The Untypical Parent™ Podcast

Liz Evans - The Untypical OT
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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. AI, Neurodivergence and Being Understood with Elaine and Jay cofounders of Evro AI

    6D AGO

    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 I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I specialise in burnout protection, event accessibility and inclusion, and supervision, with a love of podcasting. 🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top.

    49 min
  2. 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 I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I specialise in burnout protection, event accessibility and inclusion, and supervision, with a love of podcasting. 🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top.

    9 min
  3. No One Is a Perfect Parent, Not Even the Experts with Dr Kim Collett

    APR 28

    No One Is a Perfect Parent, Not Even the Experts with Dr Kim Collett

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text In this episode of The Untypical Parent Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Kim Collett for a really honest conversation about the reality of parenting, and why knowing the “right” thing doesn’t mean it’s easy to do it. Kim has a PhD in inclusive education and lectures on special educational needs and disabilities. She also lives in a neurodivergent household. Together, we explore the gap between theory and real life, and why even professionals with years of knowledge and experience still struggle with the day-to-day reality of parenting. We talk about school experiences, masking, anxiety, and the pressure to “fit in,” as well as the guilt so many parents carry when they feel like they’re getting it wrong. This episode is not about fixing everything. It’s about understanding why it feels so hard, and reminding you that you’re not the only one. A gentle reminder from this episode There is no perfect way to parent.  There is no single strategy that works for every child. And you are not failing because it feels hard. I mention Brene Brown and empathy vs sympathy here's the link to watch it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZBTYViDPlQ&list=PLOol2H2m6gNOdrOnWV_lJ3dDslWSqtzqQ&index=1 🔗 Connect with Dr Kim Collett You can find Kim sharing more about inclusion, neurodivergence and education on:  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dr_kim_collett/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kim-collett-fhea-41637537b/ Thank you to this season’s sponsors: Terri Wyse 👉 https://www.instagram.com/wyseinclusion/ Rachel Helm 👉 https://www.instagram.com/helmeducationconsultancy/ If you’re supporting a child or young person struggling to access school, do reach out to them. Link below to go straight to Insta The Untypical Parent Podcast The Untypical Podcaster Support the show I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I specialise in burnout protection, event accessibility and inclusion, and supervision, with a love of podcasting. 🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top.

    48 min
  4. Parents and Schools Working Together — Not Against Each Other When Kids Are Unable to Attend School

    APR 21

    Parents and Schools Working Together — Not Against Each Other When Kids Are Unable to Attend School

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text Over 170,000 children in England were severely absent from school last year, according to the Department for Education. Behind that number are families, schools, and children all trying to navigate something incredibly complex. In this episode, I’m joined by Terri Wyse (Wise Inclusion) and Rachel Helm (Helm Education Consultancy), who are supporting the podcast this season, to talk about emotionally based school anxiety (EBSA). Here's the important part: Parents and schools are often on the same side But the system can push them apart We talk about:  What EBSA really is (and why language matters)  Why “just make them go to school” isn’t the answer  The reality for families trying to keep their children safe  The pressures schools are under behind the scenes  How relationships can break down, and how to rebuild them This isn’t about blame. It’s about understanding, collaboration, and finding a way forward — together. Together, they are offering webinars and workshops focused on EBSA for both parents and professionals. 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 webinarWorkshopThis episode is supported by: Terri Wyse – Wise Inclusion Terri Wyse https://www.instagram.com/wyseinclusion/ Rachel Helm – Helm Education Consultancy https://www.instagram.com/helmeducationconsultancy/ Link below to go straight to Insta The Untypical Parent Podcast The Untypical Podcaster Support the show I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I specialise in burnout protection, event accessibility and inclusion, and supervision, with a love of podcasting. 🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top.

    31 min
  5. Interoception for Parents: The Missing Link in Burnout and Overwhelm with Kelly Mahler

    APR 14

    Interoception for Parents: The Missing Link in Burnout and Overwhelm with Kelly Mahler

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text Parents are often so busy meeting everyone else’s needs that they stop noticing their own. And when that happens, burnout and overwhelm can build long before we even realise what’s going on. In this episode, I'm joined by occupational therapist and interoception expert Kelly Mahler for a conversation about why parents need to understand their own interoception, not just their child’s. Interoception is our ability to notice and make sense of the signals coming from inside the body. It helps us recognise things like hunger, tension, exhaustion, overwhelm, anxiety and discomfort, the early signs that something isn’t right. But many parents are so used to pushing through, holding everything together and ignoring what their body is saying that they lose touch with those signals altogether. This episode isn’t about quick fixes or a step-by-step solution to burnout. It’s about something deeper, understanding what might be missing. Because if we don’t notice what our body is telling us, we can’t respond to it. And that’s often where burnout begins. We explore how interoception can act as a kind of internal compass helping us recognise when something feels off, when we need support, or when we are heading towards overwhelm. We also talk about how this doesn’t just apply to children. Every parent has their own sensory profile, their own internal signals, and their own limits, and learning to notice these can be a powerful first step in protecting energy and supporting wellbeing. This episode is a valuable listen for parents, carers, OTs, teachers and anyone supporting neurodivergent children or living in the reality of family life where the demands rarely stop. If you are exhausted, overwhelmed, or feel like you’re constantly coping but not really checking in with yourself, this conversation will help you understand why — and where to start. You can find Kelly here: https://www.kelly-mahler.com/  On Facebook and Instagram Thank you to this season’s sponsors: Terri Wyse 👉 https://www.instagram.com/wyseinclusion/ Rachel Helm 👉 https://www.instagram.com/helmeducationconsultancy/ If you’re supporting a child or young person struggling to access school, do reach out to them. Link below to go straight to Insta The Untypical Parent Podcast The Untypical Podcaster Support the show I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I specialise in burnout protection, event accessibility and inclusion, and supervision, with a love of podcasting. 🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top.

    38 min
  6. 50 Episodes In.... Here's What I Know About Parenting (And What I don't)

    MAR 24

    50 Episodes In.... Here's What I Know About Parenting (And What I don't)

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text I recorded this one in my car, on my phone, because the irony finally caught up with me: I cannot keep talking about untypical parenting and ditching perfection while I’m secretly trying to manufacture a “perfect” milestone episode. So I just got on with it and recorded it, in my car.  Episode 50, I can't quite believe it. This episode is an honest reflection on what I’ve learned from fifty conversations with parents and guests across neurodivergent, additional needs, and SEND family life, as well as through my own experiences as a parent.  We get into the lessons that have actually changed how I parent day to day.  I also share the things I still don’t know and maybe never will: what the future holds, whether a choice is the “right” decision, and when it’s the right time to jump.  I finish with the things that help keep me going. And a big massive thank you to all the guests that have joined me on the podcast and all the listeners that tune in and choose to spend their time with me.  Looking forwards to spending the next 50 episodes with you. Take care you lovely lot Here’s the link for the post with guests talking about what it was like to be on the podcast 🤩 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVq_mTXjY9v/?igsh=MWd5NmpqaWI3c2gxYg== Support the show I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I specialise in burnout protection, event accessibility and inclusion, and supervision, with a love of podcasting. 🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top.

    21 min
  7. Suicide Prevention in Young People: A Conversation with Papyrus

    MAR 17

    Suicide Prevention in Young People: A Conversation with Papyrus

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text Content note: This episode contains conversation about suicide. Please look after yourself when listening.  This episode is a special one. It’s part of Podcasthon 2026, where podcasters come together to raise awareness for charities that matter. For me, this one is personal. In this conversation, I’m joined by Ged Flynn CEO from Papyrus, a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide in young people. We talk openly about suicide. Gently. Honestly. Without drama. Without sensationalising it. But without avoiding it either. If you are a parent who has ever heard your child say the words that is every parents worst nightmare, “I don’t want to be here anymore,” this episode is for you. We talk about: The myths that stop us talking about suicideWhy talking about it does not “put the idea in someone’s head”The impact on parents and family membersThe difference between mental illness and suicidal thoughtsWhy neurodivergent young people can be at higher riskWhat actually happens when you call Hopeline247And something we don’t say enough to parents during these times…  I also share a little of my own family’s experience, and why Papyrus became a lifeline for us when we needed them. If you take one thing from this episode, please, please let it be this: You do not have to do this alone. Reach out. We never know what could be going on for families behind closed doors. By sharing this episode wherever you can, you might just help someone who needs to see it today.  If you need support Papyrus runs Hopeline247, a confidential support service for young people under 35 who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, and for parents or carers who are worried about a young person. 📞 Call: 0800 068 4141 📱 Text: 88247 🌐 www.papyrus-uk.org (Available 24/7) If you’re outside the UK, please look for a local suicide prevention helpline in your country. Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn You can also find Ged on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ged-flynn-394273b/ If you would like to donate to Papyrus so they can continue to be the lifeline that families need you do so here Support the show I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I specialise in burnout protection, event accessibility and inclusion, and supervision, with a love of podcasting. 🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top.

    51 min
  8. The Power of Creativity for Parents and Kids (with Julie Bevan, Dot Kids)

    MAR 10

    The Power of Creativity for Parents and Kids (with Julie Bevan, Dot Kids)

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text In this episode I'm joined by Julie Bevan founder of DotKids where we explore creativity.  Creativity often feels like something we leave behind in childhood. Somewhere between school expectations, work, parenting and the pressure to be productive, many of us stop creating altogether. But creativity isn’t just about producing a perfect picture or being “good at art”. It’s about expression, regulation, confidence and wellbeing. In this episode, I’m joined by Julie Bevan from Dot Kids, an organisation using creativity to support children’s confidence, emotional expression and wellbeing. We talk about why creativity matters for both children and parents, how schools sometimes shift the focus from exploration to perfection, and why many adults lose their connection to creativity as they grow older. We also explore how simple creative activities — even doodling or making marks on paper — can support mental health, self-regulation and family connection. If you’ve ever thought “I’m not creative” or feel like you lost that part of yourself somewhere along the way, this episode might help you see creativity a little differently. In this episode we talk about: Why creativity supports wellbeing for both kids and parentsHow perfection and outcomes can take the joy out of artThe role creativity plays in emotional expression and regulationWhy many adults stop creating as they get olderSimple ways families can bring creativity back into everyday lifeThe work Julie is doing through Dot KidsYou might even feel inspired to pick up a paintbrush, doodle on a page, or simply try something creative again. Links and resources DotKids Julie Bevan – LinkedIn www.dotkids.co.uk Julie mentions two artists in particular during the episode they are Yayoi Kasama and Frida Kahlo If you enjoy the podcast, don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. I love to know how and what you do that's creative. Lets build a bank of ideas of creative things we can do as parents. Have fun!! Support the show I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I specialise in burnout protection, event accessibility and inclusion, and supervision, with a love of podcasting. 🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top.

    42 min
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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
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Untypical Parent™ Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Untypical Parent™ Podcast

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