The Untypical Parent™ Podcast

Liz Evans - The Untypical OT
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Biweekly

For parents and carers who love their kids but feel completely overwhelmed sometimes.  Welcome to The Untypical Parent™ Podcast, a place for parents in neurodivergent, SEN and additional needs families. Here we talk about the messy and the sparkles, share ideas you can actually use, and give you space to take what might work and leave what doesn't. Hosted by me, Liz Evans — The Untypical OT, a dyslexic, solo parent in a neurodiverse family, this show explores everything from parenting through parental burnout and sensory needs to dyslexia, ADHD, and chronic illness. You’ll hear from experts and parents alike, sharing tips and stories to help you create a family life that works for you, because every family is unique and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to families.  If you’ve ever felt that “typical” parenting advice doesn’t fit your world, this is your place for connection, practical tools, and encouragement without the judgment. Welcome to your backup team. We've been expecting you.

  1. Make Disability Unremarkable

    6d ago

    Make Disability Unremarkable

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text When Difference Stops Being Something to Fix Sara Momtaz joined me to talk about her daughter and the journey that began when she was told her baby would be born with Down syndrome. We talk about the realities of parenting a child with complex needs, the assumptions people make, and how quickly life can change when the future you imagined looks very different from the one you find yourself living. We talk about curious children, nervous adults, and the lessons Sara has learned from her daughter along the way. A wonderful conversation about difference, belonging and what happens when we stop trying to fix people and start seeing them for who they are. Things we mention in the podcast:  The Down Syndrome Association: www.Downs-syndrome.org.uk Mou  Mou and Friends: https://moumouandfriends.com/ And if you'd like to connect with Sara you can find her here: https://www.instagram.com/moumouandfriends/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to this season’s sponsors: Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm They are offering EBSA support through webinars and workshops. Upcoming Sessions:  📅 8th July – Webinar for School Leaders  📅 2nd September – Webinar for Parents & Families  📅 16th September – Joint Workshop (Parents + Schools) Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5. School webinarParent/carer webinarWorkshop-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Link below to go straight to Insta The Untypical Parent Podcast The Untypical Podcaster Support the show

    48 min
  2. Diagnosis Human: What My Daughter Taught Me About Being Human with Elly Chapple

    Jun 16

    Diagnosis Human: What My Daughter Taught Me About Being Human with Elly Chapple

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text What if the biggest lessons about being human come from the people society is most determined to change? In this Bookshelf episode, I'm joined by author Elly Chapple to talk about her book Diagnosis Human and the extraordinary lessons she learned from her daughter. Together we talk about what happens when we stop trying to make people fit into systems that were never designed for them, and instead become curious about who they really are. The conversation touches on authenticity, psychological safety, discomfort, communication, disability, neurodivergence and the power of slowing down enough to truly understand another person's experience. This isn't just a conversation about parenting or disability. It's a conversation about being human. Links For Elly Website: https://ellychapple.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellychapple2023/ Link below to go straight to Insta The Untypical Parent Podcast The Untypical Podcaster Support the show

    29 min
  3. Burning In, Not Burning Out: A New Way to Think About Burnout with Rhiannon Crispe

    Jun 9

    Burning In, Not Burning Out: A New Way to Think About Burnout with Rhiannon Crispe

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text Parents are often told to rest more, practise self-care, or take a break when they're overwhelmed. But what happens when the demands never stop? In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of talking with fellow occupational therapist, Rhiannon Crispe, where we talk about burnout, parenthood, values, boundaries, belonging and the things that truly fuel us. Rhiannon talks about her Burn-In Model, a framework built around the idea of protecting and nurturing your inner flame. Because burnout isn't about being weak. It's about what happens when life asks more of us than we have available to give.  You can connect with Rhiannon on: Instagram and LinkedIn and find out about the Burn In Framework here: https://www.burninnotout.com/the-burn-in-model Thank you to this season’s sponsors: Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm They are offering EBSA support through webinars and workshops.Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5 The sponsors of this season of the podcast are Terri Wyse https://www.instagram.com/wyseinclusion/and Rachel Helm https://www.instagram.com/helmeducationconsultancy/. Please do reach out to them if you are supporting a child or young person struggling to access school. Link below to go straight to Insta The Untypical Parent Podcast The Untypical Podcaster Support the show

    54 min
  4. The Bookshelf: Why Elle McNicoll’s Books Matter to Neurodivergent Families

    Jun 2

    The Bookshelf: Why Elle McNicoll’s Books Matter to Neurodivergent Families

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text Welcome to The Untypical Parent Podcast: The Bookshelf , a new series celebrating the books that shape, support, empower and sometimes just bring joy to neurodivergent families. In this special episode, I'm joined by parent  Joanne Parry, alongside bestselling author Elle McNicoll, whose books have become deeply meaningful for many neurodivergent children and families. Joanne shares the powerful moment her daughter first saw herself reflected in A Kind of Spark, and why Elle’s stories have become part of her family’s “quiet rebellion”, buying the books for schools, libraries and friends so more children can feel understood. Elle talks about growing up as a high-masking autistic girl, the lack of representation she experienced, and how that inspired her to write stories where neurodivergent children are fully-rounded, loved, complicated and heroic, not reduced to stereotypes or “lessons”. This is a warm, honest and hopeful conversation about identity, belonging and the life-changing power of books. Books Mentioned A Kind of SparkShow Us Who You AreUnapologetic Love StoryAbout Elle McNicoll Elle McNicoll is a bestselling and award-winning autistic author whose books centre neurodivergent young people with authenticity, warmth and humour. Her stories have resonated with families around the world and A Kind of Spark was adapted for television by the BBC. You can find Elle and her books here:  Elle McNicoll Official Website Instagram Thank you to this season’s sponsors: Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm They are offering EBSA support through webinars and workshops.Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5 Connect with Joanne & Family Avenues Family Avenues Link below to go straight to Insta The Untypical Parent Podcast The Untypical Podcaster Support the show

    23 min
  5. When Sobriety Reveals ADHD with Chris Braid from The After Party

    May 26

    When Sobriety Reveals ADHD with Chris Braid from The After Party

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text Your life can fall apart twice, once on the outside and once in your head, and you still might not know what the real issue is. I’m joined by Chris Braid, co-host of The After Party, to talk about what happened when a mental breakdown, divorce, financial pressure, chronic pain, and emergency spinal surgery collided, and how a late ADHD diagnosis finally gave a clearer map of why things happened they way they did. As parents, many of us carry stress that makes quick coping tools feel tempting. We explore the link between neurodiversity, depression, and addiction, plus what actually helps an ADHD brain feel regulated day to day: work that fits, creativity, music, and a movement-based mindfulness ritual through Pilates and yoga. You don't want to miss this one.  You can find Chris on: Instagram: The After Party Invite Facebook: The After Party We spoke about AA if you need further information you can find that here Thank you to this season’s sponsors: Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm Together, they are offering webinars and workshops focused on EBSA for both parents and professionals  8th July – Webinar for School Leaders  2nd September – Webinar for Parents & Families  16th September – Joint Workshop (Parents + Schools)  Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5. Link below to go straight to Insta The Untypical Parent Podcast The Untypical Podcaster Support the show

    52 min
  6. The Bookshelf: How A One-Legged Goose Teaches Kids Inclusion

    May 19

    The Bookshelf: How A One-Legged Goose Teaches Kids Inclusion

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text A one-legged goose might not be the hero you’d expect… but maybe that’s exactly the point. This episode is part of something new I’m trying this season. As someone who’s dyslexic and has never really connected with traditional reading, I wanted to find a different way to explore books. So I’m inviting authors, parents and professionals to come on and share stories in a way that feels more accessible, especially for those of us who don’t see ourselves as “readers.” In this episode, I’m joined by author Ryan Ritter, who shares the story behind his children’s book Frederick the One-Legged Goose, and how it all started with one little boy going through cancer treatment. What began as a way to help a single child understand difference, change, and uncertainty quickly grew into something much bigger. We talk about:  Why representation and disability awareness matter from a young age  How stories can shape empathy, acceptance, and belonging  The power of seeing difference as a strength, not something to fix  Why this book isn’t just for children with disabilities… but for every child If we want children to grow into adults who accept difference…  we have to start with the stories we give them. 🔗 Links & Resources  Find Frederick the One-Legged Goose on Amazon and Waterstones Follow Ryan on Instagram: @RyanThe_Author_  Keep an eye out for the next book: Frederick’s Hop Link below to go straight to Insta The Untypical Parent Podcast The Untypical Podcaster Support the show

    14 min
  7. AI, Neurodivergence and Being Understood with Elaine and Jay cofounders of Evro AI

    May 12

    AI, Neurodivergence and Being Understood with Elaine and Jay cofounders of Evro AI

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text One meeting can spiral into weeks of stress when you’re neurodivergent and constantly second-guessing what you said, how you came across, or what everyone “really meant.” Dr Jay Spence, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Avro AI, talks about a different way to look at communication breakdowns: most damage comes from misunderstood difference, not bad intent. Elaine Lee, Avro’s co-founder, shares the story behind the product. After years in high-performing tech roles, repeated burnout, and a late diagnosis of ADHD, dyslexia, and autism, she realised how often people are judged for signals that simply don’t translate across brains. Her reflections on masking, workplace friction, and repairing relationships through better understanding shape the values behind Avro AI. We dig into what an AI meeting assistant can actually do in real life: sitting alongside Zoom or Teams, creating accurate records, then helping you prep, rephrase, and debrief with less guesswork. We also tackle the hard question head-on: does this kind of tool support authentic communication, or does it push people toward neurotypical “norms”? Jay explains why choice matters, and why the goal is a bridge, not a makeover.  To connect with Jay and Elaine you can find them here  And through LinkedIn Elaine Lee Jay Spence Thank you to this season’s sponsors: Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm Together, they are offering webinars and workshops focused on EBSA for both parents and professionals. 08.07.26  School webinar 02.09.26 Parent/carer webinar 16.09.26 Joint Workshop Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5. Link below to go straight to Insta The Untypical Parent Podcast The Untypical Podcaster Support the show

    49 min
  8. I Don’t Read Books… But I Still Need What’s Inside Them

    May 5

    I Don’t Read Books… But I Still Need What’s Inside Them

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text Do you ever feel like reading just… isn’t built for you? In this solo episode, I talk about my honest experience with dyslexia, distraction, and why traditional reading has always felt like hard work rather than relaxation. From unfinished books to skipping straight to the ending, I reflect on the frustration and the quiet sense of missing out. But this episode isn’t about giving up on books. It’s about finding a different way in. So I've had a brand new idea. I'm inviting listeners, parents, professionals, and authors to come onto the podcast for short 5–10 minute chats to share books they love, without spoilers, so more people who might not be typical readers, can discover stories and ideas in a way that actually works for them. Message on the link at the top or on Insta HERE Link below to go straight to Insta The Untypical Parent Podcast The Untypical Podcaster Support the show

    9 min
See All (61)

About

For parents and carers who love their kids but feel completely overwhelmed sometimes.  Welcome to The Untypical Parent™ Podcast, a place for parents in neurodivergent, SEN and additional needs families. Here we talk about the messy and the sparkles, share ideas you can actually use, and give you space to take what might work and leave what doesn't. Hosted by me, Liz Evans — The Untypical OT, a dyslexic, solo parent in a neurodiverse family, this show explores everything from parenting through parental burnout and sensory needs to dyslexia, ADHD, and chronic illness. You’ll hear from experts and parents alike, sharing tips and stories to help you create a family life that works for you, because every family is unique and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to families.  If you’ve ever felt that “typical” parenting advice doesn’t fit your world, this is your place for connection, practical tools, and encouragement without the judgment. Welcome to your backup team. We've been expecting you.

Information

  • Creator
    Liz Evans - The Untypical OT
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Untypical Parent™ Podcast

You Might Also Like