Meltdowns, Haircuts & Curtain Disasters: Parenting Neurodivergent Kids Solo | NeuroDADverse Ep.4
🎧 Episode 4 – Fashion Shows, Solo Dads & Emotional ThrowbacksIn this episode of The NeuroDADverse, Ben tackles two nights of solo parenting that include a sensory-triggered meltdown, an emotional bathroom floor moment, and a makeshift fashion show to help Oscar choose clothes for a beach trip.Meanwhile, Dan shares a massive win with Frankie around self-initiated haircuts a sensory success with a touch of comic timing. The pair also explore emotional regulation, parent shame, lanyards in public spaces, and the quiet victories we rarely get to celebrate out loud.💬 Topics this episode:•Solo parenting while managing autistic meltdowns•Clothing anxiety, sensory needs, and scaffolding through play•“I’m stupid” moments and the power of calm connection•Reflecting on old regulation routines and unexpected regression•Self-initiated sensory management (like requesting a haircut!)•Soft play, safety strategies, and meltdown management in public•Using lanyards, laminated cards, and subtle advocacy in social spaces•Teen independence, impulsivity, and boundary learning•Diagnosis delays and the emotional weight of reflection👇 CHAPTERS BELOW for easy navigation.00:00 – Welcome back (plus a bit of flu)01:30 – Visual mimicry and parenting pick-ups03:00 – Weekly check-in: Three-word summaries05:00 – Challenge: Solo parenting and preparing for a beach trip06:30 – Clothing anxiety and sensory overwhelm07:30 – Fashion Show Game: Scaffolding through fun09:00 – The Pokemon hat dilemma10:00 – Bedtime anxiety and “what if I get bullied?”11:00 – Curtain drama and negative self-talk12:30 – Emotional dysregulation in the bathroom14:00 – Calm breathing, mirror affirmations, and flashback parenting15:00 – The return of old behaviours and coping tools16:30 – How the beach trip actually went17:00 – Jellyfish, crabs, and thumb-middle day ratings18:30 – Win: Frankie self-initiates a haircut!20:30 – Sensory wins and father-son bonding22:30 – Self-advocacy in action (and what it really means)25:00 – ND parenting = challenge + joy26:00 – Teens, Tesco, and spontaneous impulse dinners27:30 – Structure, routines, and parenting styles29:00 – Challenges of handing over control as kids grow30:00 – Mabel's smooth transition to new school timetable32:00 – When the meltdown doesn’t come (and that’s the win)34:30 – Ben’s soft play story: masking, cards, and safety systems38:00 – Do you carry meltdown info cards in public?40:30 – Why people don’t always notice ND traits (and why that matters)43:00 – Solo parenting at social events and what’s actually “normal”45:00 – Talking about SEND in public: advocacy or judgement?47:00 – The morbid fascination with “how hard it really is”49:00 – Diagnosis check-in: avoidance, fear, and self-reflection52:00 – Dan's not-ready-yet moment: reflection fatigue53:00 – Looking ahead: Sports Day, England football, and no sleep56:00 – Bath Time Scores: When timing and hairdryers collide58:00 – Final thoughts, closing laughs, and “just spilled lemon & honey”💡 If this episode resonates with you:🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes👍 Like & comment to help other ND parents find us📬 Email us your stories at:
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