Episodios

  • Traveling with a Neurodivergent Family: Real Talk About Imperfect Holidays

    Traveling with a Neurodivergent Family: Real Talk About Imperfect Holidays
    May 22 2025
    I sit down with my friend Chloe for a real, honest conversation about what it’s actually like to travel as a neurodivergent (ND) family. From navigating airports with sensory-sensitive kids to releasing the unrealistic pressure of creating the “perfect” holiday, we dive into all the things no one tells you about vacationing when your family doesn’t fit the typical mold. Chloe shares the evolution of her family’s approach to travel—how they’ve let go of rigid schedules, leaned into flexibility, and embraced what works for them. Whether it's ditching detailed itineraries or just focusing on getting through the airport without a meltdown, their story is a reminder that ND families don’t have to conform to society’s version of what a “successful” vacation looks like. We talk about the emotional toll of trying to meet invisible expectations, and how freeing it can be to redefine joy, rest, and connection on your own terms. This episode is for every parent who’s felt exhausted before the trip even starts, overwhelmed by logistics, or judged for not doing things the “right” way. You are not alone—and your version of rest is just as valid. Traveling with autistic or ADHD children brings a unique set of challenges—from sensory overload to unpredictability and changes in routine. This episode creates space to talk about those challenges openly, without shame. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about learning what works for your family, one trip at a time. Maybe you aren't traveling at the moment but are still looking for fun (& easy) activities to do. Check out the sensory play guide that I have created back with 50 fun (& tested) activities all with things you have at in your house. Check it out here! Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    27 m
  • Travel Tips for Neurodivergent Families: How to Plan Neurodivergent-Friendly Vacations

    Travel Tips for Neurodivergent Families: How to Plan Neurodivergent-Friendly Vacations
    May 20 2025
    Planning a vacation as a neurodivergent family can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of The Unfinished Idea, I’m joined by Kayla, a certified autism travel agent and fellow neurodivergent mom, who has turned her lived experience into a mission: to help families raising autistic and ADHD children enjoy stress-free, sensory-friendly vacations.Kayla shares her personal journey of traveling with her autistic son, what she learned along the way, and how she now supports families in planning trips that truly accommodate neurodiverse needs. From choosing the right destinations to knowing what accommodations, sensory-friendly parks, and ND-trained staff to look for, Kayla offers practical tips that can turn overwhelm into empowerment. Whether you’re dreaming of Disney, planning a weekend getaway, or trying to figure out how to make travel work for your neurodivergent child, this episode is packed with encouragement, tools, and expert advice. We talk about traveling with ADHD and autism, what inclusion actually looks like in hospitality, and how to create vacations that allow the whole family—including parents—to rest, recharge, and connect. You’ll walk away with:Realistic, actionable travel strategiesInsight into neurodiversity-friendly travel planningHope that travel can be accessible and joyful for your family Ready to make your next trip easier? Tune in now, share with another ND parent, and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review so more neurodivergent families can find this space where they don’t have to do life alone. Have you checked out the Unfinished Line yet? Get your special merch now while supplies last! Check it out here! Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 m
  • Neurodivergence, Trauma & Healing: A Conversation with David & Sissy

    Neurodivergence, Trauma & Healing: A Conversation with David & Sissy
    May 15 2025
    In this powerful episode, I’m joined by David Thomas and Sissy Goff from the Raising Boys & Girls podcast—two incredible voices in the world of childhood development, counseling, and emotional health. Together, we dive into a topic that’s especially important for neurodivergent families: the deep and often overlooked connection between neurodivergence and trauma. David and Sissy—both experienced, licensed counsellors—share how neurodivergent children often experience trauma more intensely or more frequently than their neurotypical peers. We explore what that looks like in real life, how it shows up in behavior, and most importantly, how parents, caregivers, and educators can respond with support, compassion, and healing strategies. We also talk about their brand-new children's books, Lucy and Owen, inspired by two real dogs from their counselling practice. These books walk children through hard experiences in gentle, relatable ways—offering practical tools for emotional regulation, resilience, and growth. Get the Lucy book here & the Owen book here Whether you're parenting a child with ADHD, autism, or another neurodivergent profile, or you're supporting a family member through their healing journey, this episode offers insight, validation, and actionable guidance to help you show up well for the kids you love. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone walking a similar path. And be sure to check out Lucy and Owen—books your whole family will benefit from. Checkout the Unfinished Line- it is a comfy, bold, and fun merch that I have YOU in mind. I'm so excited it is here and can't wait for you to get your hands on it. Check it out here! Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 m
  • Understanding Dyslexia: Signs, Support, and Breaking the Myths with Kelli Sandman-Hurley

    Understanding Dyslexia: Signs, Support, and Breaking the Myths with Kelli Sandman-Hurley
    May 8 2025
    In this episode, I’m joined by Kellie from the Dyslexia Institute for Learning for a powerful conversation about what dyslexia really is—and what it isn’t. If you're a parent of a child with dyslexia, have a neurodivergent learner in your family, or you're navigating your own learning differences, this episode is packed with insight and encouragement. Kellie gently debunks common myths about dyslexia and explains how it affects more than just reading or spelling—it can impact emotions, confidence, routines, and relationships. We also dive into early signs of dyslexia in children, the importance of early intervention, and how to create supportive environments both at home and in school. Whether you're exploring special education support, considering a dyslexia assessment, or simply want to understand the learning needs of your child or loved one, this episode will give you clarity, compassion, and practical tools. Join us for a conversation full of education, empathy, and empowerment—and don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with other families navigating the neurodivergent parenting journey. Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 m
  • Everyone is welcome

    Everyone is welcome
    May 1 2025
    In this episode, I sit down with good friend Judith to talk about what it looks like to turn compassion into action. Judith, along with her partner in crime, saw a need in their local community—families raising children with additional needs were craving connection, understanding, and a space that truly worked for everyone in the family. And so, Our Space was born. Our Space is a monthly meet-up designed specifically for families with additional needs. It’s sensory-friendly, welcoming, and built by people who get it. From the moment families walk through the door, there’s no pressure to mask, no need to explain—it’s just a space where you can show up as you are. In our conversation, Judith shares how the idea came to life, what it’s meant for the families who attend, and why creating inclusive spaces can have such a lasting ripple effect—not just for kids, but for parents, siblings, and the wider community.We talk about the importance of peer support, the power of showing up consistently, and what it takes to build something that meets people where they’re at. Whether you're a parent raising a child with additional needs, someone who’s been searching for community, or maybe even thinking about starting something similar in your area—this episode will leave you encouraged and inspired.There’s so much goodness in this conversation, and I hope it reminds you that even small, simple ideas can grow into something beautiful when they’re rooted in care. Tune in, take what resonates, and as always—come join the conversation. I’d love to hear what kind of community support you’ve found helpful in your journey, or what you’re still searching for. Connect with me on Instagram or join The Unfinished Community—we’re better when we do this together. PODCAST SURVEY⁠- Click the link to take a 3 minute survey to help me know how to make the show even better! When completing the survey you will be entered to win some podcast merch (never seen before!) some of my favourite things, and a call with me where I'll any of your questions! Draw happens May 5th. Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! ⁠Click here to join⁠. ⁠Sign up to our newsletter⁠ where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! ⁠Click here to subscribe⁠. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 m
  • Neuro-Prego

    Neuro-Prego
    Apr 24 2025
    In this episode, I chat with Victoria, @nuerdivergentbirth about the unique experiences of being neurodivergent during pregnancy and childbirth. We dive into how sensory sensitivities can show up—not just within your body, but in the environment around you—and how that impacts the entire journey from pregnancy to birth. Victoria shares insight into the different ways friends, family, doulas, and midwives can offer meaningful support. We also talk about how limiting executive function overload, like simplifying food and meal decisions, can make a huge difference during this time. This conversation opened my eyes to challenges I hadn’t even considered, and I think it’ll do the same for you. Whether you’re neurodivergent, supporting someone who is, or just curious about how these experiences differ, you’ll find valuable perspectives and practical tips here. If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need to hear it! Here is the free download we talked about in the show. http://www.ndbirth.com/downloads PODCAST SURVEY- Click the link to take a 3 minute survey to help me know how to make the show even better! When completing the survey you will be entered to win some podcast merch (never seen before!) some of my favourite things, and a call with me where I'll any of your questions! Draw happens May 5th. Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join. Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 m
  • All Aboard ADHD

    All Aboard ADHD
    Apr 21 2025
    I’m joined by Claire from All Aboard ADHD, and it’s one of those conversations that feels like sitting down with a friend who just gets it. Claire shares how a simple moment at the school gate—just looking for connection—grew into something much bigger: a community of parents navigating life with ADHD. What started locally has become a powerful space of support, encouragement, and shared understanding. As we talk, Claire opens up about what it’s like raising a child with ADHD, the unexpected turns of figuring it out as you go, and how that process led her to recognise her own neurodivergence. Her story is honest, deeply relatable, and full of those “oh wow, that’s me” moments. And I’ll be honest—there are a few points where I’m processing her words in real time, and it feels like something is unlocking in my own brain. It’s that powerful. Claire brings so much passion and heart to the conversation—especially around helping others understand their brains and not feel so alone. Whether you’re just starting to explore ADHD in your family, or you’ve been walking this road for a while, there’s something in this episode that will speak to you. We cover everything from building community, making sense of your own neurodivergent experience, and finding ways to create connection and support when the world can feel a bit too much. I hope this episode reminds you that there’s a place for you—that you don’t have to navigate this alone, and that finding your people really does change everything. PODCAST SURVEY- Click the link to take a 3 minute survey to help me know how to make the show even better! When completing the survey you will be entered to win some podcast merch (never seen before!) some of my favourite things, and a call with me where I'll any of your questions! Draw happens May 5th. Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join. Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 m
  • Dr, Mom, and Advocate

    Dr, Mom, and Advocate
    Apr 17 2025
    In this heartfelt joint episode, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Olivia Kessel as we share openly about the often isolating but deeply meaningful journey of raising neurodivergent children. From personal battles to professional insights, this conversation is real, raw, and rooted in hope. Dr. Olivia takes us through her emotional and exhausting fight to secure an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) for her daughter—something so many parents and caregivers in the UK know all too well. She shares the mental and emotional toll of trying to get the right school support, while also offering insights into how neurodivergent brains work and how we can better support our children to thrive within systems that weren’t built with them in mind. I open up about my own journey—especially the deep loneliness and disconnection I felt early on when raising my autistic and ADHD son. It was a season where community felt out of reach, and all I wanted was to know I wasn’t the only one struggling to hold it all together. Together, we talk through what’s helped us: the little things that have brought more calm into the chaos, how we’ve found (and created) supportive spaces, and why understanding our kids’ brains—and our own—has been a game-changer. If you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver Googling “how to help my autistic child at school,” “EHCP application advice,” or “feeling alone as a special needs parent,”—this episode is for you. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to do this alone. 🎧 Listen now and then share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. 💬 Come join the conversation in our online community, where we continue these kinds of honest talks every week. 📩 And if today’s episode spoke to you, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast so you never miss an episode. PODCAST SURVEY- Click the link to take a 3 minute survey to help me know how to make the show even better! When completing the survey you will be entered to win some podcast merch (never seen before!) some of my favourite things, and a call with me where I'll any of your questions! Draw happens May 5th. Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join. Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 m
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