Advertise on podcast: We're Not Your Typical Podcast

What happens when you leave an abusive relationship with two young children and have to rebuild your entire life from scratch? In this powerful episode of We're Not Your Typical, we sit down with Evie, better known online as Council House Mama, to hear her story of escaping domestic violence, becoming a single mum, navigating temporary accommodation and raising a neurodivergent child. Evie opens up about the reality of leaving an abusive relationship, the importance of telling someone you trust, and how her best friend helped her take the first steps towards safety. She shares what happened when she left with her two children, the challenges of accessing temporary accommodation, and what it was like to start again in a council property. We also talk about Evie's own autism diagnosis and her son's autism and ADHD, including the signs that were initially mistaken for the effects of trauma. Evie explains her son's masking, struggles with transitions, communication differences, sensory needs and emotional regulation, as well as the support he receives at school. From navigating an autism diagnosis and paying privately for an assessment to finding practical strategies that work at home, Evie shares the realities of parenting a neurodivergent child while managing her own autism. Evie also talks about her journey as a content creator, how sharing her life online grew from a difficult period into a career, and why she chooses to openly discuss council housing, SEND parenting, autism, ADHD and life after domestic abuse. Most importantly, this episode is about finding hope after trauma, building a new life and understanding that starting again is possible. 🎙️ In this episode: • Evie's experience of domestic violence • Leaving an abusive relationship with two children • How to tell someone you trust when you're struggling • Escaping domestic abuse and finding support • Temporary accommodation and homelessness • The reality of starting again as a single mum • Council housing and rebuilding a home • Evie's autism diagnosis • Her son's autism and ADHD diagnosis • Recognising autism beyond trauma • Masking in autistic children • Autism, ADHD and transitions • Communication differences and understanding language • Sensory needs and emotional regulation • Supporting autistic children at school • One-to-one support in mainstream education • Paying privately for an autism assessment • Parenting a neurodivergent child • Life after domestic violence • Council House Mama and social media • Rebuilding your life after trauma • Finding hope after difficult experiences 👉 Join our Patreon for more support, community and behind-the-scenes content: https://patreon.com/NotYourTypical?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes on autism, ADHD, SEND parenting and real family stories. Sponsored by B&W https://www.blackandwhitebridging.co.uk/ #Autism #ADHD #DomesticViolence #SENDParenting #CouncilHousing #SingleMum #NeurodivergentFamily #AutismParenting #DomesticAbuseSurvivor #CouncilHouseMama #AutismAwareness #SpecialNeedsParenting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when children with ADHD and other neurodivergent needs are expected to fit into an education system that doesn't fully understand how their brains work? In this episode of We're Not Your Typical, we sit down with Jamie Gilbert, a former assistant head teacher who spent 18 years working with children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, around 95% of whom were neurodivergent. Jamie shares his experience working with children with ADHD, autism and other additional needs, and explains why he believes emotional regulation needs to come before academic achievement. We discuss the challenges children can face in mainstream and specialist education, the impact of masking, why children may release their emotions at home after holding everything together at school, and how working memory and executive function can affect everyday life. Jamie also opens up about his own experience growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, including the importance of understanding yourself, building confidence and finding the right tools to regulate your emotions. He explains how movement, sport, positive relationships and dynamic learning can help children engage, and why he believes ADHD should be understood as more than either a "superpower" or a deficit. We also talk about ADHD medication, diagnosis, rejection sensitivity, hyperfocus, working memory, parenting ADHD children, and how parents can adapt communication to better support their children. Jamie also shares more about ADHD School, his virtual educational programme designed to help children understand their ADHD brain, develop executive functioning skills and build their own ADHD toolkit. 🎙️ In this episode: • Understanding ADHD and the ADHD brain • ADHD and emotional regulation • ADHD, autism and neurodivergence in education • Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs • Why emotional regulation can affect learning • Understanding masking in children • Why children may release emotions at home • ADHD and executive functioning • Working memory and communication • Supporting children with ADHD at home • Movement breaks and ADHD regulation • Hyperfocus and the strengths of ADHD • ADHD diagnosis and understanding the diagnosis • ADHD medication and individual choices • Avoiding the "ADHD superpower" narrative • Helping children understand themselves • Jamie's experience of growing up with undiagnosed ADHD • ADHD School and supporting neurodivergent children 📚 Find out more about Jamie's ADHD School: https://adhdschool.com/ 👉 Join our Patreon for more support, community and behind-the-scenes content: https://patreon.com/NotYourTypical?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes on autism, ADHD, SEND parenting and real family stories. Sponsored by B&W https://www.blackandwhitebridging.co.uk/ #ADHD #ADHDParenting #ADHDSupport #NeurodivergentChildren #ADHDAwareness #SENDParenting #AutismAndADHD #EmotionalRegulation #NeurodivergentFamily #SpecialNeedsParenting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Finding the right childcare for an autistic or neurodivergent child can feel incredibly difficult especially when trust, safety and understanding are so important. In this episode, we sit down with Josh, also known as Jossy.cares, an experienced childcare professional who has spent 18 years working with children and families, including children with autism, ADHD and other neurodivergent needs. Josh shares what it is really like to care for neurodivergent children, from supporting non-verbal children and understanding different forms of communication to creating a safe environment where children can be themselves. We also discuss why male carers and male nannies are still relatively uncommon, how parents can build trust with a new carer, the importance of introducing carers gradually, and the challenges parents face when leaving their children in someone else’s care. Josh also opens up about supporting neurodivergent adults at inclusive events and why he believes care should never be seen as a gender-based role. 🎙️ In this episode: • Finding trusted childcare for autistic and neurodivergent children • Caring for non-verbal children • Autism, ADHD and additional needs • How carers can support overwhelmed parents • Building trust between parents, children and carers • Why male childcare workers are important • Supporting neurodivergent adults in social spaces • Creating more inclusive environments • Understanding children through their behaviour and communication 📍 Follow Josh / Jossy Cares on social media to find out more about his childcare services. 👉 Join our Patreon for more support, community and behind-the-scenes content: https://patreon.com/NotYourTypical?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes on autism, SEND parenting and real family stories. Sponsored by B and W https://www.blackandwhitebridging.co.uk/ #Autism #SENDParenting #AutismDad #EHCP #HomeEducation #NeurodivergentFamily #AutismAwareness #SpecialNeeds #ParentingJourney Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What is it really like raising a child with complex autism and high support needs? In this episode of We’re Not Your Typical, we sit down with Lucy, mum to 16-year-old Jacob, to hear her honest story of raising a child with autism, ADHD, developmental delay and significant care needs. Lucy shares the realities of parenting Jacob from his early diagnosis through to his teenage years, including non-verbal autism, sensory challenges, self-injurious behaviour, toileting, sleep, medication, education and accessing support. She also opens up about the challenges of being a full-time carer, the importance of respite care, supporting siblings and the difficult questions that come with thinking about an autistic child's future and adulthood. This is an honest and emotional conversation about autism parenting, complex autism, high support needs, disability support, respite care and life beyond childhood. If you're a parent of an autistic child, caring for someone with additional needs, or simply want to better understand the realities many families face, this episode is for you. 👉 Join our Patreon for more support, community and behind-the-scenes content: https://patreon.com/NotYourTypical?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes on autism, SEND parenting and real family stories. Sponsored by B and W https://www.blackandwhitebridging.co.uk/ #Autism #SENDParenting #AutismDad #EHCP #HomeEducation #NeurodivergentFamily #AutismAwareness #SpecialNeeds #ParentingJourney Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Eri's son Rio was born, she immediately knew something wasn't right. Having seen her brother live with Craniosynostosis, she recognised the signs that others missed. What followed was a journey of multiple brain surgeries, months of uncertainty, and learning to trust her instincts when medical professionals weren't convinced. In this emotional episode of We're Not Your Typical, Eri shares Rio's story, from his diagnosis at birth to undergoing life-changing surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and why parents should never ignore their gut feeling. In this episode: 🧠 What Craniosynostosis is and how it affects brain development 🏥 Rio's first surgery at just four months old ⚠️ How routine eye tests revealed dangerous pressure on his brain 💙 The emotional reality of watching your child undergo brain surgery twice 👶 The signs every parent should know to look out for 🙏 Why trusting your instincts can save your child's life ✨ Life after surgery and Rio's recovery journey If you're a parent worried about your child's development, head shape, or you've experienced a rare diagnosis, this episode is filled with hope, awareness, and practical advice. 💬 Have you experienced something similar? Share your story in the comments to help raise awareness for other families. 👉 Join our Patreon for more support, community and behind-the-scenes content: https://patreon.com/NotYourTypical?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes on autism, SEND parenting and real family stories. Sponsored by B and W https://www.blackandwhitebridging.co.uk/ #Autism #SENDParenting #AutismDad #EHCP #HomeEducation #NeurodivergentFamily #AutismAwareness #SpecialNeeds #ParentingJourney Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when your child's autism and ADHD diagnosis changes your entire life? In this episode of We're Not Your Typical, Ben shares his family's powerful journey through school refusal, late autism and ADHD diagnoses, parenting challenges, and how those experiences inspired him to build an AI-powered app designed specifically for neurodivergent families. Ben opens up about navigating mainstream education, masking, therapy, marriage, late diagnosis as an adult, ADHD medication, and the realities of raising neurodivergent children. He also explains how his app, SYLVA, aims to support families with personalised parenting advice, emotional support, and practical tools for everyday life. In this episode we discuss: - Autism and ADHD diagnosis in children and adults - School refusal and masking - Parenting neurodivergent children - Marriage and relationships under pressure - Late autism and ADHD diagnosis - ADHD medication myths and realities - AI support for neurodivergent families - DLA forms, NHS waiting lists and family support - Emotional wellbeing for parents - Building technology to help SEND families Whether you're parenting an autistic child, navigating ADHD, waiting for a diagnosis, or simply looking for support, this conversation offers practical advice, reassurance, and hope. 👉 Join our Patreon for more support, community and behind-the-scenes content: https://patreon.com/NotYourTypical?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes on autism, SEND parenting and real family stories. Sponsored by B and W https://www.blackandwhitebridging.co.uk/ #Autism #SENDParenting #AutismDad #EHCP #HomeEducation #NeurodivergentFamily #AutismAwareness #SpecialNeeds #ParentingJourney Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when your sister-in-law becomes your biggest source of support through one of the hardest journeys of your life? In this emotional episode, Sophie is joined by her sister-in-law, Talia, to share the story of how they went from strangers to best friends, bonded by motherhood and later united through raising neurodivergent children. Together, they open up about the early signs of autism, navigating developmental delays, the emotional impact of receiving a diagnosis, sleep struggles, family dynamics, sibling relationships, and how autism has shaped their lives. This honest conversation offers reassurance, understanding, and hope for parents, carers, and families navigating autism and neurodiversity. In this episode we discuss: - The early signs of autism they first noticed - Why sleep difficulties can be an early indicator - The emotional reality of receiving an autism diagnosis - Supporting autistic children through family life - Helping cousins understand autism - Raising neurodivergent children together - The importance of early intervention - How family support makes all the difference - Motherhood, friendship and becoming sisters Whether you're parenting an autistic child, supporting a neurodivergent family member, or simply want to understand autism better, this episode is full of honest conversations and lived experience. 💜 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and leave a comment sharing your own experiences. 👉 Join our Patreon for more support, community and behind-the-scenes content: https://patreon.com/NotYourTypical?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes on autism, SEND parenting and real family stories. Sponsored by B and W https://www.blackandwhitebridging.co.uk/ #Autism #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #Parenting #AutismParenting #SpecialNeeds #AdditionalNeeds #Neurodivergent #Motherhood #FamilyPodcast #ParentingPodcast #AutisticChildren #AutismSupport #WomenSupportingWomen #SistersInLaw #FamilyLife #Podcast #UKPodcast #RaisingAutisticChildren #AutismJourney Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan opens up about his daughter Monroe's autism journey from early developmental signs his wife spotted before anyone else believed her, to self-harming behaviours at nursery, a brutal fight to get Monroe into a SEND school, and the moment they realised mainstream schooling wasn't right for her anymore. This conversation covers the messy, unfiltered reality of parenting a child with complex needs: sleepless nights, sensory overwhelm, the guilt of feeling "useless" as a dad, and the system that often leaves families to fight alone. 🧩 In this episode: 📝 The early signs everyone dismissed until they couldn't be ignored 😢 Four months of "hell" getting Monroe settled into her SEND school 🚫 Why they made the hard call to pull her out of school entirely 🏡 Their experience with Elective Home Education (EHE) for a child with complex needs 💛 How Monroe is thriving now happier, eating, sleeping, more regulated 👰 Planning a wedding around an autistic child's sensory needs 🗣️ A dad's honest take on grief, guilt, and finally feeling like "the whole world isn't ending" If you're a parent navigating a similar diagnosis, an EHCP battle, or wondering whether school is really the right environment for your child this one's for you. 💬 Got a similar story? Drop it in the comments this community is built on not feeling alone in this. 👉 Join our Patreon for more support, community and behind-the-scenes content: https://patreon.com/NotYourTypical?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink 👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes on autism, SEND parenting and real family stories. Sponsored by B and W https://www.blackandwhitebridging.co.uk/ #Autism #SENDParenting #AutismDad #HomeEducation #AutismJourney #ParentingAutism #EHCP #SpecialNeeds #AutismAwareness #NeurodivergentFamily Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode we're tackling YOUR autism & PDA parenting dilemmas the ones that don't have easy answers. From masking at school to grandparents who "just don't get it," we're answering the questions flooding our inbox with total honesty (no sugar-coating, promise). 🎧 In this episode: 👧 Birthday party dilemmas do you risk the overwhelm or skip the social opportunity? 👴 The grandparent problem handling family members who dismiss sensory meltdowns 💔 Sibling jealousy & the "Glass Child" experience 🐔 The supermarket battle when your child will only eat ONE specific food 😴 Sleep struggles & why bedtime routines look different for autistic kids 🏫 Masking why "well-behaved at school" often means "meltdown at home" ✈️ The holiday dilemma staying home vs. risking a stressful trip abroad 🗣️ PDA mornings when even things your child WANTS to do feel like demands This is the deep, raw, unfiltered conversation we wish someone had with us. If you're raising a neurodivergent child, you are not alone in any of this. 💬 Got a dilemma of your own? Drop it in the comments or send it to us we read every single one. 🔗 Want even more honest, unfiltered episodes? Join us on Patreon (£5 & £10 tiers) for exclusive content: https://patreon.com/NotYourTypical?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink 👍 If this helped, please like, subscribe, and share with a parent who needs to hear it. Sponsored by B and W https://www.blackandwhitebridging.co.uk/ #AutismParenting #PDA #AutismAwareness #MaskingInAutism #SEND #Neurodivergent #AutismMum #SpecialNeedsParenting #GlassChild #ParentingDilemmas #AutismSupport #ADHDParenting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A rare and honest conversation with a dad on the spectrum-parenting journey. In this episode, we sit down with Glenn (with two Ns!), known online as @AutismWithFreddie, for a refreshingly honest chat about raising his 14-year-old son Freddie, who is autistic and non/pre-verbal. We talk about: 🍼 The years-long journey to potty training success 🐷 Freddie's unshakeable love of Peppa Pig (even at 14!) 🥔 Being a certified "Pringles snob" and other sensory food quirks 💔 Denial after diagnosis, and why so many marriages struggle after an autism diagnosis 👨‍👧‍👦 Co-parenting, respite, and why some dads stay quiet about it all 🎭 An unforgettable sensory-friendly trip to see The Lion King 🗣️ Why dad voices are so underrepresented in the SEN/autism community and why that needs to change Glenn isn't a professional or an "agony uncle" he's just a dad living it every day, and his honesty, humour, and heart make this one of our most relatable episodes yet. 💬 If you're a dad raising a child with additional needs and have felt alone in it Glenn's DMs (and ours) are always open. 📌 Follow Glenn: @AutismWithFreddie🧡 Support the podcast: Join our Patreon community for weekly bonus episodes🎧 New episodes every week subscribe & turn on notifications! Sponsored by B and W https://www.blackandwhitebridging.co.uk/ Patreon Link: https://patreon.com/NotYourTypical?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink #AutismDad #AutismAwareness #ParentingAutism #SENParenting #AutismJourney #SpecialNeedsParenting #NonverbalAutism #AutismPodcast #DadsOfAutism #NeurodivergentFamily Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, my husband Nick joins me for an honest, unfiltered conversation about what life really looks like raising our severely autistic daughter Bailey, who is non-verbal and has a global developmental delay. We talk about the relentless daily routine, the impact on our other children, the loss of spontaneity, relationship strain, identity loss, and the emotional toll of not knowing what the future holds. If you're a parent of a child with autism, ADHD, global delay, or any additional needs you are not alone. We see you. Topics covered: - Raising a non-verbal autistic child - Global developmental delay - Special needs sibling guilt - Parenting burnout and identity loss - ADHD in adults and parenting - How to cope when you can't see an end Sponsored by B and W https://www.blackandwhitebridging.co.uk/ 🔔 Subscribe | 💬 Drop a comment below | 📩 #autismparenting #specialneedsparenting #nonverbalautism #GlobalDelay #ParentingBurnout #adhdparenting #autismmum #realtalk Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You asked and we delivered! 🎙️ We sit down for one of our most requested episodes ever an honest and emotional conversation about what it's really like to be a grandparent to an autistic child. From spotting early signs at just nine months old, to the grief, the exhaustion, the meltdowns, and the moments that make it all worth it. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or just someone who wants to feel less alone pull up a seat, this one's special. 💛 Sponsored by B and W https://www.blackandwhitebridging.co.uk/ #autism #autisticchild #autismfamily #autismmum autismawareness #autismcommunity #autismjourney #autismsupport #GlassChild #autismdiagnosis #specialneedsfamily #neurodivergentfamily #autismpodcast #autismparenting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of We’re Not Your Typical, we're joined by SEN experts Lisa and Gemma from Send Mummies to answer the questions every parent of a child with additional needs wants answered. We discuss EHCP applications, EHCP refusals, tribunal appeals, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Blue Badges, school placements, autism, ADHD, masking, special educational needs support, and what happens when children transition into secondary school and adulthood. Whether you're applying for DLA for the first time, fighting for an EHCP, preparing for a tribunal, or trying to find the right educational setting for your child, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-life experiences from families who have been through the process themselves. We also explore why so many neurodivergent children mask their difficulties, how schools can miss hidden needs, and why parents should never compare their child's journey to someone else's. Topics Covered: ✅ What to do if an EHCP assessment is refused ✅ How EHCP appeals and tribunals work ✅ DLA application tips and common mistakes ✅ DLA rates explained ✅ Autism, ADHD and masking ✅ Secondary school transitions for neurodivergent children ✅ Special schools vs mainstream schools ✅ Educational Psychologist reports ✅ SEN support and parental rights ✅ What happens to an EHCP after age 18 ✅ Employment and education options for autistic young adults If you're raising an autistic child, supporting a child with ADHD, or navigating the SEN system, this episode provides essential guidance and reassurance from two of the most trusted voices in the community. Sponsored by B and W https://www.blackandwhitebridging.co.uk/ #Autism #EHCP #DLA #SpecialEducationalNeeds #SENParenting #ADHD #Neurodiversity #AutismParenting #Tribunal #BlueBadge #DisabilityLivingAllowance #EducationSupport Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of We’re Not Your Typical, we sit down with an experienced Occupational Therapist to explore autism, sensory processing difficulties, emotional regulation, and the everyday realities of parenting neurodivergent children. We discuss autism meltdowns, sensory overload, non-verbal communication, ADHD traits, PICA, routines, screen time, gut health, and practical OT strategies that parents can use at home to help their children feel calmer, safer, and more regulated. This honest conversation gives real insight into the struggles SEN parents face daily from emotional dysregulation and behavioural challenges to navigating therapy, school support, and sensory needs. If you’re parenting an autistic child or supporting a child with ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or additional needs, this episode is full of relatable experiences and expert advice. Topics covered: Autism & sensory processing disorder Emotional regulation in autistic children Autism meltdowns & overstimulation Occupational therapy strategies Non-verbal autism ADHD & sensory overload SEN parenting struggles Gut health & autism Self-regulation techniques for children Screen time & dysregulation 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations around autism, ADHD, neurodiversity and SEN parenting. Sponsored by B and W https://www.blackandwhitebridging.co.uk/ #Autism #SensoryProcessing #OccupationalTherapy #ADHD #Neurodiversity #SENParenting #AutismParenting #EmotionalRegulation #AutismSupport Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.