Are we expecting too much too soon from our youngest children, and what does School readiness really mean?

In this episode, Izzy Judd is joined by Ruth Lue-Quee, also known online as My Mummy Teacher. Ruth is an Educational Consultant and the founder of MMT Play, an award-winning education & play resources brand based in the UK. As a highly qualified Educational Consultant and award-winning former Deputy Headteacher, Ruth brings extensive experience in both mainstream and Special Educational Needs education, with a particular focus on Early Years and Key Stage One.

Learn more about Ruth's work - https://mmtplay.com/

Sign the Petition - https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/729440

00:00 – What Are We Expecting From Our Kids?

02:00 – Ruth’s Story: From Teacher to Play Advocate

05:30 – Growing Up Loving Teaching

08:00 – The Big Jump Between Reception and Year 1

13:45 – The Controversial Comment About Four-Year-Olds

16:00 – What Being “Ready for School” Really Means

25:00 – Why Sitting Still Isn’t the Goal

34:30 – If Adults Can Move, Why Can’t Kids?

41:30 – Ruth’s Petition: Making Play Part of the Curriculum

49:00 – Final Thoughts: Let’s Do What’s Right for Children

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

What if the education system is failing the very kids who could change the world? In this episode Izzy Judd is joined by Kate Griggs, mum and founder of Made By Dyslexia, a charity that has been shifting the narrative on dyslexia and educating people on its strengths. This conversation is filled with practical insight, hope, and a strong message: difference is brilliant.

More on Kate Griggs https://www.madebydyslexia.org/our-founder/

(00:11) – What dyslexia really means and why it's misunderstood

(02:21) – Kate’s personal story: growing up in a dyslexic family

(04:45) – The typical challenges and strengths of dyslexic children

(06:50) – Why schools should change how they teach all kids

(08:30) – How and when dyslexia can be diagnosed in children

(10:15) – What to look for if you think your child is dyslexic

(13:40) – Why many dyslexic children think they’re stupid

(14:30) – Why so many entrepreneurs are dyslexic

(15:55) – Dyslexic people working in British intelligence (GCHQ)

(18:00) – Dyslexia in acting, music, and the arts

(21:00) – How technology and AI help dyslexic learners

(23:15) – Why standardised tests don’t work for dyslexic student

(26:35) – The emotional toll of school on dyslexic children

(29:00) – The dyslexic sperm bank stunt that went viral

(46:30) – Kate’s message for the future of neurodivergent children

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

What if your child’s refusal to get dressed… meant they finally felt safe?

In this episode Izzy Judd chats to clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr Naomi Fisher about low demand parenting, why traditional discipline often backfires, how to parent when your child is in survival mode, and the critical importance of listening to a child’s “no.”

🔗 More on Dr Naomi Fisher: naomifisher.co.uk

Chapters

01:47 – Naomi’s story: from psychologist to parenting trailblazer
03:54 – Why parents feel so guilty—and why they shouldn’t
06:48 – What is low demand parenting?
08:31 – Pressure-sensitive children and why punishments fail
10:46 – Trust, boundaries, and non-negotiables
13:34 – How to handle getting dressed, shoes, and transitions
15:37 – Why pressure-sensitive kids become powerful adults
17:22 – “Kids weren’t like this in my day…” — Naomi’s take
19:43 – Why school might actually be causing the anxiety
26:56 – School anxiety vs general anxiety: understanding the difference
31:49 – Why kids can't always explain what’s wrong
33:46 – Emotional regulation and why teachers can’t do it alone
35:32 – The post-school “regression” panic—and what it really means
38:09 – Is there any kind of school that works? Naomi’s answer
40:36 – The image mantra that helps parents stay grounded

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

How do you really support a neurodivergent child through the chaos of everyday life? In this episode, Izzy Judd chats to neurodivergent family coach and education consultant Kate Steer about her essential toolkit for parents, from meltdown mantras to school advocacy and sensory survival tips.

👉 Follow Kate on Instagram: @nurturedneurokids

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Neurodivergent Families

02:45 The Meltdown Mantra: Navigating Emotional Overwhelm

05:52 The Importance of Environment in Meltdowns

08:33 Managing Meltdowns: Strategies for Parents

11:56 Proactive Parenting: Preparing for Challenges

14:45 Self-Regulation: Tools for Parents

17:48 Advocating for Your Child in School

24:29 Understanding Transitions: Supporting Change

38:19 Final Thoughts: Empowering Parents and Understanding 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

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

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

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

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

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

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