NeuroDADverse

Danny Eycott - Ben Wisdom-Quieros

The NeuroDADverse is more than just a podcast, it’s a weekly therapy session between two long-time friends reconnecting through the shared highs and lows of neurodivergent parenthood. Danny is raising a six-year-old, while Ben is navigating life with two teenagers. Between them, their lived experiences span early years and adolescence, offering valuable perspective for any parent on the neurodivergent journey. Their conversations blend lived wisdom, raw honesty, and light-hearted reflection, often with Danny just entering stages that Ben has already faced. This dynamic brings warmth, curiosity, and relatable storytelling that resonates across all ages and stages of parenting. At its heart, The NeuroDADverse exists because parenting neurodivergent children can feel incredibly isolating. Many of society’s norms simply don’t apply and it’s rare to find someone who truly hears you. This podcast was born from the need to find and grow that tribe. A space where parents can feel seen, heard, and appreciated. Whether you’re in the thick of meltdowns, laughing uncontrollably with them or even just wondering about diagnoses you’re not alone. Here, we speak with love, lead though our understanding and share with honesty. This is a space for ideas, laughter, and connection. Please remember: You are doing better than you think. You are enough. You are not alone. Welcome to the NeuroDADverse.“ Real talk from two dads raising neurodivergent kids with love, laughter, and plenty of chaos. Connect with us on Instagram, TikTok and watch us on Youtube @NeuroDadversepodcast Theme music by Hands Up! https://www.instagram.com/handsuppunk/?hl=en Show produced by Squid Shack Studios https://www.instagram.com/squidshackstudios/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. A Huge School Win, Confidence Boosts, & A Football Breakthrough

    18M AGO

    A Huge School Win, Confidence Boosts, & A Football Breakthrough

    🎙 The NeuroDADverse – Episode 38 This week on the podcast, we celebrate some unexpected parenting wins. Dan shares a huge moment in Frankie’s school journey, when getting to school finally seemed to feel easier after months of difficult transitions. For many SEND parents, the hardest part of the day isn’t the classroom… it’s simply getting through the gate. Meanwhile, Ben shares a brilliant moment of confidence for Mabel after being asked to play for her school football team, stepping up, defending ruthlessly, and even winning Player of the Match. In this episode, we talk about: • The anxiety parents feel during school transitions • When transport works… but the school gate doesn’t • The importance of supportive school staff • Building respect and family relationships with grandparents • Watching your child discover confidence through sport • Why small moments can feel like huge victories in neurodivergent parenting • Preparing for the week ahead — from World Book Day costumes to EHCP reviews From the outside, these might look like small everyday stories. But inside neurodivergent family life… they’re massive. hapter Breakdown (49 min) ⏱ 00:00 – Welcome to The NeuroDADverse Why we share the highs and lows of neurodivergent parenting ⏱ 02:00 – This Week’s Parenting Wins ⏱ 04:30 – Frankie’s School Transport Success When the transition to school finally starts working ⏱ 09:30 – The Anxiety of Morning Transitions The emotional load parents carry every school day ⏱ 15:30 – Supportive Schools Make All the Difference ⏱ 19:00 – Why Getting Through the Gate Matters ⏱ 24:00 – Ben’s Family Win: Respect Around the Table A small but meaningful moment with grandparents ⏱ 30:00 – Mabel’s Football Breakthrough ⚽ First match, strong defending, and Player of the Match ⏱ 35:30 – Confidence in Teenage Years ⏱ 38:40 – Looking Ahead to the Week World Book Day, school events and busy schedules ⏱ 44:30 – EHCP Reviews & Advocacy for Your Child ⏱ 48:00 – Final Thoughts: Parenting Wins Matter 🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world. Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life. If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations — you’re not alone here. 🔔 New episodes weekly 📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show 📧 neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 All links & platforms: 👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible 📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube 📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting #ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
  2. Autism + Birthday Parties = 3 Transitions,1 Party Bus, No Meltdown | NeuroDADverse Ep 37

    FEB 27

    Autism + Birthday Parties = 3 Transitions,1 Party Bus, No Meltdown | NeuroDADverse Ep 37

    🎙️ The NeuroDADverse – Episode 37. What happens when you stack: • Lunch • Multiple transitions • A birthday party bus • A house full of unfamiliar kids • A non-speaking autistic child • And a busy week of solo parenting ahead Honestly? We expected it to unravel. In this episode, Dan shares a surprisingly brilliant autism parenting win, navigating three transitions in one afternoon and watching Frankie slowly integrate into a sensory-filled birthday party. But that’s only half the story. Ben shares what’s coming up in his world: • A performance debut • Logistical juggling • A week of near-solo parenting • And the mental load that comes when one parent is “on duty” We talk about: • Why transitions are often harder than the event itself • The invisible strategy behind “just popping to a party” • Social pressure from other parents • Leaving on a high (and why that matters) • How busy weeks affect regulation — for kids and adults • Why positive energy before a tricky week is sometimes the best strategy From the outside, this week might look simple. From the inside? It was layered, strategic, emotional, and quietly successful. If you’ve ever: • Avoided a party because the risk felt too high • Mentally rehearsed three transitions before leaving the house • Balanced work, identity and parenting • Or found yourself solo for the week, wondering how sleep will go… 🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world. Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life. If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations — you’re not alone here. 🔔 New episodes weekly 📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show 📧 neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 All links & platforms: 👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible 📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube 📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting #ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK Chapter Breakdown ⏱️ 00:00 – Welcome to The NeuroDADverse ⏱️ 02:00 – A Surprisingly Lovely Week ⏱️ 05:30 – The Ambitious Plan: Lunch + Party ⏱️ 09:30 – Transitioning Out of the House ⏱️ 14:30 – Familiar Spaces & Regulation ⏱️ 20:30 – The Party Bus Moment ⏱️ 25:00 – Social Pressure & Being the Only Non-Verbal Child ⏱️ 30:00 – Slow Integration Strategy ⏱️ 34:00 – Buffets, Boundaries & Pizza Diplomacy ⏱️ 37:00 – Singing Happy Birthday & Pattern Recognition ⏱️ 40:00 – Leaving on a High ⏱️ 42:30 – Ben’s Week Ahead: Performance Debut ⏱️ 44:30 – Solo Parenting Logistics & Sleep Realities ⏱️ 46:30 – Positive Energy Before a Busy Week ⏱️ 48:00 – Final Reminder: You’re Doing Great Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
  3. Rebuilding confidence, A new connection? & A games day

    FEB 20

    Rebuilding confidence, A new connection? & A games day

    In Episode 36 of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan reflect on a week full of quiet but powerful wins, where confidence is rebuilding, teens are choosing connection, and safe spaces are doing their job. This week includes: Confidence growing in school and sportNervousness about tests turning into positive surprisesRepairing self-belief after academic doubtTeens asking to watch films and game togetherCouch co-op gaming as connection (Resident Evil, It Takes Two, Split Fiction)SEND gym inclusion and the power of adaptive spacesSafe environments where kids don’t have to explain themselvesFootball confidence and school enjoymentWhy mood matters more than metricsHalf-term flexibility and leaving space for spontaneityChoosing optimism without forcing it As always, we want to remind you: You’re doing great. You are enough. And you’re definitely not alone. 🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world. Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life. If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations — you’re not alone here. 🔔 New episodes weekly 📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show 📧 neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 All links & platforms: 👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible 📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube 📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting #ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Episode 36 00:43 – Wins of the Week Begin 01:47 – Rebuilding Confidence at School 03:12 – Science Test Surprise & Self-Belief Repair 05:10 – Football Confidence & Peer Recognition 07:48 – Not Writing Yourself Off Too Early 09:22 – Teens Choosing to Watch Films Together 11:08 – Couch Co-op Gaming as Connection 13:30 – Resident Evil, Strategy & Shared Joy 16:42 – Why Gaming Side by Side Matters 18:55 – “Busy, Busy, Busy” & Jumping at the Moments 20:18 – Shared Teen Experiences & Safe Spaces 22:32 – SEND Gym & Inclusive Environments 24:44 – Letting Kids Play Without Ownership Battles 27:12 – Confidence Growing in Class & Sport 29:40 – The Power of Enjoying School 31:04 – Looking Ahead to Half-Term 33:20 – Flexible Planning with Teens 35:10 – Pancake Day Traditions & Low-Pressure Fun 37:23 – Wildlife Park Plans & Nostalgia 39:50 – Why These Weeks Matter 42:17 – Letting Go of Rigid Planning 44:36 – Celebrating Without Forcing Big Narratives 46:12 – Final Reflections & Gratitude 47:32 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
  4. End of term exhaustion, sleep struggles, school stress & unexpected wins! | NeuroDADverse Ep35

    FEB 13

    End of term exhaustion, sleep struggles, school stress & unexpected wins! | NeuroDADverse Ep35

    In Episode 35 of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan navigate the penultimate week of term, and it's a busy one! Where sleep disruption, school attendance anxiety, and end-of-term exhaustion collide with some genuinely powerful parenting wins. This week includes: Sleep struggles and melatonin conversationsAnxiety around school attendance and assessmentWhy state education can feel especially complex for neurodivergent familiesManaging expectations around punctuality and timeA missed school bus… that didn’t turn into a meltdownEmotional regulation in the momentSupportive school staff who understandCommunication progresses through PECS and social storiesThe power of lowering parental pressureA football night that turned into a core memoryHeadphones, regulation, and navigating crowdsLetting kids be themselves on dress-up daysWhy “just get them to school” sometimes matters more than the clock This episode is about recognising progress in moments that once would have exploded and learning to trust the growth you’ve already built. 🎙️ Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world. Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life. If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations, you’re not alone here. 🔔 New episodes weekly 📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show 📧 neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 All links & platforms: 👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible 📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube 📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting #ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Episode 35 00:43 – End-of-Term Energy & Busy, Busy, Busy 02:16 – Sleep Struggles & Melatonin Conversations 06:25 – Anxiety, Bedtime & Biological Differences 10:40 – School Attendance & Emotional Load 12:38 – Why State Education Is Complicated for ND Families 13:51 – The School Bus Change (The Challenge) 16:30 – Toilet, Missed Bus & Instant Adaptation 19:13 – The Regulation Win: No Meltdown 22:02 – Time, Punctuality & Rethinking the Clock 24:17 – Break 24:47 – WIN: A Football Night at The Valley 27:26 – Headphones, Crowds & Walking in the Dark 28:09 – “They Didn’t Win… But I Had a Nice Time” 29:23 – Communication Wins & PECS Progress 33:18 – Parental Pressure & Letting It Bed In 36:34 – Looking Ahead to the Final Week of Term 38:04 – Dress-Up Days & Identity 41:41 – Choosing Princess Leia 44:22 – Assessment Anxiety & Fear of Judgement 46:38 – Planning vs Going With the Flow 47:15 – Disney Princess ADHD Energy (Merida & Vanellope) 49:20 – Why We Keep Doing This Podcast 50:36 – Final Three Reminders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min
  5. Parenting ND kids in public is harder than people realise | NeuroDADverse Ep. 34

    FEB 6

    Parenting ND kids in public is harder than people realise | NeuroDADverse Ep. 34

    In Episode 34 of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan talk openly about the emotional labour of parenting neurodivergent children in public spaces, where needs are often invisible, judgment is unspoken, and parents are quietly doing everything they can to hold it together. This week includes a school trip full of transitions, waiting, and unexpected kindness; ongoing school avoidance challenges; and thoughtful reflections on ADHD medication, communication, and supporting independence without withdrawing support too early. In this episode, we discuss: Why school trips can be overwhelming for ND childrenThe pressure parents feel when parenting in publicInvisible disabilities and why help isn’t always offeredTransitions, waiting, and emotional regulationSchool avoidance and emotional burnoutWhy attendance numbers matter less than experience qualitySupporting siblings through different ND journeysADHD medication reflections: benefits, sleep disruption, and communication gainsWhat it means when children can explain their emotions after the momentBuilding independence without removing scaffolding too soonLetting kids lead transitions at their own paceMoments of connection that make everything worth itA house full of laughter — and why that counts as a huge win 🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world. Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life. If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations, you’re not alone here. 🔔 New episodes weekly 📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show 📧 neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 All links & platforms: 👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible 📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube 📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting #ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Welcome & What This Episode Is Really About 00:43 – Introducing the Week & Setting the Tone 01:51 – Three Words of the Week 03:20 – School Trips, Transitions & Emotional Load 05:07 – Unexpected Changes & Parent Anxiety 06:23 – Public Spaces, Waiting & Regulation 08:19 – Being “On Show” as a Parent 09:54 – Invisible Disability & Why Help Isn’t Offered 11:34 – Teachers, Trust & Shared Understanding 13:27 – Getting to the Bus: When Timing Really Matters 15:24 – Transitions Are the Hard Part 16:38 – Busy Cafés, Observers & Internal Panic 18:02 – Protecting Without Restraining 19:14 – If This Were Visible, Would It Be Different? 20:29 – Learning for the Next Trip 21:55 – Every Parent Is Meeting a Different Need 23:14 – Community, Football & Shared ND Spaces 24:06 – CHALLENGE: School Avoidance & Emotional Sadness 26:01 – Communication, Creativity & Masking 27:23 – When Progress Isn’t Linear 28:57 – Quality of Experience Over Attendance Numbers 30:21 – Break 31:08 – WIN: A Regulated School Trip 32:18 – Feeling Safe Enough to Talk to Other Parents 33:56 – Waiting Is Still Hard 35:07 – Why Adaptive Spaces Matter 36:29 – Professionalism & ND-Aware Environments 38:16 – Safe Peer Connections 39:57 – Zooming Out: Why This Was a Big Win 41:21 – Loving School, Hating the Transition 42:41 – Gamifying Transitions 44:37 – ADHD Medication Update 46:09 – Communication Improvements & Emotional Insight 47:49 – Explaining Feelings Without Apologising 49:29 – When Thoughts Go Quiet (and Come Back) 51:07 – Sensory Awareness & Self-Regulation 52:25 – Healthy Anxiety vs Harmful Pressure 53:06 – Supporting Independence Gradually 54:43 – Looking Ahead to the Week 55:43 – A House Full of Laughter (Big Win) 56:41 – Quiet Weeks & Holding the Calm 58:41 – Final Reflections & Community Thanks 59:17 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  6. When nothing goes 'wrong' and why that matters & ND parenting reflections | NeuroDADverse Ep 33

    JAN 30

    When nothing goes 'wrong' and why that matters & ND parenting reflections | NeuroDADverse Ep 33

    In Episode 33 of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan reflect on a week that felt unfamiliar in the best possible way, with no major crises, fewer challenges, and small signs of optimism beginning to return. This episode explores what it’s like when neurodivergent family life settles temporarily and how hard it can be to trust calm when you’ve spent years braced for the next difficulty. In this episode, we talk about: •What it means when challenges don’t dominate the week •Continued school absence — handled with kindness and patience •Processing time, delayed progress, and realistic expectations •Seeing optimism re-emerge after long periods of low self-esteem •Hearing your child say “I’m good at this” — and why that matters •Table dinners, shared conversations, and emotional safety •Respectful disagreement and confidence at home •When optimism returns quietly, not dramatically •Parenting without forcing positivity •Why progress often shows up as calm, not celebration •Reflecting on how far your child has come — without tempting fate •Adult neurodivergence, diagnosis curiosity, and workplace adjustments •The emotional weight of exploring your own neurodivergence as a parent 🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world. Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life. If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations, you’re not alone here. 🔔 New episodes weekly 📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show 📧 neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 All links & platforms: 👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible 📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube 📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting #ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK Chapter Breakdown (≈53 minutes) 00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Episode 33 00:43 – Birthday Energy & Setting the Tone 02:20 – What This Podcast Is (and Why Calm Weeks Matter) 03:55 – Deciding Whether There Even Is a Challenge This Week 04:32 – Three Words of the Week: Happy, Joyful, Calm 06:13 – Continued School Absence & Kind Communication 07:49 – When “Nothing Going Wrong” Feels Unfamiliar 08:49 – Finding a Win in the Absence of Crisis 09:44 – Optimism Returning After Low Self-Esteem 10:42 – Hearing “I’m Good at This” From Your Child 11:32 – Why That Moment Hits So Hard 12:48 – Table Dinners & Safe Family Conversations 13:31 – Respectful Disagreement as a Confidence Marker 14:47 – Reflecting Without Over-Analysing 15:46 – Small Wins That Signal Big Emotional Shifts 17:09 – Literacy, Subtitles & Motivation to Read 18:52 – Letting Curiosity Lead Learning 20:13 – Birthday Surprise & Lightness in the Pod 22:32 – Looking Ahead to the Week 24:06 – Medication Check-Ins & Ongoing Adjustments 26:22 – Youth Clubs, Identity & Social Safety 29:18 – When Leaving the House Takes Emotional Maths 31:08 – Gratitude for Things Feeling Lighter 32:43 – Chronicling Progress Over Time 33:56 – Bath-Time Scores & Regulation Wins 35:22 – Progress Isn’t Linear (Jellyfish Parenting Analogy) 37:21 – Incoming Assessments & Mixed Feelings 39:19 – Adult Neurodivergence & Emotional Readiness 42:34 – Diagnosis, Identity & Reframing the Past 45:05 – Neurodiversity in the Workplace 48:04 – Reasonable Adjustments Without Labels 50:41 – Society, Systems & Where We Still Need Change 52:06 – Final Reflections & Sign-Off 52:48 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    53 min
  7. Starting ADHD medication, School attendance and Frankie not knowing | NeuroDADverse Ep 32

    JAN 23

    Starting ADHD medication, School attendance and Frankie not knowing | NeuroDADverse Ep 32

    In Episode 33 of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan have one of their most honest conversations yet, navigating the early days of ADHD medication, school attendance challenges, emotional overwhelm, and the quiet work of protecting a child’s self-esteem. This episode explores what happens when support does help… but also brings unexpected side effects, emotional floodgates, and difficult parental decisions. It’s about staying steady when everything feels fragile. We talk about: Beginning ADHD medication and managing side effectsLethargy, overstimulation, sleep disruption, and emotional releaseWhen medication removes masking — and everything spills outSchool attendance struggles and shifting support needsThe fear of repeating past damage to self-esteemHow delayed processing can look like “regression”Supporting two ND children with very different needs at the same timeAvoiding shame while still holding boundariesCommunication that builds trust with ND teenagersWhy safe relationships matter more than perfect solutionsSitting in joy without over-analysing itWins that don’t look impressive — but change everything Chapter Breakdown (≈50 minutes) 00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Episode 33 01:05 – What This Podcast Is Really About 02:20 – Three Words of the Week: Medicate, Educate, Floodgate 03:55 – ADHD Diagnosis Recap & Medication Trial Begins 05:30 – Side Effects: Lethargy, Dry Mouth & Sleep Issues 07:40 – When Medication Lowers the Mask 09:10 – Overstimulation After School & Emotional Release 11:05 – Understanding Floodgates vs Regression 13:10 – Protecting Self-Esteem After Past School Trauma 15:45 – The Fear of “Going Back There” 18:10 – School Attendance Challenges Shift Between Siblings 20:35 – Supporting Two ND Kids With Different Needs 23:00 – Sleep Disruption & Night-Time Regulation 25:15 – Holding Boundaries Without Shame 28:05 – Break 28:30 – Wins: Delayed Communication & Joyful Language 31:10 – Why Function Matters More Than Milestones 33:20 – Sitting in Joy Without Over-Analysing It 35:05 – Teen Communication, Trust & Timing 38:00 – Creating a Safe Space for Hard Conversations 40:25 – Why Kids Talk When They Feel Secure 42:30 – Parenting ND Teens Without Comparison 45:00 – Looking Ahead: School, Work & Energy Management 47:30 – Final Reflections: Kindness, Patience & Perspective 49:00 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising neurodivergent kids in a neurotypical world. If this episode resonates — whether you’re autistic, ADHD, a SEND parent, or still figuring it all out — you belong in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly, honest conversations about neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or comment to help other families find us 📧 Contact: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Links, episodes & socials: 👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music & Audible 📺 Watch full episodes & clips on YouTube #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDFamily #AutismParenting #ADHDDads #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min
  8. ADHD Diagnosis, Identity Realisation & Letting Kids Process at Their Own Pace | NeuroDADverse Ep.31

    JAN 16

    ADHD Diagnosis, Identity Realisation & Letting Kids Process at Their Own Pace | NeuroDADverse Ep.31

    Welcome to Episode 31 of The NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan talk openly about what happens after a diagnosis, when clarity arrives, but emotions are still catching up. This week includes a major family milestone for Ben: a formal ADHD diagnosis, and the complex feelings that follow. Relief. Validation. Grief. Confusion. Pride. And the quiet work of helping a child rebuild their sense of self after years of being told they were “too much” or “not enough.” In this episode, we discuss: What an ADHD diagnosis gives (and what it doesn’t)Why clarity doesn’t instantly equal confidenceHow identity is shaped by years of misunderstandingThe emotional impact of clinician questions about self-esteemMasking, unmasking, and delayed processingTemperature regulation, sensory overload, and emotional releaseWhy behaviour is communicationAdvocating in clinical settings without taking overLetting children grieve past experiences in their own timeMedication as a tool — not a cure or a verdictCelebrating wins gently, without pressureSibling connection, shared joy, and thoughtful gift-givingCinema trips as safe spaces and regulation anchors This episode is about holding space rather than rushing solutions, and remembering that diagnosis is not an ending — it’s context. As always, we want to remind you: You’re doing great. You are enough. And you are definitely not alone. Chapter Breakdown00:00 – Welcome to Episode 31 00:44 – What This Podcast Is (and Why We Keep Doing It) 01:47 – Three Words of the Week 03:36 – A Big Medical Update in Our Household 04:36 – ADHD Diagnosis: Why Clarity Matters 06:12 – Advocating in the Clinician Appointment 08:10 – When Kids Can’t Name Their Strengths 10:00 – Self-Esteem, Identity & Being “Too Much” 12:40 – Masking, Unmasking & Emotional Processing 14:55 – Grief After Diagnosis (For Kids and Parents) 17:20 – Giving Space Instead of Explanations 19:35 – Temperature Regulation & Sensory Overload 22:10 – Behaviour as Communication 24:56 – Medication: Cautious Hope, Not Pressure 26:42 – Why This Is a Step, Not a Solution 29:08 – Oscar’s Birthday & Putting Kids First 31:20 – Sibling Thoughtfulness & Unexpected Empathy 33:26 – Cinema Trips as Safe Spaces 35:01 – Regulation Wins in Busy Environments 36:52 – Pain, Perception & ND Bodies 38:32 – Missing the Bus & Learning Consequences Safely 40:13 – Social Stories, Visual Supports & Transitions 42:42 – Supermarkets, Sensory Load & Progress Over Time 45:09 – Small Wins That Change Family Life 46:40 – Looking Ahead Without Overloading 48:23 – Attendance, Energy & Realistic Weeks 50:41 – Why We Don’t Force Traditions 52:25 – Closing Reflections 53:47 – You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough 🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world. 💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting 📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us 📧 Get in touch: neurodadverse@gmail.com 🌐 Find us in all the usual places: linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse 🎧 Listen on: •Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseApple •Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify 📺 Watch full episodes + clips: Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify YouTube: youtube.com/@NeuroDADversePodcast 📲 Follow & connect: •TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurodadverse •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodadverse/ •Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582530685142 •LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurodadverse-podcast/?viewAsMember=true  🔗 Hashtags: #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min

About

The NeuroDADverse is more than just a podcast, it’s a weekly therapy session between two long-time friends reconnecting through the shared highs and lows of neurodivergent parenthood. Danny is raising a six-year-old, while Ben is navigating life with two teenagers. Between them, their lived experiences span early years and adolescence, offering valuable perspective for any parent on the neurodivergent journey. Their conversations blend lived wisdom, raw honesty, and light-hearted reflection, often with Danny just entering stages that Ben has already faced. This dynamic brings warmth, curiosity, and relatable storytelling that resonates across all ages and stages of parenting. At its heart, The NeuroDADverse exists because parenting neurodivergent children can feel incredibly isolating. Many of society’s norms simply don’t apply and it’s rare to find someone who truly hears you. This podcast was born from the need to find and grow that tribe. A space where parents can feel seen, heard, and appreciated. Whether you’re in the thick of meltdowns, laughing uncontrollably with them or even just wondering about diagnoses you’re not alone. Here, we speak with love, lead though our understanding and share with honesty. This is a space for ideas, laughter, and connection. Please remember: You are doing better than you think. You are enough. You are not alone. Welcome to the NeuroDADverse.“ Real talk from two dads raising neurodivergent kids with love, laughter, and plenty of chaos. Connect with us on Instagram, TikTok and watch us on Youtube @NeuroDadversepodcast Theme music by Hands Up! https://www.instagram.com/handsuppunk/?hl=en Show produced by Squid Shack Studios https://www.instagram.com/squidshackstudios/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You Might Also Like