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.

  1. 22h ago

    NDIS Cut Their Funding by 56%… But Their Disability Never Changed

    What happens when a person’s disability hasn’t changed… but their NDIS funding is cut by more than half? In the first episode of Season 2 of Different Is Normal, Dave and Emily share a deeply personal story after Emily’s sister-in-law received an NDIS plan with a 56% reduction in funding. This isn’t a discussion about politics. It’s a conversation about people. We explore what these funding cuts actually mean for families, carers and people living with disability. From losing access to occupational therapy and support workers, to the emotional toll placed on unpaid family carers, this episode shines a light on the ripple effects that rarely make the headlines. We also discuss: • What “core funding” actually means • Why people with lifelong disabilities are repeatedly asked to prove their disability • The hidden cost carried by unpaid carers • Why early intervention and therapy are investments, not expenses • What happens when families become the safety net • Why disability support is about dignity, purpose and belonging Whether you’re living with disability, caring for someone who is, working in education, or simply wanting to better understand the challenges many Australian families face, we hope this conversation helps put a human face to the headlines. We’d love to hear from you. Have the recent NDIS changes affected you or someone you care about? What has your experience been? Share your story respectfully in the comments below. Your voice may help someone else realise they’re not alone. 👍 If this conversation resonated with you, please Like, Subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🎙 Watch more episodes from Different Is Normal https://www.youtube.com/@differentisnormal About Different Is Normal Hosted by Dave, an Education Support Worker and parent, alongside Emily, who brings lived neurodivergent experience, Different Is Normal explores what behaviour, disability and neurodivergence really look like beneath the surface. Real conversations. Real experiences. Real understanding. 00:00 Introduction 00:49 A 56% NDIS funding cut 01:39 What core funding actually means 02:58 Why prove a lifelong disability? 06:21 The emotional impact of repeated assessments 08:45 What these funding cuts really mean 10:33 Losing support, work and independence 11:41 What happens when family becomes the support system? 15:37 Why occupational therapy matters 17:19 The hidden cost of disability 20:37 Being expected to do more 22:08 Appealing the NDIS decision 23:58 A message for Australia #DifferentIsNormal #NDIS #Disability #Neurodiversity #Autism #DisabilitySupport #Carers #SupportWorkers #OccupationalTherapy #InvisibleDisability #Australia #NDISFunding #FamilyCarers #InclusiveCommunities #Podcast

    NDIS Cut Their Funding by 56%… But Their Disability Never Changed
  2. May 6

    I Thought I Was Fine… Until I Wasn’t | Ep 12 - part 2

    This is the part people don’t always see. Growing up… coping… doing “fine”. Until one day, you realise you weren’t. In this episode of Different Is Normal, Emily shares what it was like growing up without a diagnosis — and what happens when the expectations increase but the support disappears. We talk about: • growing up alongside a sibling with significant needs • being the “capable one” — and what that actually means • why school can feel manageable… until it isn’t • what happens when support fades in high school and adulthood • the pressure to succeed when you’re expected to cope • becoming a parent and seeing things differently • why so many people aren’t diagnosed until later This episode is about something many people recognise: You weren’t “fine”. You just learned how to survive. This isn’t theory. It’s real life. Real reflection. And the moment things start to make sense. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Finding a Common Language 00:41 Growing Up Without a Diagnosis 03:00 Living Alongside Complex Needs 06:04 When Support Falls Away 09:32 Becoming a Parent 13:27 Understanding the Brain Differently 16:19 Why This Podcast Exists 18:34 The Power of Community 20:54 Leaving the World Better 🔗 MORE FROM US Watch more episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/@differentisnormal 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION Did you ever feel like you were coping… but something still didn’t fit? #neurodiversity #adhd #autism #parenting #differentisnormal

    I Thought I Was Fine… Until I Wasn’t | Ep 12 - part 2
  3. Apr 29

    This Changed Everything for Our Family (And We Didn’t Expect It) | Ep 11 - part 1

    This episode is different. We’re not breaking down behaviour. We’re not talking about strategies. We’re answering a question we’ve been asked a lot: Why does this matter so much to us? In this episode of Different Is Normal, we share the story behind the podcast. From a life-changing accident… to an autism diagnosis… to completely rethinking what matters. This is where everything started. We talk about: • what happened to Dave before his son was born • the moment everything changed • the guilt, confusion, and questions that followed • what an autism diagnosis actually means for a family • how perspective shifts everything • why understanding matters more than labels This isn’t about theory. It’s about real life. Real experiences. And the moments that change how you see everything. ⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 The Birth of a Podcast: Our Journey Begins 00:56 Personal Stories: The Impact of Neurodiversity 05:35 Navigating Autism: A Parent’s Perspective 08:13 Life Changes: From Accident to Awakening 17:45 Giving Back: Becoming an Aid in Education 18:06 Perspective Shift: Understanding Neurodiversity 26:52 Living with an Acquired Brain Injury 30:12 Defining Moments: Friends, Family, and Support 🔗 MORE FROM USWatch more episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/@differentisnormal 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATIONWhat changed how you see neurodiversity? #️⃣ #neurodiversity #autism #parenting #adhd #differentisnormal

    This Changed Everything for Our Family (And We Didn’t Expect It) | Ep 11 - part 1
  4. Apr 22

    Travelling with Neurodivergent Kids Is Hard — Here’s What Actually Helps | Ep 10

    Travelling with neurodivergent kids can feel overwhelming. Airports. Queues. Noise. Delays. And the pressure of trying to keep everything calm while everything keeps moving. It is hard. But there are things that actually help. In this episode of Different Is Normal, we break down what is really happening during travel and what makes the biggest difference in real situations. No theory. No vague advice. Just practical strategies that work in planes, airports, and everyday travel. We cover: • the sunflower lanyard and how it can reduce stress in public spaces • why preparation matters more than you think • how to reduce overwhelm before it starts • what to bring so things do not fall apart mid trip • how to advocate without feeling like you are causing problems • why flexibility matters more than the perfect plan This is not about perfect travel. It is about making travel possible. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Travelling with Neurodivergent Kids 00:32 The Sunflower Lanyard Explained 02:59 Why Preparation Changes Everything 06:06 Making Flights Easier 08:47 Managing Sensory Load 11:28 Why Flexible Plans Work Better 14:46 Advocating for Your Child 17:35 What to Pack 20:13 Safety and Backup Plans 23:16 Final Tips That Actually Help 🔗 LINKS Watch more episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/@differentisnormal What is the hardest part of travelling for you or your child? #neurodiversity #autism #adhd #parenting #traveltips

    Travelling with Neurodivergent Kids Is Hard — Here’s What Actually Helps | Ep 10
  5. Mar 25

    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

    Why Are They Laughing? | The Hidden Rules No One Teaches | Ep 9
  6. Mar 18

    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

    Why the World Isn’t Built for Neurodiversity | Ep 8
  7. Mar 11

    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

    How to Choose the Right School for a Neurodivergent Child | What Parents Should Look For | Ep 7
  8. Mar 4

    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

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

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.