Are We Expecting Too Much From Neurodivergent Kids | NeuroDADverse Ep. 52

Have you ever caught yourself expecting something from your child… only to realise later they genuinely couldn’t do it?In Episode 52 of The NeuroDADverse Podcast, Ben and Dan reflect on one of the most uncomfortable parts of parenting neurodivergent children: the moments when we forget what they’re carrying and accidentally judge them through a neurotypical lens.  Sometimes the hardest parenting lesson is realising your child isn’t struggling because they’re unwilling, they’re struggling because they’re overwhelmed.This week we discuss emotional school avoidance, ADHD, autism, masking, burnout, independence, communication, and the growing public debate around neurodivergent diagnoses.We also explore:Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA)ADHD and autism misconceptionsWhy “just try harder” isn’t always helpfulSupporting children through overwhelm and anxietyLearning to communicate differently as parentsBuilding independence safelyNeurodivergent teenagers finding their peopleCelebrating progress that would once have seemed impossiblePlus, Ben shares a powerful reflection on how media conversations around ADHD and autism can sometimes affect even experienced parents, while Dan celebrates some huge wins around communication, independence, and emotional regulation with Frankie.From packed cinemas full of neurodivergent joy to school anxiety, speech breakthroughs, missing teeth, plasters, sunscreen, and birthday cake negotiations at 1:30am, this episode is packed with the real-life highs and lows of neurodivergent family life.🎧 If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re getting it right as a parent, this conversation is for you.💛 You’re doing great. You are enough. You are definitely not alone.Real conversations about raising neurodivergent children in a neurotypical world.Hosted by two UK dads, NeuroDADverse explores autism, ADHD, SEND parenting, mental load, masking, school systems, identity, and the everyday wins and struggles of neurodivergent family life.🔔 New episodes weekly📢 Share, rate, or comment to help more families discover the show📧 [email protected]🌐 All links & platforms:👉 linktr.ee/NeuroDADverse🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music • Audible📺 Watch full episodes & short clips on YouTube📲 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn#NeurodivergentParenting #SENDLife #AutismParenting#ADHDDads #ParentingPodcast #NeuroDadverse#DifferentNotLess #NeurodiversityUKChatpers:00:00 – Welcome to The NeuroDADverse00:43 – Episode 52 Begins01:58 – Week in Three Words03:05 – Challenges Begin05:46 – Frankie Loses Two Teeth 🦷07:06 – Weekend Transitions & Big Changes10:24 – The 1:30am Birthday Cake Battle 🎂13:22 – Understanding The Real Need15:09 – When Parents Assume The Worst17:23 – Social Stories & Kitchen Climbing20:53 – Why Transitions Are Always Hard23:00 – First Week Back At School23:32 – Emotional School Avoidance Explained24:43 – Supporting Different Neurotypes25:25 – ADHD & Autism "Overdiagnosis" Debate26:57 – When Outside Voices Get In Your Head28:17 – Why Lived Experience Matters30:23 – Catching Yourself Thinking The Wrong Thing31:20 – "Why Can't You Just Remember?"32:17 – The Reality Of ADHD & Autism32:55 – Break33:07 – Wins Section Begins34:08 – The Amazing Digital Circus 🎪35:46 – A Cinema Full Of Neurodivergent Joy37:03 – Looking Back At Early Parenting38:04 – From Survival To Shared Experiences39:04 – Understanding Your Child's Needs39:24 – Mabel Joins A Band 🎤41:03 – Putting Yourself Out There42:55 – Speech & Language Reflections43:43 – Communication Breakthroughs45:30 – Huge Sunscreen Win ☀️46:57 – Sandals, Plasters & Independence49:52 – Looking Back At Progress50:46 – Parenting Beyond School51:10 – Look Ahead To The Week Ahead51:50 – New Responsibilities & Independence52:20 – GCSE Speaking Assessment Anxiety54:21 – Advocating For Yourself55:31 – Dan's Week Ahead56:04 – Why We Keep Doing This Podcast56:40 – Final Reminder: You're Not Alone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.