special one.

It’s part of Podcasthon 2026, where podcasters come together to raise awareness for charities that matter. For me, this one is personal.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Ged Flynn CEO from Papyrus, a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide in young people.

We talk openly about suicide. Gently. Honestly. Without drama. Without sensationalising it. But without avoiding it either.

If you are a parent who has ever heard your child say the words that is every parents worst nightmare, “I don’t want to be here anymore,” this episode is for you.

We talk about:

• The myths that stop us talking about suicide
• Why talking about it does not “put the idea in someone’s head”
• The impact on parents and family members
• The difference between mental illness and suicidal thoughts
• Why neurodivergent young people can be at higher risk
• What actually happens when you call Hopeline247
• And something we don’t say enough to parents during these times… 

I also share a little of my own family’s experience, and why Papyrus became a lifeline for us when we needed them.

If you take one thing from this episode, please, please let it be this:

You do not have to do this alone. Reach out.

We never know what could be going on for families behind closed doors. By sharing this episode wherever you can, you might just help someone who needs to see it today. 

If you need support

Papyrus runs Hopeline247, a confidential support service for young people under 35 who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, and for parents or carers who are worried about a young person.

📞 Call: 0800 068 4141

📱 Text: 88247

🌐 www.papyrus-uk.org

(Available 24/7)

If you’re outside the UK, please look for a local suicide prevention helpline in your country.

Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn

You can also find Ged on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ged-flynn-394273b/

If you would like to donate to Papyrus so they can continue to be the lifeline that families need you do so here

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In this episode I'm joined by Julie Bevan founder of DotKids where we explore creativity. 

Creativity often feels like something we leave behind in childhood.

Somewhere between school expectations, work, parenting and the pressure to be productive, many of us stop creating altogether. But creativity isn’t just about producing a perfect picture or being “good at art”. It’s about expression, regulation, confidence and wellbeing.

In this episode, I’m joined by Julie Bevan from Dot Kids, an organisation using creativity to support children’s confidence, emotional expression and wellbeing.

We talk about why creativity matters for both children and parents, how schools sometimes shift the focus from exploration to perfection, and why many adults lose their connection to creativity as they grow older.

We also explore how simple creative activities — even doodling or making marks on paper — can support mental health, self-regulation and family connection.

If you’ve ever thought “I’m not creative” or feel like you lost that part of yourself somewhere along the way, this episode might help you see creativity a little differently.

In this episode we talk about:

• Why creativity supports wellbeing for both kids and parents
• How perfection and outcomes can take the joy out of art
• The role creativity plays in emotional expression and regulation
• Why many adults stop creating as they get older
• Simple ways families can bring creativity back into everyday life
• The work Julie is doing through Dot Kids

You might even feel inspired to pick up a paintbrush, doodle on a page, or simply try something creative again.

Links and resources

DotKids
Julie Bevan – LinkedIn

www.dotkids.co.uk

Julie mentions two artists in particular during the episode they are Yayoi Kasama and Frida Kahlo

If you enjoy the podcast, don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.

I love to know how and what you do that's creative. Lets build a bank of ideas of creative things we can do as parents. Have fun!!

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In this episode of The Untypical Parent Podcast, I’m joined by Chrissa Wadlow from Sunshine Support, and this one turns into a proper real-life chat (the kind I know so many of us need).

Chrissa shares her journey as a SEND parent, including the very real reality of battling systems, being judged, and the toll that takes on your health and your whole family.

From there we get into boundaries, not just “rules for kids”, but the boundaries we need as parents to stay well. We talk about how to hold boundaries at home, how to protect yourself in meetings, and why noticing your nervous system signs (and stepping out when you need to) is a skill worth practising.

We cover:

• The trauma and exhaustion of fighting for provision
• Boundaries as protection (not punishment)
• Teamwork at home + sharing the load
• Handling meetings without reacting in the moment
• Modelling emotions and recovery for our kids

Links:

Sunshine Support + Sunshine Academy
Chrissa’s podcast: Sip of Sunshine
 

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Living in a neurodivergent family can feel like walking barefoot through a dark room full of Lego.

In this episode, I share a powerful metaphor from listener Lindsay Morris, and then take you into something very real happening in my own family right now.

After four years of recovery, support and rebuilding trust through an EOTAS package (Education Otherwise Than At School), my son is considering returning to school.

And I am terrified.

Not because he isn’t capable.

But because for many neurodivergent children, autistic, ADHD, PDA, school trauma doesn’t disappear overnight. Children do not go from “I can’t cope” to “I’m fixed.”

There is no switch.

In this episode I talk about:

• The Lego-in-the-dark metaphor for parenting a neurodivergent child
 • Why safe circles matter more than perfect solutions
 • EOTAS as structured recovery, not failure
 • The fear of losing EHCP support too soon
 • Why graded transitions matter
 • The all-or-nothing approach many families face
 • How to know when it’s time to take the next step
 • Making leaps without losing the safety net

This is an honest episode about risk, recovery, fear and hope.

If you’ve ever sat at 3am wondering whether you’re making the right decision for your child, this one’s for you.

There is hope.
But there has to be flexibility.

If this resonates, please don't hesitate reach out, you are not doing this alone.

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What if the smallest straw isn’t the cause of your collapse, but the clue you’ve been carrying too much for too long? We sit down with Dr Lee David, GP, CBT therapist, author, and host of The Choice Space, to make stress understandable, visible, and workable for real families navigating complex lives.

We start by ditching the myth of the perfect parent and unpack why children need different versions of us. From there, Lee maps the physiology and psychology of stress: the stress bucket that fills with daily demands, and the burnout cliff that sneaks up when we keep pushing past our limits. You’ll hear how fight, flight, freeze, and even fawn show up in kitchens, school emails, and tense bedtime routines. We draw a clear line between energising, values-led pressure and the draining strain of immovable systems, think tribunals, slow services, and endless forms, and why “pleasant persistence” can protect your health without giving up your voice.

The heart of the conversation tackles inner beliefs that magnify stress. We explore sensitivity that makes a child’s anxiety echo in your body, the inner critic that turns every misstep into a verdict, and the slide from useful guilt into corrosive shame. With insights from Brené Brown and Kristin Neff, Lee offers a fierce form of self-compassion: boundaries, pauses, and choices that prioritise well-being so you can stay connected at home and effective with professionals. We also reframe self-care as shared family care and stack practical micro-tools you can use today, even on the busiest weeks.

Lee talks about SPICE, her five-part framework: Success (small wins), Physical (gentle movement), Important (values-first tasks), Connection (micro-moments that bond), and Enjoyable (simple pleasures that help you exhale). No lofty routines, just realistic, repeatable practices designed for parents managing neurodivergent and neurotypical needs, tight schedules, and high stakes. If you’ve felt “stressy,” close to the edge, or unsure how to help your nervous system settle when the system won’t budge, this conversation offers language, tools, and real hope.

If this helped, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s carrying too much, and leave a review so more parents can find these tools. Your story might be the light someone else needs.

If you want to connect with Lee you can find her here:

Dr Lee David - Instagram

The Choice Space Podcast - Instagram

In this episode Lee and I spoke about: 

Kirsten Neff - https://self-compassion.org/

Dr Richard Duggins 

Brene Brown - https://brenebrown.com/

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Parenting in a neurodivergent family is many things. Boring is most definitely not one of them.

In this episode, I reflect on a listener message from Carla Berlin that perfectly captures something so many of us live every day: the exhaustion, the unpredictability, and those incredible moments where our children completely amaze us. The wins that might seem small to others, trying a new food, speaking up, managing an environment they couldn’t before, can feel absolutely monumental in our families.

I talk about why comparison to “typical” can so easily make us miss the brilliance right in front of us, and why our children’s strengths so often don’t fit neatly into the systems they’re expected to succeed in.

I also share a more personal story, about my own experience of being late-diagnosed dyslexic, the lasting impact of school, and why focusing only on outcomes rather than effort can be so damaging. This leads into a wonderful email I received from a parent whose child’s future may have shifted simply because someone finally listened.

This episode is about:

• Recognising and celebrating strengths
• Understanding why forced pathways can harm mental health
• And why those “small” moments are anything but small

If you’re parenting in a neurodivergent family, this one is for you.

Article mentioned in the episode:
More Than Words —  you can click here to read it

Chapters:

00:00 The Joys and Challenges of Neurodivergent Parenting
03:00 Personal Experiences with Dyslexia
07:19 Advocating for Strengths in Education

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 “I learned quickly that I am my child’s voice. No one else will care the way I do.” 

 This quote from Greer captures the heart of our conversation. 

Greer shares her experience of autism, ADHD, school systems, and the realities of raising a neurodivergent child in the UK.

Originally from the US and now based in England, Greer opens up about trusting her “mama gut,” facing dismissal from professionals, advocating fiercely for her son, and discovering her own ADHD along the way. She also explores how community, therapy, and self-compassion became lifelines in what can often feel like an isolating world.

Together, we talk about the emotional toll of constant advocacy, the myths around “lazy parenting,” why parents must be included in support plans, and practical strategies that make everyday life more manageable.

This episode is for any parent who has ever felt unheard, overwhelmed, or unsure of their next step, and is a reminder that you are not alone.

Connect with Greer:

Podcast: Neurodivergent Conversations (formerly The Unfinished Idea)

Instagram: The Unfinished Idea

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This week I share a comment from a listener. Sharon Thompson wrote what it’s like parenting in a neurodivergent family, the realities people don’t always see, and the strength it takes to keep showing up.

And in amongst that I’m bringing a little lightness too… because I’ve realised something about myself, I regulate with singing.
But I also think in songs.
Words and phrases trigger lyrics, and yes, sometimes I even treat everyone to a “perfect” song line… until my son reminds me it absolutely wasn’t perfect.

If you’re navigating neurodivergent family life, you’ll feel seen in this one.

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Content Note: This episode includes discussion of foster care, trauma, low mood and suicidal feelings. If these topics are difficult for you, please take care while listening.
 If you are struggling, please consider speaking to someone you trust or seeking support. In the UK & ROI, Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123 or at samaritans.org. 

Jordan Garratt, founder of Sensory Class, joins us to tell the story few people know about: the teacher who fell in love with special education, brought AAC and sensory joy into her lessons, and opened her home to children with complex needs, and even more complex histories.

Jordan talks us through foster care: the lows and the highs. The assessment panels and nameless referrals. The school place that should have been a lifeline, but wasn’t. Jordan also shares a drawing she made of a child standing on their hands underwater, and the praise of “you’re doing great”, even though she was drowning.

If you’re a parent navigating SEND, a fellow foster carer, or a professional supporting children and young people in care, receiving respite or adopted, this episode can be a tough listen at times, but it’s also a conversation full of love, honesty and truth.

Thank you Jordan for sharing with us. 

If you would like to connect with Jordan you can find her here:

Website: https://sensoryclassroom.org/

Instagram: Sensory Class

Podcast: Sensory Classroom

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In this short series, parents in neurodivergent families tell us what it's really like. In this episode Laura explains "parenting in a neurodivergent family is like riding a bike with a flat tyre, with a blindfold on, one hand tied behind your back… oh and I just realised the other wheel fell off". 

If this episode rings true leave a message in the comments to let other parents know they aren't alone. 

If you'd like to contribute to the show please just leave a comment and you could have an based around your comment. 

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In this episode, Laura Kerbey, author and founder of PAST (Positive Assessments, Support and Training), shares her lived experience of growing up undiagnosed with ADHD, and how that shaped not only her childhood but adulthood and parenthood as well.

Laura talks honestly about how deeply she wanted to be a parent, alongside how challenging parenting felt while living with undiagnosed ADHD and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). She opens up about the overwhelm, the self-doubt, and the low moments, but also the joy that came with it.

Laura talks about how she and her boys have built a strong, trusting relationship, the kind of relationship so many parents hope for, and what helped her move from survival mode to understanding, compassion, and connection.

I am so grateful to Laura for sharing so openly how she experienced things. This is a raw, validating conversation for parents who feel like parenting is overwhelming them, they should be doing better, and who need reminding that they are not failing.

 Find Laura Online

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• PAST website: https://p-ast.co.uk/
  
  

Books by Laura Kerbey (Mentioned in This Episode)

• The Parents’ and Professionals’ Simple Guide to PDA
  Laura Kerbey & Eliza Fricker
• The Kids’ Simple Guide to PDA
  Laura Kerbey
• The Teen’s Guide to PDA
  Laura Kerbey & Eliza Fricker
• The (Slightly Distracted) Woman’s Guide to Living with an Adult ADHD Diagnosis
  Laura Kerbey & Eliza Fricker
• The Educator’s Experience of Pathological Demand Avoidance
  An illustrated guide to PDA and learning — Laura Kerbey

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In this bonus episode of The Untypical Parent Podcast, I admit something slightly embarrassing: I dropped a ball… a Christmas-shaped ball. Somewhere between broken legs, work deadlines, end-of-term chaos, questionable diary scheduling, and trying to remember if we own wrapping paper (I can't find any and the shops have sold out), I genuinely thought Christmas was still 1.5 weeks away. (It isn’t.)

So, let’s talk about the mental load, especially in neurodivergent families. If your brain feels like an open browser with 86 tabs running, you’re in the right place.

In this episode, I share:

• how juggling life as a neurodivergent family can make dates slide right past you,
• why parents feel extra pressure at Christmas,
• how “dropping a ball” doesn’t make you a bad parent (it makes you a human one),
• simple strategies to survive the festive season without combusting,
• and why self-compassion should be top of the shopping list.

We chat about lists (and forgetting to look at them), boundaries with family gatherings, tiny adjustments that make big differences, and the power of just stepping outside for a breather when things get a bit much.

Key Takeaways

• Neurodivergent parenting = Olympic-level multitasking.
• Christmas adds bonus pressure, lights, noise, lists… and more lists.
• Feeling unprepared is completely normal (especially this week).
• List-making genuinely helps, if you remember where you put the list.
• Communicating boundaries with family can save your sanity.
• Tiny changes > giant expectations.
• Breaks aren’t weaknesses; they’re survival tools.
• You don’t have to “do it all” to be a good parent.
• Looking back brings perspective; looking forward brings hope.

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Untypical Parenting One Year On

The best stories start where the script stops working. Marking a full year of The Untypical Parent Podcast, we sit down with two people who helped shape it from day one, Charlotte from Badger Education, my first-ever guest, and Sam, from Something Profound, the first sponsor, to explore what it really takes to raise neurodivergent kids without a rulebook. This is a celebration, yes, but it’s mostly an unfiltered look at brave choices, messy progress, and the surprising wins that rarely make it into glossy parenting advice.

We dig into the heart of “doing it differently”: stepping away from social norms when they don’t serve your child, surviving the dread of school phone calls and local authority emails, and finding strength in a community that refuses to pretend everything is fine. You’ll hear how Charlotte reframed untypical parenting as courage in action, why Sam chose to pull her daughter from school, and how honest phrases like “we’re figuring this out together” can lower the temperature in hard moments. Along the way we talk sensory regulation that works in real life, running, texture rituals, movement, and small routines that calm busy brains.

There’s plenty of laughter, too. From coaching a bra fitting through a changing-room door to a disastrous upside-down roller coaster, we celebrate family humour as co-regulation and connection. We unpack the mental load behind dinner decisions, the secret superpower of finding lost things, and the micro-milestones that matter: a shorter outburst, a new food tried, a trip that softens a phobia. These stories don’t claim perfection; they show progress you can feel.

If you’re parenting outside the lines, or love someone who is, this anniversary episode offers practical empathy, relatable stories, and a reminder that small steps add up. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs to feel seen today, and leave a review to help other untypical families find us.

Badger Education: Facebook and Instagram

Something Profound: Facebook and Instagram

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What if “perfect” parenting is the wrong goal, and honest repair is the real superpower? I sit down with David, the Dad behind NeuroDad’s Diary, to explore what changes when a late ADHD diagnosis reframes years of anxiety, overwhelm, and self-critique. He shares how sensory triggers, bedtime chaos, and the relentless unpredictability of young kids land in a neurodivergent nervous system.

We unpack the invisible load many neurodivergent parents carry: the thoughts you bottle during meltdowns and the guilt that piles up when you can’t process in the moment. David’s therapy-informed micro-journaling—quick notes you revisit later—turns swirling stress into a map you can actually navigate. We also talk masking as a parent: when to contain, when to be real, and why repairs matter more than flawless reactions.

David names the isolation many fathers feel at parent groups, the stigma that says men shouldn’t struggle, and the logistics that make support hard to access. He’s candid about burnout, seasonal lows, and the rituals that help him reset—decompression time, honest check-ins with his partner, and knowing when to tag out.

If you’re a neurodivergent parent—or love one—this is the episode for you. Listen, share with a dad who needs to hear this, and if it resonates, please follow podcast and leave a review so more families can find the support they deserve.

You can find David here on Instagram - neurodadsdiary

We also spoke about David's t-shirt on the podcast, so here is a shout-out to Born Anxious. You can also find them on Instagram here

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In this episode I sit down with Steph Simpson, a late-identified ADHD mom on a pathway for autism assessment, to explore how a simple language shift—calling ADHD “squirrels” and autism “penguins”—reshaped her family’s daily life. Instead of labels that freeze kids in place, her home uses playful cues to redirect with warmth. When she glitches mid-task, a quiet “Mom, squirrels” brings her back without shame. The same approach helps her children navigate transitions, toothbrushing, and sensory overload.

Steph takes us through the emotional whiplash of diagnosis: the relief of being seen, the shock of a double whammy, and the end of the “I’m making it up” refrain. 

We also dive into her book, Squirrels, Odd Socks and Side Quests—born as a manual for her husband and now a neurodiversity-affirming series. Bite-sized chapters, black-and-white illustrations for colouring, hidden squirrels for fidgety focus, it’s built for real brains in real homes. 

Steph closes with the habits that anchor her parenting: model the mess, own the repair, and let kids watch you be kind to yourself so they learn to do the same.

If you’re navigating ADHD, autism, masking, or just the relentless side quests of family life, this conversation offers language, tools, and a gentler way to measure progress. Listen, share with a friend who needs the reframe, and leave a review to help more families find us.

You can connect with Steph on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SquirrelSideQuests

And you can find her book in places like Amazon.

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What happens when your carefully planned parenting journey takes an unexpected turn? For Archie, specialist ADHD nurse prescriber and director of ADHD Care Limited, raising a neurodivergent child meant learning to embrace a completely different path than the one he'd imagined.

This deeply honest conversation explores the complexity of neurodivergent family life through both professional expertise and raw personal experience. Archie shares his journey raising an autistic/ADHD, 10-year-old son, alongside a 6-year-old neurotypical daughter, describing the unique challenges this creates for siblings, marriages, and personal identity. With refreshing candour, he dismantles the myth of perfect parenting and reveals how even mental health professionals struggle with adaptation.

Archie talks gently about having a neurodivergent child is a bit like planning a trip to Italy but having your plane diverted to Amsterdam – all your preparations suddenly irrelevant as you navigate unfamiliar territory. This metaphor beautifully captures the emotional adjustment parents face, not abandoning dreams but reimagining them in unexpected contexts.

The conversation delves into practical strategies too – from managing morning micro-transitions to creating dedicated spaces where fathers can openly discuss parenting challenges. Archie's perspective as a dad brings much-needed balance to conversations often dominated by maternal voices, highlighting how men frequently lack opportunities to express vulnerability around parenting struggles.

Whether you're raising neurodivergent children or simply wanting to better understand those who do, this episode offers profound insights about acceptance, self-compassion, and finding support in unexpected places. As Archie reminds us, "You're doing better than you think" – words every parent occasionally needs to hear.

You can find Archie here: 

On Instagram and via his podcast here 

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I sit down with Sam Milburn to unpack body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), what it is, why it hides in plain sight, and how parents can spot early signs. We share practical next steps, from navigating CAMHS to using scripts that break reassurance loops without breaking trust.

We cover:
• BDD defined 
• Early signs in teens including checking, avoidance and reassurance seeking
• Why shame and lack of insight delay help and fuel misdiagnosis
• The impact at home, school and with friends
• Is there a neurodivergence overlap
• How to approach schools, GPs and CAMHS with evidence
• Parent scripts to step off the reassurance treadmill
• And resources from the BDD Foundation and Sam’s support group

You can find information about BDD and the support Sam offers here:

https://bddfoundation.org/

https://www.beyondbdd.co.uk/

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

And Sam's Facebook group Body Dysmorphic Disorder Support for Parents and Carers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bddcarersupport/

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Kathy Wassell, CEO and founder of the Autistic Girls Network Charity, talks with me about her journey creating supportive spaces for neurodivergent individuals, particularly women and girls who are often missed in traditional diagnostic pathways.

What began as a simple online community has blossomed into a charity serving over 32,000 members, providing training to schools, and offering vital support to neurodivergent girls and non binary people across the UK in a variety of ways.

We dive into a range of topics, such as diagnosis and why recognition matters. The launch of the Haven online school designed specifically for neurodivergent girls and non-binary young people who struggle in traditional educational settings. And of course, we talk about autistic girls, women and non-binary people.

You can find more information about the Autistic Girls Network here:

Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

Cathy's book: 

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What actually is PDA?

Speech and language therapist Libby Hill cuts through the confusion with clarity and compassion, drawing on decades of clinical experience and her work with leading PDA researchers.

"There's demand avoidance, and then there's PDA," Libby explains, highlighting the crucial differences that parents and professionals often miss. While many children resist external demands for logical reasons—sensory discomfort, lack of interest, or burnout—true PDA involves an illogical resistance even to things the person wants to do. This distinction isn't just academic; it fundamentally changes how we should support these children.


Libby and I discuss the struggles parents face when it comes to PDA. The shame, isolation, and burnout experienced when supporting a child or young person with a PDA profile. "Who do you confide in?" she asks, highlighting how parents frequently suffer in silence, afraid to share their reality even with close family. 

Whether you're a parent seeking answers, a professional enhancing your knowledge, or someone who suspects they might have a PDA profile themselves, this conversation provides invaluable insights. 

People and support that were discussed in the episode:

Sally Cat: https://www.facebook.com/SallyCatPDA

PDA Society website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/ and helpline: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/

Libby mentions the PDA practice guidelines which you can find here: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/research-professional-practice/identification-and-diagnosis-process/

You can find Libby here: 

Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

And her new book "Born Naughty"

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In this episode, Jodie talks about her journey from unconsciously trying to be the “perfect yummy mummy” to showing up as her real, neurodivergent self in parenting. A big turning point was her eldest daughter’s autism diagnosis, which set her on a path of self-discovery and completely shifted how she saw both herself and her role as a parent.

She shares openly about the tough stuff too — battling the education system, being on the receiving end of parent blame, and going through gruelling tribunal hearings to fight for her kids’ needs.

But what really comes through is Jodie’s belief in the strengths neurodivergent parents bring. As she puts it, “We are epic parents to our kids because we get it... We’ve got that hyper empathy on a deeper level because we feel everything so deeply.” It’s a powerful reminder that our differences can actually be our strengths.

If you’re parenting neurodivergent kids, exploring your own identity, or just looking for a more honest take on parenting outside the box, you’ll get a lot from this conversation.

You can follow Jodie’s work through her books and social channels to keep learning from her lived experience.

https://jodieclarke.co.uk/

Facebook, Insta, LinkedIn

Jodie's books that we spoke about are: 

• Stop The World I Want To Get Off
• The Secret Life of Rose
• Young, Autistic and Burnt Out

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Ever noticed how we pour endless energy into helping our kids through back-to-school transitions, but we completely forget about ourselves? Welcome back to the Untypical Parent podcast for Season Three, where we're diving straight into what can be one of the most challenging times of year for neurodivergent families.

Those end-of-summer transitions create what I call "shifts in rhythms" - those jarring changes that affect our entire household's equilibrium. While we're busy preparing and getting ready to support our children with the transition, we rarely stop to consider how these shifts impact us as parents. Our central nervous systems are firing just as intensely, regardless of how well we think we're hiding our stress. 

This episode acknowledges the different starting points families face this September. Some juggle work commitments with school schedules. Others manage alternative education packages requiring intensive parental involvement. Then there are families with no appropriate school placement secured, or those with placements they know in their gut won't work. .

Thinking about you during transitions doesn't require elaborate spa days. Instead, look for those small "pockets of peace" - five minutes on the back step with tea, scheduled walks, sensory supports as the weather cools. Update your calendar with school dates, organise timetables, and intentionally reduce demands during that critical transition week. Most importantly, reach out to your "safety circles" - those people who truly understand without judgment.

Remember to acknowledge the "sparkly moments" from your summer. Rather than counting down to school's return (which children absolutely notice and can internalise), intentionally recognise the fun times you've shared. These help create emotional anchors during transitions.

I'll be thinking of you ALL. The kids and you. Take care. 

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The summer holidays bring a unique rhythm to neurodivergent families with a "sweet spot" emerging between the transition from school and the anxiety of returning. This episode explores finding connection through our children's special interests during these periods.

• Taking time for one-on-one connections with each child through their special interests
• Experiencing the joy of witnessing someone talk about their "glimmers" or passionate interests
• How a trip to Silverstone created meaningful connection with my Formula 1-loving son
• Remembering to use your child's DLA status for carer discounts at attractions
• Navigating summer holidays with multiple children through "divide and survive" strategies
• Finding "micro moments" of connection during challenging periods
• Celebrating small wins and finding joy in everyday experiences
• Considering a new podcast series theme around "rest" for parents
• Debating whether to release a difficult episode about tribunal experiences

If you're enjoying the podcast, please text me using the link in the show notes to share your thoughts on future episodes or topics you'd like covered. I'd especially love to know if you'd prefer to keep our "Are you the perfect parent?" series or try something new.

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Chronic illness doesn't come with a parenting manual. That's why this conversation with Rebecca (the Chronically Resilient OT) feels like a breath of fresh air for anyone trying to raise children while managing their own health challenges.

"Perfect is the enemy of done," Rebecca reminds us, cutting straight through the guilt that plagues so many parents with chronic conditions. Drawing from her unique perspective as both an occupational therapist and someone living with chronic illness and neurodivergence, she offers practical wisdom that goes beyond typical advice. Rather than focusing on what parents "should" do, she helps reframe priorities around what's genuinely meaningful.

What happens when your sensory needs clash with your child's? How do you explain to a four-year-old why they can't jump on your back? When should you tell children about your illness, and how? Rebecca tackles these questions with compassion and clarity, emphasising that talking openly about disability (in age-appropriate ways) creates safety for children who intuitively sense when something's wrong.

The practical strategies she shares—from energy accounting to different types of rest—offer a roadmap for parents struggling to balance their health needs with family responsibilities. Perhaps most powerful is her permission to outsource what you can and adapt expectations: "There's no moral failure in outsourcing. It doesn't mean you're a bad person or a bad parent if you're not able to do the grocery shopping or the laundry or all of the cooking."

This conversation will leave you with a transformative realisation: what your children will remember isn't the three loads of unfolding laundry—it's the five minutes spent working on a puzzle together, the board game played in pyjamas, the authentic connection that happens when we let go of perfection and embrace the reality of our limitations.

You can find Rebecca on:

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

Website: https://www.chronicresilienceot.com/

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What happens when your child's first seizure changes everything? Nicole Bateman, host of "Conversations with a Send Mum" podcast, takes us beyond the stereotypical understanding of epilepsy into a world most people never see. 

"Before my son had his first seizure, when I heard the word epilepsy, I would think of flashing lights and shaking on the floor," Nicole shares, before telling us that there are over 40 different types of seizures, each manifesting in unique ways. Most surprising? Only a very amount of people with epilepsy are triggered by flashing lights – a statistic that challenges everything we think we know about this condition.

Our conversation delves into the unexpected connections between epilepsy, autism, and sensory processing, exploring how a parent's life transforms when living with the constant uncertainty of when the next seizure might occur. Nicole candidly discusses how her nervous system has been "on high alert" for five years, alongside her innovative solutions for helping children understand and regulate their sensory experiences through her work with the Super Sensory Squad and Friendly Send Advisor.

Whether you're supporting a child with epilepsy, work with neurodivergent individuals, or simply want to better understand the hidden complexities of neurological differences, this conversation offers crucial insights, practical strategies, and a deeply human perspective on embracing life's unexpected twists and turns. Join us to expand your understanding of what it means to parent differently while creating a more inclusive world for all children.

You can find Nicole: 

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

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

And Nicole mentions Young Epilepsy as a great support: https://www.youngepilepsy.org.uk/

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PLEASE NOTE THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE OF NAME FOR THE VIDEO AND TOP TIPS DOWNLOAD. IT IS NOW CALLED THE NEURODIVERGENT FAMILY HOLIDAY GUIDE - it does what is says on the tin.

Ever felt like your family is the only one struggling through what should be a blissful vacation experience? You're definitely not alone. The gap between holiday expectations and reality can be enormous, especially for families navigating additional needs.

Stepping away from the glossy brochure images of perfect family holidays, this episode dives into the real challenges of traveling with children who thrive on routine and struggle with change. Drawing from personal experiences as both an occupational therapist and parent, I share the hard-won wisdom that has transformed our family's approach to vacations.

Holidays often come with immense pressure—we spend significant money, disrupt our carefully established routines, and somehow expect everyone to be happier than they are at home. This episode explores how to shift those expectations and find your family's unique "sweet spot" for successful getaways. For us, it's a five-day maximum with carefully chosen accommodations and flexible plans. What might it look like for your family?

Most importantly, this conversation acknowledges that parents deserve consideration too. Too often, holidays become entirely about ensuring the children have a good time, leaving parents more exhausted than before they left. By developing confidence in your family's unique holiday style—whether that means shorter trips, staycations, or specialized accommodations—everyone can find moments of joy and connection.

Want to make your next family holiday more successful? Check out my Neurodivergent Family Holiday Guide (previously called The Internal Sunshine Holiday Kit) with 16 practical strategies that have helped our family transform our vacation experiences. Share your own holiday tips by emailing me—I'd love to hear what works for your family!

https://info.the-untypical-ot.co.uk/neurodivergent-family-holiday-guide

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Sarah West shares her journey as a late-diagnosed ADHD woman navigating the challenges of perimenopause while parenting two neurodivergent daughters. She explains how declining estrogen levels during perimenopause can significantly worsen ADHD symptoms by further reducing dopamine production.

• Understanding the complex relationship between hormones and ADHD symptoms
• Recognising how perimenopause can amplify existing ADHD challenges
• Differentiating between ADHD symptoms and perimenopause effects
• Finding ADHD coaches with proper training and credentials
• Advocating for yourself within healthcare systems that often dismiss women's concerns
• Trusting your instincts when supporting neurodivergent children despite professionals saying otherwise
• Practical strategies for managing ADHD and perimenopause simultaneously
• How previously effective coping mechanisms can suddenly stop working during hormonal transitions
• The value of being authentic with your children about your struggles

You can find the free resources Sarah speaks about in the podcast on her website: 

https://www.sarahwest-adhd.com/

We also speak about PMDD, which is an acronym for Premenstrual Dysphoria Disorder, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) characterised by intense emotional and physical symptoms that significantly disrupt daily life, impacting mood, behaviour, and physical well-being.

You can find Sarah on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573657439110

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-west-adhd/

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Have you ever felt completely alone while managing your child's meltdown in public? That moment when all eyes seem to be on you, judging your parenting skills, and you just wish someone would silently acknowledge they understand what you're going through?

The Typically Untypical movement was born from exactly this experience. In this deeply personal episode, I share how witnessing a parent's struggle with their distressed child in a doctor's waiting room sparked an idea that's growing into something much bigger than just merchandise. When parents are in crisis mode—surviving day to day with their central nervous systems in protection mode—they often can't access traditional support resources. What can make a difference is that simple nod of understanding from someone who's been there.

Through t-shirts, bags, pens, travel mugs, and pins bearing the "Typically Untypical" slogan, parents can silently signal to each other: I see you, I get it, and you're not alone. These items aren't just products; they're communication tools creating solidarity among parents raising children with additional needs. Sometimes wearing your t-shirt signals to others that you need help, sometimes it shows others they're not alone, and sometimes it's simply a personal reminder that you belong to a community who understands.

This movement isn't just for parents—siblings, extended family members, friends, and anyone who wants to show support can join. Together, we're creating that backup team we all desperately need, because no parent was ever meant to navigate these challenges in isolation. The question now is: how far can this movement spread? Could your participation be the silent nod that makes all the difference to a struggling parent?

Join us in building this web of understanding. Share where you've worn your Typically Untypical items, connect with others who recognise the signal, and help us show parents everywhere that even in their most difficult moments, they are truly not alone.

You can get yours here: 

https://www.something-profound.co.uk/collections/liz-evans-the-untypical-ot-collaboration

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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to be the perfect parent? Take a deep breath – you're not alone, and this conversation might be exactly what you need to hear.

Speech and language therapist Ruth Jones talks with me about the concept of being a "good enough" parent, when I ask her if she is the perfect parent. 

We talk about:
• The liberating concept of being a "good enough" parent instead of striving for perfection
• How COVID-19 impacted child development and created challenges in differentiating between pandemic-related delays and neurological differences
• The importance of honouring all forms of communication, not just verbal language
• Why direct autistic communication is often misinterpreted as rudeness rather than a different communication style
• Common misconceptions about speech and language therapy for neurodivergent children
• The value of curiosity when supporting neurodivergent children and understanding behaviours
• Why apologising to your children models important emotional regulation skills
• Ruth's upcoming book on neurodiversity-affirming practice for speech therapists

Whether you're parenting a neurodivergent child, questioning differences in your family, or simply trying to be a more compassionate parent, this conversation will leave you feeling validated and equipped with practical wisdom. Listen now and discover how being "good enough" might actually be the perfect approach to parenting after all. 

You can find Ruth here: 

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

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

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Part 2

Ever wondered what it's like navigating complex systems with dyslexia while trying to advocate for your children's needs? The mental gymnastics can be exhausting, yet this challenge remains largely invisible in discussions about  parenting.

When a dyslexic parent faces walls of text in emails, dense reports, or complicated forms, what neurotypical brains process effortlessly becomes a cognitive marathon. As I share in this episode, my working memory operates on a "postage stamp" while others enjoy an entire A4 page—meaning information gets displaced quickly, requiring multiple readings and creative workarounds. The constant mental translation from written word to usable information creates an enormous unseen burden.

The emotional toll runs deep too. Many of us hide our dyslexia from professionals due to lifetime fears of being judged or underestimated. I candidly discuss how I went through an entire tribunal process without disclosing my dyslexia—a decision I now question. Could accommodations have made that journey less arduous? Simple changes like bullet-pointed information, clear summaries, and mixed communication formats (both written and verbal) dramatically improve accessibility, not just for dyslexic parents but for everyone navigating additional needs systems.

Despite these challenges, dyslexic thinking brings valuable skills to the table. Our natural problem-solving abilities and outside-the-box thinking become superpowers when advocating for children within rigid systems. We develop creative workarounds that often benefit the whole family.

Whether you're a dyslexic parent seeking validation, a professional wanting to improve accessibility, or simply curious about neurodivergent experiences, this episode offers practical insights into making systems work better for diverse brains. Join me in exploring how dyslexia shapes every aspect of additional needs parenting—and why those postage-stamp brains deserve more recognition and support.

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