In response to several requests from listeners, this episode is all about the complexities of giving medication to our neurodivergent kids.

Mark speaks to the tremendous Danielle Jata-Hall, who is an author, award-winning blogger and a disability campaigner. She has three children (13, 11 and 8 - all diagnosed Autistic with a PDA profile, as well as a blend of ADHD, Anxiety and potential bipolar disorder).

Mark and Danielle discuss the medication journeys they've been on with their own kids, from overcoming their initial misgivings and dealing with the judgement of others, to the administrative nightmare of trying to get medication prescribed by medical professionals.

They compare different prescription pathways and share their experiences of the difficult process of titration - not to mention the rigamarole of actually getting their kids to take the medication we've fought so hard to get for them.

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

"The Journey Into S.E.N.D Fatherhood" book - https://amzn.eu/d/0qwN0il

Danielle Jata-Hall blog - https://pdaparenting.com/

Newbold Hope - https://www.newboldhope.com/

FII (Fabricated or Induced Illness) - https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/fabricated-or-induced-illness/overview/

"The Parent's Guide to ADHD Medicines" book - https://amzn.eu/d/i2e73JM

Shared Care - https://www.england.nhs.uk/medicines-2/regional-medicines-optimisation-committees-advice/shared-care-protocols/

"I'm Not Upside Down, I'm Downside Up" book - https://amzn.eu/d/avsMxy2

"Black Rainbow" book - https://amzn.eu/d/he1Nd8K

"Steph's Two Girls" blog with tips on getting your child to take medication - https://www.stephstwogirls.co.uk/2020/01/top-tips-when-your-child-wont-take.html

"A boy less ordinary" blog - https://aboylessordinary.com/

CONTACT US

If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US

Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles

Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS

The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/

What was it like to raise an autistic child 30 years ago? Mark has a fascinating chat with Stephanie - his wonderful neighbour from over the road, who has a 31 year old son (diagnosed autistic with moderate learning difficulties, OCD and anxiety).

They discuss how parents of autistic children were able to navigate the process of understanding how best to raise their kids, without access to the internet, social media or the breadth of information we have available now?

This is an enlightening and surprisingly uplifting episode, which shines a light on just how far society has come in a relatively short space of time, when it comes to understanding, supporting and championing our neurodivergent kids.

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

Disneyland, Paris - https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-gb/

Echolalia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echolalia

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle - https://amzn.eu/d/boDv6wN

Rain Man - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_Man

The Essential Different, Simon Baron Cohen - https://amzn.eu/d/3Y5xgWv

Gentle Parenting - https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/on-babies/202405/gentle-parenting-doesnt-mean-permissive-parenting

Leonardo Da Vinci - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/leonardo-da-vinci-adhd-health-mona-lisa-a8927641.html

Social Stories - https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/communication/communication-tools/social-stories-and-comic-strip-coversations

Supported Employment - https://www.base-uk.org/about/members/brighton-hove-city-council

Fare Share - https://fareshare.org.uk/

Oxfam - https://jobs.oxfam.org.uk/jobs/home/

Leonardslee Gardens - www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/

CONTACT US

If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US

Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles

Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS

The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/

Mark welcomes back former guest "Belle", as they discuss the perils of transport. "Belle" has two neurodivergent children - a 9-year old girl (diagnosed autistic with sensory processing disorder and a PDA profile), and a 7-year old boy (diagnosed autistic with Tourette Syndrome and suspected ADHD). Alongside Mark's three neurodivergent kids (with a giddy blend of autism, ADHD, anxiety and PDA), they have a trove of transport-related horror stories to tell.

As well as discussing tales of travelling on buses, planes, trains, boats and cars, there are also more Neurodiversity Champions, Tiny Epic Wins and What The Flip moments, as well a particularly insightful proposal to create a demand-avoidant sat nav.

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

Gatwick Airport Special Assistance - https://www.gatwickairport.com/passenger-guides/special-assistance.html

Ferry cabins (DFDS) - https://www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger-ferries/onboard/newhaven-dieppe/sleeping

Jen Marillat, Dramatherapist - https://jenmarillat.com/

Health and Care Professions Council - https://www.hcpc-uk.org/

The British Association of Dramatherapists - https://www.badth.org.uk/

EMDR Therapy - https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/eye-movement-desensitisation-and-reprocessing-emdr

Riding For the Disabled Association (RDA) - https://rda.org.uk/

Aspens, East Sussex - https://www.aspens.org.uk/

CONTACT US

If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US

Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles

Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS

The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/

Mark chats to the magnificent Lisa Lloyd about the judgement they regularly receive from outsiders as parents of neurodivergent kids. Lisa has two children - an 11-year old boy (diagnosed autistic) and a 7-year old girl (diagnosed autistic, with a PDA profile) and, as a prominent content creator on social media (@asd_with_a_g_and_t), she is no stranger to being judged by people who don't have a neurodivergent child, much less a clue about how to raise one.

Mark and Lisa swap tales about comments they receive from people judging their children ("He's not autistic, he's just naughty"), judging their parenting ("He wouldn't act like that if he was my son") and judging the entire concept of neurodivergency ("It's just a label"). They discuss the misconceptions that cause people to act this way, as well as the appropriate responses you can give them in return.

This is a great one to listen to if you've ever been told that "He doesn't look autistic" or "Everyone's a bit on the spectrum".

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

Raising the Sen-Betweeners, Lisa Lloyd - https://amzn.eu/d/4hm6Sb0

SEND Reform England - https://www.sendreformengland.com/

Lisa Lloyd Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/asd_with_a_g_and_t/

Lisa Lloyd TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@asd.with.a.g.and.t

Lisa Lloyd Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ASDwithGandT

CONTACT US

If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US

Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles

TikTok:https: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles

Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS

The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/

Mark discusses the innate human desire to "keep up with the Joneses" with returning guest Samuel Wilson, who is an author and parent of two children: an 8-year old daughter (on the autism pathway, with Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Visual Impairment and Sensory Processing Disorder) and a 5-year old son (suspected neurotypical).

They discuss how unhelpful that can be in the early days of your diagnosis journey and how liberating it is when you finally let go of the expectations of being "normal" and embrace your family in all of their neuroshambolic glory.

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

Simpsons clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=784seqWxsMk&t=469s

Dad La Soul - https://www.dadlasoul.com/

BBC Woman’s Hour - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0022ss7

India Croc replacement saga - https://www.instagram.com/p/C9hLMewpBH6/

"Lend a Hand", Samuel Wilson's book - www.littlestepspublishing.co.uk/books/lend-a-hand

CONTACT US

If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US

Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles

Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS

The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/

A potentially controversial episode, this one, where Mark chats to an old friend, Kate Ebbutt (Mum to 11 year-old neurotypical and 9-year old diagnosed ADHD/suspected autistic humans). They talk candidly about something they've both found themselves worrying about in their darker moments - am I raising an arsehole? They dissect the behaviours that qualify someone as being "an arsehole" and discuss to what extent they can be fairly applied to our neurodivergent kids.

They also discuss to what extent the gentle parenting approach could be contributing to this behaviour, as well as recounting experiences of times where they've had to explain their parenting choices to neurotypicals who struggle to understand their approach.

Please note, if you are offended by the word arsehole, it is sprinkled liberally throughout the episode, so this one might not be for you.

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

"The Explosive Child" book - https://drrossgreene.com/the-explosive-child.htm

Gentle Parenting - https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/style/what-is-gentle-parenting/

National Trust - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

RAM (Random Access Memory) - https://www.ign.com/articles/what-is-ram

Sheffield Queer Parents - https://sites.google.com/view/sheffield-queer-parents

Angling 4 Education - https://www.angling4education.com/

CONTACT US

If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US

Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles

Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS

The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/

Mark chats to the inspirational Kieran Rose. As well as being autistic/ADHD himself, Kieran has three autistic/ADHD children (11, 14 and 15) as well as an autistic wife.

Kieran is an author, academic, trainer, consultant and all round font of knowledge on autism, so this episode contains some fascinating insights into the different communication styles between neurodivergents and neurotypicals when having a conversation.

As well as topics such as situational mutism, hyperverbalism and monotropism, Mark and Kieran swap tales about the fact they're never able to finish a conversation without being interrupted and discuss the perils of group conversation and their very different takes on the ridiculous neurotypical habit of engaging in small talk.

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

Neurodive Podcast - https://soundcloud.com/neurodivepod/kieranrose

Kieran's website - https://theautisticadvocate.com/

Maori word for autism - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-40493398

KIERAN'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER READING:

CONTACT US

If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US

Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles

Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS

The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/

Kicking off season 2 of Neuroshambles, Mark chats to the wonderful Dee McMahon who also has three neurodivergent children: a 16-year old boy, (diagnosed Autistic/ADHD with anxiety disorder) a 13-year old girl (diagnosed ADHD with Dyslexia/Dyscalculia) and a 9-year old boy (diagnosed Autistic with ARFID).

Mark and Dee take a deep dive into the soul crushing nightmare of trying to feed their neurodifferent kids something remotely resembling a balanced diet. From the trauma of putting together meal plans and shopping lists, to the sense of nervous trepidation when trying to introduce their kids to new foods and the wounded pride they experience when food they've slaved away at is dismissed without even being tried.

They also take an in-depth look at the more serious side of food issues, when they discuss Dee's personal account of her boy's recent diagnosis of ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).

LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:

ARFID - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoidant/restrictive_food_intake_disorder

ARFID Community Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/arfid/

mASCot website: https://www.asc-mascot.com/

mASCot Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/221337174595596/

To make a donation to mASCot, so they can continue their amazing work: https://www.givey.com/mascot

Evelina Clinic, London - www.evelinalondon.nhs.uk

Sainsbury's pasta stars - https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/sainsburys-stars-500g?

Spruce tips - www.foragerchef.com/spruce-tips/

CONTACT US

If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.com FOLLOW US

Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles

Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles CREDITS

The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/