Season 2 NEURODIVERSITY - Episode 8: Parenting with ADHD: Finding Your Calm-ish (Dr. Claire Milligan, Psychologist, Business Owner, Parent)

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a clinical psychologist with ADHD parents two neurodivergent children? A uniquely insightful perspective on navigating family life with different brains. Dr. Claire Milligan opens up about her journey from struggling parent to practice director of Maple Leaf Psychology and Allied Health, sharing the moment when everything changed - when her pediatrician asked, "Which one of you has ADHD?"That question sparked what Claire calls her "kaleidoscope moment" - suddenly her entire life made sense through an ADHD lens. With refreshing honesty, Claire shares both professional wisdom and personal struggles, including a meltdown that happened just hours before our conversation. Her vulnerability reinforces what many parents need to hear: perfection isn't possible, but repair always is.Claire explains the crucial differences between tantrums and meltdowns, offering practical strategies for each. She introduces Internal Family Systems therapy, which views our personalities as different "parts" working together like a symphony when well-coordinated. This approach helps parents develop compassion for themselves, especially after difficult moments.For daily life management, Claire recommends specific tools like Family Wall app for shared calendars and AnyList app for grocery shopping. Her family motto - "If it's not in Family Wall, it isn't happening" - reduces the cognitive load for ADHD brains. She emphasizes the importance of working with your brain's needs rather than against them, whether that means wearing earplugs during sensory overwhelm or giving extra warnings about schedule changes.The greatest hope for neurodivergent families? Seeing children develop self-awareness about their needs, like when Claire's son recently said, "I need more warning." By embracing our unique brain wiring and teaching our children to do the same, we create families where differences aren't just accommodated - they're celebrated. Ready to transform your understanding of neurodivergent parenting? Listen now and discover how knowing your brain can change everything.https://mapleleafpsychology.com.au/ danabaltutis.com,  mytherapyhouse.com.au, https://mytherapyhouse.com.au/your-childs-therapy-journey/ https://www.danabaltutis.com/services