The Unfinished Idea: Understanding the Neurodivergent World

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Welcome to The Unfinished Idea — a podcast all about parenting, autism, ADHD, and life in a neurodivergent family. Here, we open up honest conversations about neurodiversity, raising neurodivergent children, and navigating the everyday realities of SEN parenting. What’s it really like parenting a child with ADHD and autism? How can parents, teachers, and communities better support neurodivergent children? How do autistic and ADHD individuals experience the world? Each week, we explore these questions with practical strategies, emotional insight, and real stories. I’m Greer — a mum of two boys (and two dogs!) raising a child with special educational needs (SEN) alongside my husband. Our daily life looks different from the norm, but it’s full of love, advocacy, and growth. I started this podcast to create a space for parents of neurodivergent kids, educators, and allies to learn, connect, and build understanding together. You’ll hear parenting tips, advocacy guidance, sensory strategies, and personal reflections that shine a light on both the joys and challenges of neurodivergent parenting. Through heartfelt solo episodes and guest interviews, we’ll talk aboutEHCP or IEP processes, school support, emotional regulation, and the big feelings that come with raising ND kids. Whether you’re here as a parent of an autistic or ADHD child, a late-diagnosed adult, a teacher seeking insight, or someone wanting to understand the neurodivergent world, this podcast is your space to grow, connect, and know you’re not alone.

  1. ADHD, Chaos, and Calling: Finding Peace in the Energy with Dr. Kelly Cagle

    2 DAYS AGO

    ADHD, Chaos, and Calling: Finding Peace in the Energy with Dr. Kelly Cagle

    Is ADHD just chaos—or could it actually be a different kind of order? For many families, ADHD looks like never-ending energy, constant ideas, and a pace of life others can’t imagine. But what if we stopped calling it chaos and started calling it engagement? Meet Dr. Kelly Cagle, an educator, researcher, mom, and late-diagnosed ADHD adult. With a PhD in Education and lived experience in a neurodiverse household, Kelly bridges research and real life. She shares not just professional insights but practical tools, faith-filled encouragement, and hope for families who feel “too much.”TOPICS DISCUSSEDADHD in both parenting and personal lifeMasking and coping strategiesChaos vs. engagement in neurodiverse familiesMovement and brain activation for focusParenting neurodivergent children with ADHDFaith and identity in navigating ADHDListening as a tool for clarityBuilding supportive communitiesTAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODEADHD brains pay attention—just differently. Movement keeps focus alive.What looks like “chaos” is often deep engagement and imagination.Masking starts as early as age 3, shaping how girls especially present.Listening is key—at home, in friendships, and in advocacy.Families can (and should) redefine “normal” to fit their needs.ADHD is not brokenness; it’s another way of being fearfully and wonderfully made.LINKSConnect with Dr. Kelly Cagle Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min
  2. Unmasking Autism & ADHD: Michele Collier’s Journey of Late Diagnosis, Parenting, and Self-Trust

    25 SEPT

    Unmasking Autism & ADHD: Michele Collier’s Journey of Late Diagnosis, Parenting, and Self-Trust

    CHECK OUT THE UNFINISHED RESOURCES Did you know that nearly 20% of the world is neurodivergent—and that many don’t discover it until adulthood? For those of us navigating a late autism or ADHD diagnosis, the journey often feels like piecing together a puzzle we’ve been carrying all our lives. In this episode, we dive into what it really means to unmask, rebuild trust in yourself, and parent neurodivergent children with both compassion and clarity.Today’s guest, Michele Collier, is an autistic and ADHD mom raising two autistic children. Diagnosed later in life, Michele has walked the path of confusion, self-discovery, grief, and healing—and now she shares her wisdom openly to help others feel less alone.Together, we talk about:-What life looked like before Michele’s diagnosis-How parenting revealed even more about her neurodivergence-The difference between people-pleasing and masking-Practical tools for emotional regulation and self-trustTAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODEDiscover why so many autistic and ADHD women go undiagnosed until adulthood—and how that shapes identity.Learn how parenting neurodivergent children can bring clarity, validation, and even healing to your own diagnosis journey.Understand the difference between people-pleasing and masking—and why it matters for self-trust.Explore Michele’s concept of the “sphere of comfort” and how expanding it slowly can help you thrive without burnout.Be reminded that awareness and acceptance are not the same—and that true acceptance has to come from others, not just us.Follow Michele Collier on Instagram Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min
  3. Autism Is Not Your Fault: Responding to President Trump’s Comments

    23 SEPT

    Autism Is Not Your Fault: Responding to President Trump’s Comments

    In this bonus episode of The Unfinished Idea, I’m diving into recent comments made by President Trump about autism and medications during pregnancy. His remarks suggest a link between autism and what a mother takes while pregnant — but research has not shown this to be true. It’s important to talk about why statements like this are harmful: they place unnecessary blame on mothers, fuel stigma, and create fear instead of hope and support. If you’re a mama who has ever questioned yourself or carried guilt, hear this: autism is not your fault. In this episode, I unpack: Why President Trump’s comments about autism and pregnancy are misleading and harmful The truth about autism and what research actually tells us How these narratives increase guilt and shame for moms Why it’s critical to move the conversation away from blame and toward support, dignity, and acceptance A reminder that you are not alone — whether you’re raising a neurodivergent child, loving a neurodivergent spouse, or navigating life yourself as a neurodivergent person At the end of the day, autism isn’t about fault or blame. It’s about people — our kids, our friends, our spouses, our families. They are valuable, capable, and deeply loved. If you’ve ever felt isolated or weighed down by guilt, I want this episode to remind you: you are not alone, and it’s not your fault. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    10 min
  4. Understanding PDA: Parenting a Child with Pathological Demand Avoidance

    18 SEPT

    Understanding PDA: Parenting a Child with Pathological Demand Avoidance

    CHECK OUT UNFINISHED RESOURCES & MERCH! What if even the simplest request—like “put on your shoes”—triggered a fight-or-flight response? For families raising a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), this is everyday reality. Misunderstood, under-researched, and often dismissed, PDA presents unique challenges for both children and parents navigating a system that doesn’t always recognize it. Meet Jessie Townz, a mom raising a 7-year-old son with PDA. Jessie openly shares her journey of learning, adapting, and shifting her entire parenting mindset to meet her child’s needs. With lived experience and years of trial, error, and breakthroughs, Jessie brings both practical wisdom and encouragement to other parents navigating PDA.TOPICS DISCUSSEDWhat PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) really meansWhy PDA is not included in the DSM-5Common misunderstandings about PDA behaviorParenting strategies to reduce demands and calm dysregulationThe role of language and reframing requestsFamily dynamics and sibling impactsSupporting families with PDA childrenCultural and generational challenges in understanding PDATAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODEPDA is a nervous system disability—children aren’t choosing not to comply, they often can’t.Language matters: shifting from “You must” to supportive phrasing helps reduce anxiety.Dysregulation can take 90 minutes or more for a child to recover from, making prevention key.Parents often face judgment from others who don’t understand PDA—education and communication are vital.The mindset shift of “not won’t, but can’t” is life-changing for families.Supporting siblings and extended family education helps create a calmer home environment. LINKS:Follow Jessie’s journey Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    30 min
  5. Unmasking ADHD: Laurie’s Journey of Late Diagnosis, Identity, and Everyday Life

    11 SEPT

    Unmasking ADHD: Laurie’s Journey of Late Diagnosis, Identity, and Everyday Life

    What if everything you thought was “just your personality” turned out to be ADHD? For many late-diagnosed adults, that lightbulb moment brings both relief and grief. Laurie’s story shines a light on what it means to navigate identity, unmasking, and daily life with ADHD in a world that often misunderstands neurodivergence. Meet Laurie Faulkner, a content creator and advocate who was diagnosed with ADHD at 23 after years of feeling “different.” Her journey—from drama school to impulsively moving countries, working for Disney as a princess, and now openly sharing her ADHD story online—offers a relatable and refreshing perspective. Laurie speaks candidly about masking, overstimulation, impulsivity, and the hacks that help her thrive. She brings authenticity, humor, and honesty to the conversation, making her a powerful voice for the late-diagnosed neurodivergent community.TOPICS DISCUSSEDLate ADHD diagnosis in adulthoodMasking and unmaskingOverstimulation and sensory sensitivitiesImpulsivity and decision-making with ADHDHacks for managing focus and routinesSupporting neurodivergent friends and adultsNeurodiversity as a spectrumStrengths and struggles of ADHD brainsTAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODEADHD often goes unnoticed until adulthood, leaving many to feel “different” without knowing why.Masking can be exhausting—and unmasking is a process of rediscovering your true self.Impulsivity isn’t always a negative—sometimes it leads to incredible adventures and opportunities.Practical ADHD hacks include: doing tasks immediately, sticking to routines, and using tools like Google Calendar.Support for neurodivergent people looks like acceptance, honest communication, and accountability from those closest to them.Neurodivergence is a spectrum—every person’s experience is unique, and that diversity is a strength. Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min
  6. Fighting for Change: How Parents Are Transforming the SEND System with Hayley

    4 SEPT

    Fighting for Change: How Parents Are Transforming the SEND System with Hayley

    What happens when a system designed to support children with additional needs fails them instead? Across the UK, families are facing rejected applications, endless bureaucracy, and years of waiting for vital services. Behind the statistics are real children, real parents, and stories of resilience and determination. Today we dive into the fight for fair education and support for neurodivergent children. This week, Greer speaks with Hayley, a solicitor turned campaigner after her son was denied the support he urgently needed. What began as a personal battle soon grew into a national campaign, as Hayley discovered just how many families were being failed by the system.In this conversation, Hayley shares:Her personal journey navigating the EHCP process for her autistic sonHow local authorities are rejecting thousands of children in needThe creation of the grassroots group Let Us Learn TooPractical ways parents can advocate, both in the UK and beyondWhy changing the culture of SEND support is just as vital as changing the law. TOPICS DISCUSSEDSpecial Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)EHCPs and IEPs (UK & US perspectives)Parent advocacy and grassroots campaignsNeurodiversity in educationBarriers families face in the school systemGovernment policy and SEND reformSupporting children with autism and ADHDGlobal perspectives on best practices in education TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODEMany families in the UK are experiencing EHCP rejections, with some local authorities rejecting over 60% of applications.Hayley’s legal background didn’t shield her from the gaslighting, intimidation, and bureaucracy parents face—highlighting just how overwhelming the system is for most families.Campaigns like Let Us Learn Too and the Fight for Ordinary movement are giving parents and children a louder voice in Parliament and beyond.The most important shift needed? Moving from a “cost-saving” mindset back to a child-centered culture in education.Parents everywhere—whether in the UK, US, or elsewhere—can start small: break down their child’s needs, connect with others, and advocate persistently.Globally, there are models we can learn from—such as Ontario, Canada—showing that better systems are possible when we share best practices. Follow Hayley’s work with Let Us Learn Too Join the September 15th rally in London → [insert link] Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    28 min
  7. Parenting Neurodivergent Teens: ADHD, Autism, and the Teenage Years with Jheri South

    28 AUG

    Parenting Neurodivergent Teens: ADHD, Autism, and the Teenage Years with Jheri South

    Did you know that children with ADHD often hear over 20,000 corrective messages by the age of 10? Imagine the weight of that shame and self-doubt as they enter the already turbulent teenage years. For parents raising neurodivergent teens, the shift from childhood to adolescence can feel like everything changes overnight. But you’re not alone in this. In this episode, I sit down with Jheri South, mom of seven neurodivergent kids, ADHD/autism coach, and advocate. She shares her personal journey of navigating comorbidities, school struggles, mental health challenges, and how parenting styles can shape a child’s ability to advocate for themselves. You’ll hear about: What happens when hormones and neurodivergence collide Why role-playing is a powerful tool for autistic and ADHD teens How parents can shift from “discipline first” to “what does my child need?” The difference between authoritarian vs. authoritative parenting styles Why support systems matter for parents just as much as for kids TOPICS DISCUSSED Parenting neurodivergent teenagers ADHD and comorbidities (OCD, anxiety, depression) Puberty, hormones, and emotional regulation Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) Role-playing and self-advocacy skills Parenting styles (authoritarian vs. authoritative) Supporting parents of neurodivergent kids Redefining what “normal” looks like TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE Puberty can feel like a switch flips overnight for neurodivergent teens—what was once manageable suddenly becomes overwhelming. Medication and therapies aren’t one-size-fits-all. Even within the same family, every child may need something different. Behavior is communication. Instead of asking, “Is this normal or ADHD?”—ask, “What need is my child expressing?” Role-playing is key to helping kids with ADHD and autism build confidence in social situations and learn self-advocacy. Parenting differently is not weak. It’s intentional, adaptive, and exactly what our kids need. Parents need support too. A listening ear without judgment can be more powerful than advice. Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min
  8. Neurodivergent Sleep Struggles: Real Solutions for Better Nights

    21 AUG

    Neurodivergent Sleep Struggles: Real Solutions for Better Nights

    Sleep Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a LifelineIf you’re raising or supporting a neurodivergent child, you already know how tough bedtime can be. Meltdowns, 2 AM wake-ups, and total bedtime resistance are all too common. But what if there were real, gentle strategies that actually worked? In this episode, I speak with Lindsey Clark, sleep coach and neurodivergent parenting specialist, about why ND kids and adults often struggle with sleep—and how we can improve it without shame or rigid routines. Meet Our Guest: Lindsey ClarkLindsey is a certified sleep coach who specializes in supporting families of neurodivergent children. With experience working from birth through age 11, Lindsey brings practical, compassionate solutions that are backed by science and shaped by lived experience. Here’s what we cover:Why neurodivergent brains struggle with sleep (and how it’s not your fault)The five key reasons ND kids can’t “just fall asleep”How sensory input, anxiety, melatonin, and circadian rhythms impact restTools to support PDA, autism, and ADHD bedtime needsCreative strategies to regulate after school and wind down naturallyHow to include your child in designing a visual bedtime routineWhat actually helps exhausted parents function during hard seasons What We Talk AboutSleep and neurodivergence aren’t often discussed together—but they should be. Lindsey breaks down how factors like overstimulation, low melatonin, irregular circadian rhythms, and demand avoidance play a massive role in ND sleep issues. She shares why traditional sleep advice often backfires—and how personalized, sensory-aware solutions can help kids (and parents) get the rest they need. Key TakeawaysNeurodivergent kids can sleep well—it just may look different.Melatonin levels and body clocks are often out of sync in ND children, especially those with autism or ADHD.Simple changes—like light levels, visual schedules, and sensory checklists—can lead to big improvements.Bedtime routines don’t have to be perfect—they need to be personalized.Giving kids control (especially those with PDA profiles) helps lower anxiety and increase cooperation.Parents: Rest matters for you too. Even if it’s not sleep, don’t feel guilty taking time to recharge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min
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Welcome to The Unfinished Idea — a podcast all about parenting, autism, ADHD, and life in a neurodivergent family. Here, we open up honest conversations about neurodiversity, raising neurodivergent children, and navigating the everyday realities of SEN parenting. What’s it really like parenting a child with ADHD and autism? How can parents, teachers, and communities better support neurodivergent children? How do autistic and ADHD individuals experience the world? Each week, we explore these questions with practical strategies, emotional insight, and real stories. I’m Greer — a mum of two boys (and two dogs!) raising a child with special educational needs (SEN) alongside my husband. Our daily life looks different from the norm, but it’s full of love, advocacy, and growth. I started this podcast to create a space for parents of neurodivergent kids, educators, and allies to learn, connect, and build understanding together. You’ll hear parenting tips, advocacy guidance, sensory strategies, and personal reflections that shine a light on both the joys and challenges of neurodivergent parenting. Through heartfelt solo episodes and guest interviews, we’ll talk aboutEHCP or IEP processes, school support, emotional regulation, and the big feelings that come with raising ND kids. Whether you’re here as a parent of an autistic or ADHD child, a late-diagnosed adult, a teacher seeking insight, or someone wanting to understand the neurodivergent world, this podcast is your space to grow, connect, and know you’re not alone.

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