Neurodiversity and the utility of being "normal" with Lauren O'Carroll

Note: this episode contains some mildly coarse language.I provide my content free of charge. If you enjoy it and want to show your appreciation, please consider making a small donation — I appreciate it! Donate at the following link:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3LY8DB82U3EMSI thank MJC Partners for their partnership. Find them here: www.mjcpartners.com.auIn this episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming Lauren O'Carroll from the United Kingdom. Lauren is a neurodivergent family specialist, speaker, founder of Positively Parenting, and author of the forthcoming book "You're Not a Shit Parent, You Have ADHD". After spending 10 years managing advocacy services and a further 10 years leading N.H.S. services, she left her leadership career to support parents navigating the realities of neurodivergent family life.Drawing on specialist training in A.D.H.D., autism, and peaceful parenting, over 20 years of leadership experience, the latest evidence and neuroscience, and lived experience as a mum with A.D.H.D. raising neurodivergent children, Lauren helps families move beyond guilt, overwhelm, and survival mode, towards greater understanding, connection, and practical solutions that work in everyday life. She is passionate about challenging shame, making the science of neurodivergence accessible, and helping parents realise they were never meant to do this alone.In this episode, we explored the nuances of our culture and perception of neurodiversity, pondering whether being "normal" actually has any utility, whether characteristics such as neurodiversity constitute our identity, whether autism and A.D.H.D. are mental illnesses, and more.Find Lauren's work:Website: https://www.positivelyparenting.co.ukBook waitlist: https://positivelyparenting.co.uk/youre-not-a-sht-parent-you-have-adhdInstagram: @positivelyparentingtogetherTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@positivelyparentinglozFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenParentCoachLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/positivelyparentingPrefer to listen elsewhere? Find my podcast on your favourite platform here: https://linktr.ee/your.listener.coachingContact me to discuss how I can help you as a counsellor.Phone: +61 402 333 950Email: [email protected]: yourlistener.com.auLocation: Melbourne, AustraliaNote: any third parties mentioned in this content, partners of Your Listener or otherwise, are independent and do not make any financial exchange with Your Listener. Your Listener is not responsible for the actions of third parties and does not make guarantees of them. No part of this content should be accepted as giving advice of any kind. For advice, please seek professional guidance. For crisis support, see here: https://tinyurl.com/assistanceserviceslist