NeuroDADverse

Danny Eycott - Ben Wisdom-Quieros
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The NeuroDADverse is more than just a podcast, it’s a weekly therapy session between two long-time friends reconnecting through the shared highs and lows of neurodivergent parenthood. Danny is raising a six-year-old, while Ben is navigating life with two teenagers. Between them, their lived experiences span early years and adolescence, offering valuable perspective for any parent on the neurodivergent journey. Their conversations blend lived wisdom, raw honesty, and light-hearted reflection, often with Danny just entering stages that Ben has already faced. This dynamic brings warmth, curiosity, and relatable storytelling that resonates across all ages and stages of parenting. At its heart, The NeuroDADverse exists because parenting neurodivergent children can feel incredibly isolating. Many of society’s norms simply don’t apply and it’s rare to find someone who truly hears you. This podcast was born from the need to find and grow that tribe. A space where parents can feel seen, heard, and appreciated. Whether you’re in the thick of meltdowns, laughing uncontrollably with them or even just wondering about diagnoses you’re not alone. Here, we speak with love, lead though our understanding and share with honesty. This is a space for ideas, laughter, and connection. Please remember: You are doing better than you think. You are enough. You are not alone. Welcome to the NeuroDADverse.“ Real talk from two dads raising neurodivergent kids with love, laughter, and plenty of chaos. Connect with us on Instagram, TikTok and watch us on Youtube @NeuroDadversepodcast Theme music by Hands Up! https://www.instagram.com/handsuppunk/?hl=en Show produced by Squid Shack Studios https://www.instagram.com/squidshackstudios/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Parenting ND kids in public is harder than people realise | NeuroDADverse Ep. 34

    6 DAYS AGO

    Parenting ND kids in public is harder than people realise | NeuroDADverse Ep. 34

    In Episode 34 of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan talk openly about the emotional labour of parenting neurodivergent children in public spaces, where needs are often invisible, judgment is unspoken, and parents are quietly doing everything they can to hold it together. This week includes a school trip full of transitions, waiting, and unexpected kindness; ongoing school avoidance challenges; and thoughtful reflections on ADHD medication, communication, and supporting independence without withdrawing support too early. In this episode, we discuss: Why school trips can be overwhelming for ND childrenThe pressure parents feel when parenting in publicInvisible disabilities and why help isn’t always offeredTransitions, waiting, and emotional regulationSchool avoidance and emotional burnoutWhy attendance numbers matter less than experience qualitySupporting siblings through different ND journeysADHD medication reflections: benefits, sleep disruption, and communication gainsWhat it means when children can explain their emotions after the momentBuilding independence without removing scaffolding too soonLetting kids lead transitions at their own paceMoments of connection that make everything worth itA house full of laughter — and why that counts as a huge win 🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world. Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life. If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations, you’re not alone here. 🔔 New episodes weekly 📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show 📧 neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 All links & platforms: 👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible 📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube 📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting #ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Welcome & What This Episode Is Really About 00:43 – Introducing the Week & Setting the Tone 01:51 – Three Words of the Week 03:20 – School Trips, Transitions & Emotional Load 05:07 – Unexpected Changes & Parent Anxiety 06:23 – Public Spaces, Waiting & Regulation 08:19 – Being “On Show” as a Parent 09:54 – Invisible Disability & Why Help Isn’t Offered 11:34 – Teachers, Trust & Shared Understanding 13:27 – Getting to the Bus: When Timing Really Matters 15:24 – Transitions Are the Hard Part 16:38 – Busy Cafés, Observers & Internal Panic 18:02 – Protecting Without Restraining 19:14 – If This Were Visible, Would It Be Different? 20:29 – Learning for the Next Trip 21:55 – Every Parent Is Meeting a Different Need 23:14 – Community, Football & Shared ND Spaces 24:06 – CHALLENGE: School Avoidance & Emotional Sadness 26:01 – Communication, Creativity & Masking 27:23 – When Progress Isn’t Linear 28:57 – Quality of Experience Over Attendance Numbers 30:21 – Break 31:08 – WIN: A Regulated School Trip 32:18 – Feeling Safe Enough to Talk to Other Parents 33:56 – Waiting Is Still Hard 35:07 – Why Adaptive Spaces Matter 36:29 – Professionalism & ND-Aware Environments 38:16 – Safe Peer Connections 39:57 – Zooming Out: Why This Was a Big Win 41:21 – Loving School, Hating the Transition 42:41 – Gamifying Transitions 44:37 – ADHD Medication Update 46:09 – Communication Improvements & Emotional Insight 47:49 – Explaining Feelings Without Apologising 49:29 – When Thoughts Go Quiet (and Come Back) 51:07 – Sensory Awareness & Self-Regulation 52:25 – Healthy Anxiety vs Harmful Pressure 53:06 – Supporting Independence Gradually 54:43 – Looking Ahead to the Week 55:43 – A House Full of Laughter (Big Win) 56:41 – Quiet Weeks & Holding the Calm 58:41 – Final Reflections & Community Thanks 59:17 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  2. When nothing goes 'wrong' and why that matters & ND parenting reflections | NeuroDADverse Ep 33

    30 JAN

    When nothing goes 'wrong' and why that matters & ND parenting reflections | NeuroDADverse Ep 33

    In Episode 33 of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan reflect on a week that felt unfamiliar in the best possible way, with no major crises, fewer challenges, and small signs of optimism beginning to return. This episode explores what it’s like when neurodivergent family life settles temporarily and how hard it can be to trust calm when you’ve spent years braced for the next difficulty. In this episode, we talk about: •What it means when challenges don’t dominate the week •Continued school absence — handled with kindness and patience •Processing time, delayed progress, and realistic expectations •Seeing optimism re-emerge after long periods of low self-esteem •Hearing your child say “I’m good at this” — and why that matters •Table dinners, shared conversations, and emotional safety •Respectful disagreement and confidence at home •When optimism returns quietly, not dramatically •Parenting without forcing positivity •Why progress often shows up as calm, not celebration •Reflecting on how far your child has come — without tempting fate •Adult neurodivergence, diagnosis curiosity, and workplace adjustments •The emotional weight of exploring your own neurodivergence as a parent 🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world. Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life. If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations, you’re not alone here. 🔔 New episodes weekly 📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show 📧 neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 All links & platforms: 👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible 📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube 📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting #ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK Chapter Breakdown (≈53 minutes) 00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Episode 33 00:43 – Birthday Energy & Setting the Tone 02:20 – What This Podcast Is (and Why Calm Weeks Matter) 03:55 – Deciding Whether There Even Is a Challenge This Week 04:32 – Three Words of the Week: Happy, Joyful, Calm 06:13 – Continued School Absence & Kind Communication 07:49 – When “Nothing Going Wrong” Feels Unfamiliar 08:49 – Finding a Win in the Absence of Crisis 09:44 – Optimism Returning After Low Self-Esteem 10:42 – Hearing “I’m Good at This” From Your Child 11:32 – Why That Moment Hits So Hard 12:48 – Table Dinners & Safe Family Conversations 13:31 – Respectful Disagreement as a Confidence Marker 14:47 – Reflecting Without Over-Analysing 15:46 – Small Wins That Signal Big Emotional Shifts 17:09 – Literacy, Subtitles & Motivation to Read 18:52 – Letting Curiosity Lead Learning 20:13 – Birthday Surprise & Lightness in the Pod 22:32 – Looking Ahead to the Week 24:06 – Medication Check-Ins & Ongoing Adjustments 26:22 – Youth Clubs, Identity & Social Safety 29:18 – When Leaving the House Takes Emotional Maths 31:08 – Gratitude for Things Feeling Lighter 32:43 – Chronicling Progress Over Time 33:56 – Bath-Time Scores & Regulation Wins 35:22 – Progress Isn’t Linear (Jellyfish Parenting Analogy) 37:21 – Incoming Assessments & Mixed Feelings 39:19 – Adult Neurodivergence & Emotional Readiness 42:34 – Diagnosis, Identity & Reframing the Past 45:05 – Neurodiversity in the Workplace 48:04 – Reasonable Adjustments Without Labels 50:41 – Society, Systems & Where We Still Need Change 52:06 – Final Reflections & Sign-Off 52:48 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    53 min
  3. Starting ADHD medication, School attendance and Frankie not knowing | NeuroDADverse Ep 32

    23 JAN

    Starting ADHD medication, School attendance and Frankie not knowing | NeuroDADverse Ep 32

    In Episode 33 of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan have one of their most honest conversations yet, navigating the early days of ADHD medication, school attendance challenges, emotional overwhelm, and the quiet work of protecting a child’s self-esteem. This episode explores what happens when support does help… but also brings unexpected side effects, emotional floodgates, and difficult parental decisions. It’s about staying steady when everything feels fragile. We talk about: Beginning ADHD medication and managing side effectsLethargy, overstimulation, sleep disruption, and emotional releaseWhen medication removes masking — and everything spills outSchool attendance struggles and shifting support needsThe fear of repeating past damage to self-esteemHow delayed processing can look like “regression”Supporting two ND children with very different needs at the same timeAvoiding shame while still holding boundariesCommunication that builds trust with ND teenagersWhy safe relationships matter more than perfect solutionsSitting in joy without over-analysing itWins that don’t look impressive — but change everything Chapter Breakdown (≈50 minutes) 00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Episode 33 01:05 – What This Podcast Is Really About 02:20 – Three Words of the Week: Medicate, Educate, Floodgate 03:55 – ADHD Diagnosis Recap & Medication Trial Begins 05:30 – Side Effects: Lethargy, Dry Mouth & Sleep Issues 07:40 – When Medication Lowers the Mask 09:10 – Overstimulation After School & Emotional Release 11:05 – Understanding Floodgates vs Regression 13:10 – Protecting Self-Esteem After Past School Trauma 15:45 – The Fear of “Going Back There” 18:10 – School Attendance Challenges Shift Between Siblings 20:35 – Supporting Two ND Kids With Different Needs 23:00 – Sleep Disruption & Night-Time Regulation 25:15 – Holding Boundaries Without Shame 28:05 – Break 28:30 – Wins: Delayed Communication & Joyful Language 31:10 – Why Function Matters More Than Milestones 33:20 – Sitting in Joy Without Over-Analysing It 35:05 – Teen Communication, Trust & Timing 38:00 – Creating a Safe Space for Hard Conversations 40:25 – Why Kids Talk When They Feel Secure 42:30 – Parenting ND Teens Without Comparison 45:00 – Looking Ahead: School, Work & Energy Management 47:30 – Final Reflections: Kindness, Patience & Perspective 49:00 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising neurodivergent kids in a neurotypical world. If this episode resonates — whether you’re autistic, ADHD, a SEND parent, or still figuring it all out — you belong in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly, honest conversations about neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or comment to help other families find us 📧 Contact: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Links, episodes & socials: 👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music & Audible 📺 Watch full episodes & clips on YouTube #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDFamily #AutismParenting #ADHDDads #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min
  4. ADHD Diagnosis, Identity Realisation & Letting Kids Process at Their Own Pace | NeuroDADverse Ep.31

    16 JAN

    ADHD Diagnosis, Identity Realisation & Letting Kids Process at Their Own Pace | NeuroDADverse Ep.31

    Welcome to Episode 31 of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan talk openly about what happens after a diagnosis, when clarity arrives, but emotions are still catching up. This week includes a major family milestone for Ben: a formal ADHD diagnosis, and the complex feelings that follow. Relief. Validation. Grief. Confusion. Pride. And the quiet work of helping a child rebuild their sense of self after years of being told they were “too much” or “not enough.” In this episode, we discuss: What an ADHD diagnosis gives (and what it doesn’t)Why clarity doesn’t instantly equal confidenceHow identity is shaped by years of misunderstandingThe emotional impact of clinician questions about self-esteemMasking, unmasking, and delayed processingTemperature regulation, sensory overload, and emotional releaseWhy behaviour is communicationAdvocating in clinical settings without taking overLetting children grieve past experiences in their own timeMedication as a tool — not a cure or a verdictCelebrating wins gently, without pressureSibling connection, shared joy, and thoughtful gift-givingCinema trips as safe spaces and regulation anchors This episode is about holding space rather than rushing solutions, and remembering that diagnosis is not an ending — it’s context. As always, we want to remind you: You’re doing great. You are enough. And you are definitely not alone. Chapter Breakdown00:00 – Welcome to Episode 31 00:44 – What This Podcast Is (and Why We Keep Doing It) 01:47 – Three Words of the Week 03:36 – A Big Medical Update in Our Household 04:36 – ADHD Diagnosis: Why Clarity Matters 06:12 – Advocating in the Clinician Appointment 08:10 – When Kids Can’t Name Their Strengths 10:00 – Self-Esteem, Identity & Being “Too Much” 12:40 – Masking, Unmasking & Emotional Processing 14:55 – Grief After Diagnosis (For Kids and Parents) 17:20 – Giving Space Instead of Explanations 19:35 – Temperature Regulation & Sensory Overload 22:10 – Behaviour as Communication 24:56 – Medication: Cautious Hope, Not Pressure 26:42 – Why This Is a Step, Not a Solution 29:08 – Oscar’s Birthday & Putting Kids First 31:20 – Sibling Thoughtfulness & Unexpected Empathy 33:26 – Cinema Trips as Safe Spaces 35:01 – Regulation Wins in Busy Environments 36:52 – Pain, Perception & ND Bodies 38:32 – Missing the Bus & Learning Consequences Safely 40:13 – Social Stories, Visual Supports & Transitions 42:42 – Supermarkets, Sensory Load & Progress Over Time 45:09 – Small Wins That Change Family Life 46:40 – Looking Ahead Without Overloading 48:23 – Attendance, Energy & Realistic Weeks 50:41 – Why We Don’t Force Traditions 52:25 – Closing Reflections 53:47 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world. 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us 📧 Get in touch: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Find us in all the usual places: linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: •Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseApple •Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify 📺 Watch full episodes + clips: Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify YouTube: youtube.com/@NeuroDADversePodcast 📲 Follow & connect: •TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurodadverse •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodadverse/ •Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582530685142 •LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurodadverse-podcast/?viewAsMember=true  🔗 Hashtags: #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min
  5. A New Year, Big Transitions & a Broken Foot | NeuroDADverse EP.30

    9 JAN

    A New Year, Big Transitions & a Broken Foot | NeuroDADverse EP.30

    Episode 30 🎧 In the NeuroDADverse this week, Ben and Dan return for the first episode of 2026, reflecting on the strange reset that comes with a new year, especially when neurodivergent family life doesn’t pause for calendars. This week includes a significant medical scare, a broken foot, hospital visits, difficult sensory decisions, and the careful balance between safety, regulation, and trust. Alongside the challenges, the episode becomes a powerful reflection on how far their children and they as parents have come. In this episode, we talk about: •The emotional weight of returning to routine after Christmas •Managing medical situations with ND children •Pain stimming, safety concerns, and regulation trade-offs •Hospital visits, advocacy, and processing time •When independence and vulnerability coexist •How injuries highlight both progress and ongoing support needs •Calm wins after chaotic weeks •Reflecting honestly on the highs and lows of 2025 •Why resilience doesn’t mean “finding things easy” •Hopes for 2026 that focus on joy, autonomy, and self-belief •Letting go of pressure and trusting your child’s pace 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world. 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us 📧 Get in touch: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Find us in all the usual places: linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: •Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseApple •Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify 📺 Watch full episodes + clips: Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify YouTube: youtube.com/@NeuroDADversePodcast 📲 Follow & connect: •TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurodadverse •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodadverse/ •Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582530685142 •LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurodadverse-podcast/?viewAsMember=true TImestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 30 & the Start of 2026 00:44 – Returning to Routine After Christmas 01:48 – Three Words of the Week: Reset, React & Rejoice 03:36 – Medical Updates & Subtle Worries 05:22 – Reframing Wins vs Challenges 06:00 – Stimming, Safety & Pain Feedback 08:56 – When Regulation Behaviours Become Concerning 11:58 – Balancing Acceptance With Protection 15:09 – Understanding Pain Stims & Sensory Feedback 17:33 – When You Just Need to Observe, Not React 20:13 – Family Gatherings & Unexpected Injuries 21:09 – The Fall, the Foot & Processing What Happened 22:49 – Hospital Decisions & Giving Thinking Time 24:54 – X-Rays, Uncertainty & Breaking the News 26:04 – The Walking Boot & Sensory Challenges 27:11 – Trust, Advocacy & Medical Trauma 28:41 – Independence Isn’t Linear 29:34 – Living With Ongoing Support Needs 30:33 – Break & Reset 31:23 – Wins of the Week & Finding Calm Again 33:58 – Shared Meals & Regulation Wins 38:20 – Quiet New Year Moments That Mattered 41:21 – Calm as a Win (Even If It’s Boring) 42:28 – Family Rituals & Flexibility 44:18 – Looking Ahead: School, Birthdays & Puberty 45:36 – Pride, Fear & Letting Go of Complacency 48:01 – Reflecting on 2025: Resilience & Growth 49:33 – Seeing Progress When Daily Life Is Hard 51:06 – Communication Beyond Words 53:18 – Hopes for 2026 Without Pressure 55:16 – Joy Over Achievement 57:31 – A Reminder of How Far You’ve Come 58:50 – Final Reflections & Community Thanks 59:22 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. 🔗 Hashtags: #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  6. Why Christmas Is Harder Than It Looks for Neurodivergent Families | NeuroDADverse Ep.29

    2 JAN

    Why Christmas Is Harder Than It Looks for Neurodivergent Families | NeuroDADverse Ep.29

    Episode 29 🎧 This week, Ben and Dan reflect on the strange, in-between days of Christmas and New Year, a time full of transitions, heightened expectations, social pressure, and emotional regulation challenges for neurodivergent children and their families. This episode explores what Christmas actually feels like inside an ND household: the joy, the overwhelm, the near-meltdowns, the patience required, and the moments of magic that arrive when expectations are softened. In this episode, we talk about: •Why “betwixtmas” can be especially dysregulating •Managing multiple social events and transitions in a short space of time •The emotional toll of public spaces, crowds, and sensory overload •Parenting through near-meltdowns — calmly, visibly, and without shame •When your child feels judged, even if nothing is said •Letting go of rigid Christmas plans •Why familiarity matters more than tradition •Teen independence, first social outings, and trust •Food wins, surprise flexibility, and regulation through choice •The power of calm, patience, and kindness (even when you’re being watched) Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Betwixtmas 01:48 – A Meaningful Christmas Gift & Facing Anxiety 04:26 – Three Words of the Week: Magic, Patience & Negotiation 06:02 – Busy Christmas Schedules & Multiple Transitions 07:48 – Social Energy, Table Time & Regulation 08:45 – The Challenge of Transitions Between Events 09:36 – Why ND Kids Can’t “Just Drop In” 10:59 – Leaving Places Is a Process, Not a Moment 12:42 – Managing Expectations Around Family Gatherings 14:54 – Feeling Observed While Parenting in Public 16:13 – Vulnerability, Judgment & Staying Calm 18:05 – Simplifying Language for Regulation 19:21 – Trusting Others With Your ND Child 20:08 – The Best Transitions Are Child-Led 21:34 – Comparing This Christmas to Last Year 22:37 – Growth Doesn’t Always Look Calm 24:56 – Lowering Expectations to Reduce Stress 26:10 – When Kids Say “Now” and Adults Say “Tomorrow” 27:40 – Being the Parent You Talk About on the Podcast 28:27 – Respectful Family Spaces & Shared Understanding 29:23 – Gift Shopping, Crowds & Sensory Overload 30:31 – Advocating Without Pushing Too Far 32:08 – Gender Expression, Visibility & Public Reaction 33:19 – Near-Meltdown in a Busy Supermarket 35:09 – The World Isn’t Built for Our Kids (and That Hurts) 36:10 – Food Wins & Unexpected Flexibility 37:34 – Returning to the Wins After Regulation 38:54 – Building Traditions That Work for Your Family 41:00 – Letting Kids Lead the Day 43:43 – Not Chasing a “Typical” Christmas 45:09 – First Independent Social Outings 47:29 – Trust, Pride & Letting Go 48:41 – Shared Rituals & Christmas Magic 50:41 – Surprise Gifts & Removing Wish-List Pressure 52:16 – Letting Kids Play at Their Own Pace 52:56 – Shared Gaming, Connection & Calm 54:34 – A Diagnosed Christmas & New Awareness 55:18 – Expectations vs Reality 56:59 – Why Cats Might Be Regulating (Maybe!) 57:31 – Looking Ahead to New Year 58:29 – Low-Pressure Gatherings & Familiar Spaces 01:00:23 – Family Games, Choice & Autonomy 01:02:36 – Cold Water Swims & Regulation 01:06:53 – Six Months of The NeuroDADverse 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world. 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🌐 Find us in all the usual places: linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: •Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseApple •Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify 📺 Watch full episodes YouTube: youtube.com/@NeuroDADversePodcast 📲 Follow & connect: •TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurodadverse •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodadverse/ •Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582530685142 •LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurodadverse-podcast/?viewAsMember=true #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 11m
  7. Attendance Letters, Festive Anxiety & Holding It Together as ND Parents| NeuroDADverse Ep.28

    26/12/2025

    Attendance Letters, Festive Anxiety & Holding It Together as ND Parents| NeuroDADverse Ep.28

    Episode 28 🎧 Welcome to The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan sit down for a festive end-of-term reflection unpacking a week filled with school pressure, academic anxiety, sensory challenges, and unexpectedly joyful family moments. As Christmas approaches, they talk honestly about how neurodivergent children experience transitions, expectations, and traditions very differently and why calm, familiarity, and flexibility matter more than “doing Christmas right.” In this episode, we discuss: The emotional weight of school attendance lettersWhen children say “I don’t want to go” — and what that might really meanAcademic pressure vs mental health for ND kidsWhy uncertainty is often harder than bad newsSensory overload, dentists, and unexpected regulation winsHow patience and the right professionals make all the differenceBuilding flexible, ND-friendly Christmas traditionsThe magic of familiar places, routines, and shared joyConfidence returning after a wobbleCelebrating progress without tempting fateLetting go of pressure and embracing calm where it shows up This episode is about ending the year gently, recognising growth, naming challenges honestly, and allowing yourself to enjoy the wins without over-analysing them. YouTube Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Intro & Welcome to The NeuroDADverse 00:44 – Christmas, Time Off & Parental Gratitude 02:18 – What This Podcast Is (and Isn’t) 03:12 – Three Words of the Week: Academics, Return & Traditions 04:36 – Final Week of School & Big Days for ND Kids 05:30 – Cinema Trips, Christmas Lights & Social Energy 06:27 – Biggest Challenge: Sleep, Routine & Regulation 07:25 – Seasonal Changes & Their Impact on ND Children 09:01 – Dentist Anxiety & New Environments 10:14 – When Things Go Well… Until They Don’t 12:48 – Double Transitions & Why “Quick Drop-Ins” Can Backfire 14:06 – Regulation Over Social Expectations 15:04 – Why ND Reasoning Is Often Misunderstood 17:23 – Loud Noises, First Experiences & Learning Over Time 19:14 – Academics, Attendance & School Pressure 20:09 – Receiving “The Letter” & Emotional Reactions 21:20 – When Kids Can’t Narrate Their School Experience 22:52 – Zooming Out to See Progress 24:40 – Break 25:07 – Festive Reset & Returning With Wins 25:33 – WIN: Dentist Visit Success (Years in the Making) 29:25 – The Power of Patience & the Right Professionals 31:30 – Christmas Decorations as Regulation 36:16 – Letting Kids Enjoy the Changes 38:54 – Traditions That Grow With Your Family 41:00 – The “Franken-Tree” & ND Creativity 42:17 – Making Your Own Christmas Traditions 43:48 – Cinema Trips as Safe Spaces 44:58 – Confidence Returning: Football & Belonging 46:20 – Managing Expectations With Visiting Family 47:06 – Being “In Charge of the Chaos” 47:19 – Looking Ahead to the Christmas Week 49:03 – Boxing Day, Friends & Full Houses 52:04 – Flooded Pubs, Flexibility & Letting Go 53:08 – Do We Need a Bath-Time Score Every Week? 54:39 – Chronicling Joy Without Forcing Drama 55:57 – Surprise Gifts & Stepping Outside Comfort Zones 58:33 – A Quick Reality Check on Challenges 59:19 – Dentist Trauma & Repairing Trust 01:01:02 – Festive Sign-Off & Final Reflections 01:02:11 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough.  🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world. 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us 📧 Get in touch: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Find us in all the usual places: linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: •Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseApple 📺 Watch full episodes + clips: Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify YouTube: youtube.com/@NeuroDADversePodcast #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 3m
  8. School Refusal, Christmas Changes & ND Parenting Reality

    19/12/2025

    School Refusal, Christmas Changes & ND Parenting Reality

    Episode 27 🎧 This week in our NeuroDADverse, Dan and Ben return together to unpack a week shaped by school anxiety, big educational transitions, and the invisible pressure that builds at Christmas for neurodivergent children and their families. As routines shift and environments change, they reflect on what happens when school suddenly feels “too much,” how parents spot the early warning signs, and why this time of year can quietly amplify stress for ND kids. In this episode, we talk about: •When children begin to say “I’ve done enough school” •School refusal vs emotional burnout •Navigating a new school setting with cautious optimism •Why parents downplay big wins to protect emotional safety •The anxiety of wondering: “Is this the start of something harder?” •Christmas decorations, sensory overload, and disrupted safe spaces •The importance of predictability and quiet spaces •Multi-generational family Christmases and ND dynamics •Tradition, memory-making, and the joy of familiar rituals •Why small successes matter more than perfect weeks •Bath-time scores, regulation wins, and calmer evenings This is an honest, reflective episode about change management in neurodivergent family life, sitting with uncertainty, celebrating progress carefully, and holding space for both joy and worry at the same time. Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Welcome & What This Episode Is About 01:10 – Wins, Challenges & Why This Format Matters 02:08 – Three Words of the Week: “Christmas, Changes & Coincidence” 03:27 – Family Events, Big Days & Emotional Load 04:12 – CHALLENGE: When School Suddenly Feels Too Much 05:14 – Drawing, Social Pressure & Year 9 Transitions 06:11 – Push Factors vs Pull Factors in School Refusal 06:32 – A New School Setting & A Cautious Fresh Start 07:24 – Why We Say “It’s Just Tuesday” 08:30 – Managing Expectations Without Killing Hope 09:30 – Change Fatigue & Emotional Bandwidth 10:17 – Kids Stepping Up & Independent Bedtimes 11:20 – Noticing Behaviour Shifts Before They Escalate 13:00 – Parental Anxiety: “Is This the Start of a Thing?” 15:40 – Christmas at School & Sensory Disruption 17:02 – The Power of Unchanged, Quiet Spaces 18:48 – Sitting in the Joy Without Over-Analysing It 19:22 – WIN: Unexpected ND Parenting Connections 20:18 – Big Family Christmases & Shared ND Space 21:13 – Traditions, Handmade Memories & Emotional Safety 22:24 – Chaos, Cousins & Collective Regulation 23:27 – Why Familiar People Matter More Than Perfect Settings 24:44 – Break & Reset 24:58 – WIN: Small Moments That Meant a Lot 27:23 – Christmas Deliveries, Surprise & ND Joy 29:42 – Looking Ahead to the Week Ahead 31:02 – Reflecting on the First Episodes & How Far You’ve Come 33:17 – Early Wins, First Words & Big Milestones Remembered 35:17 – Communication Growth & Emotional Safety 37:20 – Avoiding Future Fear Spirals 38:50 – Final Week of School & Mixed Emotions 41:27 – Dentist Visits, Christmas Lights & Flexibility 43:37 – Low-Pressure Festive Outings 46:14 – End-of-Term Traditions & Letting Kids Choose 49:15 – The “Franken-Tree” & Honouring ND Childhood 51:03 – Bath-Time Scores & Regulation Wins 54:09 – Talking, Trust & Growing Independence 55:15 – Closing Reflections: You’re Doing Great 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world. 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us 📧 Get in touch: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Find us in all the usual places: linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🔗 Hashtags: #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily #EmotionalRegulation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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About

The NeuroDADverse is more than just a podcast, it’s a weekly therapy session between two long-time friends reconnecting through the shared highs and lows of neurodivergent parenthood. Danny is raising a six-year-old, while Ben is navigating life with two teenagers. Between them, their lived experiences span early years and adolescence, offering valuable perspective for any parent on the neurodivergent journey. Their conversations blend lived wisdom, raw honesty, and light-hearted reflection, often with Danny just entering stages that Ben has already faced. This dynamic brings warmth, curiosity, and relatable storytelling that resonates across all ages and stages of parenting. At its heart, The NeuroDADverse exists because parenting neurodivergent children can feel incredibly isolating. Many of society’s norms simply don’t apply and it’s rare to find someone who truly hears you. This podcast was born from the need to find and grow that tribe. A space where parents can feel seen, heard, and appreciated. Whether you’re in the thick of meltdowns, laughing uncontrollably with them or even just wondering about diagnoses you’re not alone. Here, we speak with love, lead though our understanding and share with honesty. This is a space for ideas, laughter, and connection. Please remember: You are doing better than you think. You are enough. You are not alone. Welcome to the NeuroDADverse.“ Real talk from two dads raising neurodivergent kids with love, laughter, and plenty of chaos. Connect with us on Instagram, TikTok and watch us on Youtube @NeuroDadversepodcast Theme music by Hands Up! https://www.instagram.com/handsuppunk/?hl=en Show produced by Squid Shack Studios https://www.instagram.com/squidshackstudios/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Danny Eycott - Ben Wisdom-Quieros
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Danny Eycott - Ben Wisdom-Quieros
  • Show Website
    NeuroDADverse