Play expert, author and educator Sophie David joins Izzy Judd to explore the rising tide of childhood anxiety, how the classroom is failing neurodivergent kids, and why play is essential for learning. With insights from her own parenting journey, Sophie shares simple, powerful ways to support children through anxiety, dysregulation, and rigid school systems.

Follow Sophie on Instagram

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Anxiety in Children

03:05 The Importance of Play in Learning

05:47 Navigating Neurodiversity and Parenting

08:57 The Role of Advocacy in Education

11:55 Innovative Teaching Methods

15:13 Creating Engaging Learning Environments

17:54 Flexibility in Education Systems

21:09 Addressing Masking in Neurodivergent Children

26:22 Understanding Masking in Children

30:11 The Importance of Open Communication with Teachers

33:36 Navigating Homework and Stress

37:17 The Impact of Anxiety on Children

41:43 Labeling Emotions and Open Conversations

46:18 Promoting Playful Learning

48:25 Deciding on Education Paths for Children

50:33 Future Aspirations for Neurodivergent Kids

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkndkids

Email: [email protected]

Lets Talk Neurodivergent Kids is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production

Executive Producer: James Carpenter

Production Coordinator: Vic Amott

Video Editor & Social Media: Oliver Francis

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Why are so many neurodivergent girls slipping through the cracks, and what can we do to change that? In this episode, Izzy Judd is joined by best-selling author, ADHD coach and advocate, Leanne Maskell. They explore the emotional cost of late diagnoses, the difference in how boys and girls mask, how to support your child through hormonal changes, and why parenting neurodivergent kids requires rethinking everything we thought we knew.

Content warning: This episode contains open discussions of childhood trauma, mental health struggles, suicidal thoughts, and sexual vulnerability. Please take care while listening, and pause or step away if anything feels too difficult.

If you’ve been affected by any of the topics discussed, support is available. You can contact:

Samaritans (UK): 116 123 or samaritans.org

YoungMinds Parent Helpline: 0808 802 5544

NSPCC Childline (for under 19s): 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk

Follow Leanne, here: https://www.instagram.com/leannemaskell/?hl=en

Chapters:

1:10 Meet Leanne Maskell: Diagnoses That Changed Everything

4:25 What Childhood Felt Like When You’re ‘Too Much’

9:44 Girls vs Boys: Masking, Makeup & Being ‘Good’

14:50 Anger, Alcohol & Vulnerability

20:18 Periods, Hygiene & Sensory Struggles

25:31 Opening Presents ‘Wrong’ – And the Weight of Misunderstanding

29:12 How Acceptance Can Save Lives

32:07 Hormones, PMDD & the ADHD Cycle

40:23 When and How to Talk About Suicide

41:41 School Trauma & Primary to Secondary Struggles

47:20 Grooming, Dating & Why Critical Thinking is Key

51:21 Let’s Talk Screens: Tools or Threats?

56:47 Friendship, Boundaries & Teaching Agency

1:02:52 What Parents Can Model – And Why it Matters

1:07:59 Leanne’s Hopes for Neurodivergent Kids

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkndkids

Email: [email protected]

Lets Talk Neurodivergent Kids is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production

Executive Producers: James Carpenter & Jon O’Donnell

Production Coordinator: Vic Amott

Video Editor: Alistair Nolan

Social Media: Oliver Francis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feeding your child should be simple — but for some families, it’s a source of fear, judgment, and overwhelming anxiety. In this episode, Izzy Judd is joined by mum Michelle Jacques and occupational therapist Teresa Foley to discuss ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) — a misunderstood eating disorder often mistaken for picky eating.

You can follow Teresa's work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_feeding_therapist_/

01:42 – Michelle’s Story: From Weaning to Yogurt-Only Diets
11:47 – What is ARFID? Expert Explains the Diagnosis
16:30 – When is it More Than Picky Eating?
21:15 – Why Early Intervention Matters
23:08 – How to Support Without Pressure
27:44 – The Power of Acceptance and Quiet Progress
32:05 – Getting Help: A Broken System and a Turning Point

37:07 – Impact on Siblings & Family Life

38:59 – Schools & Safe Eating Environments

43:38 – Working With Teens: Finding Their Motivation

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Izzy is joined by autism consultant, former speech therapist, and mum of three autistic adult children, Lisa Galley. Together, they chat about the often-overlooked emotional and physical toll of parental burnout, particularly when raising neurodivergent children.

Lisa shares her personal journey through two burnout collapses, the moment she hit rock bottom, and how she rebuilt her life around micro moments of calm, the 'F-It bucket' and bedtime rituals.

Find out more Lisa and her work: https://lisagalley.com/

Chapters

0:00 – Introduction to Parental Burnout
2:04 – Meet Lisa Galley - Autism, Family & 30 Years of Insight
6:45 – Burnout - Meltdowns, Exhaustion & Intuition
15:00 – Mirroring, Trauma, and the Fight to Stay Regulated
16:24 – Micro Moments: Building Capacity Through Tiny Acts
21:01 – Letting Grief & Resentment Be Valid Emotions
23:22 – The F** It Bucket: Letting Go of the Unimportant
38:20 – Misunderstood Parenting: Judgement, Masking & Survival
43:26 – Coping Tools That Help
45:00 – What Burned-Out Parents Need to Hear Most
46:36 – Guided Grounding: A Moment to Breathe

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkndkids

Email: [email protected]

Lets Talk Neurodivergent Kids is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production

Executive Producers: James Carpenter & Jon O’Donnell

Production Coordinator: Vic Amott

Video Editor: Alistair Nolan

Social Media: Oliver Francis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when you finally get a name for your brain after 40 years of not knowing?

This week, Izzy’s joined by Ben Branson - entrepreneur, dad, and founder of The Hidden 20% who shares his powerful story of being diagnosed with autism and ADHD in adulthood.

Hear how that moment changed everything, from how he sees himself to how he parents his neurodivergent daughter.

Find out why so many people are still missed by the system, how masking can hide the signs, and why Ben’s on a mission to close the gap for millions of others.

This podcast contains discussions of adult themes, which some listeners may find distressing.

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkndkids

Follow Ben on Instragram and find out more about his work: https://www.instagram.com/seedlip_ben

Email: [email protected]

Lets Talk Neurodivergent Kids is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production

Executive Producers: James Carpenter & Jon O’Donnell

Producer: Connor Gani

Production Coordinator: Vic Amott

Video Editor: Alistair Nolan

Social Media: Oliver Francis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Izzy is joined by Dr. Donia Fahim — a leading expert in speech and language therapy and behaviour analysis. Together, they explore the power of communication and share practical, compassionate ways to create inclusive environments at home and in schools. Topics include: when to discuss diagnosis with your child, techniques for communicating with non-speaking children, and how to empower and encourage self advocacy.

You can find Dr Donia Fahim's book, here: https://doniafahim.com/book/

Chapters:

10:11 - The Role of Speech and Language Therapy

13:36 - Compassionate Communication & Listening

22:24 - Non-Speaking Children

27:08 - Supporting Siblings

35:34 - Encouraging Self-Advocacy

41:04 - How Schools Can Improve

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkndkids

Email: [email protected]

Lets Talk Neurodivergent Kids is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production

Executive Producers: James Carpenter & Jon O’Donnell

Producer: Connor Gani

Production Coordinator: Vic Amott

Video Editor: Alistair Nolan

Social Media: Oliver Francis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when your child begins to fall between the cracks?

This week, fun-loving author and co-founder of SEND Reform England Lisa Lloyd joins Izzy for a candid conversation sharing her story of raising two neurodivergent children.

You'll come away with an understanding of how the education system can better support your child. Plus, find out why even in the most challenging of times, resilience and vulnerability can be the light at the end of the tunnel.

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkndkids

Email: [email protected]

Lets Talk Neurodivergent Kids is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production

Executive Producers: James Carpenter & Jon O’Donnell

Producer: Connor Gani

Production Coordinator: Vic Amott

Video Editor: Alistair Nolan

Social Media: Oliver Francis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do certain foods affect the brain? And what should your child be eating more of?

Izzy’s joined by nutrition guru Lucinda Miller, who’s spent over 25 years helping

neurodivergent kids feel their best—starting with what’s on their plate.

Find out just how important Zinc is and how to get it, why breakfast should take the crown, and how eggs could become your ultimate secret ingredient

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkndkids

Email: [email protected]

Lets Talk Neurodivergent Kids is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production

Executive Producers: James Carpenter & Jon O’Donnell

Producer: Connor Gani

Production Coordinator: Vic Amott

Video Editor: Alistair Nolan

Social Media: Oliver Francis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What exactly is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and how should you support a child

with this profile?

Izzy sits down with bestselling author, illustrator and advocate Eliza Fricker who has spent years working as a consultant for PDA, Autism and Learning.

Discover how to adjust your child’s routines to allow for better decompression, why traditional rules don’t work in many neurodivergent households, and how humour can be a game-changer for empowering your child.

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkndkids

Email: [email protected]

Lets Talk Neurodivergent Kids is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production

Executive Producers: James Carpenter & Jon O’Donnell

Producer: Connor Gani

Production Coordinator: Vic Amott

Video Editor: Alistair Nolan

Social Media: Oliver Francis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before we dive into the series, Izzy shares the reasons behind creating this podcast. She opens up about what inspired her, what she hopes you'll take away, and why these conversations matter so much to parents, carers and anyone wanting to better understand the world of raising a neurodivergent child.

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkndkids

Email: [email protected]

Lets Talk Neurodivergent Kids is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices