Neurodivergent Conversations | Autism, ADHD, AuDHD, PDA, Emotional Regulation, SEND parent, Meltdowns, Special Needs Parent

Getting the Diagnosis Is Just the BeginningWhat happens after the diagnosis? For so many late-diagnosed adults—especially those with ADHD or autism—it sparks a whole journey of unmasking, grieving, relearning, and reclaiming identity. In this episode, Hayley Honeyman shares her powerful story of being diagnosed with ADHD and autism in her early 20s, the internal resistance she felt at first, and h...

Why Time Feels So Hard (And What You Can Do About It)If you’ve ever said, “I just lost track of time” or felt totally frozen before a 2 PM meeting… you’re not alone. Time blindness, energy crashes, and planning overwhelm are part of the neurodivergent experience—especially for those with ADHD, autism, or PDA.But here’s the good news: there are practical tools that actually work for your brain. In...

Why You Need to Know About ARFIDEver been told your child is “just a picky eater”? What if it’s something more? ARFID—Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder—is often misunderstood or completely missed, especially in neurodivergent kids. In this episode, we dive into what ARFID really is, how it shows up differently from regular picky eating, and how parents can get the right support without sha...

What if small changes to your child's breakfast—or even their bath—could help with meltdowns, anxiety, sleep, or focus? Brain health is often overlooked in conversations about neurodivergence, but it might just be the missing piece you’ve been searching for. In this episode, we explore how everyday nutrition can powerfully support your neurodivergent child—and you too. Lucinda Miller is a naturopa...

Did you know that some autistic and PDA children can speak—but sometimes just can’t? In these moments of shutdown, anxiety, or selective mutism, words disappear, but the need to communicate remains. In this episode, we explore a tool that’s quietly changing the game for families navigating nonverbal moments with their kids. Meet Tara and Steve Harnwell-Jones—parents, creatives, and the team behind...

CHECK OUT THE UNFINISHED RESOURCES but don't forget to check out the MERCH too (its two different links) Did you know up to 40% of autistic children are non-speaking—yet they have so much to say? What if communication wasn’t about words but about connection? In a world built around verbal communication, how do we truly hear and understand our neurodivergent kids? In this heartwarming and practical...

CHECK OUT THE UNFINISHED RESOURCES & MERCH! (It's two different links) Did you know that over 75% of parenting conversations about autism center on moms? But what about dads—especially those raising neurodivergent kids as primary caregivers? In today’s episode, we hear the rarely shared perspective of a father navigating the highs, heartbreaks, and hope of raising autistic children. Greer sits dow...

I sit down with Savannah—one of those people you instantly click with. Though we've never met in person, our conversation felt like chatting with a longtime friend. Savannah shares her story of being diagnosed with both autism and ADHD as an adult, and how that late diagnosis became a turning point in how she sees herself, her relationships, and the way she moves through the world. If you're a wom...

Fatherhood in the neurodiverse world comes with challenges that aren’t often talked about—but in this episode, we’re changing that. In honour of Father’s Day, I’m joined by two amazing dads who share what it’s really like being neurodivergent & raising kids, some who are neurodivergent themselves. First, you’ll hear from NeuroDad Diaries, who opens up about discovering his own neurodivergence and...

In this heartfelt episode of The Unfinished Idea, I’m joined by Dr. Tamara Rosier—ADHD coach, speaker, and author of You, Me, and Our ADHD Family. Together, we dive into the real-life dynamics of parenting in a household where ADHD is more than a diagnosis—it’s part of everyday life. We talk about the emotional intensity that so often comes with raising neurodivergent children, and how learning to...

I sit down with Jackie for a candid chat over coffee (or tea!) about navigating life with ADHD. Our conversation is filled with laughter, insights, and the kind of real talk that makes you feel like you've just made a new best friend. Jackie opens up about her daily experiences living with ADHD, sharing how she manages the unique challenges it presents in her personal and professional life. We div...

Getting an ADHD diagnosis later in life can be overwhelming—but it can also be life-changing. In this week’s episode I’m joined by Dave from the Wise Squirrels community. Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, Dave shares how finally having a name for his neurodivergence brought clarity, healing, and a renewed sense of self. Whether you're a neurodivergent adult trying to make sense of your past, or you...

I sit down with my friend Chloe for a real, honest conversation about what it’s actually like to travel as a neurodivergent (ND) family. From navigating airports with sensory-sensitive kids to releasing the unrealistic pressure of creating the “perfect” holiday, we dive into all the things no one tells you about vacationing when your family doesn’t fit the typical mold. Chloe shares the evolution...

Planning a vacation as a neurodivergent family can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of The Unfinished Idea, I’m joined by Kayla, a certified autism travel agent and fellow neurodivergent mom, who has turned her lived experience into a mission: to help families raising autistic and ADHD children enjoy stress-free, sensory-friendly vacations. Kayla shares her personal jou...

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by David Thomas and Sissy Goff from the Raising Boys & Girls podcast—two incredible voices in the world of childhood development, counseling, and emotional health. Together, we dive into a topic that’s especially important for neurodivergent families: the deep and often overlooked connection between neurodivergence and trauma. David and Sissy—both experienced,...

In this episode, I’m joined by Kellie from the Dyslexia Institute for Learning for a powerful conversation about what dyslexia really is—and what it isn’t. If you're a parent of a child with dyslexia, have a neurodivergent learner in your family, or you're navigating your own learning differences, this episode is packed with insight and encouragement. Kellie gently debunks common myths about dysle...

In this episode, I sit down with good friend Judith to talk about what it looks like to turn compassion into action. Judith, along with her partner in crime, saw a need in their local community—families raising children with additional needs were craving connection, understanding, and a space that truly worked for everyone in the family. And so, Our Space was born. Our Space is a monthly meet-up d...

In this episode, I chat with Victoria, @nuerdivergentbirth about the unique experiences of being neurodivergent during pregnancy and childbirth. We dive into how sensory sensitivities can show up—not just within your body, but in the environment around you—and how that impacts the entire journey from pregnancy to birth. Victoria shares insight into the different ways friends, family, doulas, and m...

I’m joined by Claire from All Aboard ADHD, and it’s one of those conversations that feels like sitting down with a friend who just gets it. Claire shares how a simple moment at the school gate—just looking for connection—grew into something much bigger: a community of parents navigating life with ADHD. What started locally has become a powerful space of support, encouragement, and shared understan...

In this heartfelt joint episode, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Olivia Kessel as we share openly about the often isolating but deeply meaningful journey of raising neurodivergent children. From personal battles to professional insights, this conversation is real, raw, and rooted in hope. Dr. Olivia takes us through her emotional and exhausting fight to secure an EHCP (Education, Health and Care...

Brandy talks about what it’s like parenting a neurodivergent child into adulthood. We reflect on how far the conversation around neurodiversity has come over the past 10-15 years—and how there’s still more work to be done. Brandy generously shares the lessons she’s learned along the way, as well as a few things she might do differently if she could go back. Her son is now about to graduate from co...

Carly shares so much wisdom and knowledge about women on the spectrum. She offers insight from her own experiences while also incorporating research, giving us key facts and figures that help paint a clearer picture. Many women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years, and Carly helps us understand why. She explains how autism presents differently in women, the unique challenges they face, and the...

In this episode, I sit down with Paige to dive into what it’s really like being a mom with ADHD while raising a son who is both Autistic and has ADHD. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or isolated on your parenting journey, this conversation is for you. Paige opens up about her personal experiences—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. We talk about the challenges of parenting while managi...

In this episode I’m sharing some of the practical strategies that help us navigate daily life in a neurodiverse family. From preparing for visitors staying in our home to the magic of The Fun Bag and finding ways to support our kids through meltdowns, these are simple but effective tools that make a big difference. Meltdowns can be one of the toughest moments for both kids and caregivers, and I ta...

I sit down with Reah, a former SENCO who has worked closely with local authorities and is now a full-time SEN advocate, particularly for minority communities in the UK. Through her company Inspire 321, she is committed to ensuring that neurodivergent individuals and their families receive the support they need. We dive into the struggles of not only creating a plan but also ensuring that schools a...