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In this episode, Jodie talks about her journey from unconsciously trying to be the “perfect yummy mummy” to showing up as her real, neurodivergent self in parenting. A big turning point was her eldest daughter’s autism diagnosis, which set her on a path of self-discovery and completely shifted how she saw both herself and her role as a parent.

She shares openly about the tough stuff too — battling the education system, being on the receiving end of parent blame, and going through gruelling tribunal hearings to fight for her kids’ needs.

But what really comes through is Jodie’s belief in the strengths neurodivergent parents bring. As she puts it, “We are epic parents to our kids because we get it... We’ve got that hyper empathy on a deeper level because we feel everything so deeply.” It’s a powerful reminder that our differences can actually be our strengths.

If you’re parenting neurodivergent kids, exploring your own identity, or just looking for a more honest take on parenting outside the box, you’ll get a lot from this conversation.

You can follow Jodie’s work through her books and social channels to keep learning from her lived experience.

https://jodieclarke.co.uk/

Facebook, Insta, LinkedIn

Jodie's books that we spoke about are:

• Stop The World I Want To Get Off
• The Secret Life of Rose
• Young, Autistic and Burnt Out

Support the show

I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I support parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits.

If this episode made you laugh out loud or feel a little less alone, why not buy me a coffee? It's a small way to show your support and keep this podcast going.

Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot

Connect with Liz: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:
contact@untypicalparentpodcast.com.

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

Ever noticed how we pour endless energy into helping our kids through back-to-school transitions, but we completely forget about ourselves? Welcome back to the Untypical Parent podcast for Season Three, where we're diving straight into what can be one of the most challenging times of year for neurodivergent families.

Those end-of-summer transitions create what I call "shifts in rhythms" - those jarring changes that affect our entire household's equilibrium. While we're busy preparing and getting ready to support our children with the transition, we rarely stop to consider how these shifts impact us as parents. Our central nervous systems are firing just as intensely, regardless of how well we think we're hiding our stress.

This episode acknowledges the different starting points families face this September. Some juggle work commitments with school schedules. Others manage alternative education packages requiring intensive parental involvement. Then there are families with no appropriate school placement secured, or those with placements they know in their gut won't work. .

Thinking about you during transitions doesn't require elaborate spa days. Instead, look for those small "pockets of peace" - five minutes on the back step with tea, scheduled walks, sensory supports as the weather cools. Update your calendar with school dates, organise timetables, and intentionally reduce demands during that critical transition week. Most importantly, reach out to your "safety circles" - those people who truly understand without judgment.

Remember to acknowledge the "sparkly moments" from your summer. Rather than counting down to school's return (which children absolutely notice and can internalise), intentionally recognise the fun times you've shared. These help create emotional anchors during transitions.

I'll be thinking of you ALL. The kids and you. Take care.

Support the show

I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I support parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits.

If this episode made you laugh out loud or feel a little less alone, why not buy me a coffee? It's a small way to show your support and keep this podcast going.

Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot

Connect with Liz: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:
contact@untypicalparentpodcast.com.

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

The summer holidays bring a unique rhythm to neurodivergent families with a "sweet spot" emerging between the transition from school and the anxiety of returning. This episode explores finding connection through our children's special interests during these periods.

• Taking time for one-on-one connections with each child through their special interests
• Experiencing the joy of witnessing someone talk about their "glimmers" or passionate interests
• How a trip to Silverstone created meaningful connection with my Formula 1-loving son
• Remembering to use your child's DLA status for carer discounts at attractions
• Navigating summer holidays with multiple children through "divide and survive" strategies
• Finding "micro moments" of connection during challenging periods
• Celebrating small wins and finding joy in everyday experiences
• Considering a new podcast series theme around "rest" for parents
• Debating whether to release a difficult episode about tribunal experiences

If you're enjoying the podcast, please text me using the link in the show notes to share your thoughts on future episodes or topics you'd like covered. I'd especially love to know if you'd prefer to keep our "Are you the perfect parent?" series or try something new.

Support the show

I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I support parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits.

If this episode made you laugh out loud or feel a little less alone, why not buy me a coffee? It's a small way to show your support and keep this podcast going.

Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot

Connect with Liz: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:
contact@untypicalparentpodcast.com.

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

Chronic illness doesn't come with a parenting manual. That's why this conversation with Rebecca (the Chronically Resilient OT) feels like a breath of fresh air for anyone trying to raise children while managing their own health challenges.

"Perfect is the enemy of done," Rebecca reminds us, cutting straight through the guilt that plagues so many parents with chronic conditions. Drawing from her unique perspective as both an occupational therapist and someone living with chronic illness and neurodivergence, she offers practical wisdom that goes beyond typical advice. Rather than focusing on what parents "should" do, she helps reframe priorities around what's genuinely meaningful.

What happens when your sensory needs clash with your child's? How do you explain to a four-year-old why they can't jump on your back? When should you tell children about your illness, and how? Rebecca tackles these questions with compassion and clarity, emphasising that talking openly about disability (in age-appropriate ways) creates safety for children who intuitively sense when something's wrong.

The practical strategies she shares—from energy accounting to different types of rest—offer a roadmap for parents struggling to balance their health needs with family responsibilities. Perhaps most powerful is her permission to outsource what you can and adapt expectations: "There's no moral failure in outsourcing. It doesn't mean you're a bad person or a bad parent if you're not able to do the grocery shopping or the laundry or all of the cooking."

This conversation will leave you with a transformative realisation: what your children will remember isn't the three loads of unfolding laundry—it's the five minutes spent working on a puzzle together, the board game played in pyjamas, the authentic connection that happens when we let go of perfection and embrace the reality of our limitations.

You can find Rebecca on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicallyresilientot

Website: https://www.chronicresilienceot.com/

Support the show

I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I support parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits.

If this episode made you laugh out loud or feel a little less alone, why not buy me a coffee? It's a small way to show your support and keep this podcast going.

Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot

Connect with Liz: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:
contact@untypicalparentpodcast.com.

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

What happens when your child's first seizure changes everything? Nicole Bateman, host of "Conversations with a Send Mum" podcast, takes us beyond the stereotypical understanding of epilepsy into a world most people never see.

"Before my son had his first seizure, when I heard the word epilepsy, I would think of flashing lights and shaking on the floor," Nicole shares, before telling us that there are over 40 different types of seizures, each manifesting in unique ways. Most surprising? Only a very amount of people with epilepsy are triggered by flashing lights – a statistic that challenges everything we think we know about this condition.

Our conversation delves into the unexpected connections between epilepsy, autism, and sensory processing, exploring how a parent's life transforms when living with the constant uncertainty of when the next seizure might occur. Nicole candidly discusses how her nervous system has been "on high alert" for five years, alongside her innovative solutions for helping children understand and regulate their sensory experiences through her work with the Super Sensory Squad and Friendly Send Advisor.

Whether you're supporting a child with epilepsy, work with neurodivergent individuals, or simply want to better understand the hidden complexities of neurological differences, this conversation offers crucial insights, practical strategies, and a deeply human perspective on embracing life's unexpected twists and turns. Join us to expand your understanding of what it means to parent differently while creating a more inclusive world for all children.

You can find Nicole:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefriendlysendadvisor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefriendlysendadvisor/

And Nicole mentions Young Epilepsy as a great support: https://www.youngepilepsy.org.uk/

Support the show

I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I support parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits.

If this episode made you laugh out loud or feel a little less alone, why not buy me a coffee? It's a small way to show your support and keep this podcast going.

Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot

Connect with Liz: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:
contact@untypicalparentpodcast.com.

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

PLEASE NOTE THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE OF NAME FOR THE VIDEO AND TOP TIPS DOWNLOAD. IT IS NOW CALLED THE NEURODIVERGENT FAMILY HOLIDAY GUIDE - it does what is says on the tin.

Ever felt like your family is the only one struggling through what should be a blissful vacation experience? You're definitely not alone. The gap between holiday expectations and reality can be enormous, especially for families navigating additional needs.

Stepping away from the glossy brochure images of perfect family holidays, this episode dives into the real challenges of traveling with children who thrive on routine and struggle with change. Drawing from personal experiences as both an occupational therapist and parent, I share the hard-won wisdom that has transformed our family's approach to vacations.

Holidays often come with immense pressure—we spend significant money, disrupt our carefully established routines, and somehow expect everyone to be happier than they are at home. This episode explores how to shift those expectations and find your family's unique "sweet spot" for successful getaways. For us, it's a five-day maximum with carefully chosen accommodations and flexible plans. What might it look like for your family?

Most importantly, this conversation acknowledges that parents deserve consideration too. Too often, holidays become entirely about ensuring the children have a good time, leaving parents more exhausted than before they left. By developing confidence in your family's unique holiday style—whether that means shorter trips, staycations, or specialized accommodations—everyone can find moments of joy and connection.

Want to make your next family holiday more successful? Check out my Neurodivergent Family Holiday Guide (previously called The Internal Sunshine Holiday Kit) with 16 practical strategies that have helped our family transform our vacation experiences. Share your own holiday tips by emailing me—I'd love to hear what works for your family!

https://info.the-untypical-ot.co.uk/neurodivergent-family-holiday-guide

Support the show

I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I support parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits.

If this episode made you laugh out loud or feel a little less alone, why not buy me a coffee? It's a small way to show your support and keep this podcast going.

Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot

Connect with Liz: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:
contact@untypicalparentpodcast.com.

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

Sarah West shares her journey as a late-diagnosed ADHD woman navigating the challenges of perimenopause while parenting two neurodivergent daughters. She explains how declining estrogen levels during perimenopause can significantly worsen ADHD symptoms by further reducing dopamine production.

• Understanding the complex relationship between hormones and ADHD symptoms
• Recognising how perimenopause can amplify existing ADHD challenges
• Differentiating between ADHD symptoms and perimenopause effects
• Finding ADHD coaches with proper training and credentials
• Advocating for yourself within healthcare systems that often dismiss women's concerns
• Trusting your instincts when supporting neurodivergent children despite professionals saying otherwise
• Practical strategies for managing ADHD and perimenopause simultaneously
• How previously effective coping mechanisms can suddenly stop working during hormonal transitions
• The value of being authentic with your children about your struggles

You can find the free resources Sarah speaks about in the podcast on her website:

https://www.sarahwest-adhd.com/

We also speak about PMDD, which is an acronym for Premenstrual Dysphoria Disorder, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) characterised by intense emotional and physical symptoms that significantly disrupt daily life, impacting mood, behaviour, and physical well-being.

You can find Sarah on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573657439110

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwest_adhd/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-west-adhd/

Support the show

I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I support parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits.

If this episode made you laugh out loud or feel a little less alone, why not buy me a coffee? It's a small way to show your support and keep this podcast going.

Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot

Connect with Liz: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:
contact@untypicalparentpodcast.com.

Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

Have you ever felt completely alone while managing your child's meltdown in public? That moment when all eyes seem to be on you, judging your parenting skills, and you just wish someone would silently acknowledge they understand what you're going through?

The Typically Untypical movement was born from exactly this experience. In this deeply personal episode, I share how witnessing a parent's struggle with their distressed child in a doctor's waiting room sparked an idea that's growing into something much bigger than just merchandise. When parents are in crisis mode—surviving day to day with their central nervous systems in protection mode—they often can't access traditional support resources. What can make a difference is that simple nod of understanding from someone who's been there.

Through t-shirts, bags, pens, travel mugs, and pins bearing the "Typically Untypical" slogan, parents can silently signal to each other: I see you, I get it, and you're not alone. These items aren't just products; they're communication tools creating solidarity among parents raising children with additional needs. Sometimes wearing your t-shirt signals to others that you need help, sometimes it shows others they're not alone, and sometimes it's simply a personal reminder that you belong to a community who understands.

This movement isn't just for parents—siblings, extended family members, friends, and anyone who wants to show support can join. Together, we're creating that backup team we all desperately need, because no parent was ever meant to navigate these challenges in isolation. The question now is: how far can this movement spread? Could your participation be the silent nod that makes all the difference to a struggling parent?

Join us in building this web of understanding. Share where you've worn your Typically Untypical items, connect with others who recognise the signal, and help us show parents everywhere that even in their most difficult moments, they are truly not alone.

You can get yours here:

https://www.something-profound.co.uk/collections/liz-evans-the-untypical-ot-collaboration

Support the show

I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I support parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits.

If this episode made you laugh out loud or feel a little less alone, why not buy me a coffee? It's a small way to show your support and keep this podcast going.

Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot

Connect with Liz: https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot

And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:
contact@untypicalparentpodcast.com.