ADHD Mums

⚠️ Content Warning : This episode contains heavy confessions. These themes may be triggering for listeners with trauma histories or postnatal depression. Please listen with care and step away if you need to.These confessions prove you're not broken, you're not failing — and you're definitely not alone.For the first time, Jane reads out anonymous confessions from ADHD mums — funny, dark, and painfully honest. These stories reveal the rage, exhaustion, shame, and survival that so many mums carry in silence. Instead of being dismissed as “bad parenting” or “not coping,” these confessions remind us: you're not alone.What We Cover in This EpisodeFunny confessions that prove executive dysfunction runs the household (baby wipes on benches, noise-cancelling headphones at dinner)Heavier truths: rage in the chemist carpark, yelling at toddlers, dreams of driving awayHow shame grows in silence — and why saying it out loud breaks its gripEmotional dysregulation as central to ADHD, not a personal flaw (Dr Russell Barkley's research)Why rage, dissociation, or shutdowns are survival responses — not weaknessHow sharing these confessions created relief, validation, and solidarityThis Episode Is For You If…You've screamed in the car or fantasised about running awayYou feel guilty for yelling, but can't seem to stopYou've wondered if you're the only mum who feels this wayYou crave relief from the shame spiral of “I should be coping better”You want to hear the raw, unfiltered truths other ADHD mums finally said out loudIf you've carried shame in silence, this episode will feel like exhale.References & Resources MentionedDr Gabor Maté — parenting doesn't create dysfunction, it exposes where we've been unsupportedDr Russell Barkley — emotional dysregulation is central to ADHD, not secondaryADHD Mums Confession Box — share your truth anonymously and reduce the shameADHD Mums Facebook Group — connect with mums who get itRelated ADHD Mums EpisodesQuick Confession: 10 Things That Scare Me as an ADHD MumQuick Confession: I Don't Always Like Being a ParentQuick Confession: Can You Love Someone and Still Dread Sex?

Perimenopause can feel like being blindsided by a hormonal crash no one prepared you for. Mood swings, rage, insomnia, and anxiety get dumped in the ‘mum stress' basket — as if biology crashing is just bad attitude.For ADHD mums, the mix of perimenopause and neurodivergence is like juggling knives while the floor gives way. This episode calls out the silence around perimenopause, explains the real biological shifts at play, and validates the lived experience of being dismissed when your body is in crisis.What We Cover in This EpisodeHow plummeting progesterone and rising stress hormones fuel rage and anxietyWhy ADHD + perimenopause is a double hit to emotional regulationThe invisible cost of being told ‘it's just motherhood'Why the system ignores women's health at this stage of lifeThe importance of recognising biology, not blaming characterThis Episode Is For You If…You've felt overwhelming rage or mood swings that don't make senseDoctors, family, or friends have minimised your perimenopause symptomsYou're an ADHD mum exhausted by exhaustion, sleepless nights, and slammed doorsYou need language that validates your experience instead of pathologising itYou're ready to understand what's really happening to your body

‘Not tonight' isn't rejection — it's survival. You can be deeply in love, feel safe and connected, and still feel absolutely no desire for sex. For neurodivergent mums, it's not about being broken. It's about being depleted. Burnout, overstimulation, resentment, and chronic executive load all take a toll — and desire doesn't grow in captivity.This episode names the unspoken truth: you can love your partner and still dread intimacy when your nervous system is tapped out.What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy love and desire aren't the same thingHow ADHD, burnout, and motherhood impact libidoThe difference between rejection and depletionVoices from ADHD mums on how sex feels in burnoutWhy desire needs space, safety, and energy to returnSmall ways to honour yourself without guilt or shameThis Episode Is For You If…You're in a healthy relationship but feel no desire for sexEven the thought of being touched feels like one more demandYou've been told ‘sex is proof of love' but feel otherwiseYou're burnt out, touched out, or running on emptyYou want to know you're not broken for feeling this wayReferences & Resources MentionedEsther Perel — Psychotherapist and author whose work on intimacy highlights that desire needs space and autonomy to thrive — two things ADHD mums are rarely afforded.ADHD Mums Facebook Group — A safe, supportive space where thousands of mums share the unfiltered truth about ADHD, burnout, intimacy, and the realities of daily life.ADHD Mums Jotform Confession Box — An anonymous space where mums contributed raw, honest experiences about sex, exhaustion, and survival with ADHD.

School mornings feel like hostage negotiations — not routine. Missing shoes, weird sock meltdowns, vanishing library bags… and still the world says ‘just get more organised'. But ADHD families don't run on habits — we run on cues.In this Quick Reset, Jane shares the one simple change that turned mornings from chaos into something survivable: the hallway hook. More than a place for bags, it's an environmental accommodation that reduces the daily executive function tax every ADHD mum knows too well.What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy ADHD mums pay an ‘executive function tax' every morningHow visual cues beat willpower when it comes to routinesThe difference between neurotypical habits vs ADHD-friendly environmentsWhy a hallway hook (or any visual system) can save your sanityPractical tips for setting up ADHD-friendly launchpads at homeThis Episode Is For You If…You've aged 100 years by 9am thanks to school chaosYour kids' bags, shoes, or library books disappear into another dimension dailyYou've been told you just need to ‘get organised'You know reminders and willpower aren't enough — you need cues that workYou want one ADHD-friendly change that makes mornings survivableRelated ADHD Mums EpisodesS3 E31 The ADHD Mum's Guide to Surviving School Mornings Without Tears (Theirs or Yours)S3 E10 QUICK RESET: Why am I bracing for impact when nothing is wrong?Check out School mini-series if you haven't yetIf school mornings leave you burnt out before 9am, these episodes will hit close to home. Claim: “Neurodivergent people often rely on visual memory and object permanence strategies — like hallway hooks — to reduce executive function demands.”

Doctors said anxiety. It turns out, for many ADHD mums, it's actually hormones colliding with histamine.This episode kicks off our hormone mini-series with ADHD & women's health naturopath Kylie Smart, exploring how histamine interacts with oestrogen, stress, and ADHD — and why so many mums are dismissed as “hysterical” or “anxious” when the truth is biochemical.What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy doctors often misdiagnose hormone-related issues as anxietyWhat histamine is — and why it matters for ADHD and autistic womenHow histamine interacts with oestrogen, dopamine, and serotoninSymptoms linked to histamine issues: migraines, insomnia, heavy bleeding, rage, gut problemsThe overlap between histamine intolerance, mast cell activation, and ADHDSimple things you can try — from symptom tracking to food tweaks — while pushing for proper medical supportThis Episode Is For You If….You've been told your migraines, rage, or exhaustion are “just stress”You experience PMS/PMDD that feels like a breakdown weekYou notice mood swings, insomnia, or gut issues before your periodYou're curious why “self-care” doesn't touch hormone-related burnoutYou want to understand the real biology behind ADHD, hormones, and histamine

‘Don't label her,' they said. Now she cries herself to sleep, wondering why she's too much.

You keep the house running. You hold the emotions. You never say no. And still, part of you wonders if you're doing enough.This solo episode isn't just about perfectionism or people pleasing — it's about the deeper pattern so many ADHD mums live inside without realising it: good girl conditioning. Jane peels back the layers of expectation, guilt, trauma, and survival-mode coping that lead neurodivergent women to break down quietly behind closed doors.From childhood masking to motherhood martyrdom, this one hits deep — and offers five strategies to start peeling off the pressure without losing yourself in the process.

You can’t ‘train’ a brain to enjoy being flooded with noise, light, smells, and chaos. You can only push it until it shuts down — or shuts you out. Yet families are told every day that ‘exposure therapy’ will fix sensory overwhelm. In this episode, we talk about why that’s not just wrong — it’s dangerous. You’ll learn: How to tell the difference between fear-based and processing-based struggles. Why getting the label right matters for getting the support right. The long-term impact on trust and resilience when supports are mismatched. What meltdowns in public spaces really mean (hint: it’s not bad behaviour). Practical ways to adapt environments so kids can thrive without being pushed past breaking point. If you’ve ever dragged your child through a noisy, bright, overwhelming place and watched them unravel, this episode will make you feel seen — and give you the language to advocate for real change.

Sometimes parenting feels like being pecked to death by tiny, unstable chickens. We love our kids fiercely — but that doesn’t mean we have to love every single moment of raising them. In this unfiltered Quick Reset, Jane says the thing so many ADHD mums are scared to admit out loud: I don’t always like being a parent. And no — that doesn’t make you a bad mum. It makes you human. From the endless to-do lists and medical appointments to the sensory overload and invisible labour, parenting as a neurodivergent mum is a full-body, full-time emotional marathon. And when you’re doing it without enough support, it’s no wonder your nervous system is running in the red. Jane breaks down the science of parental burnout, the myths that make mums feel guilty for struggling, and the quiet ways we can reclaim honesty, capacity, and space — without toxic positivity or pretending everything’s fine.

Your child comes home from school withdrawn, teary, or exploding in rage — and you’re expected to stay calm. Every cell in your body wants to burn the system down, but the school says ‘We’re handling it’. You can see your child’s spark dimming, and you’re being told to keep your emotions in check so you’re not labelled ‘the emotional mum’. Psychologist Mona Delahooke reminds us that children’s behaviour is a direct reflection of their nervous system regulation. If your child shuts down, lashes out, avoids, cries, or seems ‘off’, it’s often their nervous system saying: I’m not safe. And safety isn’t about compliance — a child can ‘behave’ all day and still be in distress. Dr Gabor Maté talks about how children’s experiences can activate a parent’s own unresolved trauma — especially for mothers. If you grew up feeling unprotected or disbelieved, protecting your child may feel like your number one mission. But when you’re operating from that deep trigger, the intensity can sometimes lead to mistakes — not because you’re wrong to protect them, but because the system forces you to fight while dysregulated yourself. This episode is for every parent sitting in that impossible gap between fury and strategy. Jane unpacks the nervous system science, the emotional triggers, and the practical advocacy steps that actually protect your child — without burning yourself out in the process. You’ll learn: How to recognise when your child’s behaviour is a nervous system ‘distress signal’ Why staying calm isn’t about ignoring your emotions — it’s about using them effectively What to do before approaching the school, so you’re heard instead of dismissed How to document incidents and escalate without losing trust or credibility The fine line between resilience-building and retraumatising Scripts and safety plans that support both you and your child Because protecting your child and staying grounded aren’t opposites — they’re both part of getting results that last.

If school mornings in your house feel like a high-stakes obstacle course — socks missing, bags unpacked, emotions running high — this episode will feel like a deep breath you didn’t know you needed. Jane is joined by Sharon Collon from The Functional Family to talk about how to survive those brutal pre-school hours without burning every ounce of patience you have before 9am. This isn’t about colour-coded charts or impossible routines — it’s about understanding ADHD brains, setting realistic expectations, and making mornings less about conflict and more about connection. Sharon shares her game-changing tips for managing transitions, reducing overwhelm, and creating a morning rhythm that actually works for neurodivergent kids (and parents). Expect real-life stories, scripts you can try tomorrow, and the relief of knowing you’re not the only family wrestling with mismatched socks at the worst possible time. In This Episode Why “just get ready” doesn’t work for ADHD kids — and what to say instead How to identify and remove the hidden triggers that derail mornings The one small change that can stop meltdowns before they start Why your own regulation matters more than your schedule How to use connection as a tool (without adding to your mental load) Rethinking reward charts, punishments, and morning “discipline” This Episode Is For You If – You dread the school run before you’ve even opened your eyes– Your mornings are a mix of tears, yelling, and frantic searches for missing shoes– You want calmer starts without sacrificing your sanity About Sharon Collon Sharon is the founder of The Functional Family, helping families with ADHD create systems that work in the real world.

If you’ve already heard MY UPDATE: What Happens When You Lose the Meds That Helped You Survive, you know Part 1 ended on the decision to have lipedema surgery after years of chronic pain, medical dismissal, and the sudden loss of ADHD medication. This is what happened next. In this follow-up episode, Jane takes you behind the curtain of the surgery itself — the reality of navigating a system that still sidelines women’s pain, the complications that no one warns you about, and the rare heart condition that made recovery far more complex than expected. From confronting family history to managing without ADHD meds during the most physically demanding season of her life, Jane shares the messy truth of advocating for your health when the system isn’t built for you. It’s raw, unfiltered, and painfully familiar for anyone who’s ever been left to fight for care they shouldn’t have to beg for. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: What surgery for lipedema is actually like — and what recovery demands of your body The rare heart finding that changed everything mid-recovery The emotional toll of being unsupported in hospital The overlap between lipedema, neurodivergence, and chronic illness How losing ADHD medication in the middle of recovery amplified every challenge Why women’s health advocacy has to start with telling the full, unvarnished story

This isn’t just about medication. It’s about the pattern so many ADHD mums find themselves in — chasing answers, finding partial relief, and then hitting a wall you never saw coming. In this raw, unfiltered episode, Jane shares the deeply personal story of what happened when her body could no longer tolerate ADHD medication — and how a lifetime of overlapping diagnoses, chronic conditions, and medical gaslighting shaped the road to that moment. From discovering she had lipedema after years of pain, to navigating a brutal and underfunded surgery system, this is an honest account of resilience, privilege, and the fight to be taken seriously in a medical landscape that often dismisses women’s health. It’s about grief for the tools you lose, hope for the ones you gain, and the messy truth of managing ADHD when your options suddenly shrink.

With Special Guest: NSW Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson

This episode isn’t polished. It’s not another “mum guilt” talk with a tidy little bow. It’s a confession — 10 brutally honest fears that live under the surface of parenting with ADHD. The kind you lie awake thinking about. The kind you’re scared to say out loud. From burnout to school calls, masking to medical forms — this Quick Reset is for the mums who are terrified of missing something important. Who love their kids fiercely, but carry a quiet dread that they’re not doing enough. Jane gets real about what it feels like to parent while managing executive dysfunction, health issues, shame spirals, and a system that was never built for us. This isn’t weakness. It’s truth. And you’re not the only one thinking it.

If you’ve ever jolted awake at 3:11am spiralling over something you said in 2019 — you are not alone. This Quick Reset is for the mums lying in bed, exhausted but wired, wondering if their brain is broken. (Spoiler: it’s not.) In this raw and validating episode, Jane unpacks the real reasons so many neurodivergent women are waking up in the middle of the night. It’s not just anxiety. It’s hormones, cortisol spikes, perimenopause, trauma, overstimulation — and nervous systems that have been stuck in survival mode for years. This episode gives you permission to stop blaming yourself for ‘bad sleep’ and start exploring what your body might actually be trying to say. ✨ IN THIS RESET:• Why you might wake up at the exact same time every night• What progesterone and GABA have to do with your 3am brain spiral• Cortisol spikes, perimenopause, and stress-pattern sleep• Why lying in bed makes it worse — and what to do instead• The ‘entree thought’ that leads to a full-blown shame tornado• Real stories, lived experience, and no-pressure ideas to try• What actually helped Jane stop dreading the night

What if the exhaustion you're carrying isn’t about your daughter’s needs — but about the systems stacked against her? In this fiercely honest conversation, Jane sits down with Katie Koullas, founder of Yellow Ladybugs, to unpack the invisible weight neurodivergent mums carry while raising autistic and ADHD girls. From masking to missed diagnoses, perfectionism to protection — this episode doesn’t shy away from the real stuff. It validates the hell out of the lived experience of raising girls who internalise everything and explode only when no one’s watching. Katie shares her experience as a mum, advocate, and changemaker, giving voice to the deep guilt, relentless fear, and raw love that shape this reality — and what she’s learned about lightening the emotional load without selling your soul in the process.

If you’ve ever stood frozen in the kitchen, fully aware of what needs doing — and still couldn’t start — this episode is for you. This week’s Quick Reset tears apart the toxic myth that ADHD mums just need to “try harder.” Jane unpacks what’s actually happening when your brain stalls, and why shame, not laziness, is often the real culprit. From inner critics echoing old failures to the neuroscience behind executive dysfunction, this is a raw, validating, and darkly funny call to stop blaming effort — and start working with your brain instead. You’ll learn practical, low-pressure strategies to get started (no, not with a new app), and finally understand why “just do it” advice doesn’t just fail ADHD mums — it hurts us. ✨ IN THIS RESET: The damaging myth of laziness and willpower How shame shuts down executive function Why ADHD is not about motivation — it’s about regulation What to say to yourself instead of “I just need to focus” Brain-based strategies for task initiation that actually help Real talk about fridge purchases, hyperfocus, and starting vs finishing Why “trying harder” never fixed burnout — and never will

With special guest: Jayde Couldewell from Beyond the Bump If you thought finally getting a diagnosis and trying meds would be the end of your chaos — but you’re still overwhelmed, melting down, or yelling into the void — this one’s for you. In this raw, funny, and emotionally honest episode, Jane is joined by Jayde Couldewell to talk about what really happens after diagnosis. Spoiler: the meds help, but they’re not the whole story. Together, they unpack what comes next — from executive function and exercise, to morning meltdowns and postnatal rage, to finally being able to hear your own thoughts. Jayde shares the real-life before-and-after: what it took to make consistent change after starting meds, why boundaries mattered more than bubble baths, and how she learned to parent herself while parenting three kids. ✨ IN THIS RESET: Why ADHD meds are a powerful tool — but not a magic fix The grief and clarity that comes with late diagnosis How self-understanding created space for real change Building habits with ADHD (without making it a full-time job) Why it’s normal to need more than just one script The difference between the ‘old you’ and your real self underneath the chaos How to start small — and stay kind to yourself when it feels hard

If someone tells you to take a bubble bath one more time, you might scream. This Quick Reset is a no-filter, nervous-system-level rant for every ADHD mum who’s been told that a massage will fix her burnout. Jane unpacks why the whole self-care industry is fundamentally mismatched to neurodivergent mums — and how pretending we feel better after one ‘treat’ just leads to more shame, not recovery. From sensory overload and executive dysfunction to the rage of being handed a “Mother’s Day spa voucher” after 364 days of unpaid emotional labour, this episode calls out the delusion of performance rest — and offers honest alternatives that might actually increase your capacity to survive. ✨ IN THIS RESET: Why typical self-care advice feels like a slap in the face How ADHD brains struggle to “relax on command” The truth behind fake rest, survival mode, and executive dysfunction What to do when even the bath feels too hard How to find five-minute moments that actually help (without a full routine) A very real story about walking 50 metres to put the bins out — slowly

If you've ever walked out of a school meeting wondering how it could all feel so wrong — this episode is for you. In the powerful final instalment of the ADHD Mums School Series, Jane is joined by neurodivergent educator Millie Carr to reimagine what school could be — if we stopped prioritising performance over people. Together, they unpack how traditional education models are burning out not only our kids, but also the parents, teachers, and professionals trying to hold it all together. From sensory trauma to compliance-driven behaviour plans, this episode explores the uncomfortable truth: our current system isn’t broken — it was built this way. But that doesn’t mean we can’t shift it. You’ll hear stories, systems critique, and practical frameworks for creating school environments that don’t just tolerate neurodivergence — but truly honour it. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: Why behaviour plans and positive reinforcement often fail neurodivergent kids The myth of “readiness” and why regulation must come before learning Trauma-aware, neuro-affirming practice — what it actually looks like Why ‘calm’ doesn’t mean regulated, and how masking is rewarded in school What schools misunderstand about sensory needs, social withdrawal, and shutdown How parents, teachers, and allied professionals can challenge the system together The role of leadership, training, and funding in making lasting change Why fixing school is about collective regulation, not individual resilience

If you're a neurodivergent parent staring down the impossible decision of where to send your child to school — this episode is for you. Forget the glossy brochures and test score spreadsheets. In this raw, strategic conversation, Jane and Millie Carr walk you through the real questions to ask, the red flags to watch for, and how to trust your gut when it comes to choosing a school that won't retraumatise your kid — or you. We unpack the hidden barriers ADHD and autistic families face during school enrolment, what buzzwords to interrogate (hello “inclusive” and “resilient”), and how to decode a school’s culture beneath the surface. Because being told “we’ve got neurodivergent kids here too” isn’t the same as knowing how to support them. You’ll walk away with scripts, insight, and the confidence to stop people-pleasing your way into another educational crisis. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: Why “inclusive” doesn’t always mean safe The buzzwords that signal masking, not belonging Questions to ask on a school tour that don’t flag your child as “the hard one What to look for beyond classrooms: playgrounds, posters, and teacher training The role of trauma-informed, neuroaffirming values in everyday school lif When to walk away (even if it’s inconvenient) How to weigh up private vs public when the real issue is leadership Real-life stories of switching schools — and what finally worked

If your child holds it together at school but falls apart at home — this episode is for you. In this raw and deeply validating conversation, Jane is joined again by educator Millie Carr to unpack what happens when school is no longer emotionally or psychologically safe for neurodivergent kids. From missed warning signs to outright shutdown, we explore how subtle distress gets overlooked — and how easily parents are made to feel like they’re overreacting. You’ll learn what to watch for, what to say to schools without getting dismissed, and how to hold your ground when your gut says something’s not right. Whether your child is masking, refusing, or silently burning out, this episode gives you tools to recognise what’s happening — and advocate without losing yourself in the process.

If the words ‘let me know if you need anything’ make you panic instead of feel supported — this one’s for you. This Quick Reset is a nervous system-level sigh of relief for the mums who feel safest surviving in silence. If you’ve ever shut down instead of speaking up, snapped when someone finally offered to help, or felt like asking for support meant erasing your worth — this episode will hit home. Hard. We unpack the trauma behind “I’ve got it,” the invisible legacy of pathological self-reliance, and how masking your needs became part of your personality. But it’s not who you are — it’s what you learned. It’s time to stop waiting until burnout to be visible. This episode offers small scripts, mindset shifts, and reframes that make asking for help feel less like failure — and more like a form of love. ✨ IN THIS RESET: Why asking for help feels like failure (especially for high-functioning women) How ‘good girl conditioning’ trained you to suppress needs Why no one notices you're struggling — and why that’s not your fault The trauma loop of independence, silence, and resentment Scripts to ask for support without shame When your meltdown isn’t about dinner — it’s about years of invisible labour Rewiring your worth away from being useful Real-life strategies to pre-negotiate support (before the spiral) Giving yourself the grace to stop performing strength

If your afternoons feel like a slow-motion train wreck — tears, yelling, slammed doors, and you hiding in the pantry with a chocolate bar — this episode is for you. This Quick Reset speaks directly to the ADHD mums stuck in the brutal 3–6PM rebound window (or 3–9PM if your house is really on fire). When the stimulant meds wear off, the chaos ramps up — and suddenly the smallest request can launch a meltdown. Whether your child is screaming in the backseat or your teenager is giving you the silent treatment, this episode validates the unspoken truth: it’s not you, it’s the neurochemical whiplash. Jane breaks down the reality of post-school dysregulation, explains why your child falls apart as soon as they get home, and shares real-life survival tools (not Pinterest-perfect routines) that actually help. ✨ IN THIS RESET, WE COVER: What’s really happening when ADHD meds wear off (spoiler: it’s not “bad behaviour”) Why the smallest requests trigger epic meltdowns The connection between sensory build-up, emotional suppression, and after-school explosions Why your child’s brain crashes when yours does too The invisible rebound window: how to recognise it and adapt School masking and why ‘safe’ doesn’t always look calm The only two things that changed Jane’s afternoons (music + snacks, no eye contact) Low-demand parenting that actually protects connection Why the “put your lunchbox on the bench” battle isn’t worth it — and what to do instead

If you’ve spent hours calling pharmacies, chasing down scripts, or fighting tears in front of your child’s school — this episode is for you. This week’s Quick Reset is a brutally honest look at the ADHD medication shortage and what it’s actually costing families. It’s not just about pills. It’s about access, function, and survival. If you’ve been told to 'just hang in there' while rationing doses, burning out, and trying to stay regulated — this episode will meet you where you are. We unpack why the shortage isn’t just a supply chain hiccup — but a structural failure — and what you can do right now. You’ll hear the real-life chaos behind one bottle of meds, the truth about demand vs infrastructure, and the emotional cost of parenting without the support you fought hard to access.

If your partner’s dreaming of overseas holidays while you’re barely surviving the playground — this episode is for you. This Quick Reset is a brutally honest look at what 'holiday' means when you’re the default parent, the nervous system regulator, and the one who never actually gets to rest. If your body flinches at the word “vacation” because it remembers meltdowns, sleepless nights, and judgmental relatives — you’re not alone. Jane unpacks the invisible trauma of parenting while travelling, why holidays can feel like executive function overload, and how memory, shame, and nervous system trauma shape our future planning. You’ll laugh, cry, and probably cancel the family road trip — but you’ll feel deeply seen. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: The five-step emotional cycle of ‘family holidays’ Why past chaos makes your brain reject future hope The mental load of pretending you're relaxed Photo albums that trigger survival memories What to say when your partner doesn’t get it How to redefine rest when even leaving the house feels hard Naming nervous system trauma without shame Why opting out isn’t negative — it’s protective

This one is for the mums who cancel plans and then spiral into shame — not because you don’t care about your friends, but because you’re tired of becoming someone else just to belong. This Quick Reset goes straight into the emotional cost of masking, people-pleasing, and being ‘palatable’ in social spaces when you’re already running on empty. If you've ever ghosted a dinner invite because the idea of smiling through small talk made you feel sick — you're not rude. You're exhausted. And there’s a reason your nervous system taps out. We unpack the invisible work of shaping your personality around others, the aftermath of overthinking every interaction, and what it means to parent, mask, and still try to hold onto yourself.

This one’s for every mum who’s watched the birthday party photos roll in and realised — again — your child wasn’t invited. Or stood awkwardly at the school gate while other parents chatted like you weren’t even there. In this raw and necessary episode, Jane tackles the quiet grief of social exclusion: not just for our neurodivergent kids, but for us too. From WhatsApp politics to parent cliques to the unspoken ‘rules’ of what’s considered acceptable behaviour in kids — we unpack how the system trains us all to exclude those who don’t conform. If you've ever blamed yourself, masked harder, or told your kid to ‘just try to fit in’ — this episode offers a much-needed reframe. It’s not about fitting in. It’s about dismantling the gatekeeping in the first place.

If you’ve ever found yourself raging over a sock battle, losing it over a tantrum, or feeling shame after snapping at your child — this episode will meet you right there. It’s not just that your child is being ‘difficult’. It’s that their big feelings might be waking up parts of you that were never allowed to exist. This Quick Reset unpacks the link between parenting rage and trauma stored in the body. We explore the concept of mirrored trauma — when your child expresses the exact emotions you were taught to suppress. If you were the “good girl” who never acted out, your child’s raw honesty can feel confronting. Even triggering. But you’re not failing — you’re feeling. And there are ways to recognise it, reset, and shift the shame. ✨ In This Episode, We Cover: – Why you might feel rage at small things (like socks or dinner refusal)– What’s really happening when your child ‘won’t comply’– How ‘good girl conditioning’ can collide with your child’s emotional honesty– The neuroscience of mirrored trauma– Self-check-ins for performance parenting– Why your child’s defiance isn’t disobedience — it’s a dysregulated nervous system– What to do when you feel the heat rising– Real, honest stories from parenting in the trenches– Reframing the “problem child” as a mirror of your own healing

If you’ve ever been told your child is ‘defiant’, ‘rude’, or ‘lazy’—this episode is for you. Tania Waring is back to unpack how stress behaviours are misread as misbehaviour in classrooms. Drawing on her PhD research into co-regulation and inclusive education, Tania explains what’s really going on for ADHD and autistic students—and why the classroom itself can fuel or relieve their distress. We talk about why behaviour systems like marbles-in-the-jar and Dojo points don’t work for neurodivergent kids, and how regulation starts with the adult in the room. We cover practical ways teachers (and parents) can co-regulate, build trust, and support children in distress without punishing them for brain-based struggles. This episode is honest, emotional, and full of tools for both home and school. If you’ve ever felt alone advocating for your child—or if you’re a teacher desperate for something that actually works—this conversation will validate what you already know and help you name it out loud.

If you can’t sit still even when nothing’s wrong...If you're checking your emails like a debt collector is chasing you...If your heart races during peaceful moments... This episode is for you. In this raw and validating Quick Reset, Jane peels back the misunderstood layers of 'anxiety' to reveal something many ADHD mums live with daily — high-functioning hypervigilance. It's not just worry. It's a nervous system that never learned to feel safe. This is the episode to save and return to every time you feel like you can’t switch off, even when the house is quiet and the kids are fine. It’s not just stress. It’s survival mode — and it’s unlearnable.

You walk into a school meeting hoping for support—and walk out feeling like the unreasonable parent again. In this no-fluff episode, Jane is joined by returning guest and neuroaffirming educator Millie Carr to rip the curtain off how Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are actually playing out in real classrooms. From broken communication and missing documentation to defensive staff and performative inclusion policies, this episode is a sharp, validating look at what’s really happening behind the school gate. If you’ve ever been told, ‘we can’t do that for everyone’, ‘they seem fine’, or your child’s support plan was ignored by day one of term—this one will make you feel less alone, and a hell of a lot more prepared.

Why does getting support for your child feel like a full-time job… with no sick leave? In this solo episode, Jane dives into the exhausting, invisible labour of advocacy – and why neurodivergent mums are often left navigating broken systems without a map, a translator, or a break. From IEP meetings to GP appointments, this is the episode for every mum who’s ever stayed up till 2am writing an email that might just get ignored. If you’re tired of being dismissed, dismissed again, then blamed for being ‘too emotional’ about it – you are not the problem. This episode will help you do it without setting yourself on fire.

What happens when schools insist your child is fine - but everything in your gut says otherwise? In this powerful instalment of our school mini-series, Jane is joined again by Millie Carr - teacher, parent, and neurodivergent advocate - to unpack one of the most maddening experiences families face: being gaslit by educators who don’t “see” the struggle. If you’ve ever been told your child is “fine” at school while managing meltdowns, shutdowns, or burnout at home, this one will hit hard. Jane shares a deeply personal story of leaving a school that refused to acknowledge her daughter’s invisible needs - and Millie breaks down exactly why high-masking kids get overlooked, and what parents can do when they’re dismissed. Together, they explore: Why girls and high-masking kids are so often missed The damaging impact of visible vs invisible disability bias What to say in IEP meetings when schools won’t listen Why anxiety is often misdiagnosed when it’s really about unmet needs How PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) is misunderstood in schools—and what helps instead This episode will validate your fury, your heartbreak, and your instincts. You’re not imagining it. You’re not overreacting. And you’re not alone. Listen If: You’ve been told “we don’t see it” and felt dismissed Your child is different at school than at home—and no one believes you You’re exhausted from advocating and need to feel seen You want practical strategies for navigating resistant schools Other Episodes with Millie Carr S1 E41: Camouflaging ADHD + Autistic Traits in Girls with Millie Carr | Spotify | Apple Podcast S3 E2: SCHOOL SERIES When School Becomes the Trauma — What No One Tells ADHD Parents | Spotify | Apple Podcast S3 E3: SCHOOL SERIES When School Becomes the Trauma — What No One Tells ADHD Parents | Spotify | Apple Podcast Episode on PDA: S2E30: Could it be PDA? Exploring the signs and why it’s different from ODD with Prof Tony Attwood and Dr Michelle Garnett | Spotify | Apple Podcast

You’re not imagining it — psychology funding is reducing from NDIS plans. And neurodivergent families are being hit the hardest. In this critical solo episode, Jane breaks down the real impact of recent NDIS changes, including the hidden rollout of Section 33, why psychology is being reframed as a ‘Medicare issue’, and how support for emotional regulation, anxiety and trauma is being stripped away under the radar. If you’re navigating plan reviews, therapy cancellations, or watching mental health supports vanish — this episode gives you the language, strategy and advocate for yourself or your child. What We Cover: The quiet rollout of Section 33 and what it means for your child’s plan Why psychology for ADHD, anxiety, trauma and RSD is no longer ‘reasonable and necessary’ The difference between clinical vs. functional supports — and how to frame them What psychologists are being told, and why they may redirect you to Medicare How to advocate for functional impact without breaching new NDIS rules The cost blowout no one’s talking about: $600+ monthly gap payments for ADHD families Why early intervention cuts contradict everything the NDIS claims to support What to say in your next plan review — including exact phrases for therapy justification The personal toll on ADHD mums trying to keep their kids afloat — emotionally and financially Resources & Links: Submit your story: Speak Up for Change: Submit Your NDIS Complaint to Help Us Lobby for Fairness Listen to the related podcast episodes on: The NDIS Shake-Up and National Autism Strategy: What Jane Really Thinks: Spotify: listen here Apple: listen here Sign the petition: NDIS Cuts Are Failing Our Kids List of ADHD Mums Recommended Providers All NDIS Changes and Resources - https://adhdmums.com.au/ndis/ JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format! FOLLOW FOR MORE: Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube LEAVE A REVIEW: Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together. COLLABS: For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au. MORE RESOURCES: Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here. Topics Covered In This Episode: NDIS psychology funding cuts, ADHD therapy removed from NDIS, Section 33 NDIS explanation, ADHD and functional capacity reports, neurodivergent families NDIS, ADHD emotional regulation therapy, reasonable and necessary supports ADHD, early intervention plan review, psychology under Medicare vs NDIS, ADHD child anxiety supports, ADHD trauma support, rejection sensitivity NDIS, plan review scripts ADHD, disability discrimination Australia, NDIS burnout for mothers, ADHD Mums podcast NDIS, school refusal and therapy access, ADHD kids unsupported by NDIS, petition for NDIS reform, neurodivergent parenting advocacy AustraliaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If your kid has been labelled ‘disruptive’, ‘too much’, or has a 'behaviour problem’ at school - this episode is for you. In this raw, honest, and fiercely educational conversation, Jane is joined by Tania Waring - lawyer-turned-PhD researcher, mum of three neurodivergent boys, and longtime education advocate. They go into what’s really happening when ADHD and autistic kids are ‘acting out’ - and why so many schools are punishing trauma responses, not managing them. This episode isn’t polite. It’s personal, practical, and painfully real. From school exclusions and behaviour plans to Human Rights Commission complaints and fighting for basic inclusion - this one’s for every parent who’s been dismissed, gaslit, and told their child doesn’t belong. Trigger warning: briefly mentions suicide ideation of a child.

You’ve already heard the basics: ADHD isn’t just for boys. Autism isn’t all hand-flapping. Great. But what about the deeper stuff? In this solo episode, Jane takes a sledgehammer to the most persistent, harmful, and advanced myths that are still sabotaging ADHD and autistic women. From the dangerous praise of ‘high functioning’ to the weaponisation of executive function, performative neurodiversity, and the false promise that meds fix everything—this is the truth the awareness campaigns skip. If you’ve ever been told you’re ‘too capable to struggle’, ‘too smart to be ADHD’, or ‘too emotional to be taken seriously’, this episode is your armour.

If your child’s after-school meltdowns seem to come out of nowhere — they don’t. They’re just not being seen. In this second episode of the School Series, Jane is joined again by neurodivergent educator and mum Millie Carr to unpack how burnout builds silently in classrooms and explodes at home. From sensory overwhelm and executive dysfunction to chronic invalidation and misread behaviour — this episode doesn’t just name the problem. It helps you understand what to look for, what schools can do differently, and what you can shift at home without burning yourself out too. This is a must-listen for any parent hearing ‘they’re fine at school’ while watching their kid unravel every night.

If your child holds it together all day at school only to fall apart the second they get home—this episode is for you. In this brutally honest conversation, Jane is joined by teacher, parent, and neurodivergent advocate Millie Carr to unpack the invisible trauma happening behind ‘good behaviour’ in classrooms. From silent shutdowns to explosive rage, masking to misdiagnosis, we explore how the school system is inadvertently breaking the very kids it's meant to support—and what parents can do about it.

You’ve read the listicles. You’ve sat in the paediatrician’s office explaining what your child’s meltdown actually meant — again. You’re not confused. You’re exhausted. Season 3 is here — and it’s not about awareness anymore. It’s about tools, systems, scripts, and sustainable change. This season, Jane is done explaining ADHD to the masses. If you’re an ADHD mum, late-diagnosed woman, or raising neurodivergent kids in a system that’s already failing you — this season is built for you. This opener is sharp, validating, and cuts straight to what’s coming, why it matters, and how ADHD Mums is shifting focus to create real support. Spoiler: it started with one burnt-out night, one whiteboard, and the lowest-effort dinner plan that worked like magic.

You made the reservation. You packed the gifts. You wiped the tears, booked the table, and still felt… like no one saw you. If Mother’s Day makes you feel flat, ragey, or quietly devastated—you’re not ungrateful, you’re unsupported. In this raw solo episode, Jane shares the truth about what ADHD mums, solo parents, and neurodivergent women are really navigating on the day that’s supposed to be for them. This isn’t about handmade cards and breakfast in bed. This is about emotional labour, unmet needs, and the silent heartbreak of being overlooked on the one day you were told you’d be celebrated.

If you made it through Season 2 while juggling meltdowns, meds, late-night Googling, school chaos, and trying to figure out dinner while being told to ‘get off your phone’—you’re not just surviving. You’re reshaping the narrative. In this raw and honest wrap-up, Jane reflects on what really went down in Season 2: the burnout, the backlash, the breakthroughs, and the moments that made her want to walk away. From NDIS implosions to medication shortages, from massive listener growth to imposter syndrome and award snubs—this one lays it bare. This is a thank you, a debrief, and a reminder: you’re not alone, and Season 3 is just getting started.

ADHD Meds: Are They Safe Long-Term? What the World's Largest Study Just Told Us You’re sitting in the paediatrician’s office, staring at a tiny tablet in your hand, wondering if giving it to your child makes you a bad parent—or a better one. Sound familiar? In this solo episode, Jane breaks down the world’s biggest ADHD medication study—just published in The Lancet Psychiatry—and unpacks what it really means for neurodivergent families. We’re talking hard data, real side effects, long-term unknowns, and the emotional load mums carry when we’re asked to medicate our kids. This episode is your crash course in science and lived experience. No moral panic, no TikTok nonsense. Just the facts—and how they actually apply to real-life parenting.

Okay, so you’ve screamed into your car steering wheel. Now what? In Part 2, Jane and clinical psychologist Dr Jacinta Thompson return to bring the goods: the actual, practical tools ADHD mums can use to manage rage without pretending to be zen all the time. From self-coaching scripts to nervous system hacks, this episode gives you permission to be angry—and shows you what to do with it that’s actually effective. Because no, you don’t need to just 'try yoga' again. And no, you’re not the only one who wants to punch the air when your partner asks what’s for dinner.

If you've ever felt like you were about to rage-clean the entire house, scream in your car, or book a one-way ticket to anywhere then here, this episode is for you. We’re diving into mum rage, sensory overload, and the shame spiral that follows—because if just regulating your emotions was that easy, none of us would be listening to this episode. Dr. Jacinta Thompson is back to break down why ADHD mums experience explosive frustration and what’s actually happening in your brain when you hit breaking point.

Ever been called ‘a bit much’? Apologised for your personality before someone’s even asked your name? You’re not alone - and you’re not the problem. In this solo episode, Jane cracks open the messy reality of emotional intensity, ADHD, and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD). From 2am spiral sessions to crying because someone didn’t wave back - this episode calls it what it is: a misunderstood but very real part of neurodivergent life. No shame. No pastel filter. Just honest strategies to help your emotional wiring work for you - not against you. What We Cover: Why being ‘too much’ is usually just being human with ADHD How RSD can derail your week before breakfast Scripts for when you want to rage-text the school group chat How to pause before you blow up (or implode) What the hell the 10-Minute Rule is - and why it actually works Why emotional regulation isn’t just breathing exercises and wine Modelling emotional resilience (without toxic positivity) Turning emotional intensity into advocacy, connection, and actual power Resources & Links: Download the RSD & Emotional Intensity Kit – includes scripts, reflection prompts, calm-down strategies Related episodes: Handling Family Criticism, Boundary Setting & Boundary Creep on Apple or Spotify (S2 Ep 51) Stop People Pleasing on Apple or Spotify (S2 Ep 50) Listen Now If your emotions feel like a liability (or your kid’s meltdown sets off your own), this one’s for you. Hit play. Share with a friend who spirals too. And share it with the mum who keeps apologising for just being herself. JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format! FOLLOW FOR MORE: Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube LEAVE A REVIEW: Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together. COLLABS: For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au. MORE RESOURCES: Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: ADHD emotional intensity, rejection sensitive dysphoria, RSD and ADHD, emotional regulation ADHD, ADHD mum meltdown, ADHD and relationships, ADHD overwhelm, how to manage big emotions ADHD, ADHD parenting stress, ADHD spiralling, ADHD and shame, ADHD self-compassion, ADHD boundary setting, scripts for RSD, ADHD reaction control, ADHD neurodivergent emotions, calming strategies ADHD, ADHD social anxiety, ADHD overstimulation, ADHD mum guilt, ADHD burnout prevention, ADHD advocacy, ADHD friendship strugglesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Too many women walk into a psych’s office knowing something’s not right—and walk out with a label that only tells half the story. ADHD or PTSD? Or both? In this episode, Jane chats with senior psychologist, educator, and PhD candidate Amanda Moses, whose work centres on complex, highly masked neurodivergent presentations. Together, they tackle one of the most misunderstood clinical issues facing ADHD women: misdiagnosis, trauma-blaming, and the dangerous trend of withholding treatment. If you’ve ever been told to 'treat the trauma first' or felt like your neurodivergence was being ignored because of your childhood history, this one’s for you.

You're not overreacting. You've spent hundreds trying to keep their “safe foods” stocked, only for them to refuse it the next day. You've stood in the kitchen, holding a full lunchbox, wondering how they'll get through the day - and how you'll keep holding it together.This isn't just fussy eating. And this episode isn't just more information - it's the support you've been looking for.Want real tools to help with ARFID at home? The companion kit to this episode is packed with scripts, trackers, and strategies to make food feel less impossible. Grab it here for just $10.In this episode:What *actually* helps when you've run out of safe foods and ideasHow to feel less panicked when they suddenly refuse the only thing they ate yesterdayWays to reduce the guilt, pressure and dread around mealtimes (for them and for you)Scripts to help you handle family comments or school pushback with calm and clarityHow to track food patterns and build a “yes list” that gives you more breathing roomWhat Jane does at home to manage ARFID without daily battlesThis isn't about getting them to eat broccoli.It's about reducing the anxiety, shame, and exhaustion around food - and giving you a path forward that doesn't rely on force, tricks, or “just one bite” deals.If your child only eats two things, if family mealtimes feel like a minefield, if you're terrified the fridge doesn't have the one thing they'll eat - this episode is for you.

Ever feel like you're the only one holding everything together - school schedules, emotional meltdowns, forgotten socks, and all? And somehow, despite all that effort, your child's teacher still doesn't quite get it?You're not imagining it - and you're definitely not alone.In this episode, Jane sits down with educator and special ed expert Sue Larkey to talk about what really helps when school feels like a battle, your kid is stuck in ADHD paralysis, and you're just trying to make it to bedtime without losing it.

This episode won't give you a 12-step schedule — just real strategies, honest validation, and permission to drop the guilt.If school holidays leave you feeling overstimulated, under-supported, and one snack request away from snapping — you're not alone.Need extra support this break? The School Holidays Sanity Kit has printables, reset plans, transcript and flexible tools to help things feel a little more doable. DOWNLOAD HERE.--In this episode, Jane breaks down why school holidays can completely fry ADHD mums: the emotional labour, the pressure to make it special, the chaos of no routine, and the guilt (whether you're working or not).This isn't just a vent session — it's packed with practical, neuro-affirming tools to help you reduce the overwhelm, create a rhythm that works for your brain, and survive the sibling meltdowns without burning yourself out.Why unstructured time hits ADHD mums so hardThe pressure to create “core memories” (and how to opt out)Jane's personal rhythm strategy that keeps things doableThe emotional load creep (and how to call it out)How to support PDA and sensory-sensitive kids without rigid routinesWhat to say when you're about to lose it — or already haveRESOURCES MENTIONED:ADHD Planner & Personal Values WorkbookPolyvagal Theory - Dr Mona DelahookeThe Brown Model of Executive FunctionAri TakminPMDD episode with Dr Miranda RobisonADHD Mums Facebook Group CommunityFOLLOW FOR MORE:Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTubeLEAVE A REVIEW:Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let's spread the word and make a difference together.COLLABS:For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au. MORE RESOURCES:Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPADHD mums, school holidays, ADHD parenting, executive dysfunction, emotional overload, sensory overload, school break stress, managing ADHD kids, burnout in mums, school holiday routine, ADHD family rhythm, PDA parenting, sibling fights, ADHD overwhelm, dopamine regulation, ADHD and unstructured time, mental load, emotional labour, holiday survival tips, neurodivergent families, ADHD mum strategies, parenting with ADHD, ADHD mum burnout, decision fatigue, holiday reset, co-regulation, ADHD and PDA, supporting ADHD kids, ADHD school break routines, ADHD toolkit for mumsMentioned in this episode:ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook: A System for ADHD MumsSimplify your chaotic ADHD mum life with the ADHD Planner & Personal Values Workbook. Designed to help you brain dump the chaos, prioritise what truly matters, and stop the guilt spiral, these tools are 100% fluff-free and built for real-life use. Start anytime, pick up and put down as needed, and create a system that works with your ADHD, not against it.ADHD PlannerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.