Friendships can be tricky for any child, but for neurodivergent kids there can be extra layers to navigate. Social fatigue, sensory needs, rejection, conflict and different ways of communicating can all play a part.

In this episode of the Neurospice Girls, Rachel and Leisa talk about friendships and social life for children with ADHD, autism and other neurodivergent profiles. We explore making and maintaining friendships, understanding different ways of connecting, and why having one good friend can sometimes matter far more than fitting into a big social group.

We also get into the practical stuff. Birthday parties, sleepovers, family gatherings and activities outside school can bring their own challenges. How much should we encourage our kids to participate? When do we help them persevere, and when is it okay to step back?

It’s about helping our kids find connection, build confidence and navigate the social world without asking them to change who they are.

Parenting a neurodivergent child often means explaining their needs to teachers, schools, family and friends. But what should you share, who needs to know, and how do you advocate for your child while still respecting their privacy?

In Episode 3 of the Neurospice Girls series, Rachel and Leisa talk about communicating the needs of neurodivergent children, including children with ADHD and autism.

We explore how to explain your child’s strengths, sensory needs, emotional regulation, communication differences and support needs in ways that help others understand them. We also discuss communicating with teachers and schools, creating consistency between home and school, navigating judgement and misconceptions, and knowing when to educate someone and when to simply move on.

We also turn the conversation around. What should you do when a parent tells you their child is neurodivergent or shares their child’s support needs? Sometimes listening without judgement, asking respectful questions and offering support rather than advice is exactly what is needed.

A practical conversation about neurodivergent parenting, ADHD, autism, parenting support, school communication, advocacy, sensory needs, emotional regulation and helping your child feel understood and supported.

In Episode 2 of the Neurospice Girls series, Rachel and Leisa unpack the reality of parenting neurodivergent children in a world still heavily focused on compliance and “good behaviour”.

We talk about the social expectations placed on parents, grieving the parenting journey you thought you would have, unlearning traditional parenting advice, and making peace with where you and your child are right now.

From understanding behaviour as communication to recognising sensory and executive functioning needs, we explore what happens when we shift from trying to control behaviour to curiosity, connection and collaboration.

We also talk about backing yourself, trusting your intuition and becoming an advocate for your child — even when family, schools, professionals and society have different ideas about what parenting should look like.

A real conversation about neurodivergent parenting, ADHD, autism, behaviour, regulation, acceptance and raising children who don't always fit the mould.

Stay rad

Welcome to Season 4 of The Parent Pod!

This season is a little different. I'm joined by my good friend, colleague and fellow neurospicy human, Leisa Robertson. Together, we're the Neurospice Girls, bringing you honest, practical conversations about all things neurodivergence through the lens of parenting, education and social work.

Over the next 12 episodes, we'll be exploring the real-life challenges and wins that come with raising, teaching and supporting neurodivergent children. We'll talk about parenting, advocacy, boundaries, sensory differences, relationships, navigating school, supporting siblings, and looking after yourself along the way.

We're not here as clinical experts. We're mums who have lived this journey, professionals who work alongside children and families every day, and women who are neurodivergent ourselves. Everything we share comes from experience, curiosity and a genuine desire to help other families feel seen, understood and a little less alone.

In this first episode, we unpack what neurodiversity and neurodivergence actually mean, explore some of the more common neurotypes including ADHD, ASD, OCD and PDA, and discuss why every neurodivergent person is unique.

Whether you're a parent wondering if your child is neurodivergent, navigating a recent diagnosis, supporting a partner, or simply wanting to understand your child a little better, this season is for you.

Grab a cuppa, join the conversation and let's learn together.

Dr Justin Coulson is one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts, an author, researcher and speaker, and the founder of Happy Families. He is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9’s Parental Guidance and has spent more than two decades helping families build stronger relationships and raise thriving children.

In this episode of The Parent Pod, Rachel sits down with Dr Justin Coulson to discuss his brand-new book, Boys: Building Strong Young Men From the Inside Out. Together, we explore what boys need to flourish in today’s world, the foundations of healthy masculinity, and practical ways parents can support boys to become confident, resilient and caring young men.

Danielle C. Baker is a Canadian parenting expert, author of Bringing Up the World, and host of the Talk to Danielle podcast. With over two decades of experience in early childhood education, parenting support, and child development, she helps families navigate behaviour, emotional regulation, and connection.

In this episode, we dive into micro wins in parenting and child development: small, intentional moments that build confidence, strengthen connection, and create lasting love and belonging within families.

To connect with Danielle:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-to-danielle/id1638222364
https://www.beingconnected.ca/podcast
https://www.beingconnected.ca
https://www.beingconnected.ca/bringing-up-the-world

In this deeply personal solo episode, Rachel shares what it has been like being the mum of a transgender child. With permission and honesty, she opens up about the grief, fear, love, learning, and growth that has shaped their family’s journey. This episode is for any parent trying to hold love and uncertainty at the same time.

In this episode, parents will hear about:

• How this journey first showed up in childhood
• The grief of letting go of a perceived future
• The fear and protectiveness that can come with parenting a trans child
• What it means to support your child while doing your own internal work
• Why love, safety, and trust matter most

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion around PTSD, mental health, trauma, and suicide.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Kym for a really honest conversation about what it’s like to love, support, and parent alongside someone living with PTSD. We talk about how trauma can shape family life, relationships, emotional safety, and parenting, and what it means to hold your own wellbeing while supporting someone you care about.

If you are parenting in the middle of stress, trauma, or mental health challenges, this episode will help you feel less alone.

• What PTSD can look like in day-to-day family life
• How trauma can impact relationships, parenting, and emotional connection
• Ways to support children when PTSD is part of the family story
• Why partners and caregivers need support too
• What resilience, honesty, and connection can look like in hard seasons

For resources to help you:

https://www.code9ptsd.org.au/

https://www.code9ptsd.org.au/code-9-ptsd-kids-book-first-responders

mydadmyhero.com.au

** Content warning: This episode includes discussion of PTSD, mental health and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. **

In this episode of The Parent Pod, Rachel Russell speaks with Mark Thomas, Victoria Police officer, co-founder of The Code 9 Foundation, and father of two, about parenting while living with PTSD, anxiety and depression.

Mark shares his personal mental health journey, from psychological injury and diagnosis to recovery, and how trauma shaped his experience as a parent. Together, we explore how PTSD can impact relationships with children, the importance of connection, and what kids really need from parents navigating their own struggles.

This conversation offers insight, hope and practical reflection for parents living with trauma, reminding us that growth, healing and strong family relationships are possible.

To contact Mark:

facebook.com/sgtmarkthomas

Instagram.com/sgtmarkthomas

linkedin.com/in/sgtmarkthomas

https://www.code9ptsd.org.au

Why do parents react in ways they don’t want to? In this episode, Rachel Russell explores how the nervous system and early patterns shape our parenting reactions, and what parents can do to build awareness, interrupt old patterns and respond with greater calm and connection.To purchase a copy of Raising R.A.D. Kids: Parenting with the brain in mind - https://amzn.asia/d/0egbG1O0