Parenting Autism and ADHD

Cliff Kilmister

Parenting Autism and ADHD is a podcast designed to support parents and carers of children with autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and other neurodevelopmental challenges, as well as children struggling with school attendance, even if they haven’t yet been diagnosed. Each episode offers practical guidance on helping your child attend school with less stress, manage meltdowns, and navigate obstacles in the education system. Through expert advice, real-life stories, and actionable strategies, we aim to empower you to overcome school refusal, sensory sensitivities, and behavioural struggles with confidence.  Our mission is to build a supportive community where parents and carers can connect, share experiences, and access the tools they need for their child’s success, while fostering collaboration between parents and teachers to create a strong, unified support system.

  1. 8 hr ago

    Magpie Minds: Collecting, Obsessing and Regulating in Neurodivergent Kids with OCD

    Today we are talking about OCD. For so many of us in neurodivergent families, “OCD” doesn’t look like a TV stereotype. It looks like dishwashers that have to be stacked just so, teddies arranged in invisible themes, and kids who can’t settle until every collection is complete.  In this episode I sit down with my daughter Eva to explore our shared “operating system”: my dishwasher rules and Star Trek comic sets, her Builder Bears, dinosaurs and engine-obsessed brain, our two-week Minecraft phases, and the painful lessons of Roblox scams. I unpack what’s really going on underneath these quirks, and how you can start working with, not against, your child’s systems – protecting them online without shame, honouring their rituals without letting them run the house, and using shared special interests as one of the strongest bridges to connection in a neurodivergent family. EPISODE REVEALS Often, OCD acts as a regulating tool; it helps to bring order and control. It is a regulation tool rather than your child being difficult. Joining your child´s world instead of dismissing things as phases can help to bring you closer and gives you a chance to have fun collecting or playing together. Creative outlets are a good way for young people to express themselves, process experiences and regulate their emotions.  A calm, peaceful home is not created by “fixing” behaviours, understanding what is going on in your child´s brain and adapting where needed works better, overall. BEST MOMENTS "If that is not done correctly, I can't even look in that drawer, which is weird because I'm quite messy person."   "Our family hasn't been trying to fix each other. It's been taking the time to understand, adapt, to empathise, and to connect." "That deeper understanding has strengthened the bond between us, and I genuinely believe it's one of the biggest reasons we're as close as we are today." "It helps me regulate my emotions if I post something sad." RESOURCES Evas channel: https://youtube.com/shorts/vX4xOtMG95w?si=uqWJ-TF8zzWrRMIS Famisafe Parental control App Link: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: Real-World Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids Who Shut Down, Refuse School, or Just Stop communicating with you: https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR   CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister   CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

  2. 22 Jul

    What the F*ck Do You Do Next? Non‑Violent Resistance (NVR) for Aggression, School Refusal and Violence with Tyler Baldwin

    Is your kid aggressive, disruptive, always getting into trouble? Are they labelled defiant, non-compliant, challenging? Do you dread another phone call from school? Wondering what happened this time. But what if those behaviours aren't the problem at all?  Today I'm joined by Tyler Baldwin, a trauma-informed NVR practitioner. We're talking about aggression, school refusal, violence, boundaries, and one simple question: What the f**k do you do if you've ever felt like nothing you've tried is working?  This episode could change the way you see your child. EPISODE REVEALS  Non‑Violent Resistance (NVR) helps parents, teachers and carers de‑escalate when kids get frustrated and aggressive, without becoming aggressive or violent themselves. You can't control a child's behaviour, but you can control your own presence, your consistency, and your own response. For many neurodivergent kids, the punish‑punish‑punish approach doesn’t work and often makes things worse. Small daily habits change brains. The 1% tweaks you make under pressure in tone, posture, body language and that pause before reacting gradually rewire your patterns and shift your child’s behaviour. Boundaries work when they’re calm, pre‑decided, and consistently followed through, not when they’re shouted in the heat of the moment. Explain things. If someone doesn't understand a rule, they are going to push back. You don’t have to deal with every issue in the moment. Your first job is safety and regulation be that through breathing, stepping away or calming your body. Teaching or consequences can wait until you’re both calm. It’s okay to say, “We’re going to talk about this later,” and come back hours or even days afterwards. The behaviour is still addressed, just at a time when your child is calm enough to really learn. BEST MOMENTS “My role was running an intervention, hopefully getting parents to de-escalate situations as opposed to escalate them, build the relationship, and keep those kids at home as opposed to sending them into care." "If there's one thing that you go into with any interaction, what is the unmet need here, and what can I do about it?" "Regulate yourself first, connect before you correct. Look beyond the behaviour because behaviour is communication. " ABOUT THE GUEST http://www.stay-grounded.co.uk/ RESOURCES Famisafe Parental control App Link: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: Real-World Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids Who Shut Down, Refuse School, or Just Stop communicating with you: https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR   CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister   CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08  ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    What the F*ck Do You Do Next? Non‑Violent Resistance (NVR) for Aggression, School Refusal and Violence with Tyler Baldwin
  3. 15 Jul

    10 Seemingly Small Things That Drive Autism & ADHD Families Absolutely Mad

    In this light-hearted episode, Eva and me swap our top 10 annoyances: from phones getting blamed for everything and being talked over, to school rules that don’t make sense, “you’re so lazy” comments, and being told off in PE when you’re actually in pain. Along the way we unpack PDA, selective hearing, unclear instructions, bullying over teddy bears, and why drawing in class might be the only way some kids can actually listen. Hopefully, you will find this episode to be a light-hearted and relatable look at life inside a neurodiverse family - where everyone’s a bit annoying, everyone’s a bit sensitive, and love lives right alongside all the eye-rolls. EPISODE REVEALS In a neurodiverse family it is super easy to drive each other crazy loud chewing might drive your autistic son mad because it overwhelms him, while the fact he doesn´t appear to be paying attention when you talk to him is exasperating you. Neurodiverse children often need a bit more of an explanation or to be told something more than once.    Vague directions like “just sort it out” and rules that don’t make sense can trigger PDA responses; clarity, detail and collaboration reduce friction.   One person drifting off mid conversation can make communication more challenging.  Drawing, fidgeting, and looking away can be powerful tools for focus; not making eye contact doesn’t mean a child isn’t listening.   A bit of extra understanding and patience really helps to keep the peace and turn home into a safe and nurturing place for everyone.  Humour always helps. BEST MOMENTS "Please don´t cancel me for this episode - I felt like I should cut more of this than I actually did." "Selective hearing - If I don't hear the full word, my brain fills in the gaps and makes stuff up." "We're all a little bit annoying. We're all a little bit quirky, and somehow we still love each other, anyway." RESOURCES Eva’s channel: https://youtube.com/shorts/vX4xOtMG95w?si=uqWJ-TF8zzWrRMIS Famisafe Parental control App Link: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: Real-World Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids Who Shut Down, Refuse School, or Just Stop communicating with you: https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR   CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister   CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    10 Seemingly Small Things That Drive Autism & ADHD Families Absolutely Mad
  4. 8 Jul

    When ADHD Meets Addiction: Learning to Step Back from the Edge with Hamish Niven

    An ADHD brain that’s always on the go can easily push you into a life lived on the edge. You work harder, say yes to more and keep sprinting long after your nervous system is done. Trying to slow down naturally fails so you start relying on something else that will put the brakes on for you, something to take the edge off. For my guest Hamish Niven, the host of The Brave Man Project podcast, that was alcohol.  Over time, that crutch stop feeling dangerous to him and start feeling normal. Eventually, he found himself doing things like drink driving and thinking that was OK. Together, we explore how neurodivergent brains slide from burnout into self-medication, how masking and late diagnosis feed that cycle, and why shame and judgement only drive it deeper underground.  This is a conversation about understanding your wiring, reclaiming your story from shame, and discovering that kindness and self-compassion can be the start of real change. EPISODE REVEALS Your brain is different, not defective.  It is not unusual for people with ADHD to experience addiction. Alcohol, drugs, gambling, overworking etc, can all act as a crutch. But…eventually that crutch breaks. To address your addiction, you need to recognise you have it, understand why you are leaning on it and make lifestyle changes, so you no longer need it. Hamish shares practical ways to do this in the episode. Work with your energy, not against it. Shame and self‑attack keep you stuck; curiosity and self‑compassion help you thrive. You’re allowed to design a life, work rhythm, relationships, and support system that actually fits the way you are wired. You are doing all right and change is possible without hating yourself into it. BEST MOMENTS " You cannot solve addiction, you have to change your lifestyle … when you do that, the need for the alcohol, the drugs, the gambling, the overworking, whatever dissipates because you don't need it." "I'm a star trying to fit into a circle. You can't do it. You can bend the pointy bits in, but it doesn't work. It doesn't keep you thriving." “It works, alcohol works. Full stop. It f**ng does. It numbs. It protects you. However, you're leaning on something … it's a crutch, it will break.” ABOUT THE GUEST Podcast: The Brave Man Project - goes live 15th July 2026 https://beacons.ai/hamishniven The Samaritans – Call free – 116 123 RESOURCES Famisafe Parental control App Link: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: Real-World Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids Who Shut Down, Refuse School, or Just Stop communicating with you: https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR   CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister   CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    When ADHD Meets Addiction: Learning to Step Back from the Edge with Hamish Niven
  5. 1 Jul

    5 Things Autistic People Do That Others Don’t

    Neurodiverse people aren’t “too sensitive.” Our brains are processing far more than most people´s. In this episode I explore five everyday behaviours often seen in autistic and ADHD people but rarely seen in others - rehearsing conversations, crashing after socialising, being overwhelmed by background noise, forgetting basic needs like food and water, and only realising what was really going on hours or days later. I share how each of these shows up in ADHD vs autism, why they’re often misread as laziness, rudeness, or drama and what’s really happening in your brain and nervous system. This episode will help you to swap shame and self‑blame for understanding and kinder ways of supporting yourself and your children. EPISODE REVEALS Whether you suffer from ADHD, Autism, or both, which is far more common than you think, learning to be kind yourself is the key to coping with the extra issues you have to deal with Replaying conversations in your head is common with ADHD because you are working hard not to forget, blurt or go off track. With autism it is a symptom of carefully using scripting to decode social rules and avoid getting it wrong.   Looking fine but crashing immediately after interacting with others is often means ADHD brains have been forcing focus and inhibition, while autistic brains have been masking and analysing every interaction.   Background noise wrecks focus. For ADHD minds, attention is drawn to every single sound. That creates full‑body overload. With autism all sounds arrive at once. There is no background noise, every sound has to be processed simultaneously. Forgetting self‑care, eating or drinking is rarely laziness. In ADHD hyperfocus and time blindness pull attention away from the body. While for autistic people interoception often mutes hunger and thirst.   Blanking in the moment but suddenly understanding what someone is telling you hours or days later shows up in both ADHD and Autism. BEST MOMENTS "The more you know yourself, the more you understand why you're different, the easier … it gives you another tool in your toolbox to understand who you are." "Replaying conversations afterwards, and the fear of judgement over and over again in your mind. It goes round and round. What could I have done differently. You beat yourself up. This is where the kindness comes in play.” RESOURCES Famisafe Parental control App Link: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: Real-World Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids Who Shut Down, Refuse School, or Just Stop communicating with you: https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR https://www.newmetherapy.com CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister   CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    5 Things Autistic People Do That Others Don’t
  6. 24 Jun

    What Did Ancient Humans Do at Night (Why Can't I Sleep)

    For so many ADHD brains, nights aren’t restful, they’re busy, creative, and wired. You’re exhausted, your head hits the pillow… but suddenly you’re wide awake, building entire business plans in your mind while the rest of the house is out cold. But that might not mean you’re broken. Ancient human sleep patterns, artificial light, and the hunter–farmer theory explain a lot of what is going on with you. In this episode, I look at how our nervous systems evolved to keep us alive in the dark, why two-phase sleeping may actually be your brain’s default setting, and how modern schedules, school systems and blue light clash with that old wiring.  I share several gentle, practical ways to work with your rhythms instead of fighting them, staying calm enough to sleep enough and to be able to lend your child your nervous system when they are too wired to fall asleep. EPISODE REVEALS Around 70–80% of adults with ADHD have sleep problems. Their brains aren’t ready to switch off when the body is tired.   For most of human history, people slept in two phases. A first sleep, a wakeful, reflective window in the middle of the night, then a second sleep until dawn. When artificial light is removed our bodies do this naturally. Blue light suppresses melatonin and fragments our sleep, keeping our brains convinced it’s still daytime.  Learning calming techniques to trigger sleep helps you to get calm. Allowing you to in turn help your child who is also struggling.  What looks like behaviour issues is often a dysregulated nervous system. A brain built for being always on the lookout for sabertoothed tigers rather than for modern life. BEST MOMENTS "We're living in a world where we've got alarm schedules, early starts, school systems. All these things that don't match how some brains actually work, particularly ours." "If you can model the calm, that's going to help you, then, that's going to help your child." EPISODE RESOURCES ADHD Chatter podcast with Dr Shyamal Mashru   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuNCL7spFNs  Zenn - What Did Ancient Humans Do at Night? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st_Ah6Ykbh4 Insomnia is the most common sleep problem among adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6299464/ https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1528979/full RESOURCES Famisafe Parental control App: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: Real-World Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids Who Shut Down, Refuse School, or Just Stop communicating with you: https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR   CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister   CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    What Did Ancient Humans Do at Night (Why Can't I Sleep)
  7. 17 Jun

    From Punishment to Partnership: Positively Parenting Neurodivergent Kids with Lauren O'Carroll

    Let me ask you something uncomfortable. Can we punish neurodiversity out of our kids? If  they shout ground them. If they swear, take the phone. If they melt down, raise your voice louder. Will that fix it, or are we trying to discipline a nervous system that's already overwhelmed?  Today, I'm joined by Lauren O'Carroll, founder of Positively Parenting, a professional ADHD coach as seen on Channel Five, and an ADHD mum raising neurodivergent children. She works with parents navigating explosive households, emotional dysregulation, and burnout.  Today we're taking a deep dive into the problems with the  traditional approach to parenting, exploring her framework for what Positively Parenting actually means, and how to shift from punishment to partnership.  If your house feels like carnage. If your child is having explosive meltdowns, struggling with emotional regulation, or shutting down completely - this episode is for you. EPISODE REVEALS Build a “second path” in your brain. Regular meditation or mindful walks gradually creates an alternative path in your mind you can follow instead of the one that leads to you getting angry. Regulate yourself first.  Treat behaviour as communication, not defiance. Ask “what need is unmet or what skill is missing?” During meltdowns, prioritise safety over stopping. Let the stress cycle complete.   Match your child´s intensity, not their behaviour. Empathise with them and acknowledge how they are feeling e.g. say “that really pissed you off” at roughly their energy level.  Sometimes space is the therapy. If your child clearly says, “go away,” respect that, step back but stay available. BEST MOMENTS "In order to be a good parent, I had to be regulated, and I just couldn't be, because I was so tired. And I've always struggled with emotional regulation." "You´re not a s**t parent, you have ADHD." "I've come to understand is it's all about nervous system and supporting our nervous systems and supporting each other." ABOUT THE GUEST https://positivelyparenting.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/LaurenParentCoach/ https://www.instagram.com/positivelyparentingtogether/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/positivelyparenting/ https://www.tiktok.com/@positivelyparentingloz RESOURCES Famisafe Parental control App Link: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: Real-World Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids Who Shut Down, Refuse School, or Just Stop communicating with you:  https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR   CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister   Are you feeling overwhelmed with EHCP paperwork or are you stuck? Cliff, who has personally been through the process offers body-doubling and step-by-step support. You can contact him here -  https://m.me/cliff.kilmister CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the. He offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    From Punishment to Partnership: Positively Parenting Neurodivergent Kids with Lauren O'Carroll
  8. 10 Jun

    Body Doubling, Chunking and Hope: Practical Executive Function Support for Autistic & ADHD Students with Dr Tara Williams

    What happens when your child is doing fine academically, but socially they're drowning? They might understand the material, they can answer the questions, they might even be top of the class, or maybe they're struggling academically because of the environment. Either way, there's an impact, the transitions, the crowds, the shifting expectations, the executive function load. It's building, and slowly you see the cracks, the missed assignments, the shutdown, the avoidance.  Today we're unpacking what's really happening when bright autistic and ADHD students suddenly start struggling, and the practical ways we can support them to thrive.  I'm joined by Dr. Tara Williams, a specialist in executive functioning support for autistic and ADHD students. We're talking transitions, university pressure, body doubling, chunking, self-advocacy, and why sometimes the difference between shutdown and success is a small structural change most systems overlook. EPISODE REVEALS Bright autistic and ADHD students don’t suddenly go off the rails. Environment matters as much as curriculum: crowds, noise and constant transitions can easily push a child off track. Executive function struggles show up as lost items, missed deadlines and blank screens, not lack of caring. Often, this gets misread as laziness.   Body doubling, visual supports, timers and chunking big tasks into tiny steps make starting possible and build confidence over time.   Self‑advocacy is a skill, not a switch; parents can offer structured support now and gradually hand over emails, planning, and conversations to their child.   Struggling isn’t failure, it’s feedback about what needs to change. BEST MOMENTS "You get school avoidance, depression, then they're not socialising, and they're feeling lonely, but they don't want to go in because they're going to be bullied - there's a spiral effect." "I love body doubling, it really helps." "It's okay just to be you." ABOUT THE GUEST www.innovativecollegiateconsultants.com. Taras's book - The Neurodivergent Student Journey - https://a.co/d/0eEbjOII Instagram: @learningwithdr.tara  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-williams-phd/ https://www.youtube.com/@learningwithDrTara EPISODE RESOURCESFamisafe Parental control App: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR The Mandela effect sci-fi novel https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/2017413402 Eva: https://www.youtube.com/@InspireWithUsYT/ CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister   Are you feeling overwhelmed with EHCP paperwork or are you stuck? Cliff, who has personally been through the process offers body-doubling and step-by-step support. You can contact him here -  https://m.me/cliff.kilmister CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast.  Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    Body Doubling, Chunking and Hope: Practical Executive Function Support for Autistic & ADHD Students with Dr Tara Williams
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Parenting Autism and ADHD is a podcast designed to support parents and carers of children with autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and other neurodevelopmental challenges, as well as children struggling with school attendance, even if they haven’t yet been diagnosed. Each episode offers practical guidance on helping your child attend school with less stress, manage meltdowns, and navigate obstacles in the education system. Through expert advice, real-life stories, and actionable strategies, we aim to empower you to overcome school refusal, sensory sensitivities, and behavioural struggles with confidence.  Our mission is to build a supportive community where parents and carers can connect, share experiences, and access the tools they need for their child’s success, while fostering collaboration between parents and teachers to create a strong, unified support system.

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