Neurodivergent Conversations | Autism Spectrum, ADHD, AuDHD, PDA, Emotional Regulation, Neurodivergent parent

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What’s it really like parenting a child with ADHD and autism? How can parents, teachers, and communities better support neurodivergent children? How do autistic and ADHD individuals experience the world? Each week, we explore these questions with practical strategies, emotional insight, and real stories. I’m Greer — a mum of two boys (and two dogs!) raising a child with special educational needs (SEN) alongside my husband. Our daily life looks different from the norm, but it’s full of love, advocacy, and growth. I started this podcast to create a space for parents of neurodivergent kids, educators, and allies to learn, connect, and build understanding together. You’ll hear parenting tips, advocacy guidance, sensory strategies, and personal reflections that shine a light on both the joys and challenges of neurodivergent parenting. Through heartfelt solo episodes and guest interviews, we’ll talk about EHCP or IEP processes, school support, emotional regulation, and the big feelings that come with raising ND kids. Whether you’re here as a parent of an autistic or ADHD child, a late-diagnosed adult, a teacher seeking insight, or someone wanting to understand the neurodivergent world, this podcast is your space to grow, connect, and know you’re not alone. Welcome to The Unfinished Idea — a podcast all about parenting, autism, ADHD, and life in a neurodivergent family. Here, we open up honest conversations about neurodiversity, raising neurodivergent children, and navigating the everyday realities of SEN parenting.

  1. ADHD Moms: Why Everything Feels So Heavy (And What to Do First)

    6D AGO

    ADHD Moms: Why Everything Feels So Heavy (And What to Do First)

    Don't forget to grab your FREE ticket to the Everyday Neurodivergent Parenting Summit happening May 11-14! If you've ever felt like motherhood was supposed to be the thing that finally felt easy — and instead it somehow got harder — this episode is for you. Greer sits down with Amy Marie Hann, ADHD coach and mom of neurodivergent kids, for an honest, grounding conversation about what it actually feels like to parent with ADHD. Not the productivity-hack version. The real version — the shame, the overcommitment, the mental load that never seems to let up. Amy talks about why ADHD moms are so prone to over-extending themselves (hint: it's not a discipline problem — it's how your brain processes time and priority), and why the gap between the mom you imagined being and the mom you are right now can feel so painful. But this isn't a heavy episode. It's a hopeful one. Amy shares where to actually start when everything feels urgent and overwhelming — and it's not another complicated system. It's something much smaller, and much more doable. She also talks about why taking care of yourself isn't selfish — it's one of the most powerful things you can do for your neurodivergent kids. They also get into something that feels quietly important: safety. What it means to find environments where your family can actually exhale. And why, as the mom, you often have to be the one who goes first. In this episode, you'll hear about: Why ADHD can make motherhood feel like a character flaw, not a skill gap The hidden exhaustion of over-committing and time blindness Where to start when you're overwhelmed and the to-do list feels never-ending Why self-care for ADHD moms isn't a luxury — it's the foundation The power of modeling regulation, routine, and rest for your kids What it looks like to build a life that actually fits your brain and your family You are the right parent for your child. Even on the hard days. Especially on the hard days. GUEST LINKS: Follow Amy Marie Check out her resources GET THE LINKS ⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea Website Join the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min
  2. You're Not Failing — You're Burnt Out: What No One Tells Moms About Nervous System Regulation

    APR 30

    You're Not Failing — You're Burnt Out: What No One Tells Moms About Nervous System Regulation

    GRAB YOUR FREE TICKET TO THE SUMMIT FOR MAMAS If you've been waking up exhausted before the day even starts, moving through the hours in a fog, snapping more than you want to, and quietly wondering what happened to the version of you that felt okay — this episode is for you. Greer sits down with Irin Rubin, founder of MamaZen, for one of those conversations that feels less like an interview and more like someone finally saying out loud the thing you've been carrying alone. Irin spent years in maternal burnout before she found something that actually helped — and it wasn't a planner, a routine, or another self-care tip. It was learning to regulate her own nervous system first. And everything changed from there. In this conversation, Greer and Irin talk about: Why burnout can creep up slowly over years — and why it so often gets mistaken for failing The gap between what society tells us motherhood should look like and what it actually feels like on the inside Why the "superhero mom" idea can quietly work against us — and what a real superhero mom actually looks like How our nervous systems are deeply linked to our children's, and why our regulation is one of the most powerful things we can offer them What co-regulation actually means in real life — including what to do when words just don't help How Greer's son regulates during meltdowns by listening to her heartbeat (this moment will stay with you) What MamaZen is and how it's helping moms move from chronic fight-or-flight into genuine calm This episode is especially for moms raising neurodivergent kids — many of whom are navigating their own nervous systems at the same time. There's no judgment here. Just honesty, warmth, and a quiet reminder that you are the anchor. And anchors need tending too. GUEST LINKS: Follow Irin Check out Mama Zen GET THE LINKS ⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea Website Join the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    33 min
  3. The Invisible Load: What Caregivers Carry (And What They Actually Need)

    APR 23

    The Invisible Load: What Caregivers Carry (And What They Actually Need)

    Join us at the Everyday Neurodivergent Parenting Summit If you've ever felt like you're living on the edge of yourself — keeping everyone else afloat while quietly disappearing — this episode was made for you. Greer sits down with Michelle Anderson, founder of JMB Inspired and host of the Radiant Moments Caregiver Oasis podcast, for an honest, deeply human conversation about what it really means to be a caregiver inside neurodivergent and medically complex family life. Together, they explore the parts of caregiving that don't get talked about enough: the always-on mental load, the invisible emotional work, the loneliness of asking for help and not knowing how, and what it feels like to one day realize you can't remember what you even like anymore. But this episode isn't just about naming the hard stuff. It's about finding your way back — in micro moments, in community, in tiny choices that say I matter too. In this episode, you'll hear about: The mental and emotional load that never really switches off — and why "just relax" isn't the answer. How micro moments and habit stacking can quietly rebuild your regulation without adding to your plate. Why "call me if you need anything" often leaves caregivers more isolated — and how to ask for and offer specific, real-life support. What it feels like to lose yourself inside a caregiving role, and the gentle, small ways you can begin to find your way back. The kind of community that actually helps — and why it's okay if it looks completely different than you expected. This conversation is warm, practical, and full of the kind of honesty that makes you exhale and think yes, that's exactly it. Whether you're a neurodivergent mom, a parent of a neurodivergent or medically complex child, or simply someone who has been carrying too much for too long — you are not alone, and you're allowed to be part of your own care plan. GUEST LINKS: Check out Michelle Listen to Radiant Moments Podcast GET THE LINKS ⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea Website Join the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    57 min
  4. Respond, Don’t React: Staying Grounded as an Autism Mom When Everything Feels Like Too Much

    APR 16

    Respond, Don’t React: Staying Grounded as an Autism Mom When Everything Feels Like Too Much

    If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I stay calm when my child is melting down?”—this episode wraps you in so much compassion, without letting you off the hook in a shame-y way. Greer Jones is joined by Lisa Candera, an autism mom of 18 years who built the kind of support she couldn’t find anywhere: support that starts with the parent’s regulation first—because (as Lisa says) we are our children’s environment, and emotions are contagious. Together, they talk about the real reason “just be consistent” isn’t enough when you’re parenting a neurodivergent child: you’re often living in a hyper-vigilant state, your nervous system is already on high alert, and the moment things go sideways, your brain goes straight into default mode. Lisa shares a powerful starting point that’s simple-but-not-easy: do less. Pause. Stop jumping in to fix it. Create space between what’s happening and your response so you can respond with intention instead of reacting from fear (fear of judgment, fear about the future, fear you’re “doing it wrong”). They also reframe meltdowns in a way that’s honestly a relief: the meltdown isn’t proof you failed—it’s information. A sign that something was a “bridge too far” that day. And from there, you can get curious instead of personal. You’ll walk away with grounded, in-the-moment tools (like deep breathing and tapping/EFT) and a deeper reminder: neurodivergent is not just a label—it’s a whole different operating system. Respecting that changes everything. GUEST LINKS: GET THE LINKS⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea WebsiteJoin the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min
  5. Buddy Dogs: How the Right Dog Can Build Confidence, Connection, and Calm for Kids With Vision Impairments

    APR 9

    Buddy Dogs: How the Right Dog Can Build Confidence, Connection, and Calm for Kids With Vision Impairments

    What if the first positive thing connected to your child’s diagnosis was… a dog in a little jacket that makes people smile? In this episode, Greer talks with Robbie Campbell from Buddy Dogs, a service within Guide Dogs UK that places specially matched dogs with children who have vision impairments—often alongside other complex needs. Robbie explains why Buddy Dogs exists: guide dogs are trained for mobility and require a level of independence that simply isn’t realistic for most children. But the companionship, confidence, and connection that dogs bring? That can be life-changing for kids and families. Robbie shares what he sees again and again: dogs becoming an “icebreaker” in public, helping kids feel more confident talking to others, and even opening doors for children to speak about their vision impairment in a new way—sometimes for the very first time. For some families, the Buddy Dog becomes a shift in the emotional story: instead of isolation and heavy equipment drawing stares, there’s a warm, inviting focus that brings people closer. You’ll also hear how Buddy Dogs are different from guide dogs: Buddy Dogs aren’t trained for mobility tasks. They’re placed for companionship and day-to-day confidence-building—and they’re typically dogs who didn’t continue down the guide dog route, but are still beautifully suited for family life. Matching is taken seriously, including what a particular dog needs and what each family’s lifestyle can support, with training and ongoing check-ins to make sure the partnership stays strong. The conversation also touches on neurodivergent families: many kids in the programme are also autistic, ADHD, or otherwise neurodivergent. Robbie describes how dogs often become natural regulators—helping with transitions, reducing anxiety, and bringing grounding presence (without being “task trained” like some assistance dogs). One story stands out: a child who arrived at a session as a whirlwind of anxiety and energy, then settled and connected once the dog entered the room—and after being matched, showed a remarkable shift in focus, communication, and calm. Greer also shares her own experience: how giving her son simple dog-care “jobs” after school (feeding, playing, petting) has helped soften the tricky transition from school to home—because sometimes that repetitive, comforting connection is exactly what a nervous system needs. This episode is a reminder that so much of disability and neurodivergence is invisible—and we never fully know what someone is carrying. Robbie’s takeaway is simple and powerful: be open, be curious, and be willing to support people as they are. GUEST LINKS: GET THE LINKS⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea WebsiteJoin the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    26 min

  6. APR 2

    You Might Also Like: Everyone Gets a Juice Box, from Understood.org

    You Might Also Like.... Check out Everyone Gets a Juice Box here Some kids don’t fall apart at school or out in public. They hold it together all day… and then unravel the second they walk through the front door—because home is the safest place their nervous system knows. In this episode, Dr. Arielle Schwartz (psychologist, author, and mom) shares the story of how she “followed the clues” to understand what was really going on for her son—starting long before the word dyslexia ever entered the picture. She takes us back to early signs like sensory processing challenges, a highly sensitive nervous system, and delayed language development—plus the frustration of having a bright mind with big feelings and not enough ways to get it all out. As school demands increased, the gaps became more visible—especially around reading. Arielle describes the heartbreaking moment when her son didn’t just avoid books… he hid from them—and how the shame of feeling “different” can show up shockingly early. One turning point came from an unexpected place: a film about dyslexia that helped her finally name what she was seeing and pursue a full evaluation. From there, she opens up about what the diagnosis clarified (and what it didn’t), how hard it can be to find the right interventionist (not just the most qualified on paper), and why felt safety is everything for kids who freeze, shut down, or hide when learning feels threatening. She also shares how advocacy with schools can be both exhausting and necessary—and how one committed teacher chose to learn, grow, and become part of the solution. And then comes the hope-filled part: the “game changers” that helped her son begin to see himself differently—community, mentorship, movement, and being surrounded by people who reflected back what was possible. You’ll hear why programs like Project Eye to Eye mattered so much, why some kids need parents out of the homework battle to protect the relationship, and how a few key supports can slowly unwind years of shame. This conversation is tender, honest, and deeply reassuring—especially if you’re in that phase of parenting where you’re thinking, Is it my instinct… or am I overreacting? Arielle’s story is a reminder: your noticing matters. And with the right support, your child’s future can look so much brighter than it feels right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min
  7. Stop Doing It All Alone: ADHD Parenting Support That Brings Your Child Into the Strategies Too

    MAR 26

    Stop Doing It All Alone: ADHD Parenting Support That Brings Your Child Into the Strategies Too

    If you’re parenting a child with ADHD (or you’re late-diagnosed yourself), it can feel like you’re constantly trying to “figure it out” — schedules, school, food, sleep, behaviour, emotions… all of it. In this episode, Greer talks with Dr. Jennifer Dall about approaching ADHD through a whole-person lens: not as a “fix,” but as support for real life. They unpack why the basics (sleep, movement, food, connection) matter so much — and how to build strategies with your child so it doesn’t all sit on your shoulders. What we cover Why “whole body” support matters for ADHD day-to-day The question that can change everything: “What do I need right now?” How sleep, food, water, movement, and connection can shape emotional regulation Letting go of perfection (and the guilt) — and choosing supports that fit your life How to start including your child in problem-solving so they build self-advocacy over time Helping kids understand ADHD in an age-appropriate way (and giving them time to process) A gentle takeaway You’re not failing. This is a learning process — for you and your child — and small shifts can make a big difference. GUEST LINKS: Follow Dr. Jennifer on Insta Check out her website GET THE LINKS The Unfinished Idea website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Join the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min
  8. Addiction Isn’t Always a Disease: Neurodivergence and Addictive Behaviours and How to Understand What’s Really Going On

    MAR 19

    Addiction Isn’t Always a Disease: Neurodivergence and Addictive Behaviours and How to Understand What’s Really Going On

    What if some “addictive behavior” is actually a nervous system trying to cope in the only way it knows how? In this episode, Greer sits down with Ben Branson (The Hidden 20%) to talk about the overlap between neurodivergence and addiction, especially for people who were diagnosed late and spent years chasing dopamine, trying to regulate, and not knowing why life felt so hard. They also talk about the bigger picture: long NHS waitlists, siloed assessments, and the painfully common experience of finally getting a diagnosis… and then being handed a letter with zero meaningful support attached. This conversation is honest, sometimes fiery, and deeply human. It’s about what needs to change, but it’s also about something quieter: how understanding your brain can bring relief, context, and self-compassion. In this episode, we talk about How ADHD and autism traits can link with dopamine-seeking and repetitive coping loops Why Ben questions the “disease model” and focuses on behavior, support, and unmet needs The reality of diagnosis without aftercare and why that “so what?” moment hurts Why current pathways feel siloed and why whole-person support matters Moving from awareness to acceptance to action in education, healthcare, and policy What The Hidden 20% is building and why their goal is to eventually not need to exist Gentle reminder: if this topic touches something tender for you, take it slow. You’re allowed to pause and come back. GUEST LINKS: Follow Ben on Insta Check out the Hidden 20% GET THE LINKS ⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea Website Join the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min
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About

What’s it really like parenting a child with ADHD and autism? How can parents, teachers, and communities better support neurodivergent children? How do autistic and ADHD individuals experience the world? Each week, we explore these questions with practical strategies, emotional insight, and real stories. I’m Greer — a mum of two boys (and two dogs!) raising a child with special educational needs (SEN) alongside my husband. Our daily life looks different from the norm, but it’s full of love, advocacy, and growth. I started this podcast to create a space for parents of neurodivergent kids, educators, and allies to learn, connect, and build understanding together. You’ll hear parenting tips, advocacy guidance, sensory strategies, and personal reflections that shine a light on both the joys and challenges of neurodivergent parenting. Through heartfelt solo episodes and guest interviews, we’ll talk about EHCP or IEP processes, school support, emotional regulation, and the big feelings that come with raising ND kids. Whether you’re here as a parent of an autistic or ADHD child, a late-diagnosed adult, a teacher seeking insight, or someone wanting to understand the neurodivergent world, this podcast is your space to grow, connect, and know you’re not alone. Welcome to The Unfinished Idea — a podcast all about parenting, autism, ADHD, and life in a neurodivergent family. Here, we open up honest conversations about neurodiversity, raising neurodivergent children, and navigating the everyday realities of SEN parenting.

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