In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr Hannah Dennis tackles one of the most damaging myths still circulating today — that autism is caused by poor parenting.

She debunks outdated and harmful ideas like the “refrigerator mother” theory and reminds us that autism has a strong genetic and neurological basis — not a parenting one.

Dr Hannah also explores what truly matters: creating supportive environments where autistic individuals can thrive, and why blame has no place in this conversation, and how parents deserve compassion, not criticism.

She reflects on on the unique strengths that neurodivergent people bring to our communities — creativity, focus, honesty, and innovation — and why celebrating neurodiversity benefits everyone.

If you’re a parent, carer, educator, or professional working with neurodivergent individuals, this episode will leave you encouraged, informed, and inspired to reframe autism through a lens of understanding and respect.

💛 “Autism isn’t a tragedy — it’s a different way of being human.”

🌱 Learn more about and join Thrive Family Community: https://nurture.hrdconsultancy.co.uk/sales-page-9166

💫 Learn more about and join Thrive through the Storm: https://nurture.hrdconsultancy.co.uk/sales-page-8452

🔗 To connect with Dr Hannah visit: www.hrdconsultancy.co.uk

💛 To access our Resources for Parents, head to: https://hrdconsultancy.co.uk/multi-purpose-4848-3441-9490

💻 To watch Dr Hannah's latest training visit: https://nurture.hrdconsultancy.co.uk/thriveregister310747

Parenting a neurodivergent child—or being neurodivergent yourself—comes with incredible joys, but also unique challenges.

In this episode, we invite you to pause and reflect on something we too often overlook: your own well-being.

Drawing on our THRIVE Framework—Tune in, Hold space, Regulate together, Interpret gently, Validate & Repair, and Empower for the future—we'll explore why looking after yourself is not selfish, but essential.

I shares real-life examples, from micro self-care moments to finding joy in everyday routines, and explains how parental regulation directly impacts a child’s ability to regulate and thrive.

✨ You’ll learn:

• Why self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity.
• How stress affects both you and your child’s nervous system.
• Practical ways to build daily regulation and replenishment into your routine.
• How the THRIVE Framework supports both parents and children in navigating big emotions.

Whether it’s taking three deep breaths by the kettle, reaching out to a friend, or creating small rituals that fill your cup—these daily practices make a lasting difference.

Because when you thrive, your child thrives too. 💛

🌱 Learn more about and join Thrive Family Community: https://nurture.hrdconsultancy.co.uk/sales-page-9166

💫 Learn more about and join Thrive through the Storm: https://nurture.hrdconsultancy.co.uk/sales-page-8452

🔗 To connect with Dr Hannah visit: www.hrdconsultancy.co.uk

💛 To access our Resources for Parents, head to: https://hrdconsultancy.co.uk/multi-purpose-4848-3441-9490

💻 To watch Dr Hannah's latest training visit: https://nurture.hrdconsultancy.co.uk/thriveregister310747

In this episode of ThriveAbility, I reflect on powerful lessons learned from working closely with clients over the years. Through real stories and experiences, I share insights that every parent, carer, and professional supporting neurodivergent individuals can take to heart.

✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why it’s so important to look beyond mental health and explore potential physical health issues first.
• The power of non-verbal communication, and how deep connections can form even without words.
• How childhood experiences—both positive and negative—can shape self-esteem for a lifetime.

From Gwendolyn’s story of an undiagnosed problem, to Jeff’s breakthrough moment using intensive interaction, to Janet’s decades-long struggle with the echoes of childhood bullying—these stories highlight the importance of compassion, curiosity, and advocacy in every interaction.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with three key takeaways:

1. Always consider physical health.
2. Prioritise connection beyond words.
3. Remember: our words can echo for a lifetime.

👉 Tune in to gain fresh perspective on how we can all support neurodivergent children and adults to thrive—because every interaction matters.

🌱 Learn more about and join Thrive through the Storm: https://nurture.hrdconsultancy.co.uk/sales-page-8452

🔗 To connect with Dr Hannah visit: www.hrdconsultancy.co.uk

💛 To access our Resources for Parents, head to: https://hrdconsultancy.co.uk/multi-purpose-4848-3441-9490

💻 To watch Dr Hannah's latest training visit: https://nurture.hrdconsultancy.co.uk/thriveregister310747