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. 3d ago

    S02E04 | The Quiet Grief of Parenting a Neurodivergent Child

    Is it okay to feel grief as the parent of a neurodivergent child? Dave and Emily turn up in their pyjamas, coffee in hand, to talk honestly about the quiet grief that creeps in when you compare your kids' lives to other families'. This isn't grief for our kids. We adore them exactly as they are. It's the micro disappointments: friendships that happen online instead of at the park, the birthday party that went wrong, the safe food cooked upside down, the drop-off that never happens. Then we flip it and share the big little wins that make it all worth it: a first solo shave, a gig with a 15-year-old who wanted Mum there the whole time, and a list in a notes app that got a family through burnout. We finish on the question every parent of a neurodivergent teen carries: will they be okay when we're gone? What's one big little win your family had this week? And if you're a neurodivergent adult, or you love one, what does life look like for you after school? Tell us in the comments. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Why we're in our pyjamas 01:20 Comparing our kids to other families 03:08 "I never had any expectations" 08:22 Grieving the experience, not the child 09:37 Friendships look different now 13:43 Wanting to go, and what it costs 16:18 The Optimus Prime birthday party 18:40 Waiting for the phone call from school 20:44 Footy, Starfish Nippers and finding a fit 26:32 The micro disappointments 30:40 The Father's Day food quest 35:32 The upside-down pizza 38:44 Why would they understand? 39:50 Flipping the script: big little wins 40:34 The camping dinner win 48:53 "Mum, I want you with me" 51:52 Movies with my son 52:47 The shower win 53:58 First solo shave 56:17 Keeping a wins list 57:47 Will he be okay when we're gone? 1:04:04 Dignity, not discipline 1:06:27 Celebrate the person, not the outcome ▶️ Subscribe to Different Is Normal: https://www.youtube.com/@differentisnormal 🌐 https://differentisnormal.live Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/differentisnormal TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@differentisnormal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/differentisnormal.podcast Threads: https://www.threads.com/@differentisnormal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davemharrison/ #DifferentIsNormal #AutismParenting #Neurodivergent #ParentingNeurodivergentKids

    S02E04 | The Quiet Grief of Parenting a Neurodivergent Child
  2. Sep 17

    What Does an Education Support Worker Actually Do? S02E3

    What does an Education Support Worker actually do? Dave works in a secondary school. Emily works across a primary school. In this episode of Different Is Normal, we take you inside the real day-to-day work of Education Support — and it’s a lot more than simply “helping kids in class”. We talk about academic, social, emotional and medical support, building relationships, school avoidance, modifying learning, reporting, camps, IEPs, understanding individual interests and triggers, and working alongside teachers. Dave shares the story of a student who returned to say goodbye after leaving his school — including a plush penguin and a moment that showed just how much their relationship had meant. We also explore school avoidance and why progress that might seem tiny from the outside can be enormous for a student. Sometimes success isn't completing a worksheet. Sometimes it's getting out of the car. Sometimes it's walking through the school gate. Sometimes it's looking through the classroom window. And sometimes, eventually, it's walking through that classroom door. Emily shares how knowing a student's interests helped her connect with a child returning after three weeks away from school, turning a difficult transition into engagement and participation. Great Education Support isn't about doing everything for a student. It's about understanding the individual, building trust, removing barriers and supporting greater independence. If you're an Education Support Worker, what's one moment that reminded you why you do this job? If you're a teacher, parent or student, what difference has a great Education Support Worker made to you? Tell us in the comments. CHAPTERS: 00:00 What does an Education Support Worker do? 00:10 A day in secondary school ES 01:29 Emily's day in primary school 02:27 Funding and student needs 03:13 The student Dave will never forget 04:01 Why Dave bought him a penguin 05:03 The goodbye that meant everything 06:16 “We lasted because of you” 06:49 The emotional side of ES 08:00 Supporting school avoidance 09:05 Getting through the school gate 10:05 Building trust through interests 11:07 From watching to entering the classroom 13:00 Celebrating the small wins 21:45 Camps and responsibilities 21:49 Reporting and observations 22:49 Modifying curriculum 23:28 Supporting complex medical needs 24:19 Documenting behaviour and progress 26:01 Why student history matters 26:39 Using interests to build engagement 28:11 Celebrating the wins 28:14 Learning from other ES staff 28:43 Why handovers matter 29:26 IEPs, interests and triggers 30:17 Why ES are integral to classrooms 31:34 Tell us about your ES experience 31:57 Something new is coming ▶️ Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/WqwZXnmIWsA ▶️ Subscribe to Different Is Normal: https://www.youtube.com/@differentisnormal 🌐 https://differentisnormal.live If conversations about neurodivergence, disability, education and the people supporting our kids matter to you, please consider subscribing. #EducationSupport #TeacherAide #InclusiveEducation #Neurodivergence #DifferentIsNormal

    What Does an Education Support Worker Actually Do? S02E3
  3. Aug 26

    Why Are Disabled Women So Much More Likely to Experience Violence?

    48% of women with disabilities have experienced physical violence. Women with Disabilities Victoria reports this compared with 28% of women without disabilities. It also reports that 33% of women with disabilities have experienced sexual violence. Those numbers are confronting. But this episode of Different Is Normal asks a different question: What do men need to change? Dave and Emily discuss violence against women, particularly neurodivergent and disabled women, and how dependence, communication differences, masking, compliance and unequal power can make abuse harder to recognise, report or escape. We explore abuse that isn’t always recognised: controlling money, withholding medication or transport, exploiting dependence, coercive control, speaking for someone and using a woman’s diagnosis to undermine her credibility. Then we turn the question onto men. What do we laugh at? What do we let slide? What do we do when another man crosses the line? What are boys learning from us? Why are women still being taught how to stay safe instead of men being taught not to make them unsafe? This isn’t a women’s problem to solve. Men need to be part of the change. What is one thing men can do in everyday life that would make women safer? Tell us in the comments. ▶️ Subscribe to Different Is Normal: https://www.youtube.com/@differentisnormal CHAPTERS: 00:00 The statistic we need to talk about 00:47 “It’s horrifying, but it’s our reality” 01:11 Sexual violence against women with disabilities 03:32 Why disabled women face greater risk 04:27 Why abuse can be harder to recognise 06:40 What responsibility do men have? 07:36 Abuse isn’t always physical or sexual 10:21 When “care” becomes control 11:51 Do women know they’re being abused? 13:55 Gaslighting, power and hidden abuse 16:23 This isn’t a women’s problem to solve 19:26 Most violence comes from someone women know 20:56 When your abuser is also your support person 22:53 Neurodivergence, compliance and late diagnosis 23:43 Stop asking “Why didn’t she leave?” 25:16 Stop putting responsibility on women 25:40 Men need to change 29:16 Sydney Swans and the media response 31:22 What violence isn’t making the news? 33:46 Why aren’t we seeing what’s happening? 36:42 Gender inequality starts young 38:18 What are children learning at home? 39:13 Men need to call sexism out 42:45 Silence contributes to the culture 44:05 Disability used to discredit women 45:08 Why reporting can feel impossible 46:47 Emily’s experience of workplace sexism 50:01 Do women need men to “protect” them? 51:31 Why women choose the bear 53:28 Men need to stop other men 53:39 What men can change tomorrow 55:34 Emily’s challenge to men 59:11 The question every man should ask 59:55 This is a men’s problem to solve 1:00:07 Start with yourself If conversations like this matter to you, please consider subscribing. We’re building a community where we talk openly about neurodivergence, disability and the parts of life that don’t always get discussed. CONTENT NOTE: This episode discusses sexual violence, physical violence, coercive control and abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse in Australia, contact 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 https://www.1800respect.org.au/ If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. #ViolenceAgainstWomen #Disability #Neurodivergence #DifferentIsNormal #GenderBasedViolence #DisabilityRights #MensResponsibility #CoerciveControl

    Why Are Disabled Women So Much More Likely to Experience Violence?
  4. Aug 19

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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

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.