NeuroDADverse

There was a time when we weren't sure we'd ever manage a family holiday like this.

Now we're looking back, not because everything was perfect, but because we've realised just how far our families have come.

This week on The NeuroDADverse, Ben reflects on returning from Turkey after two incredible weeks away, while Dan shares the ongoing reality of summer holidays, changing routines and helping Frankie navigate another week without school.

From airport anxiety and negotiating with teenagers to swimming from boats, family adventures, sensory regulation and celebrating those unexpected moments of independence, this episode is a reminder that progress often happens so gradually you don't notice it until you stop and look back.

We also discuss:

• Travelling abroad with neurodivergent children
• Summer holidays and losing routine
• Supporting autistic and ADHD teenagers through transitions
• Why every family win is built on hundreds of tiny steps
• Building resilience through new experiences
• Looking ahead to another busy family week

If you're raising an autistic child, navigating ADHD, or parenting within the SEND community, we hope this episode reminds you that your difficult days don't define your journey.

Sometimes the biggest victories are the ones you only notice in hindsight.

💛 If this episode resonates with you, we'd love to hear about a moment when you realised just how far your own family had come. Join the conversation in the comments or over on our social channels.

🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast

Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world.

Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life.

If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations — you’re not alone here.

🔔 New episodes weekly

📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show

📧 [email protected]

🌐 All links & platforms:

👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible

📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube

📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn

#NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting

#ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse

#DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to The NeuroDADverse

00:43 A huge thank you for our One-Year Q&A

02:00 Summer holidays: Sleep & routine challenges

07:02 Building resilience through difficult days

10:24 Ben reflects on travelling to Turkey

12:30 Negotiating with neurodivergent teenagers

17:47 Holiday wins that changed everything

18:37 Swimming, boats & growing confidence

22:13 Father-daughter adventure in nature

26:39 Looking back on an incredible holiday

29:09 Frankie's latest wins

34:02 Sunrise, nature & finding calm

38:58 Looking ahead to next week

40:00 Anime, anniversaries & family plans

43:03 Thank you for an amazing first year

44:02 You're definitely not alone

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

When you're raising a neurodivergent child, even the happiest family days are built on countless unseen adaptations and every little win feels enormous.

Some families come home from holiday feeling rested.

Others come home proud they made it through.

This week, Dan is joined by Amy while Ben is still away, and together they reflect on an entire week of summer holiday adventures with Frankie. Instead of focusing on one big win or challenge, they take you through each day, sharing the highs, the setbacks, the unexpected moments and the tiny victories that made the week so memorable.

From holiday club successes and SEND playdates to a beach trip, swimming lessons, Godstone Farm and preparing Frankie for his first independent outing without Mum or Dad, it's an honest look at what family holidays really look like when autism, ADHD and sensory needs are part of everyday life.

Along the way they discuss:

• Why small wins deserve celebrating
• Sensory overload in busy environments
• Sleep challenges during the summer holidays
• Supporting regulation through unfamiliar situations
• Swimming breakthroughs and growing confidence
• The emotional planning that happens behind every family day out

If you're raising an autistic child, navigating ADHD, or parenting within the SEND community, we hope this episode reminds you that progress isn't measured by perfect days; it's measured by the courage to keep showing up.

💛 We'd love to hear about your own summer holiday wins and challenges. Come and join the conversation in the comments or over on our social channels.

🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast

Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world.

Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life.

If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations — you’re not alone here.

🔔 New episodes weekly

📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show

📧 [email protected]

🌐 All links & platforms:

👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible

📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube

📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn

#NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting

#ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse

#DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to The NeuroDADverse

00:43 Amy joins the podcast again

02:05 Holiday Club: A huge drop-off win

04:28 When another child bites Frankie

08:02 SEND playdate successes

09:13 Family visit & learning to regulate

12:10 Beach day: A huge family win

15:11 When plans don't go as expected

19:50 Holiday Club & summer sleep struggles

20:42 Swimming lesson breakthrough

25:35 Dad gets a day off!

29:35 Godstone Farm adventure

33:13 The great ice cream negotiation!

36:00 Horses, animals & sensory wins

39:34 Looking ahead: Frankie's first solo outing

41:04 Final reflections on the holiday week

41:27 You're definitely not alone

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

Sometimes the biggest parenting victories aren't the perfect days, they're the moments your child finally feels safe enough to thrive.

One year ago, we hit record hoping a handful of parents might feel a little less alone.

Today, after nearly 60 episodes, we're sitting down together in person to answer your questions, reflect on everything we've learned, and celebrate the incredible NeuroDADverse community that's grown around this podcast. We would like to thank Creator Spots UK, a location hire marketplace for photographers, filmmakers & small production teams for providing our wonderful venue for this episode, The Albion Rooms in Margate. This Show would not be possible without their support. So thank you. Also, we would like to thank both James and Will for being our crew for this conversation; we could not be here without you. Thank you all.

Follow Creator Spots UK in our links below

From autism diagnoses and ADHD assessments to making friends, navigating school, parenting regrets, funny family moments, and how creating this podcast has changed both of us as dads, this episode is an honest conversation about what the last year has really been like.

It's a little funnier, a little more personal, and probably our most reflective episode yet.

Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or you've only just found the podcast, thank you for being part of this community.

If you're raising an autistic child, parenting a child with ADHD, navigating SEND life, or simply trying your best every day, we hope this conversation reminds you that progress isn't about perfection—it's about showing up.

Thank you for spending this first year with us.

Here's to whatever comes next.

As always...

You're doing great.

You are enough.

And you're definitely not alone.

💛 If one answer in this episode resonates with you, we'd love to hear from you in the comments or over on our social channels. Your stories are what keep this community growing.

🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast

Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world.

Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life.

If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations — you’re not alone here.

🔔 New episodes weekly

📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show

📧 [email protected]

🌐 All links & platforms:

👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible

📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube

📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn

Follow Creator Spots UK: https://creatorspots.co.uk/find-a-spot/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGn7aC37drJOahAej4hHEedPFskP5DYUW2MrtE6s8b9dhn8ZMPV97ZSVSP2PSI_aem_3FE64qTuRAqqnmCWkBr4lw

#NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting

#ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse

#DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK

Timestmaps:

00:00 Welcome to our One-Year Special!

01:24 Did we think we'd still be here?

05:03 Has the podcast changed our friendship?

10:57 Has podcasting changed our parenting?

14:08 Have listeners recognised us?

15:56 What has surprised us most?

23:35 Your parenting questions begin

24:30 How do you get an autism diagnosis?

34:32 Play dates & neurodivergent children

40:26 Biggest misconceptions about our families

48:03 Quick-fire Q&A

55:39 One year of NeuroDADverse

56:00 You're not alone

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

Sometimes the biggest parenting victories aren't the perfect days—they're the moments your child finally feels safe enough to thrive.

Some days you're running on empty... then your child does something that reminds you why you never give up.

Summer holidays have arrived, routines have disappeared, sleep has become even more unpredictable, and like many SEND families, we're trying to find our feet all over again.

This week Dan is joined by Amy while Ben records from holiday, as we share the honest reality of the first week of the summer break.

We talk about Frankie's ongoing sleep struggles, sensory overload, and why evenings can become the hardest part of the day for autistic children with ADHD. We also celebrate some huge family wins, from private swimming lessons finally clicking, to growing independence at home, and the little moments that remind us progress isn't always loud.

Meanwhile, Ben shares the challenges and victories of taking his family abroad, navigating anxiety, new experiences and proving just how far they've all come over the last few years.

If you're raising an autistic child, parenting a child with ADHD, or navigating life as a SEND family, we hope this episode reminds you that progress often looks different—and that's okay.

You're not failing.

You're adapting.

And you're definitely not alone.

If this episode feels familiar, we'd love to hear about your own wins and challenges from the summer holidays. Join the conversation in the comments or over on our social channels.

🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast

Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world.

Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life.

If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations — you’re not alone here.

🔔 New episodes weekly

📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show

📧 [email protected]

🌐 All links & platforms:

👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible

📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube

📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn

#NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting

#ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse

#DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to The NeuroDADverse

01:28 Summer holidays begin

02:08 When sleep becomes the biggest challenge

08:48 Heat, sensory overload & bedtime struggles

14:32 Ben joins from Turkey

18:18 Frankie's biggest win: swimming lessons

25:15 Small steps towards independence

28:08 Holiday wins & family breakthroughs

32:09 Looking ahead to Week Two

36:53 Your summer wins & challenges

38:03 Final thoughts

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

After a year of never missing a Friday release, we'd rather be honest about a delay than rush something our community deserves to enjoy.

Sometimes the best decision is to wait just a little longer.

This isn't our usual NeuroDADverse episode. Instead, Dan shares a quick update explaining why our special one-year anniversary Q&A isn't quite ready yet and why we think it'll be worth the wait.

First of all, thank you.

Thank you to everyone who sent in questions, supported the podcast over the last year and helped build such an incredible community around NeuroDADverse.

Recording our first ever in-person Q&A has been a huge milestone for us, but with summer holidays beginning and the realities of producing an independent podcast around family life, we've simply run out of time to finish the edit to the standard we'd like.

Rather than rush it, we'd rather take a few extra days and give you the episode it deserves.

Over the next few weeks you'll also hear Dan joined by guest hosts while Ben enjoys a well-earned family holiday, as they continue sharing the wins and challenges of raising neurodivergent children through the summer holidays.

Thank you for your patience, your kindness and for being part of this community.

💛 You're doing great. You are enough. You are definitely not alone.

🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast

Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world.

Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life.

If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations — you’re not alone here.

🔔 New episodes weekly

📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show

📧 [email protected]

🌐 All links & platforms:

👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible

📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube

📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn

#NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting

#ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse

#DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK

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

It's easy to believe nothing is changing… until one moment reminds you just how far your child has come.

In Episode 57 of The NeuroDADverse Podcast, Ben and Dan reflect on school reports, creative confidence, emotional regulation, summer challenges and why looking back is sometimes the only way to truly appreciate your child's progress.

This week, the dads explore the reality of parenting neurodivergent children through another hot summer week, discussing sensory overload, emotional regulation, school reports and celebrating achievements that would have once seemed impossible.

We also discuss:

• Heat, sensory processing and emotional regulation
• School reports and recognising long-term progress
• Autism, ADHD and celebrating individual strengths
• Encouraging creativity and confidence
• Live music, performance and self-belief
• Supporting teenagers through growing independence
• Social stories and preparing for new experiences
• Why comparing your child to last year is more powerful than comparing them to anyone else

Plus, Dan shares a heartwarming school report that perfectly reflects Frankie's incredible progress, while Ben celebrates Oscar's artistic confidence and Mabel's courage performing live at an open mic night. Together, they reflect on one year of NeuroDADverse and invite listeners to be part of their special anniversary Q&A episode.

If you've ever wondered whether your child is really making progress, this conversation is a reminder to pause, look back, and celebrate the journey you've already travelled.

💛 You're doing great. You are enough. You are definitely not alone.

🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast

Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world.

Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life.

If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations — you’re not alone here.

🔔 New episodes weekly

📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show

📧 [email protected]

🌐 All links & platforms:

👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible

📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube

📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn

#NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting

#ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse

#DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to The NeuroDADverse

00:43 – Episode 57 Begins

01:22 – Our One-Year Anniversary Q&A

03:02 – Week In Three Words

04:08 – Why We Chose Those Words

05:12 – Challenges Begin

07:18 – Running Away & Road Safety

09:53 – Has Progress Reduced The Panic?

13:03 – Emotional Regulation After Running Off

15:39 – Heat, Exhaustion & Sensory Overload

17:33 – Helping Children Through Hot Weather

19:34 – Break

20:13 – Wins Begin

20:27 – Oscar's Growth Spurt

22:06 – Football, Family & Dan Burn

22:53 – Oscar's Amazing Artwork

24:07 – Mabel Performs At An Open Mic 🎤

25:31 – Dan's Biggest Win

27:14 – Frankie's School Report ❤️

28:50 – Compare It With Last Year's

29:49 – The Emotional Power Of Looking Back

30:47 – Look Ahead To The Week Ahead

31:55 – Swimming Preparations

34:10 – Work Experience Week

35:11 – Independent Train Journey 🚆

36:56 – One Year Of NeuroDADverse

37:47 – Ask Us Anything!

38:47 – Why Chronicling Our Weeks Matters

39:47 – You're Doing Great 💛

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

Sometimes the biggest breakthrough isn’t a milestone… it’s realising just how far your child has quietly come.

In this special solo episode of The NeuroDADverse Podcast, Dan shares the wins and challenges from the past week while Ben takes a well-earned break. From navigating sensory overload during the summer heat to celebrating a successful school fête, this episode is a reminder that progress is often found in the moments we nearly overlook. 

This week we discuss:

• Autism, ADHD and summer sensory challenges
• Sleep deprivation and emotional regulation
• Safety, climbing and managing risk at home
• School fêtes and community inclusion
• Supporting communication through shared interests
• Football, family connection and joyful routines
• Friendships, play and social confidence
• Looking back to appreciate just how far your child has come
• 
  

Dan reflects on Frankie finding new ways to regulate, joining in with his school fête, laughing through an England match, and confidently inviting friends into his world. It’s an honest conversation about adapting expectations, celebrating everyday progress, and recognising that the little wins really are the big wins. 

Whether you’re at the beginning of your neurodivergent parenting journey or many years into it, we hope this episode reminds you to pause, look back, and celebrate the progress that’s already happened.

🎧 If this week’s stories feel familiar, we’d love to hear about your biggest win of the week.

💛 You’re doing great. You are enough. You are definitely not alone.

🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast

Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world.

Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life.

If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations — you’re not alone here.

🔔 New episodes weekly

📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show

📧 [email protected]

🌐 All links & platforms:

👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible

📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube

📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn

#NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting

#ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse

#DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to The NeuroDADverse

00:43 – A Different Kind of Episode

01:21 – Why We Started This Podcast

02:02 – Week in Three Words

02:50 – Challenges Begin

03:16 – Heat, Sleep & Sensory Regulation

04:23 – Parenting in a Heatwave

05:04 – Frankie's New Garden Obsession

06:03 – Climbing the Fence 😅

07:01 – Balancing Safety & Independence

08:08 – Adapting the Garden Environment

09:31 – Why Repetitive Behaviours Can Be Exhausting

10:08 – Break

10:20 – Wins Section Begins

10:46 – School Fête Success 🎉

11:38 – Seeing Teachers Differently

12:19 – Police Van Adventures 🚓

13:04 – Leaving Before It Became Too Much

13:50 – Watching England Together ⚽

14:36 – Laughing Through the Match

15:03 – Friends Come to Visit

15:52 – Playing Together on the Trampoline

16:15 – New Social Confidence

16:56 – A Huge Step Forward

17:24 – Looking Back at the Progress

17:42 – One Year of NeuroDADverse

18:07 – Anniversary Q&A Invitation

18:30 – Thank You for Listening

18:44 – Win the Week 💛

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

Some of the most meaningful breakthroughs don’t arrive with fanfare, they’re hidden inside ordinary moments you almost overlook.

It’s easy to focus on what’s still difficult. It’s much harder to notice just how far your child has already come.

In Episode 55 of The NeuroDADverse Podcast, Ben and Dan reflect on a week shaped by extreme heat, sensory overload, school challenges, growing independence, and the quiet moments that remind you progress is happening even when it doesn’t feel like it.

From managing sensory needs during one of the hottest weeks of the year, to supporting teenagers through mock exams, emotional regulation and disrupted sleep, this episode explores the everyday realities of raising neurodivergent children with autism, ADHD and other SEND needs.

We also discuss:

* Heat, sensory processing and emotional regulation

* Sleep challenges and school attendance

* Supporting teenagers through mock exams

* Natural consequences and growing independence

* Celebrating communication and confidence

* Why food technology unexpectedly became a parenting highlight

* Sports Day reflections and changing expectations

* Looking ahead to The NeuroDADverse’s first live anniversary episode

Plus, Ben shares one of his favourite parenting moments yet, as Oscar proudly teaches the family how to bake a cake they made at school, turning an everyday homework task into a beautiful moment of confidence, communication and connection. Dan reflects on how far Frankie has come, with transitions and new experiences that once felt impossible now becoming exciting opportunities.

This episode is warm, funny, reassuring and full of the small victories that remind neurodivergent parents they’re making more progress than they sometimes realise.

🎧 If you’ve ever wondered whether your child is really moving forward, this conversation is for you.

💛 You’re doing great. You are enough. You are definitely not alone.

🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast

Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world.

Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life.

If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations — you’re not alone here.

🔔 New episodes weekly

📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show

📧 [email protected]

🌐 All links & platforms:

👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible

📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube

📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn

#NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting

#ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse

#DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK

Timecodes:

00:00 – Welcome to The NeuroDADverse

00:43 – Episode 55 Begins

01:15 – Week In Three Words

02:12 – The Wizard of Oz & Heatwave Parenting

03:10 – Challenges Begin

04:23 – Heat, Sensory Overload & Family Life

06:58 – Managing Different Sensory Needs

07:55 – Mabel's Emotional Overwhelm

09:26 – Oscar's Different Experience Of Heat

10:23 – Creating Safe Environments

11:10 – Sleep, School & Mock Exams

11:58 – Learning Through Consequences

13:13 – A Win Frankie Will Love...

13:44 – Break

14:09 – Wins Section Begins

14:48 – Oscar Bakes A Cake 🍐

16:31 – Behaviour Is Communication

17:34 – Teaching Dad How To Bake

18:17 – Sharing Success With Family

18:53 – Why This Meant So Much

20:27 – Dan's Wins Of The Week

21:42 – Transition Progress

22:26 – Looking Back At Last Year

23:05 – Look Ahead To The Week Ahead

24:05 – Airshow Excitement ✈️

26:13 – Mock Exams Continue

27:03 – Football, Friends & Teen Anxiety

28:15 – One Year Of NeuroDADverse

29:11 – Anniversary Q&A Announcement

30:24 – Thank You For Supporting Us

31:03 – You're Doing Great

31:36 – Good Energy

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

The biggest breakthroughs in neurodivergent parenting often happen in moments that other people would never notice.

Some weeks feel heavy until you stop and look back.

In Episode 54 of The NeuroDADverse Podcast, Ben and Dan reflect on Father’s Day, sleep deprivation, school struggles, sports day anxiety, growing independence, and the small moments that remind you how far your children have come. 

This week’s conversation explores the reality of parenting neurodivergent children during hot weather, disrupted sleep, emotional regulation challenges, and end-of-school-year milestones. From sensory struggles and school anxiety to football fandom and family celebrations, it’s a week packed with the ordinary moments that become extraordinary when viewed through a neurodivergent lens. 

We also discuss:

• Sleep challenges and sensory regulation
• Sports Day anxiety and neurodivergent teens
• Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
• Growing independence and life skills
• ADHD medication and responsibility
• Celebrating Father’s Day as a neurodivergent family
• Building confidence through interests and passions
• Why chronicling wins can change your perspective

Plus, Ben shares seven separate wins from the week, including GCSE choices, football bonding, growing independence, and some powerful reminders that progress doesn’t always arrive in giant milestones. Dan reflects on communication growth, successful transitions, and seeing Frankie continue to develop confidence in new situations. 

🎧 If you’ve ever finished a difficult week and wondered whether any progress was being made, this episode is for you.

💛 You’re doing great. You are enough. You are definitely not alone.

🎙️ NeuroDADverse Podcast

Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world.

Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life.

If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations, you’re not alone here.

🔔 New episodes weekly

📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show

📧 [email protected]

🌐 All links & platforms:

👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible

📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube

📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn

#NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting

#ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse

#DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome to The NeuroDADverse

01:19 – Happy Father's Day!

02:27 – Week In Three Words

05:59 – Challenges

06:19 – Sleep Deprivation & Hot Weather

08:04 – Sensory Regulation In Summer

10:16 – Heat, Regulation & Neurodiversity

11:47 – School Attendance Improves

12:10 – Sports Day Anxiety Begins

13:02 – Too Hot, Too Much, Too Overwhelming

14:01 – The Reality Of Neurodivergent Sports Days

15:12 – Processing Milestones Differently

16:18 – Letting Go Of Expectations

17:21 – Looking For The Positives

17:49 – Break

18:18 – Ben's Wins

18:45 – Why We Chronicle The Wins

19:18 – Oscar Makes The Bed Alone

19:58 – Learning To Save For A Goal

21:29 – Father's Day Family Meal

22:04 – Remembering ADHD Medication

22:26 – Football, Family & Shared Passions

22:50 – Friends Or Football?

24:17 – Watching England Together

24:57 – Live Music & Confidence

25:16 – Why These Moments Matter

26:05 – Dan's Wins Of The Week

27:27 – Communication Progress

28:06 – Successful Transitions

29:11 – Looking Back At Last Year

29:58 – Look Ahead To The Week Ahead

30:18 – Summer Plans & Family Life

32:19 – Independent Train Travel

33:03 – Why Creative Subjects Matter

33:53 – Listener Correspondence

34:52 – ADHD, Autism & Public Debate

36:11 – Judging Through A Neurotypical Lens

37:23 – Why The Conversation Feels So Loud

38:57 – Media Narratives & SEND

39:52 – Thank You For Listening

40:21 – One Year Of Reflection

41:09 – You're Doing Great

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Some of the biggest neurodivergent parenting wins happen when you stop chasing the perfect plan and start following the person in front of you.

You spend days planning the perfect experience… only for your child to need something completely different.

In Episode 53 of The NeuroDADverse Podcast, Ben and Dan reflect on flexibility, emotional regulation, school avoidance, family adventures, and the surprising moments when letting go of the original plan leads to something even better. 

This week we discuss navigating emotion-based school avoidance (EBSA), supporting neurodivergent teenagers through difficult school experiences, and the challenge of balancing attendance, wellbeing, and long-term confidence. We also explore family days out, adapting expectations, and recognising when a child is communicating their needs in ways others might miss. 

We also talk about:

• Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
• Supporting neurodivergent teenagers through education
• School attendance, anxiety and SEND provision
• Family days out and adapting plans
• Communication through behaviour and actions
• Building confidence through positive experiences
• GCSE choices and finding creative outlets
• The importance of meeting children where they are

Plus, Dan shares a huge win involving a family trip that could easily have gone wrong but became a breakthrough in flexibility and communication, while Ben celebrates football, GCSE choices, creativity, and a rare family meal where everyone arrived regulated and connected. 

🎧 If you’ve ever changed the plan to protect the person, this episode will feel very familiar.

💛 You’re doing great. You are enough. You are definitely not alone.

The NeuroDADverse is a podcast about real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world.

Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life.

If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations, you’re not alone here.

🔔 New episodes weekly

📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show

📧 [email protected]

🌐 All links & platforms:

👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse

🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible

📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube

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#NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting

#ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse

#DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUK

TImestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to The NeuroDADverse

02:41 – Your Week As A Movie 🎬

04:33 – Why Ben Chose The Babadook

05:46 – Accepting The Journey You're On

07:42 – Challenges Begin

10:19 – When The Plan Falls Apart

11:10 – Adapting Instead Of Cancelling

12:55 – Family Adventures & Flexibility

14:43 – Communication Through Action

15:46 – When Expectations Surprise You

16:47 – The Challenge Wasn't The Challenge

18:47 – School Attendance Returns

19:31 – Emotion-Based School Avoidance (EBSA)

20:57 – Why School Can Feel So Hard

21:58 – Being A Parent Inside The System

24:02 – How Different School Felt Growing Up

25:01 – Finding Hope In Difficult Weeks

26:15 – Break

27:16 – Mabel & The Women's World Cup ⚽

28:50 – Sharing Passions Together

30:16 – When Interests Come Back Around

30:45 – Oscar's GCSE Choices

32:10 – A Family Birthday Meal 🎂

33:14 – Everyone Arrives Regulated

34:07 – Dan's Big Win Of The Week

35:15 – New Places & New Experiences

36:27 – Explaining Your Child's Needs

37:21 – Visiting The Farm

39:24 – Pattern Recognition & Confidence

40:51 – Building Trust Through Experience

41:27 – Anxiety Before The Event

42:30 – Remembering What They're Capable Of

44:30 – Reflecting On A Great Week

45:00 – Look Ahead To The Week Ahead

45:47 – Exams, Football & Father's Day

48:25 – Why We Chronicle The Wins

48:57 – You're Doing Great

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