Parenting Autism and ADHD

In this episode, Cliff is joined by his daughter Eva to talk about her recent experiences visiting schools after receiving her EHCP (Educational Health Care Plan).  Eva shares the differences she found between the schools, including teaching styles, class sizes and how things impacted her ability to manage her sensory differences.

Episode Reveals

The conditions around selecting schools once a child has received an EHCP

The differences Eva has experienced between state schools and private schools

Why smaller class sizes can make such an impact on learning for neurodivergent children

The type of teaching that helps her thrive

What can contribute to sensory overload for autistic children in school

BEST MOMENTS 

“The best kind of teacher that helps me thrive is the kind of teacher that can have a nice laugh with the kids, have a little bit banter with the kids. But can also help the kids get the work done and that makes me feel I'm very happy”

“The good thing about this school is, and one of the things on our EHCP requirements is a smaller class.”

“If the teacher builds a rapport with you, gets to know you a little bit, you feel more comfortable in the class.”

“With the bigger class it feels a lot more, I'm getting the impression from you, it feels a lot more overwhelming and there's too many people making too many jokes, you can't process all that sensory overload so therefore you just try and shut it out and it's because it's not funny because it's too much.”

“It did feel weird to be excited to go to school.”

RESOURCES

⁠⁠Link to my book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” ⁠https://amzn.eu/d/hIXiGIA

👉 10% off your first order Vivanmn LINK - https://vivanmn.com/cliff

New Parenting Autism and ADHD community - Discord because Meta is shutting down fb messenger community chats, we can continue the conversation here - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV

HOST BIO

Cliff Kilmister (aka Jeff) is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff’s daughter will be a regular guest, sharing her experiences and strategies that work for her. And joining him in this journey is his wife, Annie, who will also contribute to the podcast with her unique perspective and support. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change! 

CONTACT ME

 Facebook: facebook.com/cliff.kilmister
 Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08
 LinkedIn: Cliff Kilmister
 X (Twitter): @KilmisterCliff

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Cliff is joined by his cousin and advocate, Wendy about her own experiences of parenting neurodivergence.  Wendy talks about the challenges she has faced with her children, including delayed diagnosis and the impact of the invisible struggles in education for children who aren’t neurotypical. She shares the tools and mechanisms she has used to manage her family and their challenges and opens up about the support she has and has not received. 

So many families are quietly carrying these challenges every day, and Cliff wants to remind every parent that support is out there, and it doesn’t always come from the places you might expect. So reach out and know you are not alone.

Episode Reveals

Wendy’s youngest child started having challenges at school immediately, including school refusal and denial from her class teacher.

The challenges of mainstream school for getting support and diagnosis

How school failed her child, who is still waiting for an EHCP after 9 years

The additional challenges neurodiverse girls have with getting support and a diagnosis

Why the school and education system are outdated

Why the world needs freethinkers, but the school system doesn’t allow for this

How small adaptations can transform how a neurodiverse child performs in education

The lasting impact of the school system on children’s confidence and self-esteem

Homeschooling isn’t helpful for all neurodivergent children, it isn’t a viable option for those who are very social or parents who need more support

BEST MOMENTS 

“If you’re navigating similar struggles, remember support is out there and it sometimes comes from the most unexpected places”

“At times there would be teachers dragging her off of me with her screaming to get her into school”

“It’s a constant battle”

“The world needs freethinkers”

“Having that extra time to be children really benefits people”

EPISODE RESOURCES

https://www.facebook.com/wendy.a.murphy.1

⁠⁠Link to my book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” https://amzn.eu/d/hIXiGIA

👉 10% off your first order Vivanmn LINK - https://vivanmn.com/cliff

“What To do when your child shuts down” book out now - https://amzn.eu/d/iOMsOrF

New Parenting Autism and ADHD community - Discord because Meta is shutting down fb messenger community chats, we can continue the conversation here - https://discord.gg/SbXd34QV

HOST BIO

Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff’s daughter will be a regular guest, sharing her experiences and strategies that work for her. And joining him in this journey is his wife, Annie, who will also contribute to the podcast with her unique perspective and support. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change! 

CONTACT ME

 Facebook: facebook.com/cliff.kilmister
 Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08
 LinkedIn: Cliff Kilmister
 X (Twitter): @KilmisterCliff

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

HOST BIO

Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities.

Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles.

Cliff’s daughter will be a regular guest, sharing her experiences and strategies that work for her. And joining him in this journey is his wife, Annie, who will also contribute to the podcast with her unique perspective and support.

Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!