ADHD Mums Jane McFadden

This episode of ADHD Mums features Ceri Sanford, an ADHD compassion coach who shares her journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and how she embraces her neurodiversity.
Ceri discusses the challenges and humorous mishaps she faced while attempting to schedule the interview, highlighting common ADHD traits like forgetfulness and lack of attention to detail. She delves into the importance of compassion towards oneself, particularly for those with ADHD, and provides insights on navigating life's daily challenges without succumbing to shame or unrealistic standards.
Ceri also talks about her educational background, her decision to pivot her career towards helping people with ADHD, and the conception of her Compassion Project and aimed at fostering a more compassionate and understanding relationship with ADHD.
The conversation emphasizes self-awareness, the importance of making life adjustments that cater to ADHD needs, and advocating for a realistic portrayal of ADHD and motherhood on social media.
The episode wraps up with Ceri encouraging listeners to embrace their ADHD challenges with compassion and understanding.
Check out Ceri on her below website:
https://www.cerisandford.com/

**Trigger warning: there is discussion of a child disclosing suicidal tendencies**
This episode of the ADHD Mums Podcast features a heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Alana Mannix about the complexities of co-parenting children with additional needs, particularly in the face of diagnosis disagreements.
Jane and Alana delve into their personal experiences with ADHD, the importance of seeking documented evidence and working collaboratively with schools, and the challenges of navigating relationships with ex-partners who may not be on the same page regarding their children's needs.
Key Highlights:
-Alana shares the challenges she faced in getting a diagnosis for her children due to disagreements with her ex-partner.
- The importance of documented evidence from schools and medical professionals in supporting children’s needs.
- Strategies for effective communication with ex-partners, including keeping communication open and factual, and inviting them to participate in medical appointments.
- Personal insights into managing ADHD as adults and parents, including medication experiences and the impact of ADHD on daily life and decision-making.
- The role of supportive communities and professional advice in navigating the journey of parenting neurodiverse children in a co-parenting setting.
The discussion also covers the broader implications of diagnosis and acceptance within families, offering valuable advice and solidarity to parents facing similar struggles.

This episode of ADHD Mums features a conversation with Bessie Campbell, a typical Aussie Mum ADHDer who shares her journey of being late-diagnosed with a combined presentation of ADHD, Autism and complex PTSD. Bessie, a mother and a professional in social services, discusses the challenges of managing ADHD inattentiveness, incorporating rigorous systems to stay organized, and the identity crisis following her diagnosis.
The conversation touches upon the intersectionality of autism, ADHD, and complex PTSD in Bessie's life, highlighting struggles with identity, motherhood, and the exhaustive effort required to maintain semblances of organization.
Additionally, they delve into the societal perceptions of Autism and ADHD, discussing the implications of labelling these conditions as disorders versus differences.

Jane is back with ALL the questions she gets in her DMs - why did she change her mind on medicating her kids?
Jane discusses her personal experience with medication/paeds and her children and also discusses the WHY, WHY did she change her mind?
Highlights
What was the process to medicate a child?Why do you do it?Does that mean your child is short and won't eat food?Why give a child a stimulant who is hyperactive?Do these meds make children lose their personality?What side effects are there and what benefits are there?What does the research say on ADHD and outcomes of children who are medicated or not medicated?Will ADHD change my child's brain so they function better in the future?
* This isn't an expert point of view, it is a personal experience, everyone should seek medical advice or see their treating prescribing for their professional opinion when varying their medication**
**If you loved this episode and want to go ahead and get a diagnosis for yourself or your children - check out www.adhdmums.com.au/resources for downloadable guides on paediatricians and psychiatrists**
Previous episode on Medication and Psychiatrists here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2BgE5R09fJG4bXqf2QJL0R?si=3U0vo4k9QcKXA6r9QHCjwg
Credit to Dr Andrew Huberman, there is research from him in this podcast episode. Check him out at the Huberman lab.
Credit also to Dr. Daniel Armin from Armin Clinics

This episode of the ADHD Mums Podcast features a candid conversation with Kaitlyn Faulkner from @holding_mama, who shares her personal experiences with ADHD, autism, and motherhood, living in rural New South Wales.
Kaitlyn discusses the challenges and joys of parenting three boys with neurodivergent traits, managing impulsivity and the need for routine, and her journey to a dual diagnosis of ADHD and autism facilitated by telehealth options during the pandemic.
The episode also touches on the importance of breaking stigmas surrounding neurodivergence, embracing one's identity to model self-acceptance for children, and the struggle with guilt and expectations in motherhood. Kaitlyn and Jane explore the complexities of finding balance, seeking support, and the reality that many mothers experience far more struggles than joy in their motherhood journey.
Kaitlyn lists Panda as a resource - check it out here
and Dr Sophie Brock check her out here
If you'd like to follow Kaitlyn her IG is here where she shows her journey openly and honestly. It's a great page.
If you loved this type of theme, check out 'The Untold Struggles of Motherhood' (Part 1) with a different guest story here

This episode Jane interviews Nicki Farrell from The Wildlings Forest School which delves into the intricacies of non-traditional education paths, starting with a Jane's journey from public and private schooling to homeschooling due to bullying and a lack of support in the classrooms.
It highlights the emotional and societal challenges of homeschooling, discussing with Nikki how the current education system doesn't offer flexibility, individualisation, and a broad range of learning opportunities.
The conversation then shifts to cover childhood ambitions within the scope of neurodiversity, emphasising the importance of passion-led learning and catering to autistic children's interests to boost their confidence and emotional well-being.
Nicki and Jane question traditional schooling in the age of technology and AI, and advocates for a more personalised approach to education that values individual needs and interests over conformity.
The overall message is that we need to look into educational choices that prioritise mental health, individual growth, and the breaking down of stigmas surrounding neurodiversity.
Check out Nicki and the Wildling Forest school here