In this episode of Surviving Parenthood: Neurodivergent Edition, host Vida Carey — a neurodivergent parent and educator — sits down with Dr. Jessica Myszak, a neuroaffirming psychologist, for an insightful and compassionate conversation about the realities of parenting while neurodivergent.

Together, they explore the unique challenges and triumphs that come with neurodivergent parenting, from managing parent guilt to learning how to set healthy boundaries and reparent the inner child. Dr. Myszak shares expert insights on how parents can support neurodivergent children with patience, understanding, and authenticity while also supporting themselves.

This heartfelt episode reminds listeners that there’s no such thing as perfect parenting — only growth, creativity, and resilience. By embracing imperfection and leaning into community, neurodivergent parents can find healing, balance, and deeper connection with their children and themselves.

Key Takeaways

• Parenting is challenging for everyone, but especially for neurodivergent individuals.
• Community and mutual support are vital for neurodivergent parents.
• Perfection isn’t the goal — authenticity is.
• Healthy boundaries create space for balance and calm.
• Reparenting your inner child can lead to healing and growth.
• Supporting neurodivergent children requires empathy and patience.
• Self-compassion helps manage parent guilt and burnout.
• Letting kids experience failure helps them build confidence and resilience.
• Neurodivergent parents bring unique insights, creativity, and strengths to their families.

Keywords: neurodivergent parenting, community support, parent guilt, setting boundaries, reparenting, neuroaffirming care, resilience, creativity, embracing imperfection, supporting children 

In this episode of Surviving Parenthood: Neurodivergent Edition, host Vida Carey welcomes guest Melanie Branch for a deeply honest conversation about the challenges of parenting while neurodivergent.

Together, they unpack what it means to parent while in survival mode, the process of discovering and understanding their own ADHD and autism, and how embracing imperfection can lead to healthier, more joyful family dynamics.

Vida and Melanie discuss the power of boundaries, energy management, and self-care as acts of self-preservation — not selfishness. They share personal stories of growth, burnout, and breakthroughs, offering a compassionate reminder that neurodivergent parents are often cycle breakers doing the best they can with the tools they have.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, authenticity, and redefining success in motherhood and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• Parenting while neurodivergent presents unique emotional and practical challenges.
• Many parents receive their diagnoses later in life, reshaping self-understanding.
• Living in survival mode can create chronic stress and exhaustion.
• Clear boundaries are essential for emotional regulation and peace.
• Self-care isn’t optional — it’s foundational to effective parenting.
• Children thrive when they feel safe, seen, and heard.
• Perfection isn’t the goal — progress and presence matter most.
• Open communication fosters trust and connection with children.
• Managing energy helps balance parenting, work, and mental health.
• Every parenting journey is personal — comparison steals joy.

In this episode of Surviving Parenthood, host Vida Carey sits down with Shelli Stanley, a fellow neurodivergent parent, for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about the realities of raising children while managing autism, ADHD, and everyday life.

Together, they explore the transformative impact of a diagnosis, how it brings clarity and understanding, and how communication and self-advocacy become vital tools in building healthier family dynamics. Shelly opens up about her journey through overstimulation, the challenges of societal expectations, and how she’s learned to adapt her parenting strategies to align with her neurodivergent strengths.

This deeply honest conversation sheds light on the emotional complexity of parenting while neurodivergent — and offers hope, validation, and practical insight for anyone walking a similar path.

Key Takeaways

• Parenting can be uniquely challenging — and rewarding — for neurodivergent individuals.
• A diagnosis provides clarity and helps reframe past experiences.
• Open communication builds stronger relationships with children.
• Overstimulation is real and can significantly impact parenting.
• Self-advocacy matters for both parents and children.
• Active listening and observation help meet children’s needs more effectively.
• Parenting strategies can (and should) be tailored to neurodivergent traits.
• Societal expectations can shape — and sometimes strain — parenting approaches.
• Alcohol is sometimes used as a coping mechanism, but it is a slippery slope. Awareness can lead to healthier stress management.
• Reflection and growth are key parts of evolving as a parent.

Keywords: neurodivergent parenting, autism, ADHD, parenting challenges, relationships, communication, diagnosis, overstimulation, self-advocacy, growth 

In this episode of Surviving Parenthood, host Vida Carey sits down with ADHD Coach Ron Capalbo to unpack the realities of parenting while neurodivergent. Together, they explore the complexities of ADHD, the impact of a late diagnosis, and how self-awareness reshapes the parenting journey.

Vida and Ron dive deep into practical coping mechanisms, self-care strategies, and emotional regulation techniques that help parents navigate sensory overload and burnout. Ron offers thoughtful insights on learning through mistakes, forgiving ourselves as parents, and recognizing that growth often happens in small, quiet steps.

This candid, compassionate conversation reminds listeners that neurodivergent parenting is not about perfection—it’s about presence, resilience, and radical self-understanding.

Key Takeaways

• Parenting can be uniquely challenging—and rewarding—for neurodivergent individuals.
• A late ADHD diagnosis often sparks powerful self-reflection and healing.
• Coping mechanisms and emotional regulation tools are essential for balance.
• Prioritizing self-care allows parents to show up more fully for their kids.
• Children are often more forgiving and empathetic than we think.
• Unrealistic external expectations can amplify pressure and guilt.
• Learning from mistakes fosters growth and connection.
• Managing overstimulation is a daily practice for many neurodivergent parents.
• Small, consistent improvements lead to long-term change.
• Sharing struggles builds community and reduces shame.

Keywords: neurodivergent parenting, ADHD, parenting challenges, self-care, coping mechanisms, late diagnosis, parenting advice, emotional regulation, sensory issues, parenting dynamics 

#survivingparenthood #neurodivergentparents #parentingishard

In this very first episode of Surviving Parenthood, host Vida Carey opens up about her personal journey as a neurodivergent parent. Diagnosed later in life with ADHD and autism, Vida reflects on how these experiences shape her parenting—both the struggles and the victories.

She shares a vulnerable story about a difficult encounter with her children’s pediatrician that highlights the unique challenges neurodivergent parents often face. At the same time, she celebrates her children’s growth and reminds listeners of the importance of resilience, love, and community support.

This episode is both a candid look at the realities of parenting with neurodivergence and a hopeful reminder that every day is a fresh chance to try again.

Key Takeaways

• Parenting can be especially complex for neurodivergent individuals.
• A late ADHD or autism diagnosis often reshapes how parents understand themselves.
• Parenting “failures” can bring up shame—but also powerful lessons.
• Supportive community makes all the difference.
• Celebrating small wins helps keep momentum.
• Resilience and love matter more than perfection.
• Every day is an opportunity to begin again.

Memorable Sound Bites

• “Our stories matter too.”
• “I try to do all the things.”
• “Parenting is so hard.”

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 – Welcome to Surviving Parenthood
• 01:44 – Vida’s Story: ADHD + Autism Diagnosis
• 07:06 – Parenting Challenges & the “ADHD Tax”
• 15:28 – Celebrating Parenting Wins
• 19:40 – Lessons Learned & Moving Forward

Parenting is hard. Parenting while neurodivergent? That’s a whole new level. 

Welcome to Surviving Parenthood: Neurodivergent Edition, a podcast by and for parents who are neurodivergent — because our stories matter, too. 💜 

I’m Vida Carey — a special education teacher, neurodivergent coach, late-diagnosed AuDHDer, and a parent who is neurodivergent myself. In this trailer, I share why I started this podcast and what you can expect from each episode: real stories from parents about their best days, worst days, and lessons learned along the way. 

If you’ve ever felt like your brain just doesn’t parent the way the books say it should, or if you want to hear honest, relatable, and often hilarious parenting stories from people who get it, this is the podcast for you. 

🎧 Subscribe now so you don’t miss the first episodes dropping Oct 1. 

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