In this episode of Surviving Parenthood, host Vida Carey sits down with ADHD Coach Ron Capalbo to unpack the realities of parenting while neurodivergent. Together, they explore the complexities of ADHD, the impact of a late diagnosis, and how self-awareness reshapes the parenting journey.

Vida and Ron dive deep into practical coping mechanisms, self-care strategies, and emotional regulation techniques that help parents navigate sensory overload and burnout. Ron offers thoughtful insights on learning through mistakes, forgiving ourselves as parents, and recognizing that growth often happens in small, quiet steps.

This candid, compassionate conversation reminds listeners that neurodivergent parenting is not about perfection—it’s about presence, resilience, and radical self-understanding.

Key Takeaways

• Parenting can be uniquely challenging—and rewarding—for neurodivergent individuals.
• A late ADHD diagnosis often sparks powerful self-reflection and healing.
• Coping mechanisms and emotional regulation tools are essential for balance.
• Prioritizing self-care allows parents to show up more fully for their kids.
• Children are often more forgiving and empathetic than we think.
• Unrealistic external expectations can amplify pressure and guilt.
• Learning from mistakes fosters growth and connection.
• Managing overstimulation is a daily practice for many neurodivergent parents.
• Small, consistent improvements lead to long-term change.
• Sharing struggles builds community and reduces shame.

Keywords: neurodivergent parenting, ADHD, parenting challenges, self-care, coping mechanisms, late diagnosis, parenting advice, emotional regulation, sensory issues, parenting dynamics

#survivingparenthood #neurodivergentparents #parentingishard

In this very first episode of Surviving Parenthood, host Vida Carey opens up about her personal journey as a neurodivergent parent. Diagnosed later in life with ADHD and autism, Vida reflects on how these experiences shape her parenting—both the struggles and the victories.

She shares a vulnerable story about a difficult encounter with her children’s pediatrician that highlights the unique challenges neurodivergent parents often face. At the same time, she celebrates her children’s growth and reminds listeners of the importance of resilience, love, and community support.

This episode is both a candid look at the realities of parenting with neurodivergence and a hopeful reminder that every day is a fresh chance to try again.

Key Takeaways

• Parenting can be especially complex for neurodivergent individuals.
• A late ADHD or autism diagnosis often reshapes how parents understand themselves.
• Parenting “failures” can bring up shame—but also powerful lessons.
• Supportive community makes all the difference.
• Celebrating small wins helps keep momentum.
• Resilience and love matter more than perfection.
• Every day is an opportunity to begin again.

Memorable Sound Bites

• “Our stories matter too.”
• “I try to do all the things.”
• “Parenting is so hard.”

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 – Welcome to Surviving Parenthood
• 01:44 – Vida’s Story: ADHD + Autism Diagnosis
• 07:06 – Parenting Challenges & the “ADHD Tax”
• 15:28 – Celebrating Parenting Wins
• 19:40 – Lessons Learned & Moving Forward

Parenting is hard. Parenting while neurodivergent? That’s a whole new level.

Welcome to Surviving Parenthood: Neurodivergent Edition, a podcast by and for parents who are neurodivergent — because our stories matter, too. 💜

I’m Vida Carey — a special education teacher, neurodivergent coach, late-diagnosed AuDHDer, and a parent who is neurodivergent myself. In this trailer, I share why I started this podcast and what you can expect from each episode: real stories from parents about their best days, worst days, and lessons learned along the way.

If you’ve ever felt like your brain just doesn’t parent the way the books say it should, or if you want to hear honest, relatable, and often hilarious parenting stories from people who get it, this is the podcast for you.

🎧 Subscribe now so you don’t miss the first episodes dropping Oct 1.

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