In this long-overdue episode, Mark is joined by the brilliant Helen Daniel, who is a qualified teacher, sensory mentor, public speaker and founder of Outside the Box Sensory, as they dig into the myriad challenges of early years education and what it means for our neurodivergent kids.

Helen brings a unique perspective not only as a parent of an autistic child (diagnosed autistic, suspected ADHD), but also as a late-diagnosed autistic ADHD-er herself, and a former teacher who’s seen the system from the inside out. Together, she and Mark pick apart the weird rituals, unrealistic milestones and baffling expectations of primary school - and why it often ends up being a really poor fit for neurodivergent kids.

From sensory overload and academic gaslighting to the slow-burning isolation that builds in the school playground (for kids and parents alike), this one is jam-packed with insight, shared experiences and the usual healthy dose of humorous venting.

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STUFF WE COVER:

00:00 – Intro & Listener Message

01:45 – Meet the Guest: Helen Daniel

06:00 – Topic of the Week: Early Years & School

21:00 – Sensory Profiles and Unrealistic Expectations

34:00 – ND Communication Styles & Social Hierarchies

47:00 – Parent Isolation and Drop-Off Struggles

56:30 – School Pickup Dread & Neurodivergent Burnout

1:03:00 – What Needs to Change in Education

1:04:45 – Neurodiversity Champions

1:09:00 – Tiny Epic Wins

1:14:00 – What the Flip? Moments

1:17:00 – Wrap-Up & Helen’s Book Plug

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LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

Outside the Box Sensory (Helen’s website for talks, training and resources) - https://outsidetheboxsensory.com

Follow Helen on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/otbsensory

Follow Helen on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/outsidetheboxsensory

Helen’s book – Neurosensory Divergence: Autistic Languages and Inclusion (Amazon): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CV4PSMH7

The Double Empathy Problem – Dr. Damian Milton: https://reframingautism.org.au/miltons-double-empathy-problem-a-summary-for-non-academics

Heidi Mavir Neuroshambles Empathy Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-avrx7-17af07c

Pete Wharmby Neuroshambles Masking Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-cke9u-18156f6

Progressive Education – Resources for alternative provision and inclusive practice: https://www.progressiveeducation.org

Grove Neurodivergent Mentoring & Education – Interest-based communities for ND kids: https://www.gr0ve.org/

Silent Disco - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_disco

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CONTACT US

🎧 Got a “What the flip?” moment or a tiny epic win to share?

📧 Email us: hello@neuroshambles.com

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FOLLOW US

📸 Instagram: @neuroshambles

🎵 TikTok: @neuroshamblespod

📘 Facebook: Neuroshambles

🧵 Threads: @neuroshambles

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CREDITS

🎶 Theme tune by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com