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. 5d ago

    So much more than just a book

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text This Bookshelf episode reminded me that sometimes a book gives us far more than just a good story. Jo joined me to talk about Passiontide by Monique Roffey, but we ended up chatting about so much more than the book itself. We talked about finding a bit of escapism when life keeps you close to home, why some books completely pull you in, and how reading isn't always straightforward for all of us. As two people who both find reading hard work, we also found ourselves talking about dyslexia, audiobooks, rereading pages and why the right book is worth the effort. Jo also shared something I hadn't expected. As the story unfolds, women from very different backgrounds come together to stand up for what's right. It reminded her of the SEND parent community and how parents so often find strength in each other when the system feels stacked against them. If you've ever been looking for a book that transports you somewhere else, or you've wondered whether you're the only one who struggles to read, I think you'll really enjoy this conversation.    Jo has definitely persuaded me to add a few more of Monique Roffey's books to my ever-growing list. If you'd like to have a look at her other books too, you'll find them on her website: www.moniqueroffey.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Untypical Podcaster Lab  If you'd love to start a podcast but the usual advice just doesn't seem to fit you, come and have a look at The Untypical Podcaster Lab. I'll help you go from podcast brainwave to your very first episode in just two weeks, in a way that works for you. It starts on Monday 17th August. https://info.the-untypical-ot.co.uk/untypical-podcaster-lab Support the show

    So much more than just a book

  2. Aug 4

    Neuroaffirming Teaching From The Inside

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text There is a quiet strength to this episode. From discovering his own neurodivergence later in life, to supporting children in ways that help them feel understood rather than managed, Simon Airey shares what teaching looks like when you experience the world a little differently. When we think about what makes a good teacher, we often talk about knowledge, experience and patience. But what happens when the teacher is autistic too? In this episode I sat down with autistic teacher and consultant Simon Airey to talk about how his own lived experience has shaped the way he teaches, supports behaviour and works alongside families. We talked about why neuroaffirming practice is so much more than a poster on the wall, how understanding behaviour changes when you stop asking "What's wrong with this child?" and start asking "What does this child need?", and why some of the simplest adaptations can make the biggest difference. What I could hear was was how often Simon noticed the things that could easily be missed. The child who isn't refusing to start their work but doesn't know how to begin. The child who needs movement rather than being told off. The teacher themselves who quietly puts on ear defenders or takes ten minutes to reset so they can keep showing up for their class. It's a conversation about education, but it's also about understanding people. You can connect with Simon here:  https://www.instagram.com/neuroaffirmingwithsimon/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Untypical Podcaster Lab  If you'd love to start a podcast but the usual advice just doesn't seem to fit you, come and have a look at The Untypical Podcaster Lab. I'll help you go from podcast brainwave to your very first episode in just two weeks, in a way that works for you.  https://info.the-untypical-ot.co.uk/untypical-podcaster-lab -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to this season’s sponsors: Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm They are offering EBSA support through webinars and workshops. Upcoming Sessions:  📅 2nd September – Webinar for Parents & Families  📅 16th September – Joint Workshop (Parents + Schools) Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5. Parent/carer webinarWorkshop-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Support the show

    Neuroaffirming Teaching From The Inside

  3. Jul 28

    What Audiobooks Make Possible: The Girl with the Louding Voice

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text Please note: This episode discusses themes from The Girl with the Louding Voice, including child marriage, abuse and violence towards young women, which some listeners may find upsetting. Another Untypical Parent Podcast Bookshelf episode, this time with listener Carly Cavilla Hunt.  These episodes were only meant to be around 15 minutes long, but somehow, as always, I get completely drawn into the conversation and listening to other people. This one was no different. Carly joined me to talk about The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré, beautifully narrated by Adjoa Andoh. But our conversation became about so much more than one book. We talked about the stigma that listening to an audiobook somehow doesn't count as reading, and why that's something we both challenge. As a dyslexic person, audiobooks have opened up a whole world of books that I'd previously found inaccessible. For Carly, who is visually impaired, losing more of her sight also meant grieving the loss of reading in the way she had always known it. Together we explore what audiobooks make possible, not just for us, but for so many people who access stories differently. Carly describes her reaction to The Girl with the Louding Voice as visceral. Just hearing the title brings back a physical response. Listening to her talk about Adunni, the story and the narration was so powerful that I went and bought the audiobook straight after we finished recording. We also found ourselves talking about the role books can play when life feels overwhelming. They don't fix the hard things, but they can give us space to breathe, escape for a while and remind us that hope and beauty still exist, even when life feels heavy. As if that wasn't enough for one episode, we finished by talking about Carly's work supporting parents to apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Drawing on her years working for the DWP and Citizens Advice, she now helps families navigate what can be an incredibly overwhelming process by helping them tell the whole story, not just fill in another form. You can probably see why we went on for longer than 15 minutes. I love these conversations. Every guest - and every listener who joins me for a Bookshelf episode - teaches me something new. Thank you for joining me, Carly. Please note: This episode discusses themes from The Girl with the Louding Voice, including child marriage, abuse and violence towards young women, which some listeners may find upsetting. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Untypical Podcaster Lab  If you'd love to start a podcast but the usual advice just doesn't seem to fit you, come and have a look at The Untypical Podcaster Lab. I'll help you go from podcast brainwave to your very first episode in just two weeks, in a way that works for you.  https://info.the-untypical-ot.co.uk/untypical-podcaster-lab -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to this season’s sponsors: Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm They are offering EBSA support through webinars and workshops. Upcoming Sessions:  📅 2nd September – Webinar for Parents & Families  📅 16th September – Joint Workshop (Parents + Schools) Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5. Parent/carer webinarWorkshop-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Support the show

    What Audiobooks Make Possible: The Girl with the Louding Voice

  4. Jul 21

    Quietening the "This Is How You Parent" Noise with Eliza Fricker

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text Parenting when your child hasn't got the memo that everyone expects them to do things a certain way isn't just hard... it's really hard. Author and illustrator Eliza Fricker joins me on The Untypical Parent Podcast to talk about what happens when "traditional" parenting advice simply doesn't work for your family. So much of what Eliza shared resonated with me as a parent. We talk about meetings that we have to attend that just feel ridculous, knowing there wasn't a coffee morning for parents like her, how she found herself questioning her own instincts, and the moment she decided she was going to start drawing the reality of what families like hers were living through. I know we aren't the only parents to feel like this.  If you'd like to connect with Eliza you can find her here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizafricker_missingthemark/?hl=en Website: https://missingthemark.co.uk/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Untypical Podcaster Lab  If you'd love to start a podcast but the usual advice just doesn't seem to fit you, come and have a look at The Untypical Podcaster Lab. I'll help you go from podcast brainwave to your very first episode in just two weeks, in a way that works for you.  https://info.the-untypical-ot.co.uk/untypical-podcaster-lab -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to this season’s sponsors: Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm They are offering EBSA support through webinars and workshops. Upcoming Sessions:  📅 2nd September – Webinar for Parents & Families  📅 16th September – Joint Workshop (Parents + Schools) Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5. Parent/carer webinarWorkshop-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Support the show

    Quietening the "This Is How You Parent" Noise with Eliza Fricker

  5. Jul 14

    The Art of Understanding My AuDHD Self: with David Kirkman

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text Introducing David Kirkman. A late-diagnosed AuDHDer, parent and artist who loves a round of golf.  As only you might expect with two neurodivergent brains, our conversation takes a wonderful meandering approach, and we cover so much. From David's beginning to understand his big emotions as a child, to discovering his diagnosis later in life. We talked about David’s art and what that means to David. We might have also got completely lost in the middle of what we were talking about, but that’s real life so after a good laugh it made the cut and stayed in the episode.  We are about mental health, men's mental health, I could go on. If you’re a parent, there is so much to relate to in here. As with all my guests, David talks openly and honestly about what it is like to be neurodivergent and a parent. I am grateful for his time and the conversation.  If you would like to connect with David you can find him here.  Website: https://dkirkmanart.com/about-david/?v=7885444af42e Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dkirkmanart/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brainwave to episode workshop with me: https://info.the-untypical-ot.co.uk/brainwave-to-episode  Tuesday 14th July at 7.30pm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to this season’s sponsors: Terri Wyse & Rachel Helm They are offering EBSA support through webinars and workshops. Upcoming Sessions:  📅 2nd September – Webinar for Parents & Families  📅 16th September – Joint Workshop (Parents + Schools) Podcast listeners receive £5 off using this code UNTYPICALPARENT5. Parent/carer webinarWorkshopSupport the show

    The Art of Understanding My AuDHD Self: with David Kirkman

  6. Jul 7

    When the Unthinkable Happens: Life After Child Bereavement

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text When the Unthinkable Happens: Life After Child Bereavement Content note: This episode discusses child bereavement and childhood cancer. Please listen gently and take care of yourself, or choose to come back another day. I was worried about this episode. Worried I'd say the wrong thing. Worried I'd upset Nici. Worried I wouldn't do Nici, her family and Charlie the justice they deserve. I don't think I'm alone in desperately wanting to support parents who have experienced the trauma of child bereavement, while also worrying about saying the wrong thing. Nici Robinson joins me to share the story of her son Charlie, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just two years old. After three years of treatment, Charlie died in 2021. Together we talk about what no parent ever expects to face. I'm in awe of Nici as she speaks so honestly about the guilt, the loneliness, the impact on her marriage and children, and the reality that grief doesn't simply disappear with time. She also shares how she has learned to live alongside it. Out of unimaginable heartbreak came purpose. Nici founded Blue Bear & Co, creating sensory memory bears that hold voice recordings, scent and a heartbeat, offering comfort to families experiencing loss, separation and change. She also established the charity Thumbs Up for Charlie, helping families affected by childhood brain tumours create precious memories together. This episode is heartbreaking, hopeful and full of compassion. I'm incredibly grateful to Nici for trusting me with Charlie's story and for helping me reach parents who might desperately need to hear this conversation right now. If you've experienced grief yourself, know someone who has, or have ever wondered how to support a bereaved family, I hope this conversation helps. Find out more Blue Bear & Co – Learn more about the sensory memory bears or donate a bear to a family who needs one: www.bluebearandco.co.uk Follow Blue Bear & Co on Instagram: @bluebear_and_co Thumbs Up for Charlie – Find out more about the charity supporting families affected by childhood brain tumours: www.thumbsupforcharlie.co.uk Derian House Children's Hospice – The children's hospice Nici speaks about in this episode: 📱 Follow Derian House on Instagram -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brainwave to episode workshop with me: https://info.the-untypical-ot.co.uk/brainwave-to-episode  Tuesday 14th July at 7.30pm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Support the show

    When the Unthinkable Happens: Life After Child Bereavement

  7. Jun 30

    The Bookshelf: The Book That Inspired a Six-Year-Old to Write

    Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text The Book That Inspired a Six-Year-Old to Write Sometimes we don't realise the ripple effect our actions can have.  In this episode of The Bookshelf, I'm joined by author, editor and writing coach Cara A'Court to talk about two very special books. Cara shares the story behind her own novel, Three People, Three Countries, One Path, and how publishing it inspired her six-year-old niece to write and publish her very first book, Matt the Mole and the Stormy Day. We also talk about writing as a way of processing life's experiences, why perfection shouldn't stop creativity, and how finding your own way of telling a story matters far more than getting every word right. As someone who is dyslexic, writing has never come naturally to me, so this was a conversation that challenged some of my own beliefs about what it means to be a writer. Whether you love books, have always dreamed of writing one, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind them, I hope you enjoy this conversation. You can find the books Cara spoke about here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-People-Countries-One-Path/dp/1639888527 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Matt-mole-stormy-Billie-Rose-Lamb/dp/B0D4J91T5C And if you'd like to connect with Cara, you can do that here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-a-court-335878143/ Support the show

    The Bookshelf: The Book That Inspired a Six-Year-Old to Write

  8. Jun 23

    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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Support the show

    Make Disability Unremarkable
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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
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Untypical Parent Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Untypical Parent Podcast

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