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A little content note

In this episode, we talk openly about distress behaviours, physical aggression, injuries, parental exhaustion and the impact of living through a family crisis. Some listeners may find parts of the conversation difficult, so please listen with care.

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There are some things about parenting that we don't talk about enough. Sometimes because they're difficult to put into words, and sometimes because we're frightened of how other people might react.

In...

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What does it actually mean when we say a child is gifted?

And what about when that same child is really struggling?

I’m joined by the wonderful Mark Talaga, a counsellor who specialises in working with gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) children and adults.

This one is quite personal for me because giftedness is part of our family story too. And I’ve often found it quite difficult to talk about.

Because saying your child is stru...

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This episode comes with a content note. Rachel and I talk openly about suicidal thoughts and suicidal ideation in parents, including our own experiences and what it can feel like when everything becomes too much.

Please listen with care. If today isn't the day for this conversation, give this one a miss and come back to it another time.

Rachel Winder from Auticulate joined me for a conversation that went in quite a few different directions.

Because that's...

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This Bookshelf episode reminded me that sometimes a book gives us far more than just a good story.

Jo joined me to talk about Passiontide by Monique Roffey, but we ended up chatting about so much more than the book itself. We talked about finding a bit of escapism when life keeps you close to home, why some books completely pull you in, and how reading isn't always straightforward for all of us.

As two people who both find reading...

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There is a quiet strength to this episode. From discovering his own neurodivergence later in life, to supporting children in ways that help them feel understood rather than managed, Simon Airey shares what teaching looks like when you experience the world a little differently.

When we think about what makes a good teacher, we often talk about knowledge, experience and patience.

But what happens when the teacher is autistic too?

In this episode I sat down...

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Please note: This episode discusses themes from The Girl with the Louding Voice, including child marriage, abuse and violence towards young women, which some listeners may find upsetting.

Another Untypical Parent Podcast Bookshelf episode, this time with listener Carly Cavilla Hunt. 

These episodes were only meant to be around 15 minutes long, but somehow, as always, I get completely drawn into the conversation and listening to other people.

This one was no different.

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Parenting when your child hasn't got the memo that everyone expects them to do things a certain way isn't just hard... it's really hard.

Author and illustrator Eliza Fricker joins me on The Untypical Parent Podcast to talk about what happens when "traditional" parenting advice simply doesn't work for your family.

So much of what Eliza shared resonated with me as a parent. We talk about meetings that we have to attend that just feel ridculous, knowing there wasn't a...

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Introducing David Kirkman. A late-diagnosed AuDHDer, parent and artist who loves a round of golf. 

As only you might expect with two neurodivergent brains, our conversation takes a wonderful meandering approach, and we cover so much. From David's beginning to understand his big emotions as a child, to discovering his diagnosis later in life. We talked about David’s art and what that means to David. We might have also got completely lost in the middle of what we were talking about, but...

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When the Unthinkable Happens: Life After Child Bereavement

Content note: This episode discusses child bereavement and childhood cancer. Please listen gently and take care of yourself, or choose to come back another day.

I was worried about this episode.

Worried I'd say the wrong thing. Worried I'd upset Nici. Worried I wouldn't do Nici, her family and Charlie the justice they deserve.

I don't think I'm alone in desperately wanting to...

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The Book That Inspired a Six-Year-Old to Write

Sometimes we don't realise the ripple effect our actions can have. 

In this episode of The Bookshelf, I'm joined by author, editor and writing coach Cara A'Court to talk about two very special books. Cara shares the story behind her own novel, Three People, Three Countries, One Path, and how publishing it inspired her six-year-old niece to write and publish her very first book, Matt the Mole and t...

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When Difference Stops Being Something to Fix

Sara Momtaz joined me to talk about her daughter and the journey that began when she was told her baby would be born with Down syndrome.

We talk about the realities of parenting a child with complex needs, the assumptions people make, and how quickly life can change when the future you imagined looks very different from the one you find yourself living.

We talk about curious children, nervous adults, and...

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What if the biggest lessons about being human come from the people society is most determined to change?

In this Bookshelf episode, I'm joined by author Elly Chapple to talk about her book Diagnosis Human and the extraordinary lessons she learned from her daughter.

Together we talk about what happens when we stop trying to make people fit into systems that were never designed for them, and instead become curious about who they really are.

The conversation touches...

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Parents are often told to rest more, practise self-care, or take a break when they're overwhelmed.

But what happens when the demands never stop?

In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of talking with fellow occupational therapist, Rhiannon Crispe, where we talk about burnout, parenthood, values, boundaries, belonging and the things that truly fuel us.

Rhiannon talks about her Burn-In Model, a framework built around the idea of protecting and nurturing your inner flame.

Because...

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Welcome to The Untypical Parent Podcast: The Bookshelf , a new series celebrating the books that shape, support, empower and sometimes just bring joy to neurodivergent families.

In this special episode, I'm joined by parent  Joanne Parry, alongside bestselling author Elle McNicoll, whose books have become deeply meaningful for many neurodivergent children and families.

Joanne shares the powerful moment her daughter first saw herself reflected in A Kind of Spark, and why Elle’s stories have become part of her family’s “qu...

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Your life can fall apart twice, once on the outside and once in your head, and you still might not know what the real issue is. I’m joined by Chris Braid, co-host of The After Party, to talk about what happened when a mental health breakdown, divorce, financial pressure, chronic pain, and emergency spinal surgery collided, and how a late ADHD diagnosis finally gave a clearer map of why things happened they way they did.

As parents, many of us carry st...

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A one-legged goose might not be the hero you’d expect… but maybe that’s exactly the point.

This episode is part of something new I’m trying this season.
As someone who’s dyslexic and has never really connected with traditional reading, I wanted to find a different way to explore books. So I’m inviting authors, parents and professionals to come on and share stories in a way that feels more accessible, especially for those of us who don’t see ourselve...

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One meeting can spiral into weeks of stress when you’re neurodivergent and constantly second-guessing what you said, how you came across, or what everyone “really meant.” Dr Jay Spence, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Avro AI, talks about a different way to look at communication breakdowns: most damage comes from misunderstood difference, not bad intent.

Elaine Lee, Avro’s co-founder, shares the story behind the product. After years in high-performing tech roles, repeated burnout, and a late diagnosis of ADHD, dyslexia...

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Do you ever feel like reading just… isn’t built for you?

In this solo episode, I talk about my honest experience with dyslexia, distraction, and why traditional reading has always felt like hard work rather than relaxation. From unfinished books to skipping straight to the ending, I reflect on the frustration and the quiet sense of missing out.

But this episode isn’t about giving up on books. It’s about finding a different way in.

So I've had...

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In this episode of The Untypical Parent Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Kim Collett for a really honest conversation about the reality of parenting, and why knowing the “right” thing doesn’t mean it’s easy to do it.

Kim has a PhD in inclusive education and lectures on special educational needs and disabilities. She also lives in a neurodivergent household. Together, we explore the gap between theory and real life, and why even professionals with years of knowledge and experience still stru...

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Over 170,000 children in England were severely absent from school last year, according to the Department for Education.

Behind that number are families, schools, and children all trying to navigate something incredibly complex.

In this episode, I’m joined by Terri Wyse (Wise Inclusion) and Rachel Helm (Helm Education Consultancy), who are supporting the podcast this season, to talk about emotionally based school anxiety (EBSA).

Here's the important part:

Parents and schools are of...

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Parents are often so busy meeting everyone else’s needs that they stop noticing their own.

And when that happens, burnout and overwhelm can build long before we even realise what’s going on.

In this episode, I'm joined by occupational therapist and interoception expert Kelly Mahler for a conversation about why parents need to understand their own interoception, not just their child’s.

Interoception is our ability to notice and make sense of the signals coming from inside...

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I recorded this one in my car, on my phone, because the irony finally caught up with me: I cannot keep talking about untypical parenting and ditching perfection while I’m secretly trying to manufacture a “perfect” milestone episode. So I just got on with it and recorded it, in my car. 

Episode 50, I can't quite believe it. This episode is an honest reflection on what I’ve learned from fifty conversations with parents and guests across neurodivergent, additional needs, and SEND family li...

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Content note: This episode contains conversation about suicide. Please look after yourself when listening. 

This episode is a special one.

It’s part of Podcasthon 2026, where podcasters come together to raise awareness for charities that matter. For me, this one is personal.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Ged Flynn CEO from Papyrus, a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide in young people.

We talk openl...

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In this episode I'm joined by Julie Bevan founder of DotKids where we explore creativity. 

Creativity often feels like something we leave behind in childhood.

Somewhere between school expectations, work, parenting and the pressure to be productive, many of us stop creating altogether. But creativity isn’t just about producing a perfect picture or being “good at art”. It’s about expression, regulation, confidence and wellbeing.

In this episode, I’m joined by Julie Bevan from Dot Kids, an organisa...

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In this episode of The Untypical Parent Podcast, I’m joined by Chrissa Wadlow from Sunshine Support, and this one turns into a proper real-life chat (the kind I know so many of us need).

Chrissa shares her journey as a SEND parent, including the very real reality of battling systems, being judged, and the toll that takes on your health and your whole family.

From there we get into boundaries, not ju...

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Living in a neurodivergent family can feel like walking barefoot through a dark room full of Lego.

In this episode, I share a powerful metaphor from listener Lindsay Morris, and then take you into something very real happening in my own family right now.

After four years of recovery, support and rebuilding trust through an EOTAS package (Education Otherwise Than At School), my son is considering returning to school.

And I am terrified.

Not because he...

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What if the smallest straw isn’t the cause of your collapse, but the clue you’ve been carrying too much for too long? We sit down with Dr Lee David, GP, CBT therapist, author, and host of The Choice Space, to make stress understandable, visible, and workable for real families navigating complex lives.

We start by ditching the myth of the perfect parent and unpack why children need different versions of us. From there, Lee maps the physiology and psychology of stre...

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Parenting in a neurodivergent family is many things. Boring is most definitely not one of them.

In this episode, I reflect on a listener message from Carla Berlin that perfectly captures something so many of us live every day: the exhaustion, the unpredictability, and those incredible moments where our children completely amaze us. The wins that might seem small to others, trying a new food, speaking up, managing an environment they couldn’t before, can feel absolutely monumental in our families.

...

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 “I learned quickly that I am my child’s voice. No one else will care the way I do.” 

 This quote from Greer captures the heart of our conversation. 

Greer shares her experience of autism, ADHD, school systems, and the realities of raising a neurodivergent child in the UK.

Originally from the US and now based in England, Greer opens up about trusting her “mama gut,” facing dismissal from professionals, advocating fiercely for her son, and discovering her own ADHD along...

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This week I share a comment from a listener. Sharon Thompson wrote what it’s like parenting in a neurodivergent family, the realities people don’t always see, and the strength it takes to keep showing up.

And in amongst that I’m bringing a little lightness too… because I’ve realised something about myself, I regulate with singing.
But I also think in songs.
Words and phrases trigger lyrics, and yes, sometimes I even treat everyone to a “perfect” song line… unt...

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Content Note: This episode includes discussion of foster care, trauma, low mood and suicidal feelings. If these topics are difficult for you, please take care while listening.
 If you are struggling, please consider speaking to someone you trust or seeking support. In the UK & ROI, Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123 or at samaritans.org. 

Jordan Garratt, founder of Sensory Class, joins us to tell the story few people know about: the teacher who fell in love wi...

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In this short series, parents in neurodivergent families tell us what it's really like. In this episode Laura explains "parenting in a neurodivergent family is like riding a bike with a flat tyre, with a blindfold on, one hand tied behind your back… oh and I just realised the other wheel fell off". 

If this episode rings true leave a message in the comments to let other parents know they aren't alone. 

If you'd like to contribute to the show plea...

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In this episode, Laura Kerbey, author and founder of PAST (Positive Assessments, Support and Training), shares her lived experience of growing up undiagnosed with ADHD, and how that shaped not only her childhood but adulthood and parenthood as well.

Laura talks honestly about how deeply she wanted to be a parent, alongside how challenging parenting felt while living with undiagnosed ADHD and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). She opens up about the overwhelm, the self-doubt, and the low moments, but also the joy...

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In this bonus episode of The Untypical Parent Podcast, I admit something slightly embarrassing: I dropped a ball… a Christmas-shaped ball. Somewhere between broken legs, work deadlines, end-of-term chaos, questionable diary scheduling, and trying to remember if we own wrapping paper (I can't find any and the shops have sold out), I genuinely thought Christmas was still 1.5 weeks away. (It isn’t.)

So, let’s talk about the mental load, especially in neurodivergent families. If your brain feels like an open browser with 8...

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Untypical Parenting One Year On

The best stories start where the script stops working. Marking a full year of The Untypical Parent Podcast, we sit down with two people who helped shape it from day one, Charlotte from Badger Education, my first-ever guest, and Sam, from Something Profound, the first sponsor, to explore what it really takes to raise neurodivergent kids without a rulebook. This is a celebration, yes, but it’s mostly an unfiltered look at brave choices, messy progress, and th...

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What if “perfect” parenting is the wrong goal, and honest repair is the real superpower? I sit down with David, the Dad behind NeuroDad’s Diary, to explore what changes when a late ADHD diagnosis reframes years of anxiety, overwhelm, and self-critique. He shares how sensory triggers, bedtime chaos, and the relentless unpredictability of young kids land in a neurodivergent nervous system.

We unpack the invisible load many neurodivergent parents carry: the thoughts you bottle during meltdowns and the guilt that piles up whe...

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In this episode I sit down with Steph Simpson, a late-identified ADHD mom on a pathway for autism assessment, to explore how a simple language shift—calling ADHD “squirrels” and autism “penguins”—reshaped her family’s daily life. Instead of labels that freeze kids in place, her home uses playful cues to redirect with warmth. When she glitches mid-task, a quiet “Mom, squirrels” brings her back without shame. The same approach helps her children navigate transitions, toothbrushing, and sensory overload.

Steph takes us through the emo...

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What happens when your carefully planned parenting journey takes an unexpected turn? For Archie, specialist ADHD nurse prescriber and director of ADHD Care Limited, raising a neurodivergent child meant learning to embrace a completely different path than the one he'd imagined.

This deeply honest conversation explores the complexity of neurodivergent family life through both professional expertise and raw personal experience. Archie shares his journey raising an autistic/ADHD, 10-year-old son, alongside a 6-year-old neurotypical daughter, describing the unique challenges this creates for...

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I sit down with Sam Milburn to unpack body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), what it is, why it hides in plain sight, and how parents can spot early signs. We share practical next steps, from navigating CAMHS to using scripts that break reassurance loops without breaking trust.

We cover:
• BDD defined 
• Early signs in teens including checking, avoidance and reassurance seeking
• Why shame and lack of insight delay help and fuel misdiagnosis
• The impact at home, school and with...

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Kathy Wassell, CEO and founder of the Autistic Girls Network Charity, talks with me about her journey creating supportive spaces for neurodivergent individuals, particularly women and girls who are often missed in traditional diagnostic pathways.

What began as a simple online community has blossomed into a charity serving over 32,000 members, providing training to schools, and offering vital support to neurodivergent girls and non binary people across the UK in a variety of ways.

We dive into a range of...