Neuroshambles

What was it like to raise an autistic child 30 years ago? Mark has a fascinating chat with Stephanie - his wonderful neighbour from over the road, who has a 31 year old son (diagnosed autistic with moderate learning difficulties, OCD and anxiety).  They discuss how parents of autistic children were able to navigate the process of understanding how best to raise their kids, without access to the internet, social media or the breadth of information we have available now?  This is an enlightening and surprisingly uplifting episode, which shines a light on just how far society has come in a relatively short space of time, when it comes to understanding, supporting and championing our neurodivergent kids. LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Disneyland, Paris - https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-gb/ Echolalia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echolalia The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle - https://amzn.eu/d/boDv6wN Rain Man - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_Man The Essential Different, Simon Baron Cohen - https://amzn.eu/d/3Y5xgWv Gentle Parenting - https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/on-babies/202405/gentle-parenting-doesnt-mean-permissive-parenting Leonardo Da Vinci - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/leonardo-da-vinci-adhd-health-mona-lisa-a8927641.html Social Stories - https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/communication/communication-tools/social-stories-and-comic-strip-coversations Supported Employment - https://www.base-uk.org/about/members/brighton-hove-city-council Fare Share - https://fareshare.org.uk/ Oxfam - https://jobs.oxfam.org.uk/jobs/home/ Leonardslee Gardens - www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark welcomes back former guest "Belle", as they discuss the perils of transport. "Belle" has two neurodivergent children - a 9-year old girl (diagnosed autistic with sensory processing disorder and a PDA profile), and a 7-year old boy (diagnosed autistic with Tourette Syndrome and suspected ADHD). Alongside Mark's three neurodivergent kids (with a giddy blend of autism, ADHD, anxiety and PDA), they have a trove of transport-related horror stories to tell. As well as discussing tales of travelling on buses, planes, trains, boats and cars, there are also more Neurodiversity Champions, Tiny Epic Wins and What The Flip moments, as well a particularly insightful proposal to create a demand-avoidant sat nav. LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Gatwick Airport Special Assistance - https://www.gatwickairport.com/passenger-guides/special-assistance.html Ferry cabins (DFDS) - https://www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger-ferries/onboard/newhaven-dieppe/sleeping Jen Marillat, Dramatherapist - https://jenmarillat.com/ Health and Care Professions Council - https://www.hcpc-uk.org/ The British Association of Dramatherapists - https://www.badth.org.uk/  EMDR Therapy - https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/eye-movement-desensitisation-and-reprocessing-emdr Riding For the Disabled Association (RDA) - https://rda.org.uk/ Aspens, East Sussex - https://www.aspens.org.uk/   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark chats to the magnificent Lisa Lloyd about the judgement they regularly receive from outsiders as parents of neurodivergent kids. Lisa has two children - an 11-year old boy (diagnosed autistic) and a 7-year old girl (diagnosed autistic, with a PDA profile) and, as a prominent content creator on social media (@asd_with_a_g_and_t), she is no stranger to being judged by people who don't have a neurodivergent child, much less a clue about how to raise one. Mark and Lisa swap tales about comments they receive from people judging their children ("He's not autistic, he's just naughty"), judging their parenting ("He wouldn't act like that if he was my son") and judging the entire concept of neurodivergency ("It's just a label"). They discuss the misconceptions that cause people to act this way, as well as the appropriate responses you can give them in return. This is a great one to listen to if you've ever been told that "He doesn't look autistic" or "Everyone's a bit on the spectrum".   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Raising the Sen-Betweeners, Lisa Lloyd - https://amzn.eu/d/4hm6Sb0 SEND Reform England - https://www.sendreformengland.com/ Lisa Lloyd Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/asd_with_a_g_and_t/ Lisa Lloyd TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@asd.with.a.g.and.t Lisa Lloyd Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ASDwithGandT     CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles TikTok:https: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark discusses the innate human desire to "keep up with the Joneses" with returning guest Samuel Wilson, who is an author and parent of two children: an 8-year old daughter (on the autism pathway, with Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Visual Impairment and Sensory Processing Disorder) and a 5-year old son (suspected neurotypical). They discuss how unhelpful that can be in the early days of your diagnosis journey and how liberating it is when you finally let go of the expectations of being "normal" and embrace your family in all of their neuroshambolic glory. LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Simpsons clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=784seqWxsMk&t=469s Dad La Soul - https://www.dadlasoul.com/ BBC Woman’s Hour - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0022ss7 India Croc replacement saga - https://www.instagram.com/p/C9hLMewpBH6/ "Lend a Hand", Samuel Wilson's book - www.littlestepspublishing.co.uk/books/lend-a-hand   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

A potentially controversial episode, this one, where Mark chats to an old friend, Kate Ebbutt (Mum to 11 year-old neurotypical and 9-year old diagnosed ADHD/suspected autistic humans). They talk candidly about something they've both found themselves worrying about in their darker moments - am I raising an arsehole? They dissect the behaviours that qualify someone as being "an arsehole" and discuss to what extent they can be fairly applied to our neurodivergent kids. They also discuss to what extent the gentle parenting approach could be contributing to this behaviour, as well as recounting experiences of times where they've had to explain their parenting choices to neurotypicals who struggle to understand their approach. Please note, if you are offended by the word arsehole, it is sprinkled liberally throughout the episode, so this one might not be for you.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: "The Explosive Child" book - https://drrossgreene.com/the-explosive-child.htm Gentle Parenting - https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/style/what-is-gentle-parenting/ National Trust - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ RAM (Random Access Memory) - https://www.ign.com/articles/what-is-ram Sheffield Queer Parents - https://sites.google.com/view/sheffield-queer-parents Angling 4 Education - https://www.angling4education.com/     CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark chats to the inspirational Kieran Rose. As well as being autistic/ADHD himself, Kieran has three autistic/ADHD children (11, 14 and 15) as well as an autistic wife. Kieran is an author, academic, trainer, consultant and all round font of knowledge on autism, so this episode contains some fascinating insights into the different communication styles between neurodivergents and neurotypicals when having a conversation. As well as topics such as situational mutism, hyperverbalism and monotropism, Mark and Kieran swap tales about the fact they're never able to finish a conversation without being interrupted and discuss the perils of group conversation and their very different takes on the ridiculous neurotypical habit of engaging in small talk.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Neurodive Podcast - https://soundcloud.com/neurodivepod/kieranrose Kieran's website - https://theautisticadvocate.com/ Maori word for autism - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-40493398   KIERAN'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER READING: A short (and very inexhaustive) list of Autistic advocates and allies no longer with us, who have made a phenomenally constructive difference to the narratives around Autistic and Neurodivergent people, but who never get the recognition of lauded non-Autistic people:   Jim Sinclair Don't mourn for us - Jim Sinclair wrote one of the pivotal texts in the reframing of Autistic experience (opens as a PDF): https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://philosophy.ucsc.edu/SinclairDontMournForUs.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwik86zq-smIAxWCWUEAHQ2NH5UQFnoECCQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3WfDEINrbr2olYTgiO6ZKl A book about Jim: https://amzn.eu/d/3qalj4l   Donna Williams Conceptualised a model of advocacy based on an inside-out approach - that observation based on your own or a normative experience can only take you so far. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Williams She produced a massive number of books: https://uk.jkp.com/collections/author-donna-williams-pid-199891   Mel Baggs: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mel_Baggs An old (quality is indicative of its age, so please bear with it) video on two parts that off a deep challenge to normative assumptions around communication and experience: https://youtu.be/JnylM1hI2jc?si=IaPhwkiYn1vRmmlp   Dinah Murray https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinah_Murray Co-creator of the theory of monotropism: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1362361305051398 A basic introduction: https://youtu.be/qUFDAevkd3E?si=SMiSDEoiNcDtV2eg   Steve Silberman https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Silberman The author of Neurotribes, a game changing book that brought a model of different, not less into the mainstream: https://amzn.eu/d/clw0AD8     CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Kicking off season 2 of Neuroshambles, Mark chats to the wonderful Dee McMahon who also has three neurodivergent children: a 16-year old boy, (diagnosed Autistic/ADHD with anxiety disorder) a 13-year old girl (diagnosed ADHD with Dyslexia/Dyscalculia) and a 9-year old boy (diagnosed Autistic with ARFID). Mark and Dee take a deep dive into the soul crushing nightmare of trying to feed their neurodifferent kids something remotely resembling a balanced diet. From the trauma of putting together meal plans and shopping lists, to the sense of nervous trepidation when trying to introduce their kids to new foods and the wounded pride they experience when food they've slaved away at is dismissed without even being tried. They also take an in-depth look at the more serious side of food issues, when they discuss Dee's personal account of her boy's recent diagnosis of ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: ARFID - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoidant/restrictive_food_intake_disorder ARFID Community Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/arfid/ mASCot website: https://www.asc-mascot.com/ mASCot Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/221337174595596/ To make a donation to mASCot, so they can continue their amazing work: https://www.givey.com/mascot Evelina Clinic, London - www.evelinalondon.nhs.uk Sainsbury's pasta stars - https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-stars-500g? Spruce tips - www.foragerchef.com/spruce-tips/     CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

In the final episode of this season, Mark chats with Claire Quigley Ward, who is an ADHD Coach and host of the All Aboard ADHD podcast. As well as being diagnosed ADHD herself, Claire has two neurodivergent children - a 13-year old boy (diagnosed ADHD) and an 8-year old girl (suspected ADHD with PDA traits). They discuss the absolute nightmare of trying to take a "normal" photo of our kids - from the challenges of getting them to stay still and not be distracted, to their inability to pose for the camera and the inevitable dread of seeing how they stand out for all the wrong reasons in the annual school photo. LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: All Aboard ADHD podcast - https://www.allaboardadhd.com/podcast All Aboard ADHD coaching - https://www.allaboardadhd.com/coaching Apple Live Photo feature - https://support.apple.com/en-gb/104966 Google Best Take feature - https://blog.google/products/photos/how-google-photos-best-take-works/ SenLife App - https://mysenlife.com/ Kate Peers - https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/adhd-children-diagnosis-special-needs-school-funding-a9163761.html   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark speaks to the wonderful Jess Cain - a prolific advocate for neurodivergent families and the driving force of Send Family Instincts. She is an autistic/ADHD/PDA lone parent of five children: a 15-year old boy (self-diagnosed autistic/PDA), another 15-year old boy (fostered, with SEMH needs), a 12-year old girl (self-diagnosed autistic) and twin 9-year old boys (one diagnosed autistic/ADHD/PDA and one allegedly neurotypical). In short, there is no-one better to explore this week's topic with, which is how on earth parents of neurodivergent kids juggle the competing needs of siblings. Mark and Jess share anecdotes about the difficulties they face when trying to balance the wildly different needs of all of their children, whilst somehow trying to remain positive and upbeat. From avoiding conflict, the importance of discussing everyone's needs openly, and learning how to prioritise their own needs in the midst of the mayhem. LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Send Family Instincts Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sendfamilyinstincts/ Send Family Instincts Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SendFamilyInstincts/ Send Family Instincts website - https://sendfamilymagic.mykajabi.com/ Eliza Fricker - https://www.instagram.com/elizafricker_missingthemark/ Charlie Gray (My Neurodivergent Adventure) - https://myneurodivergentadventure.co.uk/ Laura Kerbey (P-AST) - https://p-ast.co.uk/ Brighton Fringe (Neurodiverse Performer Award) - https://www.brightonfringe.org/brighton-fringe-awards-ceremony/ Sara Jane Harvey (Agony Autie) - https://www.instagram.com/agonyautie/ CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark speaks to the magnificent Lisa Galley, who is an autism consultant and mother of three grown-up neurodivergent children - one 29-year old boy (diagnosed Autistic with a PDA profile), a 25-year old girl (suspected autistic) and a 20-year old boy (diagnosed autistic). In this fun, candid and thought-provoking episode, they discuss the challenges of helping our neurodivergent kids acquire the life skills they need to be able to live independently. As they cover the diverse range of topics under the umbrella of life skills, Lisa offers some valuable (and occasionally comforting) insights into how her kids have acquired skills, such as getting a job, navigating self care, managing money, learning to drive and, ultimately living away from home. LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Lisa Galley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/school_run_mum_autism/ Roblox "Find The Markers" - https://www.roblox.com/games/7896264844/Find-The-Markers-237 Metro Bank - https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/about-us/kids-zone/ Toren Wolf on Learning to Drive - https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6PndheP02Z/ Danielle Jata-Hall (PDA Parenting) - https://www.instagram.com/pdaparenting/ Sara Jane Harvey (Agony Autie) - https://www.instagram.com/agonyautie/ Lisa Galley's Website: https://www.lisagalley.com/ CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark chats with the inspirational Dan Clark, of MindJam. Dan is dad to two neurodifferent kids -  one 17-year old girl (diagnosed Autistic) and a 14-year old boy (diagnosed autistic/ADHD with a PDA profile). They discuss the minefield that is playing family games with neurodivergent kids, from their desperate search to find a board game that doesn't end in full scale meltdowns and the strategies they employ to keep the peace. They also discuss the hugely beneficial role that both video games and Dungeons & Dragons can play in teaching our kids some of the skills they need to develop, in order to navigate a world teeming with neurotypicals.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: MindJam - https://mindjam.org.uk/ Monopoly - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monopoly_(game) Fast Show Competitive Dad - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2x_DI7tzNQ Mario Kart - https://store.nintendo.co.uk/en/mario-kart Beat the Parents - https://amzn.eu/d/3xTCOg8 Cranium - https://amzn.eu/d/cVedUTu Scrabble - https://amzn.eu/d/f4ngyJW Dungeon Mayhem - https://amzn.eu/d/3Z0NFr8 Throw Throw Burrito - https://amzn.eu/d/3Z0NFr8 Ocean Bingo - https://www.laurenceking.com/products/ocean-bingo Exploding Kittens - https://amzn.eu/d/933z2FH Unstable Unicorns - https://amzn.eu/d/cDnUP80 Risk - https://amzn.eu/d/dc7h30w The Dice Saloon, Brighton - https://www.dicesaloon.com/ Chase The Ace - https://www.classicgamesandpuzzles.com/Chase-the-Ace.html Zelda: Breath of the Wild - https://www.ign.com/games/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild Boy beats Tetris - https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/67902380 Fortnite - https://www.ign.com/games/fortnite Candy Crush - https://www.ign.com/games/candy-crush-saga Dungeons & Dragons - https://dnd.wizards.com/ MindJam Adventure Guild - https://mindjam.org.uk/services/adventure-guild/ BAFTA Young Game Designers - https://ygd.bafta.org/ It Takes Two - https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/it-takes-two/about Brighton Festival Children's Parade - https://samesky.co.uk/events/childrens-parade-3/ Jump Inc Trampoline Park - https://www.jump-inc.uk/locations/lincoln/ Kellie Bright EHCP Film (BBC One Show) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001z8w5   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark speaks to Lauren, neurodivergent mother of three boys (One 11-year old diagnosed Autistic/ADHD with a PDA profile), a 9-year old (suspected autistic/ADHD) and a 5-month old (too soon to tell). They delve into the topic of noise sensitivity - from extreme reactions to loud noises and meltdowns when confronted with contrasting noises, to the fascinating topic of misophonia. They swap tales of hand dryers, bonfire night, cat scarers and an unexpected cavalcade of motorcycling Santas. This episode is best listened to with in a quiet place, with noise cancelling headphones!   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Ear defenders - https://amzn.eu/d/fIIDess Misophonia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misophonia Cat scarer - https://amzn.eu/d/0U0SYMw Santas on a bike - https://www.facebook.com/groups/santasonabike/ Loop earplugs - https://amzn.eu/d/iNWzyws Lauren's noise cancelling headphones - https://groceries.asda.com/product/on-ear-headphones/asda-tech-bluetooth-noise-cancelling-headphones-black/1000370064193 Jay's noise cancelling headphones - https://amzn.eu/d/8hs4ToC White noise - https://open.spotify.com/album/7KbmHEKwEhKyeZT9xuYVco?si=L5-cYE1HSIiYsaqWs83F-A Brown noise - https://open.spotify.com/album/0onzJRO1vDBXmXqYy60qsR?si=xgwQCc0OSC-QfID0YOlycw Pink noise - https://open.spotify.com/album/5w3fCjBpzyGA6tW9mSfQmr?si=bqH-u1ySQzSYkHVPNjXG1w UK Misophonia Support Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ShutUpWorld/?mibextid=K35XfP The Assembly - https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001xyj5/the-assembly Bloke Barbers, Allestree, Derbyshire (Sara) - https://www.blokebarber.co.uk/#our-prices Comfa Clothing Fidget-T - https://www.comfa.co.uk/product/fidget-t/   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

Mark welcomes back guest Liam Mullone, parent of twin 13-year old boys (one diagnosed autistic and one suspected autistic/ADHD), as well as an 8-year old girl (suspected neurotypical). In this episode, they discuss the topic of mealtimes in their respective households - from the faff of getting them all to the dinner table in the first place, to the unmitigated disaster of their attempts to encourage their kids to sit down, use cutlery and exercise some form of table manners.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Torbay General Hospital paediatric ward - https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/services/child-health/ McDonalds - https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb.html Wetherspoons - https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/ 

This episode explores how we navigate the maelstrom of emotions in families with a mix of different neurotypes. Mark speaks to Grace Lockrobin, philosopher and fellow parent of neurodivergent boys (one 8-year old, diagnosed autistic, and a 5-year old with suspected ADHD), as they look at how members of their own households handle the contrasting ways that each of them understands, expresses and responds to emotions - both in themselves and in others. Mark and Grace also discuss how they deal with their own emotions as parents - from having to keep a firm lid on anger, to the often taboo subject of acknowledging the sadness in their own lives.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: The Apprentice - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0071b63 Emotion cards - https://amzn.eu/d/1uT2Pru Alexithymia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexithymia Aquila Magazine - https://www.aquila.co.uk/ "The Explosive Child" book - https://drrossgreene.com/the-explosive-child.htm Beavers - https://www.scouts.org.uk/beavers/ Villa Real School - https://www.villarealschool.co.uk/ "All The Ways to Be Smart" book - https://amzn.eu/d/4Ssd6qF BBC Sport Article on Greg Halford - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68617366 Nick Ransom, Journalist - https://www.nickransom.co.uk/ Sapere - https://www.sapere.org.uk/   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/

This episode is all about the relentless faff involved in trying to get our neurodivergent kids out of the house. Mark talks to comedian Hatty Ashdown, who is a parent of two children (one diagnosed autistic with suspected ADHD and one suspected neurotypical). They compare war stories from their daily attempts to wrangle their kids out of the house, navigating distractions, dysregulation, refusal and all round chaos along the way.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Gorilla Gym - https://amzn.eu/d/22yMHaK Purple Parenting - https://www.purpleparenting.co.uk/about/ Natural History Museum "Dawnosaurs" sessions - https://www.nhm.ac.uk/events/dawnosaurs.html Hatty Ashdown's website - https://hattyashdown.com/   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/

This episode focuses on the daily struggle to find clothing that our neurodifferent children will tolerate wearing. Mark talks to Steph Curtis, author and parent of two neurodivergent children (both teenagers, diagnosed autistic - one with a strong PDA profile). They swap tales of regular battles with labels and seams, the nightmare of school clothes and their children's preference for being naked - even in the most inappropriate moments.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: “PDA in the family” by Steph Curtis - https://amzn.eu/d/1j8KsYi Stephstwogirls on Instagram -www.instagram.com/stephstwogirls Steph Curtis’ blog - www.stephstwogirls.co.uk Bamboo socks - www.sockshop.co.uk/featured/kids-bamboo Crocs - www.crocs.co.uk/c/kids/footwear "Neuroshambles giveaway" shoes (size 3) - www.skechers.co.uk/foamies-guzman-steps---aqua-surge/91995L_BLK.html Skechers - www.skechers.co.uk/kids ASDA sensory school uniform -  https://direct.asda.com/george/collections/easy-on-easy-wear-school/D28M110G1C3,default,sc.html Marks & Spencers sensory clothing - www.marksandspencer.com/l/kids/easy-dressing Sensory Smart Clothing - www.sensorysmart.co.uk Fidget-T - www.comfa.co.uk/product/fidget-t   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

This episode discusses the lighter side of parents of SEND kids being treated as outcasts from polite society. Mark speaks to Samuel Wilson, author and parent of two children: an 8-year old daughter (on the autism pathway, with Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Visual Impairment and Sensory Processing Disorder) and a 4-year old son (undiagnosed neurotypical). Mark and Sam shine a humorous light on being ostracised by the other parents at school, alienated from WhatsApp groups and treated as a social pariah at parties, before discussing how this social isolation can sometimes be used to our benefit. I know, I know, it all sounds a bit gloomy, but trust me, this is a surprisingly fun episode. And what better time to listen to it than when no-one else is around?   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Albion in the Community, Brighton - www.bhafcfoundation.org.uk/timetable/ Jumpin Fun - www.jumpinfun.co.uk/burgess-hill Gladiators - www.gladiatorstv.com/gladiators/bbc/ "Lend a Hand", Samuel Wilson's book - www.littlestepspublishing.co.uk/books/lend-a-hand Amaze, Sussex - www.amazesussex.org.uk Whoopsadaisy, Brighton - www.whoopsadaisy.org   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

Mark speaks to Angie Belcher - Comedian in Residence at University of Bristol and the proud owner of a neurodiverse 5-year old boy (diagnosed autistic, with suspected ADHD). In this episode, they discuss how something as seemingly straightforward as walking from A to B, can be an entirely different experience with neurodivergent children.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Incredible Kids, Bristol - www.incrediblekids.org.uk Bristol Autism Project - www.facecharity.org.uk/our-work/bristol-autism-project Bristol Autism Support - www.bristolautismsupport.org Murmuration, Bristol - www.murmurationcommunitytherapy.com Flora, Bristol - www.bristolparentcarers.org.uk/2021/05/24/flora-bristols-send-local-offer National Trust Essential Companions - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/about-us/access-for-everyone "Walking With Toddlers" radio play - www.soundcloud.com/walking-and-re-creation/walking-with-toddlers?si=ca26f00080ee4a908347d0d3962b043c   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

Mark welcomes back the wonderful Jo Matthews - a fellow parent with a neurodivergent setup (a 16-year old autistic daughter, with sensory processing disorder, and a 20 year old autistic son with ADHD). In this episode, they untangle the knotty concept of social etiquette in relation to neurodifferent kids and see how their own families fare, when faced with the 10 golden rules of social etiquette. Warning - this episode contains socially unacceptable behaviour.   LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE: Temple Grandin: https://www.templegrandin.com/ Odeon Cinema autism friendly screenings: https://www.odeon.co.uk/accessibility/autism-friendly/ Theatre Royal, Brighton: http://theatreroyalbrighton.com/ Jo's group for mASCot: https://www.asc-mascot.com/teen-and-inbetweeners-club To make a donation to mASCot, so they can continue their amazing work: www.givey.com/mascot   CONTACT US If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com   FOLLOW US Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles/ Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles   CREDITS The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/

Mark chats with Jess Meredith - parent of an autistic 6-year old daughter and founder of the wonderful organisation, Differing Minds. Together, they share tales of the absurd amount admin demanded of all parents fighting to get support for their neurodifferent children.  Links to stuff we mention in this episode Differing Minds - https://www.differingminds.co.uk/ "The Explosive Child" by Dr Ross Greene - https://drrossgreene.com/the-explosive-child.htm SEND Family Instincts - https://www.sendfamilyinstincts.com/ Hibi app - https://hibi.health/ Contact us If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com Follow us Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/neuroshambles Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/neuroshambles/ Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles Credits The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/