Neuroshambles

Why is something as seemingly straightforward as walking from A to B, an entirely different experience with neurodivergent children? Comedian and wellbeing advocate Angie Belcher joins Mark to discuss the joys and perils of being out and about with autistic, ADHD and PDA kids. They explore the sensory and emotional regulation walking can bring, but also the pitfalls - from rigid routines, a comple...

How do you teach social etiquette to children who see the world differently? In this thought-provoking episode, Mark is joined once again by Jo Matthews to dig into the complexities of raising neurodivergent kids in a world obsessed with social norms. From the minefield of “please” and “thank you” to eye contact, turn-taking and queuing, they explore how expectations clash with neurodivergent need...

SEND parenting isn’t just emotional - it’s bureaucratic. Endless forms, EHCPs, waiting lists, and chasing services become a full-time job. In this cathartic episode, Mark is joined by Jess Meredith to vent about the admin avalanche that comes with parenting neurodivergent children. They talk about burnout, system failures, and the sheer absurdity of how hard it is to access the help your child nee...

How can we help our neurodivergent kids strike a balance between honesty and oversharing? In this conversation, Mark is joined by author and advocate Heidi Mavir to talk about why the truth is so important to our autistic children and why they sometimes find it difficult to understand the difference between honesty and brutal honesty. They dive into the emotional labour of neurodivergent parenting...

For many neurodivergent families, Christmas isn’t the most wonderful time of the year - it’s the most overwhelming. In this episode, Mark and Belle unpack the chaos, anxiety and sensory overload that come with Christmas traditions and expectations. From unpredictable routines to social obligations and flashing lights, they reflect on what makes the festive season so tough for autistic, ADHD and PD...

What does friendship look like for neurodivergent kids - and how can parents help? In this episode, Mark is joined by Kate to discuss the complex world of childhood friendships when your child is autistic, has ADHD, PDA, or other neurodivergent needs They explore the social rules that don’t come naturally, the heartbreak of being left out, and the relief that comes with finding your people. It’s a...

Ever found yourself deep-diving into a topic your child loves so much they could write a PhD on it? In this episode, Liam Mullone joins Mark to explore the beauty, brilliance and occasional bafflement of special interests in neurodivergent children. They unpick everything from trains and gaming to unexpected hyperfixations, and how these passions can be both a source of joy and tension at home. Li...

Planning a holiday as a neurodivergent parenting family can feel like preparing for battle. In this autism and ADHD parenting podcast episode, Dr Hildi Mitchell joins Mark to talk about why travel - however exciting - can cause massive stress for children with sensory differences, anxiety, or demand avoidance. They discuss airport meltdowns, hotel disasters, and the myth of the “relaxing family ge...

Why are birthday parties such a minefield for neurodivergent kids? In this episode, Mark is joined by Belle to explore how autism, ADHD, and PDA can make birthdays overwhelming, unpredictable, and downright stressful. From sensory overload to unexpected social rules, this is a brutally honest look at celebrations that often feel anything but celebratory. Belle, a parent of neurodivergent children,...

If you’re raising an autistic, ADHD, or PDA child and you’ve ever tried to go camping as a “fun family activity”… this one’s for you. Neuroshambles kicks off with an honest, hilarious and painfully relatable chat between host Mark Allen and guest Jo Matthews, as they swap stories about camping catastrophes, sensory meltdowns, and the moments that make you wonder what on earth you were thinking. Jo...

A trailer previewing Neuroshambles - a fortnightly podcast about the ludicrous realities of parenting neurodivergent kids. If you want to hear a bunch of frazzled parents gleefully swapping tales from the trenches of parenting neurodiverse children and having a laugh at some of the nonsense we have to navigate, this is the podcast for you. Lapsed comedian Mark Allen has three kids - two diagnosed...