The Chaos Compass

“We need to talk.”Four innocent words—and suddenly your brain has decided you’re losing your job, your friendships are over and you’ll soon be living in a Victorian workhouse.In Episode 7, we explore why unexpected meetings, vague messages and being called over by your child’s teacher can send an anxious or neurodivergent brain into a full spiral.We chat about catastrophising, hypervigilance, the importance of context and the enormous amount of energy it takes to prepare for every possible outcome.We also share practical ways to make these situations easier, including:• Asking for an agenda or a little more information• Regulating yourself before a difficult conversation• Taking notes during meetings• Sending a written follow-up afterwards• Giving other people the context you would want to receiveBecause the meeting might not mean disaster. It might just be okay.Listen now—and send it to someone whose brain writes an entire disaster movie every time they receive the message: “Can we have a quick chat?”

Mess, Overwhelm and the Bedroom Battle. Why can tidying a bedroom feel completely overwhelming for an ADHD child or teenager?In this episode, we talk about why “go tidy your room” is often far too big an instruction—and why mess isn’t necessarily laziness or a lack of care. We share practical ways to make tidying feel more manageable, including body doubling, giving one instruction at a time, using music and timers, and working alongside your child without taking over.We also explore the pressure parents feel to maintain a perfectly tidy home, how to separate mess from genuine hygiene concerns, and why a chaotic bedroom can sometimes be a sign that your child is struggling or overwhelmed.A practical, honest conversation about reducing the shouting, letting go of perfection and helping children build skills they can carry into adulthood.#ADHDParenting #NeurodivergentKids #ADHDKids #ExecutiveFunction #BodyDoubling #ParentingSupport #SENDParenting #TheChaosCompassKeywords/tagsADHD parenting, helping children tidy, messy bedroom, executive dysfunction, task initiation, ADHD overwhelm, body doubling, breaking down tasks, parenting neurodivergent children, ADHD teenagers, reducing family conflict, emotional regulation, practical ADHD strategies, SEND support, independent living skills.

The exams are over... so why does everyone suddenly feel a bit lost?In this honest and emotional episode, Louise opens up about the unexpected reality of the post-exam dip—that strange period when months of revision, routines and adrenaline come to an abrupt end, leaving both parents and young people wondering, "What now?"Louise reflects on her experience of supporting her children through GCSEs, particularly as a parent of neurodiverse teenagers, and we talk about the emotional impact exams have on the whole family—not just the child sitting them.We chat about:Why the post-exam crash is so common (and completely normal)Supporting neurodiverse young people through the transitionLetting go of rigid routines and embracing recoveryManaging your own emotions as a parentBuilding confidence and independence over the summerWhy rest isn't laziness—it's essentialWhether your child has just finished SATs, GCSEs, A Levels or any other big milestone, this episode is a reminder that recovery matters just as much as preparation.If your household feels a little flat, emotional or directionless after exam season, you're definitely not alone.🎙️ We'd love to hear from you. Have you experienced the post-exam dip? Share your thoughts with us on social media or leave us a review—it really helps other parents find the podcast.The Chaos Compass is the podcast where we help you understand your incredible (and sometimes wonderfully chaotic) brain, with practical strategies, honest conversations and a healthy dose of humour.

Family visits. Summer holidays. Staying in other people's homes.For many families, these are things to look forward to. For parents of neurodivergent children, they can also bring a whole new layer of planning, advocacy and emotional labour.In this 20 min episode, sisters and ADHD coaches Jemma Last and Louise Kay discuss how to support ADHD and autistic children when routines change, sensory needs increase, and well-meaning family members don't always understand what's needed.We talk about:• Advocating for your child's needs without feeling guilty• Preparing for travel, family visits and overnight stays• Supporting sensory regulation away from home• Why familiar foods, smells and routines matter• Helping grandparents better understand neurodivergent children• Letting go of the pressure for "perfect" family days• Creating successful experiences through simple, realistic expectationsWhether you're heading away for the summer, visiting relatives, or navigating family dynamics around ADHD and autism, this episode is packed with practical strategies and reassuring reminders that you don't need to apologise for meeting your child's needs.As always, no shame, no fluff and plenty of real-life experience from two neurodivergent sisters trying to navigate the chaos.Because sometimes success isn't the perfect day out – it's everyone getting home fed, regulated and with one happy memory.

What actually is a social story — and why can it be so powerful for neurodivergent kids and adults?In this short episode, sisters Louise and Jemma talk about using social stories to reduce anxiety, prepare for new situations, build trust, and help ADHD/autistic brains feel safer navigating the world.From family gatherings and theme parks to work meetings and travelling independently, they explore how simple preparation and reassurance can make overwhelming situations feel manageable.They also discuss:• why uncertainty creates anxiety• how social stories evolve as kids get older• why adults need them too• and the importance of ending with safety, trust and “you’re going to have a good time.”🎧 Under 10 minutes💛 No shame. Zero fluff.🧠 Practical scaffolding for neurodivergent brains