Autism, Teens & Total Exhaustion | NeuroDADverse Ep.39

🎙 The NeuroDADverse – Episode 39Some weeks in parenting feel like clear victories. Others feel more like figuring things out in real time.This week on the NeuroDADverse, Ben and Dan reflect on a week defined by pride, gratitude, contentment and Minions, complaints, Nanny - while also navigating the ongoing complexities of raising neurodivergent children and teenagers.Dan shares updates on communication behaviours and sensory regulation, as they continue to understand how Frankie expresses needs in different moments.Meanwhile, Ben talks honestly about the realities of parenting teenagers, from school attendance challenges to the physical exhaustion that comes with puberty.In this episode, we discuss:• Understanding behaviours that might actually be communication• The ongoing puzzle of sensory needs and stimming• Teenagers, puberty, and sudden exhaustion after school• When attendance struggles don’t have a clear cause• Parenting arguments and teenage independence• Why some weeks are about progress, not perfectionNot every parenting win looks dramatic.Sometimes the win is simply keeping perspective and staying present.And as always, we end with the reminder every parent needs to hear:You’re doing great.You are enough.And you are definitely not alone.🎙️ NeuroDADverse PodcastReal 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.If you’re a parent of an autistic child, an ADHD dad, part of a SEND family, or simply looking for honest, relatable parenting conversations — you’re not alone here.🔔 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 #NeurodiversityUKChapter Breakdown⏱ 00:00 – Welcome to The NeuroDADverse⏱ 01:30 – Three Words of the Week⏱ 03:00 – Ongoing Parenting Challenges⏱ 05:30 – Understanding Communication Through Behaviour⏱ 09:00 – Stimming & Emotional Signals⏱ 13:30 – Parenting Neurodivergent Teens⏱ 18:30 – School Attendance Challenges⏱ 22:00 – Puberty & Exhaustion After School⏱ 26:30 – Teen Arguments & Family Dynamics⏱ 31:00 – When There Isn’t a Clear Cause⏱ 36:00 – Parenting Perspective: Progress Over Perfection⏱ 40:00 – Gratitude in the Chaos⏱ 43:00 – Final Thoughts & Weekly Reflection Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.