ADHD Mums

In this episode, Jane is pleased to welcome back Tanya Hicks from Neurodivergent Empowered! Tanya is a neurodivergent woman and mum who brings a wealth of experience across many fields, from national management to neurodivergent-affirming therapy. She founded Neurodivergent Empowered to meet a real need in our community, creating a space that exclusively hires neurodivergent team members. Through...

In this solo episode, I’m getting honest about what it’s like raising my own little “antagonist” – you know, kids who just can’t help but push everyone’s buttons, whether it’s poking their siblings, pushing boundaries, or always looking for that reaction. With an ADHD brain that’s always craving excitement, these kids often engage in “accidentally on purpose” disruptions to stir the pot. Key Topic...

In this episode, Jane chats with Alison Balson, a Family Dynamics & Neurodiversity Strategist, who offers her expert advice on navigating life in a neurodivergent family. With insights drawn from her experience as a former teacher, childcare centre owner, and mum of four neurodivergent children, Alison shares practical strategies for fostering a thriving, inclusive family environment. Key Topi...

In this solo episode, I explore the complex relationship between PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and neurodivergence, including ADHD, autism, depression, and PTSD. Learn what PMDD is, how it differs from PMS, and why it disproportionately affects neurodivergent individuals. Bonus Free Resource:  Download my free 14-page guide  Is It More Than PMS? Understanding PMDD which inc...

In this solo episode, I discuss a hot topic that affects so many women: PMS and ADHD. If you’ve ever felt like your ADHD symptoms become a chaotic mess during certain times of the month, you’re not alone. Hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact mood, focus, and productivity, and we’re here to help you make sense of it all. Additional Free Resource:  Download my free guide on PMS and AD...

In this episode, Jane is joined by Monique Mitchelson, a clinical psychologist specialising in autism, ADHD, trauma, chronic illness, and pain. Monique, co-director of Divergent Futures and co-host of the Neurodivergent Woman Podcast, shares her experiences of late diagnosis and the reality of self-advocacy for autistic and ADHD adults. Key Topics Covered:  The need for neurodiversity-affirmi...

In this solo episode, I take you on a personal journey, sharing my experiences of living with undiagnosed ADHD while juggling the demands of motherhood.  Key Topics Covered: Life Before Diagnosis:  I open up about the chaotic mornings, constant overwhelm, and the never-ending feeling of being behind. From missing library days to forgetting crucial school events, I share the realities of...

In this episode, Jane welcomes back Dr Jacinta Thomson, a beloved guest and Clinical Psychologist whose previous episodes on ADHD diagnosis and the distinctions between Autism and ADHD have resonated deeply with listeners. This time, Jacinta brings a unique idea to the table - an exploration of the shared language that has developed within the ADHD community. Key topics covered include: Jacinta qu...

In this episode, Jane dives into the complexities and frustrations of the ADHD diagnosis process with Dena Robertson, a 39-year-old widow and single mum of two girls. Dena shares her distressing journey through the assessment and diagnosis of ADHD - both for herself and her daughter, Ruby - highlighting the significant challenges they faced along the way. **Trigger Warning:  This episode disc...

In this episode, Jane interviews Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia's most trusted parenting experts and the co-host of Channel 9's  Parental Guidance . Dr Coulson is also the founder of  Happy Families  and has a PhD in psychology from the University of Wollongong. He shares his lived experience with neurodivergence, offering valuable insights into the challenges of parenting ADHD...

In this episode, Jane interviews Lindsay Keating who is an ADHD Mum who has battled for over 20 years with Anorexia. **Trigger warning, this episode discusses Anorexia Nervosa** Jane and Lindsay tackles common misconceptions about eating disorders, specifically the tendency to minimise them as mere attention-seeking behaviors. The discussion emphasises that dismissing these signs can be harmful, a...

In this episode Jane is joined by Tanya Hicks, a neurodivergent woman and founder of Neurodivergent Empowered. Tanya shares her journey with ADHD and autism, discussing the challenges of masking and the importance of authenticity. They explore societal pressures, the joy of pursuing passions, and the need for supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals. Tanya emphasizes the significance...

In this episode of ADHD Mums, join for a deep dive into finding the right practitioner for yourself or your children. Covering essential criteria for practitioners, including professional development, individualised approaches, and neuroaffirming training. The discussion also focuses on the importance of using positive, inclusive language and understanding neurodivergent needs. Additionally, the e...

In this episode, Jane interviews Nikki Johnson, an HR consultant and ADHD mum diagnosed at 45 years of age. Nikki shares her personal journey with ADHD, discussing the challenges of disclosing ADHD in the workplace, legal protections, and the potential risks and benefits. Nikki explores her struggles with time management, impulsivity, RSD, and the impact of ADHD on her career and personal life. Sh...

In this episode Jane interviews Leonie Dawson, an ADHD mum, bestselling author, and entrepreneur from the Sunshine Coast. Leonie shares her experiences with ADHD and autism, discussing her late diagnosis and how these traits have influenced her life and business success.  She highlights her work-life balance strategies, managing a thriving business while working only ten hours a week. Em...

This week Jane interviews Rebecca Torpie, an occupational therapist and ADHD mum, discussing the challenges of sensory overload in both parenting & children.  They explore how sensory processing affects daily life, emphasising the importance of understanding individual sensory profiles. Jane shares her personal struggles with constant interruptions and the overwhelming demands o...

This episode of ADHD Mums features a deep, insightful conversation with the renowned Autistic and ADHD clinical psychologist, researcher, and advocate, Marie Camin. Jane and Marie dive into a variety of topics including the importance of neurodiverse representation, the challenges of autistic burnout and ADHD, and the intricate dance of balancing motherhood with neurodivergent traits. The discussi...

In this episode of ADHD Mums, we welcome back Lucy, a super mum juggling life with ADHD, three neurodivergent kids, and the challenges of motherhood. Lucy shares her experience of building a successful business, studying nursing, and managing her family's daily routines, including the stress-inducing school mornings. Lucy and Jane delve right into hyperactive ADHD Mum life when hyper focus takes o...

Jane invites Renee Dela Cruz to discuss the changing the perception around Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), emphasizing its importance and the impact it can have when approached correctly. Renee shares her insights on how PBS is misunderstood and provides a more empathetic and effective perspective on understanding and addressing behaviors. Key Points: Understanding PBS: Changing the lens on PBS,...

In this episode, I'm joined by Rodney Whyte, a highly experienced pharmacist specializing in the effects of medications on pregnancy, breastfeeding, pediatrics, and women's health. We dive deep into a topic that's close to the hearts of many of our listeners: ADHD medication and its impact during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We tackle your burning questions head-on: Is it safe to take ADHD medicat...

Jane has Millie Carr joining for this episode on diagnosis. She is a passionate neurodivergent educator, coach and now published Author, who writes children's books about diagnosis. Recently diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 35, Millie was inspired to tell her story and spread the word to young girls. In this episode, we delve into the significance of early intervention, the need for open dialogue...

Jane welcomes Emma Rose Parsons from Spectrum House in Melbourne. Emma, a psychologist and fellow ADHD Mum shares insights into building resilience in children while managing the urge to act as a problem-solver. This episode dives deep into practical strategies for teaching children to cope with challenging situations, the importance of feeling safe for resilience-building, and discusses the nuanc...

I'm joined by Joe Peters, a husband and father who's discovered a whole new perspective on ADHD within his family. Trust me, you won't want to miss Joe's incredible story of supporting his wife through her recent ADHD diagnosis. He'll reveal the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the incredible growth they've experienced together. Joe will be opening up about his own "aha" moments when he started...

Biggest guest I've ever interviewed as I nervously welcome Professor Tony Atwood, a true pioneer in the field of Autism, for an intimate and revealing conversation about the complexities of understanding and diagnosing neurodiversity in children, with a particular emphasis on the often-overlooked experience by those who internalise rather than externalise (often experienced by girls and women). To...

Just tuned in to the latest ADHD Mums episode? It's a real gem! Jane McFadden had a fantastic chat with parenting expert Gen Muir about the ups and downs of raising neurodivergent kids. If you're looking for some honest, down-to-earth advice and strategies, this is the episode for you. Gen gets what it's like to be a parent in the trenches – she shares from both her personal experiences and her pr...