Parenting Autism and ADHD is a podcast designed to support parents and carers of children with autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and other neurodevelopmental challenges, as well as children struggling with school attendance, even if they haven’t yet been diagnosed.
Each episode offers practical guidance on helping your child attend school with less stress, manage meltdowns, and navigate obstacles in the education system.
Through expert advice, real-life stories, and actionable strategies, we aim to empower you to overcome school refusal, sensory sensitivities, and behavioural struggles with confidence.
Our mission is to build a supportive community where parents and carers can connect, share experiences, and access the tools they need for their child’s success, while fostering collaboration between parents and teachers to create a strong, unified support system.
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HOST BIO
Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities.
Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles.
Cliff’s daughter will be a regular guest, sharing her experiences and strategies that work for her. And joining him in this journey is his wife, Annie, who will also contribute to the podcast with her unique perspective and support.
Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
How to Keep Your Children Safe Online with Chris Duff Part One
Episode 6
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 • Duration 37:13
Cliff is joined by Chris Duff in this episode. In part 1 of their conversation, Chris shares his incredible knowledge about online predators, grooming tactics and the dangers of sextortion. He gives his own experiences and clear examples of how these things happen in reality sharing why it’s so important to stay vigilant and proactive as parents.
Episode Reveals
• The dangers every child faces online
• The covert ways predators try to access children
• How parents can keep their children safe online
• Why sextortion is on the rise and how it happens
• How to create trust with your child so they will come to you about difficult things they may see online
BEST MOMENTS
“It's invaded our lives and we've all become so dependent upon it and it has it's advantages for sure, but it also has a whole host of disadvantages.”
“ I really just couldn't believe how, how under attack our kids are and the parents need to open up their eyes and understand this.”
“It's not about me not trusting my children. I trust my children. I love my children. I want them to grow up and I wanna be their friend. I wanna be their best friend. But the reality is I'm here to be their parent, and I'm here to make sure that they grow up into a responsible adult that doesn't get abused before they get to an age where they can make logical decisions.”
“ They figure stuff out and they're still gonna wanna be rebellious. They're kids. You know, I say all the time, I thank God I didn't have this technology when I was a kid. '”
“ If there's an adult talking online with kids, that's a red flag.”
EPISODE RESOURCES
Link to my book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” https://amzn.eu/d/hIXiGIA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adversity-institute/
Website: https://www.adversity.institute/
👉 10% off your first order Vivanmn LINK - https://vivanmn.com/cliff
New Parenting Autism and ADHD community - Discord because Meta is shutting down fb messenger community chats, we can continue the conversation here - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV
HOST BIO
Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff’s daughter will be a regular guest, sharing her experiences and strategies that work for her. And joining him in this journey is his wife, Annie, who will also contribute to the podcast with her unique perspective and support. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
CONTACT ME
Facebook: facebook.com/cliff.kilmister Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 LinkedIn: Cliff Kilmister X (Twitter): @KilmisterCliff
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
All About Stimming
Episode 5
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 • Duration 50:40
Cliff and Eva talk about the topic of stimming, including what it is, how it feels and why understanding it is so important. They share their own experiences of stimming and discuss how stimming helps individuals self-regulate, communicate and thrive!
Episode Reveals
• Common forms of stimming
• Why stimming is so regulating for neurodiverse individuals
• How stimming can aid learning for many pupils
• How others can respond to stimming and how to manage it
• The important distinctions between fidgets, sensory aids and ‘toys’
• How parents and teachers can help support stimming behaviours
BEST MOMENTS
“ Is it possible that the parents just haven't recognised it before?”
“ If your child is flapping their hands around, there's a good chance that they're stimming.”
“Auditory stimming, where we repeat sounds and noises such as humming or tapping, repeating words or phrases.”
“ I've just gotten used to it. It feels normal for me.”
“ Sometimes it helps you to focus on your learning.”
“ They used the word toy instead of fidget, which annoys me a little bit because they're not toys, they're fidgets.”
“Certain people, I can be myself, like with like with my best friend, I can be myself around him.”
RESOURCES
Link to my book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” https://amzn.eu/d/hIXiGIA
👉 10% off your first order Vivanmn LINK - https://vivanmn.com/cliff
New Parenting Autism and ADHD community - Discord because Meta is shutting down fb messenger community chats, we can continue the conversation here - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV
HOST BIO
Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff’s daughter will be a regular guest, sharing her experiences and strategies that work for her. And joining him in this journey is his wife, Annie, who will also contribute to the podcast with her unique perspective and support. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
CONTACT ME
Facebook: facebook.com/cliff.kilmister Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 LinkedIn: Cliff Kilmister X (Twitter): @KilmisterCliff
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
The System Wasn’t Built for Us: Challenges of Neurodiversity in Schools
Episode 4
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 • Duration 30:12
Most schools and many teachers do not properly understand the challenges and complexities in supporting children with additional needs. In this episode, Cliff and his daughter Eva talk about how systems within schools can inadvertently cause issues for children who are neurodiverse. They also discuss the lack of trust in many mainstream schools and the impact this has on the emotional wellbeing of students.
Episode Reveals
• The differences Eva found in mainstream -vs- private schools in accommodating her needs
• How building a foundation of trust can aid in all students to feel at ease in school
• The difference between mindfulness and mental health and why schools need to recognise this
• Why respect goes both ways between teachers and students; students do not respect teachers if they are treated poorly
BEST MOMENTS
“ It certainly doesn't feel like a place that makes you feel welcome. Is this part of why you don't feel comfortable going to this school?”
“ I've heard that term way too much, mental health used by the wrong people. Wrong people, meaning teachers. They use that word too much, some words are overused with teachers like mental health and mindfulness. They're used in the wrong way.”
“ We're all being treated the same, in the mainstream school, we're all wearing the same uniform. We're all being told to have the same. Well, how it feels is we're all being told to have the same sort of personality.”
RESOURCES
👉 10% off your first order Vivanmn LINK - https://vivanmn.com/cliff
New Parenting Autism and ADHD community - Discord because Meta is shutting down fb messenger community chats, we can continue the conversation here - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV
Link to my book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” https://amzn.eu/d/hIXiGIA
HOST BIO
Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff’s daughter will be a regular guest, sharing her experiences and strategies that work for her. And joining him in this journey is his wife, Annie, who will also contribute to the podcast with her unique perspective and support. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
CONTACT ME
Facebook: facebook.com/cliff.kilmister Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 LinkedIn: Cliff Kilmister X (Twitter): @KilmisterCliff
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
The Everyday Struggles of a Neurodiverse Household with Comedian Colin Etches
Episode 3
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 • Duration 01:14:18
Cliff is joined by Colin, a standup comedian and parent who shows ADHD brings heart and humour to the ups and downs of life with additional needs. As neurodivergent parents, Colin and Cliff talk about the challenges they face themselves, the invisible struggles and the ways they try to cope, often with humour helping! They share how they manage situations with themselves and their children, including mechanisms for preventing sensory overload and coming to terms with the stigma around labels.
Episode Reveals
Why humour can be the best way to cope with the everyday chaos of a neurodiverse household.
How subtle signs of neurodivergence are often dismissed early on by parents and other caregivers.
The difficulties with obtaining a diagnosis for ASD or ADHD in later life.
The challenges in distinguishing between actual neurodivergent traits and learned behaviour from neurodiverse family members.
The common overlaps between trauma and neurodivergence.
The guilt many neurodiverse parents feel when their children subsequently get diagnosed.
How to manage sensory overload and prevent ‘meltdowns’.
BEST MOMENTS
“We always knew there was something different about her.”
“ If I'm focused on something, if you try and stop me doing it, I can become quite aggressive, almost quite angry.”
“ I have these guilty moments when, when I think, oh, I've made my daughter broken.”
“ Every party I went to as a child, my dad carried me out and I'd had a headache and I'd been sick. Because it was just over sensory.”
“ I learnt to mask and socially I'm pretty good.”
“There are kids that have just had crappy parenting and, and they display behaviours that are very similar to someone that is neurodiverse.”
“ There's a lot of stigma around labelling. I personally struggled with that for a while until I reframed it in my brain that actually it's not giving a label. It's understanding that there is a difference.”
“You realise as you get older and all these diagnoses come out that actually I wasn't normal, but, well, the truth is, with school, whether you are neurodiverse or not, you've just gotta get through it.”
EPISODE RESOURCES
👉 10% off your first order Vivanmn LINK - https://vivanmn.com/cliff
New Parenting Autism and ADHD community - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV
Facebook: ComicColin78
Instagram: @comiccolin78
TikTok: @comiccolin78
Podcast – Colin in Conversation: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/colin-in-conversation/id1796019233
Spotify, Amazon Music, and other major podcast apps
Link to my book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” https://amzn.eu/d/hIXiGIA
HOST BIO
Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff’s daughter will be a regular guest, sharing her experiences and strategies that work for her. And joining him in this journey is his wife, Annie, who will also contribute to the podcast with her unique perspective and support. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
CONTACT ME
Facebook: facebook.com/cliff.kilmister Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 LinkedIn: Cliff Kilmister X (Twitter): @KilmisterCliff
Choosing the Right School: What Makes Learning Work for Neurodivergent Pupils
Episode 2
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 • Duration 33:41
In this episode, Cliff is joined by his daughter Eva to talk about her recent experiences visiting schools after receiving her EHCP (Educational Health Care Plan). Eva shares the differences she found between the schools, including teaching styles, class sizes and how things impacted her ability to manage her sensory differences.
Episode Reveals
The conditions around selecting schools once a child has received an EHCP
The differences Eva has experienced between state schools and private schools
Why smaller class sizes can make such an impact on learning for neurodivergent children
The type of teaching that helps her thrive
What can contribute to sensory overload for autistic children in school
BEST MOMENTS
“The best kind of teacher that helps me thrive is the kind of teacher that can have a nice laugh with the kids, have a little bit banter with the kids. But can also help the kids get the work done and that makes me feel I'm very happy”
“The good thing about this school is, and one of the things on our EHCP requirements is a smaller class.”
“If the teacher builds a rapport with you, gets to know you a little bit, you feel more comfortable in the class.”
“With the bigger class it feels a lot more, I'm getting the impression from you, it feels a lot more overwhelming and there's too many people making too many jokes, you can't process all that sensory overload so therefore you just try and shut it out and it's because it's not funny because it's too much.”
“It did feel weird to be excited to go to school.”
RESOURCES
Link to my book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” https://amzn.eu/d/hIXiGIA
👉 10% off your first order Vivanmn LINK - https://vivanmn.com/cliff
New Parenting Autism and ADHD community - Discord because Meta is shutting down fb messenger community chats, we can continue the conversation here - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV
HOST BIO
Cliff Kilmister (aka Jeff) is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff’s daughter will be a regular guest, sharing her experiences and strategies that work for her. And joining him in this journey is his wife, Annie, who will also contribute to the podcast with her unique perspective and support. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
CONTACT ME
Facebook: facebook.com/cliff.kilmister Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 LinkedIn: Cliff Kilmister X (Twitter): @KilmisterCliff
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
What Needs to Change in the Education System: Wendy Shares How Schools Can Support Neurodivergence
Episode 1
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 • Duration 01:19:51
Cliff is joined by his cousin and advocate, Wendy about her own experiences of parenting neurodivergence. Wendy talks about the challenges she has faced with her children, including delayed diagnosis and the impact of the invisible struggles in education for children who aren’t neurotypical. She shares the tools and mechanisms she has used to manage her family and their challenges and opens up about the support she has and has not received.
So many families are quietly carrying these challenges every day, and Cliff wants to remind every parent that support is out there, and it doesn’t always come from the places you might expect. So reach out and know you are not alone.
Episode Reveals
Wendy’s youngest child started having challenges at school immediately, including school refusal and denial from her class teacher.
The challenges of mainstream school for getting support and diagnosis
How school failed her child, who is still waiting for an EHCP after 9 years
The additional challenges neurodiverse girls have with getting support and a diagnosis
Why the school and education system are outdated
Why the world needs freethinkers, but the school system doesn’t allow for this
How small adaptations can transform how a neurodiverse child performs in education
The lasting impact of the school system on children’s confidence and self-esteem
Homeschooling isn’t helpful for all neurodivergent children, it isn’t a viable option for those who are very social or parents who need more support
BEST MOMENTS
“If you’re navigating similar struggles, remember support is out there and it sometimes comes from the most unexpected places”
“At times there would be teachers dragging her off of me with her screaming to get her into school”
“It’s a constant battle”
“The world needs freethinkers”
“Having that extra time to be children really benefits people”
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.facebook.com/wendy.a.murphy.1
Link to my book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” https://amzn.eu/d/hIXiGIA
👉 10% off your first order Vivanmn LINK - https://vivanmn.com/cliff
“What To do when your child shuts down” book out now - https://amzn.eu/d/iOMsOrF
New Parenting Autism and ADHD community - Discord because Meta is shutting down fb messenger community chats, we can continue the conversation here - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV
HOST BIO
Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff’s daughter will be a regular guest, sharing her experiences and strategies that work for her. And joining him in this journey is his wife, Annie, who will also contribute to the podcast with her unique perspective and support. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
CONTACT ME
Facebook: facebook.com/cliff.kilmister Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 LinkedIn: Cliff Kilmister X (Twitter): @KilmisterCliff
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
What My Autistic Teen Wishes Teachers Knew
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 • Duration 24:11
Cliff is joined again by his daughter Eva. They discuss teaching methods in school, including why phonics doesn't work for her and how she actually learns to spell. She explains what makes classrooms work better for her needs and why different methods are effective for neurodivergent students. Eva also talks about her imaginary friends who give her advice, support and can help regulate her.
Episode Reveals
• Why phonics methods can be counterproductive for neurodivergent learners. Teaching sounds versus spelling creates confusion when the two don't match, leading to frustration rather than learning.
• Memory techniques using phrases and repetition work better than standard methods for many students.
• Why stimming objects and comfort items can enhance focus and learning for many neurodiverse pupils.
• How imaginary friends and spirit guides can provide emotional regulation.
• Why classroom management through humour can be more effective than harsh discipline.
• How sensory processing needs impact learning environments.
• How teacher recognition builds confidence and motivation.
• Why flexible teaching approaches are needed to accommodate different learning styles.
BEST MOMENTS
"I do not like phonics at all... it's frustrating because it's confusing because it teaches how to say the words... but I spell it how it sounds."
"You can stand back and do nothing and watch him have a go at them, or you can step in and try to calm him down."
"I was really chuffed that the teacher liked what I was drawing."
"The methods that they use in the curriculum don't suit your learning style."
"That's very nice. So they're giving you options as well. So it's not like they're controlling you at all. They're helping you regulate your thoughts."
RESOURCES
👉 10% off your first order Vivanmn LINK - https://vivanmn.com/cliff
“What To do when your child shuts down” book out now - https://amzn.eu/d/iOMsOrF
New Parenting Autism and ADHD community - Discord because Meta is shutting down fb messenger community chats, we can continue the conversation here - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV
CONTACT ME
· Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister/
X - @KilmisterCliff
HOST BIO
Link to my book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” https://amzn.eu/d/9yYaIM6Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff’s daughter will be a regular guest, sharing her experiences and strategies that work for her. And joining him in this journey is his wife, Annie, who will also contribute to the podcast with her unique perspective and support. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
Love on the Spectrum vs Reality: 3 Generations of Autism Stories
Episode 9
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 • Duration 01:00:03
Cliff is joined in this episode by his mum to explore three generations of neurodiversity within their family. From his grandmother's unrecognised traits to his daughter Eva's current struggles with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder, they discuss the hidden patterns that run through families. His mother shares stories about Eva's masking behaviours, the park incident that changed everything and even how food colourings can affect behaviour.
Episode Reveals
• How masking is very real and can be deceptive. Children with autism often appear perfectly behaved in public settings, making it difficult for others to recognise their struggles and leading to delayed diagnosis and support.
• Artificial food dyes have been linked to hyperactivity, aggression, depression and meltdowns in sensitive children, making dietary monitoring important for behaviour management.
• Transitions for neurodiverse children require advance warning. Autistic children particularly need preparation time before changes, using strategies like "five more minutes" warnings rather than abrupt transitions that can trigger meltdowns.
• Meal times can create safe spaces for children to share problems and build trust with parents, which is essential for supporting children.
• Tools like doodle pads, fidget items, and understanding of sensory overload are essential for learning, not distractions to be eliminated.
• Parents don't need school referrals to seek autism assessments; going directly to your GP can prevent years of delays in getting proper support.
• Private psychological assessments can provide the detailed evidence needed to win EHCP appeals when local authority assessments fall short.
• Neurodiversity is hereditary and often unrecognised. Traits frequently pass through generations, with older family members only recognising their own autism or ADHD after grandchildren are diagnosed.
BEST MOMENTS
"It was like she wasn't there. It was like she wasn't in control."
"I used to like the quiet. I still like it. I don't, I struggle with situations where there's lots of noise."
"You are needed. We are all needed. "
"It's not labelling, it's identifying that we need some different strategies to support her."
RESOURCES
👉 10% off your first order Vivanmn LINK - https://vivanmn.com/cliff
“What To do when your child shuts down” book out now - https://amzn.eu/d/iOMsOrF
New Parenting Autism and ADHD community - Discord because Meta is shutting down fb messenger community chats, we can continue the conversation here - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV
CONTACT ME
· Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister/
X - @KilmisterCliff
HOST BIO
Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff’s daughter will be a regular guest, sharing her experiences and strategies that work for her. And joining him in this journey is his wife, Annie, who will also contribute to the podcast with her unique perspective and support. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
Managing Memory Recall for Neurodivergent Students
Episode 8
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 • Duration 52:17
Cliff and Eva talk about memory recall and why it’s common for those with autism and neurodivergence to struggle with memory. Eva shares how memory recall impacts her at school and they discuss the ways they have found to manage it, including with sensory input and making tasks more engaging.
Episode Reveals
There are many ways schools can aid students struggling with memory recall, including simple things like handouts.
It is common amongst neurodivergent people to find it easier to remember things that interest them, often to a very high level.
A quieter class can help all students focus more and help those with memory recall challenges.
Eva finds that when a class is calm and controlled, she feels less stressed and less impacted by her memory recall struggles.
Different tools work for individuals and it’s important to trial and error things. For example many professionals suggest mind maps but this is something that doesn’t work for Eva.
Routine is essential for many autistic people and Eva finds that this has an impact on her memory too.
Mindfulness practices done in the right ways can be very effective. If students can focus on being in the moment it can help a lot with focus. Stimming and sensory input can also be part of this.
BEST MOMENTS
“It's the focus as well, isn't it? So with your ADHD, your memory, your mind might be kind of all over the place.”
“Do you think when you're less stressed and the class is quieter, your memory works better?”
“Don’t get me started on mind maps. I have a burning passion for hating them. I think I've always hated mind maps ever since primary. They're just so messy and they go everywhere”
“I think the important thing with mind maps and other things, all the things, all the tools and memory aids that you can get, it's important to try them, isn't it? Because otherwise you won't know.”
“I definitely like routine. Because with a routine you know what's gonna happen."
“Being in the moment and really that can help with your focus and your ADHD sort of conditions.”
RESOURCES
Link to my book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” https://amzn.eu/d/9yYaIM6
👉 10% off your first order Vivanmn LINK - https://vivanmn.com/cliff
New Parenting Autism and ADHD community - Discord because Meta is shutting down fb messenger community chats, we can continue the conversation here - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV
CONTACT ME
· Instagram:
@cliff_kilmister08
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister/
X - @KilmisterCliff
HOST BIO
Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff’s daughter will be a regular guest,
sharing her experiences and strategies that work for her. And joining him in
this journey is his wife, Annie, who will also contribute to the podcast with
her unique perspective and support. Cliff is focused on connecting with
professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
Apple Podcasts
🇬🇧 Great Britain - parenting
09/08/2026
#98
🇨🇦 Canada - parenting
06/08/2026
#83
🇨🇦 Canada - parenting
02/08/2026
#91
🇬🇧 Great Britain - parenting
26/07/2026
#94
🇬🇧 Great Britain - parenting
06/07/2026
#96
🇬🇧 Great Britain - parenting
03/07/2026
#77
🇬🇧 Great Britain - parenting
02/07/2026
#84
🇬🇧 Great Britain - parenting
30/06/2026
#90
🇬🇧 Great Britain - parenting
25/05/2026
#97
🇬🇧 Great Britain - parenting
17/05/2026
#97
Spotify
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