Jane McFadden

ADHD Mums

Health EN ↓ 318 episodes

Being a mum is hard enough. Being a mum with ADHD — or raising neurodivergent kids is a whole different level. ADHD Mums is the unfiltered, science-meets-reality podcast hosted by Jane McFadden, educational neuroscientist, advocate, and mother of three. This isn’t another polished parenting show with 'ten easy tips.' It’s real stories, confessions we’re not supposed to say out loud, and the research that explains why so many of us are running on empty. Every week you’ll hear:🎙️ Confessions — raw, anonymous truths from mums navigating rage, burnout, and survival.🧠 Expert insights — from neuros...

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.adhdmums.com.au

Author

Jane McFadden

Category

Health

Podcast website

www.adhdmums.com.au

Latest episode

Oct 26, 2026

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Episodes

65. School Pick-Up Can Be Draining! How to Stop Overthinking & Save Your Social Energy 19.02.2025

Ever walked away from school pick-up mentally exhausted from awkward small talk, unspoken social rules, or overthinking what you said? You’re not alone. For ADHD and autistic mums, pick-up isn’t just about collecting your child - it’s a social minefield that can leave you feeling wiped out, anxious, or like you somehow “got it wrong.” But what if school pick-up didn’t have to be so exhausting? In...

64. The NDIS Cuts and the Urgent Need for Immediate Action with Nicole Rogerson of Autism Awareness Australia 17.02.2025

Thousands of families are being blindsided by the latest NDIS cuts, with children losing essential support before new systems are in place. Parents are being told their child has “achieved their goals” - only to be left scrambling for therapy they still desperately need. If you’re feeling frustrated, exhausted, or just plain angry, you’re not alone. In this episode, Nicole Rogerson joins me for a...

63. Surviving the Mental Load of the School Year 12.02.2025

Ever feel like you're the default manager of every school-related task - lunches, library books, permission slips, and last-minute costume days? The mental load of the school year is relentless, and if you're a neurodivergent mum, it’s even harder. This episode dives into why the school-year mental load feels so overwhelming and offers practical strategies to help lighten it - without burnin...

62. Burnout, Pain & Weird Symptoms? The ADHD Link No One Told Us About 10.02.2025

If you’re constantly running on empty, dealing with chronic pain, weird health symptoms, or crushing fatigue - this isn’t just mum life, and it’s not all in your head. ADHD doesn’t just affect the brain; it impacts the entire body. Add the mental load of motherhood, and it’s no wonder so many ADHD mums feel like we’re barely hanging on. In this episode: Why ADHD is linked to inflammation, chronic...

61. Unhealthy Habits & ADHD: Why We Get Stuck & How to Shift 04.02.2025

We tell ourselves we won’t do it again - won’t reach for that glass of wine after the kids go to bed, won’t fall into an hours-long scroll hole, won’t spend another $300 on a hyperfocus obsession we’ll drop in a month. And yet… here we are. Our ADHD brains crave dopamine, and sometimes that means turning to habits that feel good in the moment but leave us stuck in a cycle. This episode isn’t about...

60. Mummy Needs More Than Wine: The Truth About Coping and Connection 03.02.2025

We tell ourselves it’s just one glass - we deserve it after a long day. But somehow, that glass turns into the easiest way to switch off. And if we’re honest, we’re not sure it’s working anymore. ADHD mums aren’t drinking just for fun - we’re drinking to cope with the mental load, the overstimulation, the relentless pressure to do it all. And while a glass of wine might feel like a quick fix, it c...

59. Trauma, EMDR, and ADHD: Jess's Story of Recovery 29.01.2025

Feeling like you’re carrying the weight of the world? Whether it’s the invisible scars of trauma, the daily juggle of ADHD, or the pressure to hold it all together, this episode dives into what happens when life gets overwhelming - and how to start healing. Jess shares her deeply personal journey from life in the ADF to facing PTSD, navigating ADHD, and rebuilding her life with the help of EMDR th...

58. Struggling to Understand ADHD? Here’s What Your Partner Needs You to Know [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden 27.01.2025

For many ADHD mums, explaining ADHD to loved ones can feel like speaking another language. Partners and family members might try their best but don’t always grasp the full picture - or might even feel overwhelmed or unsure how to help. This episode is for both ADHD mums and their loved ones - those who want to help but feel unsure about ADHD, feeling overwhelmed by what it means, or just want to p...

57. The NDIS Shake-Up and National Autism Strategy: What Jane Really Thinks [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden 22.01.2025

Important Context: Some of the changes I discuss in this episode aren’t officially announced or reflected on the NDIS website. However, feedback from a large number of parents who completed my survey suggests these changes are happening as the NDIS plans are reviewed or when new applications go in. There is a huge amount of inconsistency within the NDIS with unclear definitions and varying levels...

56. Setting Your ADHD Family Up for a Smoother School Year [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden 20.01.2025

Whether it’s the start of a new school year or a mid-term reset, managing routines and transitions as an ADHD family can feel overwhelming. From chaotic mornings to emotional regulation challenges, this episode is packed with practical strategies to support your family anytime you're looking to create a smoother school experience. This episode is here to help you: Reflect on what’s working and wha...

55. ADHD Mum: What You Need to Know After Your Diagnosis [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden 15.01.2025

Being diagnosed with ADHD can bring a mix of emotions - grief, relief, confusion, and a whole lot of questions. It’s a lot to process, and you’re doing the best you can. In this episode: Grief, overwhelm, and imposter syndrome. Practical strategies designed for ADHD brains. Unmasking, managing the mental load, and finding what works for you. Most importantly, you’re not failing - you’re learning h...

54. How to Talk to Your Child About ADHD: Empowering Conversations That Change Everything (Part 2) [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden 13.01.2025

Are you unsure about how to talk to your child about ADHD? Feeling overwhelmed, second-guessing yourself, or worried you’ll get it “wrong”? Whether you’re just starting this conversation or fine-tuning your approach, this episode has the answers you’ve been searching for ( plus the validation you didn’t know you needed ). Download the free guide : “Explaining ADHD to Your Child: The Why and How” h...

53. Explaining ADHD to Your Child: Why It Matters (Part 1) [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden 08.01.2025

As mums, we want to protect our kids, but when it comes to ADHD or other neurodivergent diagnoses, silence can sometimes send the wrong message. This episode dives into the why behind having this big conversation with your child - why it’s important, how it can shape their self-confidence, and what happens when they don’t have the right information. If you’ve ever felt unsure abo...

ADHD & Sensory Overwhelm: Identifying Triggers and Finding Relief with Rebecca Torpie [re-release] 06.01.2025

Life in a neurodivergent household is full of noise, touch, and constant interruptions. Add the guilt of “not doing enough,” and it’s no wonder so many of us feel burnt out. This episode gives you the tools and validation you need to take care of yourself - because when you’re regulated, everything else gets a little easier. In this episode, I'm joined by Occupational Therapist and fellow ADHD Mum...

52. Why Most Planners Fail ADHD Mums (and How to Finally Make One Work) [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden 01.01.2025

Feeling like traditional planners just don’t work for your ADHD brain? You’re not alone. This episode dives into why typical systems fail us and how value-aligned planning can help you ditch the guilt, reduce overwhelm, and focus on what really matters. 👉 Grab the ADHD Mums Planner – designed to work  with  your brain, not against it. It’s packed with tools for task management, guilt-fr...

Neurotypical Mum vs ADHD Mum: Is It ADHD or Mum Life? [re-release] 30.12.2024

Do you ever catch yourself wondering, “Is this just the chaos of mum life, or could it be something more?”  Amanda (ADHD mum) and Sarah (neurotypical mum) share what life really looks like behind the scenes - messy mornings, endless to-dos, and those moments where it all feels too much. It’s an honest, funny, and eye-opening conversation about the differences and similarities between ADHD and...

Camouflaging ADHD + Autistic Traits in Girls with Millie Carr [re-release] 25.12.2024

If you’ve ever wondered why your daughter seems to struggle quietly while excelling on the surface - or if you’re reflecting on your own experiences as a neurodivergent mum - this episode is for you. I’m joined by Millie Carr, a passionate educator, author, and mum of three, to unpack the subtle and often misunderstood ways ADHD and autism show up in girls. With lived experience as part of a neuro...

ADHD and Autistic Traits in Mums with Dr. Jacinta Thomson [re-release] 23.12.2024

Wondering if there’s more to your neurodivergence beyond ADHD? In this episode, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Jacinta Thomson breaks down the overlap between ADHD and autistic traits in mums. Learn how masking works, why it’s so hard to tease them apart, and how to explore your identity with curiosity and self-compassion. This is the episode for you if you’ve ever thought, “Could I be autistic too?” T...

51. How to Handle Family Criticism About ADHD: Boundaries and Keeping Your Sanity [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden 19.12.2024

Worried about family comments on your child’s ADHD? The judgmental questions, the unsolicited advice, the pressure to explain your choices - it’s a lot. Get the guide : A Mum’s Guide to Support and Helping Others Get It is available on the website, filled with practical tips for advocating for your child while protecting your peace. This episode is here to help you: Respond calml...

50. Stop People-Pleasing: The ADHD Mum’s Guide to Boundaries, Balance, and Breaking Free [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden 18.12.2024

Sick of saying yes when you really want to say no? People-pleasing feels like keeping the peace, but it leaves you exhausted, resentful, and avoiding people you care about. If you’re ready to stop the cycle, protect your energy, and show your kids healthy boundaries - this episode is for you. Join our supportive FB community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/777102743903210/   Connect wi...

49. Christmas Chaos: Hacks for Surviving Family Drama, Sensory Overload, and Picky Eaters! [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden 16.12.2024

Christmas - it’s the season of joy, right? Well, not always. Between the family drama, overwhelming sensory triggers, and the constant pressure to create magical moments, the holidays can feel more like chaos than cheer. For neurodivergent mums, it’s even trickier to juggle routines, expectations, and everything in between. Timestamps (approx): 1 min: Why family tensions skyrocket at Christmas - a...

48. Running Out of Time: Why ADHD Mums Feel Overwhelmed at Christmas (and How to Fix It!) [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden 11.12.2024

The holiday season is supposed to be magical, but for many ADHD mums, it can feel like a chaotic, relentless sprint. Between managing school events, last-minute gift shopping, and endless holiday prep, it's easy to become overwhelmed and exhausted. In this episode, I go beyond the usual holiday tips and dive into proven strategies tailored for neurodivergent mums to help you reclaim your sanity an...

47. What happens if you take ADHD medication without ADHD? [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden 09.12.2024

Ever wondered what happens when someone without ADHD takes ADHD medication? You’ve probably heard the rumours - instant focus, super-productivity, maybe even a “magic pill” for getting things done. But what’s the truth? A Guide to ADHD Medication : Find practical advice, answers to FAQs, and tips for tracking progress with ADHD medication. In this episode, we explore the surprising science behind...

46. ‘Tis the Season to Overspend: ADHD Mum vs. Impulse Shopping [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden 04.12.2024

The holidays are here, and if your spending habits feel like they’ve gone rogue, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a serial online shopper or someone who’s mastered the art of hiding packages from loved ones, this season has a way of making impulse buying feel unavoidable. As someone who hates the chaos of shopping centres and has a delivery driver who might know me by name,...

45. Do neurodivergent women attract narcissists? [Solo Episode] with Jane McFadden 02.12.2024

Have you ever found yourself in a relationship where your needs always seem to come second? Or maybe you’ve wondered why some women, especially neurodivergent ones, end up in toxic relationships time and time again. Whether it’s a romantic partner, a colleague, or even a family member, understanding how narcissists operate can help you protect yourself and reclaim your sense of self-worth.  T...

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