Neurodivergent Conversations | Autism, ADHD, AuDHD, PDA, Emotional Regulation, SEND parent, Meltdowns, Special Needs Parent

What if everything you thought was “just your personality” turned out to be ADHD? For many late-diagnosed adults, that lightbulb moment brings both relief and grief. Laurie’s story shines a light on what it means to navigate identity, unmasking, and daily life with ADHD in a world that often misunderstands neurodivergence.

Meet Laurie Faulkner, a content creator and advocate who was diagnosed with ADHD at 23 after years of feeling “different.” Her journey—from drama school to impulsively moving countries, working for Disney as a princess, and now openly sharing her ADHD story online—offers a relatable and refreshing perspective. Laurie speaks candidly about masking, overstimulation, impulsivity, and the hacks that help her thrive. She brings authenticity, humor, and honesty to the conversation, making her a powerful voice for the late-diagnosed neurodivergent community.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
Late ADHD diagnosis in adulthood
Masking and unmasking
Overstimulation and sensory sensitivities
Impulsivity and decision-making with ADHD
Hacks for managing focus and routines
Supporting neurodivergent friends and adults
Neurodiversity as a spectrum
Strengths and struggles of ADHD brains
TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE
ADHD often goes unnoticed until adulthood, leaving many to feel “different” without knowing why.
Masking can be exhausting—and unmasking is a process of rediscovering your true self.
Impulsivity isn’t always a negative—sometimes it leads to incredible adventures and opportunities.
Practical ADHD hacks include: doing tasks immediately, sticking to routines, and using tools like Google Calendar.
Support for neurodivergent people looks like acceptance, honest communication, and accountability from those closest to them.
Neurodivergence is a spectrum—every person’s experience is unique, and that diversity is a strength.

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What happens when a system designed to support children with additional needs fails them instead? Across the UK, families are facing rejected applications, endless bureaucracy, and years of waiting for vital services. Behind the statistics are real children, real parents, and stories of resilience and determination. Today we dive into the fight for fair education and support for neurodivergent children.

This week, Greer speaks with Hayley, a solicitor turned campaigner after her son was denied the support he urgently needed. What began as a personal battle soon grew into a national campaign, as Hayley discovered just how many families were being failed by the system.
In this conversation, Hayley shares:
Her personal journey navigating the EHCP process for her autistic son
How local authorities are rejecting thousands of children in need
The creation of the grassroots group Let Us Learn Too
Practical ways parents can advocate, both in the UK and beyond
Why changing the culture of SEND support is just as vital as changing the law.

TOPICS DISCUSSED
Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)
EHCPs and IEPs (UK & US perspectives)
Parent advocacy and grassroots campaigns
Neurodiversity in education
Barriers families face in the school system
Government policy and SEND reform
Supporting children with autism and ADHD
Global perspectives on best practices in education

TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE
Many families in the UK are experiencing EHCP rejections, with some local authorities rejecting over 60% of applications.
Hayley’s legal background didn’t shield her from the gaslighting, intimidation, and bureaucracy parents face—highlighting just how overwhelming the system is for most families.
Campaigns like Let Us Learn Too and the Fight for Ordinary movement are giving parents and children a louder voice in Parliament and beyond.
The most important shift needed? Moving from a “cost-saving” mindset back to a child-centered culture in education.
Parents everywhere—whether in the UK, US, or elsewhere—can start small: break down their child’s needs, connect with others, and advocate persistently.
Globally, there are models we can learn from—such as Ontario, Canada—showing that better systems are possible when we share best practices.

Follow Hayley’s work with Let Us Learn Too
Join the September 15th rally in London → [insert link]

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Did you know that children with ADHD often hear over 20,000 corrective messages by the age of 10? Imagine the weight of that shame and self-doubt as they enter the already turbulent teenage years. For parents raising neurodivergent teens, the shift from childhood to adolescence can feel like everything changes overnight. But you’re not alone in this.

In this episode, I sit down with Jheri South, mom of seven neurodivergent kids, ADHD/autism coach, and advocate. She shares her personal journey of navigating comorbidities, school struggles, mental health challenges, and how parenting styles can shape a child’s ability to advocate for themselves.

You’ll hear about:

TOPICS DISCUSSED

TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE

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Sleep Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Lifeline
If you’re raising or supporting a neurodivergent child, you already know how tough bedtime can be. Meltdowns, 2 AM wake-ups, and total bedtime resistance are all too common. But what if there were real, gentle strategies that actually worked?

In this episode, I speak with Lindsey Clark, sleep coach and neurodivergent parenting specialist, about why ND kids and adults often struggle with sleep—and how we can improve it without shame or rigid routines.

Meet Our Guest: Lindsey Clark
Lindsey is a certified sleep coach who specializes in supporting families of neurodivergent children. With experience working from birth through age 11, Lindsey brings practical, compassionate solutions that are backed by science and shaped by lived experience.

Here’s what we cover:
Why neurodivergent brains struggle with sleep (and how it’s not your fault)
The five key reasons ND kids can’t “just fall asleep”
How sensory input, anxiety, melatonin, and circadian rhythms impact rest
Tools to support PDA, autism, and ADHD bedtime needs
Creative strategies to regulate after school and wind down naturally
How to include your child in designing a visual bedtime routine
What actually helps exhausted parents function during hard seasons

What We Talk About
Sleep and neurodivergence aren’t often discussed together—but they should be. Lindsey breaks down how factors like overstimulation, low melatonin, irregular circadian rhythms, and demand avoidance play a massive role in ND sleep issues. She shares why traditional sleep advice often backfires—and how personalized, sensory-aware solutions can help kids (and parents) get the rest they need.

Key Takeaways
Neurodivergent kids can sleep well—it just may look different.
Melatonin levels and body clocks are often out of sync in ND children, especially those with autism or ADHD.
Simple changes—like light levels, visual schedules, and sensory checklists—can lead to big improvements.
Bedtime routines don’t have to be perfect—they need to be personalized.
Giving kids control (especially those with PDA profiles) helps lower anxiety and increase cooperation.
Parents: Rest matters for you too. Even if it’s not sleep, don’t feel guilty taking time to recharge.

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Getting the Diagnosis Is Just the Beginning
What happens after the diagnosis? For so many late-diagnosed adults—especially those with ADHD or autism—it sparks a whole journey of unmasking, grieving, relearning, and reclaiming identity.
In this episode, Hayley Honeyman shares her powerful story of being diagnosed with ADHD and autism in her early 20s, the internal resistance she felt at first, and how those diagnoses changed everything.
Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis yourself or trying to support someone who is, this conversation offers vulnerability, validation, and hope.

Meet Our Guest: Hayley Honeyman
Hayley is a passionate advocate who speaks openly on social media about life as an autistic and ADHD adult. Her content focuses on mental health, neurodivergence, masking, and creating support systems that actually work.

In this episode, Hayley shares:
What it felt like to receive her ADHD and autism diagnoses one year apart
How she worked through internalized resistance and shame
The long, emotional process of unmasking and discovering her authentic self
Practical ways she’s built a support system—from friends to therapy to coaching
Tips for educating family while protecting your peace
What it means to trust yourself again (and how that takes time)

What We Talk About
From masking to meltdown support, family dynamics to identity rebuilding—this episode dives deep into the lived experience of late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults. Hayley and Greer unpack how self-worth often gets tangled in performance, how women are overlooked, and why unlearning takes just as much energy as learning.

Key Takeaways
Being late-diagnosed can bring both relief and grief—and both are valid.
Unmasking is not passive—it’s a daily, active process that requires courage and compassion.
Building a support system often starts with being vulnerable—first with yourself, then with others.
Educating family members takes time, and you don’t need their understanding to begin your healing.
Self-trust is one of the most important skills to rebuild post-diagnosis.
Neurodivergence includes more than ADHD and autism—be mindful of the full spectrum when building community.

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Why Time Feels So Hard (And What You Can Do About It)
If you’ve ever said, “I just lost track of time” or felt totally frozen before a 2 PM meeting… you’re not alone.
Time blindness, energy crashes, and planning overwhelm are part of the neurodivergent experience—especially for those with ADHD, autism, or PDA.
But here’s the good news: there are practical tools that actually work for your brain. In this episode, we’re talking about time management that feels doable, flexible, and tailored to how ND minds tick.

Meet Our Guest: Jill Wright
Jill Wright is a time and energy coach for women and neurodivergent individuals, and host of the podcast Grow Like a Mother. She specializes in helping people build personalized systems that honor their unique brains.
In this conversation, Jill shares:
Why neurodivergent people struggle with time blindness and task initiation
How autistic burnout and ADHD affect energy management
The power of rhythms over rigid schedules
How to build in recovery time and track energy using Spoon Theory
Tools that actually work—like analog clocks, visual planners, playlists, and body doubling
How friends and family can support neurodivergent loved ones

What We Talk About
We explore why traditional time management advice often fails ND folks and how to shift from rigid rules to flexible frameworks. Jill explains how energy management matters as much as planning, and why visual timers, color-coded planners, and short bursts of focus (like the Pomodoro method) can help ADHD and autistic brains thrive. We also discuss how parents, partners, and even coworkers can support neurodivergent people in everyday life.

Key Takeaways
Time blindness is real—and it’s not laziness.
Using rhythms (first this, then that) instead of rigid clock times can reduce anxiety and improve follow-through.
Visual tools like analog clocks, color-coded calendars, and countdown timers can help your brain “see” time more clearly.
Spoon Theory can guide how you use and protect your energy—and help you plan rest.
Accountability buddies, body doubling, and even a simple text from a friend can be game-changers.
What works now might not work next month—and that’s normal. Keep adjusting with grace.

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Why You Need to Know About ARFID
Ever been told your child is “just a picky eater”? What if it’s something more?
ARFID—Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder—is often misunderstood or completely missed, especially in neurodivergent kids. In this episode, we dive into what ARFID really is, how it shows up differently from regular picky eating, and how parents can get the right support without shame or blame.

Meet Our Guest: Michelle
Michelle is a feeding therapist, educator, and advocate for children with ARFID and extreme feeding challenges. She has helped countless families understand their child’s eating behaviors in a deeper, more compassionate way—especially in the context of neurodivergence. In this episode, she breaks things down in a way that’s accessible, practical, and full of hope.

Michelle shares:
What ARFID is (and what it’s not)
How it differs from picky eating, sensory aversions, and eating disorders
Red flags to look for, even in young kids
Why “just one bite” isn’t helpful—and what to do instead
The link between ARFID and autism, ADHD, anxiety, and trauma
Where to find support if feeding is becoming a daily struggle

What We Talk About in This Episode
This episode covers the core signs and symptoms of ARFID, how it differs from other feeding challenges, and why many children—especially those who are neurodivergent—struggle with eating in ways that go far beyond preference. We also explore sensory overload, mealtime anxiety, and why traditional feeding advice can sometimes make things worse. Michelle gives practical strategies and resources to help families respond with curiosity instead of control, and find peace around food again.

Key Takeaways
ARFID isn’t “bad behavior”—it’s a legitimate feeding disorder rooted in fear, trauma, or sensory overwhelm.
Children with ARFID may avoid entire textures, temperatures, or food groups—not because they’re difficult, but because it feels impossible.
Neurodivergent kids (especially autistic children and those with PDA or anxiety) are more likely to develop ARFID.
Using pressure, bribes, or “just try it” tactics can backfire and increase fear.
Building trust, safety, and understanding at mealtimes is far more effective than control.
Support is out there—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

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What if small changes to your child's breakfast—or even their bath—could help with meltdowns, anxiety, sleep, or focus?

Brain health is often overlooked in conversations about neurodivergence, but it might just be the missing piece you’ve been searching for.
In this episode, we explore how everyday nutrition can powerfully support your neurodivergent child—and you too.

Lucinda Miller is a naturopath, founder of NatureDoc, and author of Brain Brilliance. She has worked with over 11,000 families—many raising autistic, ADHD, PDA, or sensory-sensitive kids.
She joins us today to share bite-sized, practical tools to improve brain health using food, supplements, and simple routines.

In this episode, Lucinda shares:
Why neurodivergent brains are both brilliant and delicate
Four foundational nutrients every ND family should know about
How to spot signs of deficiency in everyday behaviors
Simple nutrition hacks for picky eaters, anxious kids, and sensory avoiders
Real-life tips for stressed-out, sleep-deprived parents
We talk about brain health for neurodivergent children, including how nutrition impacts emotional regulation, sensory sensitivity, and executive function. We explore the roles of Omega-3, magnesium, iron, and zinc in supporting ADHD, PDA, and autistic kids, and how to make changes even with selective eaters. Lucinda also shares why so many families benefit from gut health testing, what signs to look for when nutrients are low, and how mothers can also support their own brains in the process.

TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE
A high-protein breakfast is one of the most effective ways to support a neurodivergent brain.
Omega-3s are critical for executive function and emotional regulation—and most kids don’t get enough.
Magnesium can help with anxiety, sleep, and constipation, and is easily absorbed through Epsom salt baths.
Low iron levels are often linked to selective mutism, low energy, and sensory mouth behaviors like chewing on shirts.
Zinc can reduce emotional eating, food refusal, and social withdrawal.
Neurodivergent brains are incredible—but they often require more support to thrive.
Parents' brain health matters too—foggy thinking, burnout, and overwhelm can be eased through nutrition.

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Did you know that some autistic and PDA children can speak—but sometimes just can’t?

In these moments of shutdown, anxiety, or selective mutism, words disappear, but the need to communicate remains.
In this episode, we explore a tool that’s quietly changing the game for families navigating nonverbal moments with their kids.
Meet Tara and Steve Harnwell-Jones—parents, creatives, and the team behind Find Your Voice, a communication card set and app designed for children who are non-speaking or selectively mute.

In this episode, they share:
How their daughter’s struggle to speak during PDA-driven anxiety led to designing a new kind of communication tool
Why most tools felt too “childish” or hard to decode, and how they fixed that
The unexpected way their app is helping not just kids—but teens, adults, and even stroke survivors
What makes this resource so accessible, universal, and effective
How design, dignity, and simplicity can unlock powerful communication
This episode covers the power of visual communication tools for nonverbal children, the daily realities of parenting an autistic or PDA child, and the role of design in creating something children actually want to use. We explore selective mutism, emotional regulation during meltdowns, and why traditional speech cards often fall short. You’ll hear how Tara and Steve turned their family’s need into a resource that supports children, teens, and even adults through anxiety and shutdowns—whether at home, in school, or in public spaces.

You don’t have to be completely nonverbal to need communication tools—many kids freeze or shut down during anxiety.
The Find Your Voice app and card system acts as a bridge, helping kids break through the “stuck” moments.
Simple, cool design isn’t just aesthetic—it builds dignity and increases use, especially for older children.
These tools are now helping adults too, including those with stroke recovery or anxiety.
Communication isn't just about speaking—it's about being understood and feeling safe.
The best solutions are often born from lived experience and a little bit of DIY courage.

Maybe you aren't traveling at the moment but are still looking for fun (& easy) activities to do. Check out t⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠he sensory play guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ that I have created back with 50 fun (& tested) activities all with things you have at in your house. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check it out here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! ⁠Click here to join⁠.⁠Sign up to our newsletter⁠ where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! ⁠Click here to subscribe⁠. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! ⁠Instagram⁠

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Did you know up to 40% of autistic children are non-speaking—yet they have so much to say? What if communication wasn’t about words but about connection? In a world built around verbal communication, how do we truly hear and understand our neurodivergent kids?

In this heartwarming and practical conversation, Greer sits down with Charlotte, a mom raising two non-speaking boys, to unpack what real communication looks like in a neurodivergent family. Charlotte shares her lived wisdom, challenges, and the beauty she’s discovered in connecting with her children beyond spoken language.

During this episode, you’ll hear about:

The many ways non-verbal children communicate

How to create a communication-rich environment at home

The emotional journey of parenting non-speaking children

Practical tools for yes/no questions, pointing, and AAC devices

Why connection is at the heart of communication

TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE

- Communication isn’t just words—it’s eye contact, gestures, pointing, and shared moments of connection.

Maybe you aren't traveling at the moment but are still looking for fun (& easy) activities to do. Check out t⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠he sensory play guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ that I have created back with 50 fun (& tested) activities all with things you have at in your house. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check it out here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.
Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world.
You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe.
Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain!
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