Starting school is a big deal for any child – but for neurodivergent children, it can be the beginning of a long and complicated relationship with the education system. Mark is joined by Helen Daniel to explore what happens when the school system isn’t built for your child.
They discuss transitions, sensory overload, academic gaslighting and the slow-burning isolation that builds in the school playground (for kids and parents alike), as they dissect the emotional rollercoaster of watching your child struggle in a system not built for them.
Together, they share tips for advocating for your child while staying sane – and what they wish they’d known from the beginning.
If you’re looking for an autism, ADHD or PDA parenting podcast episodes about starting school, this one is essential listening.
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STUFF WE COVER:
00:00 – Intro & Listener Message
01:45 – Meet the Guest: Helen Daniel
06:00 – Topic of the Week: Early Years & School
21:00 – Sensory Profiles and Unrealistic Expectations
34:00 – ND Communication Styles & Social Hierarchies
47:00 – Parent Isolation and Drop-Off Struggles
56:30 – School Pickup Dread & Neurodivergent Burnout
1:03:00 – What Needs to Change in Education
1:04:45 – Neurodiversity Champions
1:09:00 – Tiny Epic Wins
1:14:00 – What the Flip? Moments
1:17:00 – Wrap-Up & Helen’s Book Plug
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LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
Outside the Box Sensory (Helen’s website for talks, training and resources) - https://outsidetheboxsensory.com
Follow Helen on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/otbsensory
Follow Helen on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/outsidetheboxsensory
Helen’s book – Neurosensory Divergence: Autistic Languages and Inclusion (Amazon): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CV4PSMH7
The Double Empathy Problem – Dr. Damian Milton: https://reframingautism.org.au/miltons-double-empathy-problem-a-summary-for-non-academics
Heidi Mavir Neuroshambles Empathy Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-avrx7-17af07c
Pete Wharmby Neuroshambles Masking Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-cke9u-18156f6
Progressive Education – Resources for alternative provision and inclusive practice: https://www.progressiveeducation.org
Grove Neurodivergent Mentoring & Education – Interest-based communities for ND kids: https://www.gr0ve.org/
Silent Disco - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_disco
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CONTACT US
🎧 Got a “What the flip?” moment or a tiny epic win to share?
📧 Email us: hello@neuroshambles.com
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FOLLOW US
📸 Instagram: @neuroshambles
🎵 TikTok: @neuroshamblespod
📘 Facebook: Neuroshambles
🧵 Threads: @neuroshambles
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CREDITS
🎶 Theme tune by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com
