What does ‘a very modern family’ look like from the inside? In this episode, I am joined by BAFTA award-winning Carrie Grant for a raw, honest and thoroughly inspiring introduction to her wonderfully diverse “multi-hyphenate” ND family. Carrie shares the highs and lows of parenting four children across their experiences of ADHD, PDA (pathological demand avoidance), DMDD (disruptive mood dysregulation disorder), Autism and Dyscalculia, but also the additional challenges they face, coming from mixed-race heritage and discovering diversity in terms of sexuality and gender too. 

Carrie shares examples of early behaviours that pointed to the potential of ADHD in her children. With over 60% of black and mixed race children sent down a SEMH pathway (social, emotional and mental health) than a SEND pathway (special educational needs and disabilities) Carrie also points towards the dangers of cultural stereotypes and also how early signs may not be as obvious in AFAB children (assigned female at birth) or indeed how behaviour at school vs at home can wildly differ. With diagnoses therefore arriving at different ages and stages for her children, Carrie shares the reality of the grief that can come with late diagnosis and what we must do better, particularly in schools, to support our neurodivergent children.

Carrie goes on to share some honest reflections about the impact of late diagnosis on how she views her own parenting and how developing a deep understanding of her children’s needs has helped her to advocate for them - and ultimately for them to learn to advocate for themselves. Going on to share how things looked for herself and her children post-diagnosis, Carrie introduces us to the world of getting “reasonable adjustments” in place, faced with various reactions and levels of commitment from the school system. She also shares a great tip for the one person to look out for on your journey to help your child get the support they need - and it’s not the person you might expect!

She also shares a hopeful message about the strengths and incredible creative abilities of her children. This episode is a must-listen for parents not just of children with ADHD, but also those of “multi-hyphenate” children who don’t fit into society’s boxes.

Carrie and her husband David run a support group for over 200 families and have a book out on Little Brown called: A Very Modern Family.