Episode 115: Spoon Theory & Neurodivergence with Adelle Sushames

In this episode of Parent Like a Psychologist, Leanne is joined by Adelle Sushames—a late-diagnosed AuDHD clinical psychologist, creator of the NDME and Spoon Theory card decks, and the voice behind Neurodivergent Ally. Together, they explore how neurodivergent children (and adults) can better understand their needs, communicate them, and feel empowered rather than pathologized. Adelle shares how her card decks help shift the language around autism and ADHD from deficits to preferences, strengths, identity, and lived experience. The conversation dives deep into Spoon Theory, a framework for understanding fluctuating energy levels, why children can appear “fine at school but melt down at home,” and how families and educators can use this language to support kids with compassion instead of pressure. This episode is warm, insightful, validating—and full of practical tools for supporting neurodivergent children with space and grace. What We Talk About in This Episode Why traditional clinical descriptions of autism and ADHD often don’t reflect lived experience The purpose and philosophy behind the NDME identity-affirming cards How Spoon Theory helps explain fluctuating capacity and energy levels throughout the day Why some children can cope at school but collapse emotionally at home Understanding school-based burnout and school can't The emotional experience of being neurodivergent in a world not designed for your brain How cards can open gentle, low-pressure conversations between parents and kids The importance of self-compassion for both children and parents The idea of parenting neurodivergent kids with space + grace, rather than endless demands Guest Bio – Adelle Sushames (Neurodivergent Ally) Adelle Sushames is a late-diagnosed AuDHD Clinical Psychologist and the creator of several neurodiversity-affirming card decks designed to help autistic and ADHD individuals better understand themselves and communicate their needs. Her NDME, Spoon Thieves, and Spoon Savers card decks are used across therapy, home, school, and community settings. Adelle is also known online as Neurodivergent Ally, where she shares support, education, and relatable parenting insights—delivered with professional expertise, heart, and her signature sass. Connect with Adelle Instagram: @neurodivergent_ally Facebook: Neurodivergent Ally Website & Card Decks: https://www.neurodivergentally.com/  Free Children’s Book on Understanding AuDHD: https://www.neurodivergentally.com/freebies  Listener Takeaways After listening, you’ll walk away with: ✅ A clearer understanding of how neurodivergent brains manage energy ✅ A strength-based language to help kids recognise and express their needs ✅ Tools to reduce after-school meltdowns and emotional overwhelm ✅ Insight into burnout and why “just push through” doesn’t work ✅ Validation that supporting your child means supporting yourself, too Follow me on: Instagram:@leannetranpsychologyFacebook: @Leanne TranLinked In: @leannetranpsychologyEmail me: [email protected] my website: learn.leannetran.com.au