In this heartfelt episode of the NDV Podcast, host Andreiais joined once again by Leandra Hamblin — a parent, advocate, and founder of SENtipede — for an honest and powerful conversation about neurodivergent family life,resilience, and community.

Leandra shares her lived experience as a parent to threeneurodivergent children, reflecting on early signs of autism and ADHD, the realities of navigating education systems, school avoidance, and the emotional toll of constantly having to “prove” your child’s needs. She speaks openlyabout burnout, crisis points, and the relentless nature of fighting systems that too often fail to listen to parents.

The conversation also explores how these experiences ledLeandra to create SENtipede, a peer-support space rooted in lived experience, connection, and compassion. She talks about finding her voice, stepping into advocacy, the power of community coffee mornings, and what it means to movefrom surviving to roaring — embracing her inner “lioness”.

This episode is a validating listen for parents and carers,a reminder of the importance of listening to lived experience, and a hopeful reflection on self-discovery, strength, and the future of the neurodivergent community.

A deeply human conversation about being seen, being heard,and continuing to fight — together.

Links:

SENtipede Facebook

SENtipede Instagram

Leandra Hamblin LinkedIn

Katy Perry – Roar

In this deeply honest and compassionate episode of the NDVPodcast, Andreia is joined by Laura Ellis, founder of Sensory Mother, teacher, coach, and parent to neurodivergent children.

Laura shares her personal journey through parental burnout,survival mode, and overwhelming shame — and how years of misunderstanding her son’s meltdowns as “behaviour” led her to hit rock bottom. From that place, Laura rebuilt not only her relationship with her child, but her entire career.

Together, Andreia and Laura explore:

• What survival mode really looks and feels like for parents

• Why meltdowns are nervous system responses, not bad behaviour

• The hidden impact of school and sensory overload

• Shame, guilt, and the impossible standards placed on parents

• Why connection must come before correction

Laura introduces her PAUSE Method — five simple, practicalsteps that help parents respond to meltdowns with empathy, clarity, and confidence, without needing a degree in autism or ADHD.

This episode is a powerful reminder that:

Your child is not giving you a hard time — they arehaving a hard time. And you are not failing as a parent.

A must-listen for parents, carers, educators, and anyonesupporting neurodivergent children.

Links:The Sensory Mother

The PAUSE Method

You Gotta Be by Des'ree

In this episode of the NDV Podcast, Andreia Costa is joined by novelist, blogger, and autistic advocate Harriet Bueno de Mesquita for a deeply reflective conversation about identity, creativity, and late autism diagnosis.

Harriet shares her journey of being diagnosed autistic at 36, how writing became a vital form of self-expression, and why she is passionate about representing autistic women in fiction. We explore her debut novel The Magical Summer of Evie Adelman, a story about neurodivergence, belonging, and finding your place in the world, as well as her blog Life with a Label: The Diary of an Autistic Girl.

Together, we discuss masking, burnout, autism and womanhood, Jewish identity, creativity, and the importance of being seen and understood — both within and beyond the autistic community.

This episode is an honest and thoughtful exploration of what it means to live, create, and thrive as a neurodivergent woman.

Links:

Life with a label - The Diary of an Autistic Girl

The Magickal Summer of Evie Edelman

Autieharriet Instagram

Maya Plisetskaya

Miley Cyrus - The Climb

Carrie Underwood - I told you so

In this episode of the Neurodiverse Voices podcast, hostAndreia Costa interviews comedian Matt Richardson, who shares his experiences growing up in a neurodiverse family. Matt discusses his late diagnosis of ADHD, the dynamics of supporting his brother Alex, who is autistic, and how their family navigated these challenges. He reflects on the importance of patience, understanding, and the role of humour in coping with neurodiversity. The conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding ADHD medication, thesignificance of family support, and the impact of neurodivergence on personal and professional life. Matt emphasizes the need for self-awareness and kindnesstowards oneself and others in the neurodivergent community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Richardson Family

03:37 Understanding Neurodiversity in Family Dynamics

08:48 The Journey to Diagnosis

11:42 Reflections on ADHD and Life Changes

14:26 Balancing Personal Needs and Family Dynamics

17:50 Memories and Strengths from Childhood

21:45 The Role of Comedy in Neurodiversity Awareness

24:31 Navigating Seriousness and Humor in Neurodiversity

24:56 Understanding ADHD and Stigma

27:57 The Role of Medication in Mental Health

30:56 Navigating Life with ADHD

32:10 Advice for Siblings of Neurodivergent Individuals

33:57 The Impact of ADHD on Professional Life

35:49 Support Systems and Family Influence

38:40 Self-Care and Wellbeing

39:38 Inspiration from Family

40:52 Superpowers and Making a Difference

41:45 Musical Resonance and Personal Journey

42:36 Reflections on Childhood

43:34 Heartfelt Messages and Positivity

Links:

Matt Richardson

Alex Richardson

Welcome to Holland

Gavin Partridge ADHD Clinic

Right to Choose

Hannah Gadsby

Joe Wells

Helen & Douglas Comedy Gala 2026

Green Day - Basket Case

In this episode of the Neurodiverse Voices podcast, hostAndreia Costa speaks with Ana Bonasera, a certified ADHD coach and mother of five neurodivergent children. Ana shares her personal journey navigating ADHD and autism assessments, the challenges of parenting neurodivergent children, and the importance of mental health. The conversation explores the daily dynamics of a busy household, the joys and struggles of raising neurodivergentkids, and the impact of neurodivergence on sibling relationships. Ana emphasizes the need for advocacy and coaching in the neurodiverse community, aswell as the significance of self-care for parents. In this conversation, Ana Bonasera shares her journey as a neurodivergent parent and ADHD coach,discussing the profound impact of coaching on her life and the lives of her children. She emphasizes the importance of accountability, understanding the education system, and navigating the challenges of parenting neurodivergentchildren. Ana also highlights the need for better support and awareness within the education system, the significance of small wins in daily life, and the importance of finding a sense of belonging. The conversation concludes withmessages of hope and the aspiration for a more inclusive future for neurodivergent individuals.Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and ParentingChallenges

04:32 Navigating ADHD and Autism Assessments

10:34 Reflections on Childhood and Early Signs ofNeurodivergence

15:08 Mental Health Struggles as a Parent Carer

19:44 A Day in the Life of a Neurodivergent Family

25:43 Challenges and Joys of Parenting NeurodivergentChildren

32:21 The Impact of Neurodivergence on Sibling Relationships

39:46 Coaching and Advocacy in the Neurodiverse Community

39:54 The Impact of Coaching on ADHD

44:01 Navigating the Journey of Neurodivergent Parenting

48:31 Understanding the Education System for NeurodivergentFamilies

54:00 Overcoming Misconceptions and Judgments

58:11 Celebrating Small Wins in Neurodivergent Lives

01:01 Future Aspirations and Personal Growth

01:07 Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life

01:10 Messages of Hope and Belonging

Links

Parent Carer Connect

Parent Carer Roadmap

Ana Bonasera Instagram

Ana Bonasera Facebook

In this episode of the NDV Podcast, Nicole Wareing sharesher personal and professional journey with dyslexia, discussing the challenges she faced in education, the importance of support systems, and her passion formental health advocacy. She highlights the need for understanding and accommodations for neurodivergent individuals, the resilience she developedthrough adversity, and her aspirations to make a difference in the lives of families navigating similar experiences. Nicole emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence, creative learning strategies, and the power of connection in fostering well-being and growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nicole's Journey

07:24 Understanding Dyslexia and Its Challenges

12:29 Navigating Misunderstandings in Education

16:03 Building Resilience Through Adversity

21:27 Support Systems and Accommodations

30:11 Career Path and Passion for Mental Health

37:26 Making a Difference in Families' Lives

44:33 Redesigning Support for Neurodivergent Individuals

47:54 Personal Strategies for Well-Being

Links:CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)OXPCF – Oxfordshire Parent Carer ForumAccess to Work (UK Government)NHS Mental Health & Neurodevelopmental ServicesDyslexia Information - British Dyslexia Association Ambiguous Loss explained

Mario Kart

Spider Man

Tom Holland

Linkin Park - One More Light

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, we’re joined by Kay Louise Aldred, Development Lead at Neurodiverse Connection, who shares her journey of late diagnosis, self-understanding, and holistic healing.

Diagnosed as autistic at 47 and meeting the criteria for ADHD, Kay reflects on how her children’s diagnoses led her to seek her own — validating years of challenges and finally helping her depathologise her identity. Through grief, discovery, and growth, Kay found belonging and empowerment in community and embodiment.

We explore:
The experience of late diagnosis and the rollercoaster of emotions that follow;
The connection between trauma, chronic burnout, and unmet neurodivergent needs;
The body–mind relationship, menopause, and how typical medical advice often fails neurodivergent women;
Kay’s Neurodivergent Wellbeing Approach, grounded in compassion, sensory awareness, and nervous system regulation;
Why “less is more” when it comes to healing and why slowing down creates safety and self-acceptance.

Kay shares practical wisdom — from grounding in nature and rest to cultivating an internal voice of kindness. We also unpack the harms of behavioural modification methods like PBS and ABA, and why it’s time to replace them with curiosity and self-compassion.

This episode is a reminder that being different isn’t something to fix — it’s something to embrace.

Links:

Kay Louise Aldred

Kay’s books

Neurodiverse Connection

PBS & ABA research —campaign edition

Embodied education

Alanis Morissette - Ironic

Simon & Garfunkel - Sound of Silence

In this episode, I’m joined by John Clark — afilmmaker, scriptwriter, director, and advocate with lived experience of autism. Diagnosed with Asperger’s at just four years old, John’s journey has been one of self-discovery, resilience, and creative expression.

John shares how, as a child, he struggled with socialinteraction and masking, often feeling “weird” or isolated until open conversations with his mum helped him begin to understand himself. In his twenties, the constant fatigue from masking became overwhelming, but letting goof it brought him a sense of liberation.

We dive into how his lived experience has directly inspiredhis filmmaking. From Aspergers and What of It?—a finalist in the National Autistic Society’s Autism Uncut competition—to Snapshot, which highlighted the barriers autistic people face in employment, John has used film to challenge misconceptions, depict the realities of stress andanxiety, and spotlight the importance of reasonable adjustments in the workplace.

John also talks about his latest project, Idøle,inspired by research with neurodivergent and disabled communities as well as his wife’s experiences with fibromyalgia. The film addresses microaggressions,stigma around disability benefits, and the devastating impact of diagnostic overshadowing in the medical system. With crowdfunding plans in the works, Johnhopes to bring this important story to life.

Beyond filmmaking, John delivers the Oliver McGowanTraining, advocates for better understanding of hidden disabilities, and reflects on his unexpected but rewarding journey into fatherhood. We also discuss the challenges autistic people face in recruitment, the dilemma ofdisclosing neurodivergence to employers, and recent government changes to PIP.

This is a powerful conversation about creativity, advocacy,and the reality of living — and thriving — as an autistic adult in a world full of barriers.

Links:

National Autistic Society - John Clark

National Autistic Society

I have Asperger’s – And What of it? SnapshotSia film - Music Iambic 9 Poetry - Squarepusher

Oliver McGowan training

In this episode of the NDV Podcast, I sit down with MandyRichardson, who shares her journey as the mum of Alex, a neurodivergentyoung man and past guest of the podcast.

Mandy reflects on what it was like raising Alex more than 20years ago, when there was little understanding of autism and very limited information available. She talks about the challenges of navigating sensory issues, advocating for support in schools, and the loneliness she often felt atthe beginning of the journey. Through it all, Mandy became Alex’s strongest voice—celebrating every milestone, standing up for his needs, and never losing hope.

She also highlights the amazing teachers, tutors,therapists, family, and friends who played such an important role in Alex’s growth, from helping him manage sensory triggers to encouraging him to thrive in radio, filmmaking, and public speaking. Today, Alex inspires Mandy dailywith his joy, fearlessness, and independence.

Mandy now works in education, helping families withDisability Living Allowance (DLA) applications and advocating for better awareness and support. Her advice to parents is simple but powerful: celebrate every achievement, be your child’s voice, and never give up.

This conversation is about resilience, advocacy, andlove—and a reminder, through the “Welcome to Holland” poem, that even when life takes us on an unexpected path, it can be just as beautiful.

 Links:

Welcome to Holland By Emily Perl Kingsley

National Autistic Society

Alex Richardson

Alex Richardson on the NDV Podcast

When her son Mike was diagnosed as autistic, KasiaMcGavigan’s world shifted overnight. Overwhelmed and determined to help, she poured herself into therapies—until burnout made her rethink everything. Inthis heartfelt conversation, Kasia shares how letting go of constant demands and allowing Mike to grow at his own pace transformed both their lives.

Inspired by Mike’s sensory needs and the challenges offinding clothing that kept him comfortable and safe, Kasia founded Blue Bee Mike, a unique clothing brand designed for autistic children and those with physical disabilities. She tells the story behind the brand’s name, the life-changing impact it’s had for families, and the powerful support networkthat keeps her going.

We explore the balance between therapy and simply being aparent, the importance of mental health, and why it’s okay not to be okay. Kasia’s journey is a testament to turning personal challenges into solutions that bring joy, dignity, and comfort—not just to her own child, but to manyothers.

Links:

Blue Bee Mike