Neuroshambles

In this episode, Mark takes a typically sideways look at the idea of hobbies – those wholesome after-school activities that see neurotypical kids flourish… but which, for many neurodivergent families, are either a logistical nightmare, a sensory minefield, or a fast track to public meltdown. Joining him is the brilliant Nicole Bateman – podcast host (Conversations with a SEND Mum), former teacher, trainer, and founder of The Friendly SEND Advisor and Super Sensory Squad. Together, they explore the myths, pressures and downright ridiculousness of what “having hobbies” means when your kids are autistic, ADHD or PDA. They cover what actually works, what definitely doesn't, and the benefits of learning to follow your neurodifferent child's lead, so you can meet them where they're at, rather than where you want them to be.   STUFF WE COVER: 00:00 – Intro & Meet the Guest: Nicole Bateman 03:00 – The fantasy of hobbies vs the reality 08:00 – Issues with trust and accessibility 13:00 – After-school clubs 18:00 – The Summer holiday hobby void 25:00 – Trying to force your neurodivergent children to have a hobby 33:00 – Social disconnect in group settings 39:00 – When your best intentions fail 44:00 - Environmental barriers to adopting a hobby 47:00 – Competitive Sport: Gift or Curse? 53:00 – Caesar-or-Nothing syndrome & hobby avoidance 59:00 – Drop-off disasters 1:07:00 – What *does* work? 1:12:00 – It's not all rubbish: A look at the positives 1:15:00 – Neurodiversity Champions 1:23:00 – Tiny Epic Wins 1:26:00 – What the Flip? Moments 1:29:00 – Wrap-Up & Where to Find Nicole   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Nicole Bateman's Website – Friendly SEND Advisor and Super Sensory Squad: https://nicolebateman.co.uk/ Conversations with a SEND Mum – Nicole's podcast: https://conversationswithasendmum.buzzsprout.com/ Super Sensory Squad Book – ‘Buzz's Birthday' and other penguin-based sensory tools: https://www.thesupersensorysquad.com/ Cub Scouts: https://www.scouts.org.uk/cubs/being-a-cub/joining-cubs/ Lisa Lloyd reel - Neurotypicals watching what their parents watch: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIzCFBxNzxT “Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?” by Pierre Novellie – Caesar-or-nothing brains and comedy insight: https://amzn.eu/d/dSZA4dC Minecraft Club - Online Social Group for 7-14 year olds: https://minecraftclub.co.uk/ Press Play - Stop frame animation workshops in Sussex: https://pressplayfilms.co.uk/  Boogie Beat - Music and movement classes: https://boogiebeat.co.uk/ Sam Mills – Disability Tennis Brighton: Email smsportsolutions@gmail.com for information   CONTACT US

This week, Mark dives into the chaotic, absurd and quite often traumatic world of shopping with neurodivergent children. If you've ever emerged from a supermarket having to impulse buy paracetamol just to get you through the shop, then this one's for you. Joining Mark is the brilliant Helen Stuart – a mum of six (four of her own and two step-children - all diagnosed or suspected neurodivergent), home educator, and co-founder of Thrive Together Training. Between them, they dissect the minefield of supermarkets, the unpredictability of meltdowns triggered by automatic doors, sensory overwhelm, the trauma of shopping for clothes, rage waiting, and the unholy panic when you realise the supermarket has unexpectedly moved everything around. This is a laugh-out-loud, painfully relatable episode for anyone who has ever had lofty ambitions to do a quick “top up shop”, before ending up having to negotiate UN-level peace deals with your child in the frozen food aisle.   STUFF WE COVER: 00:00 – Intro & Listener Feedback 02:00 – Meet the Guest: Helen Stuart 06:00 – Topic of the Week: Shopping 13:00 – Why Supermarkets Are Sensory Torture 19:00 – The Emotional Toll of Trolleys and Comments 25:00 – PDA Autonomy, Meltdowns, and the Elsa Cup Incident 33:00 – Supermarket Sweep, PDA-Style 39:00 – Self-Checkouts vs Human Interaction 45:00 – Clothing & Footwear Battles 52:00 – Lush, Libraries and Return Rage 59:00 – When Book Tokens Become a Poisoned Chalice 1:04:00 – The Positives (Yes, Really!) 1:10:00 – Neurodiversity Champions 1:16:00 – Tiny Epic Wins 1:20:00 – What the Flip? Moments 1:23:00 – Wrap-Up & Thrive Together Info LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: PDA Society - Support and resources for families living with a PDA profile: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk Supermarket Sweep - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarket_Sweep_(British_game_show) Sunflower Lanyard Scheme - For invisible disabilities: https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com Waterstones Book Tokens - https://www.waterstones.com/help/gift-cards-and-vouchers/32 H&M - https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/kids.html Skechers - https://www.skechers.co.uk/kids/ Lindsay's Swim School - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063580090089&sk=about Nelson Street Church, Rochdale - https://www.nelsonstreetchurch.org/ Thrive Together Training website – https://thrivetogethertraining.co.uk Thrive Together Training Facebook page – www.facebook.com/thrivetogethertraining Thrive Together Training Instagram account – www.instagram.com/thrivetogethertraining ⸻ CONTACT US

In this long-overdue episode, Mark is joined by the brilliant Helen Daniel, who is a qualified teacher, sensory mentor, public speaker and founder of Outside the Box Sensory, as they dig into the myriad challenges of early years education and what it means for our neurodivergent kids. Helen brings a unique perspective not only as a parent of an autistic child (diagnosed autistic, suspected ADHD), but also as a late-diagnosed autistic ADHD-er herself, and a former teacher who's seen the system from the inside out. Together, she and Mark pick apart the weird rituals, unrealistic milestones and baffling expectations of primary school - and why it often ends up being a really poor fit for neurodivergent kids. From sensory overload and academic gaslighting to the slow-burning isolation that builds in the school playground (for kids and parents alike), this one is jam-packed with insight, shared experiences and the usual healthy dose of humorous venting. ⸻ STUFF WE COVER: 00:00 – Intro & Listener Message 01:45 – Meet the Guest: Helen Daniel 06:00 – Topic of the Week: Early Years & School 21:00 – Sensory Profiles and Unrealistic Expectations 34:00 – ND Communication Styles & Social Hierarchies 47:00 – Parent Isolation and Drop-Off Struggles 56:30 – School Pickup Dread & Neurodivergent Burnout 1:03:00 – What Needs to Change in Education 1:04:45 – Neurodiversity Champions 1:09:00 – Tiny Epic Wins 1:14:00 – What the Flip? Moments 1:17:00 – Wrap-Up & Helen's Book Plug ⸻ LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Outside the Box Sensory (Helen's website for talks, training and resources) - https://outsidetheboxsensory.com Follow Helen on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/otbsensory Follow Helen on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/outsidetheboxsensory Helen's book – Neurosensory Divergence: Autistic Languages and Inclusion (Amazon): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CV4PSMH7 The Double Empathy Problem – Dr. Damian Milton: https://reframingautism.org.au/miltons-double-empathy-problem-a-summary-for-non-academics Heidi Mavir Neuroshambles Empathy Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-avrx7-17af07c Pete Wharmby Neuroshambles Masking Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-cke9u-18156f6 Progressive Education – Resources for alternative provision and inclusive practice: https://www.progressiveeducation.org Grove Neurodivergent Mentoring & Education – Interest-based communities for ND kids: https://www.gr0ve.org/ Silent Disco - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_disco ⸻ CONTACT US

Have you ever felt like the odd one out in your own family? In this episode, Mark chats with Kirsty Hockenhull, a fellow self-diagnosed neurotypical in the midst of a chaotic, neurodivergent household. They discuss how it feels to be the lone neurotypical in a family teeming with autism, ADHD, and PDA - touching on everything from helping them navigate everyday social conventions to how to cope when your emotional needs are the only ones not being accommodated for. They discuss the challenges of bridging two worlds - interpreting “neurotypical” rules for neurodivergent loved ones, while also learning where those same social norms should be thrown out of the window altogether. There are candid insights into parenting styles, navigating brutal honesty (“Mum, why are you so old?” or “Dad, you should iron your face!”), and the realisation that sometimes your greatest strength is simply having enough “spoons” to hold it all together. Finally, there's a celebration of the positive side: how being the lone neurotypical can be a privilege in its own right, helping you see the world from an entirely new perspective and become a better parent—and person—along the way. ⸻ LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Pizza Express - https://www.pizzaexpress.com/ The Great Escape - https://greatescapefestival.com/ Wife Swap - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wife_Swap_(British_TV_series) Gorilla Gym - https://amzn.eu/d/bpK6C0G Angela Barnes – https://www.angelabarnescomedy.co.uk/ The Stimming Pool - https://www.thestimmingpool.com/ Electric Palace Cinema, Hastings - https://www.electricpalacecinema.com/ Lucy Bronze – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xriJ8wZm1w4 ⸻ CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics, suggestions for neurodiversity champions, or any “What the flip?” moments you'd like to share, feel free to email us: hello@neuroshambles.com ⸻ FOLLOW US Instagram: instagram.com/neuroshambles TikTok: tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod Facebook: facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: threads.net/@neuroshambles ⸻ CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/   Thank you for listening and being part of the Neuroshambles community. If you enjoyed this episode, please tell a friend, leave a review, or share it on social media. Have a nice life!

This episode shines a light on the tricky subject of parental burnout, which isn't widely discussed in relation to the challenges of raising neurodifferent kids. Mark chats with the magnificent Liz Evans of "The Untypical OT Talks" podcast, who is a parent of a 14-year old boy (undiagnosed neurotypical) and a 13-year old boy (diagnosed autistic, with sensory processing difficulties and suspected Ehlers Danlos Syndrome). Liz discusses her own experiences of parental burnout, and shares her knowledge of how to spot the signs of impending burnout, before offering guidance on strategies we can implement to avoid it happening to us - because let's face it, many parents of neurodivergent kids are constantly dancing around the edges of it.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Together For Send Conference, Bristol - https://www.bristolparentcarers.org.uk/events/togetherforsend2025/ The Untypical OT website - https://the-untypical-ot.co.uk/ The Untypical OT podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/0L6K6RwcErY5Z9tggI40F3?si=d32fc06ab7ca4c60 The Untypical OT podcast (Heidi Mavir episode) - https://open.spotify.com/episode/49CtSzTKt8WStCL6bo8d5h?si=gVjZWlSgSj23eHJoMIGxWA Workplace Burnout - https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases Brené Brown short film on Empathy - https://youtu.be/1Evwgu369Jw?si=nRHnjrN2pb4jZ-W7 Super Good Bikers For Autism - https://www.supergoodbikersforautism.com/ The Stimming Pool - https://www.thestimmingpool.com/     CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics, suggestions for neurodiversity champions or any "What the flip?" moments you'd like to share, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

In this special episode, Mark speaks to Tam, who is his former partner, current co-parent and long time friend. They discuss the long and arduous diagnosis journeys of their three neuro-exceptional kids, who each followed completely different routes in the UK - from NHS/CAMHS and private diagnosis, to the "Right to Choose" pathway. This is a uniquely intimate and candid episode, where both parents reflect on the emotional rollercoaster of seeking diagnoses for Jay (11, diagnosed autistic/ADHD), Otto (9, diagnosed autistic/ADHD) and India (suspected autistic/ADHD... until now). By a strange quirk of fate, the recording date of this episode fell on the same day they received the results of India's autism assessment, so you can hear their reaction to this, just moments after receiving the news, as they consider what it now means for their family.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: CAMHS - https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/your-guide-to-support/guide-to-camhs/ The Effra Clinic - https://www.effraclinic.co.uk/ Right To Choose - https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/your-choices-in-the-nhs/ All Dogs Have ADHD - https://amzn.eu/d/8Tzq6dj All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum - https://amzn.eu/d/byZg2mQ ADHDUK - https://adhduk.co.uk/ Heba App (formerly Hibi) - https://www.heba.care/     CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics, suggestions for neurodiversity champions or any "What the flip?" moments you'd like to share, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

This episode takes a deep dive into why so many of our neurodivergent children feel the need to mask their autistic traits in social situations. Mark chats to fabulous guest, Pete Wharmby, who, as well as being a parent of a 10 year old girl (suspected autistic, but if anyone's going to be able to spot one, it's Pete), is also an author, a tutor, a conference speaker and a prolific advocate for the neurodivergent community. As an autistic/ADHD adult, he offers some frank and honest insights into some of the masking behaviours he employed when he was a child. This fascinating and wide ranging conversation looks at what masking is, why our kids do it and the many strategies they use to hide their autistic traits in many staunchly neurotypical environments. They also discuss some masking strategies used by people with ADHD, before looking at the harmful impact masking can have in the long term if accommodations aren't made. LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Pete Wharmby's website - https://petewharmby.com/ "Untypical" by Pete Wharmby - https://amzn.eu/d/35cWwBh Alexis Quinn - https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/stories/stories-from-the-spectrum-alexis-quinn University of Edinburgh study in autistic communication with other autistics - https://salvesen-research.ed.ac.uk/our-projects/autistic-autistic-communication Autistic code switching - https://myautismmind.com/autism-masking/ Autistic Girls Network - https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/ Lego hidden disabilities sunflower - https://hdsunflower.com/uk/insights/post/the-lego-group-joins-hidden-disabilities-sunflower "What I Want To Talk About" by Pete Wharmby - https://amzn.eu/d/3HoKSt9   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics, suggestions for neurodiversity champions or any "What the flip?" moments you'd like to share, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

This episode deals with the familiar frustration of having to deal with the experts who are gatekeepers to the accommodations our neurodifferent kids need. From teachers, whose evidence you have to seek in order to get a diagnosis, to CAMHS specialists, GPs, occupational therapists and paediatricians - the list of professionals we need to interact with is dizzying. Mark talks to wonderful guest Charlotte Mountford, parent to three neurodivergent boys: a 17-year old (suspected autistic), a 14-year old (diagnosed autistic) and a 13-year old (diagnosed autistic, suspected ADHD). Mark and Charlotte swap stories of their own experiences with experts - both good and bad, and discuss how to react when you realise that you actually know more than the professional in front of you.  LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: "Outliers: The Story of Success" by Malcolm Gladwell - https://amzn.eu/d/91hZpN4 Dean Beadle Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/deanbeadlespeaker/  Dean Beadle Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dean.beadlespeaker Dan Beadle YouTube - https://youtube.com/@deanbeadleuk Eliza Fricker - https://missingthemark.co.uk/ Kieran Rose - https://theautisticadvocate.com/ "Bilal's Bad Day" by Neelum Khan - https://amzn.eu/d/5amH9zO "Neurotypicals don't juggle chainsaws" podcast - https://neurotypicalsdontjugglechainsaws.co.uk/ Liz Evans: The Untypical OT - https://the-untypical-ot.co.uk/ Badger Education Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/badger.education Badger Education Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Badger.Education.Inclusive.Supports Badger Education Free PDF - https://badger-education.co.uk/reasonable-adjustments-opt-in-2893   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics, suggestions for neurodiversity champions or any "What the flip?" moments you'd like to share, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark talks to the tremendous Rebecca Huseyin, who is a blogger, trainer, neurodiversity advocate and Mum of a neurodifferent son (13, diagnosed autistic with a PDA profile and suspected ADHD). They swap tales of the ludicrous lengths they go to when trying to navigate personal hygiene tasks, such as cleaning hands, wiping faces, brushing teeth, having baths, cutting fingernails and wiping bums. There are some hilarious anecdotes of the lengths to which Mark and Rebecca go to encourage their kids to engage in hygiene tasks - from fake drowning them in the bath, cleaning their teeth like a Victorian ghost and introducing the concept of "special dry". LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: The Lighter Side of PDA Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/LighterPDA/ Rebecca Huseyin blog (A Boy Less Ordinary) - https://aboylessordinary.com/ SENDIASS - (Google for your local county SENDIASS details) PDA Society - https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/ Proprioception and Interoception: https://www.autismspeaks.org/sensory-issues Oranurse unflavoured toothpaste - https://oranurse.co.uk/unflavoured-toothpaste/ Little teeth toothpaste - https://www.aquafresh.com/en-gb/our-products/kids-oral-care/little-teeth-toothpaste/ Big teeth toothpaste - https://www.aquafresh.com/en-gb/our-products/kids-oral-care/big-teeth-toothpaste/ The Prism Cat - https://linktr.ee/KyraChambers   Tesco Mobile Sensory Box - https://bettersociety.net/tesco-mobile-sensory-box.php Insanity Arcade, Poole - https://www.insanityarcade.com/home   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics, suggestions for neurodiversity champions or any "What the flip?" moments you'd like to share, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark welcomes back the phenomenal Heidi Mavir, who is an  author, a neurodivergent advocate, activist, public speaker and Mum of a neurodifferent son (20, diagnosed autistic with a tic disorder, as well as suspected dyslexia and  Ehlers Danlos Syndrome). They pick up on a topic they very briefly touched on in the previous episode they recorded, which is whether there's any truth to the commonly-held belief that autistics don't feel empathy (spoiler alert - that view is abject nonsense). They dissect the very concept of empathy to try and understand why it's viewed as so important to neurotypicals, what "the double empathy problem" is and why our kids' way of displaying and responding to empathy is so varied. This is a genuinely insightful episode that gives a lot of food for thought when considering whether our own kids are able to feel empathy.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Heidi Mavir EOTAS Matters website - https://www.heidimavir.com/ "Your Child Is Not Broken" by Heidi Mavir - https://amzn.eu/d/8di4y0X "Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?" by Pierre Novellie - https://amzn.eu/d/fd51tDR "How To Win Friends and Influence People" - https://amzn.eu/d/fd51tDR The Double Empathy Problem - https://reframingautism.org.au/miltons-double-empathy-problem-a-summary-for-non-academics/ "I Didn't See You There" by Charlotte Gail - [Available end of January. Link will be added here later] Sesame Street Introduce Autistic Character - https://youtu.be/dKCdV20zLMs Muppet Christmas Carol - https://youtu.be/JXaVI60BFJM Heidi Mavir on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heidimavir   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics, suggestions for neurodiversity champions or any "What the flip?" moments you'd like to share, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

In response to several requests from listeners, this episode is all about the complexities of giving medication to our neurodivergent kids. Mark speaks to the tremendous Danielle Jata-Hall, who is an author, award-winning blogger and a disability campaigner. She has three children (13, 11 and 8 - all diagnosed Autistic with a PDA profile, as well as a blend of ADHD, Anxiety and potential bipolar disorder). Mark and Danielle discuss the medication journeys they've been on with their own kids, from overcoming their initial misgivings and dealing with the judgement of others, to the administrative nightmare of trying to get medication prescribed by medical professionals. They compare different prescription pathways and share their experiences of the difficult process of titration - not to mention the rigamarole of actually getting their kids to take the medication we've fought so hard to get for them.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: "The Journey Into S.E.N.D Fatherhood" book - https://amzn.eu/d/0qwN0il Danielle Jata-Hall blog - https://pdaparenting.com/ Newbold Hope -  https://www.newboldhope.com/ FII (Fabricated or Induced Illness) - https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/fabricated-or-induced-illness/overview/ "The Parent's Guide to ADHD Medicines" book - https://amzn.eu/d/i2e73JM Shared Care - https://www.england.nhs.uk/medicines-2/regional-medicines-optimisation-committees-advice/shared-care-protocols/ "I'm Not Upside Down, I'm Downside Up" book - https://amzn.eu/d/avsMxy2 "Black Rainbow" book - https://amzn.eu/d/he1Nd8K "Steph's Two Girls" blog with tips on getting your child to take medication - https://www.stephstwogirls.co.uk/2020/01/top-tips-when-your-child-wont-take.html "A boy less ordinary" blog - https://aboylessordinary.com/   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

What was it like to raise an autistic child 30 years ago? Mark has a fascinating chat with Stephanie - his wonderful neighbour from over the road, who has a 31 year old son (diagnosed autistic with moderate learning difficulties, OCD and anxiety).  They discuss how parents of autistic children were able to navigate the process of understanding how best to raise their kids, without access to the internet, social media or the breadth of information we have available now?  This is an enlightening and surprisingly uplifting episode, which shines a light on just how far society has come in a relatively short space of time, when it comes to understanding, supporting and championing our neurodivergent kids. LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Disneyland, Paris - https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-gb/ Echolalia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echolalia The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle - https://amzn.eu/d/boDv6wN Rain Man - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_Man The Essential Different, Simon Baron Cohen - https://amzn.eu/d/3Y5xgWv Gentle Parenting - https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/on-babies/202405/gentle-parenting-doesnt-mean-permissive-parenting Leonardo Da Vinci - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/leonardo-da-vinci-adhd-health-mona-lisa-a8927641.html Social Stories - https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/communication/communication-tools/social-stories-and-comic-strip-coversations Supported Employment - https://www.base-uk.org/about/members/brighton-hove-city-council Fare Share - https://fareshare.org.uk/ Oxfam - https://jobs.oxfam.org.uk/jobs/home/ Leonardslee Gardens - www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark welcomes back former guest "Belle", as they discuss the perils of transport. "Belle" has two neurodivergent children - a 9-year old girl (diagnosed autistic with sensory processing disorder and a PDA profile), and a 7-year old boy (diagnosed autistic with Tourette Syndrome and suspected ADHD). Alongside Mark's three neurodivergent kids (with a giddy blend of autism, ADHD, anxiety and PDA), they have a trove of transport-related horror stories to tell. As well as discussing tales of travelling on buses, planes, trains, boats and cars, there are also more Neurodiversity Champions, Tiny Epic Wins and What The Flip moments, as well a particularly insightful proposal to create a demand-avoidant sat nav. LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Gatwick Airport Special Assistance - https://www.gatwickairport.com/passenger-guides/special-assistance.html Ferry cabins (DFDS) - https://www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger-ferries/onboard/newhaven-dieppe/sleeping Jen Marillat, Dramatherapist - https://jenmarillat.com/ Health and Care Professions Council - https://www.hcpc-uk.org/ The British Association of Dramatherapists - https://www.badth.org.uk/  EMDR Therapy - https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/eye-movement-desensitisation-and-reprocessing-emdr Riding For the Disabled Association (RDA) - https://rda.org.uk/ Aspens, East Sussex - https://www.aspens.org.uk/   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles TikTok:https: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark chats to the magnificent Lisa Lloyd about the judgement they regularly receive from outsiders as parents of neurodivergent kids. Lisa has two children - an 11-year old boy (diagnosed autistic) and a 7-year old girl (diagnosed autistic, with a PDA profile) and, as a prominent content creator on social media (@asd_with_a_g_and_t), she is no stranger to being judged by people who don't have a neurodivergent child, much less a clue about how to raise one. Mark and Lisa swap tales about comments they receive from people judging their children ("He's not autistic, he's just naughty"), judging their parenting ("He wouldn't act like that if he was my son") and judging the entire concept of neurodivergency ("It's just a label"). They discuss the misconceptions that cause people to act this way, as well as the appropriate responses you can give them in return. This is a great one to listen to if you've ever been told that "He doesn't look autistic" or "Everyone's a bit on the spectrum".   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Raising the Sen-Betweeners, Lisa Lloyd - https://amzn.eu/d/4hm6Sb0 SEND Reform England - https://www.sendreformengland.com/ Lisa Lloyd Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/asd_with_a_g_and_t/ Lisa Lloyd TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@asd.with.a.g.and.t Lisa Lloyd Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ASDwithGandT     CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles TikTok:https: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark discusses the innate human desire to "keep up with the Joneses" with returning guest Samuel Wilson, who is an author and parent of two children: an 8-year old daughter (on the autism pathway, with Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Visual Impairment and Sensory Processing Disorder) and a 5-year old son (suspected neurotypical). They discuss how unhelpful that can be in the early days of your diagnosis journey and how liberating it is when you finally let go of the expectations of being "normal" and embrace your family in all of their neuroshambolic glory. LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Simpsons clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=784seqWxsMk&t=469s Dad La Soul - https://www.dadlasoul.com/ BBC Woman's Hour - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0022ss7 India Croc replacement saga - https://www.instagram.com/p/C9hLMewpBH6/ "Lend a Hand", Samuel Wilson's book - www.littlestepspublishing.co.uk/books/lend-a-hand   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

A potentially controversial episode, this one, where Mark chats to an old friend, Kate Ebbutt (Mum to 11 year-old neurotypical and 9-year old diagnosed ADHD/suspected autistic humans). They talk candidly about something they've both found themselves worrying about in their darker moments - am I raising an arsehole? They dissect the behaviours that qualify someone as being "an arsehole" and discuss to what extent they can be fairly applied to our neurodivergent kids. They also discuss to what extent the gentle parenting approach could be contributing to this behaviour, as well as recounting experiences of times where they've had to explain their parenting choices to neurotypicals who struggle to understand their approach. Please note, if you are offended by the word arsehole, it is sprinkled liberally throughout the episode, so this one might not be for you.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: "The Explosive Child" book - https://drrossgreene.com/the-explosive-child.htm Gentle Parenting - https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/style/what-is-gentle-parenting/ National Trust - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ RAM (Random Access Memory) - https://www.ign.com/articles/what-is-ram Sheffield Queer Parents - https://sites.google.com/view/sheffield-queer-parents Angling 4 Education - https://www.angling4education.com/     CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark chats to the inspirational Kieran Rose. As well as being autistic/ADHD himself, Kieran has three autistic/ADHD children (11, 14 and 15) as well as an autistic wife. Kieran is an author, academic, trainer, consultant and all round font of knowledge on autism, so this episode contains some fascinating insights into the different communication styles between neurodivergents and neurotypicals when having a conversation. As well as topics such as situational mutism, hyperverbalism and monotropism, Mark and Kieran swap tales about the fact they're never able to finish a conversation without being interrupted and discuss the perils of group conversation and their very different takes on the ridiculous neurotypical habit of engaging in small talk.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Neurodive Podcast - https://soundcloud.com/neurodivepod/kieranrose Kieran's website - https://theautisticadvocate.com/ Maori word for autism - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-40493398   KIERAN'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER READING: A short (and very inexhaustive) list of Autistic advocates and allies no longer with us, who have made a phenomenally constructive difference to the narratives around Autistic and Neurodivergent people, but who never get the recognition of lauded non-Autistic people:   Jim Sinclair Don't mourn for us - Jim Sinclair wrote one of the pivotal texts in the reframing of Autistic experience (opens as a PDF): https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://philosophy.ucsc.edu/SinclairDontMournForUs.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwik86zq-smIAxWCWUEAHQ2NH5UQFnoECCQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3WfDEINrbr2olYTgiO6ZKl A book about Jim: https://amzn.eu/d/3qalj4l   Donna Williams Conceptualised a model of advocacy based on an inside-out approach - that observation based on your own or a normative experience can only take you so far. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Williams She produced a massive number of books: https://uk.jkp.com/collections/author-donna-williams-pid-199891   Mel Baggs: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mel_Baggs An old (quality is indicative of its age, so please bear with it) video on two parts that off a deep challenge to normative assumptions around communication and experience: https://youtu.be/JnylM1hI2jc?si=IaPhwkiYn1vRmmlp   Dinah Murray https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinah_Murray Co-creator of the theory of monotropism: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1362361305051398 A basic introduction: https://youtu.be/qUFDAevkd3E?si=SMiSDEoiNcDtV2eg   Steve Silberman https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Silberman The author of Neurotribes, a game changing book that brought a model of different, not less into the mainstream: https://amzn.eu/d/clw0AD8     CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Kicking off season 2 of Neuroshambles, Mark chats to the wonderful Dee McMahon who also has three neurodivergent children: a 16-year old boy, (diagnosed Autistic/ADHD with anxiety disorder) a 13-year old girl (diagnosed ADHD with Dyslexia/Dyscalculia) and a 9-year old boy (diagnosed Autistic with ARFID). Mark and Dee take a deep dive into the soul crushing nightmare of trying to feed their neurodifferent kids something remotely resembling a balanced diet. From the trauma of putting together meal plans and shopping lists, to the sense of nervous trepidation when trying to introduce their kids to new foods and the wounded pride they experience when food they've slaved away at is dismissed without even being tried. They also take an in-depth look at the more serious side of food issues, when they discuss Dee's personal account of her boy's recent diagnosis of ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: ARFID - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoidant/restrictive_food_intake_disorder ARFID Community Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/arfid/ mASCot website: https://www.asc-mascot.com/ mASCot Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/221337174595596/ To make a donation to mASCot, so they can continue their amazing work: https://www.givey.com/mascot Evelina Clinic, London - www.evelinalondon.nhs.uk Sainsbury's pasta stars - https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-stars-500g? Spruce tips - www.foragerchef.com/spruce-tips/     CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

In the final episode of this season, Mark chats with Claire Quigley Ward, who is an ADHD Coach and host of the All Aboard ADHD podcast. As well as being diagnosed ADHD herself, Claire has two neurodivergent children - a 13-year old boy (diagnosed ADHD) and an 8-year old girl (suspected ADHD with PDA traits). They discuss the absolute nightmare of trying to take a "normal" photo of our kids - from the challenges of getting them to stay still and not be distracted, to their inability to pose for the camera and the inevitable dread of seeing how they stand out for all the wrong reasons in the annual school photo. LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: All Aboard ADHD podcast - https://www.allaboardadhd.com/podcast All Aboard ADHD coaching - https://www.allaboardadhd.com/coaching Apple Live Photo feature - https://support.apple.com/en-gb/104966 Google Best Take feature - https://blog.google/products/photos/how-google-photos-best-take-works/ SenLife App - https://mysenlife.com/ Kate Peers - https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/adhd-children-diagnosis-special-needs-school-funding-a9163761.html   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark speaks to the wonderful Jess Cain - a prolific advocate for neurodivergent families and the driving force of Send Family Instincts. She is an autistic/ADHD/PDA lone parent of five children: a 15-year old boy (self-diagnosed autistic/PDA), another 15-year old boy (fostered, with SEMH needs), a 12-year old girl (self-diagnosed autistic) and twin 9-year old boys (one diagnosed autistic/ADHD/PDA and one allegedly neurotypical). In short, there is no-one better to explore this week's topic with, which is how on earth parents of neurodivergent kids juggle the competing needs of siblings. Mark and Jess share anecdotes about the difficulties they face when trying to balance the wildly different needs of all of their children, whilst somehow trying to remain positive and upbeat. From avoiding conflict, the importance of discussing everyone's needs openly, and learning how to prioritise their own needs in the midst of the mayhem. LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Send Family Instincts Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sendfamilyinstincts/ Send Family Instincts Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SendFamilyInstincts/ Send Family Instincts website - https://sendfamilymagic.mykajabi.com/ Eliza Fricker - https://www.instagram.com/elizafricker_missingthemark/ Charlie Gray (My Neurodivergent Adventure) - https://myneurodivergentadventure.co.uk/ Laura Kerbey (P-AST) - https://p-ast.co.uk/ Brighton Fringe (Neurodiverse Performer Award) - https://www.brightonfringe.org/brighton-fringe-awards-ceremony/ Sara Jane Harvey (Agony Autie) - https://www.instagram.com/agonyautie/ CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark speaks to the magnificent Lisa Galley, who is an autism consultant and mother of three grown-up neurodivergent children - one 29-year old boy (diagnosed Autistic with a PDA profile), a 25-year old girl (suspected autistic) and a 20-year old boy (diagnosed autistic). In this fun, candid and thought-provoking episode, they discuss the challenges of helping our neurodivergent kids acquire the life skills they need to be able to live independently. As they cover the diverse range of topics under the umbrella of life skills, Lisa offers some valuable (and occasionally comforting) insights into how her kids have acquired skills, such as getting a job, navigating self care, managing money, learning to drive and, ultimately living away from home. LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Lisa Galley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/school_run_mum_autism/ Roblox "Find The Markers" - https://www.roblox.com/games/7896264844/Find-The-Markers-237 Metro Bank - https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/about-us/kids-zone/ Toren Wolf on Learning to Drive - https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6PndheP02Z/ Danielle Jata-Hall (PDA Parenting) - https://www.instagram.com/pdaparenting/ Sara Jane Harvey (Agony Autie) - https://www.instagram.com/agonyautie/ Lisa Galley's Website: https://www.lisagalley.com/ CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark chats with the inspirational Dan Clark, of MindJam. Dan is dad to two neurodifferent kids -  one 17-year old girl (diagnosed Autistic) and a 14-year old boy (diagnosed autistic/ADHD with a PDA profile). They discuss the minefield that is playing family games with neurodivergent kids, from their desperate search to find a board game that doesn't end in full scale meltdowns and the strategies they employ to keep the peace. They also discuss the hugely beneficial role that both video games and Dungeons & Dragons can play in teaching our kids some of the skills they need to develop, in order to navigate a world teeming with neurotypicals.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: MindJam - https://mindjam.org.uk/ Monopoly - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monopoly_(game) Fast Show Competitive Dad - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2x_DI7tzNQ Mario Kart - https://store.nintendo.co.uk/en/mario-kart Beat the Parents - https://amzn.eu/d/3xTCOg8 Cranium - https://amzn.eu/d/cVedUTu Scrabble - https://amzn.eu/d/f4ngyJW Dungeon Mayhem - https://amzn.eu/d/3Z0NFr8 Throw Throw Burrito - https://amzn.eu/d/3Z0NFr8 Ocean Bingo - https://www.laurenceking.com/products/ocean-bingo Exploding Kittens - https://amzn.eu/d/933z2FH Unstable Unicorns - https://amzn.eu/d/cDnUP80 Risk - https://amzn.eu/d/dc7h30w The Dice Saloon, Brighton - https://www.dicesaloon.com/ Chase The Ace - https://www.classicgamesandpuzzles.com/Chase-the-Ace.html Zelda: Breath of the Wild - https://www.ign.com/games/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild Boy beats Tetris - https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/67902380 Fortnite - https://www.ign.com/games/fortnite Candy Crush - https://www.ign.com/games/candy-crush-saga Dungeons & Dragons - https://dnd.wizards.com/ MindJam Adventure Guild - https://mindjam.org.uk/services/adventure-guild/ BAFTA Young Game Designers - https://ygd.bafta.org/ It Takes Two - https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/it-takes-two/about Brighton Festival Children's Parade - https://samesky.co.uk/events/childrens-parade-3/ Jump Inc Trampoline Park - https://www.jump-inc.uk/locations/lincoln/ Kellie Bright EHCP Film (BBC One Show) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001z8w5   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark speaks to Lauren, neurodivergent mother of three boys (One 11-year old diagnosed Autistic/ADHD with a PDA profile), a 9-year old (suspected autistic/ADHD) and a 5-month old (too soon to tell). They delve into the topic of noise sensitivity - from extreme reactions to loud noises and meltdowns when confronted with contrasting noises, to the fascinating topic of misophonia. They swap tales of hand dryers, bonfire night, cat scarers and an unexpected cavalcade of motorcycling Santas. This episode is best listened to with in a quiet place, with noise cancelling headphones!   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Ear defenders - https://amzn.eu/d/fIIDess Misophonia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misophonia Cat scarer - https://amzn.eu/d/0U0SYMw Santas on a bike - https://www.facebook.com/groups/santasonabike/ Loop earplugs - https://amzn.eu/d/iNWzyws Lauren's noise cancelling headphones - https://groceries.asda.com/product/on-ear-headphones/asda-tech-bluetooth-noise-cancelling-headphones-black/1000370064193 Jay's noise cancelling headphones - https://amzn.eu/d/8hs4ToC White noise - https://open.spotify.com/album/7KbmHEKwEhKyeZT9xuYVco?si=L5-cYE1HSIiYsaqWs83F-A Brown noise - https://open.spotify.com/album/0onzJRO1vDBXmXqYy60qsR?si=xgwQCc0OSC-QfID0YOlycw Pink noise - https://open.spotify.com/album/5w3fCjBpzyGA6tW9mSfQmr?si=bqH-u1ySQzSYkHVPNjXG1w UK Misophonia Support Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ShutUpWorld/?mibextid=K35XfP The Assembly - https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001xyj5/the-assembly Bloke Barbers, Allestree, Derbyshire (Sara) - https://www.blokebarber.co.uk/#our-prices Comfa Clothing Fidget-T - https://www.comfa.co.uk/product/fidget-t/   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark welcomes back guest Liam Mullone, parent of twin 13-year old boys (one diagnosed autistic and one suspected autistic/ADHD), as well as an 8-year old girl (suspected neurotypical). In this episode, they discuss the topic of mealtimes in their respective households - from the faff of getting them all to the dinner table in the first place, to the unmitigated disaster of their attempts to encourage their kids to sit down, use cutlery and exercise some form of table manners.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Torbay General Hospital paediatric ward - https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/services/child-health/ McDonalds - https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb.html Wetherspoons - https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

This episode explores how we navigate the maelstrom of emotions in families with a mix of different neurotypes. Mark speaks to Grace Lockrobin, philosopher and fellow parent of neurodivergent boys (one 8-year old, diagnosed autistic, and a 5-year old with suspected ADHD), as they look at how members of their own households handle the contrasting ways that each of them understands, expresses and responds to emotions - both in themselves and in others. Mark and Grace also discuss how they deal with their own emotions as parents - from having to keep a firm lid on anger, to the often taboo subject of acknowledging the sadness in their own lives.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: The Apprentice - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0071b63 Emotion cards - https://amzn.eu/d/1uT2Pru Alexithymia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexithymia Aquila Magazine - https://www.aquila.co.uk/ "The Explosive Child" book - https://drrossgreene.com/the-explosive-child.htm Beavers - https://www.scouts.org.uk/beavers/ Villa Real School - https://www.villarealschool.co.uk/ "All The Ways to Be Smart" book - https://amzn.eu/d/4Ssd6qF BBC Sport Article on Greg Halford - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68617366 Nick Ransom, Journalist - https://www.nickransom.co.uk/ Sapere - https://www.sapere.org.uk/   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/

This episode is all about the relentless faff involved in trying to get our neurodivergent kids out of the house. Mark talks to comedian Hatty Ashdown, who is a parent of two children (one diagnosed autistic with suspected ADHD and one suspected neurotypical). They compare war stories from their daily attempts to wrangle their kids out of the house, navigating distractions, dysregulation, refusal and all round chaos along the way.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Gorilla Gym - https://amzn.eu/d/22yMHaK Purple Parenting - https://www.purpleparenting.co.uk/about/ Natural History Museum "Dawnosaurs" sessions - https://www.nhm.ac.uk/events/dawnosaurs.html Hatty Ashdown's website - https://hattyashdown.com/   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/

This episode focuses on the daily struggle to find clothing that our neurodifferent children will tolerate wearing. Mark talks to Steph Curtis, author and parent of two neurodivergent children (both teenagers, diagnosed autistic - one with a strong PDA profile). They swap tales of regular battles with labels and seams, the nightmare of school clothes and their children's preference for being naked - even in the most inappropriate moments.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: “PDA in the family” by Steph Curtis - https://amzn.eu/d/1j8KsYi Stephstwogirls on Instagram -www.instagram.com/stephstwogirls Steph Curtis' blog - www.stephstwogirls.co.uk Bamboo socks - www.sockshop.co.uk/featured/kids-bamboo Crocs - www.crocs.co.uk/c/kids/footwear "Neuroshambles giveaway" shoes (size 3) - www.skechers.co.uk/foamies-guzman-steps---aqua-surge/91995L_BLK.html Skechers - www.skechers.co.uk/kids ASDA sensory school uniform -  https://direct.asda.com/george/collections/easy-on-easy-wear-school/D28M110G1C3,default,sc.html Marks & Spencers sensory clothing - www.marksandspencer.com/l/kids/easy-dressing Sensory Smart Clothing - www.sensorysmart.co.uk Fidget-T - www.comfa.co.uk/product/fidget-t   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

This episode discusses the lighter side of parents of SEND kids being treated as outcasts from polite society. Mark speaks to Samuel Wilson, author and parent of two children: an 8-year old daughter (on the autism pathway, with Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Visual Impairment and Sensory Processing Disorder) and a 4-year old son (undiagnosed neurotypical). Mark and Sam shine a humorous light on being ostracised by the other parents at school, alienated from WhatsApp groups and treated as a social pariah at parties, before discussing how this social isolation can sometimes be used to our benefit. I know, I know, it all sounds a bit gloomy, but trust me, this is a surprisingly fun episode. And what better time to listen to it than when no-one else is around?   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Albion in the Community, Brighton - www.bhafcfoundation.org.uk/timetable/ Jumpin Fun - www.jumpinfun.co.uk/burgess-hill Gladiators - www.gladiatorstv.com/gladiators/bbc/ "Lend a Hand", Samuel Wilson's book - www.littlestepspublishing.co.uk/books/lend-a-hand Amaze, Sussex - www.amazesussex.org.uk Whoopsadaisy, Brighton - www.whoopsadaisy.org   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

Mark speaks to Angie Belcher - Comedian in Residence at University of Bristol and the proud owner of a neurodiverse 5-year old boy (diagnosed autistic, with suspected ADHD). In this episode, they discuss how something as seemingly straightforward as walking from A to B, can be an entirely different experience with neurodivergent children.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Incredible Kids, Bristol - www.incrediblekids.org.uk Bristol Autism Project - www.facecharity.org.uk/our-work/bristol-autism-project Bristol Autism Support - www.bristolautismsupport.org Murmuration, Bristol - www.murmurationcommunitytherapy.com Flora, Bristol - www.bristolparentcarers.org.uk/2021/05/24/flora-bristols-send-local-offer National Trust Essential Companions - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/about-us/access-for-everyone "Walking With Toddlers" radio play - www.soundcloud.com/walking-and-re-creation/walking-with-toddlers?si=ca26f00080ee4a908347d0d3962b043c   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

Mark welcomes back the wonderful Jo Matthews - a fellow parent with a neurodivergent setup (a 16-year old autistic daughter, with sensory processing disorder, and a 20 year old autistic son with ADHD). In this episode, they untangle the knotty concept of social etiquette in relation to neurodifferent kids and see how their own families fare, when faced with the 10 golden rules of social etiquette. Warning - this episode contains socially unacceptable behaviour.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Temple Grandin: https://www.templegrandin.com/ Odeon Cinema autism friendly screenings: https://www.odeon.co.uk/accessibility/autism-friendly/ Theatre Royal, Brighton: http://theatreroyalbrighton.com/ Jo's group for mASCot: https://www.asc-mascot.com/teen-and-inbetweeners-club To make a donation to mASCot, so they can continue their amazing work: www.givey.com/mascot   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles/ Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

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

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

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

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

In this episode, host Mark Allen speaks to Liam Mullone, who has twin 12-year old boys - one diagnosed autistic with suspected ADHD and the other suspected autistic/ADHD. They discuss the pros and cons of raising neurodivergent kids with intense special interests, from Pokemon, Greek Mythology and Football, to Thomas the Tank Engine, Rollercoasters and Murder Drones.  Links to stuff we mention in this episode Crealy Family Theme Park: https://www.crealy.co.uk/ Murder Drones: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHovnlOusNLiJz3sm0d5i2Evwa2LDLdrg Simply Great Media: https://simplygreatmedia.co.uk/ Devon JDM (Liam's Japanese Imported Car company): https://www.devonjdm.com/ Contact us If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com Follow us Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/neuroshambles/ Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles Credits The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

In this episode, host Mark Allen speaks to Dr Hildi Mitchell, who has an autistic daughter, aged 19, and another daughter, 22, who is also suspected autistic, with agoraphobia. The topic of this show is “Holidays”. Mark reports back from his holiday in Greece and Dr Mitchell discusses their annual holiday routine, as well as exploring the unique set of challenges posed by going on holiday with a neurodivergent family.  Links to stuff we mention in this episode Gatwick special assistance: https://www.gatwickairport.com/at-the-airport/flying-out/special-assistance/ EasyJet Special Assistance: https://www.easyjet.com/en/help/boarding-and-flying/special-assistance Club la Santa, Lanzarote: https://www.clublasanta.co.uk/ Lego: https://www.lego.com/en-gb Contact us If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com Follow us Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/neuroshambles/ Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles Credits The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

Host Mark Allen talks to anonymous guest, “Belle”, who has two neurodivergent kids - an 8-year old autistic girl with sensory processing disorder and PDA, and a 6-year old suspected-autistic boy with Tourette Syndrome. In this episode, they discuss the thorny issue of “Birthday Parties”, as well as looking at more neurodiversity champions and a tiny win. Links to stuff we mention in this episode Gatwick special assistance: https://www.gatwickairport.com/at-the-airport/flying-out/special-assistance/ Freaky sorting hat: Harry Potter Talking Sorting Hat Deluxe crocs: Fleece-lined, fancy crocs! Contact us If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com Follow us Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/neuroshambles/ Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles Credits The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

The very first episode of Neuroshambles sees host Mark Allen talking to Jo Matthews - a fellow parent with a neurodivergent setup (a 16-year old autistic daughter, with sensory processing disorder, and a 20 year old autistic son with ADHD). In this show, they discuss the joys and frustrations of camping with neurodifferent kids, as well as looking a some neurodiversity champions, tiny wins and a selection of moments that make you say "what the flip?".   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Science museum autism-friendly events: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/early-birds Aspies for freedom: http://www.aspiesforfreedom.com/ mASCot website: https://www.asc-mascot.com/ mASCot Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/221337174595596/ To make a donation to mASCot, so they can continue their amazing work: www.givey.com/mascot   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles/ Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

A trailer previewing Neuroshambles - a fortnightly podcast about the ludicrous realities of parenting neurodivergent kids. If you want to hear a bunch of frazzled parents gleefully swapping tales from the trenches of parenting neurodiverse children and having a laugh at some of the nonsense we have to navigate, this is the podcast for you. Lapsed comedian Mark Allen has three kids - two diagnosed autistic with ADHD and one suspected neurotypical. Each episode, he speaks to other parents of neurodivergent children to find out how they deal with seemingly simple events, such as birthday parties, holidays, food, sleep, and leaving the house. If you're a parent of a child with ASC, ADHD, PDA, ODD or any of those other acronyms that mean your child's brain is wired differently, this podcast is for you. We also wholeheartedly encourage parents of neurotypical kids to listen in and hear what life is like in our secret world of chaos. It may open your eyes to some of the myriad challenges we face and, at the very least, it will give you an insight into what not to say when you see one of our kids having a meltdown in the supermarket!   ----more---- Contact us If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   ----more---- Follow us Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/neuroshambles/ Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   ----more---- Credits The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/