Neuroshambles – Details, episodes & analysis

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Neuroshambles

Mark Allen

Kids & Family

Health & Fitness

Comedy

Frequency: 1 episode/17d. Total Eps: 63

Neuroshambles is a UK parenting podcast about raising neurodivergent children. Hosted by lapsed comedian Mark Allen, this show explores autism parenting, ADHD, PDA, SEND, school struggles, family life and parental wellbeing through honest, relatable conversations - often with a healthy dose of humour, but always grounded in lived experience.

Mark is raising three neurodivergent children and chats with parents, carers, advocates and professionals about the everyday challenges some families face. These aren’t lectures or masterclasses, but candid tales from the front line of parenting neurodivergent kids, as guests swap stories about what works for them - and just as importantly, what definitely doesn’t. Topics range from meltdowns, PDA-related demand avoidance and dealing with authorities, to holidays, mealtimes and the logistical chaos of daily life.

Neuroshambles is for UK parents and carers who want something that feels human - supportive without being preachy, practical without being clinical. The aim isn’t to provide all the answers, but to shine a light on the absurdities and difficulties of a family life shaped by neurodivergence, offering connection, reassurance and the comfort of knowing you’re not the only one struggling to make sense of things.

New episodes are released fortnightly.

Check out more information on the Neuroshambles website: www.neuroshambles.com

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https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/
31 shares
https://www.threads.net/@neuroshambles
25 shares
https://pixabay.com/
24 shares

http://www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles
28 shares
https://www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles
6 shares
https://www.facebook.com/groups/221337174595596/
4 shares

https://www.instagram.com/neuroshambles
39 shares
https://www.instagram.com/agonyautie
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https://www.instagram.com/asd_with_a_g_and_t
4 shares

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RSS feed quality

Good

Score global : 83%

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School: The Primary Years | Grace Lockrobin

Season 3 · Episode 7

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 • Duration 01:35:25

If you’ve ever felt like Key Stage 2 at school was when it all got harder - not only for your neurodivergent child, but also for you as a parent - this is the episode for you. Mark is joined by philosophy educator and fellow Neuroshambler Grace Lockrobin for a cathartic look at the ages of 7-11, which is where the wheels can start to wobble more for our autistic, ADHD or PDA kids.

Together, they unpack the pressures of conformity, the nightmare of homework and the heartbreak of parents evenings. From school trips and transitions to SATs and navigating playground politics, they shine a light on why this age can be so tough - and why the system often gets it wrong.

It’s warm, witty, and full of the kind of honesty that makes you feel just a little less alone when your child doesn’t quite fit the mould.

If you’re searching for an autism parenting podcast or ADHD parenting podcast that actually reflects the messy, hilarious, heartbreaking truth of raising neurodivergent children, you're in the right place.

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CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS (Estimated):

00:00 - Intro and meet the guest

03:30 - What’s changed since we last spoke

05:50 - Intro to topic of the week

23:00 - The challenges of the shift in KS2 teaching style

10:00 - Misguided attempts to get them to "catch up"

13:00 - The role that transitions play in these difficulties

22:15 - Social cliques and friendship dynamics

35:15 - Bullying

43:00 - The difficulty of parents’ evenings

57:15 - Homework nightmares

1:00:40 - The unhelpful pressure of SATs

1:06:25 - School trips

1:12:10 - It's not all rubbish: looking at the positives

1:24:15 - Neurodiversity Champions

1:27:45 - Tiny Epic Wins

1:30:00 - “What the Flip?” Moments

1:33:50 - Wrap-up and where to find us

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LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

SATs - https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2022/05/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sats/

Karate Zone - https://karatezone.com/

PDA Society - https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/

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🌐 Website: www.neuroshambles.com

📧 Email: hello@neuroshambles.com

📸 Instagram: @neuroshambles

🎵 TikTok: @neuroshamblespod

📘 Facebook: Neuroshambles

🧵 Threads: @neuroshambles

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CREDITS

🎶 Theme music by Skilsel on Pixabay: pixabay.com

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How autistic is your child? | Kieran Rose

Season 3 · Episode 6

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 • Duration 01:55:23

What do we mean when we describe someone as “severely autistic”? Why is it so hard to explain what being autistic actually means? And how useful (or harmful) are terms like high-functioning, low-functioning, profound autism, or even Asperger’s?

Kieran Rose returns for a deep dive into the language we use to describe autism - and why it often does more harm than good. He and Mark explore the flaws in functioning labels, the dangers of ranking autistic traits, and how trying to quantify someone’s autism usually misses the point.

In a wide-ranging and compassionate chat, Mark and Kieran explore how complex, deeply personal and often contradictory this topic is - both for parents and for autistic people themselves. What starts as a provocative question ends up as a fascinating conversation about diagnosis, co-occurring conditions, identity, education, eugenics, power, and prejudice.

A powerful, enlightening and empowering episode - a must-listen for anyone parenting autistic kids who’s ever felt under pressure to explain, justify or minimise their child’s neurodivergence.

📍 CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS (Estimated):

00:00 - Intro: Meet Kieran Rose

04:30 - Life in a Fully Neurodivergent Household

08:00 - Topic of the Week: How Autistic Is Your Child?

12:00 - Labels, Bias, and the Stigma Around Autism

18:00 - High vs Low Functioning: Where It Comes From

23:00 - What Even Is Autism?

28:30 - The Flawed Legacy of Asperger’s

35:00 - Identity vs Diagnosis

42:00 - DSM-5 Levels of Autism: Why They Don’t Work

49:00 - Profound Autism and The New York Times Article

55:00 - A Counterpoint: The Voices We Don’t Hear

1:00:00 - Co-occurring Conditions and the Real Source of Needs

🔗 LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: 📣 CONTACT US 🎙️ CREDITS

Tackling Ignorance - Part 1 | Jo Matthews

Season 2 · Episode 19

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 • Duration 01:18:29

In this episode, Mark is joined once again by the brilliant Jo Matthews for a cathartic, hilarious, and occasionally sweary dive into the unfiltered reality of parenting autistic, ADHD and PDA kids.

From "It's just a label" and "He’s fine with me" to "You just need to push them out of their comfort zone", this is part one of a two-part special on the unsolicited commentary we all get, whether it’s from strangers, family members, or well-meaning-but-utterly-wrong professionals. The kind of comments that pretend to be supportive but are really just dismissive, ignorant, or unhelpfully optimistic.

Together, Mark and Jo share personal stories, listener submissions, and a few moments of pure rage-laughter, as they unpack why these statements cut so deep - and how to push back with humour, honesty, and the occasional incredulous raise of the eyebrow.

If you've ever encountered the ignorance of strangers and you're looking for a neurodivergent parenting podcast that makes you feel seen, this is the one for you.

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CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS (Estimated): 00:00 – Intro & Meet the Guest: Jo Matthews 06:00 – “It's just a label” 08:00 - The story of Rube Waddell 16:00 - "Stop Mollycoddling your child" 21:00 - "You let them win too much" 22:30 - "Can't you just make them do it?" 26:00 - "You should make their home life more unpleasant" 28:00 - "Your parenting is wishy washy" 31:00 - "Children just need boundaries" 36:00 - "You need to push them out of their comfort zone" 43:00 - "Are you too afraid to say no?" 48:00 - "How will they manage in the real world?" 52:00 - "Sometimes, it's a choice" 54:00 - "They're just trying to get their own way" 01:02:00 - "They're fine when they're with me" 01:07:00 - The Positives 01:09:30 - Neurodiversity Champions 01:12:00 - Tiny Epic Wins 01:14:30 - What the Flip? 01:17:00 - Wrap-Up & What’s Coming in Part Two

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LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

Rube Waddell - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rube_Waddell
"Am I raising an arsehole?" episode of Neuroshambles -https://pod.link/1710455546/episode/a313c1057becbcd2e24d64c5bf94820e

Why can't they stick with a hobby? | Nicole Bateman

Season 2 · Episode 18

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 • Duration 01:30:25

In this episode, Nicole Bateman joins Mark to explore why neurodivergent kids often struggle to take up hobbies - those wholesome after-school activities that see neurotypical kids flourish… but which, for many parents of autistic, ADHD or PDA kids are either a logistical nightmare, a sensory minefield, or a fast track to public meltdown.

Together, they explore the myths, pressures and downright ridiculousness of what “having hobbies” means when you are parenting neurodivergent children.

Nicole shares how she’s reframed success and what helps her child engage without pressure. Mark opens up about the guilt, the frustration and the financial strain of trying to nurture interests that never seem to last past the first session.

They cover what actually works, what definitely doesn’t, and the benefits of learning to follow your neurodifferent child's lead, so you can meet them where they're at, rather than where you want them to be.

It’s an honest, often funny conversation about persistence, passion and letting go of neurotypical timelines.

STUFF WE COVER:

00:00 – Intro & Meet the Guest: Nicole Bateman 03:00 – The fantasy of hobbies vs the reality 08:00 – Issues with trust and accessibility 13:00 – After-school clubs 18:00 – The Summer holiday hobby void 25:00 – Trying to force your neurodivergent children to have a hobby 33:00 – Social disconnect in group settings 39:00 – When your best intentions fail 44:00 - Environmental barriers to adopting a hobby 47:00 – Competitive Sport: Gift or Curse? 53:00 – Caesar-or-Nothing syndrome & hobby avoidance 59:00 – Drop-off disasters 1:07:00 – What *does* work? 1:12:00 – It's not all rubbish: A look at the positives 1:15:00 – Neurodiversity Champions 1:23:00 – Tiny Epic Wins 1:26:00 – What the Flip? Moments 1:29:00 – Wrap-Up & Where to Find Nicole

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

Nicole Bateman’s Website – Friendly SEND Advisor and Super Sensory Squad: https://nicolebateman.co.uk/
Conversations with a SEND Mum – Nicole’s podcast:

The nightmare of shopping | Helen Stuart

Season 2 · Episode 17

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 • Duration 01:23:47

Shopping - whether it’s for clothes, food or shoes - can be a sensory, emotional and logistical nightmare when you’re parenting autistic or ADHD children. Helen Stuart joins Mark to discuss why “just popping to the shops” is a long-held pipedream.

They share tales from the front line of their own shopping trip traumas, and discuss how sensory overload, PDA, and unpredictable environments make supermarkets and shopping centres feel like hostile territory.

Helen explains the practical steps her family takes to get through it - and when they just opt out entirely. Mark shares how even a trip to the corner shop has to be planned like a military operation, and how public perception adds a whole extra layer of pressure.

A funny, honest episode that every neurodivergent parenting family will relate to.

STUFF WE COVER:

00:00 – Intro & Listener Feedback 02:00 – Meet the Guest: Helen Stuart 06:00 – Topic of the Week: Shopping 13:00 – Why Supermarkets Are Sensory Torture 19:00 – The Emotional Toll of Trolleys and Comments 25:00 – PDA Autonomy, Meltdowns, and the Elsa Cup Incident 33:00 – Supermarket Sweep, PDA-Style 39:00 – Self-Checkouts vs Human Interaction 45:00 – Clothing & Footwear Battles 52:00 – Lush, Libraries and Return Rage 59:00 – When Book Tokens Become a Poisoned Chalice 1:04:00 – The Positives (Yes, Really!) 1:10:00 – Neurodiversity Champions 1:16:00 – Tiny Epic Wins 1:20:00 – What the Flip? Moments 1:23:00 – Wrap-Up & Thrive Together Info

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

PDA Society - Support and resources for families living with a PDA profile: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk

Supermarket Sweep - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarket_Sweep_(British_game_show)

Sunflower Lanyard Scheme - For invisible disabilities: https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com

School: The Early Years | Helen Daniel

Season 2 · Episode 16

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 • Duration 01:19:36

Starting school is a big deal for any child – but for neurodivergent children, it can be the beginning of a long and complicated relationship with the education system. Mark is joined by Helen Daniel to explore what happens when the school system isn’t built for your child.

They discuss transitions, sensory overload, academic gaslighting and the slow-burning isolation that builds in the school playground (for kids and parents alike), as they dissect the emotional rollercoaster of watching your child struggle in a system not built for them.

Together, they share tips for advocating for your child while staying sane – and what they wish they’d known from the beginning.

If you’re looking for an autism, ADHD or PDA parenting podcast episodes about starting school, this one is essential listening.

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STUFF WE COVER: 00:00 – Intro & Listener Message 01:45 – Meet the Guest: Helen Daniel 06:00 – Topic of the Week: Early Years & School 21:00 – Sensory Profiles and Unrealistic Expectations 34:00 – ND Communication Styles & Social Hierarchies 47:00 – Parent Isolation and Drop-Off Struggles 56:30 – School Pickup Dread & Neurodivergent Burnout 1:03:00 – What Needs to Change in Education 1:04:45 – Neurodiversity Champions 1:09:00 – Tiny Epic Wins 1:14:00 – What the Flip? Moments 1:17:00 – Wrap-Up & Helen’s Book Plug

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LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Outside the Box Sensory (Helen’s website for talks, training and resources) - https://outsidetheboxsensory.com Follow Helen on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/otbsensory Follow Helen on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/outsidetheboxsensory Helen’s book – Neurosensory Divergence: Autistic Languages and Inclusion (Amazon): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CV4PSMH7 The Double Empathy Problem – Dr. Damian Milton: Heidi Mavir Neuroshambles Empathy Episode - Pete Wharmby Neuroshambles Masking Episode - Progressive Education – Resources for alternative provision and inclusive practice: Grove Neurodivergent Mentoring & Education – Interest-based communities for ND kids: Silent Disco -

Being the token neurotypical | Kirsty Hockenhull

Season 2 · Episode 15

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 • Duration 01:26:59

Have you ever felt like the odd one out in your own family? In this episode, Mark chats with Kirsty Hockenhull, a fellow self-diagnosed neurotypical in the midst of a chaotic, neurodivergent household. They discuss how it feels to be the lone neurotypical in a family teeming with autism, ADHD, and PDA - touching on everything from helping them navigate everyday social conventions to how to cope when your emotional needs are the only ones not being accommodated for.

They discuss the challenges of bridging two worlds - interpreting “neurotypical” rules for neurodivergent loved ones, while also learning where those same social norms should be thrown out of the window altogether.

There are candid insights into parenting styles, navigating brutal honesty (“Mum, why are you so old?” or “Dad, you should iron your face!”), and the realisation that sometimes your greatest strength is simply having enough “spoons” to hold it all together.

A light-hearted but deeply affirming neurodivergent parenting podcast episode for mixed-neurotype families.

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LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Pizza Express - https://www.pizzaexpress.com/ The Great Escape - https://greatescapefestival.com/ Wife Swap - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wife_Swap_(British_TV_series) Gorilla Gym - https://amzn.eu/d/bpK6C0G Angela Barnes – https://www.angelabarnescomedy.co.uk/ The Stimming Pool - https://www.thestimmingpool.com/ Electric Palace Cinema, Hastings - https://www.electricpalacecinema.com/ Lucy Bronze – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xriJ8wZm1w4

Parental Burnout | Liz Evans

Season 2 · Episode 14

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 • Duration 01:16:54

What happens when you hit a wall, and there’s no one around to help you up again? Liz Evans joins Mark to talk about parental burnout: what it looks like, why it’s so common, and the stigma around admitting you're not coping.

Liz discusses her own experiences of parental burnout, and shares her knowledge of how to spot the signs of impending burnout, before offering guidance on strategies we can implement to avoid it happening to us - because let's face it, many parents of autistic and ADHD children are constantly dancing around the edges of it.

This one’s a lifeline for exhausted parents of neurodivergent kids who have been in survival mode for far too long.

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

Together For Send Conference, Bristol - https://www.bristolparentcarers.org.uk/events/togetherforsend2025/

The Untypical OT website - https://the-untypical-ot.co.uk/

The Untypical OT podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/0L6K6RwcErY5Z9tggI40F3?si=d32fc06ab7ca4c60

The Untypical OT podcast (Heidi Mavir episode) - https://open.spotify.com/episode/49CtSzTKt8WStCL6bo8d5h?si=gVjZWlSgSj23eHJoMIGxWA

Workplace Burnout - https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases

Brené Brown short film on Empathy - https://youtu.be/1Evwgu369Jw?si=nRHnjrN2pb4jZ-W7

The Bumpy Road to Diagnosis | Tam

Season 2 · Episode 13

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 • Duration 01:33:04

Despite what some people believe, getting an autism or ADHD diagnosis for your child is far from straightforward. It's a frustrating, emotional and exhausting journey - no matter which diagnosis pathway you travel.

In this special episode, Mark speaks to Tam, who is his former partner, current co-parent and long time friend. They discuss the diagnosis process of their three neuro-exceptional kids, who each followed completely different routes in the UK - from NHS/CAMHS and private diagnosis, to the "Right to Choose" pathway.

This is a uniquely intimate and candid episode, where both parents reflect on the emotional rollercoaster of seeking diagnoses for Jay (diagnosed autistic/ADHD), Otto (diagnosed autistic/ADHD) and India (suspected autistic/ADHD... until now).

By a strange quirk of fate, the recording date of this episode fell on the same day they received the results of India's autism assessment, so you can hear their reaction to this, just moments after receiving the news, as they consider what it now means for their family unit.

It’s a raw, informative and validating conversation - particularly for parents wondering if it’s worth pushing for that piece of paper.

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

CAMHS - https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/your-guide-to-support/guide-to-camhs/

The Effra Clinic - https://www.effraclinic.co.uk/

Right To Choose - https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/your-choices-in-the-nhs/

All Dogs Have ADHD - https://amzn.eu/d/8Tzq6dj

All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum -

Why do our kids mask? | Pete Wharmby

Season 2 · Episode 12

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 • Duration 01:32:29

Why do so many autistic and ADHD kids put on a brave face at school - only to melt down at home? Masking is a survival strategy for so many of our neurodivergent children. Pete Wharmby joins Mark to talk about why they do it, what the long terms affects are on their sense of self, and how we can help them unmask safely.

They explore the school environment, social pressures and internalised expectations that drive masking behaviour - often at great emotional cost.

Pete shares his personal journey of unmasking as an adult, and how he’s helping his own child feel accepted without having to perform. Mark reflects on the challenge of supporting a child who seems “fine” to outsiders – and the guilt that comes when parents question their own instincts.

If you’re looking for a neurodivergent parenting podcast episode that unpacks this essential topic with warmth, honesty and wisdom, this is it.

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

Pete Wharmby's website - https://petewharmby.com/

"Untypical" by Pete Wharmby - https://amzn.eu/d/35cWwBh

Alexis Quinn - https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/stories/stories-from-the-spectrum-alexis-quinn

University of Edinburgh study in autistic communication with other autistics - https://salvesen-research.ed.ac.uk/our-projects/autistic-autistic-communication

Autistic code switching - https://myautismmind.com/autism-masking/

Autistic Girls Network - https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/

Neuroshambles – Details, episodes & analysis

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Neuroshambles – Details, episodes & analysis

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