Neurodivergent Conversations | Autism, ADHD, AuDHD, PDA, Emotional Regulation, SEND parent, Meltdowns, Special Needs Parent

Epizode

• When Every Day Is Different: Raising a Neurodivergent Child While Navigating Your Own Nervous System 02.07.2026 31min

  Join us for Christmas in July as we connect, celebrate, and have a little fun! If you've ever cancelled plans not because you didn't want to go, but because there was just no capacity left in the house — this one's for you. In this episode, Greer sits down with Tracey Jewel Constable, a late-diagnosed neurodivergent mum raising her son Frankie, who is autistic and navigating ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). Together, they get into the honest, unglamorous, and also genuinely beautiful reality of parenting a child with additional needs when you're also managing your own nervous system. Tracey talks about what "extra time" actually means in their house — and why it's not minutes, it's sometimes hours, or sometimes it means canceling everything and ordering Uber Eats. She shares how she and her husband use a simple battery-level check-in (think Brené Brown energy) to navigate days when capacity is low for one or both of them, and why pushing through doesn't help anyone when the tank is empty. They also dig into Frankie's ARFID journey, including what it looked like before his PEG tube — and the beautiful shift Tracey has witnessed since he's been getting the nutrition his body needs. There's so much warmth in the way she talks about his stims and zoomies coming to life. And then there's the social side — the invisible nature of neurodivergence, the comments from strangers in grocery stores, the friends who quietly drift away (Greer calls it "the silent slip away" and honestly, it's the most accurate phrase). Tracey and Greer both share how finding their people online changed everything — not a big circle, but a real one, where you don't have to mask or say you're fine when you're not. This episode ends with something worth sitting with: it's not just awareness we're after anymore. It's acceptance. And that starts with meeting people where they are — with kindness, with dignity, and with the understanding that compassion doesn't cost a thing. If you've been feeling lonely on this road, you are not alone. This community is out there, and it is waiting for you. GUEST LINKS: Follow Tracey on Instagram GET THE LINKS ⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea Website Join the Unfinished Community Grab Exhausted to Empowered Course Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• When Grandparents Shift Their Expectations: Supporting Your Neurodivergent Grandchild 25.06.2026 29min

  JOIN CHRISTMAS IN JULY- a place to connect, receive free gifts, and have a little fun! If you've ever wished the people around you just got it — this episode is for you. Greer sits down with Jennifer Kaufman, school principal, author, and grandmother to a grandson with autism, to talk about what it actually looks like when extended family shows up well — and what gets in the way. Jennifer brings a rare perspective. She's spent her career in autism education, but when her own grandchild was diagnosed, she had to learn something different: how to set aside the expert hat and just be grandma. That shift wasn't automatic. It was intentional. Together, Greer and Jennifer get honest about the expectation piece (the holiday table you imagined vs. the one that's actually yours), the advice trap that even well-meaning grandparents fall into, and what it really means to be a safe space — not just a safe person. Plus: the small gestures that land hardest, why an offer feels so different from a request when you're already stretched thin, and a reminder worth holding onto — neurodiverse people aren't giving us a hard time. They're having a hard time. 📖 Jennifer's book is linked below.  Also mentioned: The Blue Envelope Program — a simple tool to help keep neurodivergent people safer during police encounters. Search "Blue Envelope Program" to find it in your area. The Wonder Project: Subscriber support makes more great content like I Gotta Ask with Annie F. Downs possible. The Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video is available in the U.S. for $8.99/month or $89.99/year after a 7-day free trial.Visit IGottaAsk.com to learn more! GUEST LINKS: Check out Jennifer's book GET THE LINKS ⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea Website Join the Unfinished Community Exhausted to Empowered Course Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• ADHD Teens Need Structure, Not Pressure: Helping Them Start (Without Shame) 18.06.2026 27min

  What actually changes when a child with ADHD becomes a teenager? In this episode, Carla names something so many families are living: as kids grow, the support systems drop (parents reminding, teachers prompting, schedules structuring)… but the expectations rise (more deadlines, longer projects, less supervision). And for ADHD brains—where the planning and regulation center is still developing—this creates a painful gap between what’s expected and what’s neurologically ready. Carla reframes what parents often interpret as “lack of motivation” as something else entirely: a regulation + structure need. She explains why teens might say, “I know what to do, but I just can’t start,” and how that isn’t defiance—it’s overwhelm and executive overload. You’ll also hear how constant reminders (even well-intentioned ones) can turn a teen’s name into correction… and how that can quietly erode self-esteem over time. Carla offers small, practical shifts that help teens feel less attacked and more supported—like pausing before speaking, lowering your voice, using “we” language, and asking “What’s the first step?” instead of “Why haven’t you started?” This is a deeply grounding conversation if you’re parenting an ADHD teen and you’re tired of the power struggles. It’s not about letting everything slide—it’s about building the kind of structure that helps your teen’s brain quiet down, so they can access their skills… and keep their confidence intact. The Wonder Project: Subscriber support makes more great content like I Gotta Ask with Annie F. Downs possible. The Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video is available in the U.S. for $8.99/month or $89.99/year after a 7-day free trial.Visit IGottaAsk.com to learn more! GET THE LINKS⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea WebsiteJoin the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Am I Married to Someone with PDA? What I've Learned, What's Helped, and What's Still Hard 11.06.2026 16min

  BIRTHDAY DISCOUNT: 30% off Exhausted to Empowered Course use code BIRTHDAY at checkout! Have you ever asked your partner to pass you something and gotten a "why?" in return — and thought, wait, what just happened? If that moment felt strangely familiar, this episode might be for you. Greer is getting honest about something she doesn't see talked about enough: what it's like to be married to someone who may have PDA (pathological demand avoidance). Not from a place of frustration or blame — but from a place of real, lived experience, ongoing learning, and genuine love for her husband and their marriage. She walks through what PDA actually is, why it can look like defiance even when it isn't, and the two things that have made the biggest difference in her own relationship — neither of which she came to perfectly, or all at once. What you'll hear in this episode: Setting expectations before the moment matters — way before. Not at the airport. Not when you're already frustrated. Greer shares how pre-loading expectations (sometimes weeks in advance) has quietly lowered the demand pressure in her home and made daily life feel a little more like a team effort. Bringing your partner into the solution — not as a strategy to "trick" them, but as a genuine invitation to be part of the answer. It doesn't always look the way you'd do it. And Greer's honest about the fact that she's still figuring this out (the missing lightbulb is proof). She also talks about the importance of low-demand evenings, why adults with PDA are often holding so much together during the day, and why asking your partner what actually helps them is always worth trying. This episode won't hand you a perfect system. But it will remind you that you're not alone in this — and that both of you are learning, even when it's hard. The Wonder Project: Subscriber support makes more great content like I Gotta Ask with Annie F. Downs possible. The Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video is available in the U.S. for $8.99/month or $89.99/year after a 7-day free trial.Visit IGottaAsk.com to learn more! GET THE LINKS ⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea Website Join the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• What Dads Are Really Thinking When Your Child Gets Diagnosed (And How to Get on the Same Team) 04.06.2026 27min

  If you've ever felt like you're paddling your kayak alone while your partner watches from the shore — this episode is for you. Harry Psaros is an autism advocate, author, and dad to Gus, who is graduating from Kent State University this week. Harry joins us to talk about something we don't hear enough of: what it actually looks like inside a dad's head when their child is diagnosed with autism — and why so many of them go quiet. Harry gets real about his own journey. He wasn't the hero in the early days. His wife Michelle was. She saw the signs, pushed through dismissive pediatricians, and kept advocating while Harry wrestled with his ego and his fear. It wasn't until they sat in that car, driving home from Cleveland, that something shifted — and Harry made a choice to be all in. In this conversation, you'll hear: Why dads often go silent after a diagnosis (and what's actually happening underneath that silence), the two types of dads Harry sees in his counseling work — and how to reach both of them, what it looks like to build your village when you're new to all of this, how to protect your relationship when the stress of parenting a neurodivergent child starts pulling you apart, and why Harry believes his son Gus — a happy hippie who looks for the good in everyone — is not a scarlet letter. He's a blessing. This episode is for the moms carrying the mental load. It's also for the dads who want to do better but don't know where to start. And it's for anyone who needs a reminder: your child was born out of love, and that love is still your compass. Harry's message is warm, direct, and full of hard-won wisdom from two decades on this road. You're going to want to share this one. The Wonder Project: Subscriber support makes more great content like I Gotta Ask with Annie F. Downs possible. The Wonder Project subscription on Prime Video is available in the U.S. for $8.99/month or $89.99/year after a 7-day free trial.Visit IGottaAsk.com to learn more! GUEST LINKS: Follow Harry Check out his book GET THE LINKS ⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea Website Join the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Neurodivergent Sleep Struggles (and Hope): Bedtime Routines, Restless Legs & Screen-Time Truths 28.05.2026 27min

  If sleep feels like the hardest part of neurodivergent family life, you’re not imagining it—and you’re not failing. In this episode, Greer Jones talks with sleep specialist Melisa Moore about why neurodivergent kids (and adults!) often have more sleep challenges… and what can actually make things gentler. Melisa breaks down the “why” in a way that’s clear and grounding: biology and genetics can play a role, circadian rhythms can be different (like ADHD tending later and autism sometimes being inconsistent), and some neurodivergent profiles come with a higher likelihood of specific sleep disorders. Then there’s the big real-life layer: things like allergies, eczema, reflux, anxiety, and more—stuff that isn’t “a sleep disorder,” but absolutely messes with sleep. From there, you’ll get practical support that doesn’t demand perfection. Melisa shares her “5 S’s” of bedtime routines—short, sweet, sensory-soothing, streamlined, and steady—and offers permission to stop chasing the ideal. Even a bedtime routine once a week can help. You’ll also hear a refreshingly nuanced take on screens: the research isn’t as black-and-white as “all devices ruin sleep.” For some kids (and adults), a little screen time can quiet the brain enough to fall asleep faster—and you can still move toward “good, better, best” without turning bedtime into a battle. Finally, if your child wakes in the night and needs the exact same sound/light setup to settle again, you’ll understand why—and what to tweak so everyone gets more rest. In this episode, we talk about: Why neurodivergent sleep can be more complicated (circadian rhythm, biology, and more) Restless legs/restless sleep and why kids describe it in the most creative ways The “5 S’s” bedtime routine that supports nervous systems without rigid rules A realistic, research-led perspective on iPads/screens before bed Why sound machines and night lights help only if they stay consistent all night How to think about “how much sleep is enough” by watching daytime functioning The reminder every tired parent needs: there’s hope, and there’s always something else to try GUEST LINKS: Follow Melissa GET THE LINKS⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea WebsiteJoin the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Thriving in the Chaos: ADHD, Motherhood, and Running a Business Without Burning Out 21.05.2026 26min

  If your life feels like a beautiful, noisy jumble—kids, work, relationships, responsibilities, and about 47 open tabs in your brain—this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Greer Jones sits down with Jessica Lamb (mom, business owner, podcaster, and recently diagnosed ADHDer) to talk about what it’s actually like to hold all the roles at once—especially when you don’t naturally compartmentalise and everything feels layered on top of everything else. Jessica describes family life as “chaos,” but not in a hopeless way—more like: this is the water we swim in, and we’ve learned how to live here. They get honest about the season of early motherhood and how ADHD can show up hard when executive functioning takes a hit—right when you’re trying to learn how to be a parent. Jessica shares that she’s still figuring out what “self-care” even means for her, but one thing is clear: therapy is her anchor—a predictable space to decompress and untangle the mental knots. You’ll also hear the kind of practical, real-life support that doesn’t require a perfect routine: embracing the ebbs and flows of different seasons using small “reset pockets” of time (like 30 minutes after school drop-off) to create a calmer home base the surprising power of tiny cues—like Greer’s “earrings on = I can do things” mindset shift why reframing “chaos” as manageable chaos can change how you show up day-to-day Jessica also talks about redefining success as an ADHD entrepreneur—success as the right systems, the right number of clients, and work that supports the life you actually want (not just what looks impressive from the outside). And in a moment that will make so many ADHD brains feel seen, she shares how she’s learned to stop shaming her procrastination and instead build around it—setting herself up so deadline-time focus becomes a strength, not a moral failure. This episode is for the mom who looks “put together” on the outside but feels like a duck paddling furiously underneath. It’s a reminder that you’re not behind—you’re adapting. And a little more grace (from you and from others) goes a long way. GUEST LINKS: GET THE LINKS⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea WebsiteJoin the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• When Did You Last Have Fun? Finding Little Pockets of Joy in an Overwhelming Life 14.05.2026 31min

  JOIN THE EVERYDAY NEURODIVERGENT PARENTING SUMMIT Have you ever noticed that fun is usually the first thing to go when life gets hard? When the budget is tight, when you're exhausted, when you're running on fumes — fun feels like a luxury you can't afford. But what if that's exactly backwards? In this episode, Greer sits down with Annie F. Downs — author, podcaster, and all-around fun enthusiast — for a conversation that feels like a warm exhale. Annie gently challenges the idea that fun has to be big, expensive, or perfectly timed. She makes the case that the moments we need fun the most are usually the ones where we think we can't have it. Together, Greer and Annie explore: Why we've been taught to think of fun as something we have to earn or save up for — and why that's getting in the way A simple question that can help you rediscover what actually fills you up (hint: think back to age eight) Small, low-cost ways to bring joy to an ordinary Tuesday — even when you're tired, stretched thin, or parenting through the hard stuff Why "scrolling" doesn't count as a hobby, and what to do instead How just 15 minutes a day of something you actually enjoy can start to bring you back to yourself This episode is for any mom who has quietly stopped doing the things that used to light her up — and who needs a gentle reminder that she still matters in the equation too. You don't need a vacation. You don't need three days off. You might just need a slushie, a craft store, and permission to play again. GUEST LINKS: Follow Annie Listen to That Sounds Fun Podcast GET THE LINKS ⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea Website Join the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• ADHD Moms: Why Everything Feels So Heavy (And What to Do First) 07.05.2026 31min

  Don't forget to grab your FREE ticket to the Everyday Neurodivergent Parenting Summit happening May 11-14! If you've ever felt like motherhood was supposed to be the thing that finally felt easy — and instead it somehow got harder — this episode is for you. Greer sits down with Amy Marie Hann, ADHD coach and mom of neurodivergent kids, for an honest, grounding conversation about what it actually feels like to parent with ADHD. Not the productivity-hack version. The real version — the shame, the overcommitment, the mental load that never seems to let up. Amy talks about why ADHD moms are so prone to over-extending themselves (hint: it's not a discipline problem — it's how your brain processes time and priority), and why the gap between the mom you imagined being and the mom you are right now can feel so painful. But this isn't a heavy episode. It's a hopeful one. Amy shares where to actually start when everything feels urgent and overwhelming — and it's not another complicated system. It's something much smaller, and much more doable. She also talks about why taking care of yourself isn't selfish — it's one of the most powerful things you can do for your neurodivergent kids. They also get into something that feels quietly important: safety. What it means to find environments where your family can actually exhale. And why, as the mom, you often have to be the one who goes first. In this episode, you'll hear about: Why ADHD can make motherhood feel like a character flaw, not a skill gap The hidden exhaustion of over-committing and time blindness Where to start when you're overwhelmed and the to-do list feels never-ending Why self-care for ADHD moms isn't a luxury — it's the foundation The power of modeling regulation, routine, and rest for your kids What it looks like to build a life that actually fits your brain and your family You are the right parent for your child. Even on the hard days. Especially on the hard days. GUEST LINKS: Follow Amy Marie Check out her resources GET THE LINKS ⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea Website Join the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• You're Not Failing — You're Burnt Out: What No One Tells Moms About Nervous System Regulation 30.04.2026 32min

  GRAB YOUR FREE TICKET TO THE SUMMIT FOR MAMAS If you've been waking up exhausted before the day even starts, moving through the hours in a fog, snapping more than you want to, and quietly wondering what happened to the version of you that felt okay — this episode is for you. Greer sits down with Irin Rubin, founder of MamaZen, for one of those conversations that feels less like an interview and more like someone finally saying out loud the thing you've been carrying alone. Irin spent years in maternal burnout before she found something that actually helped — and it wasn't a planner, a routine, or another self-care tip. It was learning to regulate her own nervous system first. And everything changed from there. In this conversation, Greer and Irin talk about: Why burnout can creep up slowly over years — and why it so often gets mistaken for failing The gap between what society tells us motherhood should look like and what it actually feels like on the inside Why the "superhero mom" idea can quietly work against us — and what a real superhero mom actually looks like How our nervous systems are deeply linked to our children's, and why our regulation is one of the most powerful things we can offer them What co-regulation actually means in real life — including what to do when words just don't help How Greer's son regulates during meltdowns by listening to her heartbeat (this moment will stay with you) What MamaZen is and how it's helping moms move from chronic fight-or-flight into genuine calm This episode is especially for moms raising neurodivergent kids — many of whom are navigating their own nervous systems at the same time. There's no judgment here. Just honesty, warmth, and a quiet reminder that you are the anchor. And anchors need tending too. GUEST LINKS: Follow Irin Check out Mama Zen GET THE LINKS ⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea Website Join the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• The Invisible Load: What Caregivers Carry (And What They Actually Need) 23.04.2026 57min

  Join us at the Everyday Neurodivergent Parenting Summit If you've ever felt like you're living on the edge of yourself — keeping everyone else afloat while quietly disappearing — this episode was made for you. Greer sits down with Michelle Anderson, founder of JMB Inspired and host of the Radiant Moments Caregiver Oasis podcast, for an honest, deeply human conversation about what it really means to be a caregiver inside neurodivergent and medically complex family life. Together, they explore the parts of caregiving that don't get talked about enough: the always-on mental load, the invisible emotional work, the loneliness of asking for help and not knowing how, and what it feels like to one day realize you can't remember what you even like anymore. But this episode isn't just about naming the hard stuff. It's about finding your way back — in micro moments, in community, in tiny choices that say I matter too. In this episode, you'll hear about: The mental and emotional load that never really switches off — and why "just relax" isn't the answer. How micro moments and habit stacking can quietly rebuild your regulation without adding to your plate. Why "call me if you need anything" often leaves caregivers more isolated — and how to ask for and offer specific, real-life support. What it feels like to lose yourself inside a caregiving role, and the gentle, small ways you can begin to find your way back. The kind of community that actually helps — and why it's okay if it looks completely different than you expected. This conversation is warm, practical, and full of the kind of honesty that makes you exhale and think yes, that's exactly it. Whether you're a neurodivergent mom, a parent of a neurodivergent or medically complex child, or simply someone who has been carrying too much for too long — you are not alone, and you're allowed to be part of your own care plan. GUEST LINKS: Check out Michelle Listen to Radiant Moments Podcast GET THE LINKS ⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea Website Join the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Respond, Don’t React: Staying Grounded as an Autism Mom When Everything Feels Like Too Much 16.04.2026 30min

  If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I stay calm when my child is melting down?”—this episode wraps you in so much compassion, without letting you off the hook in a shame-y way. Greer Jones is joined by Lisa Candera, an autism mom of 18 years who built the kind of support she couldn’t find anywhere: support that starts with the parent’s regulation first—because (as Lisa says) we are our children’s environment, and emotions are contagious. Together, they talk about the real reason “just be consistent” isn’t enough when you’re parenting a neurodivergent child: you’re often living in a hyper-vigilant state, your nervous system is already on high alert, and the moment things go sideways, your brain goes straight into default mode. Lisa shares a powerful starting point that’s simple-but-not-easy: do less. Pause. Stop jumping in to fix it. Create space between what’s happening and your response so you can respond with intention instead of reacting from fear (fear of judgment, fear about the future, fear you’re “doing it wrong”). They also reframe meltdowns in a way that’s honestly a relief: the meltdown isn’t proof you failed—it’s information. A sign that something was a “bridge too far” that day. And from there, you can get curious instead of personal. You’ll walk away with grounded, in-the-moment tools (like deep breathing and tapping/EFT) and a deeper reminder: neurodivergent is not just a label—it’s a whole different operating system. Respecting that changes everything. GUEST LINKS: GET THE LINKS⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea WebsiteJoin the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Buddy Dogs: How the Right Dog Can Build Confidence, Connection, and Calm for Kids With Vision Impairments 09.04.2026 25min

  What if the first positive thing connected to your child’s diagnosis was… a dog in a little jacket that makes people smile? In this episode, Greer talks with Robbie Campbell from Buddy Dogs, a service within Guide Dogs UK that places specially matched dogs with children who have vision impairments—often alongside other complex needs. Robbie explains why Buddy Dogs exists: guide dogs are trained for mobility and require a level of independence that simply isn’t realistic for most children. But the companionship, confidence, and connection that dogs bring? That can be life-changing for kids and families. Robbie shares what he sees again and again: dogs becoming an “icebreaker” in public, helping kids feel more confident talking to others, and even opening doors for children to speak about their vision impairment in a new way—sometimes for the very first time. For some families, the Buddy Dog becomes a shift in the emotional story: instead of isolation and heavy equipment drawing stares, there’s a warm, inviting focus that brings people closer. You’ll also hear how Buddy Dogs are different from guide dogs: Buddy Dogs aren’t trained for mobility tasks. They’re placed for companionship and day-to-day confidence-building—and they’re typically dogs who didn’t continue down the guide dog route, but are still beautifully suited for family life. Matching is taken seriously, including what a particular dog needs and what each family’s lifestyle can support, with training and ongoing check-ins to make sure the partnership stays strong. The conversation also touches on neurodivergent families: many kids in the programme are also autistic, ADHD, or otherwise neurodivergent. Robbie describes how dogs often become natural regulators—helping with transitions, reducing anxiety, and bringing grounding presence (without being “task trained” like some assistance dogs). One story stands out: a child who arrived at a session as a whirlwind of anxiety and energy, then settled and connected once the dog entered the room—and after being matched, showed a remarkable shift in focus, communication, and calm. Greer also shares her own experience: how giving her son simple dog-care “jobs” after school (feeding, playing, petting) has helped soften the tricky transition from school to home—because sometimes that repetitive, comforting connection is exactly what a nervous system needs. This episode is a reminder that so much of disability and neurodivergence is invisible—and we never fully know what someone is carrying. Robbie’s takeaway is simple and powerful: be open, be curious, and be willing to support people as they are. GUEST LINKS: GET THE LINKS⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea WebsiteJoin the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• You Might Also Like: Everyone Gets a Juice Box, from Understood.org 02.04.2026 45min

  You Might Also Like.... Check out Everyone Gets a Juice Box here Some kids don’t fall apart at school or out in public. They hold it together all day… and then unravel the second they walk through the front door—because home is the safest place their nervous system knows. In this episode, Dr. Arielle Schwartz (psychologist, author, and mom) shares the story of how she “followed the clues” to understand what was really going on for her son—starting long before the word dyslexia ever entered the picture. She takes us back to early signs like sensory processing challenges, a highly sensitive nervous system, and delayed language development—plus the frustration of having a bright mind with big feelings and not enough ways to get it all out. As school demands increased, the gaps became more visible—especially around reading. Arielle describes the heartbreaking moment when her son didn’t just avoid books… he hid from them—and how the shame of feeling “different” can show up shockingly early. One turning point came from an unexpected place: a film about dyslexia that helped her finally name what she was seeing and pursue a full evaluation. From there, she opens up about what the diagnosis clarified (and what it didn’t), how hard it can be to find the right interventionist (not just the most qualified on paper), and why felt safety is everything for kids who freeze, shut down, or hide when learning feels threatening. She also shares how advocacy with schools can be both exhausting and necessary—and how one committed teacher chose to learn, grow, and become part of the solution. And then comes the hope-filled part: the “game changers” that helped her son begin to see himself differently—community, mentorship, movement, and being surrounded by people who reflected back what was possible. You’ll hear why programs like Project Eye to Eye mattered so much, why some kids need parents out of the homework battle to protect the relationship, and how a few key supports can slowly unwind years of shame. This conversation is tender, honest, and deeply reassuring—especially if you’re in that phase of parenting where you’re thinking, Is it my instinct… or am I overreacting? Arielle’s story is a reminder: your noticing matters. And with the right support, your child’s future can look so much brighter than it feels right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Stop Doing It All Alone: ADHD Parenting Support That Brings Your Child Into the Strategies Too 26.03.2026 28min

  If you’re parenting a child with ADHD (or you’re late-diagnosed yourself), it can feel like you’re constantly trying to “figure it out” — schedules, school, food, sleep, behaviour, emotions… all of it. In this episode, Greer talks with Dr. Jennifer Dall about approaching ADHD through a whole-person lens: not as a “fix,” but as support for real life. They unpack why the basics (sleep, movement, food, connection) matter so much — and how to build strategies with your child so it doesn’t all sit on your shoulders. What we cover Why “whole body” support matters for ADHD day-to-day The question that can change everything: “What do I need right now?” How sleep, food, water, movement, and connection can shape emotional regulation Letting go of perfection (and the guilt) — and choosing supports that fit your life How to start including your child in problem-solving so they build self-advocacy over time Helping kids understand ADHD in an age-appropriate way (and giving them time to process) A gentle takeaway You’re not failing. This is a learning process — for you and your child — and small shifts can make a big difference. GUEST LINKS: Follow Dr. Jennifer on Insta Check out her website GET THE LINKS The Unfinished Idea website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Join the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Addiction Isn’t Always a Disease: Neurodivergence and Addictive Behaviours and How to Understand What’s Really Going On 19.03.2026 35min

  What if some “addictive behavior” is actually a nervous system trying to cope in the only way it knows how? In this episode, Greer sits down with Ben Branson (The Hidden 20%) to talk about the overlap between neurodivergence and addiction, especially for people who were diagnosed late and spent years chasing dopamine, trying to regulate, and not knowing why life felt so hard. They also talk about the bigger picture: long NHS waitlists, siloed assessments, and the painfully common experience of finally getting a diagnosis… and then being handed a letter with zero meaningful support attached. This conversation is honest, sometimes fiery, and deeply human. It’s about what needs to change, but it’s also about something quieter: how understanding your brain can bring relief, context, and self-compassion. In this episode, we talk about How ADHD and autism traits can link with dopamine-seeking and repetitive coping loops Why Ben questions the “disease model” and focuses on behavior, support, and unmet needs The reality of diagnosis without aftercare and why that “so what?” moment hurts Why current pathways feel siloed and why whole-person support matters Moving from awareness to acceptance to action in education, healthcare, and policy What The Hidden 20% is building and why their goal is to eventually not need to exist Gentle reminder: if this topic touches something tender for you, take it slow. You’re allowed to pause and come back. GUEST LINKS: Follow Ben on Insta Check out the Hidden 20% GET THE LINKS ⁠⁠⁠The Unfinished Idea Website Join the Unfinished Community Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Stop Trying to Bubble Bath Your Way Out of Burnout: Parental Burnout Warning Signs and What Support Actually Looks Like 12.03.2026 35min

  If you’re a neurodivergent parent or you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, burnout can creep in quietly… until it suddenly doesn’t feel quiet at all. In this episode, Greer talks with Liz (The Untypical OT) about what burnout actually is, why it’s so common in neurodivergent families, and why it’s often not your child causing it. They name the real load: the constant planning, the constant navigating, the constant advocating, and the systems that make everything harder than it needs to be. They also talk about something that matters a lot: burnout isn’t something you can “self-care” your way out of. It’s nuanced. It’s personal. And the earlier you can recognize your warning signs, the more gently you can support yourself. In this conversation, we cover What burnout is (and why it’s not a personal failure) Why burnout in neurodivergent families is so often about systems, not your child The importance of learning your personal burnout warning signs Why “just do self-care” can feel infuriating when you’re drowning Tiny, realistic moments that help you come back to yourself (even 2–3 minutes) Being more present when your brain is always ten steps ahead Gentle reminder: you’re not failing. You’re carrying a lot, and it makes sense that your body gets tired of holding it. GUEST LINKS: Follow Liz on Insta Check out her podcast GET THE LINKS The ⁠⁠⁠Unfinished Idea website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the Unfinished Community! Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Stop Assuming Silence Means “No”. AAC Support: How to Help Non-Speaking Kids Communicate 05.03.2026 29min

  If you have ever heard “they can’t communicate” and felt your stomach drop, this episode is for you. Because communication is not a performance. It’s a connection. It’s a regulation. It’s being understood. And when we only count spoken words, we miss the ways autistic kids communicate all day long. In this conversation, we reframe what communication actually is, talk about AAC in plain language, and share how to support non-speaking, minimally speaking, and situationally speaking people with more respect, more curiosity, and way less assumption. Today on Neurodivergent Conversations, I’m joined by Becky, a Speech and Language Therapist and Clinical AAC Specialist with Smartbox Assistive Technology, and we are going there in the best way. This episode is packed with the exact kind of clarity parents and educators need, including: The difference between speech, language, and communication, and why those labels matter in assessments, school meetings, and everyday life What AAC really means, plus what counts as AAC beyond a high-tech device Why “non-speaking” does not mean “no thoughts,” “no understanding,” or “no personality” How to spot communication in regulation, behaviour, body language, eye gaze, and connection Why “presume competence” is not just a phrase, it’s a starting point that changes how adults respond a simple way to begin at home, even if you feel stuck: noticing patterns and building a “communication dictionary” so your child feels understood If you are searching for support with autistic communication, AAC strategies, minimally speaking autism, or neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy approaches, this episode will give you language, hope, and next steps you can actually use. GUEST LINKS: Smartbox Assistive Technology GET THE LINKS The Unfinished Idea Website Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Late-Diagnosed ADHD in Women Over 60: Grace, Systems, and the Mother Daughter Shift with Lisa Randall 27.02.2026 36min

  What if you are not “too much,” “too chatty,” “too sensitive,” or “just rude” What if your brain has been working overtime for decades, and a diagnosis is not a label, but permission to finally offer yourself grace? In this episode, we talk about what it feels like to be diagnosed with ADHD later in life, the quiet shame so many women carry, and the surprisingly practical supports that can change your day-to-day. Today on Neurodivergent Conversations, I’m sitting down with Lisa, who was encouraged toward her own late ADHD diagnosis through her daughter Michelle’s journey, and who now leads Lexie’s Voice, a nonprofit supporting families touched by autism and developmental disabilities. We chat about: what “loving yourself” can look like in the form of pursuing diagnosis and support the moment medication made her handwriting slow down and finally match her thoughts how masking can look like people pleasing, and why it can actually be about soothing your own nervous system the social “whiplash” of being deeply present, then forgetting details later, and the systems that help the mother daughter shift when your adult child starts protecting their limits (and what it can teach you about asking for what you need) why “you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one,” and what that means for how we show up with compassion You will leave with language for what you have been experiencing, and a few gentle ideas you can try this week if your brain is always five steps ahead of your body. GET THE LINKS ⁠⁠⁠Check out the refreshed website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Learn about the ⁠⁠⁠Exhausted to Empowered Collective⁠⁠⁠ Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ SPONSOR LINKS: Check out ADHD Central! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• We Almost Didn’t Make It: Neurodivergent Marriage, Honest + Hopeful 19.02.2026 30min

  Marriage can feel hard for so many reasons… and when you’re in a neurodivergent household, it can feel like there are extra layers you can’t always name. In this solo episode, Greer shares a very honest snapshot of her marriage: she has ADHD, her husband is autistic, and they’re raising an autistic/ADHD child (with another little one whose “brain type” they’re still learning). She talks about the real stress points, the growth they’ve fought for, and the small “language tools” that have made communication feel safer and more doable. Greer also opens up about a turning point from about five years ago—when she was close to leaving—and what helped them start repairing: individual counselling, marriage counselling, and learning how their brains work. Why marriage can feel especially heavy in an ADHD/autism relationship How miscommunication often comes from what wasn’t said (or how something landed) The difference between being near each other… and actually feeling connected Practical phrases that reduce conflict (like “10 minutes to dream” and “10-minute tap out”) Why scheduling hard conversations can help neurodivergent nervous systems feel safer How “survival seasons” can look like couch time—and why that can be okay (for a while) A gentle reminder: you’re on the same team, and you’re not alone If you’re in a season where it feels like you’re roommates, not partners—there’s no shame in that. You’re carrying a lot. This episode is your reminder that help is allowed, connection can be rebuilt, and sometimes the first step is simply finding words that work for your brains. If this episode lands for you, share it with a friend who’s trying to love well in a neurodivergent home—and needs to feel a little less alone.GET THE LINKS⁠⁠⁠Check out the refreshed website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn about the ⁠⁠⁠Exhausted to Empowered Collective⁠⁠⁠Follow me on socials: ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices