Parenting Autism and ADHD

Cliff Kilmister
  • 5.0 (2)
  • 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. 5 Things Autistic People Do That Others Don’t

    15h ago

    5 Things Autistic People Do That Others Don’t

    Neurodiverse people aren’t “too sensitive.” Our brains are processing far more than most people´s. In this episode I explore five everyday behaviours often seen in autistic and ADHD people but rarely seen in others - rehearsing conversations, crashing after socialising, being overwhelmed by background noise, forgetting basic needs like food and water, and only realising what was really going on hours or days later. I share how each of these shows up in ADHD vs autism, why they’re often misread as laziness, rudeness, or drama and what’s really happening in your brain and nervous system. This episode will help you to swap shame and self‑blame for understanding and kinder ways of supporting yourself and your children. EPISODE REVEALS Whether you suffer from ADHD, Autism, or both, which is far more common than you think, learning to be kind yourself is the key to coping with the extra issues you have to deal with Replaying conversations in your head is common with ADHD because you are working hard not to forget, blurt or go off track. With autism it is a symptom of carefully using scripting to decode social rules and avoid getting it wrong.   Looking fine but crashing immediately after interacting with others is often means ADHD brains have been forcing focus and inhibition, while autistic brains have been masking and analysing every interaction.   Background noise wrecks focus. For ADHD minds, attention is drawn to every single sound. That creates full‑body overload. With autism all sounds arrive at once. There is no background noise, every sound has to be processed simultaneously. Forgetting self‑care, eating or drinking is rarely laziness. In ADHD hyperfocus and time blindness pull attention away from the body. While for autistic people interoception often mutes hunger and thirst.   Blanking in the moment but suddenly understanding what someone is telling you hours or days later shows up in both ADHD and Autism. BEST MOMENTS "The more you know yourself, the more you understand why you're different, the easier … it gives you another tool in your toolbox to understand who you are." "Replaying conversations afterwards, and the fear of judgement over and over again in your mind. It goes round and round. What could I have done differently. You beat yourself up. This is where the kindness comes in play.” 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 https://www.newmetherapy.com 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/

    31 min
  2. What Did Ancient Humans Do at Night (Why Can't I Sleep)

    Jun 24

    What Did Ancient Humans Do at Night (Why Can't I Sleep)

    For so many ADHD brains, nights aren’t restful, they’re busy, creative, and wired. You’re exhausted, your head hits the pillow… but suddenly you’re wide awake, building entire business plans in your mind while the rest of the house is out cold. But that might not mean you’re broken. Ancient human sleep patterns, artificial light, and the hunter–farmer theory explain a lot of what is going on with you. In this episode, I look at how our nervous systems evolved to keep us alive in the dark, why two-phase sleeping may actually be your brain’s default setting, and how modern schedules, school systems and blue light clash with that old wiring.  I share several gentle, practical ways to work with your rhythms instead of fighting them, staying calm enough to sleep enough and to be able to lend your child your nervous system when they are too wired to fall asleep. EPISODE REVEALS Around 70–80% of adults with ADHD have sleep problems. Their brains aren’t ready to switch off when the body is tired.   For most of human history, people slept in two phases. A first sleep, a wakeful, reflective window in the middle of the night, then a second sleep until dawn. When artificial light is removed our bodies do this naturally. Blue light suppresses melatonin and fragments our sleep, keeping our brains convinced it’s still daytime.  Learning calming techniques to trigger sleep helps you to get calm. Allowing you to in turn help your child who is also struggling.  What looks like behaviour issues is often a dysregulated nervous system. A brain built for being always on the lookout for sabertoothed tigers rather than for modern life. BEST MOMENTS "We're living in a world where we've got alarm schedules, early starts, school systems. All these things that don't match how some brains actually work, particularly ours." "If you can model the calm, that's going to help you, then, that's going to help your child." EPISODE RESOURCES ADHD Chatter podcast with Dr Shyamal Mashru   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuNCL7spFNs  Zenn - What Did Ancient Humans Do at Night? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st_Ah6Ykbh4 Insomnia is the most common sleep problem among adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6299464/ https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1528979/full RESOURCES Famisafe Parental control App: 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/

    29 min
  3. From Punishment to Partnership: Positively Parenting Neurodivergent Kids with Lauren O'Carroll

    Jun 17

    From Punishment to Partnership: Positively Parenting Neurodivergent Kids with Lauren O'Carroll

    Let me ask you something uncomfortable. Can we punish neurodiversity out of our kids? If  they shout ground them. If they swear, take the phone. If they melt down, raise your voice louder. Will that fix it, or are we trying to discipline a nervous system that's already overwhelmed?  Today, I'm joined by Lauren O'Carroll, founder of Positively Parenting, a professional ADHD coach as seen on Channel Five, and an ADHD mum raising neurodivergent children. She works with parents navigating explosive households, emotional dysregulation, and burnout.  Today we're taking a deep dive into the problems with the  traditional approach to parenting, exploring her framework for what Positively Parenting actually means, and how to shift from punishment to partnership.  If your house feels like carnage. If your child is having explosive meltdowns, struggling with emotional regulation, or shutting down completely - this episode is for you. EPISODE REVEALS Build a “second path” in your brain. Regular meditation or mindful walks gradually creates an alternative path in your mind you can follow instead of the one that leads to you getting angry. Regulate yourself first.  Treat behaviour as communication, not defiance. Ask “what need is unmet or what skill is missing?” During meltdowns, prioritise safety over stopping. Let the stress cycle complete.   Match your child´s intensity, not their behaviour. Empathise with them and acknowledge how they are feeling e.g. say “that really pissed you off” at roughly their energy level.  Sometimes space is the therapy. If your child clearly says, “go away,” respect that, step back but stay available. BEST MOMENTS "In order to be a good parent, I had to be regulated, and I just couldn't be, because I was so tired. And I've always struggled with emotional regulation." "You´re not a s**t parent, you have ADHD." "I've come to understand is it's all about nervous system and supporting our nervous systems and supporting each other." ABOUT THE GUEST https://positivelyparenting.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/LaurenParentCoach/ https://www.instagram.com/positivelyparentingtogether/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/positivelyparenting/ https://www.tiktok.com/@positivelyparentingloz 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   Are you feeling overwhelmed with EHCP paperwork or are you stuck? Cliff, who has personally been through the process offers body-doubling and step-by-step support. You can contact him here -  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. He 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/

    58 min
  4. Body Doubling, Chunking and Hope: Practical Executive Function Support for Autistic & ADHD Students with Dr Tara Williams

    Jun 10

    Body Doubling, Chunking and Hope: Practical Executive Function Support for Autistic & ADHD Students with Dr Tara Williams

    What happens when your child is doing fine academically, but socially they're drowning? They might understand the material, they can answer the questions, they might even be top of the class, or maybe they're struggling academically because of the environment. Either way, there's an impact, the transitions, the crowds, the shifting expectations, the executive function load. It's building, and slowly you see the cracks, the missed assignments, the shutdown, the avoidance.  Today we're unpacking what's really happening when bright autistic and ADHD students suddenly start struggling, and the practical ways we can support them to thrive.  I'm joined by Dr. Tara Williams, a specialist in executive functioning support for autistic and ADHD students. We're talking transitions, university pressure, body doubling, chunking, self-advocacy, and why sometimes the difference between shutdown and success is a small structural change most systems overlook. EPISODE REVEALS Bright autistic and ADHD students don’t suddenly go off the rails. Environment matters as much as curriculum: crowds, noise and constant transitions can easily push a child off track. Executive function struggles show up as lost items, missed deadlines and blank screens, not lack of caring. Often, this gets misread as laziness.   Body doubling, visual supports, timers and chunking big tasks into tiny steps make starting possible and build confidence over time.   Self‑advocacy is a skill, not a switch; parents can offer structured support now and gradually hand over emails, planning, and conversations to their child.   Struggling isn’t failure, it’s feedback about what needs to change. BEST MOMENTS "You get school avoidance, depression, then they're not socialising, and they're feeling lonely, but they don't want to go in because they're going to be bullied - there's a spiral effect." "I love body doubling, it really helps." "It's okay just to be you." ABOUT THE GUEST www.innovativecollegiateconsultants.com. Taras's book - The Neurodivergent Student Journey - https://a.co/d/0eEbjOII Instagram: @learningwithdr.tara  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-williams-phd/ https://www.youtube.com/@learningwithDrTara EPISODE RESOURCESFamisafe Parental control App: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR The Mandela effect sci-fi novel https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/2017413402 Eva: https://www.youtube.com/@InspireWithUsYT/ 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   Are you feeling overwhelmed with EHCP paperwork or are you stuck? Cliff, who has personally been through the process offers body-doubling and step-by-step support. You can contact him here -  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.  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/

    52 min
  5. 5 “Normal” Rules Neurodiverse Brains Struggle With (But No One Talks About)

    Jun 3

    5 “Normal” Rules Neurodiverse Brains Struggle With (But No One Talks About)

    Neurodiverse people aren’t broken – we’re wired differently. What works for most other people doesn’t always work for us, especially when it comes to getting things done, motivating ourselves and handling stress. In this episode I dive into five common phrases parents that can really backfire with ADHD and autistic kids (and adults): “just try harder,” “be more disciplined,” “break it down into smaller tasks,” “use a planner,” and “stop being dramatic.” I share gentler questions you can ask instead, and ways to respond when your child is overwhelmed rather than “acting up.” This episode offers practical, compassionate alternatives to the rules and phrases most parents are told to rely on to keep their children moving forward in life. EPISODE REVEALS Typical parenting phrases e.g. “try harder, be more disciplined, get organised, stop being dramatic” often land as shame and misunderstanding for neurodiverse kids. Telling someone who is already trying harder than most people to “try harder” is hurtful and very demotivating. For many ADHD brains, “break it down into smaller tasks” and “use a planner” quickly turns into endless over-planning and overwhelm. Nothing actually gets done - simple, messy action beats perfect systems. ADHD brains run on dopamine, not sheer willpower, so building in regular, genuinely enjoyable breaks works far better than slogging away relentlessly at a task. What looks like drama is often a dysregulated nervous system after a day of masking, noise, and pressure. Respond accordingly. Be kind to yourself - you don´t have to fight against your own system. If your child does need support, calm yourself first - you're lending your nervous system to them. BEST MOMENTS "It turns biology into a character flaw." "Working harder in a system that isn't designed for us - this is what your children are going through, and this is why you know they're burning out." "You're not undisciplined, you are working against more friction." "Do not over plan – perfectionism is something we are guilty of." 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   Are you feeling overwhelmed with EHCP paperwork or are you stuck? Cliff, who has personally been through the process offers body-doubling and step-by-step support. You can contact him here -  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/

    35 min
  6. Getting Access to The Right Type of Assessment with Lisa Bond

    May 27

    Getting Access to The Right Type of Assessment with Lisa Bond

    Today, Cliff welcomes Lisa Bond, who is herself neurodiverse. Lisa is a training, learning and development specialist who has hands on experience of counselling, advocacy, and litigation for neurodiverse families. Lisa works for AYC Psychology who offer a range of neurodiverse assessment services and is the founder of Impact Training. She lives in a Rainbow house of neurodiversity she and her son have ADHD, and her two daughters have autism. Together, they discuss whether the NHS or private assessment route is best, what a good assessment should look like and how to get one. They also cover why flexibility and providing choices works better than ultimatums, the positive role humour can play in neurodiverse households and tips to help you to navigate family life and the assessment process. EPISODE REVEALS If you choose to seek a private consultation, make sure they are properly qualified, use standardised assessments, proper equipment and are following NICE guidelines. If someone hesitates when you ask about their qualifications, that is a big red flag. Offering someone with neurodiversity a choice rather than an ultimatum usually leads to better outcomes.  If your child is coming home exhausted, recognise that as a sign your child is masking. They are not coping despite appearing to do so to their teachers. The equality act is very clear that you do not need a diagnosis to get adjustments put in place. But realistically you will struggle to make that happen. Be kind – to yourself, your kids, and the people around you, including those you are seeking support from. BEST MOMENTS "Nobody would go private if the NHS were providing what we needed." "Look at the Google reviews. It is important that you get a really good assessment." "If you can understand the why….you can look at the right techniques." "You are processing on a different operating system. The whole world´s on a MAC and we´re on a I don´t know what this operating system is." EPISODE RESOURCESwww.psychologyassessmentservices.co.uk www.impacttrainers.co.uk CLIFF´S SOURCES 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 The Mandela effect scifi novel https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/2017413402 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   Are you feeling overwhelmed with EHCP paperwork or are you stuck? Cliff, who has personally been through the process offers body-doubling and step-by-step support. You can contact him here -  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/

    54 min
  7. Beyond Parental Controls: Raising Porn-Literate, Neurodivergent Kids in a Digital World with Cath Hakanson

    May 20

    Beyond Parental Controls: Raising Porn-Literate, Neurodivergent Kids in a Digital World with Cath Hakanson

    When it comes to sex and porn, many of us feel it’s “wrong” to talk to our kids – especially if they’re autistic, ADHD or highly sensitive. But if we don’t talk, the internet will, and it won’t explain the difference between entertainment and reality, or help them process what they’ve seen. Today I’m joined again by sex educator Cath Hakanson to explore how to have calm, age-appropriate conversations about porn, consent and online safety. We unpack why parental controls are only a first step, how porn shapes expectations of bodies and relationships, and how to support neurodivergent children who may be easily overwhelmed or confused by what they encounter online. EPISODE REVEALS Silence leaves the internet to do the educating about sex and porn - a very dangerous teacher, especially for sensitive, neurodivergent children. Parental control tools can delay exposure, but kids easily bypass them – so, honest, ongoing conversations are still essential. Neurodivergent children often need clear, concrete explanations, including what “counts” as porn, so they know when to tell you. The biggest risk with porn is its messaging about bodies, consent, gender and what “normal” sex looks like. Scare tactics can shut kids down, especially autistic and anxious teens; calm, shame-free dialogue keeps communication open. It’s okay for kids, and parents, to make mistakes online - what matters is that they feel safe enough to come to you if something goes wrong. BEST MOMENTS "We can't expect kids to make safe decisions about porn when they're uninformed." "It's not the porn that's the problem. It's the messaging that they get from porn."  "Curiosity is a part of development."  "You can't scare kids into safety, and you can't avoid your way into protection."  Cath Hakanson https://sexedrescue.com/ email at cath@sexedrescue.com https://www.facebook.com/cathhakanson Previous episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/raising-neurodivergent-teens-in-a-sexualised-world/id1810681675?i=1000754576822 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 The Mandela effect sci-fi novel https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/2017413402 Eva – InspireWithUs- https://www.youtube.com/@InspireWithUsYT/ 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   Are you feeling overwhelmed with EHCP paperwork or are you stuck? Cliff, who has personally been through the process offers body-doubling and step-by-step support. You can contact him here -  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/

    1h 1m

  8. May 13

    Tag‑Teaming Meltdowns & Mess: Real‑Life ADHD Family Strategies That Actually Help

    I’m celebrating the 50th episode with two very special guests – my daughter Eva and my wife. This is an honest, funny, and tender look inside our “neuro-spicy” family life. We talk about the everyday chaos of ADHD and autism (spills, mess, time blindness, zoning out), how we tag-team as parents when emotions run high, and how we turn things like bike crashes and Roblox scams into gentle safety lessons.  We also explore the strengths that come with neurodivergence, including creativity, hyperfocus, and compassion. We share how we are building a family culture that aims for “working on it together” rather than perfection. EPISODE REVEALS Living with “neuro‑spicy” kids and adults is messy and loud and that’s not a failure. Accepting things are not perfect and taking joy and laughter from situations really helps. Tag‑teaming dysregulated moments lets one adult step away, reset and come back calm while the other holds space for their child.   When things go wrong, look at them as powerful teaching moments. Time blindness is real; externalising time with timers, shows, reminders, and ADHD‑friendly apps supports everyone more than nagging does.   Neuro‑divergent minds have huge strengths. Including creativity, great spatial design and hyperfocus for tasks that are related to something that sparks genuine interest.  Being honest about diagnoses, sharing information and doing your own research turns the whole family into a problem‑solving team instead of opponents. BEST MOMENTS "I don't know how you do it, but you meant to have a shower in the bath, not in the bathroom. It´s like a swimming pool after you." "Sometimes it's funny - whizzy brained, constantly going, it's just chaos sometimes." "Just go easy on your kids … if your child's got ADHD or autism, don't just shout at them.” "We are still work in progress. That is my parting words for you guys. Don't be too hard on you." 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 The Mandela effect sci-fi novel https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/2017413402 Eva – InspireWithUs- https://www.youtube.com/@InspireWithUsYT/ 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   Are you feeling overwhelmed with EHCP paperwork or are you stuck? Cliff, who has personally been through the process offers body-doubling and step-by-step support. You can contact him here -  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/

    51 min
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5
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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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