60 acast.com NeuroDADverse https://youtube.com/@neurodadversepodcast?si=9PnXqkp2TRRZlRZ0 en Danny Eycott - Ben Wisdom-Quieros #NeurodivergentParents,#AutismParenting,#ADHDDad,#SENDDads,#DadPodcasters,#SpecialNeedsParenting Danny Eycott - Ben Wisdom-Quieros The NeuroDADverse is more than just a podcast, it’s a weekly therapy session between two long-time friends reconnecting through the shared highs and lows of neurodivergent parenthood.


Danny is raising a six-year-old, while Ben is navigating life with two teenagers. Between them, their lived experiences span early years and adolescence, offering valuable perspective for any parent on the neurodivergent journey. Their conversations blend lived wisdom, raw honesty, and light-hearted reflection, often with Danny just entering stages that Ben has already faced. This dynamic brings warmth, curiosity, and relatable storytelling that resonates across all ages and stages of parenting.


At its heart, The NeuroDADverse exists because parenting neurodivergent children can feel incredibly isolating. Many of society’s norms simply don’t apply and it’s rare to find someone who truly hears you. This podcast was born from the need to find and grow that tribe. A space where parents can feel seen, heard, and appreciated.


Whether you’re in the thick of meltdowns, laughing uncontrollably with them or even just wondering about diagnoses you’re not alone.


Here, we speak with love, lead though our understanding and share with honesty. This is a space for ideas, laughter, and connection.


Please remember:

You are doing better than you think.

You are enough.

You are not alone.


Welcome to the NeuroDADverse.“

Real talk from two dads raising neurodivergent kids with love, laughter, and plenty of chaos.



Connect with us on Instagram, TikTok and watch us on Youtube @NeuroDadversepodcast


Theme music by Hands Up! https://www.instagram.com/handsuppunk/?hl=en


Show produced by Squid Shack Studios https://www.instagram.com/squidshackstudios/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The NeuroDADverse is more than just a podcast, it’s a weekly therapy session between two long-time friends reconnecting through the shared highs and lows of neurodivergent parenthood.


Danny is raising a six-year-old, while Ben is navigating life with two teenagers. Between them, their lived experiences span early years and adolescence, offering valuable perspective for any parent on the neurodivergent journey. Their conversations blend lived wisdom, raw honesty, and light-hearted reflection, often with Danny just entering stages that Ben has already faced. This dynamic brings warmth, curiosity, and relatable storytelling that resonates across all ages and stages of parenting.


At its heart, The NeuroDADverse exists because parenting neurodivergent children can feel incredibly isolating. Many of society’s norms simply don’t apply and it’s rare to find someone who truly hears you. This podcast was born from the need to find and grow that tribe. A space where parents can feel seen, heard, and appreciated.


Whether you’re in the thick of meltdowns, laughing uncontrollably with them or even just wondering about diagnoses you’re not alone.


Here, we speak with love, lead though our understanding and share with honesty. This is a space for ideas, laughter, and connection.


Please remember:

You are doing better than you think.

You are enough.

You are not alone.


Welcome to the NeuroDADverse.“

Real talk from two dads raising neurodivergent kids with love, laughter, and plenty of chaos.



Connect with us on Instagram, TikTok and watch us on Youtube @NeuroDadversepodcast


Theme music by Hands Up! https://www.instagram.com/handsuppunk/?hl=en


Show produced by Squid Shack Studios https://www.instagram.com/squidshackstudios/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> true Danny Eycott - Ben Wisdom-Quieros neurodadverse@gmail.com 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 neurodadverse episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1753187947899-22db0fa3-b212-4ec7-bc33-bbddd006353f.jpeg https://youtube.com/@neurodadversepodcast?si=9PnXqkp2TRRZlRZ0 NeuroDADverse What Happens When You Forget the ADHD Medication…? (A Real Parenting Reality) | NeuroDADverse Ep.42 What Happens When You Forget the ADHD Medication…? (A Real Parenting Reality) | NeuroDADverse Ep.42 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:05:00 GMT 50:00 69cd0c353908885dc4b3ec92 true https://youtu.be/mFjnMSNG6jY 69cd0c353908885dc4b3ec92 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 what-happens-when-you-forget-the-adhd-medication-a-real-pare We Forgot the Meds, This Is What We Learned full 42 What happens when routine breaks and what does it reveal?


In Episode 42 of The NeuroDADverse Podcast, Ben and Dan unpack a week full of unexpected lessons, emotional challenges, and powerful insights into neurodivergent parenting. 


From a forgotten ADHD medication moment that led to a completely different experience of the world, to navigating sensory challenges, school transitions, and the emotional weight of supporting your child in real time — this episode is honest, raw, and deeply relatable.


We also explore:

• What ADHD medication really supports (beyond “focus”)

• How routines impact regulation and emotional well-being

• Why “challenging moments” can still be meaningful experiences

• Reframing parenting wins (even when things don’t go to plan)

• The importance of experimentation in neurodivergent parenting


This episode is about perspective and recognising that even when things feel difficult, progress is still happening.


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 raising a neurodivergent child, working in SEND, or trying to understand, this conversation is for you. We share real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world.


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: What Is NeuroDADverse?

00:43 – Welcome Back & Episode 42 Kick-Off

01:10 – Week Context & School Holidays

03:01 – Week in Three Words (Experiment, Communicate, Collaborate)

03:31 – Biggest Challenges Begin

04:05 – Bath Time & Sensory Regulation Challenges

06:13 – Routine Adjustments & Sensory Strategies

07:05 – Stimming & Behaviour Observations

08:19 – Hotel Stay & School Trip Planning

09:32 – The Forgotten Bag (ADHD Medication Moment)

10:45 – Theatre Trip Without Medication

12:04 – Overstimulation & Behaviour Changes

13:21 – The Science vs Reality of ADHD Medication

14:33 – Reflecting on the Experience

16:00 – Emotional Challenge as a Parent

17:05 – Supporting vs Controlling

18:06 – Realisations About Medication Benefits

19:12 – Letting Go of Anxiety as a Parent

19:59 – Decision-Making & Independence

20:19 – Break

20:31 – Wins Section Begins

21:00 – Emotional Wins & Energy Shifts

23:15 – Parenting Reflection & Growth

25:01 – Reframing “Failed Days” as Learning

26:36 – Building Understanding Over Time

27:40 – Swimming Trip Progress

28:21 – When Plans Don’t Go to Plan

29:50 – Why Repetition Builds Confidence

31:10 – Public Perception vs Reality

32:16 – “It Can Turn Around Quickly”

33:20 – Sensory Environments & Cafés

33:59 – “Chronicling Joy” as a Strategy

34:34 – Independence & Communication Wins

35:14 – Gaming & Parent-Child Bonding

36:39 – Meeting Your Child Where They Are

37:54 – Structure & “When/Then” Parenting

39:18 – Teenage Independence & Communication

40:09 – Family Support & Sleepovers

41:18 – Looking Ahead (Easter Break)

42:48 – Navigating Busy Environments

44:16 – Preparing for Real-World Experiences

46:08 – School, Football & Routine

47:21 – Parenting & Cinema Rant 😅

48:33 – Final Reflections

49:15 – Closing Message: You’re Not Alone

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What happens when routine breaks and what does it reveal?


In Episode 42 of The NeuroDADverse Podcast, Ben and Dan unpack a week full of unexpected lessons, emotional challenges, and powerful insights into neurodivergent parenting. 


From a forgotten ADHD medication moment that led to a completely different experience of the world, to navigating sensory challenges, school transitions, and the emotional weight of supporting your child in real time — this episode is honest, raw, and deeply relatable.


We also explore:

• What ADHD medication really supports (beyond “focus”)

• How routines impact regulation and emotional well-being

• Why “challenging moments” can still be meaningful experiences

• Reframing parenting wins (even when things don’t go to plan)

• The importance of experimentation in neurodivergent parenting


This episode is about perspective and recognising that even when things feel difficult, progress is still happening.


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 raising a neurodivergent child, working in SEND, or trying to understand, this conversation is for you. We share real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world.


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: What Is NeuroDADverse?

00:43 – Welcome Back & Episode 42 Kick-Off

01:10 – Week Context & School Holidays

03:01 – Week in Three Words (Experiment, Communicate, Collaborate)

03:31 – Biggest Challenges Begin

04:05 – Bath Time & Sensory Regulation Challenges

06:13 – Routine Adjustments & Sensory Strategies

07:05 – Stimming & Behaviour Observations

08:19 – Hotel Stay & School Trip Planning

09:32 – The Forgotten Bag (ADHD Medication Moment)

10:45 – Theatre Trip Without Medication

12:04 – Overstimulation & Behaviour Changes

13:21 – The Science vs Reality of ADHD Medication

14:33 – Reflecting on the Experience

16:00 – Emotional Challenge as a Parent

17:05 – Supporting vs Controlling

18:06 – Realisations About Medication Benefits

19:12 – Letting Go of Anxiety as a Parent

19:59 – Decision-Making & Independence

20:19 – Break

20:31 – Wins Section Begins

21:00 – Emotional Wins & Energy Shifts

23:15 – Parenting Reflection & Growth

25:01 – Reframing “Failed Days” as Learning

26:36 – Building Understanding Over Time

27:40 – Swimming Trip Progress

28:21 – When Plans Don’t Go to Plan

29:50 – Why Repetition Builds Confidence

31:10 – Public Perception vs Reality

32:16 – “It Can Turn Around Quickly”

33:20 – Sensory Environments & Cafés

33:59 – “Chronicling Joy” as a Strategy

34:34 – Independence & Communication Wins

35:14 – Gaming & Parent-Child Bonding

36:39 – Meeting Your Child Where They Are

37:54 – Structure & “When/Then” Parenting

39:18 – Teenage Independence & Communication

40:09 – Family Support & Sleepovers

41:18 – Looking Ahead (Easter Break)

42:48 – Navigating Busy Environments

44:16 – Preparing for Real-World Experiences

46:08 – School, Football & Routine

47:21 – Parenting & Cinema Rant 😅

48:33 – Final Reflections

49:15 – Closing Message: You’re Not Alone

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Are We Overthinking It… Or Is This Just Parenting Neurodivergent Kids? | NeuroDADverse Ep.41 Are We Overthinking It… Or Is This Just Parenting Neurodivergent Kids? | NeuroDADverse Ep.41 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 05:05:00 GMT 45:25 69c072be1861d127d57428fe true https://youtu.be/_dbvp_TFx-M 69c072be1861d127d57428fe 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 are-we-overthinking-it-or-is-this-just-parenting-neurodiverg This is what progress looks like, tiny wins, big emotions full 41 What does progress actually look like when you’re raising neurodivergent children?
In Episode 41 of the NeuroDADverse Podcast, Ben and Dan unpack a week filled with emotional ups, small wins, and the ongoing challenge of navigating school, routines, and regulation. 
From managing transitions at the gym and dealing with school-related anxiety, to celebrating meaningful breakthroughs like independent conversations, shared dinners, and creative confidence. This episode is a reminder that progress isn’t always linear… but it is happening.

We also talk about:
Why transitions (even small ones) can trigger big reactions
School anxiety, attendance challenges, and building resilience
Supporting independence while staying emotionally connected
The emotional rollercoaster of creative tasks and self-doubt
Why “small wins” often carry the biggest meaning

🎧 Whether you’re a parent, carer, educator, or just trying to understand — this conversation is for you.

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




⏱ YouTube Chapters (45 mins structured)

00:00 – Intro: What Is NeuroDADverse?

00:44 – Welcome Back & Episode 41 Kick-Off

01:06 – Week in Three Words

02:49 – This Week’s Challenges Begin

03:10 – Haircut & Emotional Regulation

05:28 – Understanding Deregulation & Stimming

07:34 – Transitions & Leaving Activities (Gym Moment)

09:25 – Why Transitions Are So Difficult

11:29 – “This Is Normal Behaviour” Reframed

14:07 – School Anxiety & Attendance Challenges

16:14 – Avoiding Catastrophising as Parents

17:43 – When a Tough Week Turns Around

18:31 – Moving Into Wins

18:56 – Art Mock Exam: Anxiety to Pride

20:12 – Creative Confidence & Emotional Growth

21:55 – Social Pressure & Teenage Identity

22:58 – School Progress & Independence

24:08 – Gaming, Connection & Shared Time

25:25 – Unexpected Independence (Dinner Moment)

27:09 – Real Conversations & Emotional Connection

28:37 – Reflecting on Growth Over Time

31:25 – Haircut Progress & Sensory Wins

33:08 – “Chronicle the Wins” Mindset

36:13 – Looking Ahead to Next Week

37:16 – Upcoming Plans & Transitions

39:21 – Beach Story Callback (Humour Moment)

40:38 – Time Away & Parenting Logistics

41:41 – Managing Change & Travel Anxiety

43:18 – Final Reflections

44:56 – Closing Message: You Are Not Alone



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What does progress actually look like when you’re raising neurodivergent children?
In Episode 41 of the NeuroDADverse Podcast, Ben and Dan unpack a week filled with emotional ups, small wins, and the ongoing challenge of navigating school, routines, and regulation. 
From managing transitions at the gym and dealing with school-related anxiety, to celebrating meaningful breakthroughs like independent conversations, shared dinners, and creative confidence. This episode is a reminder that progress isn’t always linear… but it is happening.

We also talk about:
Why transitions (even small ones) can trigger big reactions
School anxiety, attendance challenges, and building resilience
Supporting independence while staying emotionally connected
The emotional rollercoaster of creative tasks and self-doubt
Why “small wins” often carry the biggest meaning

🎧 Whether you’re a parent, carer, educator, or just trying to understand — this conversation is for you.

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




⏱ YouTube Chapters (45 mins structured)

00:00 – Intro: What Is NeuroDADverse?

00:44 – Welcome Back & Episode 41 Kick-Off

01:06 – Week in Three Words

02:49 – This Week’s Challenges Begin

03:10 – Haircut & Emotional Regulation

05:28 – Understanding Deregulation & Stimming

07:34 – Transitions & Leaving Activities (Gym Moment)

09:25 – Why Transitions Are So Difficult

11:29 – “This Is Normal Behaviour” Reframed

14:07 – School Anxiety & Attendance Challenges

16:14 – Avoiding Catastrophising as Parents

17:43 – When a Tough Week Turns Around

18:31 – Moving Into Wins

18:56 – Art Mock Exam: Anxiety to Pride

20:12 – Creative Confidence & Emotional Growth

21:55 – Social Pressure & Teenage Identity

22:58 – School Progress & Independence

24:08 – Gaming, Connection & Shared Time

25:25 – Unexpected Independence (Dinner Moment)

27:09 – Real Conversations & Emotional Connection

28:37 – Reflecting on Growth Over Time

31:25 – Haircut Progress & Sensory Wins

33:08 – “Chronicle the Wins” Mindset

36:13 – Looking Ahead to Next Week

37:16 – Upcoming Plans & Transitions

39:21 – Beach Story Callback (Humour Moment)

40:38 – Time Away & Parenting Logistics

41:41 – Managing Change & Travel Anxiety

43:18 – Final Reflections

44:56 – Closing Message: You Are Not Alone



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Progress, Pressure & Parenting: What This Week Really Looked Like | NeuroDADverse Ep. 40]]> Fri, 20 Mar 2026 05:05:00 GMT 43:08 69bb104f9f7cc5ed03a4bbd4 true https://youtu.be/aAfUOs501Xc 69bb104f9f7cc5ed03a4bbd4 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 progress-pressure-parenting-what-this-week-really-looked-lik They’re Doing Great… But It’s Still Hard. full 40 What does a “good week” really look like in neurodivergent parenting?


In Episode 40 of the NeuroDADverse Podcast, Ben and Dan reflect on a week filled with small wins, emotional challenges, and the reality that progress doesn’t always feel easy, even when things are going well. 


From navigating disrupted routines and sensory overload during everyday moments like bath time, to celebrating meaningful milestones like improved communication, school engagement, and emotional regulation, this episode captures the real balance of parenting neurodivergent children.


We also talk about:

•Why small wins can still come with heavy emotional weight

•The hidden exhaustion behind everyday parenting tasks

•Supporting your partner during high-stress moments

•ADHD progress and what “closure” really feels like

•Why reflecting on the week helps you see the wins you might otherwise miss


Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: What Is NeuroDADverse?

00:44 – Welcome Back: Setting the Tone

01:10 – How’s Your Week Been?

03:02 – Week in Three Words

03:33 – This Week’s Challenges Begin

07:24 – Adapting to Disrupted Routines

10:18 – The Hidden Weight on Parents

12:04 – Sensory Overload & Hair/Body Care Struggles

14:33 – “15 Minute Fix” That Took Hours

16:33 – Emotional Impact on Parents

17:36 – Knowing When to Step In (Parent Tag Team)

18:42 – The “Shoulder Tap” Strategy Explained

21:08 – Learning to Support Each Other

23:08 – Moving Into Wins

24:17 – Mother’s Day Moment (Small but Big Win)

25:29 – ADHD Progress & Medical Update

27:12 – Why Check-Ups Can Be Difficult

28:26 – Reflecting on Small Wins

30:10 – Family Moments & Fun Wins

34:50 – Progress Over Time (Big Perspective Shift)

36:30 – Looking Ahead to Next Week

37:01 – School Anxiety & Upcoming Challenges

40:04 – Life Outside Parenting (Balance & Identity)

41:27 – Episode Reflection & Community Growth

42:42 – Final Message: You’re Not Alone


This isn’t about perfect parenting — it’s about real parenting.


🎧 If you’re raising a neurodivergent child, working in SEND, or just trying to understand, this conversation is for you.


🎙️ 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.

]]> What does a “good week” really look like in neurodivergent parenting?


In Episode 40 of the NeuroDADverse Podcast, Ben and Dan reflect on a week filled with small wins, emotional challenges, and the reality that progress doesn’t always feel easy, even when things are going well. 


From navigating disrupted routines and sensory overload during everyday moments like bath time, to celebrating meaningful milestones like improved communication, school engagement, and emotional regulation, this episode captures the real balance of parenting neurodivergent children.


We also talk about:

•Why small wins can still come with heavy emotional weight

•The hidden exhaustion behind everyday parenting tasks

•Supporting your partner during high-stress moments

•ADHD progress and what “closure” really feels like

•Why reflecting on the week helps you see the wins you might otherwise miss


Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: What Is NeuroDADverse?

00:44 – Welcome Back: Setting the Tone

01:10 – How’s Your Week Been?

03:02 – Week in Three Words

03:33 – This Week’s Challenges Begin

07:24 – Adapting to Disrupted Routines

10:18 – The Hidden Weight on Parents

12:04 – Sensory Overload & Hair/Body Care Struggles

14:33 – “15 Minute Fix” That Took Hours

16:33 – Emotional Impact on Parents

17:36 – Knowing When to Step In (Parent Tag Team)

18:42 – The “Shoulder Tap” Strategy Explained

21:08 – Learning to Support Each Other

23:08 – Moving Into Wins

24:17 – Mother’s Day Moment (Small but Big Win)

25:29 – ADHD Progress & Medical Update

27:12 – Why Check-Ups Can Be Difficult

28:26 – Reflecting on Small Wins

30:10 – Family Moments & Fun Wins

34:50 – Progress Over Time (Big Perspective Shift)

36:30 – Looking Ahead to Next Week

37:01 – School Anxiety & Upcoming Challenges

40:04 – Life Outside Parenting (Balance & Identity)

41:27 – Episode Reflection & Community Growth

42:42 – Final Message: You’re Not Alone


This isn’t about perfect parenting — it’s about real parenting.


🎧 If you’re raising a neurodivergent child, working in SEND, or just trying to understand, this conversation is for you.


🎙️ 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Autism, Teens & Total Exhaustion | NeuroDADverse Ep.39]]> Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:05:00 GMT 43:58 69b290c994cfbd3a4597b813 true https://youtu.be/G0w8HU5UKsg 69b290c994cfbd3a4597b813 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 autism-teens-total-exhaustion-neurodadverse-ep39 Is It Autism, Puberty… or Just Parenting? | Neurodivergent Family Life full 39 🎙 The NeuroDADverse – Episode 39


Some weeks in parenting feel like clear victories. Others feel more like figuring things out in real time.


This week on the NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan reflect on a week defined by pride, gratitude, contentment and Minions, complaints, Nanny - while also navigating the ongoing complexities of raising neurodivergent children and teenagers.


Dan shares updates on communication behaviours and sensory regulation, as they continue to understand how Frankie expresses needs in different moments.


Meanwhile, Ben talks honestly about the realities of parenting teenagers, from school attendance challenges to the physical exhaustion that comes with puberty.


In this episode, we discuss:


• Understanding behaviours that might actually be communication

• The ongoing puzzle of sensory needs and stimming

• Teenagers, puberty, and sudden exhaustion after school

• When attendance struggles don’t have a clear cause

• Parenting arguments and teenage independence

• Why some weeks are about progress, not perfection


Not every parenting win looks dramatic.

Sometimes the win is simply keeping perspective and staying present.


And as always, we end with the reminder every parent needs to hear:


You’re doing great.

You are enough.

And you are 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



Chapter Breakdown


⏱ 00:00 – Welcome to The NeuroDADverse

⏱ 01:30 – Three Words of the Week

⏱ 03:00 – Ongoing Parenting Challenges

⏱ 05:30 – Understanding Communication Through Behaviour

⏱ 09:00 – Stimming & Emotional Signals

⏱ 13:30 – Parenting Neurodivergent Teens

⏱ 18:30 – School Attendance Challenges

⏱ 22:00 – Puberty & Exhaustion After School

⏱ 26:30 – Teen Arguments & Family Dynamics

⏱ 31:00 – When There Isn’t a Clear Cause

⏱ 36:00 – Parenting Perspective: Progress Over Perfection

⏱ 40:00 – Gratitude in the Chaos

⏱ 43:00 – Final Thoughts & Weekly Reflection

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> 🎙 The NeuroDADverse – Episode 39


Some weeks in parenting feel like clear victories. Others feel more like figuring things out in real time.


This week on the NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan reflect on a week defined by pride, gratitude, contentment and Minions, complaints, Nanny - while also navigating the ongoing complexities of raising neurodivergent children and teenagers.


Dan shares updates on communication behaviours and sensory regulation, as they continue to understand how Frankie expresses needs in different moments.


Meanwhile, Ben talks honestly about the realities of parenting teenagers, from school attendance challenges to the physical exhaustion that comes with puberty.


In this episode, we discuss:


• Understanding behaviours that might actually be communication

• The ongoing puzzle of sensory needs and stimming

• Teenagers, puberty, and sudden exhaustion after school

• When attendance struggles don’t have a clear cause

• Parenting arguments and teenage independence

• Why some weeks are about progress, not perfection


Not every parenting win looks dramatic.

Sometimes the win is simply keeping perspective and staying present.


And as always, we end with the reminder every parent needs to hear:


You’re doing great.

You are enough.

And you are 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



Chapter Breakdown


⏱ 00:00 – Welcome to The NeuroDADverse

⏱ 01:30 – Three Words of the Week

⏱ 03:00 – Ongoing Parenting Challenges

⏱ 05:30 – Understanding Communication Through Behaviour

⏱ 09:00 – Stimming & Emotional Signals

⏱ 13:30 – Parenting Neurodivergent Teens

⏱ 18:30 – School Attendance Challenges

⏱ 22:00 – Puberty & Exhaustion After School

⏱ 26:30 – Teen Arguments & Family Dynamics

⏱ 31:00 – When There Isn’t a Clear Cause

⏱ 36:00 – Parenting Perspective: Progress Over Perfection

⏱ 40:00 – Gratitude in the Chaos

⏱ 43:00 – Final Thoughts & Weekly Reflection

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[A Huge School Win, Confidence Boosts, & A Football Breakthrough | NeuroDADverse Ep. 38]]> Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:05:00 GMT 49:04 69a952d097f00280f0c518e3 true https://youtu.be/G9DEJe6QA9o 69a952d097f00280f0c518e3 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 a-huge-school-win-confidence-boosts-a-football-breakthrough A new bedtime routine , a stroll and a late minute goal full 38 🎙 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.

]]> 🎙 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 Autism + Birthday Parties = 3 Transitions,1 Party Bus, No Meltdown | NeuroDADverse Ep. 37 Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:05:00 GMT 48:24 699b5045f863de959a2b23f3 true https://youtu.be/bh4swBV58fw 699b5045f863de959a2b23f3 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 autism-birthday-parties-3-transitions1-party-bus-no-meltdown A half term of transitions. performances and no meltdowns full 37 🎙️ 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.

]]> 🎙️ 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Rebuilding confidence, A new connection? & A games day | NeuroDADverse Ep. 36]]> Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:05:00 GMT 48:04 69963393e1d8773119cf33a6 true https://youtu.be/lQtwZUsx0u4 69963393e1d8773119cf33a6 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 rebuilding-confidence-a-new-connection-a-games-day The weeks confidence came back? full 36 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:


  • Confidence growing in school and sport
  • Nervousness about tests turning into positive surprises
  • Repairing self-belief after academic doubt
  • Teens asking to watch films and game together
  • Couch co-op gaming as connection (Resident Evil, It Takes Two, Split Fiction)
  • SEND gym inclusion and the power of adaptive spaces
  • Safe environments where kids don’t have to explain themselves
  • Football confidence and school enjoyment
  • Why mood matters more than metrics
  • Half-term flexibility and leaving space for spontaneity
  • Choosing optimism without forcing it


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





Chapter Breakdown


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.

]]> 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:


  • Confidence growing in school and sport
  • Nervousness about tests turning into positive surprises
  • Repairing self-belief after academic doubt
  • Teens asking to watch films and game together
  • Couch co-op gaming as connection (Resident Evil, It Takes Two, Split Fiction)
  • SEND gym inclusion and the power of adaptive spaces
  • Safe environments where kids don’t have to explain themselves
  • Football confidence and school enjoyment
  • Why mood matters more than metrics
  • Half-term flexibility and leaving space for spontaneity
  • Choosing optimism without forcing it


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





Chapter Breakdown


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.

]]> <![CDATA[End of term exhaustion, sleep struggles, school stress & unexpected wins! | NeuroDADverse Ep. 35]]> Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:05:00 GMT 51:07 698deada5a0d566e5b930230 true https://youtu.be/oU1w1JVMzRs 698deada5a0d566e5b930230 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 end-of-term-exhaustion-sleep-struggles-school-stress-unexpec When change doesn’t cause a meltdown (and you realise how far they’ve come) full 35 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:

  • Sleep struggles and melatonin conversations
  • Anxiety around school attendance and assessment
  • Why state education can feel especially complex for neurodivergent families
  • Managing expectations around punctuality and time
  • A missed school bus… that didn’t turn into a meltdown
  • Emotional regulation in the moment
  • Supportive school staff who understand
  • Communication progresses through PECS and social stories
  • The power of lowering parental pressure
  • A football night that turned into a core memory
  • Headphones, regulation, and navigating crowds
  • Letting kids be themselves on dress-up days
  • Why “just get them to school” sometimes matters more than the clock


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



Chapter Breakdown


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.

]]> 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:

  • Sleep struggles and melatonin conversations
  • Anxiety around school attendance and assessment
  • Why state education can feel especially complex for neurodivergent families
  • Managing expectations around punctuality and time
  • A missed school bus… that didn’t turn into a meltdown
  • Emotional regulation in the moment
  • Supportive school staff who understand
  • Communication progresses through PECS and social stories
  • The power of lowering parental pressure
  • A football night that turned into a core memory
  • Headphones, regulation, and navigating crowds
  • Letting kids be themselves on dress-up days
  • Why “just get them to school” sometimes matters more than the clock


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



Chapter Breakdown


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 Parenting ND kids in public is harder than people realise | NeuroDADverse Ep. 34 Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:05:00 GMT 1:00:05 69824d2d143ae987af3e277f true https://youtu.be/9-1YTkc9Leo 69824d2d143ae987af3e277f 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 parenting-nd-kids-in-public-is-harder-than-people-realise-ne full 34 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:

  • Why school trips can be overwhelming for ND children
  • The pressure parents feel when parenting in public
  • Invisible disabilities and why help isn’t always offered
  • Transitions, waiting, and emotional regulation
  • School avoidance and emotional burnout
  • Why attendance numbers matter less than experience quality
  • Supporting siblings through different ND journeys
  • ADHD medication reflections: benefits, sleep disruption, and communication gains
  • What it means when children can explain their emotions after the moment
  • Building independence without removing scaffolding too soon
  • Letting kids lead transitions at their own pace
  • Moments of connection that make everything worth it
  • A house full of laughter — and why that counts as a huge win


🎙️ 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 & 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.

]]> 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:

  • Why school trips can be overwhelming for ND children
  • The pressure parents feel when parenting in public
  • Invisible disabilities and why help isn’t always offered
  • Transitions, waiting, and emotional regulation
  • School avoidance and emotional burnout
  • Why attendance numbers matter less than experience quality
  • Supporting siblings through different ND journeys
  • ADHD medication reflections: benefits, sleep disruption, and communication gains
  • What it means when children can explain their emotions after the moment
  • Building independence without removing scaffolding too soon
  • Letting kids lead transitions at their own pace
  • Moments of connection that make everything worth it
  • A house full of laughter — and why that counts as a huge win


🎙️ 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 & 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.

]]> <![CDATA[When nothing goes 'wrong' and why that matters & ND parenting reflections | NeuroDADverse Ep. 33]]> Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:05:00 GMT 53:19 697bedf965c54ec91971f3ed true https://youtu.be/a8x20HZZhs0 697bedf965c54ec91971f3ed 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 when-nothing-goes-wrong-and-why-that-matters-nd-parenting-re full 33 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.

]]> 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 Starting ADHD medication, School attendance and Frankie not knowing | NeuroDADverse Ep 32 Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:05:00 GMT 49:58 6970acca2c9b0cd88aba0d1c false https://youtu.be/Zfndn0aXX-g 6970acca2c9b0cd88aba0d1c 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 starting-adhd-medication-school-attendance-and-frankie-not-k full 32

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:

  • Beginning ADHD medication and managing side effects
  • Lethargy, overstimulation, sleep disruption, and emotional release
  • When medication removes masking — and everything spills out
  • School attendance struggles and shifting support needs
  • The fear of repeating past damage to self-esteem
  • How delayed processing can look like “regression”
  • Supporting two ND children with very different needs at the same time
  • Avoiding shame while still holding boundaries
  • Communication that builds trust with ND teenagers
  • Why safe relationships matter more than perfect solutions
  • Sitting in joy without over-analysing it
  • Wins that don’t look impressive — but change everything




Chapter Breakdown (≈50 minutes)


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.

]]>

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:

  • Beginning ADHD medication and managing side effects
  • Lethargy, overstimulation, sleep disruption, and emotional release
  • When medication removes masking — and everything spills out
  • School attendance struggles and shifting support needs
  • The fear of repeating past damage to self-esteem
  • How delayed processing can look like “regression”
  • Supporting two ND children with very different needs at the same time
  • Avoiding shame while still holding boundaries
  • Communication that builds trust with ND teenagers
  • Why safe relationships matter more than perfect solutions
  • Sitting in joy without over-analysing it
  • Wins that don’t look impressive — but change everything




Chapter Breakdown (≈50 minutes)


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.

]]> <![CDATA[ADHD Diagnosis, Identity Realisation & Letting Kids Process at Their Own Pace | NeuroDADverse Ep.31]]> Fri, 16 Jan 2026 05:05:00 GMT 55:11 69682cdd90f7d9d87fd7a67f true https://shows.acast.com/neurodadverse/episodes/adhd-diagnosis-identity-realisation-letting-kids-process-at 69682cdd90f7d9d87fd7a67f 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 adhd-diagnosis-identity-realisation-letting-kids-process-at What an ADHD Diagnosis Really Brings Up (For Kids and Parents) full 31 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:

  • What an ADHD diagnosis gives (and what it doesn’t)
  • Why clarity doesn’t instantly equal confidence
  • How identity is shaped by years of misunderstanding
  • The emotional impact of clinician questions about self-esteem
  • Masking, unmasking, and delayed processing
  • Temperature regulation, sensory overload, and emotional release
  • Why behaviour is communication
  • Advocating in clinical settings without taking over
  • Letting children grieve past experiences in their own time
  • Medication as a tool — not a cure or a verdict
  • Celebrating wins gently, without pressure
  • Sibling connection, shared joy, and thoughtful gift-giving
  • Cinema trips as safe spaces and regulation anchors


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.







Chapter Breakdown

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:

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 


🔗 Hashtags:

#NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast

#NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> 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:

  • What an ADHD diagnosis gives (and what it doesn’t)
  • Why clarity doesn’t instantly equal confidence
  • How identity is shaped by years of misunderstanding
  • The emotional impact of clinician questions about self-esteem
  • Masking, unmasking, and delayed processing
  • Temperature regulation, sensory overload, and emotional release
  • Why behaviour is communication
  • Advocating in clinical settings without taking over
  • Letting children grieve past experiences in their own time
  • Medication as a tool — not a cure or a verdict
  • Celebrating wins gently, without pressure
  • Sibling connection, shared joy, and thoughtful gift-giving
  • Cinema trips as safe spaces and regulation anchors


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.







Chapter Breakdown

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:

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 


🔗 Hashtags:

#NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast

#NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[A New Year, Big Transitions & a Broken Foot | NeuroDADverse EP.30]]> Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:05:00 GMT 59:50 695fccbbd8ac698e7e0005af true https://youtu.be/I3MNSCJf78c 695fccbbd8ac698e7e0005af 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 a-new-year-big-transitions-a-broken-foot-neurodadverse-ep30 full 30 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.

]]> 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 Why Christmas Is Harder Than It Looks for Neurodivergent Families | NeuroDADverse Ep.29 Fri, 02 Jan 2026 05:05:00 GMT 1:10:44 6956a1b7c84340185bc22225 true https://youtu.be/RBJB2a9LHLk 6956a1b7c84340185bc22225 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 why-christmas-is-harder-than-it-looks-for-neurodivergent-fam full 29 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.

]]> 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Attendance Letters, Festive Anxiety & Holding It Together as ND Parents| NeuroDADverse Ep.28]]> Fri, 26 Dec 2025 22:04:41 GMT 1:02:40 694f067930165a956dbd739d true https://youtu.be/tOmwRAiR9JE 694f067930165a956dbd739d 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 attendance-letters-festive-anxiety-holding-it-together-as-nd full 28 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:


  • The emotional weight of school attendance letters
  • When children say “I don’t want to go” — and what that might really mean
  • Academic pressure vs mental health for ND kids
  • Why uncertainty is often harder than bad news
  • Sensory overload, dentists, and unexpected regulation wins
  • How patience and the right professionals make all the difference
  • Building flexible, ND-friendly Christmas traditions
  • The magic of familiar places, routines, and shared joy
  • Confidence returning after a wobble
  • Celebrating progress without tempting fate
  • Letting go of pressure and embracing calm where it shows up


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:

linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse


🎧 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.

]]> 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:


  • The emotional weight of school attendance letters
  • When children say “I don’t want to go” — and what that might really mean
  • Academic pressure vs mental health for ND kids
  • Why uncertainty is often harder than bad news
  • Sensory overload, dentists, and unexpected regulation wins
  • How patience and the right professionals make all the difference
  • Building flexible, ND-friendly Christmas traditions
  • The magic of familiar places, routines, and shared joy
  • Confidence returning after a wobble
  • Celebrating progress without tempting fate
  • Letting go of pressure and embracing calm where it shows up


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:

linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse


🎧 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.

]]> <![CDATA[School Refusal, Christmas Changes & ND Parenting Reality ]]> Fri, 19 Dec 2025 05:05:00 GMT 55:42 69412ff67e21d19ff21105f8 true https://youtu.be/Qfyp0HC9kq8 69412ff67e21d19ff21105f8 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 school-refusal-christmas-changes-nd-parenting-reality full 27 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.

]]> 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Santa Wins, Sleep Wobbles & Dan Solo podding! | NeuroDADverse Ep.26]]> Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:05:00 GMT 16:50 693b6c8fe1890fb6cb9d9569 true https://youtu.be/TwPd0AA96KE 693b6c8fe1890fb6cb9d9569 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 santa-wins-sleep-wobbles-dan-solo-podding-neurodadverse-ep26 full 26 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.

]]> 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.

]]> <![CDATA[School Refusal, Big Emotions & Unexpected Wins | NeuroDADverse Ep.25]]> Fri, 05 Dec 2025 05:05:00 GMT 1:00:27 6932250538a11f5f3ecc664e true https://youtu.be/9T9GQSbufAI 6932250538a11f5f3ecc664e 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 school-refusal-big-emotions-unexpected-wins-neurodadverse-ep full 25 🎧 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


YouTube Chapters

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.

]]> 🎧 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


YouTube Chapters

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.

]]> <![CDATA[College Tours, Soft Play Flashbacks & EHCP wins | NeuroDADverse Ep.24]]> Fri, 28 Nov 2025 07:02:38 GMT 1:02:28 69236772e842b164eec58140 true https://youtu.be/oYugsev8kog 69236772e842b164eec58140 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 college-tours-soft-play-flashbacks-ehcp-wins When Parenting Feels Like a Game of Guess the Rules full 24 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.

]]> 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.

]]> <![CDATA[School Struggles. Sobriety Milestones. & Kitchen showdowns | NeuroDADverse Ep.23]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2025 05:05:00 GMT 56:36 691a2de61029ec1fed90cfdc true https://youtu.be/_T5Cv_k9XW4 691a2de61029ec1fed90cfdc 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 school-struggles-sobriety-milestones-kitchen-showdowns-neuro Why School Isn’t Built for Our Kids – And What We’re Doing Instead full 23 🎧 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:

  • The emotional toll of watching your child struggle with school
  • How ND kids are often perceptive in ways mainstream education can’t support
  • Ben’s personal reflection on 8 years of sobriety and how it’s shaped his parenting
  • A Frankenstein movie night that turned into a conversation about ADHD and misunderstood monsters 👀
  • What “soft skills” really mean for our kids and how current assessments leave them behind
  • As always, our wins of the week, bath time scores, and a look ahead at more parenting curveballs.


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:

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


🔗 Hashtags:

#NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast

#NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily #EmotionalRegulation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> 🎧 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:

  • The emotional toll of watching your child struggle with school
  • How ND kids are often perceptive in ways mainstream education can’t support
  • Ben’s personal reflection on 8 years of sobriety and how it’s shaped his parenting
  • A Frankenstein movie night that turned into a conversation about ADHD and misunderstood monsters 👀
  • What “soft skills” really mean for our kids and how current assessments leave them behind
  • As always, our wins of the week, bath time scores, and a look ahead at more parenting curveballs.


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:

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


🔗 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 When Independence Gets Messy: Letting Go, Holding On, and Parenting Neurodivergent Teens | NeuroDADverse Ep.22 Fri, 14 Nov 2025 05:05:00 GMT 1:16:16 69131400c1ed8717c5de3e04 true https://youtu.be/IRYxrGpnilc 69131400c1ed8717c5de3e04 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 when-independence-gets-messy-letting-go-holding-on-and-paren full 22 🎧 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.

]]> 🎧 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.

]]> <![CDATA[A Half term of Roadworks, Fireworks & A Birthday | NeuroDADverse Ep. 21]]> Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:05:00 GMT 1:02:51 6907ae9c17c1d64648bafcb5 true https://youtu.be/ccsrht0yYD4 6907ae9c17c1d64648bafcb5 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 a-half-term-of-roadworks-fireworks-a-birthday-neurodadverse Chaos Outside, Calm (Kind Of) Inside full 21 🎧 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.

]]> 🎧 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Haircut Fallout, Halloween Plans & School Photos | NeuroDADverse Ep.20]]> Fri, 31 Oct 2025 05:05:00 GMT 1:02:20 690148c8d1baee58aa167197 true https://youtu.be/lE_HI3OV_Rc 690148c8d1baee58aa167197 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 haircut-fallout-heartache-holding-it-together-neurodadverse When Your Kid Gives You the Silent Treatment… and Other Half-Term Adventures full 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.

]]> 🎧 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Haircuts, Heartache & Holding It Together | NeuroDADverse Ep 19]]> Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:05:00 GMT 1:05:38 68fa27d9f1e498e67b1b48ee true https://youtu.be/Og-Hi4dsr6w 68fa27d9f1e498e67b1b48ee 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 neurodadverse-ep19 Real talk from the trenches. full 19 🎧 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.

]]> 🎧 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Bus Wins, Blood Tests & Bedtime Giggles| NeuroDADverse Ep.18]]> Fri, 17 Oct 2025 04:05:00 GMT 1:05:14 68f16c2df44ac08a8b21c85d true https://youtu.be/VrH4ikeAHq4 68f16c2df44ac08a8b21c85d 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 when-small-wins-feel-huge-frankie-steps-up-oscar-cracks-us-u Small wins. Big hearts. Honest parenting. full 18 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:


  • Ben’s solo-parenting chaos (and cuddles)
  • Mabel’s blood test win and anxiety management
  • Oscar’s info-dump and the Pacific vs. Specific showdown
  • Managing transitions, transport, and tangled routines
  • Why boring bath times are the ultimate success story


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.

]]> 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:


  • Ben’s solo-parenting chaos (and cuddles)
  • Mabel’s blood test win and anxiety management
  • Oscar’s info-dump and the Pacific vs. Specific showdown
  • Managing transitions, transport, and tangled routines
  • Why boring bath times are the ultimate success story


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.

]]> <![CDATA[ Paracetamol Panic, School Wins & Parenting Challenges | NeuroDADverse Ep.17]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:05:00 GMT 1:04:34 68e84d89ec52458c6e59be2b true https://shows.acast.com/neurodadverse/episodes/paracetamol-panic-school-wins-parenting-challenges 68e84d89ec52458c6e59be2b 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 paracetamol-panic-school-wins-parenting-challenges full 17 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.

]]> 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.

]]> <![CDATA[The Week 4 Wobble: Sleepovers, Scented Shampoos & Sudden Surprises | NeuroDADverse Ep.16]]> Fri, 03 Oct 2025 04:05:00 GMT 1:01:24 68dcef9ad5c8a1f9b34a23aa true https://youtu.be/OWd739NKbPM 68dcef9ad5c8a1f9b34a23aa 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 the-week-4-wobble-sleepovers-scented-shampoos-sudden-surpris full 16 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:


  • Nanny and Grandad sleepover wins
  • SEND babysitter trials
  • Unexpected lice but unexpected progress
  • The quiet pride in bath-time breakthroughs




⏱️ Podcast Chapters Timestamp


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.

]]> 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:


  • Nanny and Grandad sleepover wins
  • SEND babysitter trials
  • Unexpected lice but unexpected progress
  • The quiet pride in bath-time breakthroughs




⏱️ Podcast Chapters Timestamp


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.

]]> <![CDATA[School Struggles, Blockbuster DVD swaps & Neurodivergent Parenting Realities | NeuroDADverse Ep.15]]> Fri, 26 Sep 2025 04:05:00 GMT 58:51 68d5cb5c099369ce42a1445a true https://youtu.be/KMrEcrrfIkE 68d5cb5c099369ce42a1445a 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 school-struggles-blockbuster-dvd-swaps-neurodivergent-parent From emotional overload to DVD diplomacy — parenting is anything but ordinary. full 15 🎧 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.

]]> 🎧 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Development Wins, School Wobbles & Hair Hammocks! |NeuroDADverse Ep.14]]> Fri, 19 Sep 2025 04:01:00 GMT 50:12 68ca8d5ed40e25a925d9ac53 true https://shows.acast.com/neurodadverse/episodes/development-wins-school-wobbles-hair-hammocks 68ca8d5ed40e25a925d9ac53 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 development-wins-school-wobbles-hair-hammocks full 14 🎧 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.


💬 Topics This Episode

  • Emotional regulation & overwhelm at school photos
  • Mabel's GCSE prep and school-based anxiety
  • Communicating with schools as ND parents
  • Advocating for EHCP support and access
  • Oscar’s snack-time standoff & learning emotional repair
  • Sibling wins and bedtime routines
  • Frankie’s toilet training and growing bravery around spiders
  • ND parenting & professional identity conflicts
  • Home systems, hyperfocus, and filling out forms
  • Household language, silly phrases, and neurodivergent routines
  • Sunday football, burnout, and solo parenting shifts


⏱️ YouTube Chapter Timestamps

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.

]]> 🎧 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.


💬 Topics This Episode

  • Emotional regulation & overwhelm at school photos
  • Mabel's GCSE prep and school-based anxiety
  • Communicating with schools as ND parents
  • Advocating for EHCP support and access
  • Oscar’s snack-time standoff & learning emotional repair
  • Sibling wins and bedtime routines
  • Frankie’s toilet training and growing bravery around spiders
  • ND parenting & professional identity conflicts
  • Home systems, hyperfocus, and filling out forms
  • Household language, silly phrases, and neurodivergent routines
  • Sunday football, burnout, and solo parenting shifts


⏱️ YouTube Chapter Timestamps

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.

]]> <![CDATA[BACK TO SCHOOL - Positive Energy, Car Symbols & School Wins | NeuroDADverse Ep 13]]> Fri, 12 Sep 2025 04:01:00 GMT 1:01:47 68c2da54d842f06200041c68 false https://youtu.be/p7bWADqTPec 68c2da54d842f06200041c68 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 back-to-school-positive-energy-car-symbols-school-wins-neuro From bath time chaos to GCSE breakthroughs — one week at a time. full 13 🎧 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.

]]> 🎧 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 Big outs , Wardrobe wins, and Strutting into September. Summer ends with flair | NeuroDADverse Ep.12 Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:01:00 GMT 1:00:54 68b943b8b4b4b9b3d221e1a2 true https://youtu.be/tskCBxR9Fn0 68b943b8b4b4b9b3d221e1a2 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 big-outs-wardrobe-wins-and-strutting-into-september-summer-e full 12 🎧 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.

]]> 🎧 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Forgotten Needs, Heartwarming Teens & Neurodivergent Room Chaos | NeuroDADverse Ep 11]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2025 06:43:35 GMT 52:37 68af8124352b565deb857b86 true https://youtu.be/YeS3ry1bqNs 68af8124352b565deb857b86 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 forgotten-needs-heartwarming-teens-neurodivergent-room-chaos full 11 🎧 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.

]]> 🎧 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 ADHD Diagnosis, beach day meltdowns and parenting teamwork | NeuroDADverse Ep.10 Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:01:00 GMT 1:15:16 68a71dfc352b565deb25d65c true https://youtu.be/Rj-sRj4gsVo 68a71dfc352b565deb25d65c 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 full 10 🎧 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.

]]> 🎧 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Transitions, Teen Independence & 10/10 Bath Time Glory | NeuroDADverse Ep.9]]> Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:01:00 GMT 1:01:26 689e111fb9b9dae0c7fdf65f true https://youtube.com/@neurodadversepodcast?si=9PnXqkp2TRRZlRZ0 689e111fb9b9dae0c7fdf65f 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 full 9 🎧 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.

]]> 🎧 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Sensory Challenges, Teen Boundaries & Unexpected Joys | NeuroDADverse Ep.8]]> Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT 54:34 68932b86c952cf5978947e1c true https://shows.acast.com/neurodadverse/episodes/68932b86c952cf5978947e1c 68932b86c952cf5978947e1c 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 full 8 🎧 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.

]]> 🎧 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Pride Marches, Teen Boundaries & Football Wins | NeuroDADverse Ep.7]]> Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:01:00 GMT 43:05 688a9ff8fc150bcf7fa02397 true https://youtu.be/ZsFmQYhyZMY 688a9ff8fc150bcf7fa02397 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 full 7 🎧 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.

]]> 🎧 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Meltdowns, Haircuts & Curtain Disasters: Parenting Neurodivergent Kids Solo | NeuroDADverse Ep.4]]> Fri, 25 Jul 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:04:04 68815773e0a86cc3ab778578 true https://youtube.com/@neurodadversepodcast?si=9PnXqkp2TRRZlRZ0 68815773e0a86cc3ab778578 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 full 4 🎧 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.

]]> 🎧 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Routines vs Reality: School News & Washing Trains | NeuroDADverse Ep.5]]> Fri, 25 Jul 2025 14:00:00 GMT 1:07:55 688204ed2a38d6f5cb3cddea true https://youtu.be/lnQNg80bWTI 688204ed2a38d6f5cb3cddea 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 full 5 🎧 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.

]]> 🎧 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.

]]> <![CDATA[School Reports, Movie Nights & 9.5 Bath Score Brilliance | NeuroDADverse Ep.6]]> Fri, 25 Jul 2025 14:00:00 GMT 53:25 6882050bf6d4262b071a57ad true https://youtu.be/lnQNg80bWTI 6882050bf6d4262b071a57ad 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 full 6 🎧 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.

]]> 🎧 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 Introducing NeuroDADverse podcast: Unexpected Wins and Meltdowns: Real Talk from Two Neurodiverse Dads | NeuroDADverse Ep.1 Thu, 24 Jul 2025 17:00:00 GMT 50:42 688156bb498abee4163dc6af true https://youtu.be/RACqCByUdE4 688156bb498abee4163dc6af 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 full 1 🎧 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:


  • Father’s Day and birthday clashes
  • SEND meltdowns and transitions
  • Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)
  • Communication challenges and first words
  • Parenting with possible undiagnosed ADHD
  • Bath time and sensory regulation
  • When/Then rules for neurodivergent routines


👇 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.

]]> 🎧 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:


  • Father’s Day and birthday clashes
  • SEND meltdowns and transitions
  • Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)
  • Communication challenges and first words
  • Parenting with possible undiagnosed ADHD
  • Bath time and sensory regulation
  • When/Then rules for neurodivergent routines


👇 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Heatwaves, Meltdowns & a Cup Final: Neurodiverse Dads on Survival Model | NeuroDADverse Ep.2]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2025 17:00:00 GMT 53:12 688157062a38d6f5cb14251f true https://youtu.be/QMRFrYcJdLw 688157062a38d6f5cb14251f 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 full 2 🎧 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:


  • Heatwaves and sensory overload in neurodiverse children
  • Nighttime struggles, overstimulation, and emotional dysregulation
  • Supporting teens to self-regulate (even when they don’t want help)
  • The joy (and stress) of football tournaments
  • How to prep neurodivergent kids for change
  • Progress in bath time routines and when/then strategies
  • Reflections on adult ADHD assessments and parenting as a neurodivergent adult
  • Performing arts, anxiety, and finding community through school events


👇 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.

]]> 🎧 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:


  • Heatwaves and sensory overload in neurodiverse children
  • Nighttime struggles, overstimulation, and emotional dysregulation
  • Supporting teens to self-regulate (even when they don’t want help)
  • The joy (and stress) of football tournaments
  • How to prep neurodivergent kids for change
  • Progress in bath time routines and when/then strategies
  • Reflections on adult ADHD assessments and parenting as a neurodivergent adult
  • Performing arts, anxiety, and finding community through school events


👇 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.

]]> <![CDATA[Prevent, Parenting & Powerless in Tesco | NeuroDADverse Ep.3]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2025 17:00:00 GMT 1:11:48 68815736f6d4262b07ef3a52 true https://shows.acast.com/neurodadverse/episodes/68815736f6d4262b07ef3a52 68815736f6d4262b07ef3a52 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 full 3 🎧 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:


  • The Prevent training controversy and autism misrepresentation
  • Feelings of injustice, rage, and the power of feedback
  • Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria in everyday life
  • Parenting while masking (and noticing you’re masking)
  • Boundary setting with teens and respecting their independence
  • Toilet wins, texture issues, and the sensory minefield of Calpol
  • Bath time negotiations and scoring system updates
  • Solo parenting, emotional labour, and being “on” all the time


👇 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.

]]> 🎧 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:


  • The Prevent training controversy and autism misrepresentation
  • Feelings of injustice, rage, and the power of feedback
  • Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria in everyday life
  • Parenting while masking (and noticing you’re masking)
  • Boundary setting with teens and respecting their independence
  • Toilet wins, texture issues, and the sensory minefield of Calpol
  • Bath time negotiations and scoring system updates
  • Solo parenting, emotional labour, and being “on” all the time


👇 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! Welcome to the NeuroDADverse podcast! Wed, 23 Jul 2025 16:37:45 GMT 0:55 6880fd9ae0a86cc3ab5c15dc false https://shows.acast.com/neurodadverse/episodes/6880fd9ae0a86cc3ab5c15dc 6880fd9ae0a86cc3ab5c15dc 687f99e74d38ffe5f5713873 trailer 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.

]]> 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.

]]>