Different Is Normal

Dave & Emily
  • 5.0 (1)
  • EDUCATION

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

    6 DAYS AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  • 3 Episodes

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
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dave & Emily