PODCAST · health
Neurodivergent, Not Broken
by Sam Nelson
Sometimes what we need most isn't advice . It's to feel less alone. I'm Sam (she/her) - hairstylist, mom of two, and a late diagnosed ADHDer. My husband is Autistic + ADHD, and together we are raising our unique neurodivergent family. On Neurodivergent, Not Broken, we share real stories about AHHD, Autism, marriage, parenting, meltdowns, sensory needs, meltdowns, mental health, and everything in between. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, raising ND kids, or love someone who is - this is a space for real stories, reflection, and connection that helps us feel less alone.
Episodes
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The Holidays Can Be Hard
In this episode, we talk about why the holidays can be overwhelming for neurodivergent folks. We cover the social norms that drain us, how to prepare ahead of time, ways to advocate in the moment, and why rest and recovery after gatherings are essential (not optional). If this season already…
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When Sensory Needs Don't Match
What happens when one of us needs quiet and another needs noise? In this episode, I share what our home looked like five years ago, before I understood sensory differences through a neurodivergent lens—and how that understanding changed everything. I talk about: Shifting from “behaviors” to needs...
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The Impact of Diagnosis on Mental Health | Autism & ADHD
Content warning: Mentions of suicidality Skip times : 26:19–26:44 and 40:56–42:21. In this very vulnerable episode , Scott and I talk about his autism diagnosis and what it’s meant for his mental health. He shares how validating a diagnosis can be, the real-world challenges of navigating work…
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When I Want To… But Can’t
Sometimes you just don’t have the capacity for the things you want to do. In this episode I talk about Spoon Theory, metaphor created by Christine Miserandino to explain what it’s like to live with chronic illness, disability, or limited energy. If you've ever felt guilty for canceling plans,...
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Embracing Neurodiversity in Education with Kati Ranae
I chat with Kati Ranae about neurodiversity in education! We touch on: ADHD/autism Hyperlexia & gestalt language processing (GLP) Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) Diagnosis barriers, and medication + mental health. She highlight why universal accommodations and safe classrooms help everyone, and how...
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It Was Never About the Chewing
In this short bonus episode, I share a personal story about my daughter’s sensory needs — and how understanding her helped me see myself differently too. It’s about regulation, shame, and the moments that shift everything....
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Making Space for Sensory Needs
We don’t all process the world the same way. In this episode, Sam (ADHD) and Scott (Autistic + ADHD) share real stories of sensory clash and connection: restaurants where every conversation floods Scott’s attention, why certain clothes tank his mood, how “just go to the beach” can be sensory…
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Sensory Differences
A quick reflection on sensory overwhelm — how it can trigger meltdowns, require long recovery, and why pushing through isn’t the answer. Instead, validation and small accommodations can make all the difference. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ Substack:...
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Why Accommodations Matter
My daughter, who is ADHD and likely Autistic, thrives on routine and needs her clothes to match. Here's how I'm learning to shift from frustration to compassion - and why being willing to accommodate (even when it means being late or inconveniencing others) has made such a difference in our…
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"What You Don't See When I'm Talking"
Scott opens up about what’s really happening in his brain during everyday interactions—juggling eye contact, reading body language, and overanalyzing every word. He shares an analogy that compares masking and coping to running modern software on an outdated computer, and how that constant...
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When the Morning Completely Falls Apart | Parenting
We can put so much pressure on ourselves as parents to be on time. But sometimes, the best thing we can do is choose connection over the clock. "Shaming myself for those moments doesn’t help. Just like shaming her — or anyone else — for struggling doesn’t help." - Sam Nelson Follow on Instagram:...
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Neurodivergent Kids & Food
Ashley pushes back on the myth. “People will say, ‘They’ll eat when they’re hungry.’ That is one of the biggest lies you’re told about a child who’s neurodivergent — because he would rather starve than eat a food that sensory-wise causes him so much discomfort: the smell, the texture, the color,...
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How Understanding ADHD + Autism Changed My Marriage 🧠
The biggest thing that changed my marriage wasn't therapy or date nights - it was understanding our ADHD and Autistic brains. * And don't worry, I'm not anti-therapy. I see my therapist regularly!
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Bonus: Rethinking Screen Time
There’s such a stigma around screen time — but for Ashley’s autistic son, his iPad is a safe space he can always count on being the same. 🎙️ Catch the full conversation with Ashley in Episode 2: Let Them Lead. ❤️ If this resonates, leave a quick rating or review — it helps more families find…
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Let Them Lead: The Power of Child-Led Advocacy
What happens when you stop trying to control everything — and start letting your child lead the way? In this episode, I sit down with my best friend Ashley as she shares her journey raising her autistic son, Huxley, and the powerful shifts that came with following his cues. 🎧 This one will…
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Letting Go of the Control I Thought I Needed: Let Them Lead
This week I sit down with my best friend, Ashley, to talk about what it means to Let Them Lead. For her and her family it was learning to let go of control while raising their autistic son- even when it comes to toys lined up across the house, color-coordinated candy piles, or pillows on the…
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Blooper: Cool Beans
Not everything makes the final cut. When you're finally diagnosed ADHD and told to get a planner...very funny! Just in case you didn't know, Cool Beans is cool again. Listen to episode 1: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6x5TmGcZiHMUPACXq3R5bO?si=ohntRdiSTBWGndB5lBAEuQ Hang out with us over on...
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Episode 1 Trailer
In this very first episode of Neurodivergent, Not Broken, Scott and I open up about our personal journeys with neurodivergence. I was diagnosed with ADHD at 33, and Scott later discovered he was both ADHD and autistic. Those diagnoses reshaped not just how we saw ourselves, but how we showed up…
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Blooper: Who Died and Let Us Live
Scott has a pressing question. Connect with NDNB: https://neurodivergentnotbroken.kit.com/f218316760
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Our ADHD & Autism Story| Marriage, parenting & Life in a Neurodivergent Family
In this very first episode of Neurodivergent, Not Broken, Scott and I open up about our personal journeys with neurodivergence. I was diagnosed with ADHD at 33, and Scott later discovered he was both ADHD and autistic. Those diagnoses reshaped not just how we saw ourselves, but how we showed up…
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Bloopers: Low Side Not Low Tide
Welcome to the Neurodivergent, Not Broken Podcast! Check out our bloopers!
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Bloopers: Puppy Song
Welcome to the Neurodivergent, Not Broken Podcast! Let's get started with some recoding bloopers and a puppy song!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Sometimes what we need most isn't advice . It's to feel less alone. I'm Sam (she/her) - hairstylist, mom of two, and a late diagnosed ADHDer. My husband is Autistic + ADHD, and together we are raising our unique neurodivergent family. On Neurodivergent, Not Broken, we share real stories about AHHD, Autism, marriage, parenting, meltdowns, sensory needs, meltdowns, mental health, and everything in between. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, raising ND kids, or love someone who is - this is a space for real stories, reflection, and connection that helps us feel less alone.
HOSTED BY
Sam Nelson
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Neurodivergent, Not Broken have?
Neurodivergent, Not Broken currently has 22 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Neurodivergent, Not Broken about?
Sometimes what we need most isn't advice . It's to feel less alone. I'm Sam (she/her) - hairstylist, mom of two, and a late diagnosed ADHDer. My husband is Autistic + ADHD, and together we are raising our unique neurodivergent family. On Neurodivergent, Not Broken, we share real stories about AHHD,...
How often does Neurodivergent, Not Broken release new episodes?
Neurodivergent, Not Broken has 22 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Neurodivergent, Not Broken?
You can listen to Neurodivergent, Not Broken on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Neurodivergent, Not Broken?
Neurodivergent, Not Broken is created and hosted by Sam Nelson.
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