Atypical Life

We are back from a big week in Perth, recapping the Spectrum Space Symposium 2026 — a 10-year anniversary event that was the most attended in its history. Carol shares what it was like to present in a new location, how she pivoted her presentation on the spot when other speakers covered similar content, and why the neuro-affirming culture of this conference makes it her favourite annual event. They also get into the careful planning that goes into travelling and presenting as neurodivergent professionals — from same-hotel routines and hire cars to having the right support people by your side — and the very real recovery that follows when you get home. Plus: a heavy bag of books through airport security, a toy sale at BIG W, a flat battery at 8pm, and a new special interest in line dancing at the Yee Haw Bar. Topics covered: Presenting at Spectrum Space Symposium 2026 How neurodivergent professionals prepare for (and recover from) big events Travelling with support people and predictability strategies The ADHD conference & heading home Forward planning for Lincoln's transition to high school Line dancing as a regulation tool The Atypical Life Podcast — real conversations about neurodivergent life, parenting, and professional practice.

Carol shares her brand new children's book My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open — a story about Sam, a boy with a busy brain, inspired by her own kids and the families she works with every day. It's a book about feeling seen, understood, and finally having the language to describe what's going on inside.

They also unpack the GROW Framework — Carols neuro-affirming behaviour support model that's the first of its kind. Grounded in identity, Responsive to needs, Open to communication differences, and Whole-person support — GROW is being rolled out into training, resources, and a presentation at the Spectrum Space Symposium June 18th in Perth.

The conversation gets personal as they talk about raising neurodivergent kids in a neurodivergent family, the power of representation in books, and why the next generation deserves to grow up seeing themselves reflected in the world.

Plus — Chelsea gets a new kitten, someone Googled themselves, and things go beautifully off the rails in the 60 Seconds with Chelsea segment. 😄

In this episode:

- Carol's new book: My Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open

- The GROW Framework explained (G-R-O-W)

- Launching GROW Level 2 advanced training in July

-Neurodivergent identity, representation & raising neurodiverse kids

-Life updates, cats & Taylor Swift

🔗 Find the book: www.inclusivemovement.com.au/shop

& GROW resources: www.growtherapyservices.com.au

📲 Follow along: @an_atypical_life

In this episode of A Typical Life, Carol sits down with her 11-year-old son Lincoln for a candid, funny, and surprisingly deep conversation about growing up neurodivergent. Lincoln opens up about being autistic, ADHD, and gifted — and what that actually feels like from the inside. They talk about his passion project Happy Hub (an after-school gaming club he founded), his love of coding, piano, and art, and his big dream of moving to Perth for high school. Plus: the cold air con debate, lifting tires, and why Lincoln thinks high school is "all downhill."

After an unexpected break, we're back! In this episode, we get real about what happens when your full-time support worker needs surgery — and there's no one to step in. We dive deep into the current wave of NDIS reforms and Thriving Kids changes, sharing what it feels like to be navigating these shifts as both a family and a provider. We talk about the very real fear of losing supports, the community consultations happening on the ground, and why inclusion is just good risk management. And because we always try to balance the hard stuff with joy — we celebrate a genuinely beautiful small win: Cooper's first day on her ADHD medication. One day at a time. In this episode: Why we've been away & what a break means for families who direct-employ NDIS reforms, Thriving Kids & what it means for our family and the families we support Risk managing as a family and as a service provider Daughters ADHD journey — from blood test chaos to medication day 1 Finding moments of joy: surfing, characters, and connection

Episode 4: Setting Our Neurodivergent Kids Up for Success at School
Join us as we dive into the complex world of school advocacy for neurodivergent children. We're a few weeks into the new term, and the novelty has worn off—so we're sharing our 8-year journey navigating mainstream education with our autistic and ADHD kiddos.

In this episode, we discuss:
- Building trust with teachers and school staff
- The importance of relationships and knowing your child's "people"
- Advocating for accommodations (visual schedules, AAC devices, strategic breaks)
- Teaching kids to self-advocate and understanding that "everyone needs what they need to be successful"
- Our new homeschooling adventure with Kooper, including our first project: office fish (spoiler: it was an emotional rollercoaster)
- The reality of balancing homeschooling with work and other kids
- Why flexible, project-based learning works better for some PDA and neurodivergent learners

Whether you're battling with school administration, considering homeschooling, or just trying to make it through term one, this conversation is for families who get it.
We share the wins, the heartbreaks, and the ongoing work of creating environments where our kids can truly thrive.

Links & Resources: Share your school experiences or advocacy questions in the comments or send us a message.

Atypical Live Podcast - Episode 3: Choosing the right "Support" for your family: accepting help, trust and consistency In this episode, hosts Carol and Chelsea discuss the journey of accepting help as a neurodivergent family. Chelsea, who has been supporting Carol's family for 8 years (starting at age 12!), shares her unique perspective as a support worker and the evolution of their relationship. They explore the challenges families face when bringing support into their homes, the importance of finding the right fit, and practical advice for families navigating NDIS support services. This conversation celebrates trust, growth, and the power of genuine care in disability support.

Timestamped Show Notes:

0:00 - Introduction Welcome back and episode topic: accepting help

3:03 - Meeting Chelsea How Chelsea started supporting the family at age 12, her passion for working with kids, and why she's considered a "unicorn"

10:24 - Building Trust The evolution from community support to in-home support, overcoming vulnerability, and creating a safe space

13:40 - Types of Support Practical examples of support: daily routines, therapy strategies, school transitions, social programs, and building life skills

24:16 - Finding the Right Fit Tips for families and support workers: asking questions, starting small, building relationships, and the importance of genuine care

33:19 - Closing Thoughts Final advice for families considering support services

Navigating Autism Diagnosis 10 years ago and now - for both children and adults.