Parenting Autism and ADHD

Cliff Kilmister
  • 4.7 (3)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1d ago

    Channel 4's The Great ADHD Myth: The Inside Story On What They Didn't Show with Sarah Warley

    Sarah Warley joins us to discuss her experience with appearing on Channel 4’s controversial documentary The Great ADHD Myth, including the last-minute title change, why so much of her contribution never made it into the programme, what was cut and the debate it sparked across the ADHD community. We talk about why diagnosis should be the start of the journey, not the end; possible links between the Moro reflex and sensory overwhelm; and how nutrition and other biological factors may influence symptoms. Sarah also shares practical ideas from her CARE framework, discusses medication alongside other approaches, and reflects on why neurodivergent strengths may matter even more in the age of AI. Sarah, founder of The Key Clinic, has spent more than a decade helping families explore evidence-based support. She knows that every person is different, and that understanding what’s behind that particular person´s difficulties is an effective way to move forward Whether you're a parent, neurodivergent yourself, or simply trying to understand ADHD better, this conversation is packed with practical ideas and hope. EPISODE REVEALS The debate around ADHD has started to become so polarised that the people actually living with neurodivergence are at risk of being lost in the middle. A diagnosis should be a starting point, not a verdict.  There are many potential underlying contributors that are worth investigating, including sensory sensitivities, retained reflexes, gut health related issues and nutrient imbalances. Neurodivergent brains have strengths e.g. creativity, the ability to think laterally and big-picture thinking. We need to get better at recognising and leveraging those strengths. Just because someone has a diagnosis doesn’t mean their difficulties are set in stone. The goal isn’t to change who they are, but to remove the barriers getting in their way. BEST MOMENTS “I thought, well, this is good. You know, we can talk about all those different things. That's not what happened. I mean, oh my goodness! At the 11th hour, they changed the name of it to the Great ADHD Myth.” "We're not trying to cure someone, we're not trying to fix someone, but we're trying to remove the bits that are getting in the way of them being able to be their best selves.” "Don't try and be perfectionist. Start with where you're at." ABOUT THE GUEST https://bebright.ai https://www.thekeyclinic.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/

    Channel 4's The Great ADHD Myth: The Inside Story On What They Didn't Show with Sarah Warley

  2. Sep 30

    Is ADHD even a Disorder? — With Hypnotherapist Chris Marsh

    In this fascinating episode, I’m joined by Chris Marsh, an ADHD specialist, root cause therapist and fellow neurodivergent thinker, for a deep conversation about ADHD, trauma, anxiety, productivity, healing and what it really means to be “normal.” We explore why so many neurodiverse people spend their lives feeling like they’re getting things wrong - particularly at school and work - and how years of negative feedback can create anxiety, people-pleasing, imposter syndrome and low self-worth.  We discuss procrastination, hyperfocus, creativity, meditation, hypnosis and the subconscious mind, including how Chris uses root-cause therapy to help people understand and change deeply embedded patterns. Before venturing into the spiritual side of things with past-life regression, shamanic healing, meditation experiences and cacao ceremonies. This is a conversation about finding ways to work with yourself rather than constantly fighting against yourself.  EPISODE REVEALS Procrastination isn’t laziness. It’s a natural signal that your fast-switching brain needs a timeout to clear gridlock and unlock creative flow. Root causes sit in the subconscious. Talking therapy rationalises experiences - real shifts happen at a subconscious level where protective fear patterns can finally be released. World-changing innovation comes from diverse thinking. Breakthroughs require someone to look at established wisdom, refuse to accept it, and obsessively hyperfocus on a new idea until they determine whether it works.  Meditation gives your brain the chance to reset. Hypnosis goes even deeper and Reiki can help your body as well as your brain to deeply reset. A neurodiverse brain isn't built for flatline productivity. Forcing a 9-to-5 output ignores how an ADHD mind works. Engaging the body with activities like running or gym work distracts the conscious mind, letting the subconscious untangle complex problems. BEST MOMENTS “It's only considered disordered because it doesn't fit in with the societal expectations”  “Find your way of doing stuff, your normal” "People are either in suffering or healing...until you make that choice it won´t work." “I fixed more problems running down the canal than I did sat at my desk” ABOUT THE GUEST linkedin.com/in/chris-marsh-7678b64 www.developlink.com email: chris.marsh@developlink.com www.facebook.com/DevelopLinkwww.instagram.com/developlink_uk/ Helen Valentino episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thriving-not-surviving-rsd-burnout-and-gentle-adhd/id1810681675?i=1000751281425&l=vi 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 at: 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. 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/

  3. Sep 23

    The Communication Mistake That Leaves Autistic Children and Adults Feeling Misread and Unseen with Sam Loprete

    In this episode I sit down with autism coach Sam Loprete to talk about growing up undiagnosed, feeling “odd but not sure why,” and only later discovering you have ADHD. We swap stories about childhood moments that were seen as shyness or bad behaviour, but were really signs of overwhelm, unclear rules, and needs no one thought of.  Sam explains how simple curiosity from others in your life at the right time can change everything, and why being truly listened to is so powerful for autistic adults. We also look at masking as a choice rather than a rule and share practical ways to catch harsh self-talk and replace it with kinder, more accurate thoughts, for yourself or for your child.   EPISODE REVEALS You’re not broken; there are reasons for your behaviour. Overwhelm, unclear rules, or your social battery running low often explains shutdown or odd behaviour. Having someone who is calm, curious, and non-judgmental to listen to you help you untangle your thoughts and identify what really matters for you makes a huge difference.   When your brain is being mean and attacking you, gently challenge it instead of letting it run the show.   Think about when masking genuinely helps you and when it costs too much energy. Masking is exhausting so deciding whether to continue to use it and in what circumstances helps. Do your best to meet others halfway to help close the communication gap. But be honest about how much bandwidth you have and remember that it won’t always work perfectly (and that’s okay). BEST MOMENTS “I spent a lot of time needlessly hating myself or not understanding what was happening.” “Thank your brain - it may not feel like it, but your brain is trying to keep you safe.” “You can't do it when the meltdown or the shutdown is in place. You've got to strike while the iron's cold." ABOUT THE GUEST Sam Loprete  helps autistic adults and chronic overthinkers sort through too many thoughts, find the issue that actually matters, and choose a next move that makes sense to them.  You can bring him any decision, conflict, problem, or mental pile without organizing it first; Sam listens closely, asks direct questions, reflects patterns, and helps you separate facts from fears, assumptions, values, and expectations.  He doesn’t diagnose or tell you how to live. Sam works with autistic you in a flexible, collaborative way, adjusting to fit how your mind works. samloprete10792@gmail.com https://calendly.com/samloprete10792/free-1-hour-discovery-call 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. 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/

    The Communication Mistake That Leaves Autistic Children and Adults Feeling Misread and Unseen with Sam Loprete

  4. Sep 16

    Inside a Neurodiverse/Neurotypical Relationship: Making Sure You Both Thrive With Niall Arraglen

    Today, I sit down with learning disabilities dementia nurse and trainer Niall Arraglen, who shares what he’s learned from life inside a neurodiverse civil partnership with his AuDHD partner, Julia. From late ADHD diagnosis and the impact perimenopause/menopause has on ADHD and Autism to time blindness, noise, tidiness, and emotional bandwidth, Niall opens up about the real, everyday relationship dynamics behind the labels. Together, we explore how partners can move from frustration to understanding and patience using self-reflection, and practical tweaks. If you love, live with, or support someone who’s neurodivergent, or you are yourself neurodivergent, this honest conversation will provide insights that help you to feel seen, less alone, and empowered. EPISODE REVEALS In mixed neurodiverse, neurotypical relationships both partners need to be aware of their behaviour patterns and why they act the way they do and to be willing to work at changing what they can.  Understand and accept that there are some things your neurodiverse partner cannot change. Find gentle ways to adapt to and accommodate those things. Tailor the way the family works to play to each other’s strengths. For example, if one of you is obsessively tidy but doesn’t see dirt, they keep the home tidy, while you clean. Don’t be resentful about the accommodations you make for your partner’s neurodivergence or the adaptations you make or your neurotypical partner. Instead, see learning to be patient, adaptable and accepting as an opportunity to grow personally.  ADHD and Autism symptoms and your ability to adapt and cope with them can evolve. In particular, during menopause or perimenopause or with HRT treatment. Be aware of this, so you can recognise big changes and adapt quickly. BEST MOMENTS "Just because I can't explain how Julia's brain works doesn't mean that there's anything wrong with it."  "Our partners with ADHD might not always have the energy or the attention to show up in the relationship like we expect them to." "There are times where we need to care for ourselves so that we can care better for each other down the line." "Labelling is really useful because once you know what you can then figure out how why and come up with different ways of connecting with your partner and understanding." ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.arraglen.com/ 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. 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/

    Inside a Neurodiverse/Neurotypical Relationship: Making Sure You Both Thrive With Niall Arraglen

  5. Sep 9

    From Meltdown to Momentum: How The ADHDump App Gets You There with Christina Forster

    In this episode I sit down with Christina Forster, a nurse, mum of five including two with autism and one with a fitting condition. She is the co‑creator of the ADHDump app which was born the day her husband realised he could no longer cope with driving to work with his head full of tasks he hadn´t done and knew he would never remember to do. For neurodivergent adults who feel like life is one long string of “I’ll do it later”, ADHDump turns car-thoughts, passing worries and random to-dos into one spoken brain dump that resurfaces twice a day in calm 8am / 8pm check-ins you can actually act on. For partners who’ve quietly become the executive function for every member of the family, shifting tasks into the app – scanning letters, breaking rooms into tiny steps, pushing deadlines into calendars – means you no longer have to think for everyone just to keep the wheels on. EPISODE REVEALS In ADHD households, one partner can end up carrying the executive function for everyone - appointments, finding things and keeping the family on track. Over time, that load often becomes too much. ADHD overwhelm snowballs quickly. Losing your keys can mean being late, forgetting everything else, doom scrolling, snapping and ending the day with guilt. Just trying harder does not work with ADHD. Using tools to get things out of your head, stored safely with a summary reminder of your tasks delivered only twice a day, does work. No more notes you forget to look at. Saying things out loud for the app to capture enables you to catch thoughts before they disappear. Big jobs feel easier when broken into steps e.g. make the bed, pick up the clothes, tick it off, move on. Show the app the job and let it give you the steps and checklist. Brain-dumping as things happen improves therapy outcomes. You share your real examples and patterns with your therapist instead of your highly flawed recollection of what happens to you. BEST MOMENTS "Without the app, other people might struggle … that could lead to, and probably has, divorce separations. Because the partner just can't continue to be the executive function, because of the load."   "Take some time before rushing in." "Maybe today it seems hard, but you'll get through. Tomorrow's coming. Tomorrow's another day." "Don't try to think you have to do everything. Everybody has a strength." ABOUT THE GUEST https://adhdump.com.au/ https://apps.apple.com/au/app/adhdump/id6760986953 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.com.adhdump&pcampaignid=web_share 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. 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/

    From Meltdown to Momentum: How The ADHDump App Gets You There with Christina Forster

  6. Sep 2

    The Neurodiverse Truth About Reading, Notes, and Forgetting Everything in Pivotal Moments

    Neurodiversity doesn’t just show up in diagnoses - it shows up in “wrong” spoons, cupboards you can’t keep tidy, shouting “will you shut up” in class when the noise is too much, and sitting on your phone at parties because you can’t face small talk.   In this episode, Eva and I share how ADHD and autism really feel in day‑to‑day life: popcorn reading that feels like torture, rereading the same line over and over, forgetting to turn the oven off for hours, racing through shops to escape the crowds, and struggling with interviews and eye contact even when you’re more than capable.   If you’ve ever come home completely wiped out from normal social stuff or wondered why your child can talk nonstop about their special interests but forgets everything else, this episode will help you feel seen and understood. EPISODE REVEALS Neurodiversity often shows up in tiny details that look silly to others. For example, a spoon that is too heavy, the wrong shape or sounds wrong if it touches your teeth. Those micro‑sensory experiences can shape your whole day.   Forgetting to turn the oven off, leaving doors open for now reason and struggling to keep cupboards organised aren’t laziness. They are examples of how ADHD/autistic brains juggle (and drop) multiple tasks at once.   Popcorn reading, noisy classrooms and group support sessions can be genuinely distressing for someone who is neurodiverse even for chatty or confident kids who seem fine on the outside.   Parties, shops, and boot fairs can swing from fun to unbearable in seconds.  Hiding behind your phone or snapping “shut up!” are often signs of overload, rather than bad behaviour.   Writing things down, moving your body e.g. stimming and leaning into special interests can all help soothe looping thoughts and social anxiety. BEST MOMENTS "You're neurodiverse, and you can turn anything into a stimming tool."   "Make notes…. park it on that page and get it out of your brain." "If I'm overstimulated, it's not just my problem. It's now everyone's." "My brain has auditory processing issues. I only hear bits of a sentence sometimes" RESOURCES Evas channel: https://youtube.com/shorts/vX4xOtMG95w?si=uqWJ-TF8zzWrRMIS Famisafe Parental control App Link: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD My new sci fi book:  https://amzn.eu/d/03OVCuJN Multiverse Vortex: The Mandela Effect Book 2 – Sci-Fi Thriller of Time Travel and Survival in Parallel Worlds (The Mandela Effect Series) 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/

    The Neurodiverse Truth About Reading, Notes, and Forgetting Everything in Pivotal Moments

  7. Aug 26

    The Great ADHD Myth? Do You Feel Safe?

    In this episode, I unpack why I chose not to watch Channel 4’s The Great ADHD Myth - and why sometimes protecting your peace is more important than having an opinion on everything. I explore the power of attention, anxiety, boundaries, and the reminder from Nikki Masterman that one television programme doesn’t change who we are, what we experience, or the support and protections available to us. This episode is also about why you don’t have to watch something that triggers you, argue with everyone online, or prove that your experience is real. Sometimes the most powerful choice is simply not to give something your attention. Your energy really does go where your attention flows. EPISODE REVEALS ADHD is not a social construct; it’s a daily lived reality that has a massive impact on all aspects of your life. You and the people who know you and your family fully understand that. “The Great ADHD Myth” documentary doesn’t change the reality of ADHD or autism. Nor does it change your legal right to support at work and school.   What you watch and share feeds the very narratives you’re resisting. The most powerful response to those that doubt that ADHD exists or constantly criticise how you deal with being neurodiverse and the way society supports you, is to give them nothing- No views, clicks or outrage.  You’re allowed to protect your energy; you don’t have to watch programmes that you know will trigger anxiety or shame.    Choose to spend your time in higher‑vibration spaces: podcasts, communities and with professionals who validate your experience and help you feel safe, heard, seen and supported.   Creating boundaries around media, work and systems are acts of self‑kindness that protect both you and your neurodivergent children.   BEST MOMENTS "ADHD is not a social construct. It is a real challenge for individuals in life, and I see it daily with clients, my family, and even within myself.” – Nikki Masterman  "Nothing has changed. My ADHD didn't change because of Channel Four releasing a broadcast television programme. You're safe. I'm safe." "Energy flows where attention goes." RESOURCES Niki Masterman´s review of The Great ADHD Myth - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nikkimasterman_adhd-neurodiversity-inspiredhr-activity-7496197221898457088-WjVf 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/

    The Great ADHD Myth? Do You Feel Safe?

  8. Aug 19

    Why Traditional Sleep Advice Fails ADHD & Autistic Children with Michelle Cyril

    For neurodivergent families sleep problems are common, but most traditional sleep strategies simply don't work. Today, a paediatric sleep specialist, Michelle Cyril joins me, to explore why sleep can be particularly challenging for autistic and ADHD children, who become adults that struggle with it too. Michelle shares how her own experience led her to combine evidence-based sleep practice with a neuro affirming approach. We explore calming busy brains at bedtime, meeting nighttime sensory needs, demand stacking, bedtime routines, screens, nutrition, and body clocks. Most importantly, we look at ways to make bedtime more predictable, less pressured, and more suited to the individual child. EPISODE REVEALS Identifying a sleep window that works for your child is more useful than following a fixed number, e.g. 8 hours. Compressing your sleep block, so you stay asleep for longer, then, gradually stretching that  block out is effective. Bringing joy, laughter, sensory support, and connection into bedtime can help both parent and child become more regulated.  Laughter disengages the fight or flight response. Complicated nighttime sleep routines create a sensory nightmare. Simplifying things e.g. showering in the morning, cleaning teeth after eating tea instead of just before bed reduces that burden. Processing the day and planning for tomorrow before bedtime helps to switch the brain off. Screen time is not necessarily a bad thing. But keep screens out of the bedroom. Sleep becomes easier when children learn to recognise tiredness. Consistent wake times and exposure to daylight in the morning helps support the body clock.  BEST MOMENTS “Why do so many neurodivergent brains seem to treat bedtime as merely a suggestion, I go to bed and my head hits the pillow, and I'm awake.” “It's about getting into a rhythm rather than a routine.” “Sleep deprivation just ripples and affects so many other things,” “Sometimes just trusting your own instincts as a parent isn't such a bad thing after all.” ABOUT THE GUEST  https://familysleepspecialist.co.uk Book a FREE call  - https://bit.ly/FREE-Call-MichelleCyril FREE Facebook group -  https://bit.ly/NeurodivergentSleepHelp FREE Guide  - HELP your autistic and ADHD child switch off their busy brain at bedtime  -  https://welcome.familysleepspecialist.co.uk/busy-brains-guide 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/

    Why Traditional Sleep Advice Fails ADHD & Autistic Children with Michelle Cyril
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 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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