🎧 Episode 23 of The NeuroDADverse podcast, Dan and Ben open up about a week filled with radical acceptance, a kitchen showdown and a sobriety milestone.

We unpack:

• The emotional toll of watching your child struggle with school
• How ND kids are often perceptive in ways mainstream education can’t support
• Ben’s personal reflection on 8 years of sobriety and how it’s shaped his parenting
• A Frankenstein movie night that turned into a conversation about ADHD and misunderstood monsters 👀
• What “soft skills” really mean for our kids and how current assessments leave them behind
• As always, our wins of the week, bath time scores, and a look ahead at more parenting curveballs.

If you’ve ever felt like school isn’t built for your neurodivergent child or like you’re parenting without a map, this one’s for you.

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: Welcome to The NeuroDADverse

01:00 – Our Week in Three Words

03:30 – Dan’s Challenge: Frankie’s School Joy & ND Development Isn’t Linear

09:00 – Ben’s Challenge: Mabel’s School Struggles and Radical Acceptance

14:00 – A System Not Built for Our Kids (Education Deep Dive)

16:45 – Curriculum Failures: Exams vs Soft Skills

20:00 – Alternative Assessment Gaps (Why video essays aren’t accepted?)

22:00 – Parenting Through It: Empathy, Not Shame

23:00 – Wins of the Week: Ben’s 8-Year Sobriety Milestone

28:00 – Movie Night Meltdown: Frankenstein, ADHD, and Parental Projection

33:00 – Film, Themes, and Family Banter

38:00 – The Joy of the Rollercoaster: Parenting and Cinema

42:00 – Looking Ahead: Colleges, Appointments & Zoo Trips

45:00 – Cinema as a Safe Space: Oscar’s Journey

48:30 – Bath Time Scores: From Epic to Exhausting

52:00 – Reflections on Growth, Support & Letting Go

55:30 – Outro: You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. You’re Not Alone.

🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world.

💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting

📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us

📧 Get in touch: [email protected]

🌐 Find us in all the usual places:

linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🎧 Listen on:

•Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseApple

•Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify

📺 Watch full episodes + clips:

Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify

YouTube: youtube.com/@NeuroDADversePodcast

🔗 Hashtags:

#NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast

#NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily #EmotionalRegulation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Episode 22

This week, Ben and Dan dive into the beautiful chaos of raising neurodivergent teens, that messy middle ground where independence collides with anxiety, sensory overwhelm, and the parental urge to hold on just a little longer.

From fireworks and dark winter nights to bath time routines and growing social freedom, the dads unpack how it feels to let their kids explore the world while learning to manage their own fears and expectations.

Ben shares a milestone moment as Oscar and Mabel manage a successful sleepover at Nana’s, complete with chips, transitions, and surprising confidence. Meanwhile, Dan opens up about navigating firework anxiety and independence, the push-and-pull between safety and trust that every ND parent knows too well.

Key Topics Covered

•Independence milestones for ND teens (first solo outings & sleepovers)

•Sensory triggers during public events (fireworks, noise, transitions)

•Parental anxiety vs child autonomy

•The psychology of letting go and building trust

•Managing expectations at school and parents’ evenings

•Supporting stimming behaviour without shame

•Communicating ND needs to extended family (grandparents, babysitters)

•Why positive reinforcement matters more than “fixing” behaviour

•Ongoing journey of bath time independence & routine building

As always, the conversation is honest, heartfelt, and full of humour, proof that small wins can feel huge when you’re parenting in the NeuroDADverse.

YouTube Chapter Breakdown (⏱️ 87 mins total)

00:00 – Intro: Welcome Back to The NeuroDADverse

02:00 – Three Words of the Week: Future, Family & Trust

04:30 – Live Challenge: The “Bath Time Independence” Experiment

07:00 – Fireworks, Fear & Letting Go (Mabel’s Night Out)

10:00 – Parenting Anxiety in Public: Crowds, Noise & Control

14:00 – Ben’s Challenge: Managing Routine Changes with Frankie

18:00 – Why Home Feels Safest: Light, Noise & Sensory Shifts

20:00 – Overthinking vs. Underthinking: How ND Brains Process the Day

26:00 – Real Wins: Oscar’s Regulation & Routine

29:00 – Sleepover Success: Transitions, Chips & Nana’s House

33:00 – Building Trust Through Small Steps

37:00 – Parents’ Evenings: Hope, Optimism & Hidden Pride

43:00 – Why Positive Feedback Matters for ND Parents

46:00 – Frankie’s Progress: Understanding, Stimming & Self-Expression

52:00 – Public Stimming & Removing the Shame

55:00 – Babysitting ND Kids: How to Support Without the Guilt

59:00 – Communication, Curiosity & Confidence-Building

62:00 – Week Ahead: Open Evenings & Post-16 Planning

65:00 – Bath Time Scoreboard: Independence vs. Support

71:00 – Tracking the Wins (and the Data)

77:00 – Emotional Regulation & Time Blindness

83:00 – Reflections, Reminders & Our Three Things

86:00 – Outro: “You’re Doing Great. You Are Enough. You’re Not Alone.”

💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse.

🌐 Find us in all the usual places:

linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🎧 Listen on:

•Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseApple

•Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify

📺 Watch full episodes + clips:

Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify

YouTube: youtube.com/@NeuroDADversePodcast

📲 Follow & connect:

•TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurodadverse

•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodadverse/

•Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582530685142

•LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurodadverse-podcast/?viewAsMember=true

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Episode 21 of The NeuroDADverse Podcast

This week, Dan and Ben find themselves trapped between the chaos of roadworks, fireworks, overstimulation and somehow still manage to come out with a few surprising wins.

From drilling-induced dysregulation and unexpected sprinting escapes, to carved pumpkins and new friendship breakthroughs, the dads reflect on the difficult balance of structure, flexibility, and self-regulation for kids and for them.

Inside this one:

• Frankie vs the Roadworks: noise, shutdowns, and sprint escapes

• Fireworks anxiety and bedtime chaos

• Halloween and birthday overstimulation

• Sensory challenges and coat refusals

• Social wins for Mabel, Oscar & Frankie

• When parenting teenagers means letting go just enough

• Massive shoutout to a truly accommodating roadwork crew 🙌

. Key Topics Covered

• Auditory overwhelm from roadworks and fireworks

• Coat refusal, temperature regulation, and compromise

• Social and sensory growth moments (despite dysregulation)

• Navigating teenage ND parenting with evolving structure

• Club transitions, visual communication, and calm routines

• Unexpected kindness from local workers

• Carving pumpkins, dancing around overstimulation, and community wins

YouTube Chapter Breakdown (⏱️ Accurate Timecodes) Episode Duration: ~63 minutes

00:00 – Welcome to Episode 21

01:15 – Three-word week check-in (USP & UPS)

03:00 – Half-term rundown & solo parenting update

06:00 – Roadworks chaos: Frankie’s dysregulation explained

09:45 – Stimming, YouTube & coat resistance

13:30 – The sprint escape to Nanny’s house

18:00 – Fireworks and bedtime disruption

22:30 – Navigating coat refusal vs warmth

25:10 – Frankie’s communication growth through visuals

29:00 – Halloween prep & costume confusion

32:00 – The pumpkin carving miracle

35:30 – Ben’s challenge: parenting teens differently

39:10 – Letting go of structure (without giving up)

42:00 – Mabel’s birthday & social win

46:00 – Halloween trick-or-treat joy

49:00 – Frankie’s club transitions & unexpected ease

52:00 – Community kindness: the road crew MVPs

56:00 – Bath-time wins & toothbrushing milestones

59:30 – Forecast for fireworks weekend

61:00 – PSA: Dadspace.co.uk + outro reminder

🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world.

💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting

📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us

📧 Get in touch: [email protected]

🌐 Find us in all the usual places or links below

linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🎧 Listen on:

• Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseApple

📺 Watch full episodes + clips:

Spotify: bit.ly/NeuroDADverseSpotify

YouTube: youtube.com/@NeuroDADversePodcast

📲 Follow & connect:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neurodadverse

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodadverse/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582530685142

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurodadverse-podcast/?viewAsMember=true

🔗 Hashtags:

#NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast

#NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily #EmotionalRegulation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Episode 20 - Happy Halloween! 🎃👻

This week’s episode lands just in time for Halloween and it’s full of the real-life trick-or-treat moments of parenting neurodivergent kids.

Dan opens up about a tough week navigating the fallout of Frankie’s haircut last week and the emotional sting that comes when connection feels lost. Ben reflects on his own experiences with Oscar’s dysregulation, gaming frustrations, and how staying calm in the storm takes constant patience and navigation (his “VPN” week!).

But amid the chaos come real wins:

🎃 Picture Day success, sensory-safe trips out, and a full-on away-day football adventure that tested regulation in the loudest of environments.

🎥 A family cinema night brings unexpected emotional parallels — cancer survival, grief, and art as emotional expression — all hitting home in ways they never saw coming.

🧩 Plus, the dads unpack the subtle victories of social growth, independence, and why even six out of ten weeks can still be progress.

If you’ve ever felt that parenting a neurodivergent child is a constant balance between love, guilt, and resilience — this one’s for you.

Key Topics Covered

•Emotional aftermath of sensory-triggering experiences (haircuts, meltdowns)

•How ND parents manage guilt and reconnection after setting boundaries

•Gaming frustration as a window into dysregulation and patience

•Building independence through small routines (bath time, hygiene)

•Navigating public sensory overload (football matches, restaurants, cinema)

•The importance of safe spaces and knowing regulation cues

•Emotional storytelling through children’s art and media

•Balancing family dynamics during holidays and celebrations

•Recognising progress even in “six-out-of-ten” weeks

⏱️ 4️⃣ YouTube Chapter Breakdown (62 min total)

00:00 – Intro: Welcome to The NeuroDADverse (Halloween Edition)

02:00 – Three Words of the Week: “Victory, Patience, Navigation”

04:30 – Dan’s Challenge: The Haircut Moment and Emotional Fallout

10:00 – When Love Hurts: Feeling Disconnected After Doing the Hard Thing

13:00 – Ben’s Reflections: Remembering Boundaries & Emotional Recovery

18:00 – Navigating Dysregulation: Gaming Day Frustrations and Breakthroughs

23:00 – Outings and Overwhelm: Family Day Trips, Sushi Wins & Sensory Crashes

29:00 – Wins of the Week: Picture Day, KFC Trips & Social Progress

36:00 – Live Football with Mabel: Sensory Regulation in the Stands

40:00 – Cinema Trip: Movie “Sketch,” Emotional Parallels & Family Healing

47:00 – Halloween Plans & Upcoming Birthdays

52:00 – Trick-or-Treating with ND Kids: Social Scripts & Sweet Honesty

56:00 – Parenting Score of the Week: Managing Bath Time Independence

59:00 – Reflections: Meeting the Need & Accepting Imperfect Progress

61:00 – Outro: Follow, Review, and Remember – You’re Doing Great

🎙️ Two dads. One mission. Raising ND kids in a very NT world.

💡 If this episode resonates, whether you’re a zebra, a stripy horse, or still figuring it all out. There’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-talk on neurodivergent parenting

📢 Like, share, or leave a comment to help more families find us

📧 Get in touch: [email protected]

🌐 Find us in all the usual places:

linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🔗 Hashtags:

#SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast

#NeuroDadverse #DifferentNotLess #ADHDDads #AutismFamily #EmotionalRegulation

#AutismAwareness #ParentingWins #NeurodiversityAcceptance

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Episode 19: The NeuroDADverse Podcast

This week’s episode dives into one of Dan’s toughest parenting moments yet, where the process of a 'simple' haircut spirals into heartbreak.

Also in this raw, honest episode, Ben discusses another week of having 'tough' topic conversations with Oscar after an incident on the way to school. Another week of tales where parenting neurodivergent and things don’t go to plan.

Ben and Dan explore:

•When everyday moments become emotional landmines

•Frankie’s haircut meltdown and how it really went down

•The invisible toll of routines, regulation, and trust

•Sunday dread and school prep anxiety

•The pressure of solo parenting and staying composed

•Why “showing up” is sometimes the only win

YouTube Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Episode 19

01:20 – Three-Word Week (Tennis Style)

03:00 – School attendance pressure vs real-life chaos

05:50 – Frankie and the haircut: what really happened

09:30 – Emotional fallout and unexpected grief

13:15 – The struggle to balance calm with chaos

16:00 – Regrouping after a meltdown

18:30 – Why ND kids need control of their body

21:15 – Sundays and emotional resets

24:10 – Morning routine stress: the “bus soon” problem

27:00 – Oscar’s sensory needs and emotional cues

30:00 – The loneliness of solo parenting

33:20 – Support systems (or lack thereof)

37:10 – Processing vs reacting: learning as you go

40:15 – The need for emotional safety in school settings

44:00 – Trust, trauma, and the long game

49:00 – Holding space for the hard stuff

53:30 – Bath-time regulation and routine

60:00 – Wrapping up: honesty over perfection

Like what you heard?

Join us in the NeuroDADverse in all the usual places in our link tree:

https://linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/neurodadverse/id1828520219

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/0dcFZNbAX4eixDu3vLLPWF?si=ee285ea2e8ab4fb7

#NeuroDadverse #NeurodivergentParenting #SENDParenting #AutismDad #ADHDParent #FatherhoodUnfiltered #ParentingWins #NeurodiversityAwareness #DadPodcast #SpecialNeedsParenting

#AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #AutismParenting #AutismCommunity #AutismJourney #ParentingAutism #AutismSupport #AutismDads #PodcastCommunity #autism #neurodiversity #autismparenting #Neurodivergent #autismacceptance #autismcommunity #adhd #adhdparenting #adhdawareness #adhdsupport #adhdlife #autismparents #autisticparenting #actuallyautistic #SpecialNeedsParenting #parentingautism #parentingtips #dadsofinstagram #fatherhood #PodcastCommunity #dadspodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 18 🎧

This week in the NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan share the emotional chaos, quiet victories, and the messy beauty of raising neurodivergent kids. From last-minute school appointments to bath time breakthroughs, it’s a week full of real-life parenting moments where nothing goes to plan—but everything somehow comes together.

🎙️ Highlights include:

• Ben’s solo-parenting chaos (and cuddles)
• Mabel’s blood test win and anxiety management
• Oscar’s info-dump and the Pacific vs. Specific showdown
• Managing transitions, transport, and tangled routines
• Why boring bath times are the ultimate success story

00:00 – Welcome to The NeuroDADverse

03:00 – This Week in our NeuroDADverse

08:54 – A Small but Mighty Win for Mabel

16:59 – Mornings, Trust, and Unexpected Growth

25:28 – Turning Meltdowns into Moments (Parent Tricks)

30:24 – Oscar’s Bus Routine and Growing Independence

35:00 – “Pacific vs. Specific” – The Funniest Bedtime Ever

36:49 – Horror Films, My Little Pony, and DVD Nostalgia

42:03 – Seeing Acceptance in the Playground

48:09 – Looking Ahead: Doctor’s Appointments & Term End

56:45 – Bath Time Wins: From Dysregulation to Routine

01:04:03 – Wrap-Up: Lots of Little Wins Add Up

01:04:43 – Final Sign-Off

💡 If this episode resonates with you, whether you’re a zebra or a stripy horse or just figuring it out, there’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly relatable ND parenting chats

👍 Like & share and leave a comment to help more parents find us

📧 Contact: [email protected]

📲 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast

Join us in the NeuroDADverse in all the usual places in our link tree:

https://linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🎧Listen to us on:

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/neurodadverse/id1828520219

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/0dcFZNbAX4eixDu3vLLPWF?si=ee285ea2e8ab4fb

🔗 #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #ADHDAwareness #AutismAdvocacy #RejectionSensitivity #ParentingPodcast #EmotionalRegulation #NDLife #NeuroDadverse #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #autism #ADHD #autismawareness #autismacceptance #actuallyautistic #neurodiverse #sensoryprocessingdisorder #ADHDparenting #autismfamily #autismlife #adhdlife #differentnotless #inclusion

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 17 🎧

In this powerful and emotionally grounded episode, Ben and Dan dive deep into one of the most difficult parenting moments they’ve faced yet: discussing the recent misinformation spreading online about the causes of autism, specifically, false claims linking paracetamol during pregnancy to autism.

We explore:

•How Ben approached this sensitive topic with his childern Oscar and Mabel.

•The emotional reactions it sparked at home.

•The struggle to share facts without inflaming fears.

Beyond this, the episode shares some hopeful wins:

•Mabel’s gradual return to school despite emotionally based school avoidance.

•Oscar’s self-awareness of needing a mental health break.

•How teamwork with schools and family communication can pave the way for small but significant victories.

A heartfelt reminder that raising neurodivergent children brings a unique rhythm—and in that rhythm, both challenges and joys coexist.

⏱️ YouTube Chapter Timestamps

00:00: Welcome & Introduction

03:00: “Week in Three Words"

06:00: Challenges at Home: Meltdowns & Miscommunication

12:00: The School Environment & Parent-School Relationships

17:00: Recognising Unseen Dangers & Building Independence

19:00: The Big Conversation: What Causes Autism?

25:00: Mabel’s Response: Anger, Curiosity & Critical Thinking

30:00: Navigating Misinformation in a Neurodivergent Household

35:00: A Win: Mabel’s Emotional Growth and Return to School

40:00: Framing a “Win” When the World Measures Differently

45:00: Oscar’s Mental Health Break & Emotional Burnout

50:00: Parenting Through a Political Minefield

55:00: Final Reflections: Kindness, Communication & Teamwork

01:00:00 – Outro: Looking Ahead & Staying Connected

💡 If this episode resonates with you, whether you’re a zebra or a stripy horse or just figuring it out, there’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly relatable ND parenting chats

👍 Like & share and leave a comment to help more parents find us

📧 Contact: [email protected]

📲 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast

Join us in the NeuroDADverse in all the usual places in our link tree:

https://linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🎧Listen to us on:

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/neurodadverse/id1828520219

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/0dcFZNbAX4eixDu3vLLPWF?si=ee285ea2e8ab4fb

🔗 #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #ADHDAwareness #AutismAdvocacy #RejectionSensitivity #ParentingPodcast #EmotionalRegulation #NDLife #NeuroDadverse #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #autism #ADHD #autismawareness #autismacceptance #actuallyautistic #neurodiverse #sensoryprocessingdisorder #ADHDparenting #autismfamily #autismlife #adhdlife #differentnotless #inclusion

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 16 🎧

This week’s episode is a “breakfast bar” edition, recorded early doors and full of raw honesty. Ben opens up about a particularly emotional parenting moment involving boundaries, teenage exploration, and sober reflection. Meanwhile, Dan talks about the sudden arrival of the “Week 4 Wobble” and how Frankie’s eating and sleep patterns are shifting as he adjusts to school routines.

Other highlights include:

• Nanny and Grandad sleepover wins
• SEND babysitter trials
• Unexpected lice but unexpected progress
• The quiet pride in bath-time breakthroughs

00:00 - Intro & Welcome from the Breakfast Bar

01:35 - Three-Word Weekly Summary (with wordplay!)

03:30 - Ben’s Challenge: Teenage Troubles & Emotional Regulation

13:40 - School Struggles, Masking & Late Diagnoses

18:00 - Frankie’s Week 4 Wobble: Eating, Sleep & Deregulation

24:40 - Wins Begin: Sleepovers, Friendships & Wee Progress

29:00 - Dan’s Win: Nits, Hygiene & Hair-Washing Triumph

37:00 - Independence, Advocacy & Comb-through Calm

43:00 - Two Baths in a Week? A Shocking Plot Twist

46:20 - The Week Ahead: SEND Babysitters & Social Plans

50:30 - Bath Time Scores: Data Trends & Sudsy Success

55:40 - Wrapping Up: Calm Weeks, Good Energy & Franchise Sequels

59:10 - Outro & Ways to Get Involved

💡 If this episode resonates with you, whether you’re a zebra or a stripy horse or just figuring it out, there’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly relatable ND parenting chats

👍 Like & share and leave a comment to help more parents find us

📧 Contact: [email protected]

📲 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast

Join us in the NeuroDADverse in all the usual places in our link tree:

https://linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🎧Listen to us on:

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/neurodadverse/id1828520219

Spotify 

https://open.spotify.com/show/0dcFZNbAX4eixDu3vLLPWF?si=ee285ea2e8ab4fb

🔗 #NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #ADHDAwareness #AutismAdvocacy #RejectionSensitivity #ParentingPodcast #EmotionalRegulation #NDLife #NeuroDadverse #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #autism #ADHD #autismawareness #autismacceptance #actuallyautistic #neurodiverse #sensoryprocessingdisorder #ADHDparenting #autismfamily #autismlife #adhdlife #differentnotless #inclusion

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Episode 15

This week, Ben and Dan explore the emotional tightrope of raising neurodivergent teens during school term chaos. Ben shares the heavy emotional load of supporting Mabel through school-related overwhelm, where advocacy, compassion, and a newly diagnosed ADHD perspective all collide. There’s honest discussion about balancing being a teacher and a parent — and how not every school interaction needs to be a battleground.

Meanwhile, Dan celebrates some unexpected strides in Frankie’s social and language development — including a newfound confidence at school drop-off. Plus: Oscar introduces a DVD bartering system with Mabel (aka “Blockbuster”), and bedtime tech management finally starts to click.

As always, the episode ends with candid bath-time scores and family in-jokes involving “Bum Back” and “Sleepy Night-Nights.” It’s an episode full of heart, laughter, emotional maturity — and just a hint of Palmolive.

💬 Topics Covered This Episode

• Supporting teens with school avoidance and emotional overwhelm

• Balancing ND advocacy with professional boundaries

• Laura’s ADHD diagnosis is helping shape family understanding

• Mabel and Oscar’s sibling bond and gentle leadership

• Frankie’s social breakthroughs and naming moments

• Screens vs. DVDs: Neurodivergent bedtime management

• Blockbuster DVD swaps and parenting nostalgia

• Solo parenting wins and the pressure of the “perfect” week

• Bath-time routines, sensory wins & hygiene breakthroughs

• Family language quirks and neurodivergent household humour

⏱️ YouTube Chapter Timestamps

00:43 – 🐴 Welcome to the Paddock

02:03 – 🧠 Ben’s Delayed Headspace & Rescheduling

02:48 – 🔤 Ben’s Week in 3 Words: Maturity, Siblings, Sadness

04:10 – 📉 Challenge of the Week: Mabel’s Tough School Transition

09:36 – 🤝 Advocating While Parenting: Teacher Hat vs. Parent Hat

13:00 – ✊ Fight for Ordinary Rally Reflections

16:42 – ✨ Win of the Week: Oscar’s Flexibility & Independence

23:20 – 🗣️ Frankie Says What?! A Language Leap

25:30 – 📀 Blockbuster Swap: The Sibling DVD System

30:00 – ❤️ Emotional Sibling Support & Advocacy

33:24 – 🔭 Looking Ahead to the Week Ahead

36:15 – 🎉 Event Flashbacks: Weddings, Parties & Trains in the Collection Plate

43:00 – 🛁 Bath Time Scores & Puberty Talk

47:00 – 🧼 Frankie’s Hygiene Win & Hair-Drying Triumph

50:00 – 🧂 Classic Family Mispronunciations: Bum Back & Sleepy Night Nights

54:00 – 🤣 Guess the Phrase Game Begins

57:00 – 💌 Listener Call-Out: Send Us Your Weird Family Words

58:12 – 🎧 Outro & Final Message

If this episode resonates with you, whether you’re a zebra or a stripy horse or just figuring it out, there’s space for you in the NeuroDADverse.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly relatable ND parenting chats

👍 Like & share and leave a comment to help more parents find us

📧 Contact: [email protected]

📲 Follow us on TikTok & Instagram: @NeuroDadversePodcast

Join us in the NeuroDADverse in all the usual places in our link tree:

https://linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🎧Listen to us on:

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/neurodadverse/id1828520219

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/0dcFZNbAX4eixDu3vLLPWF?si=ee285ea2e8ab4fb

#NeurodiverseParenting #SENDLife #AutismAdvocacy #ParentingPodcast #EmotionalRegulation #NeuroDadverse #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismfamily #autismlife #adhdlife #differentnotless #inclusion #TeenageMentalHealth #AutisticTeens #SENDSupport #SiblingSupport #ParentingWins #NeuroSpicyLife #NeurodiversePodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Episode 14 – Development wins, School Wobbles & Hair Hammocks

This week, Ben and Dan unpack another emotional rollercoaster in the NeuroDadverse. From Oscar's snack-time independence (and a perfectly sassy strut) to Mabel navigating school photo overwhelm and GCSE prep, this one’s full of vulnerability, advocacy, and the everyday nuance of neurodivergent parenting.

Meanwhile, Dan reflects on quiet but meaningful wins with Frankie, making strides in his toilet journey and growing more confident around spiders.

It’s a week of celebrating progress that doesn’t always shout but matters deeply.

There’s also a difficult medical appointment, a bath-time product trial (hello hair hammock!), and the ever-present challenge of balancing encouragement with emotional regulation. But there are also wins, from Oscar processing emotions out loud to paperwork milestones for Mabel’s EHCP process.

As always, the podcast is equal parts chaos, catharsis, and community. Let’s go again.

• Emotional regulation & overwhelm at school photos
• Mabel's GCSE prep and school-based anxiety
• Communicating with schools as ND parents
• Advocating for EHCP support and access
• Oscar’s snack-time standoff & learning emotional repair
• Sibling wins and bedtime routines
• Frankie’s toilet training and growing bravery around spiders
• ND parenting & professional identity conflicts
• Home systems, hyperfocus, and filling out forms
• Household language, silly phrases, and neurodivergent routines
• Sunday football, burnout, and solo parenting shifts

00:00 – Welcome to Episode 14

01:00 – Week in 3 Words: Opinions, Academics, Antithesis

03:00 – School photo overwhelm & Mabel's advocacy

06:00 – GCSE pressures, opting out & emotional safety

09:00 – The education system's capacity & limitations

12:00 – Medical appointments & difficult professional encounters

15:00 – Sunday football missing & emotional dysregulation

18:00 – Oscar’s snack prep meltdown and emotional repair

21:00 – Independence, strutting away & feelings in action

24:00 – Parent reactions, late-night regret & repair moments

27:00 – Frankie’s spider bravery & emotional growth

30:00 – Toilet journey progress & quiet milestones

33:00 – Laura’s EHCP paperwork hyperfocus win

36:00 – Hair hammocks, shampoo changes & bedtime routines

39:00 – Clothing independence, sibling support & sensory prep

42:00 – ‘Bum back’ language & ND household humour

45:00 – Parenting trade-offs, solo shifts & weekly rhythm

48:00 – Final reflections & listener thanks

Like what you heard? 

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