Neuroshambles – Details, episodes & analysis

Mark chats to the inspirational Kieran Rose. As well as being autistic/ADHD himself, Kieran has three autistic/ADHD children (11, 14 and 15) as well as an autistic wife.

Kieran is an author, academic, trainer, consultant and all round font of knowledge on autism, so this episode contains some fascinating insights into the different communication styles between neurodivergents and neurotypicals when having a conversation.

As well as topics such as situational mutism, hyperverbalism and monotropism, Mark and Kieran swap tales about the fact they're never able to finish a conversation without being interrupted and discuss the perils of group conversation and their very different takes on the ridiculous neurotypical habit of engaging in small talk.

 

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

Neurodive Podcast - https://soundcloud.com/neurodivepod/kieranrose

Kieran's website - https://theautisticadvocate.com/

Maori word for autism - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-40493398

 

KIERAN'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER READING:

A short (and very inexhaustive) list of Autistic advocates and allies no longer with us, who have made a phenomenally constructive difference to the narratives around Autistic and Neurodivergent people, but who never get the recognition of lauded non-Autistic people:   Jim Sinclair Don't mourn for us - Jim Sinclair wrote one of the pivotal texts in the reframing of Autistic experience (opens as a PDF): https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://philosophy.ucsc.edu/SinclairDontMournForUs.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwik86zq-smIAxWCWUEAHQ2NH5UQFnoECCQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3WfDEINrbr2olYTgiO6ZKl A book about Jim: https://amzn.eu/d/3qalj4l   Donna Williams Conceptualised a model of advocacy based on an inside-out approach - that observation based on your own or a normative experience can only take you so far. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Williams She produced a massive number of books: https://uk.jkp.com/collections/author-donna-williams-pid-199891   Mel Baggs: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mel_Baggs An old (quality is indicative of its age, so please bear with it) video on two parts that off a deep challenge to normative assumptions around communication and experience: https://youtu.be/JnylM1hI2jc?si=IaPhwkiYn1vRmmlp   Dinah Murray https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinah_Murray Co-creator of the theory of monotropism: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1362361305051398 A basic introduction: https://youtu.be/qUFDAevkd3E?si=SMiSDEoiNcDtV2eg   Steve Silberman https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Silberman The author of Neurotribes, a game changing book that brought a model of different, not less into the mainstream: https://amzn.eu/d/clw0AD8

 

 

CONTACT US

If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US

Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles

Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS

The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Kicking off season 2 of Neuroshambles, Mark chats to the wonderful Dee McMahon who also has three neurodivergent children: a 16-year old boy, (diagnosed Autistic/ADHD with anxiety disorder) a 13-year old girl (diagnosed ADHD with Dyslexia/Dyscalculia) and a 9-year old boy (diagnosed Autistic with ARFID).

Mark and Dee take a deep dive into the soul crushing nightmare of trying to feed their neurodifferent kids something remotely resembling a balanced diet. From the trauma of putting together meal plans and shopping lists, to the sense of nervous trepidation when trying to introduce their kids to new foods and the wounded pride they experience when food they've slaved away at is dismissed without even being tried.

They also take an in-depth look at the more serious side of food issues, when they discuss Dee's personal account of her boy's recent diagnosis of ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).

 

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

ARFID - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoidant/restrictive_food_intake_disorder

ARFID Community Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/arfid/

mASCot website: https://www.asc-mascot.com/

mASCot Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/221337174595596/

To make a donation to mASCot, so they can continue their amazing work: https://www.givey.com/mascot

Evelina Clinic, London - www.evelinalondon.nhs.uk

Sainsbury's pasta stars - https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-stars-500g?

Spruce tips - www.foragerchef.com/spruce-tips/

 

 

CONTACT US

If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US

Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles

Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS

The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

This episode focuses on the daily struggle to find clothing that our neurodifferent children will tolerate wearing.

Mark talks to Steph Curtis, author and parent of two neurodivergent children (both teenagers, diagnosed autistic - one with a strong PDA profile). They swap tales of regular battles with labels and seams, the nightmare of school clothes and their children's preference for being naked - even in the most inappropriate moments.

 

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

“PDA in the family” by Steph Curtis - https://amzn.eu/d/1j8KsYi

Stephstwogirls on Instagram -www.instagram.com/stephstwogirls

Steph Curtis’ blog - www.stephstwogirls.co.uk

Bamboo socks - www.sockshop.co.uk/featured/kids-bamboo

Crocs - www.crocs.co.uk/c/kids/footwear

"Neuroshambles giveaway" shoes (size 3) - www.skechers.co.uk/foamies-guzman-steps---aqua-surge/91995L_BLK.html

Skechers - www.skechers.co.uk/kids

ASDA sensory school uniform -  https://direct.asda.com/george/collections/easy-on-easy-wear-school/D28M110G1C3,default,sc.html

Marks & Spencers sensory clothing - www.marksandspencer.com/l/kids/easy-dressing

Sensory Smart Clothing - www.sensorysmart.co.uk

Fidget-T - www.comfa.co.uk/product/fidget-t

 

CONTACT US

If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com

 

FOLLOW US

Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles

Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles

Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles

 

CREDITS

The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

This episode discusses the lighter side of parents of SEND kids being treated as outcasts from polite society.

Mark speaks to Samuel Wilson, author and parent of two children: an 8-year old daughter (on the autism pathway, with Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Visual Impairment and Sensory Processing Disorder) and a 4-year old son (undiagnosed neurotypical).

Mark and Sam shine a humorous light on being ostracised by the other parents at school, alienated from WhatsApp groups and treated as a social pariah at parties, before discussing how this social isolation can sometimes be used to our benefit.

I know, I know, it all sounds a bit gloomy, but trust me, this is a surprisingly fun episode. And what better time to listen to it than when no-one else is around?

 

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

Albion in the Community, Brighton - www.bhafcfoundation.org.uk/timetable/ Jumpin Fun - www.jumpinfun.co.uk/burgess-hill Gladiators - www.gladiatorstv.com/gladiators/bbc/ "Lend a Hand", Samuel Wilson's book - www.littlestepspublishing.co.uk/books/lend-a-hand Amaze, Sussex - www.amazesussex.org.uk Whoopsadaisy, Brighton - www.whoopsadaisy.org

 

CONTACT US

If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com

 

FOLLOW US

Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles

Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles

Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles

 

CREDITS

The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

Mark speaks to Angie Belcher - Comedian in Residence at University of Bristol and the proud owner of a neurodiverse 5-year old boy (diagnosed autistic, with suspected ADHD). In this episode, they discuss how something as seemingly straightforward as walking from A to B, can be an entirely different experience with neurodivergent children.

 

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

Incredible Kids, Bristol - www.incrediblekids.org.uk Bristol Autism Project - www.facecharity.org.uk/our-work/bristol-autism-project Bristol Autism Support - www.bristolautismsupport.org Murmuration, Bristol - www.murmurationcommunitytherapy.com Flora, Bristol - www.bristolparentcarers.org.uk/2021/05/24/flora-bristols-send-local-offer National Trust Essential Companions - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/about-us/access-for-everyone "Walking With Toddlers" radio play - www.soundcloud.com/walking-and-re-creation/walking-with-toddlers?si=ca26f00080ee4a908347d0d3962b043c

 

CONTACT US

If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com

 

FOLLOW US

Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles

Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles

Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles

 

CREDITS

The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

Mark welcomes back the wonderful Jo Matthews - a fellow parent with a neurodivergent setup (a 16-year old autistic daughter, with sensory processing disorder, and a 20 year old autistic son with ADHD). In this episode, they untangle the knotty concept of social etiquette in relation to neurodifferent kids and see how their own families fare, when faced with the 10 golden rules of social etiquette. Warning - this episode contains socially unacceptable behaviour.

 

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

Temple Grandin: https://www.templegrandin.com/

Odeon Cinema autism friendly screenings: https://www.odeon.co.uk/accessibility/autism-friendly/

Theatre Royal, Brighton: http://theatreroyalbrighton.com/

Jo's group for mASCot: https://www.asc-mascot.com/teen-and-inbetweeners-club

To make a donation to mASCot, so they can continue their amazing work: www.givey.com/mascot

 

CONTACT US

If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com

 

FOLLOW US

Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles

Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles/

Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles

 

CREDITS

The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

Mark chats with Jess Meredith - parent of an autistic 6-year old daughter and founder of the wonderful organisation, Differing Minds. Together, they share tales of the absurd amount admin demanded of all parents fighting to get support for their neurodifferent children.  Links to stuff we mention in this episode Differing Minds - https://www.differingminds.co.uk/ "The Explosive Child" by Dr Ross Greene - https://drrossgreene.com/the-explosive-child.htm SEND Family Instincts - https://www.sendfamilyinstincts.com/ Hibi app - https://hibi.health/ Contact us If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com Follow us Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/neuroshambles/ Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles Credits The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

Mark chats with Heidi Mavir - Sunday Times Best Selling Author and founder of EOTAS Matters, as they discuss the importance of honesty to our neurodivergent children. This episode also features some worthy neurodiversity champions, some laudable tiny epic wins, and some utterly ridiculous "What the Flip?" moments. Links to stuff we mention in this episode "Your Child is Not Broken", by Heidi Mavir: https://www.heidimavir.com/i-wrote-a-book EOTAS Matters resources: https://eotasmatters.kartra.com/portals/EVERYTHING Heidi Mavir's website: https://www.heidimavir.com/ MindJam: https://mindjam.org.uk/ Sock Shop bamboo socks: https://www.sockshop.co.uk/featured/bamboo The Barbican, London: https://www.barbican.org.uk/ "My Neighbour Totoro" stage show: https://totoroshow.com/ Contact us If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com Follow us Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/neuroshambles/ Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles Credits The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

'Tis the season to be fizzy, as Mark welcomes back former guest "Belle", to discuss the additional challenges that Christmas presents to our neurodifferent children. Featuring torrid tales of taking children to visit Santa, performing in school concerts and trying to coax a PDA child into writing a Christmas list. There will also be regular favourite features, such as Neurodiversity Champions, Tiny Epic Wins and some more joyous "What the flip?" moments. Links to stuff we mention in this episode Polar Express: https://ukfamilytravel.com/polar-express-train-ride-locations-in-the-uk/ Preston Manor Father Christmas: https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/event/father-christmas/ Amazing Maids: https://www.amazingmaidssussex.com/ Wakehurst "Glow Wild" event: https://www.kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on/glow-wild-2023 Cheese knife: https://www.robertwelch.com/products/radford-bright-cheese-knife Contact us If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com Follow us Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/neuroshambles/ Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles Credits The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

In this episode, Mark speaks to "Kate", who has a 10-year old girl, who is diagnosed autistic with suspected ADHD. They discuss how their neurodifferent kids navigate the knotty issue of friendships. We also have some more neurodiversity champions, plenty of "what the flip" moments and a couple of tiny wins. Links to stuff we mention in this episode Appeer: https://www.appeer.org.uk/ Overworld: https://overworld-amp.uk/ Contact us If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com Follow us Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/neuroshambles/ Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles Credits The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/