The Untypical Parent™ Podcast

• Why Neurodivergent Parents Are Epic

  Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a textIn 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, LinkedInJodie's books that we spoke about are: Stop The World I Want To Get OffThe Secret Life of RoseYoung, Autistic and Burnt OutSupport the showI'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_otAnd if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:[email protected].

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• Navigating the September Back-to-School / Learning Shifts in Rhythms for Neurodivergent Families

  Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a textEver 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 showI'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_otAnd if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:[email protected].

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• F1 & Sparkles: How Racing Cars Connected Us

  Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a textThe 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 experiencesIf 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 showI'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_otAnd if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:[email protected].

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• Parenting with Chronic Illness: Finding Your Path

  Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a textChronic 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/thechronicallyresilientotWebsite: https://www.chronicresilienceot.com/Support the showI'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_otAnd if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:[email protected].

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• Parenting On High Alert: Living with Childhood Epilepsy

  Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a textWhat 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/thefriendlysendadvisorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefriendlysendadvisor/And Nicole mentions Young Epilepsy as a great support: https://www.youngepilepsy.org.uk/Support the showI'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_otAnd if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please use the text link at the top or you can email at:[email protected].

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