Neuroshambles
A fortnightly podcast about the ludicrous realities of being a parent of neurodivergent kids. Lapsed comedian Mark Allen has three kids - two diagnosed autistic with ADHD and one suspected neurotypical. Each episode, he swaps stories with his guests about the challenges they’ve had dealing with seemingly simple events, such as birthday parties, holidays, mealtimes, and leaving the house.
Episodes
![Trying to take a bloody photo | Claire Quigley Ward](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16722888/CoverArt_JPEG_3000px_c9v4im_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Trying to take a bloody photo | Claire Quigley Ward
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
In the final episode of this season, Mark chats with Claire Quigley Ward, who is an ADHD Coach and host of the All Aboard ADHD podcast. As well as being diagnosed ADHD herself, Claire has two neurodivergent children - a 13-year old boy (diagnosed ADHD) and an 8-year old girl (suspected ADHD with PDA traits). They discuss the absolute nightmare of trying to take a "normal" photo of our kids - from the challenges of getting them to stay still and not be distracted, to their inability to pose for the camera and the inevitable dread of seeing how they stand out for all the wrong reasons in the annual school photo.
LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
All Aboard ADHD podcast - https://www.allaboardadhd.com/podcast
All Aboard ADHD coaching - https://www.allaboardadhd.com/coaching
Apple Live Photo feature - https://support.apple.com/en-gb/104966
Google Best Take feature - https://blog.google/products/photos/how-google-photos-best-take-works/
SenLife App - https://mysenlife.com/
Kate Peers - https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/adhd-children-diagnosis-special-needs-school-funding-a9163761.html
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.comFOLLOW US
Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles
Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshamblesCREDITS
The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/
![Siblings | Jess Cain](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16722888/CoverArt_JPEG_3000px_c9v4im_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Siblings | Jess Cain
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Mark speaks to the wonderful Jess Cain - a prolific advocate for neurodivergent families and the driving force of Send Family Instincts. She is an autistic/ADHD/PDA lone parent of five children: a 15-year old boy (self-diagnosed autistic/PDA), another 15-year old boy (fostered, with SEMH needs), a 12-year old girl (self-diagnosed autistic) and twin 9-year old boys (one diagnosed autistic/ADHD/PDA and one allegedly neurotypical). In short, there is no-one better to explore this week's topic with, which is how on earth parents of neurodivergent kids juggle the competing needs of siblings.Mark and Jess share anecdotes about the difficulties they face when trying to balance the wildly different needs of all of their children, whilst somehow trying to remain positive and upbeat. From avoiding conflict, the importance of discussing everyone's needs openly, and learning how to prioritise their own needs in the midst of the mayhem.
LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
Send Family Instincts Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sendfamilyinstincts/
Send Family Instincts Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SendFamilyInstincts/
Send Family Instincts website - https://sendfamilymagic.mykajabi.com/
Eliza Fricker - https://www.instagram.com/elizafricker_missingthemark/
Charlie Gray (My Neurodivergent Adventure) - https://myneurodivergentadventure.co.uk/
Laura Kerbey (P-AST) - https://p-ast.co.uk/
Brighton Fringe (Neurodiverse Performer Award) - https://www.brightonfringe.org/brighton-fringe-awards-ceremony/
Sara Jane Harvey (Agony Autie) - https://www.instagram.com/agonyautie/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.comFOLLOW US
Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles
Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshamblesCREDITS
The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/
![Acquiring Life Skills | Lisa Galley](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16722888/CoverArt_JPEG_3000px_c9v4im_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
Acquiring Life Skills | Lisa Galley
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
Mark speaks to the magnificent Lisa Galley, who is an autism consultant and mother of three grown-up neurodivergent children - one 29-year old boy (diagnosed Autistic with a PDA profile), a 25-year old girl (suspected autistic) and a 20-year old boy (diagnosed autistic).In this fun, candid and thought-provoking episode, they discuss the challenges of helping our neurodivergent kids acquire the life skills they need to be able to live independently. As they cover the diverse range of topics under the umbrella of life skills, Lisa offers some valuable (and occasionally comforting) insights into how her kids have acquired skills, such as getting a job, navigating self care, managing money, learning to drive and, ultimately living away from home.LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
Lisa Galley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/school_run_mum_autism/
Roblox "Find The Markers" - https://www.roblox.com/games/7896264844/Find-The-Markers-237
Metro Bank - https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/about-us/kids-zone/
Toren Wolf on Learning to Drive - https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6PndheP02Z/
Danielle Jata-Hall (PDA Parenting) - https://www.instagram.com/pdaparenting/
Sara Jane Harvey (Agony Autie) - https://www.instagram.com/agonyautie/
Lisa Galley's Website: https://www.lisagalley.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.comFOLLOW US
Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles
Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshamblesCREDITS
The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/
![Family Games | Dan Clark](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16722888/CoverArt_JPEG_3000px_c9v4im_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Family Games | Dan Clark
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Mark chats with the inspirational Dan Clark, of MindJam. Dan is dad to two neurodifferent kids - one 17-year old girl (diagnosed Autistic) and a 14-year old boy (diagnosed autistic/ADHD with a PDA profile). They discuss the minefield that is playing family games with neurodivergent kids, from their desperate search to find a board game that doesn't end in full scale meltdowns and the strategies they employ to keep the peace.
They also discuss the hugely beneficial role that both video games and Dungeons & Dragons can play in teaching our kids some of the skills they need to develop, in order to navigate a world teeming with neurotypicals.
LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
MindJam - https://mindjam.org.uk/
Monopoly - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monopoly_(game)
Fast Show Competitive Dad - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2x_DI7tzNQ
Mario Kart - https://store.nintendo.co.uk/en/mario-kart
Beat the Parents - https://amzn.eu/d/3xTCOg8
Cranium - https://amzn.eu/d/cVedUTu
Scrabble - https://amzn.eu/d/f4ngyJW
Dungeon Mayhem - https://amzn.eu/d/3Z0NFr8
Throw Throw Burrito - https://amzn.eu/d/3Z0NFr8
Ocean Bingo - https://www.laurenceking.com/products/ocean-bingo
Exploding Kittens - https://amzn.eu/d/933z2FH
Unstable Unicorns - https://amzn.eu/d/cDnUP80
Risk - https://amzn.eu/d/dc7h30w
The Dice Saloon, Brighton - https://www.dicesaloon.com/
Chase The Ace - https://www.classicgamesandpuzzles.com/Chase-the-Ace.html
Zelda: Breath of the Wild - https://www.ign.com/games/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild
Boy beats Tetris - https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/67902380
Fortnite - https://www.ign.com/games/fortnite
Candy Crush - https://www.ign.com/games/candy-crush-saga
Dungeons & Dragons - https://dnd.wizards.com/
MindJam Adventure Guild - https://mindjam.org.uk/services/adventure-guild/
BAFTA Young Game Designers - https://ygd.bafta.org/
It Takes Two - https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/it-takes-two/about
Brighton Festival Children's Parade - https://samesky.co.uk/events/childrens-parade-3/
Jump Inc Trampoline Park - https://www.jump-inc.uk/locations/lincoln/
Kellie Bright EHCP Film (BBC One Show) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001z8w5
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/
![Sensitivity to noise | Lauren Palfrey](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16722888/CoverArt_JPEG_3000px_c9v4im_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Sensitivity to noise | Lauren Palfrey
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Mark speaks to Lauren, neurodivergent mother of three boys (One 11-year old diagnosed Autistic/ADHD with a PDA profile), a 9-year old (suspected autistic/ADHD) and a 5-month old (too soon to tell). They delve into the topic of noise sensitivity - from extreme reactions to loud noises and meltdowns when confronted with contrasting noises, to the fascinating topic of misophonia. They swap tales of hand dryers, bonfire night, cat scarers and an unexpected cavalcade of motorcycling Santas.
This episode is best listened to with in a quiet place, with noise cancelling headphones!
LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
Ear defenders - https://amzn.eu/d/fIIDess
Misophonia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misophonia
Cat scarer - https://amzn.eu/d/0U0SYMw
Santas on a bike - https://www.facebook.com/groups/santasonabike/
Loop earplugs - https://amzn.eu/d/iNWzyws
Lauren's noise cancelling headphones - https://groceries.asda.com/product/on-ear-headphones/asda-tech-bluetooth-noise-cancelling-headphones-black/1000370064193
Jay's noise cancelling headphones - https://amzn.eu/d/8hs4ToC
White noise - https://open.spotify.com/album/7KbmHEKwEhKyeZT9xuYVco?si=L5-cYE1HSIiYsaqWs83F-A
Brown noise - https://open.spotify.com/album/0onzJRO1vDBXmXqYy60qsR?si=xgwQCc0OSC-QfID0YOlycw
Pink noise - https://open.spotify.com/album/5w3fCjBpzyGA6tW9mSfQmr?si=bqH-u1ySQzSYkHVPNjXG1w
UK Misophonia Support Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ShutUpWorld/?mibextid=K35XfP
The Assembly - https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001xyj5/the-assembly
Bloke Barbers, Allestree, Derbyshire (Sara) - https://www.blokebarber.co.uk/#our-prices
Comfa Clothing Fidget-T - https://www.comfa.co.uk/product/fidget-t/
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
Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles
Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles
CREDITS
The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/
![The chaos of mealtimes | Liam Mullone](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16722888/CoverArt_JPEG_3000px_c9v4im_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
The chaos of mealtimes | Liam Mullone
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
Mark welcomes back guest Liam Mullone, parent of twin 13-year old boys (one diagnosed autistic and one suspected autistic/ADHD), as well as an 8-year old girl (suspected neurotypical).
In this episode, they discuss the topic of mealtimes in their respective households - from the faff of getting them all to the dinner table in the first place, to the unmitigated disaster of their attempts to encourage their kids to sit down, use cutlery and exercise some form of table manners.
LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
Torbay General Hospital paediatric ward - https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/services/child-health/
McDonalds - https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb.html
Wetherspoons - https://www.jdwetherspoon.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
Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles
Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles
CREDITS
The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/
![Navigating Emotions | Grace Lockrobin](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16722888/CoverArt_JPEG_3000px_c9v4im_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
Navigating Emotions | Grace Lockrobin
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
This episode explores how we navigate the maelstrom of emotions in families with a mix of different neurotypes. Mark speaks to Grace Lockrobin, philosopher and fellow parent of neurodivergent boys (one 8-year old, diagnosed autistic, and a 5-year old with suspected ADHD), as they look at how members of their own households handle the contrasting ways that each of them understands, expresses and responds to emotions - both in themselves and in others.
Mark and Grace also discuss how they deal with their own emotions as parents - from having to keep a firm lid on anger, to the often taboo subject of acknowledging the sadness in their own lives.
LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
The Apprentice - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0071b63
Emotion cards - https://amzn.eu/d/1uT2Pru
Alexithymia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexithymia
Aquila Magazine - https://www.aquila.co.uk/
"The Explosive Child" book - https://drrossgreene.com/the-explosive-child.htm
Beavers - https://www.scouts.org.uk/beavers/
Villa Real School - https://www.villarealschool.co.uk/
"All The Ways to Be Smart" book - https://amzn.eu/d/4Ssd6qF
BBC Sport Article on Greg Halford - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68617366
Nick Ransom, Journalist - https://www.nickransom.co.uk/
Sapere - https://www.sapere.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
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles
Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles
Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles
CREDITS
The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/
![Leaving The House | Hatty Ashdown](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16722888/CoverArt_JPEG_3000px_c9v4im_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
Leaving The House | Hatty Ashdown
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
This episode is all about the relentless faff involved in trying to get our neurodivergent kids out of the house.
Mark talks to comedian Hatty Ashdown, who is a parent of two children (one diagnosed autistic with suspected ADHD and one suspected neurotypical). They compare war stories from their daily attempts to wrangle their kids out of the house, navigating distractions, dysregulation, refusal and all round chaos along the way.
LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
Gorilla Gym - https://amzn.eu/d/22yMHaK
Purple Parenting - https://www.purpleparenting.co.uk/about/
Natural History Museum "Dawnosaurs" sessions - https://www.nhm.ac.uk/events/dawnosaurs.html
Hatty Ashdown's website - https://hattyashdown.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
Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles
Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles
CREDITS
The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/
![Struggles with clothing | Steph Curtis](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16722888/CoverArt_JPEG_3000px_c9v4im_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
Struggles with clothing | Steph Curtis
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
This episode focuses on the daily struggle to find clothing that our neurodifferent children will tolerate wearing.
Mark talks to Steph Curtis, author and parent of two neurodivergent children (both teenagers, diagnosed autistic - one with a strong PDA profile). They swap tales of regular battles with labels and seams, the nightmare of school clothes and their children's preference for being naked - even in the most inappropriate moments.
LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
“PDA in the family” by Steph Curtis - https://amzn.eu/d/1j8KsYi
Stephstwogirls on Instagram -www.instagram.com/stephstwogirls
Steph Curtis’ blog - www.stephstwogirls.co.uk
Bamboo socks - www.sockshop.co.uk/featured/kids-bamboo
Crocs - www.crocs.co.uk/c/kids/footwear
"Neuroshambles giveaway" shoes (size 3) - www.skechers.co.uk/foamies-guzman-steps---aqua-surge/91995L_BLK.html
Skechers - www.skechers.co.uk/kids
ASDA sensory school uniform - https://direct.asda.com/george/collections/easy-on-easy-wear-school/D28M110G1C3,default,sc.html
Marks & Spencers sensory clothing - www.marksandspencer.com/l/kids/easy-dressing
Sensory Smart Clothing - www.sensorysmart.co.uk
Fidget-T - www.comfa.co.uk/product/fidget-t
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
Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles
Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles
CREDITS
The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/
![Life as a social outcast | Samuel Wilson](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/16722888/CoverArt_JPEG_3000px_c9v4im_300x300.jpg)
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Life as a social outcast | Samuel Wilson
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
This episode discusses the lighter side of parents of SEND kids being treated as outcasts from polite society.
Mark speaks to Samuel Wilson, 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 4-year old son (undiagnosed neurotypical).
Mark and Sam shine a humorous light on being ostracised by the other parents at school, alienated from WhatsApp groups and treated as a social pariah at parties, before discussing how this social isolation can sometimes be used to our benefit.
I know, I know, it all sounds a bit gloomy, but trust me, this is a surprisingly fun episode. And what better time to listen to it than when no-one else is around?
LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
Albion in the Community, Brighton - www.bhafcfoundation.org.uk/timetable/Jumpin Fun - www.jumpinfun.co.uk/burgess-hillGladiators - www.gladiatorstv.com/gladiators/bbc/"Lend a Hand", Samuel Wilson's book - www.littlestepspublishing.co.uk/books/lend-a-handAmaze, Sussex - www.amazesussex.org.ukWhoopsadaisy, Brighton - www.whoopsadaisy.org
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
Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/Neuroshambles
Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshambles
CREDITS
The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/music/beats-energetic-hip-hop-8303/