Board games, video games, a nice, relaxing game of crazy golf - fun for all the family, right? Not if you have neurodivergent kids. In this episode, Mark is joined by Dan Clark to explore how seemingly simple games can quickly spiral into chaos and meltdown when you’re parenting autistic, ADHD or PDA children.

They chat about fairness, turn-taking, emotional regulation and why Monopoly might be the most dangerous game in a neurodivergent household. Dan brings humour and honesty, sharing how video games have been a surprisingly good way to bond with his children.

They also discuss the hugely beneficial role that both video games and Dungeons & Dragons can play in teaching our kids some of the skills they need to develop, in order to navigate a world teeming with neurotypicals.

If you’re looking for a neurodivergent parenting podcast that understands both the joy and unpredictability of family life, this one hits the mark.

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

MindJam - https://mindjam.org.uk/

Monopoly - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monopoly_(game)

Fast Show Competitive Dad - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2x_DI7tzNQ

Mario Kart - https://store.nintendo.co.uk/en/mario-kart

Beat the Parents - https://amzn.eu/d/3xTCOg8

Cranium - https://amzn.eu/d/cVedUTu

Scrabble - https://amzn.eu/d/f4ngyJW

Dungeon Mayhem - https://amzn.eu/d/3Z0NFr8

Throw Throw Burrito - https://amzn.eu/d/3Z0NFr8

Ocean Bingo - https://www.laurenceking.com/products/ocean-bingo

Exploding Kittens - https://amzn.eu/d/933z2FH

Unstable Unicorns - https://amzn.eu/d/cDnUP80

Risk - https://amzn.eu/d/dc7h30w

The Dice Saloon, Brighton - https://www.dicesaloon.com/

Chase The Ace - https://www.classicgamesandpuzzles.com/Chase-the-Ace.html

Zelda: Breath of the Wild - https://www.ign.com/games/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild

Boy beats Tetris - https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/67902380

Fortnite - https://www.ign.com/games/fortnite

Candy Crush - https://www.ign.com/games/candy-crush-saga

Dungeons & Dragons - https://dnd.wizards.com/

MindJam Adventure Guild - https://mindjam.org.uk/services/adventure-guild/

BAFTA Young Game Designers - https://ygd.bafta.org/

It Takes Two - https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/it-takes-two/about

Brighton Festival Children's Parade - https://samesky.co.uk/events/childrens-parade-3/

Jump Inc Trampoline Park - https://www.jump-inc.uk/locations/lincoln/

Kellie Bright EHCP Film (BBC One Show) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001z8w5

CONTACT US

If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: [email protected]

FOLLOW US

Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles

Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles

CREDITS

The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/