Explore every episode of the podcast NeuroDADverse
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Huge School Win, Confidence Boosts, & A Football Breakthrough | 06 mars 2026 | 00:49:04 | |
🎙 The NeuroDADverse – Episode 38 This week on the podcast, we celebrate some unexpected parenting wins. Dan shares a huge moment in Frankie’s school journey, when getting to school finally seemed to feel easier after months of difficult transitions. For many SEND parents, the hardest part of the day isn’t the classroom… it’s simply getting through the gate. Meanwhile, Ben shares a brilliant moment of confidence for Mabel after being asked to play for her school football team, stepping up, defending ruthlessly, and even winning Player of the Match. In this episode, we talk about: • The anxiety parents feel during school transitions • When transport works… but the school gate doesn’t • The importance of supportive school staff • Building respect and family relationships with grandparents • Watching your child discover confidence through sport • Why small moments can feel like huge victories in neurodivergent parenting • Preparing for the week ahead — from World Book Day costumes to EHCP reviews From the outside, these might look like small everyday stories. But inside neurodivergent family life… they’re massive. hapter Breakdown (49 min) ⏱ 00:00 – Welcome to The NeuroDADverse Why we share the highs and lows of neurodivergent parenting ⏱ 02:00 – This Week’s Parenting Wins ⏱ 04:30 – Frankie’s School Transport Success When the transition to school finally starts working ⏱ 09:30 – The Anxiety of Morning Transitions The emotional load parents carry every school day ⏱ 15:30 – Supportive Schools Make All the Difference ⏱ 19:00 – Why Getting Through the Gate Matters ⏱ 24:00 – Ben’s Family Win: Respect Around the Table A small but meaningful moment with grandparents ⏱ 30:00 – Mabel’s Football Breakthrough ⚽ First match, strong defending, and Player of the Match ⏱ 35:30 – Confidence in Teenage Years ⏱ 38:40 – Looking Ahead to the Week World Book Day, school events and busy schedules ⏱ 44:30 – EHCP Reviews & Advocacy for Your Child ⏱ 48:00 – Final Thoughts: Parenting Wins Matter 🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world. Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life. If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations — you’re not alone here. 🔔 New episodes weekly 📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show 📧 neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 All links & platforms: 👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible 📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube 📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting #ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Autism + Birthday Parties = 3 Transitions,1 Party Bus, No Meltdown | NeuroDADverse Ep 37 | 27 févr. 2026 | 00:48:24 | |
🎙️ The NeuroDADverse – Episode 37. What happens when you stack: • Lunch • Multiple transitions • A birthday party bus • A house full of unfamiliar kids • A non-speaking autistic child • And a busy week of solo parenting ahead Honestly? We expected it to unravel. In this episode, Dan shares a surprisingly brilliant autism parenting win, navigating three transitions in one afternoon and watching Frankie slowly integrate into a sensory-filled birthday party. But that’s only half the story. Ben shares what’s coming up in his world: • A performance debut • Logistical juggling • A week of near-solo parenting • And the mental load that comes when one parent is “on duty” We talk about: • Why transitions are often harder than the event itself • The invisible strategy behind “just popping to a party” • Social pressure from other parents • Leaving on a high (and why that matters) • How busy weeks affect regulation — for kids and adults • Why positive energy before a tricky week is sometimes the best strategy From the outside, this week might look simple. From the inside? It was layered, strategic, emotional, and quietly successful. If you’ve ever: • Avoided a party because the risk felt too high • Mentally rehearsed three transitions before leaving the house • Balanced work, identity and parenting • Or found yourself solo for the week, wondering how sleep will go… 🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world. Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life. If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations — you’re not alone here. 🔔 New episodes weekly 📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show 📧 neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 All links & platforms: 👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible 📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube 📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting #ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK Chapter Breakdown ⏱️ 00:00 – Welcome to The NeuroDADverse ⏱️ 02:00 – A Surprisingly Lovely Week ⏱️ 05:30 – The Ambitious Plan: Lunch + Party ⏱️ 09:30 – Transitioning Out of the House ⏱️ 14:30 – Familiar Spaces & Regulation ⏱️ 20:30 – The Party Bus Moment ⏱️ 25:00 – Social Pressure & Being the Only Non-Verbal Child ⏱️ 30:00 – Slow Integration Strategy ⏱️ 34:00 – Buffets, Boundaries & Pizza Diplomacy ⏱️ 37:00 – Singing Happy Birthday & Pattern Recognition ⏱️ 40:00 – Leaving on a High ⏱️ 42:30 – Ben’s Week Ahead: Performance Debut ⏱️ 44:30 – Solo Parenting Logistics & Sleep Realities ⏱️ 46:30 – Positive Energy Before a Busy Week ⏱️ 48:00 – Final Reminder: You’re Doing Great Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Rebuilding confidence, A new connection? & A games day | 20 févr. 2026 | 00:48:04 | |
In Episode 36 of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan reflect on a week full of quiet but powerful wins, where confidence is rebuilding, teens are choosing connection, and safe spaces are doing their job. This week includes:
As always, we want to remind you: You’re doing great. You are enough. And you’re definitely not alone. 🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world. Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life. If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations — you’re not alone here. 🔔 New episodes weekly 📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show 📧 neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 All links & platforms: 👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible 📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube 📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting #ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK 00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Episode 36 00:43 – Wins of the Week Begin 01:47 – Rebuilding Confidence at School 03:12 – Science Test Surprise & Self-Belief Repair 05:10 – Football Confidence & Peer Recognition 07:48 – Not Writing Yourself Off Too Early 09:22 – Teens Choosing to Watch Films Together 11:08 – Couch Co-op Gaming as Connection 13:30 – Resident Evil, Strategy & Shared Joy 16:42 – Why Gaming Side by Side Matters 18:55 – “Busy, Busy, Busy” & Jumping at the Moments 20:18 – Shared Teen Experiences & Safe Spaces 22:32 – SEND Gym & Inclusive Environments 24:44 – Letting Kids Play Without Ownership Battles 27:12 – Confidence Growing in Class & Sport 29:40 – The Power of Enjoying School 31:04 – Looking Ahead to Half-Term 33:20 – Flexible Planning with Teens 35:10 – Pancake Day Traditions & Low-Pressure Fun 37:23 – Wildlife Park Plans & Nostalgia 39:50 – Why These Weeks Matter 42:17 – Letting Go of Rigid Planning 44:36 – Celebrating Without Forcing Big Narratives 46:12 – Final Reflections & Gratitude 47:32 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| End of term exhaustion, sleep struggles, school stress & unexpected wins! | NeuroDADverse Ep35 | 13 févr. 2026 | 00:51:07 | |
In Episode 35 of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan navigate the penultimate week of term, and it's a busy one! Where sleep disruption, school attendance anxiety, and end-of-term exhaustion collide with some genuinely powerful parenting wins. This week includes:
This episode is about recognising progress in moments that once would have exploded and learning to trust the growth you’ve already built. 🎙️ Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world. Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life. If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations, you’re not alone here. 🔔 New episodes weekly 📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show 📧 neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 All links & platforms: 👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible 📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube 📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting #ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK 00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Episode 35 00:43 – End-of-Term Energy & Busy, Busy, Busy 02:16 – Sleep Struggles & Melatonin Conversations 06:25 – Anxiety, Bedtime & Biological Differences 10:40 – School Attendance & Emotional Load 12:38 – Why State Education Is Complicated for ND Families 13:51 – The School Bus Change (The Challenge) 16:30 – Toilet, Missed Bus & Instant Adaptation 19:13 – The Regulation Win: No Meltdown 22:02 – Time, Punctuality & Rethinking the Clock 24:17 – Break 24:47 – WIN: A Football Night at The Valley 27:26 – Headphones, Crowds & Walking in the Dark 28:09 – “They Didn’t Win… But I Had a Nice Time” 29:23 – Communication Wins & PECS Progress 33:18 – Parental Pressure & Letting It Bed In 36:34 – Looking Ahead to the Final Week of Term 38:04 – Dress-Up Days & Identity 41:41 – Choosing Princess Leia 44:22 – Assessment Anxiety & Fear of Judgement 46:38 – Planning vs Going With the Flow 47:15 – Disney Princess ADHD Energy (Merida & Vanellope) 49:20 – Why We Keep Doing This Podcast 50:36 – Final Three Reminders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Parenting ND kids in public is harder than people realise | NeuroDADverse Ep. 34 | 06 févr. 2026 | 01:00:05 | |
In Episode 34 of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan talk openly about the emotional labour of parenting neurodivergent children in public spaces, where needs are often invisible, judgment is unspoken, and parents are quietly doing everything they can to hold it together. This week includes a school trip full of transitions, waiting, and unexpected kindness; ongoing school avoidance challenges; and thoughtful reflections on ADHD medication, communication, and supporting independence without withdrawing support too early. In this episode, we discuss:
🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world. Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life. If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations, you’re not alone here. 🔔 New episodes weekly 📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show 📧 neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 All links & platforms: 👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible 📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube 📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting #ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK 00:00 – Welcome & What This Episode Is Really About 00:43 – Introducing the Week & Setting the Tone 01:51 – Three Words of the Week 03:20 – School Trips, Transitions & Emotional Load 05:07 – Unexpected Changes & Parent Anxiety 06:23 – Public Spaces, Waiting & Regulation 08:19 – Being “On Show” as a Parent 09:54 – Invisible Disability & Why Help Isn’t Offered 11:34 – Teachers, Trust & Shared Understanding 13:27 – Getting to the Bus: When Timing Really Matters 15:24 – Transitions Are the Hard Part 16:38 – Busy Cafés, Observers & Internal Panic 18:02 – Protecting Without Restraining 19:14 – If This Were Visible, Would It Be Different? 20:29 – Learning for the Next Trip 21:55 – Every Parent Is Meeting a Different Need 23:14 – Community, Football & Shared ND Spaces 24:06 – CHALLENGE: School Avoidance & Emotional Sadness 26:01 – Communication, Creativity & Masking 27:23 – When Progress Isn’t Linear 28:57 – Quality of Experience Over Attendance Numbers 30:21 – Break 31:08 – WIN: A Regulated School Trip 32:18 – Feeling Safe Enough to Talk to Other Parents 33:56 – Waiting Is Still Hard 35:07 – Why Adaptive Spaces Matter 36:29 – Professionalism & ND-Aware Environments 38:16 – Safe Peer Connections 39:57 – Zooming Out: Why This Was a Big Win 41:21 – Loving School, Hating the Transition 42:41 – Gamifying Transitions 44:37 – ADHD Medication Update 46:09 – Communication Improvements & Emotional Insight 47:49 – Explaining Feelings Without Apologising 49:29 – When Thoughts Go Quiet (and Come Back) 51:07 – Sensory Awareness & Self-Regulation 52:25 – Healthy Anxiety vs Harmful Pressure 53:06 – Supporting Independence Gradually 54:43 – Looking Ahead to the Week 55:43 – A House Full of Laughter (Big Win) 56:41 – Quiet Weeks & Holding the Calm 58:41 – Final Reflections & Community Thanks 59:17 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| When nothing goes 'wrong' and why that matters & ND parenting reflections | NeuroDADverse Ep 33 | 30 janv. 2026 | 00:53:19 | |
In Episode 33 of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan reflect on a week that felt unfamiliar in the best possible way, with no major crises, fewer challenges, and small signs of optimism beginning to return. This episode explores what it’s like when neurodivergent family life settles temporarily and how hard it can be to trust calm when you’ve spent years braced for the next difficulty. In this episode, we talk about: •What it means when challenges don’t dominate the week •Continued school absence — handled with kindness and patience •Processing time, delayed progress, and realistic expectations •Seeing optimism re-emerge after long periods of low self-esteem •Hearing your child say “I’m good at this” — and why that matters •Table dinners, shared conversations, and emotional safety •Respectful disagreement and confidence at home •When optimism returns quietly, not dramatically •Parenting without forcing positivity •Why progress often shows up as calm, not celebration •Reflecting on how far your child has come — without tempting fate •Adult neurodivergence, diagnosis curiosity, and workplace adjustments •The emotional weight of exploring your own neurodivergence as a parent 🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world. Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life. If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations, you’re not alone here. 🔔 New episodes weekly 📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show 📧 neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 All links & platforms: 👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible 📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube 📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting #ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK Chapter Breakdown (≈53 minutes) 00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Episode 33 00:43 – Birthday Energy & Setting the Tone 02:20 – What This Podcast Is (and Why Calm Weeks Matter) 03:55 – Deciding Whether There Even Is a Challenge This Week 04:32 – Three Words of the Week: Happy, Joyful, Calm 06:13 – Continued School Absence & Kind Communication 07:49 – When “Nothing Going Wrong” Feels Unfamiliar 08:49 – Finding a Win in the Absence of Crisis 09:44 – Optimism Returning After Low Self-Esteem 10:42 – Hearing “I’m Good at This” From Your Child 11:32 – Why That Moment Hits So Hard 12:48 – Table Dinners & Safe Family Conversations 13:31 – Respectful Disagreement as a Confidence Marker 14:47 – Reflecting Without Over-Analysing 15:46 – Small Wins That Signal Big Emotional Shifts 17:09 – Literacy, Subtitles & Motivation to Read 18:52 – Letting Curiosity Lead Learning 20:13 – Birthday Surprise & Lightness in the Pod 22:32 – Looking Ahead to the Week 24:06 – Medication Check-Ins & Ongoing Adjustments 26:22 – Youth Clubs, Identity & Social Safety 29:18 – When Leaving the House Takes Emotional Maths 31:08 – Gratitude for Things Feeling Lighter 32:43 – Chronicling Progress Over Time 33:56 – Bath-Time Scores & Regulation Wins 35:22 – Progress Isn’t Linear (Jellyfish Parenting Analogy) 37:21 – Incoming Assessments & Mixed Feelings 39:19 – Adult Neurodivergence & Emotional Readiness 42:34 – Diagnosis, Identity & Reframing the Past 45:05 – Neurodiversity in the Workplace 48:04 – Reasonable Adjustments Without Labels 50:41 – Society, Systems & Where We Still Need Change 52:06 – Final Reflections & Sign-Off 52:48 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Starting ADHD medication, School attendance and Frankie not knowing | NeuroDADverse Ep 32 | 23 janv. 2026 | 00:49:58 | |
In Episode 33 of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan have one of their most honest conversations yet, navigating the early days of ADHD medication, school attendance challenges, emotional overwhelm, and the quiet work of protecting a child’s self-esteem. This episode explores what happens when support does help… but also brings unexpected side effects, emotional floodgates, and difficult parental decisions. It’s about staying steady when everything feels fragile. We talk about:
00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Episode 33 01:05 – What This Podcast Is Really About 02:20 – Three Words of the Week: Medicate, Educate, Floodgate 03:55 – ADHD Diagnosis Recap & Medication Trial Begins 05:30 – Side Effects: Lethargy, Dry Mouth & Sleep Issues 07:40 – When Medication Lowers the Mask 09:10 – Overstimulation After School & Emotional Release 11:05 – Understanding Floodgates vs Regression 13:10 – Protecting Self-Esteem After Past School Trauma 15:45 – The Fear of “Going Back There” 18:10 – School Attendance Challenges Shift Between Siblings 20:35 – Supporting Two ND Kids With Different Needs 23:00 – Sleep Disruption & Night-Time Regulation 25:15 – Holding Boundaries Without Shame 28:05 – Break 28:30 – Wins: Delayed Communication & Joyful Language 31:10 – Why Function Matters More Than Milestones 33:20 – Sitting in Joy Without Over-Analysing It 35:05 – Teen Communication, Trust & Timing 38:00 – Creating a Safe Space for Hard Conversations 40:25 – Why Kids Talk When They Feel Secure 42:30 – Parenting ND Teens Without Comparison 45:00 – Looking Ahead: School, Work & Energy Management 47:30 – Final Reflections: Kindness, Patience & Perspective 49:00 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising neurodivergent kids in a neurotypical world. If this episode resonates — whether you’re autistic, ADHD, a SEND parent, or still figuring it all out — you belong in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly, honest conversations about neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or comment to help other families find us 📧 Contact: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Links, episodes & socials: 👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music & Audible 📺 Watch full episodes & clips on YouTube #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDFamily #AutismParenting #ADHDDads #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| ADHD Diagnosis, Identity Realisation & Letting Kids Process at Their Own Pace | NeuroDADverse Ep.31 | 16 janv. 2026 | 00:55:11 | |
Welcome to Episode 31 of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan talk openly about what happens after a diagnosis, when clarity arrives, but emotions are still catching up. This week includes a major family milestone for Ben: a formal ADHD diagnosis, and the complex feelings that follow. Relief. Validation. Grief. Confusion. Pride. And the quiet work of helping a child rebuild their sense of self after years of being told they were “too much” or “not enough.” In this episode, we discuss:
This episode is about holding space rather than rushing solutions, and remembering that diagnosis is not an ending — it’s context. As always, we want to remind you: You’re doing great. You are enough. And you are definitely not alone. 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 31 00:44 – What This Podcast Is (and Why We Keep Doing It) 01:47 – Three Words of the Week 03:36 – A Big Medical Update in Our Household 04:36 – ADHD Diagnosis: Why Clarity Matters 06:12 – Advocating in the Clinician Appointment 08:10 – When Kids Can’t Name Their Strengths 10:00 – Self-Esteem, Identity & Being “Too Much” 12:40 – Masking, Unmasking & Emotional Processing 14:55 – Grief After Diagnosis (For Kids and Parents) 17:20 – Giving Space Instead of Explanations 19:35 – Temperature Regulation & Sensory Overload 22:10 – Behaviour as Communication 24:56 – Medication: Cautious Hope, Not Pressure 26:42 – Why This Is a Step, Not a Solution 29:08 – Oscar’s Birthday & Putting Kids First 31:20 – Sibling Thoughtfulness & Unexpected Empathy 33:26 – Cinema Trips as Safe Spaces 35:01 – Regulation Wins in Busy Environments 36:52 – Pain, Perception & ND Bodies 38:32 – Missing the Bus & Learning Consequences Safely 40:13 – Social Stories, Visual Supports & Transitions 42:42 – Supermarkets, Sensory Load & Progress Over Time 45:09 – Small Wins That Change Family Life 46:40 – Looking Ahead Without Overloading 48:23 – Attendance, Energy & Realistic Weeks 50:41 – Why We Don’t Force Traditions 52:25 – Closing Reflections 53:47 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world. 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us 📧 Get in touch: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Find us in all the usual places: 🎧 Listen on: •Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseApple •Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify 📺 Watch full episodes + clips: Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify YouTube: youtube.com/@NeuroDADversePodcast 📲 Follow & connect: •TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurodadverse •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodadverse/ •Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582530685142 •LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurodadverse-podcast/?viewAsMember=true 🔗 Hashtags: #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| A New Year, Big Transitions & a Broken Foot | NeuroDADverse EP.30 | 09 janv. 2026 | 00:59:50 | |
Episode 30 🎧 In the NeuroDADverse this week, Ben and Dan return for the first episode of 2026, reflecting on the strange reset that comes with a new year, especially when neurodivergent family life doesn’t pause for calendars. This week includes a significant medical scare, a broken foot, hospital visits, difficult sensory decisions, and the careful balance between safety, regulation, and trust. Alongside the challenges, the episode becomes a powerful reflection on how far their children and they as parents have come. In this episode, we talk about: •The emotional weight of returning to routine after Christmas •Managing medical situations with ND children •Pain stimming, safety concerns, and regulation trade-offs •Hospital visits, advocacy, and processing time •When independence and vulnerability coexist •How injuries highlight both progress and ongoing support needs •Calm wins after chaotic weeks •Reflecting honestly on the highs and lows of 2025 •Why resilience doesn’t mean “finding things easy” •Hopes for 2026 that focus on joy, autonomy, and self-belief •Letting go of pressure and trusting your child’s pace 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world. 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us 📧 Get in touch: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Find us in all the usual places: linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: •Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseApple •Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify 📺 Watch full episodes + clips: Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify YouTube: youtube.com/@NeuroDADversePodcast 📲 Follow & connect: •TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurodadverse •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodadverse/ •Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582530685142 •LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurodadverse-podcast/?viewAsMember=true TImestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 30 & the Start of 2026 00:44 – Returning to Routine After Christmas 01:48 – Three Words of the Week: Reset, React & Rejoice 03:36 – Medical Updates & Subtle Worries 05:22 – Reframing Wins vs Challenges 06:00 – Stimming, Safety & Pain Feedback 08:56 – When Regulation Behaviours Become Concerning 11:58 – Balancing Acceptance With Protection 15:09 – Understanding Pain Stims & Sensory Feedback 17:33 – When You Just Need to Observe, Not React 20:13 – Family Gatherings & Unexpected Injuries 21:09 – The Fall, the Foot & Processing What Happened 22:49 – Hospital Decisions & Giving Thinking Time 24:54 – X-Rays, Uncertainty & Breaking the News 26:04 – The Walking Boot & Sensory Challenges 27:11 – Trust, Advocacy & Medical Trauma 28:41 – Independence Isn’t Linear 29:34 – Living With Ongoing Support Needs 30:33 – Break & Reset 31:23 – Wins of the Week & Finding Calm Again 33:58 – Shared Meals & Regulation Wins 38:20 – Quiet New Year Moments That Mattered 41:21 – Calm as a Win (Even If It’s Boring) 42:28 – Family Rituals & Flexibility 44:18 – Looking Ahead: School, Birthdays & Puberty 45:36 – Pride, Fear & Letting Go of Complacency 48:01 – Reflecting on 2025: Resilience & Growth 49:33 – Seeing Progress When Daily Life Is Hard 51:06 – Communication Beyond Words 53:18 – Hopes for 2026 Without Pressure 55:16 – Joy Over Achievement 57:31 – A Reminder of How Far You’ve Come 58:50 – Final Reflections & Community Thanks 59:22 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. 🔗 Hashtags: #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Why Christmas Is Harder Than It Looks for Neurodivergent Families | NeuroDADverse Ep.29 | 02 janv. 2026 | 01:10:44 | |
Episode 29 🎧 This week, Ben and Dan reflect on the strange, in-between days of Christmas and New Year, a time full of transitions, heightened expectations, social pressure, and emotional regulation challenges for neurodivergent children and their families. This episode explores what Christmas actually feels like inside an ND household: the joy, the overwhelm, the near-meltdowns, the patience required, and the moments of magic that arrive when expectations are softened. In this episode, we talk about: •Why “betwixtmas” can be especially dysregulating •Managing multiple social events and transitions in a short space of time •The emotional toll of public spaces, crowds, and sensory overload •Parenting through near-meltdowns — calmly, visibly, and without shame •When your child feels judged, even if nothing is said •Letting go of rigid Christmas plans •Why familiarity matters more than tradition •Teen independence, first social outings, and trust •Food wins, surprise flexibility, and regulation through choice •The power of calm, patience, and kindness (even when you’re being watched) Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Betwixtmas 01:48 – A Meaningful Christmas Gift & Facing Anxiety 04:26 – Three Words of the Week: Magic, Patience & Negotiation 06:02 – Busy Christmas Schedules & Multiple Transitions 07:48 – Social Energy, Table Time & Regulation 08:45 – The Challenge of Transitions Between Events 09:36 – Why ND Kids Can’t “Just Drop In” 10:59 – Leaving Places Is a Process, Not a Moment 12:42 – Managing Expectations Around Family Gatherings 14:54 – Feeling Observed While Parenting in Public 16:13 – Vulnerability, Judgment & Staying Calm 18:05 – Simplifying Language for Regulation 19:21 – Trusting Others With Your ND Child 20:08 – The Best Transitions Are Child-Led 21:34 – Comparing This Christmas to Last Year 22:37 – Growth Doesn’t Always Look Calm 24:56 – Lowering Expectations to Reduce Stress 26:10 – When Kids Say “Now” and Adults Say “Tomorrow” 27:40 – Being the Parent You Talk About on the Podcast 28:27 – Respectful Family Spaces & Shared Understanding 29:23 – Gift Shopping, Crowds & Sensory Overload 30:31 – Advocating Without Pushing Too Far 32:08 – Gender Expression, Visibility & Public Reaction 33:19 – Near-Meltdown in a Busy Supermarket 35:09 – The World Isn’t Built for Our Kids (and That Hurts) 36:10 – Food Wins & Unexpected Flexibility 37:34 – Returning to the Wins After Regulation 38:54 – Building Traditions That Work for Your Family 41:00 – Letting Kids Lead the Day 43:43 – Not Chasing a “Typical” Christmas 45:09 – First Independent Social Outings 47:29 – Trust, Pride & Letting Go 48:41 – Shared Rituals & Christmas Magic 50:41 – Surprise Gifts & Removing Wish-List Pressure 52:16 – Letting Kids Play at Their Own Pace 52:56 – Shared Gaming, Connection & Calm 54:34 – A Diagnosed Christmas & New Awareness 55:18 – Expectations vs Reality 56:59 – Why Cats Might Be Regulating (Maybe!) 57:31 – Looking Ahead to New Year 58:29 – Low-Pressure Gatherings & Familiar Spaces 01:00:23 – Family Games, Choice & Autonomy 01:02:36 – Cold Water Swims & Regulation 01:06:53 – Six Months of The NeuroDADverse 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world. 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🌐 Find us in all the usual places: linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: •Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseApple •Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify 📺 Watch full episodes YouTube: youtube.com/@NeuroDADversePodcast 📲 Follow & connect: •TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurodadverse •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodadverse/ •Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582530685142 •LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurodadverse-podcast/?viewAsMember=true #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Attendance Letters, Festive Anxiety & Holding It Together as ND Parents| NeuroDADverse Ep.28 | 26 déc. 2025 | 01:02:40 | |
Episode 28 🎧 Welcome to The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan sit down for a festive end-of-term reflection unpacking a week filled with school pressure, academic anxiety, sensory challenges, and unexpectedly joyful family moments. As Christmas approaches, they talk honestly about how neurodivergent children experience transitions, expectations, and traditions very differently and why calm, familiarity, and flexibility matter more than “doing Christmas right.” In this episode, we discuss:
This episode is about ending the year gently, recognising growth, naming challenges honestly, and allowing yourself to enjoy the wins without over-analysing them. YouTube Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Intro & Welcome to The NeuroDADverse 00:44 – Christmas, Time Off & Parental Gratitude 02:18 – What This Podcast Is (and Isn’t) 03:12 – Three Words of the Week: Academics, Return & Traditions 04:36 – Final Week of School & Big Days for ND Kids 05:30 – Cinema Trips, Christmas Lights & Social Energy 06:27 – Biggest Challenge: Sleep, Routine & Regulation 07:25 – Seasonal Changes & Their Impact on ND Children 09:01 – Dentist Anxiety & New Environments 10:14 – When Things Go Well… Until They Don’t 12:48 – Double Transitions & Why “Quick Drop-Ins” Can Backfire 14:06 – Regulation Over Social Expectations 15:04 – Why ND Reasoning Is Often Misunderstood 17:23 – Loud Noises, First Experiences & Learning Over Time 19:14 – Academics, Attendance & School Pressure 20:09 – Receiving “The Letter” & Emotional Reactions 21:20 – When Kids Can’t Narrate Their School Experience 22:52 – Zooming Out to See Progress 24:40 – Break 25:07 – Festive Reset & Returning With Wins 25:33 – WIN: Dentist Visit Success (Years in the Making) 29:25 – The Power of Patience & the Right Professionals 31:30 – Christmas Decorations as Regulation 36:16 – Letting Kids Enjoy the Changes 38:54 – Traditions That Grow With Your Family 41:00 – The “Franken-Tree” & ND Creativity 42:17 – Making Your Own Christmas Traditions 43:48 – Cinema Trips as Safe Spaces 44:58 – Confidence Returning: Football & Belonging 46:20 – Managing Expectations With Visiting Family 47:06 – Being “In Charge of the Chaos” 47:19 – Looking Ahead to the Christmas Week 49:03 – Boxing Day, Friends & Full Houses 52:04 – Flooded Pubs, Flexibility & Letting Go 53:08 – Do We Need a Bath-Time Score Every Week? 54:39 – Chronicling Joy Without Forcing Drama 55:57 – Surprise Gifts & Stepping Outside Comfort Zones 58:33 – A Quick Reality Check on Challenges 59:19 – Dentist Trauma & Repairing Trust 01:01:02 – Festive Sign-Off & Final Reflections 01:02:11 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world. 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us 📧 Get in touch: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Find us in all the usual places: 🎧 Listen on: •Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseApple 📺 Watch full episodes + clips: Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify YouTube: youtube.com/@NeuroDADversePodcast #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| School Refusal, Christmas Changes & ND Parenting Reality | 19 déc. 2025 | 00:55:42 | |
Episode 27 🎧 This week in our NeuroDADverse, Dan and Ben return together to unpack a week shaped by school anxiety, big educational transitions, and the invisible pressure that builds at Christmas for neurodivergent children and their families. As routines shift and environments change, they reflect on what happens when school suddenly feels “too much,” how parents spot the early warning signs, and why this time of year can quietly amplify stress for ND kids. In this episode, we talk about: •When children begin to say “I’ve done enough school” •School refusal vs emotional burnout •Navigating a new school setting with cautious optimism •Why parents downplay big wins to protect emotional safety •The anxiety of wondering: “Is this the start of something harder?” •Christmas decorations, sensory overload, and disrupted safe spaces •The importance of predictability and quiet spaces •Multi-generational family Christmases and ND dynamics •Tradition, memory-making, and the joy of familiar rituals •Why small successes matter more than perfect weeks •Bath-time scores, regulation wins, and calmer evenings This is an honest, reflective episode about change management in neurodivergent family life, sitting with uncertainty, celebrating progress carefully, and holding space for both joy and worry at the same time. Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Welcome & What This Episode Is About 01:10 – Wins, Challenges & Why This Format Matters 02:08 – Three Words of the Week: “Christmas, Changes & Coincidence” 03:27 – Family Events, Big Days & Emotional Load 04:12 – CHALLENGE: When School Suddenly Feels Too Much 05:14 – Drawing, Social Pressure & Year 9 Transitions 06:11 – Push Factors vs Pull Factors in School Refusal 06:32 – A New School Setting & A Cautious Fresh Start 07:24 – Why We Say “It’s Just Tuesday” 08:30 – Managing Expectations Without Killing Hope 09:30 – Change Fatigue & Emotional Bandwidth 10:17 – Kids Stepping Up & Independent Bedtimes 11:20 – Noticing Behaviour Shifts Before They Escalate 13:00 – Parental Anxiety: “Is This the Start of a Thing?” 15:40 – Christmas at School & Sensory Disruption 17:02 – The Power of Unchanged, Quiet Spaces 18:48 – Sitting in the Joy Without Over-Analysing It 19:22 – WIN: Unexpected ND Parenting Connections 20:18 – Big Family Christmases & Shared ND Space 21:13 – Traditions, Handmade Memories & Emotional Safety 22:24 – Chaos, Cousins & Collective Regulation 23:27 – Why Familiar People Matter More Than Perfect Settings 24:44 – Break & Reset 24:58 – WIN: Small Moments That Meant a Lot 27:23 – Christmas Deliveries, Surprise & ND Joy 29:42 – Looking Ahead to the Week Ahead 31:02 – Reflecting on the First Episodes & How Far You’ve Come 33:17 – Early Wins, First Words & Big Milestones Remembered 35:17 – Communication Growth & Emotional Safety 37:20 – Avoiding Future Fear Spirals 38:50 – Final Week of School & Mixed Emotions 41:27 – Dentist Visits, Christmas Lights & Flexibility 43:37 – Low-Pressure Festive Outings 46:14 – End-of-Term Traditions & Letting Kids Choose 49:15 – The “Franken-Tree” & Honouring ND Childhood 51:03 – Bath-Time Scores & Regulation Wins 54:09 – Talking, Trust & Growing Independence 55:15 – Closing Reflections: You’re Doing Great 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world. 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us 📧 Get in touch: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Find us in all the usual places: linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🔗 Hashtags: #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily #EmotionalRegulation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Santa Wins, Sleep Wobbles & Dan Solo podding! | NeuroDADverse Ep.26 | 12 déc. 2025 | 00:16:50 | |
In Episode 26 🎧 of The NeuroDADverse, Dan takes the mic solo for a shorter update because we know how ND life can be, work life, and Christmas life all collided at once. In this 17-minute snapshot, he shares a surprisingly joyful Santa visit, a medical challenge that’s emerging for Frankie, some sleep regression, and a week full of giggles, growth, and unexpected calm. This episode covers: • Breakfast with Santa in an ND-friendly, quiet, and genuinely magical • Exploring how refurbishment changes affect ND children • Capturing the annual Eycott's Christmas photo 📸 • Frankie’s growing confidence, interaction, and joyful giggles • Medical concerns: scalp soreness, hair loss, medicated shampoo • How to manage treatments during bath time with sensory sensitivities • Sleep disruption and what ND parents instinctively fear next • Leaning on grandparent support during a heavy work schedule • How small developments (like instant responses to cues) show big progress • Bath-time score of the week: a solid 8/10 • Looking ahead to school trips, Christmas prep, work do’s, and family balancing It’s a warm, honest, bite-size check-in that's perfect for parents who know how quickly ND weeks can shift from joy to challenge and back again. Thank you for listening. Remember: You’re doing great. You are enough. And you’re definitely not alone. YouTube Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Intro & Welcome 00:43 – Why This Is a Solo Episode 01:04 – Six Months of The NeuroDADverse 01:39 – Three Words of the Week: Santa, Doctors, Giggles 02:08 – WIN: Breakfast With Santa & ND-Friendly Environment 02:46 – Navigating the Pub Refurbishment (and Why It Mattered) 03:40 – Table Changes, Layout Changes & Frankie’s Reaction 04:04 – Quiet Sessions, Low Demand, Perfect Setup 04:56 – The Santa Visit & Annual Christmas Photo Mission 05:41 – Interacting With Santa & Familiar Faces 06:19 – Post-Santa Mood & Regulation Wins 06:38 – CHALLENGE: Frankie’s Scalp Irritation & Hair Loss 07:09 – Doctor Visit & Treatment Plan (5-Day Shampoo) 07:51 – Sensory Barriers to Medical Assessments 08:11 – Bath-Time Adjustments for Treatment 08:30 – CHALLENGE: Sleep Regression Begins 08:55 – Why Sleep Loss Worries ND Parents 09:22 – Outro & Contact Info 09:34 – Looking Ahead: School Trips & Christmas Card Post Run 09:57 – Busy Work Week & Grandparent Support 10:20 – Longer Days & Missing School Runs 10:50 – Christmas Socials & Work Do’s 11:15 – Why “Giggles” Was a Word of the Week 11:54 – Frankie Showing More Joy & Instant Responses 12:40 – Watching Molecule & Shared Humour Moments 13:07 – Joy as Development: Why Giggles Matter 13:28 – Bath-Time Score: Solid 8/10 Despite Treatment 14:17 – Managing 3–5 Minute Shampoo Time (ND Perspective) 15:10 – Wrapping Up & Missing Ben 15:34 – Six Months In: Reflecting on Growth 16:07 – Please Like, Subscribe & Reach Out 16:16 – Final Message: You’re Doing Great 16:23 – Outro 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world. 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us 📧 Get in touch: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Find us in all the usual places: linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseApple • Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify • Audible & Amazon Music: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/NeuroDADverse/B0FXJV17KH?qid=1763323041&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=tMH2cQAYxDmOdlpl&pf_rd_p=c6e316b8-14da-418d-8f91-b3cad83c5183&pf_rd_r=PPN8ZHFZRCX0BZ91KSZT&plink=vQry2NiYQ0ztmomX&pageLoadId=ajCthN1tXq7j5u5r&creativeId=41e85e98-10b8-40e2-907d-6b663f04a42d&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1 📺 Watch full episodes + clips: Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify YouTube: youtube.com/@NeuroDADversePodcast 🔗 Hashtags: #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily #EmotionalRegulation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| School Refusal, Big Emotions & Unexpected Wins | NeuroDADverse Ep.25 | 05 déc. 2025 | 01:00:27 | |
🎧 Episode 26 of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan open up about a week full of twists, school decisions, sickness bugs, sensory waves, and the unpredictable rhythms of raising neurodivergent children. From navigating college open days to managing school refusal, advocating for reasonable adjustments, supporting anxious teens, and finding small yet meaningful wins, this episode is a grounded, honest chronicle of ND family life. We talk about: • Why sudden staff changes in services can feel devastating • How ND kids often self-advocate before we realise • School refusal vs genuine burnout • Supporting siblings in different emotional places • How anticipation & predictability reduce dysregulation • Sensory needs, stimming tools, and grounding aids • Bath-time scores (including a LIVE result! • Celebrating the small wins that don’t look like wins to anyone else 00:00 – Intro 01:08 – Weekly Check-In & Three Words 02:30 – Sickness, Fatigue & Emotional Load of the Week 03:20 – College Open Days & Supporting Teen Decision-Making 05:17 – Staff Changes, Transitions & The Anxiety They Create 06:43 – Reasonable Adjustments & Preparing for Change 09:22 – Managing Change & Behaviour Around New Staff 10:30 – Sleep, Proximity & Emotional Co-Regulation 12:29 – Teens, Nurture & Independence Cues 15:17 – Encouraging Independence vs Overguiding 17:03 – School Refusal: Early Signs & Emotional Fatigue 19:21 – Sibling Experiences: Oscar’s School Choices 20:28 – Reasonable Advocacy vs Avoidance: Finding the Balance 22:27 – Behaviour at the End of Term: Why Everything Unravels 23:24 – Wins of the Week 24:30 – Anticipation, Stability & Building Predictability 26:14 – Reducing Dysregulation Through Planning 27:43 – The Power of Being Calm as a Parent 28:48 – Reflecting on Early Years 30:10 – Teens, Conversation & Collaborative Reasoning 31:04 – Frankie Joins the Podcast (Guest Appearance!) 33:13 – Stimming Tools, Pain Stims & Grounding Aids 38:01 – Navigating Social Expectations Around Extended Family 41:26 – Curiosity vs Judgement in ND Interactions 45:53 – Wins, Food, Appetite & Unexpected Joys 46:53 – Looking Ahead to the Week Ahead 48:30 – Family Christmas Meals & Managing Overwhelm 49:53 – Football, Community & Shared Experiences 50:45 – Inclusive Christmas Spaces & Future Ideas 51:41 – Bath-Time Scores 55:07 – Hair Dryers, Sensory Needs & Hot/Cold Overwhelm 57:47 – A Big Score and Big Smiles 58:47 – Auto-Zoom Madness & End-of-Episode Laughter 59:59 – Wrap-Up 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us 📧 Get in touch: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Find us in all the usual places: linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| College Tours, Soft Play Flashbacks & EHCP wins | NeuroDADverse Ep.24 | 28 nov. 2025 | 01:02:28 | |
Episode 24 🎧 This week's NeuroDADverse finds Ben and Dan reflecting on a week that swung between emotional breakthroughs, nostalgic setbacks, and unexpected moments of calm. From college open evenings and ND overwhelm, to wildlife parks full of memories (both joyful and fraught), they open up about: • Supporting your neurodivergent child through college choices • How to scaffold independence without pushing too hard • Sensory overload in busy social spaces • Flashbacks to difficult soft play experiences and how far we’ve come • Small victories: shorter bath times, self-chosen outfits, sibling support • The PINCH framework for ADHD engagement • And one of the dads admits defeat… cleaning boots in exchange for a tidy room If you’re juggling parenting, planning for the future, and trying to enjoy the little wins in between, this episode’s for you. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome to The NeuroDADverse 01:00 – Our Week in Three Words 03:30 – Frankie’s Transport “Standoff” (Or Not?) 06:00 – Frank Steals the Show (Guest Appearance!) 10:00 – Challenge: Navigating ND College Open Events 15:00 – Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn 18:00 – ND-Friendly Course Environments and Scaffolding 22:00 – Mabel’s Social Wins and Self-Discovery 25:00 – The PINCH Framework (Play, Interest, Novelty…) 29:00 – College Conversations Over Pizza 32:00 – College 2: Tech, Media, Animation and Proud Dad Moments 36:00 – Win of the Week: Wildlife Park Throwback 41:00 – Soft Play Flashbacks and Boundary Holding 46:00 – Oscar the Gentle Big Kid 49:00 – Bath Time Transformation: From 4 Hours to 30 Minutes 52:00 – Tidy Room Deal-Making and Emotional Exchanges 55:00 – Looking Ahead: Christmas Chaos Incoming 58:00 – Inclusivity Rant: If It’s About ND Kids, Make It Accessible 60:00 – New Podcast Feature (Maybe…) and Wrap-Up 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world. 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us 📧 Get in touch: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Find us in all the usual places: linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseApple • Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify • Audible & Amazon Music: https://www.audible.co.uk/podcast/NeuroDADverse/B0FXJV17KH?qid=1763323041&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=tMH2cQAYxDmOdlpl&pf_rd_p=c6e316b8-14da-418d-8f91-b3cad83c5183&pf_rd_r=PPN8ZHFZRCX0BZ91KSZT&plink=vQry2NiYQ0ztmomX&pageLoadId=ajCthN1tXq7j5u5r&creativeId=41e85e98-10b8-40e2-907d-6b663f04a42d&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1 📺 Watch full episodes + clips: Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify YouTube: youtube.com/@NeuroDADversePodcast 📲 Follow & connect: • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurodadverse • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodadverse/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582530685142 • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurodadverse-podcast/?viewAsMember=true 🔗 Hashtags: #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily #EmotionalRegulation #CollegeChoice #ADHDFamilyLife #SENDSupport #ParentingPodcast #BathTimeBattles #SoftPlayMeltdowns Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| School Struggles. Sobriety Milestones. & Kitchen showdowns | NeuroDADverse Ep.23 | 21 nov. 2025 | 00:56:36 | |
🎧 Episode 23 of The NeuroDADverse podcast, Dan and Ben open up about a week filled with radical acceptance, a kitchen showdown and a sobriety milestone. We unpack:
If you’ve ever felt like school isn’t built for your neurodivergent child or like you’re parenting without a map, this one’s for you. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: Welcome to The NeuroDADverse 01:00 – Our Week in Three Words 03:30 – Dan’s Challenge: Frankie’s School Joy & ND Development Isn’t Linear 09:00 – Ben’s Challenge: Mabel’s School Struggles and Radical Acceptance 14:00 – A System Not Built for Our Kids (Education Deep Dive) 16:45 – Curriculum Failures: Exams vs Soft Skills 20:00 – Alternative Assessment Gaps (Why video essays aren’t accepted?) 22:00 – Parenting Through It: Empathy, Not Shame 23:00 – Wins of the Week: Ben’s 8-Year Sobriety Milestone 28:00 – Movie Night Meltdown: Frankenstein, ADHD, and Parental Projection 33:00 – Film, Themes, and Family Banter 38:00 – The Joy of the Rollercoaster: Parenting and Cinema 42:00 – Looking Ahead: Colleges, Appointments & Zoo Trips 45:00 – Cinema as a Safe Space: Oscar’s Journey 48:30 – Bath Time Scores: From Epic to Exhausting 52:00 – Reflections on Growth, Support & Letting Go 55:30 – Outro: You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. You’re Not Alone. 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world. 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us 📧 Get in touch: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Find us in all the usual places: 🎧 Listen on: •Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseApple •Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify 📺 Watch full episodes + clips: Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify YouTube: youtube.com/@NeuroDADversePodcast 🔗 Hashtags: #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily #EmotionalRegulation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| When Independence Gets Messy: Letting Go, Holding On, and Parenting Neurodivergent Teens | NeuroDADverse Ep.22 | 14 nov. 2025 | 01:16:16 | |
🎧 Episode 22 This week, Ben and Dan dive into the beautiful chaos of raising neurodivergent teens, that messy middle ground where independence collides with anxiety, sensory overwhelm, and the parental urge to hold on just a little longer. From fireworks and dark winter nights to bath time routines and growing social freedom, the dads unpack how it feels to let their kids explore the world while learning to manage their own fears and expectations. Ben shares a milestone moment as Oscar and Mabel manage a successful sleepover at Nana’s, complete with chips, transitions, and surprising confidence. Meanwhile, Dan opens up about navigating firework anxiety and independence, the push-and-pull between safety and trust that every ND parent knows too well. Key Topics Covered •Independence milestones for ND teens (first solo outings & sleepovers) •Sensory triggers during public events (fireworks, noise, transitions) •Parental anxiety vs child autonomy •The psychology of letting go and building trust •Managing expectations at school and parents’ evenings •Supporting stimming behaviour without shame •Communicating ND needs to extended family (grandparents, babysitters) •Why positive reinforcement matters more than “fixing” behaviour •Ongoing journey of bath time independence & routine building As always, the conversation is honest, heartfelt, and full of humour, proof that small wins can feel huge when you’re parenting in the NeuroDADverse. YouTube Chapter Breakdown (⏱️ 87 mins total) 00:00 – Intro: Welcome Back to The NeuroDADverse 02:00 – Three Words of the Week: Future, Family & Trust 04:30 – Live Challenge: The “Bath Time Independence” Experiment 07:00 – Fireworks, Fear & Letting Go (Mabel’s Night Out) 10:00 – Parenting Anxiety in Public: Crowds, Noise & Control 14:00 – Ben’s Challenge: Managing Routine Changes with Frankie 18:00 – Why Home Feels Safest: Light, Noise & Sensory Shifts 20:00 – Overthinking vs. Underthinking: How ND Brains Process the Day 26:00 – Real Wins: Oscar’s Regulation & Routine 29:00 – Sleepover Success: Transitions, Chips & Nana’s House 33:00 – Building Trust Through Small Steps 37:00 – Parents’ Evenings: Hope, Optimism & Hidden Pride 43:00 – Why Positive Feedback Matters for ND Parents 46:00 – Frankie’s Progress: Understanding, Stimming & Self-Expression 52:00 – Public Stimming & Removing the Shame 55:00 – Babysitting ND Kids: How to Support Without the Guilt 59:00 – Communication, Curiosity & Confidence-Building 62:00 – Week Ahead: Open Evenings & Post-16 Planning 65:00 – Bath Time Scoreboard: Independence vs. Support 71:00 – Tracking the Wins (and the Data) 77:00 – Emotional Regulation & Time Blindness 83:00 – Reflections, Reminders & Our Three Things 86:00 – Outro: “You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. You’re Not Alone.” 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🌐 Find us in all the usual places: linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: •Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseApple •Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify 📺 Watch full episodes + clips: Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify YouTube: youtube.com/@NeuroDADversePodcast 📲 Follow & connect: •TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurodadverse •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodadverse/ •Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582530685142 •LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurodadverse-podcast/?viewAsMember=true Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| A Half term of Roadworks, Fireworks & A Birthday | NeuroDADverse Ep. 21 | 07 nov. 2025 | 01:02:51 | |
🎧 Episode 21 of The NeuroDADverse Podcast This week, Dan and Ben find themselves trapped between the chaos of roadworks, fireworks, overstimulation and somehow still manage to come out with a few surprising wins. From drilling-induced dysregulation and unexpected sprinting escapes, to carved pumpkins and new friendship breakthroughs, the dads reflect on the difficult balance of structure, flexibility, and self-regulation for kids and for them. Inside this one: • Frankie vs the Roadworks: noise, shutdowns, and sprint escapes • Fireworks anxiety and bedtime chaos • Halloween and birthday overstimulation • Sensory challenges and coat refusals • Social wins for Mabel, Oscar & Frankie • When parenting teenagers means letting go just enough • Massive shoutout to a truly accommodating roadwork crew 🙌 . Key Topics Covered • Auditory overwhelm from roadworks and fireworks • Coat refusal, temperature regulation, and compromise • Social and sensory growth moments (despite dysregulation) • Navigating teenage ND parenting with evolving structure • Club transitions, visual communication, and calm routines • Unexpected kindness from local workers • Carving pumpkins, dancing around overstimulation, and community wins YouTube Chapter Breakdown (⏱️ Accurate Timecodes) Episode Duration: ~63 minutes 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 21 01:15 – Three-word week check-in (USP & UPS) 03:00 – Half-term rundown & solo parenting update 06:00 – Roadworks chaos: Frankie’s dysregulation explained 09:45 – Stimming, YouTube & coat resistance 13:30 – The sprint escape to Nanny’s house 18:00 – Fireworks and bedtime disruption 22:30 – Navigating coat refusal vs warmth 25:10 – Frankie’s communication growth through visuals 29:00 – Halloween prep & costume confusion 32:00 – The pumpkin carving miracle 35:30 – Ben’s challenge: parenting teens differently 39:10 – Letting go of structure (without giving up) 42:00 – Mabel’s birthday & social win 46:00 – Halloween trick-or-treat joy 49:00 – Frankie’s club transitions & unexpected ease 52:00 – Community kindness: the road crew MVPs 56:00 – Bath-time wins & toothbrushing milestones 59:30 – Forecast for fireworks weekend 61:00 – PSA: Dadspace.co.uk + outro reminder 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world. 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us 📧 Get in touch: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Find us in all the usual places or links below linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseApple 📺 Watch full episodes + clips: Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify YouTube: youtube.com/@NeuroDADversePodcast 📲 Follow & connect: • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurodadverse • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodadverse/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582530685142 • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurodadverse-podcast/?viewAsMember=true 🔗 Hashtags: #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily #EmotionalRegulation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Haircut Fallout, Halloween Plans & School Photos | NeuroDADverse Ep.20 | 31 oct. 2025 | 01:02:20 | |
🎧 Episode 20 - Happy Halloween! 🎃👻 This week’s episode lands just in time for Halloween and it’s full of the real-life trick-or-treat moments of parenting neurodivergent kids. Dan opens up about a tough week navigating the fallout of Frankie’s haircut last week and the emotional sting that comes when connection feels lost. Ben reflects on his own experiences with Oscar’s dysregulation, gaming frustrations, and how staying calm in the storm takes constant patience and navigation (his “VPN” week!). But amid the chaos come real wins: 🎃 Picture Day success, sensory-safe trips out, and a full-on away-day football adventure that tested regulation in the loudest of environments. 🎥 A family cinema night brings unexpected emotional parallels — cancer survival, grief, and art as emotional expression — all hitting home in ways they never saw coming. 🧩 Plus, the dads unpack the subtle victories of social growth, independence, and why even six out of ten weeks can still be progress. If you’ve ever felt that parenting a neurodivergent child is a constant balance between love, guilt, and resilience — this one’s for you. Key Topics Covered •Emotional aftermath of sensory-triggering experiences (haircuts, meltdowns) •How ND parents manage guilt and reconnection after setting boundaries •Gaming frustration as a window into dysregulation and patience •Building independence through small routines (bath time, hygiene) •Navigating public sensory overload (football matches, restaurants, cinema) •The importance of safe spaces and knowing regulation cues •Emotional storytelling through children’s art and media •Balancing family dynamics during holidays and celebrations •Recognising progress even in “six-out-of-ten” weeks ⏱️ 4️⃣ YouTube Chapter Breakdown (62 min total) 00:00 – Intro: Welcome to The NeuroDADverse (Halloween Edition) 02:00 – Three Words of the Week: “Victory, Patience, Navigation” 04:30 – Dan’s Challenge: The Haircut Moment and Emotional Fallout 10:00 – When Love Hurts: Feeling Disconnected After Doing the Hard Thing 13:00 – Ben’s Reflections: Remembering Boundaries & Emotional Recovery 18:00 – Navigating Dysregulation: Gaming Day Frustrations and Breakthroughs 23:00 – Outings and Overwhelm: Family Day Trips, Sushi Wins & Sensory Crashes 29:00 – Wins of the Week: Picture Day, KFC Trips & Social Progress 36:00 – Live Football with Mabel: Sensory Regulation in the Stands 40:00 – Cinema Trip: Movie “Sketch,” Emotional Parallels & Family Healing 47:00 – Halloween Plans & Upcoming Birthdays 52:00 – Trick-or-Treating with ND Kids: Social Scripts & Sweet Honesty 56:00 – Parenting Score of the Week: Managing Bath Time Independence 59:00 – Reflections: Meeting the Need & Accepting Imperfect Progress 61:00 – Outro: Follow, Review, and Remember – You’re Doing Great 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world. 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us 📧 Get in touch: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Find us in all the usual places: linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🔗 Hashtags: #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily #EmotionalRegulation #AutismAwareness #ParentingWins #NeurodiversityAcceptance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Haircuts, Heartache & Holding It Together | NeuroDADverse Ep 19 | 24 oct. 2025 | 01:05:38 | |
🎧 Episode 19: The NeuroDADverse Podcast This week’s episode dives into one of Dan’s toughest parenting moments yet, where the process of a 'simple' haircut spirals into heartbreak. Also in this raw, honest episode, Ben discusses another week of having 'tough' topic conversations with Oscar after an incident on the way to school. Another week of tales where parenting neurodivergent and things don’t go to plan. Ben and Dan explore: •When everyday moments become emotional landmines •Frankie’s haircut meltdown and how it really went down •The invisible toll of routines, regulation, and trust •Sunday dread and school prep anxiety •The pressure of solo parenting and staying composed •Why “showing up” is sometimes the only win YouTube Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 19 01:20 – Three-Word Week (Tennis Style) 03:00 – School attendance pressure vs real-life chaos 05:50 – Frankie and the haircut: what really happened 09:30 – Emotional fallout and unexpected grief 13:15 – The struggle to balance calm with chaos 16:00 – Regrouping after a meltdown 18:30 – Why ND kids need control of their body 21:15 – Sundays and emotional resets 24:10 – Morning routine stress: the “bus soon” problem 27:00 – Oscar’s sensory needs and emotional cues 30:00 – The loneliness of solo parenting 33:20 – Support systems (or lack thereof) 37:10 – Processing vs reacting: learning as you go 40:15 – The need for emotional safety in school settings 44:00 – Trust, trauma, and the long game 49:00 – Holding space for the hard stuff 53:30 – Bath-time regulation and routine 60:00 – Wrapping up: honesty over perfection Like what you heard? Join us in the NeuroDADverse in all the usual places in our link tree: https://linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/neurodadverse/id1828520219 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0dcFZNbAX4eixDu3vLLPWF?si=ee285ea2e8ab4fb7 #NeuroDadverse #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDParenting #AutismDad #ADHDParent #FatherhoodUnfiltered #ParentingWins #NeurodiversityAwareness #DadPodcast #SpecialNeedsParenting #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #AutismParenting #AutismCommunity #AutismJourney #ParentingAutism #AutismSupport #AutismDads #PodcastCommunity #autism #neurodiversity #autismparenting #Neurodivergent #autismacceptance #autismcommunity #adhd #adhdparenting #adhdawareness #adhdsupport #adhdlife #autismparents #autisticparenting #actuallyautistic #SpecialNeedsParenting #parentingautism #parentingtips #dadsofinstagram #fatherhood #PodcastCommunity #dadspodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Bus Wins, Blood Tests & Bedtime Giggles| NeuroDADverse Ep.18 | 17 oct. 2025 | 01:05:14 | |
Episode 18 🎧 This week in the NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan share the emotional chaos, quiet victories, and the messy beauty of raising neurodivergent kids. From last-minute school appointments to bath time breakthroughs, it’s a week full of real-life parenting moments where nothing goes to plan—but everything somehow comes together. 🎙️ Highlights include:
00:00 – Welcome to The NeuroDADverse 03:00 – This Week in our NeuroDADverse 08:54 – A Small but Mighty Win for Mabel 16:59 – Mornings, Trust, and Unexpected Growth 25:28 – Turning Meltdowns into Moments (Parent Tricks) 30:24 – Oscar’s Bus Routine and Growing Independence 35:00 – “Pacific vs. Specific” – The Funniest Bedtime Ever 36:49 – Horror Films, My Little Pony, and DVD Nostalgia 42:03 – Seeing Acceptance in the Playground 48:09 – Looking Ahead: Doctor’s Appointments & Term End 56:45 – Bath Time Wins: From Dysregulation to Routine 01:04:03 – Wrap-Up: Lots of Little Wins Add Up 01:04:43 – Final Sign-Off 💡 If this episode resonates with you, whether you’re a zebra or a stripy horse or just figuring it out, there’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly relatable ND parenting chats 👍 Like & share and leave a comment to help more parents find us 📧 Contact: neurodadverse@gmail.com 📲 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast Join us in the NeuroDADverse in all the usual places in our link tree: https://linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/neurodadverse/id1828520219 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0dcFZNbAX4eixDu3vLLPWF?si=ee285ea2e8ab4fb 🔗 #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #ADHDAwareness #AutismAdvocacy #RejectionSensitivity #ParentingPodcast #EmotionalRegulation #NDLife #NeuroDadverse #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #autism #ADHD #autismawareness #autismacceptance #actuallyautistic #neurodiverse #sensoryprocessingdisorder #ADHDparenting #autismfamily #autismlife #adhdlife #differentnotless #inclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Paracetamol Panic, School Wins & Parenting Challenges | NeuroDADverse Ep.17 | 10 oct. 2025 | 01:04:34 | |
Episode 17 🎧 In this powerful and emotionally grounded episode, Ben and Dan dive deep into one of the most difficult parenting moments they’ve faced yet: discussing the recent misinformation spreading online about the causes of autism, specifically, false claims linking paracetamol during pregnancy to autism. We explore: •How Ben approached this sensitive topic with his childern Oscar and Mabel. •The emotional reactions it sparked at home. •The struggle to share facts without inflaming fears. Beyond this, the episode shares some hopeful wins: •Mabel’s gradual return to school despite emotionally based school avoidance. •Oscar’s self-awareness of needing a mental health break. •How teamwork with schools and family communication can pave the way for small but significant victories. A heartfelt reminder that raising neurodivergent children brings a unique rhythm—and in that rhythm, both challenges and joys coexist. ⏱️ YouTube Chapter Timestamps 00:00: Welcome & Introduction 03:00: “Week in Three Words" 06:00: Challenges at Home: Meltdowns & Miscommunication 12:00: The School Environment & Parent-School Relationships 17:00: Recognising Unseen Dangers & Building Independence 19:00: The Big Conversation: What Causes Autism? 25:00: Mabel’s Response: Anger, Curiosity & Critical Thinking 30:00: Navigating Misinformation in a Neurodivergent Household 35:00: A Win: Mabel’s Emotional Growth and Return to School 40:00: Framing a “Win” When the World Measures Differently 45:00: Oscar’s Mental Health Break & Emotional Burnout 50:00: Parenting Through a Political Minefield 55:00: Final Reflections: Kindness, Communication & Teamwork 01:00:00 – Outro: Looking Ahead & Staying Connected 💡 If this episode resonates with you, whether you’re a zebra or a stripy horse or just figuring it out, there’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly relatable ND parenting chats 👍 Like & share and leave a comment to help more parents find us 📧 Contact: neurodadverse@gmail.com 📲 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast Join us in the NeuroDADverse in all the usual places in our link tree: https://linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/neurodadverse/id1828520219 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0dcFZNbAX4eixDu3vLLPWF?si=ee285ea2e8ab4fb 🔗 #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #ADHDAwareness #AutismAdvocacy #RejectionSensitivity #ParentingPodcast #EmotionalRegulation #NDLife #NeuroDadverse #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #autism #ADHD #autismawareness #autismacceptance #actuallyautistic #neurodiverse #sensoryprocessingdisorder #ADHDparenting #autismfamily #autismlife #adhdlife #differentnotless #inclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Week 4 Wobble: Sleepovers, Scented Shampoos & Sudden Surprises | NeuroDADverse Ep.16 | 03 oct. 2025 | 01:01:24 | |
Episode 16 🎧 This week’s episode is a “breakfast bar” edition, recorded early doors and full of raw honesty. Ben opens up about a particularly emotional parenting moment involving boundaries, teenage exploration, and sober reflection. Meanwhile, Dan talks about the sudden arrival of the “Week 4 Wobble” and how Frankie’s eating and sleep patterns are shifting as he adjusts to school routines. Other highlights include:
00:00 - Intro & Welcome from the Breakfast Bar 01:35 - Three-Word Weekly Summary (with wordplay!) 03:30 - Ben’s Challenge: Teenage Troubles & Emotional Regulation 13:40 - School Struggles, Masking & Late Diagnoses 18:00 - Frankie’s Week 4 Wobble: Eating, Sleep & Deregulation 24:40 - Wins Begin: Sleepovers, Friendships & Wee Progress 29:00 - Dan’s Win: Nits, Hygiene & Hair-Washing Triumph 37:00 - Independence, Advocacy & Comb-through Calm 43:00 - Two Baths in a Week? A Shocking Plot Twist 46:20 - The Week Ahead: SEND Babysitters & Social Plans 50:30 - Bath Time Scores: Data Trends & Sudsy Success 55:40 - Wrapping Up: Calm Weeks, Good Energy & Franchise Sequels 59:10 - Outro & Ways to Get Involved 💡 If this episode resonates with you, whether you’re a zebra or a stripy horse or just figuring it out, there’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly relatable ND parenting chats 👍 Like & share and leave a comment to help more parents find us 📧 Contact: neurodadverse@gmail.com 📲 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast Join us in the NeuroDADverse in all the usual places in our link tree: https://linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/neurodadverse/id1828520219 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0dcFZNbAX4eixDu3vLLPWF?si=ee285ea2e8ab4fb 🔗 #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #ADHDAwareness #AutismAdvocacy #RejectionSensitivity #ParentingPodcast #EmotionalRegulation #NDLife #NeuroDadverse #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #autism #ADHD #autismawareness #autismacceptance #actuallyautistic #neurodiverse #sensoryprocessingdisorder #ADHDparenting #autismfamily #autismlife #adhdlife #differentnotless #inclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| School Struggles, Blockbuster DVD swaps & Neurodivergent Parenting Realities | NeuroDADverse Ep.15 | 26 sept. 2025 | 00:58:51 | |
🎧 Episode 15 This week, Ben and Dan explore the emotional tightrope of raising neurodivergent teens during school term chaos. Ben shares the heavy emotional load of supporting Mabel through school-related overwhelm, where advocacy, compassion, and a newly diagnosed ADHD perspective all collide. There’s honest discussion about balancing being a teacher and a parent — and how not every school interaction needs to be a battleground. Meanwhile, Dan celebrates some unexpected strides in Frankie’s social and language development — including a newfound confidence at school drop-off. Plus: Oscar introduces a DVD bartering system with Mabel (aka “Blockbuster”), and bedtime tech management finally starts to click. As always, the episode ends with candid bath-time scores and family in-jokes involving “Bum Back” and “Sleepy Night-Nights.” It’s an episode full of heart, laughter, emotional maturity — and just a hint of Palmolive. 💬 Topics Covered This Episode • Supporting teens with school avoidance and emotional overwhelm • Balancing ND advocacy with professional boundaries • Laura’s ADHD diagnosis is helping shape family understanding • Mabel and Oscar’s sibling bond and gentle leadership • Frankie’s social breakthroughs and naming moments • Screens vs. DVDs: Neurodivergent bedtime management • Blockbuster DVD swaps and parenting nostalgia • Solo parenting wins and the pressure of the “perfect” week • Bath-time routines, sensory wins & hygiene breakthroughs • Family language quirks and neurodivergent household humour ⏱️ YouTube Chapter Timestamps 00:43 – 🐴 Welcome to the Paddock 02:03 – 🧠 Ben’s Delayed Headspace & Rescheduling 02:48 – 🔤 Ben’s Week in 3 Words: Maturity, Siblings, Sadness 04:10 – 📉 Challenge of the Week: Mabel’s Tough School Transition 09:36 – 🤝 Advocating While Parenting: Teacher Hat vs. Parent Hat 13:00 – ✊ Fight for Ordinary Rally Reflections 16:42 – ✨ Win of the Week: Oscar’s Flexibility & Independence 23:20 – 🗣️ Frankie Says What?! A Language Leap 25:30 – 📀 Blockbuster Swap: The Sibling DVD System 30:00 – ❤️ Emotional Sibling Support & Advocacy 33:24 – 🔭 Looking Ahead to the Week Ahead 36:15 – 🎉 Event Flashbacks: Weddings, Parties & Trains in the Collection Plate 43:00 – 🛁 Bath Time Scores & Puberty Talk 47:00 – 🧼 Frankie’s Hygiene Win & Hair-Drying Triumph 50:00 – 🧂 Classic Family Mispronunciations: Bum Back & Sleepy Night Nights 54:00 – 🤣 Guess the Phrase Game Begins 57:00 – 💌 Listener Call-Out: Send Us Your Weird Family Words 58:12 – 🎧 Outro & Final Message If this episode resonates with you, whether you’re a zebra or a stripy horse or just figuring it out, there’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly relatable ND parenting chats 👍 Like & share and leave a comment to help more parents find us 📧 Contact: neurodadverse@gmail.com 📲 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast Join us in the NeuroDADverse in all the usual places in our link tree: https://linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/neurodadverse/id1828520219 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0dcFZNbAX4eixDu3vLLPWF?si=ee285ea2e8ab4fb #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #EmotionalRegulation #NeuroDadverse #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismfamily #autismlife #adhdlife #differentnotless #inclusion #TeenageMentalHealth #AutisticTeens #SENDSupport #SiblingSupport #ParentingWins #NeuroSpicyLife #NeurodiversePodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Development Wins, School Wobbles & Hair Hammocks! |NeuroDADverse Ep.14 | 19 sept. 2025 | 00:50:12 | |
🎧 Episode 14 – Development wins, School Wobbles & Hair Hammocks This week, Ben and Dan unpack another emotional rollercoaster in the NeuroDadverse. From Oscar's snack-time independence (and a perfectly sassy strut) to Mabel navigating school photo overwhelm and GCSE prep, this one’s full of vulnerability, advocacy, and the everyday nuance of neurodivergent parenting. Meanwhile, Dan reflects on quiet but meaningful wins with Frankie, making strides in his toilet journey and growing more confident around spiders. It’s a week of celebrating progress that doesn’t always shout but matters deeply. There’s also a difficult medical appointment, a bath-time product trial (hello hair hammock!), and the ever-present challenge of balancing encouragement with emotional regulation. But there are also wins, from Oscar processing emotions out loud to paperwork milestones for Mabel’s EHCP process. As always, the podcast is equal parts chaos, catharsis, and community. Let’s go again.
00:00 – Welcome to Episode 14 01:00 – Week in 3 Words: Opinions, Academics, Antithesis 03:00 – School photo overwhelm & Mabel's advocacy 06:00 – GCSE pressures, opting out & emotional safety 09:00 – The education system's capacity & limitations 12:00 – Medical appointments & difficult professional encounters 15:00 – Sunday football missing & emotional dysregulation 18:00 – Oscar’s snack prep meltdown and emotional repair 21:00 – Independence, strutting away & feelings in action 24:00 – Parent reactions, late-night regret & repair moments 27:00 – Frankie’s spider bravery & emotional growth 30:00 – Toilet journey progress & quiet milestones 33:00 – Laura’s EHCP paperwork hyperfocus win 36:00 – Hair hammocks, shampoo changes & bedtime routines 39:00 – Clothing independence, sibling support & sensory prep 42:00 – ‘Bum back’ language & ND household humour 45:00 – Parenting trade-offs, solo shifts & weekly rhythm 48:00 – Final reflections & listener thanks Like what you heard? Join us in the NeuroDADverse in all the usual places in our link tree: https://linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse YouTube https://youtube.com/@neurodadversepodcast?si=9PnXqkp2TRRZlRZ0 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/neurodadverse/id1828520219 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0dcFZNbAX4eixDu3vLLPWF?si=ee285ea2e8ab4fb7 #NeuroDadverse #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDParenting #AutismDad #ADHDParent #ParentingWins #NeurodiversityAwareness #DadPodcast #SpecialNeedsParenting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BACK TO SCHOOL - Positive Energy, Car Symbols & School Wins | NeuroDADverse Ep 13 | 12 sept. 2025 | 01:01:47 | |
🎧 Episode 13 – Positive Energy, Car Symbols & School Wins In this heartfelt episode, Dan and Ben reflect on the surprising joys and ongoing challenges of getting their neurodivergent kids back into the school routine. From bath time meltdowns to unexpectedly peaceful transitions, the dads talk about managing expectations, building emotional safety, and honouring small wins. Ben shares a special moment where Oscar opens up with emotional insight and compares Ben to a new teacher with “positive energy.” Dan shares Frankie's transition going back to school. Ben explores the balance of being a teacher-parent as Mabel starts self-managing GCSE revision. There's humour too — including a surprise car cymbal gift and a flashback to forgotten anniversary presents. This episode is all about parenting by feel, celebrating progress, and surviving the whirlwind of early September. 💬 Topics This Episode Back-to-school transitions for ND children Reframing wins and challenges as a parent Emotional safety in bedtime routines Sibling support and independence at bath time Neurodivergent sensory needs (and adaptations) Parent guilt, pacing, and the mental load Teacher vs. parent identity at home GCSE revision systems for neurodiverse teens The power of ‘when-then’ language Neurodivergent couple dynamics & diagnosis reflections ⏱️ YouTube Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 13 01:00 – Week in 3 Words: Surprising, Whirlwind, Tidier 03:00 – Back-to-school debrief & family dinner outing 06:00 – Supporting teens with study habits and autonomy 09:00 – The fine line between parent and teacher at home 12:00 – Neurodivergent brains & adapting routines 15:00 – Emotional wins that don’t fit neat categories 18:00 – Unexpected transitions & scaffolding support 21:00 – Sleep struggles and early wake-ups 24:00 – Revising routines: managing rest and mornings 27:00 – School transport triggers and regulation strategies 30:00 – Laura’s ADHD diagnosis and new household adjustments 33:00 – Supporting adult ND routines with child-style care 36:00 – Inclusive approaches to emotional regulation 39:00 – Creative coping strategies: glasses, fans, flowers 42:00 – Filmmaking updates and surprise festival news 45:00 – Solo parenting & evening rhythms 48:00 – Bath time reflections & routine wins 51:00 – Celebrating progress and parental growth 54:00 – Laura’s love for Lego & self-soothing tools 57:00 – Final thoughts, podcast impact & listener feedback 01:00 – Outro: Looking ahead to next week #NeurodivergentParenting #BackToSchool #PositiveParenting #Neurodiversity #BathTimeWins #AutismSupport #ADHDParenting #GCSEPrep #ParentingJourney #NeuroSpicyLife #RoutineReset #SensoryNeeds #SENDSupport #PodcastForParents #NeuroDadverse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Big outs , Wardrobe wins, and Strutting into September. Summer ends with flair | NeuroDADverse Ep.12 | 05 sept. 2025 | 01:00:54 | |
🎧 Episode 12 – Shoe Heels, Shelf Battles & Strutting into September Ben and Dan wrap up summer with a high-energy, high-emotion episode full of wardrobe challenges, unexpected wins, and bold self-expression. As the kids prep for a new school year, Ben takes us through an emotional decluttering session with Oscar, which turns into a sensory-sensitive sorting game (with a surprise echolalia moment). Meanwhile, Dan reflects on Frankie’s subtle bath-time wins and the return of those school-year anxieties, with a party full of supportive friends, a cinema outing that starts with a strut, and reflections on podcasting through the parenting trenches. This episode is a celebration of growth, expression, and figuring it out as we go. 💬 Topics This Episode End-of-summer parenting reflections Neurodivergent kids & emotional decluttering Identity, fashion, and self-expression Sibling dynamics and regulation tools Challenges of SEND transitions back to school Real talk on GCSE pressure & emotional school avoidance Unexpected party wins & sensory-safe spaces Bath time scoring & language milestones ⏱️ Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 12 01:00 – Week in 3 Words: Growing, Isolation, Memory 03:00 – Decluttering clothes: Marie Kondo (ish) wins & fails 06:00 – Oscar's overwhelm & sensory wardrobe setup 09:00 – Gamifying the sort: buckets, bins & Sleepy Night-Nights 12:00 – Identity, heels & strutting to the cinema 14:00 – Reflecting on expression & confidence 17:00 – Family wins, sensory wins, and social navigation 20:00 – Frankie’s speech win & language growth 22:00 – Party moments & letting go of social pressure 25:00 – Self-regulation, choice, and autonomy 28:00 – Audience feedback & podcast reflections 31:00 – Back to school prep & parental nerves 34:00 – SEND school transport & emotional transitions 38:00 – GCSE pressure, emotional school avoidance & reframing success 42:00 – Reflecting on parental roles & work-life balance 46:00 – Bath time scores & language doubling 49:00 – Chronicling parenting wins through podcasting 52:00 – Outro, weekend plans & thank-yous 💡 If this episode resonates with you, whether you’re a zebra or a stripy horse or just figuring it out, there’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly relatable ND parenting chats 👍 Like & share and leave a comment to help more parents find us 📧 Contact: neurodadverse@gmail.com 📲 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast Join us in the NeuroDADverse in all the usual places in our link tree: https://linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/neurodadverse/id1828520219 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0dcFZNbAX4eixDu3vLLPWF?si=ee285ea2e8ab4fb 🔗 #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #ADHDAwareness #AutismAdvocacy #RejectionSensitivity #ParentingPodcast #EmotionalRegulation #NDLife #NeuroDadverse #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #autism #ADHD #autismawareness #autismacceptance #actuallyautistic #neurodiverse #sensoryprocessingdisorder #ADHDparenting #autismfamily #autismlife #adhdlife #differentnotless #inclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Forgotten Needs, Heartwarming Teens & Neurodivergent Room Chaos | NeuroDADverse Ep 11 | 29 août 2025 | 00:52:37 | |
🎧 Episode 11 – Forgotten Needs, Heartwarming Teens & Neurodivergent Room Chaos. This week on The NeuroDADverse, Ben reflects on a parenting moment where he forgot to communicate accessibility with Oscar and how a simple bedroom reorganisation turned into an emotional reminder about invisible needs. Dan feels like a new man after sleeping more in the past four days than he has in the past two weeks and shares the challenges involved in engaging with dental appointments. Lastly, Ben shares a heartwarming story from a beach trip with extended family, as his teens surprise him with genuine compassion and support for their grandma. The pair also dive into how neurodivergent kids navigate clutter, clothing decisions, transitions, and spontaneous change. There's a fresh wave of listener feedback, a funny bath time score drop, and thoughts on how far they’ve come across the first 11 episodes. 💬 Topics This Episode • Communicating accessibly during stressful tasks •. Emotional labour & late-stage parenting wins • Neurodivergent attachment to clutter and collections • Teens supporting their grandmother in thoughtful ways • Family beach traditions & inclusive activities • SEND-friendly dentists & familiarisation techniques • Listener feedback and reflections • Bath time score regression: frustration, humour & hygiene 👇 CHAPTERS BELOW for easy navigation. 00:00 – Intro & welcome to Episode 11 01:00 – Bonus energy from a long weekend 02:00 – Week in 3 Words: Renovation, Reminder, Heartwarming 03:30 – Challenges: Reorganising Oscar's bedroom & communication breakdown 06:00 – Forgotten neurodivergent needs & emotional overload 09:00 – Self-regulation, safe spaces & forgotten objects 12:00 – Clutter, collections & the emotional weight of rubbish 14:00 – Repairing trust after stressful change 16:00 – Empathy, apologies & why it matters 18:00 – Ben’s win: Beach day with grandma & extended family 21:00 – Oscar’s gesture: arm around gran & thoughtful support 23:00 – Observing family kindness without scripting it 26:00 – Mabel’s win: new calming bedroom zone 28:00 – Lighting, organisation & sensory-friendly space design 30:00 – Positive reinforcement with subtle design choices 32:00 – SEND-friendly dentist chats 34:00 – Family transitions, routines & planning ahead 36:00 – Listener engagement & reflections on episode reach 38:00 – Importance of chronicling parenting wins 40:00 – Diagnoses origin stories to come? 42:00 – Looking ahead: garden parties, beach rounders & school prep 45:00 – Return to school anxiety & emotional coaching 47:00 – Bath time scores: performance struggles & supportive laughs 49:00 – Sunday structure, hygiene independence & closing thoughts 51:00 – Final goodbyes & special guest outro from Mabel 💡 If this episode resonates with you, whether you’re a zebra or a stripy horse or just figuring it out, there’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly relatable ND parenting chats 👍 Like & share and leave a comment to help more parents find us 📧 Contact: neurodadverse@gmail.com 📲 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast 🔗 #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #ADHDAwareness #AutismAdvocacy #RejectionSensitivity #ParentingPodcast #EmotionalRegulation #NDLife #NeuroDadverse #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #autism #ADHD #autismawareness #autismacceptance #actuallyautistic #neurodiverse #sensoryprocessingdisorder #ADHDparenting #autismfamily #autismlife #adhdlife #differentnotless #inclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| ADHD Diagnosis, beach day meltdowns and parenting teamwork | NeuroDADverse Ep.10 | 22 août 2025 | 01:15:16 | |
🎧 Episode 10! In a very special episode of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan welcome their first guest: Ben’s wife, Laura, who opens up for the first time about her brand new ADHD diagnosis at 44. This candid conversation unpacks Laura’s experience of going through the assessment process, the emotional weight of late diagnosis, and the joyful, if surprising, validation that followed. Elsewhere, it’s a week of high emotions, meltdowns, clothes-related identity struggles, and bath time tactics. From family beach days and bowling with noise-cancelling headphones, to hyper-focused DIY and parenting wins in disguise, this episode is raw, funny, and incredibly relatable. If you’ve ever felt like you were “just about coping” while also quietly smashing it, this one’s for you. 💬 Topics This Episode • Laura’s new ADHD diagnosis at 44, vindication, imposter syndrome & joy • Gendered ADHD presentation & overlooked symptoms • The challenge of the ADHD online assessment process • Frankie’s beach meltdown & sensory overload • Oscar’s outfit dilemmas & gender expression • Bath time strategies: coaching vs independence • Hyperfocus, teamwork & DIY kitchen wins 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 10 & our first guest! 01:30 – Week in 3 Words: Surprising, Vindicating, Joyful 03:30 – Anniversary meals, kitchen painting & medical news 04:50 – Laura joins the podcast to share her story 05:40 – ADHD diagnosis confirmed after final assessment 07:00 – Why the process felt emotional & validating 08:00 – Imposter syndrome and “did I fake this?” feelings 09:00 – Childhood examples, ambition, and astronauts 11:00 – Navigating identity & shame around late diagnosis 12:30 – Friendship styles & feeling like an outsider 14:30 – Gendered social connection & emotional coping 16:00 – Processing it all – joy, grief & overwhelm 17:00 – Challenges with the online ADHD assessment 19:00 – Bath time score reveal – Laura’s rating vs Ben’s! 22:00 – How sensory differences shape family routines 25:00 – Ben & Dan debrief: Laura’s journey and what’s next 27:30 – Ben’s parenting win: Oscar’s emotional resilience 30:00 – Frankie’s sensory meltdown at the beach 33:00 – Communication and safe spaces in tough moments 35:00 – Comparing experiences with Oscar & Frankie 38:00 – Planning family outings: expectations vs reality 41:00 – Clothing, confidence & gender identity 44:00 – Bowling alley challenge turned quiet win 46:00 – The restaurant social story workaround 49:00 – Catching wins in the chaos of parenting 51:30 – Listener feedback & Frankie’s first words revisited 53:00 – Looking ahead: GCSE results, weddings & inflatable lakes 56:00 – Wrestling plans & being in two places at once 58:00 – Kitchen transformation: DIY, teamwork & hyperfocus 1:00:00 – Bath time scoring face-off: independence vs task-focused 1:03:00 – Final scores, Lego gifts & anniversary fails 1:06:00 – ADHD teamwork & the joy of colourblind decorating 1:08:00 – Outro: wins, challenges, and parenting in technicolour 💡 If this episode resonates: 🔔 Subscribe for weekly relatable ND parenting chats 👍 Like & share to help more parents find us 📬 Email us: neurodadverse@gmail.com 📲 TikTok / Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast #ADHDAwareness #LateDiagnosisADHD #NeurodiverseParenting #WomenWithADHD #ParentingWins #SensoryProcessing #BathTimeStruggles #HyperfocusMode #NeuroSpicyLife #NeuroDadverse #FamilyTeamwork #NDParenting #KitchenRenovation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Transitions, Teen Independence & 10/10 Bath Time Glory | NeuroDADverse Ep.9 | 15 août 2025 | 01:01:26 | |
🎧 Episode 9 – Transitions, Teen Independence & The First-Ever Perfect Bath This week on The NeuroDadverse, Ben and Dan reflect on the sometimes messy, sometimes magical balancing act of parenting neurodivergent kids over the summer. They cover emotional transitions, the challenge of growing teen independence, gaming boundaries, family sleepovers, unexpected sibling support, and how routines don’t always go to plan — especially when you think you've finally cracked them. Also in this episode: social wins, reflective garden chats, risk-taking with family days out, and the first-ever 10/10 bath time score (complete with nail-cleaning and hair drying support from a sibling!). If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by progress, regression, joy and rage all in the same day — you’ll feel right at home. 💬 Topics this episode: Transition challenges & when "when/then" plans fail Supporting teen gaming without judgment Sibling relationships & supportive moments Wins in verbal and non-verbal communication Reflecting on emotional growth vs surface behaviours Navigating plans, surprises & soft play fears The first-ever 10/10 bath time score 👇 CHAPTERS BELOW for easy navigation. 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 9 01:00 – Week in Three Words: Exciting, Quick Win, Relaxing 02:30 – Kids' sleepover, football, and gaming 04:00 – Oscar's sensory needs & table socialising 06:30 – Sensory comfort and family dynamic changes 07:30 – Reconnecting moments and communication joy 09:00 – More data, more overthinking in summer 10:30 – Parenting worry about solo gaming and disconnection 12:00 – Struggles getting to the sleepover 14:30 – Teen challenge: clothes & tech packing meltdown 16:00 – Building regulation back from frustration 17:30 – The next day's transition goes smoothly 18:30 – Big picture reflections on parenting ND kids 19:30 – Wins: Communication breakthroughs and self-advocacy 21:00 – Frankie sets clear boundaries & uses voice 23:30 – Ben's parenting win: Mabel's best football game ever 26:00 – Intense singing & in-game focus 28:00 – Looking ahead to the week: bus rides, beaches & open-top chaos 30:00 – Soft play memories & risk-taking parenting 32:00 – Preparing for unexpected reactions and resilience 34:00 – Social stories, spontaneity & holding back info 36:00 – Planning vs over-prepping transitions 39:00 – The soft play vs beach discussion 40:00 – Letting go of judgment from other adults 41:30 – Default bath talk: stimulation vs relaxation 44:00 – **Oscar’s first 10/10 bath score!** 46:00 – Sibling support and unexpected joy 48:00 – The power of grandparent feedback 50:00 – Reframing surprise wins & emotional support 52:00 – Outro: Listener callout & wrap-up 💡 If this episode resonates: 🔔 Subscribe for weekly relatable ND parenting chats 👍 Like & share to help more parents find us 📬 Email us: neurodadverse@gmail.com 📲 TikTok / Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast #NeurodiverseParenting #TeenIndependence #SENDLife #NeurodivergentTeens #TransitionStruggles #SensoryProcessing #ParentingWins #FamilySupport #10OutOf10Bath #SiblingBonding #SoftPlaySurprises #NeuroDadverse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Sensory Challenges, Teen Boundaries & Unexpected Joys | NeuroDADverse Ep.8 | 08 août 2025 | 00:54:34 | |
🎧 Episode 8 – Finding Comfort in Chaos This week on The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan reflect on the small but powerful wins that make parenting neurodivergent kids so rewarding. From managing tricky transitions at the SEND gym to celebrating social breakthroughs at the beach, it’s a conversation filled with honest insight, humour, and hard-earned lessons. Oskar navigates a challenging week with moments of self-regulation and self-advocacy, while Frankie’s experience at a sensory-rich bounce house offers lessons in patience, perspective, and letting go of the perfect plan. The pair also explore the value of safe spaces, how to read between the lines when behaviour speaks louder than words, and why not every “challenge” is without its silver linings. There’s also a heartwarming moment of friendship building outside of school, practical reflections on supporting teens through emotional shifts, and the familiar saga of bath time scores. If you’ve ever juggled sensory needs, teenage independence, and your own self-care, this episode will feel like a deep breath and a reassuring nod. 💬 Topics this episode: • Supporting neurodivergent kids through sensory-heavy transitions • Safe spaces & self-regulation strategies • Reading behaviour as communication • Navigating teenage boundary testing with empathy • Encouraging social connections outside of school • Finding joy in small but significant wins • The ever-evolving bath time ritual 👇 CHAPTERS BELOW for easy navigation. 00:00 – Welcome back & what to expect this episode 01:00 – Week in three words: small progress & heartwarming moments 03:00 – Time away, me-time & respectful parenting balance 04:30 – Challenge of the week: sensory transitions at the SEND gym 06:00 – Car-to-door struggles & letting go of frustration 08:00 – Safe spaces, regulation & comparing progress without judgement 10:30 – Behaviour as communication: when sitting quietly means more 12:30 – Supporting kids through complex transitions 14:00 – Recognising progress in non-verbal communication 15:30 – Challenge/Wins overlap: reframing the week 18:00 – Ben’s challenge: Oscar’s reflective garden moment 20:00 – Supporting teens through emotional shifts & self-expression 23:00 – Shepherding vs engineering: guiding, not forcing outcomes 25:00 – Wins of the week: creative communication & self-advocacy 28:00 – Enjoying activities with unpredictable sensory elements 30:00 – Community interaction: friendship-building outside of school 33:00 – Planning accessible social activities 36:00 – Reflections on connecting with other ND parents 38:00 – Listener story: celebrating small but important developmental steps 41:00 – Using “one second a day” to reflect on progress 44:00 – Looking ahead: football season, family time & solo parenting 47:00 – Week ahead plans & unstructured activity days 50:00 – Bath time score reflections 53:00 – Wrap-up & listener thank-yous 54:00 – Outro: How to connect with The NeuroDADverse 💡 If this episode resonates: 🔔 Subscribe for weekly relatable ND parenting chats 👍 Like & share to help more parents find us 📬 Email us: neurodadverse@gmail.com 📲 TikTok / Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast 🔗 #NeurodiverseParenting #SensoryProcessing #TeenParenting #SENDSupport #SafeSpaces #BehaviourIsCommunication #NeurodivergentKids #BathTimeStruggles #ParentingWins #NeuroDadverse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pride Marches, Teen Boundaries & Football Wins | NeuroDADverse Ep.7 | 01 août 2025 | 00:43:05 | |
🎧 Episode 7 – Pride, Parenting & Penalties In this shorter then usual episode in The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan reflect on a summer weekend packed with big moments. From marching at Pride to navigating teenage boundary testing, all while trying to keep family life connected and calm. Oscar embraces Pride with a homemade non-binary flag, Mabel shines as a supportive ally, and the family enjoys a joyful cinema trip. Meanwhile, a challenging conversation about teen boundaries sparks open, respectful discussions on honesty, independence, and trust. There’s also football joy (England win!) and the ever-present bath time saga proving that even the most everyday routines are never boring when you’re parenting neurodivergent kids. If you’ve ever tried to balance allyship, adolescent independence, and your own sanity during summer holidays — this one’s for you. 💬 Topics this episode: •Marching at Pride & supporting LGBTQ+ identity in ND families •Teen boundary exploration & honest conversations about trust •Creating safe spaces at events for sensory needs •Allyship between siblings •England’s Euros victory & family football bonding •Summer holiday wins & managing unstructured time •Bath time negotiations & regulation strategies 👇 CHAPTERS BELOW for easy navigation. 00:00 – Welcome back to The NeuroDadverse 01:00 – Why Dan’s tired & the week in three words 02:00 – Wins of the week: England win, cinema trip, Pride march 04:00 – Pride with Oscar: homemade flag, sensory-friendly route & finding comfort 05:30 – Mabel’s allyship & sibling bonding moments 06:30 – Visiting friends & managing unfamiliar environments 07:00 – Ben’s win: first week of the summer holidays 09:00 – Challenges: unstructured time & tag-team parenting 12:00 – Work-life balance during the holidays 13:00 – Teenage boundary exploration: the biggest challenge 15:00 – Approaching boundaries with conversation & trust 18:00 – Social contracts, honesty & the family “value tree” 22:00 – Keeping freedoms while reinforcing respect 24:00 – Resisting the urge for heavy consequences 26:00 – Calm communication over confrontation 29:00 – How teaching experience shapes parenting style 32:00 – Looking ahead: family meet-ups & friend visits 35:00 – Bath time wins & post-football chill 38:00 – Regulation challenges & one-bath-a-week routine 40:00 – Closing reflections: wins, challenges & listener thanks 42:00 – Outro: where to find us & join the conversation 💡 If this episode resonates: 🔔 Subscribe for weekly relatable ND parenting conversations 👍 Like & share to help more parents find us 📬 Email us: neurodadverse@gmail.com 📲 TikTok / Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast 🔗 #NeurodiverseParenting #TeenParenting #PrideParenting #LGBTQFamily #NDAdvocacy #NeurodivergentKids #SENDLife #BathTimeStruggles #HonestParenting #NeuroDadverse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Meltdowns, Haircuts & Curtain Disasters: Parenting Neurodivergent Kids Solo | NeuroDADverse Ep.4 | 25 juil. 2025 | 01:04:04 | |
🎧 Episode 4 – Fashion Shows, Solo Dads & Emotional Throwbacks In this episode of The NeuroDADverse, Ben tackles two nights of solo parenting that include a sensory-triggered meltdown, an emotional bathroom floor moment, and a makeshift fashion show to help Oscar choose clothes for a beach trip. Meanwhile, Dan shares a massive win with Frankie around self-initiated haircuts a sensory success with a touch of comic timing. The pair also explore emotional regulation, parent shame, lanyards in public spaces, and the quiet victories we rarely get to celebrate out loud. 💬 Topics this episode: •Solo parenting while managing autistic meltdowns •Clothing anxiety, sensory needs, and scaffolding through play •“I’m stupid” moments and the power of calm connection •Reflecting on old regulation routines and unexpected regression •Self-initiated sensory management (like requesting a haircut!) •Soft play, safety strategies, and meltdown management in public •Using lanyards, laminated cards, and subtle advocacy in social spaces •Teen independence, impulsivity, and boundary learning •Diagnosis delays and the emotional weight of reflection 👇 CHAPTERS BELOW for easy navigation. 00:00 – Welcome back (plus a bit of flu) 01:30 – Visual mimicry and parenting pick-ups 03:00 – Weekly check-in: Three-word summaries 05:00 – Challenge: Solo parenting and preparing for a beach trip 06:30 – Clothing anxiety and sensory overwhelm 07:30 – Fashion Show Game: Scaffolding through fun 09:00 – The Pokemon hat dilemma 10:00 – Bedtime anxiety and “what if I get bullied?” 11:00 – Curtain drama and negative self-talk 12:30 – Emotional dysregulation in the bathroom 14:00 – Calm breathing, mirror affirmations, and flashback parenting 15:00 – The return of old behaviours and coping tools 16:30 – How the beach trip actually went 17:00 – Jellyfish, crabs, and thumb-middle day ratings 18:30 – Win: Frankie self-initiates a haircut! 20:30 – Sensory wins and father-son bonding 22:30 – Self-advocacy in action (and what it really means) 25:00 – ND parenting = challenge + joy 26:00 – Teens, Tesco, and spontaneous impulse dinners 27:30 – Structure, routines, and parenting styles 29:00 – Challenges of handing over control as kids grow 30:00 – Mabel's smooth transition to new school timetable 32:00 – When the meltdown doesn’t come (and that’s the win) 34:30 – Ben’s soft play story: masking, cards, and safety systems 38:00 – Do you carry meltdown info cards in public? 40:30 – Why people don’t always notice ND traits (and why that matters) 43:00 – Solo parenting at social events and what’s actually “normal” 45:00 – Talking about SEND in public: advocacy or judgement? 47:00 – The morbid fascination with “how hard it really is” 49:00 – Diagnosis check-in: avoidance, fear, and self-reflection 52:00 – Dan's not-ready-yet moment: reflection fatigue 53:00 – Looking ahead: Sports Day, England football, and no sleep 56:00 – Bath Time Scores: When timing and hairdryers collide 58:00 – Final thoughts, closing laughs, and “just spilled lemon & honey” 💡 If this episode resonates with you: 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes 👍 Like & comment to help other ND parents find us 📬 Email us your stories at: neurodadverse@gmail.com 📲 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast 🔗 #NeurodiverseParenting #SensoryProcessing #AutismAwareness #SoloParenting #ParentingMeltdowns #SENDSupport #NeurodivergentKids #ToiletTrainingWins #PublicMeltdowns #LanyardAwareness #NDAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Routines vs Reality: School News & Washing Trains | NeuroDADverse Ep.5 | 25 juil. 2025 | 01:07:55 | |
🎧 Episode 5 Routines, Transitions & Emotional End of Term In this episode of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan dive into the complexities of summer routines, end of term emotions and SEND school transitions. From the bittersweet news of a child staying in the same class, to spontaneous sports days and “Champion of Champions” family traditions. This is parenting through chaos with compassion and creativity. They explore the real reason routines are so hard to stick to (and who they’re really for), how ND kids (and adults) cope with unpredictability, and share some of their best bathroom negotiation hacks including the now-legendary “Wash the Trains” method. 💬 Topics this episode: • End-of-term school transitions & staying back in class • SEND education provision, expectations, and emotions • Routines: Who are they really for? • Coping with lack of routine in ND households • Empowering kids to advocate for themselves • Summer parenting strategies (one-on-one vs. shared days) • Bath time battles and sensory hacks • Champion of Champions: family games, sibling rivalry & tankard trophies 👇 CHAPTERS BELOW for easy navigation. 00:00 – Welcome back & weekly wins 02:00 – Tattoo inspiration from a child’s drawing 04:00 – Garden chores, football tournaments & meltdown anxiety 06:00 – Keep Your Shoes On: a practical Sunday hack 07:30 – Hot weather, sports, and super-subs on the pitch 09:00 – Checking in: Weekend moments & upcoming topics 10:30 – The real fear: how adults respond to deregulation 11:00 – Big Topic: Routines – who are they really for? 13:00 – Christmas McDonald’s story & food flexibility 14:30 – Why the world doesn’t always match the routine 16:00 – School mornings, parental logistics, and emotional honesty 18:00 – When routine causes more pressure than peace 20:00 – Advocating for self-advocacy in your kids 23:00 – Why rigid handovers might actually harm growth 25:00 – Helping extended family learn through experience 27:00 – The invisible “expert in my kid” pressure 29:00 – Double diagnoses, self-acceptance, and finding peace 30:00 – Bath time chaos: stress, countdowns & phrases 32:00 – Co-parenting transitions & mismatched energy 34:00 – Reflecting on your own routines — or lack of them 36:00 – The challenge of staying back in the same class 39:00 – Comparing hopes to progress: managing expectations 41:00 – Soft skills vs grades in SEND education 43:00 – Reframing milestones & celebrating small wins 45:00 – Looking ahead: sports days, pick-ups, and summer breaks 48:00 – ND-friendly sports days & scheduling surprises 51:00 – Final week teacher jokes & hidden stress 53:00 – The unpredictability of communication & last-minute changes 55:00 – Planning for summer: activities, down days & logistics 58:00 – Favourite memories don’t always match the reality 01:00:00 – Building rhythm into unstructured time 01:01:30 – “Champion of Champions” – creating family traditions 01:03:00 – Tankards, trophies & making silly things matter 01:04:00 – Bath time rating: 5 and 6, with “wash the trains” bonus round 01:06:00 – Creative hacks to reduce bath time anxiety 01:07:00 – Final reflections, laughs, and what's next 💡 Enjoying the podcast? 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes 👍 Like & comment to help more parents find us 📬 Contact: neurodadverse@gmail.com 📲 Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @NeuroDadversePodcast 🔗 #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDSupport #SummerHolidaysWithKids #RoutineVsReality #AutismParenting #ADHDLife #ParentingWins #WashTheTrains #EndOfTermFeels #NeuroDadverse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| School Reports, Movie Nights & 9.5 Bath Score Brilliance | NeuroDADverse Ep.6 | 25 juil. 2025 | 00:53:25 | |
🎧 Episode 6 – Routines: Who Are They Really For? This week on The NeuroDadverse, Ben and Dan reflect on the bittersweet emotional load of end-of-term life — school reports, transitional stress, and the tension between creating magical memories and just surviving the week. They unpack the wins (a 9.5 bath score! an actual family dinner with no meltdowns!) and the challenges (burnout, shifting routines, and navigating neurodivergent logic when school says “just play board games today”). There’s a beautiful reflection on self-advocacy, family pride, and learning to let go of perfectionism in summer planning. If you’ve ever balanced emotional regulation, dinner-time negotiations, and a desperate need to just shut the door and breathe — you’ll feel this one. 💬 Topics this episode: • End-of-year school reports and ND academic expectations • Emotional burnout and the hidden toll of transitions • Shared meals, connection rituals, and social eating challenges • Bath time scores and sensory strategies that actually work • Attending Pride events as a family — and what they mean • Learning to plan summer loosely (and forgiving yourself for the rest) • Family traditions, online friendships & self-advocacy wins 👇 CHAPTERS BELOW for easy navigation. 00:00 – Welcome back to The NeuroDadverse 01:00 – Three-word check-in: nostalgia, triumph, passage 02:00 – Wins of the week: school reports, family dinner, football with Mabel 04:00 – Frankie’s trampoline moment & social connection 06:00 – Oscar’s school report: normal, boring, brilliant 09:00 – Identity, dysregulation & recognising hidden effort 11:00 – Sharing progress (or not) with your ND child 12:30 – Reflecting on what “normal” wins actually mean 14:00 – Solo parenting and the dinner/movie experiment 17:00 – Table routines, phone pots & sibling dynamics 19:00 – Watching the game with Mabel (and not sleeping after) 21:00 – Emotional exhaustion & ND parenting adrenaline 22:00 – Sports day check-in: not a win, not a challenge – just fine! 24:00 – Oscar’s social butterfly moment at the SEND sports stall 26:00 – ND school settings & celebrating low-demand flexibility 28:00 – “If you’ve had fun, you’ve won” – or have you? 30:00 – Summer planning, loose frameworks & sibling scheduling 33:00 – Pride planning & self-advocacy through Learning for Life 35:00 – Oscar’s excitement (and sensory reality) around Pride 38:00 – Real talk: when summer plans fall apart 40:00 – Self-advocacy through boundaries & quiet time 42:00 – Dinner talk: letting go of the ideal summer 44:00 – “Separate rooms, separate screens, still okay” 46:00 – Bath scores, sensory wins & Laura’s unexpected success 48:00 – Building independence & co-parenting bath routines 50:00 – The return of the Sunday Bath Plan 51:00 – Creating consistency without school as anchor 52:00 – Last thoughts: ND parenting, recharging, and rest 💡 If this hit home: 🔔 Subscribe for weekly honesty and humour 👍 Like & share — it helps others find the show 📬 Email us: neurodadverse@gmail.com 📲 TikTok/Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast 🔗 #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #EndOfTermFeels #PrideParenting #BathTimeWin #AutismAcceptance #FamilyRoutines #SchoolTransitions #NDAdvocacy #NeuroDadverse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Introducing NeuroDADverse podcast: Unexpected Wins and Meltdowns: Real Talk from Two Neurodiverse Dads | NeuroDADverse Ep.1 | 24 juil. 2025 | 00:50:42 | |
🎧 Welcome to the very first episode of The NeuroDadverse! In this heartfelt launch episode, Ben and Dan dive into the real highs and lows of parenting children with ASD and ADHD — and navigating their own possible diagnoses too. 🍼 It’s Father’s Day, there’s a surprise dental meltdown, a sensory overload birthday, and a gig that ends with an unexpected emotional breakthrough in the car. This is the unfiltered, unpolished reality of raising neurodiverse kids — from bath time battles to breakthrough moments with first words. 👨👧👦 Whether you’re a SEND parent, an educator, or neurodivergent yourself, you’ll relate to the big feelings, small wins, and daily chaos we all face. 💬 Topics this episode:
👇 CHAPTERS BELOW for easy navigation. 00:00 – Welcome to The NeuroDadverse 00:45 – Father’s Day Feels & Double Celebrations 02:10 – This Week in Three Words (and more) 03:30 – Parenting Wins or Challenges First? 04:50 – The Birthday Transition Struggles 08:00 – Oscar’s Surprise Dental Drama 11:00 – When Pain and Meltdowns Collide 14:50 – Sensory Struggles and Strawberry Toothpaste 15:30 – Gig Night and Unexpected Wins 17:10 – Insecurity, Car Talks, and Connection 21:30 – First Words and Cookie Celebrations 24:00 – Looking Ahead: Busy Week Incoming 26:30 – School Milestones and HD360 Assessment News 28:00 – Reflections on Adult Neurodivergence 33:00 – Rejection Sensitivity and Self-Awareness 36:00 – Ear Defenders, Language, and Growth 37:30 – Bath Time Ratings and Hair Wash Woes 43:00 – Trust, Transitions, and Long Hair Challenges 46:30 – Masking, Diagnosis, and Parenting Realities 48:00 – The Power of the When/Then Rule 49:30 – Falling Asleep in the Bath (and other truths) 50:10 – Final Reflections and Goodbye 💡 If you enjoyed this episode: 🔔 Subscribe for weekly real talk on neurodiverse parenting 👍 Like the episode to help others find us 📝 Comment with your own parenting wins or meltdowns — we’d love to hear them! 📲 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @NeuroDadversePodcast 📧 Contact: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🔗 #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #ASDParenting #NeurodivergentDad #ParentingPodcast #FatherhoodUnfiltered #RejectionSensitivity #ADHDDads #NeuroDadverse #SpecialNeedsParenting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Heatwaves, Meltdowns & a Cup Final: Neurodiverse Dads on Survival Model | NeuroDADverse Ep.2 | 24 juil. 2025 | 00:53:12 | |
🎧 Episode 2 – Heat, Hydration & Holding It Together In this episode of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan battle through a blistering heatwave with their neurodivergent kids — and all the chaos that comes with it. From sensory meltdowns and nighttime wake-ups to battles over fans, windows, and hydration, the struggle is real. But it’s not all stress. There are big parenting wins too — like watching a daughter play (and win!) a cup final under pressure, or cracking the code on bath time routines that finally work. ☀️ If you’ve ever tried to parent through a heatwave, support emotional regulation, or just make it to bedtime without a breakdown (yours or theirs), this one’s for you. 💬 Topics this episode:
👇 CHAPTERS BELOW for easy navigation. 00:00 – Welcome back to The NeuroDadverse 01:00 – New energy vs. commitment energy 02:00 – Weekly check-in: Three-word summary 03:30 – Heat, sleep, and overstimulation challenges 05:30 – Frankie and sensory overload in the sun 08:00 – When play helps regulate big emotions 10:00 – Heatwave + neurodiversity = Perfect storm 12:00 – Hydration, closed windows, and parental frustration 14:30 – Self-regulation battles and negotiation with teens 16:30 – Learning from past meltdowns (without "I told you so") 18:00 – Win of the week: Adapting routines that actually work 20:00 – Football, focus, and emotional processing on the pitch 22:30 – Watching your ND child succeed in a pressured environment 25:00 – Victory parade: Confidence, self-awareness, and cup celebrations 27:00 – Reflecting on neurodivergent strengths in adversity 28:00 – Pantomimes, performing arts, and community connection 30:00 – The power of shared ND parenting experiences 31:30 – Looking ahead: Routine changes and summer transitions 34:00 – School ceremonies and surprise wins 36:00 – End-of-term unpredictability and planning stress 38:30 – Emotional resilience and parent preparation 39:30 – ADHD self-assessment check-in (and procrastination) 40:30 – Update on Laura and Mabel’s HD360 assessment journey 42:00 – Bath Time Scores: From meltdown to a 9/10! 44:00 – Temperature, taps, and sensory workarounds 46:00 – The bath time binary choice trick (soap or gel?) 48:00 – Auditory issues and unexpected triggers 51:00 – Final reflections and laughs (and hosepipe parenting) 52:00 – Wrapping up and previewing next week’s challenges 💡 If this episode helped or moved you: 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes 👍 Like & share to help others find us 📲 Comment with your own summer struggles or parenting wins 📧 Got a question or a story to share? Email us at: neurodadverse@gmail.com Follow us on TikTok/Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast 🔗 #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDParenting #HeatwaveMeltdown #ADHDParenting #SensoryProcessing #NeurodivergentKids #FootballWin #BathTimeStruggles #NeuroDadverse #AutismAwareness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Prevent, Parenting & Powerless in Tesco | NeuroDADverse Ep.3 | 24 juil. 2025 | 01:11:48 | |
🎧 Episode 3 – Prevent Training, Parenting Pressure & Permission to Feel Dan and Ben reflect on how institutional systems like Prevent training can unintentionally stigmatise neurodivergent traits. It sparks an emotional, wide-ranging chat about justice, advocacy, and the subtle harm of misrepresentation. But this episode isn’t just about systems. It’s also about the stuff at home: giving your kid Calpol without a meltdown, seeing your teenager self-regulate in a crowd, and how a trip to Tesco can undo you when you’re running on empty. This is one of our rawest episodes yet — where we unpack shame, supermarket stress, emotional resilience, and the lifelong balancing act of being neurodivergent parents to neurodivergent kids. 💬 Topics this episode:
👇 CHAPTERS BELOW for easy navigation. 00:00 – Intro & Welcome 01:00 – Weather chat and podcast energy shift 01:30 – Prevent Training: What triggered us this week 04:00 – Autism, radicalisation, and narrative bias in education 06:30 – When training videos get it wrong 09:00 – Narrow portrayals of neurodivergence 12:00 – From Prevent to parenting emotions: three-word check-in 13:30 – Joy, despair, and hydration failure 15:00 – Wins vs. Challenges (and the expansion of the format) 18:00 – Dan’s raw week: rejection, solo parenting, and emotional walls 22:30 – Behaviour is communication — and what that really means 24:00 – The Calpol-on-the-ceiling story 26:00 – Sensory food issues and being a super sleuth 29:00 – Toilet wins and emotional highs in the middle of chaos 30:30 – Teen boundaries and the “shepherd, not engineer” mindset 32:00 – Mutual respect, negotiation, and raising safe, self-aware teens 34:00 – Ben’s challenge: supermarket shame spiral and emotional overload 39:30 – The invisible weight of "tutting" and social feedback 44:00 – Hair dye, sensory processing, and when you’re not welcome in the room 46:00 – Shoes-on productivity hack (does it work?) 48:00 – Rejection Sensitivity in everyday moments 51:00 – Community, compassion, and navigating difficult comparisons 54:00 – Services are stretched: exclusions, SEND support and local politics 58:00 – Why “comparison is the thief of joy” (except when it isn’t) 01:01:00 – Neurodivergent parenting and sharing the emotional load 01:03:00 – Diagnosis check-in: where things stand 01:05:00 – Looking ahead: solo parenting, the flower show, and the Euros 01:08:00 – Garden bath hacks and muddy memories 01:10:00 – Bath score of the week: a solid 8 (with shared duties!) 01:11:30 – Outro: You're doing great. You're not alone. 💡 If this episode moved you: 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes 👍 Like the episode — it helps more families find us 💬 Share your story in the comments or DM us on Instagram 📧 Contact: neurodadverse@gmail.com 📲 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast 🔗 #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #ADHDAwareness #AutismAdvocacy y #ParentingPodcast #EmotionalRegulation #NeurodivergentDad #PreventTraining #NDLife #NeuroDadverse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Welcome to the NeuroDADverse podcast! | 23 juil. 2025 | 00:00:55 | |
Welcome to NeuroDADverse — the podcast for parents who sometimes feel like they’re parenting on hard mode. We’re Ben and Dan, two dads raising neurodiverse kids and figuring it out as we go. If you’ve ever felt isolated at the school gate, overwhelmed at another meltdown, or just unsure if you’re “doing it right,” this is your space. Each week, we share the real stuff. The wins, the wobbles, and all the spicy-sparkly moments in between. This isn’t expert advice. It’s lived experience. It’s the therapy we didn’t know we needed, and maybe you do too. 💬 New episodes every week 📱 Follow for clips on TikTok and Instagram. You’re not alone. You’re doing great. You are enough and we’re glad you’re here. Subscribe and join us in the NeuroDADverse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||