Neuroshambles

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.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/ 

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:
A short (and very inexhaustive) list of Autistic advocates and allies no longer with us, who have made a phenomenally constructive difference to the narratives around Autistic and Neurodivergent people, but who never get the recognition of lauded non-Autistic people:
 
Jim Sinclair
Don't mourn for us - Jim Sinclair wrote one of the pivotal texts in the reframing of Autistic experience (opens as a PDF):
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://philosophy.ucsc.edu/SinclairDontMournForUs.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwik86zq-smIAxWCWUEAHQ2NH5UQFnoECCQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3WfDEINrbr2olYTgiO6ZKl
A book about Jim:
https://amzn.eu/d/3qalj4l
 
Donna Williams
Conceptualised a model of advocacy based on an inside-out approach - that observation based on your own or a normative experience can only take you so far.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Williams
She produced a massive number of books:
https://uk.jkp.com/collections/author-donna-williams-pid-199891
 
Mel Baggs:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mel_Baggs
An old (quality is indicative of its age, so please bear with it) video on two parts that off a deep challenge to normative assumptions around communication and experience:
https://youtu.be/JnylM1hI2jc?si=IaPhwkiYn1vRmmlp
 
Dinah Murray
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinah_Murray
Co-creator of the theory of monotropism:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1362361305051398
A basic introduction:
https://youtu.be/qUFDAevkd3E?si=SMiSDEoiNcDtV2eg
 
Steve Silberman
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Silberman
The author of Neurotribes, a game changing book that brought a model of different, not less into the mainstream:
https://amzn.eu/d/clw0AD8
 
 
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/ 

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.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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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/