Different Is Normal

Dave & Emily

Hosted by Emily and Dave, this show explores autism, ADHD, learning differences, mental health, parenting, education, work, identity, and everyday life through honest, grounded conversation. No fixing. No performative positivity. No expert jargon. Just real talk about what it actually means to live — or raise a child — in a neurodivergent world. We’re trained education support staff and parents of neurodivergent children. This isn’t theory — it’s lived experience. That means we talk about the wins, the struggles, the misunderstandings, the systems that don’t work, and the moments no one prepares you for — with empathy, humour, and zero judgement. Each episode blends story, reflection, and practical insight. Sometimes light. Sometimes heavy. Always human. Whether you’re neurodivergent, parenting a neurodivergent child, working in education, or trying to better understand someone you love, this podcast is a space where you can breathe, feel seen, and take something useful with you. Different isn’t broken. Different isn’t wrong. Different is normal.

Episodes

  1. Why Are They Laughing? | The Hidden Rules No One Teaches | Ep 9

    25 MAR

    Why Are They Laughing? | The Hidden Rules No One Teaches | Ep 9

    You walk into a room. People are laughing. And you don’t know why. No one explains the rules. But everyone notices when you miss them. In this episode, we break down what “reading the room” actually means, why it’s so hard for neurodivergent people, and what we can do instead. We talk about: • Hidden social rules no one teaches • Why humour and timing are hard to read • What it actually feels like in those moments • How small misunderstandings build up • Why we need to make expectations clearer This is not about changing people. It’s about changing how we communicate. ⸻ Chapters 00:00 Understanding Unwritten Social Rules 02:47 Navigating Humor and Social Interactions 05:57 The Complexity of Reading the Room 08:49 The Challenge of Communication 11:35 The Role of Explicit Communication 14:44 Finding Balance in Conversations 17:51 The Importance of Kindness in Communication 20:30 Bridging the Gap Between Neurodiverse and Neurotypical 23:36 Preparing for Independence and Safety 28:39 Navigating School Challenges for Neurodiverse Children 31:07 The Complexity of Reading Social Cues 34:19 The Impact of Diagnosis on Social Interactions 38:34 Understanding Social Situations and Communication 42:29 Teaching Children About Social Dynamics 46:47 Inclusion and Acceptance in Social Settings 53:30 Making Social Cues Visible for Everyone ⸻ Watch more episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/@DiffIsNormal

    54 min
  2. Why the World Isn’t Built for Neurodiversity | Ep 8

    18 MAR

    Why the World Isn’t Built for Neurodiversity | Ep 8

    In this episode of Different Is Normal, Dave and Emily explore a question that sits at the centre of many neurodivergent experiences. Why do we spend so much time teaching neurodivergent people how to navigate the world, but spend so little time teaching the world how to understand them? From classrooms to supermarkets, public spaces to government policy, many everyday environments are built around neurotypical experiences. Sound, lighting, routines, communication styles, and expectations can make ordinary places overwhelming for neurodivergent people. Dave and Emily talk about the gap between these two worlds and why understanding neurodiversity should not only sit with neurodivergent people and their families. They discuss education systems, the training of education support staff, sensory environments in public spaces, and how small changes in design and awareness can benefit everyone. They also reflect on their own experiences as parents and education support workers, and why creating environments that consider neurodiversity often improves life for all people, not just those with a diagnosis. If we want truly inclusive communities, we may need to stop expecting neurodivergent people to constantly adapt and start learning how to meet them where they are. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Neurodiversity in Society 05:54 Education and Training Gaps 11:31 Creating Inclusive Environments 14:30 Bridging the Gap Between Worlds Watch the full Different Is Normal series https://www.youtube.com/@differentisnormal Episode 1 – Navigating Diagnosis Day https://youtu.be/BN3uU0H44Zs Episode 2 – Normal Isn’t Real https://youtu.be/NUAMr90xumY Episode 3 – When Everyday Things Are Too Much https://youtu.be/hKjAP-lZJ_4 Episode 4 – Why Stimming Helps Learning https://youtu.be/MIyn0QlpZ_E Episode 5 – Every Behaviour Is a Message https://youtu.be/Ip2Gz62thKA #Neurodiversity #Autism #Neurodivergent #InclusiveEducation #DifferentIsNormal

    15 min
  3. How to Choose the Right School for a Neurodivergent Child | What Parents Should Look For | Ep 7

    11 MAR

    How to Choose the Right School for a Neurodivergent Child | What Parents Should Look For | Ep 7

    Choosing the right school for your child is one of the biggest decisions parents make. But many families choose schools for familiar reasons: • that’s where friends from kinder are going • the school has the best reputation • it’s the closest school The reality is that different schools are better for different children. The best school isn’t necessarily the most popular one or the one with the longest waiting list. The best school is the one where your child can participate, feel safe and grow. In this episode of Different Is Normal, Dave and Emily walk through how parents can make informed school decisions when raising neurodivergent children. They discuss: • the different types of schools in Australia • how school zones and out-of-zone enrolment work • what IQ testing actually means (and when it matters) • what “reasonable adjustments” look like in classrooms • Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 funding explained • what Student Support Groups (SSGs), IEPs and ILPs are • how schools support regulation and participation • what questions parents should ask during school tours • red flags to watch for when visiting schools • why school fit matters more than reputation This episode is designed to help parents understand the system, advocate for their children, and find the environment where their child can thrive. Because choosing a school isn’t about ranking schools. It’s about finding the place where your child can breathe. Subscribe for more conversations about neurodiversity, education and parenting: https://www.youtube.com/@differentisnormal Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/bMpOEk_cp8U Chapters 00:00 Why choosing the right school matters 01:28 Touring multiple schools before deciding 02:20 The moment that helped us choose a primary school 04:49 Choosing schools based on philosophy 06:39 Types of schools in Australia explained 08:21 Why school fit matters more than reputation 11:18 Looking beyond NAPLAN and academic rankings 16:27 What IQ testing actually means for schools 17:31 Schools’ legal obligation to support students 18:08 Examples of reasonable adjustments 19:44 Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 funding explained 25:18 Red flags to watch for during school tours 30:34 Why changing schools is okay 31:20 Student Support Groups (SSGs) explained 33:28 IEPs, ILPs and setting meaningful goals 38:22 Planning school transitions early 45:18 Reducing cognitive load for students 51:53 Fair vs equitable support in schools 56:52 Why documenting everything matters 58:22 Questions parents should ask schools 1:04:07 Out-of-zone enrolment and appeals 1:07:07 Final advice for parents #Neurodiversity #Autism #ADHD #InclusiveEducation #DifferentIsNormal

    1hr 9min
  4. The Hidden Cost of Masking: Why “Good” Kids Fall Apart at Home | Ep 6

    4 MAR

    The Hidden Cost of Masking: Why “Good” Kids Fall Apart at Home | Ep 6

    Why does a child look “fine” at school… then fall apart the second they get home? In this episode of Different Is Normal, Dave and Emily unpack masking (trying to behave like someone you’re not) and the very real cost it can have on a child’s brain and nervous system. Masking often looks like compliance: the quiet kid, the “good” kid, the student who’s sitting still and appearing to listen. But underneath, they may be spending all their energy on: “Am I sitting right? Am I listening right? Am I acting normal?” And when they finally reach their safe place (home) the cup overflows: shutdowns, meltdowns, stimming, exhaustion, or total withdrawal. We talk classroom signs educators often miss, why “coping” and “masking” get confused, how accommodations can make learning possible, and what parents can do when their child needs space after school. Chapters 00:00 Masking and the after-school crash 00:52 Masking can look like compliance 01:20 “Looking like you’re listening” vs actually learning 02:18 What ES staff can do (reduce input, support output) 03:42 When teachers mistake stillness for engagement 04:12 Laptop/music accommodation story (what good support can look like) 07:07 Fairness vs equity in classrooms 08:06 Home as the safe place to unmask 09:28 Adults need decompression too 10:40 Family story: touch, boundaries, and space 12:28 Impact vs intention (hug expectations) 13:38 Cognitive energy: constant self-monitoring 15:26 Masking and health costs (exhaustion, pain, appetite) 17:44 Advocating: “No more questions” 19:15 Social energy, microsignals, and tone 20:34 Why “How are you?” can be a huge question 23:03 Pattern recognition and misunderstanding social cues 23:53 Sarcasm and literal interpretation 26:00 Why society doesn’t learn the other language 27:43 Editing yourself in real time is exhausting 29:01 Prioritising rest over “shoulds” at home 30:53 Connection can be parallel, not always together 31:53 Making home a safe space to be fully yourself 33:36 School vs home: two different versions of the same child 33:52 Camp planning and proactive supports 36:45 Supporting participation (not forced sameness) 40:24 Supporting expert maskers before it’s “too late” 43:52 Building a strong parent-school relationship 46:54 Adjustments that help one child often help everyone 47:53 The real costs: joy, play, creativity, connection 49:41 Unmasked autistic joy (and why it matters) 55:47 Everyone masks sometimes, but the cost isn’t equal 57:59 Shutdown in class: space + safety + time 1:00:48 Hidden burnout signs (special interests disappearing) 1:07:08 Sleep + dysregulation snowball 1:14:36 Executive function collapse (“I can’t”) 1:15:56 “School refusal” vs “school can’t” 1:19:07 A social model approach to education 1:21:02 Where we saw Different Is Normal this week Other episodes Episode 1 – Navigating Diagnosis Day: https://youtu.be/BN3uU0H44Zs Episode 2 – Normal Isn’t Real: https://youtu.be/NUAMr90xumY Episode 3 – When Everyday Things Are Too Much: https://youtu.be/hKjAP-lZJ_4 #Autism #Neurodiversity #AutismParenting #AutisticBurnout #Masking #InclusiveEducation #DifferentIsNormal

    1hr 23min
  5. Every Behaviour Is a Message | Autism, ADHD, Meltdowns and What Kids Are Communicating | Ep 5

    25 FEB

    Every Behaviour Is a Message | Autism, ADHD, Meltdowns and What Kids Are Communicating | Ep 5

    In this episode of Different Is Normal, Dave and Emily unpack a powerful idea: all behaviour is communication. We talk about autism and ADHD behaviours in kids and teens, why meltdowns and “refusal” are often a sign of unmet needs, and how capacity, environment, and curiosity can change the way parents and educators respond. If you’re a parent, teacher, or education support worker supporting neurodivergent young people, this conversation will help you spot patterns, recognise triggers, and respond with empathy instead of punishment. Key moments: 00:23 Welcome and why behaviour gets labelled “bad” 04:52 Behaviour is communication for all humans 08:53 Capacity and why patterns get missed 22:07 Kids do well if they can (CPS, Ross Greene) 23:31 The key question: “What need isn’t being met?” 26:40 The neurodivergent backpack and after-school explosions 33:42 Kids aren’t giving us a hard time, they’re having a hard time 34:54 Fibromyalgia, burnout, and the power of rest Resources mentioned: The Explosive Child (Ross Greene)Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS)NeuroWild: neurodivergent backpack illustration If this helped you feel less alone or more seen, share it with someone who needs it. Over and out.

    38 min
  6. Why Stimming Helps Learning (And Why We Keep Getting It Wrong) | Ep 4

    18 FEB

    Why Stimming Helps Learning (And Why We Keep Getting It Wrong) | Ep 4

    Stimming, autism, ADHD, emotional regulation — what if the behaviour we’re trying to stop is actually what helps kids learn? In this episode of Different Is Normal, we unpack what stimming really is, why it matters, and how classrooms often misunderstand it. Stimming is not misbehaviour. It’s not disrespect. It’s not something to eliminate. It’s a nervous system regulating itself. We explore: • What stimming actually means (and why the definition matters) • The difference between neurotypical and neurodivergent stimming • Why “sit still and listen” can work against learning • How movement increases focus and engagement • What happens when stimming is allowed instead of suppressed • The impact of school rules on regulation • Why acceptance changes everything We also share real classroom stories, parenting moments, and practical examples of what happens when teachers choose regulation over compliance. If you’ve ever been told to stop tapping, stop rocking, stop moving — this conversation is for you. Stimming is super normal. We all do it. The difference is how visible it is. 🧠 Key TakeawayWhen we allow regulation, learning improves. When we normalise difference, kids feel safe. ⏱ Chapters00:00 What Is Stimming? 02:43 Stimming and Emotional Regulation 05:42 Home vs School Differences 08:03 Does Stimming Help Learning? 13:29 Individual Differences 21:08 Creating Supportive Classrooms 29:05 The Future of Stimming in Education 👇 Join the Conversation What’s a stim you’ve noticed in yourself? Comment below and help us normalise it. 🎙 Podcast: Different Is Normal Real talk about neurodivergent lives. Subscribe for honest conversations about autism, ADHD, sensory processing, education support, parenting, and regulation.

    55 min
  7. Sensory 101: When Everyday Things Are Too Much | Different Is Normal – Ep 3

    10 FEB

    Sensory 101: When Everyday Things Are Too Much | Different Is Normal – Ep 3

    Sensory overload isn’t being “picky”, “defiant”, or “difficult” — it’s a nervous system under pressure. In this episode of Different Is Normal, we unpack what sensory overload actually feels like for neurodivergent kids and adults, and why everyday things like food, clothing, noise, routines, and school environments can become overwhelming. As parents and education support workers, we share real-life experiences of sensory processing differences — from food sensitivities and clothing tags to showers, transitions, and classroom expectations — and how these are often misunderstood as behaviour problems. This is Sensory 101: neuro-affirming, practical, and grounded in lived experience. You’ll hear: What sensory overload actually feels like inside the bodyWhy food preferences and routines are often sensory, not behaviouralHow sensory needs show up differently at home and at schoolWhy behaviour is communication — not defianceSmall, realistic adjustments that make a big difference We also reference the Sensory Processing Wheel by Lindsay Braman, a simple, neuro-affirming visual that explains the full range of sensory systems — including proprioceptive and interoceptive senses — and why regulation looks different for every person. 👉 Learn more about the Sensory Processing Wheel here: https://lindsaybraman.com/sensory-processing-wheel/ If you’re a parent, education support worker, teacher, or neurodivergent adult, this episode will help you better understand sensory load — and why support starts with curiosity, not control. Different was never the problem. Pressure was. Chapters00:00 What Sensory Overload Really Is 02:52 Food Sensitivities and Sensory Processing 05:14 Why Daily Routines Can Be Overwhelming 07:56 Clothing, Tags, and Comfort 10:41 Sensory Needs and “Behaviour” 15:54 Masking and Communication 23:14 Sensory Load Across Environments 26:14 Building Rapport and Safety at School 31:34 Parent–School Collaboration 34:09 Small Adjustments, Big Impact 37:39 Choice, Autonomy, and Regulation 49:12 Celebrating Small Wins Keywordssensory overload, sensory processing, neurodiversity, autism, sensory needs, interoception, proprioception, education support, inclusive classrooms, parenting neurodivergent children

    52 min
  8. Normal isn’t real - it’s just whatever gets rewarded the most. | Ep 2

    8 FEB

    Normal isn’t real - it’s just whatever gets rewarded the most. | Ep 2

    In this episode of Different Is Normal, Dave and Emily unpack why “normal” is a social construct — and how it quietly harms neurodivergent kids in schools, families, and friendships. They explore how ideas of normal are shaped by environment, why compliance gets rewarded over wellbeing, and how small accommodations can radically improve learning and engagement for all students — not just neurodivergent ones. This is a real, practical conversation about neurodiversity, education, parenting, and what inclusion actually looks like in classrooms and homes. If you’ve ever wondered why your child thrives at home but crashes after school — or why “fitting in” feels exhausting — this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss:Why there is no universal definition of “normal”How schools reward sameness (often unintentionally)Why accommodations benefit every learnerParenting neurodivergent children with dignity and understandingRecognition vs rewards in educationHow friendships are changing in a digital worldWhat inclusive classrooms actually look like in practice Key takeawayNormal isn’t the goal. Understanding, flexibility, and acceptance are. ⏱️ Chapters00:00 What “Normal” Really Means 02:39 How Environment Shapes Behaviour 05:16 Neurodiversity in Education 08:28 Why Accommodations Matter 10:43 Parenting Neurodivergent Kids 12:55 Rethinking Success in School 15:40 Digital Friendships & Social Change 18:30 Recognising Effort, Not Compliance 20:52 Flexible Learning Environments 23:48 Inclusive Classrooms in Practice 26:31 Recognition vs Rewards 28:56 School Rules That Don’t Work 31:33 Parent–School Communication 34:21 Finding the Right Learning Environment 36:50 Passion-Led Learning 39:23 Adaptability in Teaching 41:54 Behaviour as Communication 44:32 Acceptance as a Process 47:31 Defining a New Normal 49:46 Why Difference Is Normal 📌 About the podcast Different Is Normal is a podcast about neurodivergent lives — not theory, just what actually helps. Hosted by Dave and Emily, parents and education support workers having honest conversations about school, belonging, and wellbeing.

    52 min
  9. Diagnosis Day: What Changed and What Didn’t | Ep 1

    7 FEB

    Diagnosis Day: What Changed and What Didn’t | Ep 1

    The conversation delves into the experiences of parents navigating the journey to diagnosis for their neurodivergent children. It explores the emotional impact of diagnosis, the importance of community and support, and the role of advocacy and understanding in the process. Takeaways Diagnosis Day: A Culmination of ExperiencesThe Importance of Community and Support Chapters 00:13 The Journey to Diagnosis Day 03:51 Experiences of Diagnosis Day 08:38 Navigating the Medical System 16:57 Sharing the Diagnosis with Others 19:26 Impact on Social Dynamics 29:06 The Importance of Community Support 34:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    37 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Hosted by Emily and Dave, this show explores autism, ADHD, learning differences, mental health, parenting, education, work, identity, and everyday life through honest, grounded conversation. No fixing. No performative positivity. No expert jargon. Just real talk about what it actually means to live — or raise a child — in a neurodivergent world. We’re trained education support staff and parents of neurodivergent children. This isn’t theory — it’s lived experience. That means we talk about the wins, the struggles, the misunderstandings, the systems that don’t work, and the moments no one prepares you for — with empathy, humour, and zero judgement. Each episode blends story, reflection, and practical insight. Sometimes light. Sometimes heavy. Always human. Whether you’re neurodivergent, parenting a neurodivergent child, working in education, or trying to better understand someone you love, this podcast is a space where you can breathe, feel seen, and take something useful with you. Different isn’t broken. Different isn’t wrong. Different is normal.

Information

  • Creator
    Dave & Emily
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dave & Emily