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Parenting Autism and ADHD

Parenting Autism and ADHD

Written by: Cliff Kilmister
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 Parenting Autism and ADHD is a podcast designed to support parents and carers of children with autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and other neurodevelopmental challenges, as well as children struggling with school attendance, even if they haven’t yet been diagnosed. Each episode offers practical guidance on helping your child attend school with less stress, manage meltdowns, and navigate obstacles in the education system. Through expert advice, real-life stories, and actionable strategies, we aim to empower you to overcome school refusal, sensory sensitivities, and behavioural struggles with confidence. Our mission is to build a supportive community where parents and carers can connect, share experiences, and access the tools they need for their child’s success, while fostering collaboration between parents and teachers to create a strong, unified support system. Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships
Episodes
  • Nurture Kindness, Confidence and Self-compassion with Kathryn Lovewell of the Booster Way

    Nurture Kindness, Confidence and Self-compassion with Kathryn Lovewell of the Booster Way
    Jan 21 2026
    This episode is going to be a little different because I co**ed up. I forgot to press record at the start and instead of cutting it out, we've kept it in, because that moment is exactly what today's conversation is about. It's such a pleasure for me to welcome Kathryn Lovewell from kind mind Academy, and we're talking about anxiety, the inner critic and self-compassion. Whether you are an adult or a child, it´s important to think about how we speak to ourselves when things go wrong. So, what you're about to hear isn't polished, it's real, and it perfectly demonstrates what Kathryn teaches. EPISODE REVEALS Booster and Crusher give families a shared language for inner voices: Booster is the warm, encouraging voice that builds confidence; Crusher is the harsh critic that fuels shame and shutdown. You can turn Booster up and turn Crusher down. Parents’ own self-talk and reactions model either Booster or Crusher for their kids, making family-wide self-compassion language a powerful way to build resilience together. Kathryn’s three-step “Booster Break” - name the struggle, remember common humanity, respond with kindness - is a fast, practical tool for calming the nervous system in tough moments. BEST MOMENTS "If we listen to Crusher long enough, which is my invention of my inner critic, it can lead to depression, anxiety and really dark places." "We shouldn't need to justify who we are and how we show up as humans. What we do need to do is make sure that when we go to bed, we like the person in the mirror." ABOUT THE GUESTS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, creator of The Booster Way®, and a Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion teacher. She specialises in helping children, parents, and educators tame the inner critic and grow self-compassion, through her books The Little Book of Self-Compassion and The Voices in My Head! and her family-focused Booster tools. A former teacher who has worked across schools, prisons, and community settings in the UK, USA, and Australia, Kathryn now offers compassion resilience coaching, runs programmes for families and women, and speaks internationally on emotional wellbeing. www.KindMindAcademy.com www.TheBoosterWay.com TheBoosterWayCommunity.com Curious to know how kind you are to yourself? Take a quick Self Kindness Quiz online and discover for yourself - www.SelfKindnessQuiz.com Connect with Kathryn: linkedin.com/in/kathrynlovewell www.YouTube.com/KindMindAcademy https://www.instagram.com/KathrynLovewell https://www.instagram.com/KindMindAcademy https://www.instagram.com/TheBoosterWay “The voices in my head” book - https://amzn.eu/d/g6laOjP Eva’s channel - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-sb6ecqBJk4 https://www.youtube.com/@InspireWithUsYT RESOURCES Cliff´s book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” - ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/3trk6pw CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • EHCPs, School Masking, and Emotional Regulation for Neurodivergent Kids with Sean McNicholas

    EHCPs, School Masking, and Emotional Regulation for Neurodivergent Kids with Sean McNicholas
    Jan 14 2026
    Today, Cliff is joined by Sean McNicholas from New Me Therapy. Sean shares his incredible journey from struggling through school and adult life with undiagnosed ADHD to becoming a therapist specialising in autism ADHD, anxiety, trauma, and brain health. Together, Cliff and Sean look at masking in school, and Sean offers a fresh perspective on why it can actually work in your favour if the school sees your child differently than you do, especially while you're trying to get an EHCP. They explore triggers, routines and CO regulation, and the strategy Sean uses in his practice, including what you can start doing today, and we look at why, understanding our own patterns, first, as adults and parents, can completely transform how we support both ourselves and our children. EPISODE REVEALS Understanding how your own brain works is the first step to managing it rather than fearing it. Simple structures (visual schedules, reminders, alarms, shared calendars) are not “cheats” – they are essential tools that help ADHD and autistic brains function day to day. Schools and families often see very different versions of the same child; both perspectives are valid and vital when seeking assessment, support, and EHCPs. Using a therapist who has lived experience of neurodivergence themselves can be more impactful than qualifications alone. Actively challenge “I’m not good enough” stories and help your children to recognise evidence of their real-life strengths. Practising confident body language and self-talk can gently grow genuine confidence over time for both children and adults. Nature, movement, and creative hobbies are regulating for many neurodivergent people and often better than tech. There is no one right path, only what is safest and most supportive for each person. BEST MOMENTS “There is real hope that you can change your or your loved ones lives.” "Our (neurodiverse) brain develops 30% slower. So, our brain is 30% immature. So, when you've got 15-year-olds, they may believe they're 15-year-olds, but they're going on 10." "I never met one client who only has ADHD." "They want to give you amphetamine they want to activate and stimulate your brain when you may have already an overactive brain." GUEST DETAILS www.theadhdexpert.com https://www.newmetherapy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theadhdexpert_/ https://www.facebook.com/SeanMc71Nicholas/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-mcnicholas-33ab79b7/ https://www.newmetherapy.com/adhdtherapy Panorama program - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001m0f9 RESOURCES Cliff´s book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” - ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/3trk6pw CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
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    1 hr
  • Helping Neurodivergent Students Thrive – Insights From Eva´s Real-World Experience

    Helping Neurodivergent Students Thrive – Insights From Eva´s Real-World Experience
    Jan 7 2026
    In this special episode, Cliff shares highlights from a powerful conversation his daughter Eva and I had on Helping Teachers Thrive, a brilliant podcast hosted by teacher Tem. They discuss how Eva’s notebook helps her regulate and stay engaged, explore sensory overwhelm, mind breaks, fidget toys, and the small classroom changes that can completely transform a child’s experience. Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, you’ll hear honest insights and practical ideas for supporting neurodivergent children so they can truly thrive in school and at home. EPISODE REVEALS Eva’s notebook isn’t a distraction, it’s a regulation tool that helps her manage emotions and stay present, even though it doesn’t look like “traditional” listening. When schools respond to behaviour with curiosity instead of punishment, children feel safer, more motivated, and more able to learn. A reward-focused, strengths-based system gives children a reason to engage, instead of making them afraid of getting things “wrong.” When a child feels truly understood at school, their confidence grows and spills over into other areas of life including clubs, hobbies, and friendships. What can look like doing nothing at parties or in groups is often a child carefully protecting themselves from sensory and social overwhelm. Short, supported breaks and quiet spaces are essential tools that help neurodivergent children stay regulated enough to learn. Fidget toys, doodling, and notebooks aren’t just “extras;” they’re simple regulation tools that keep hands busy so brains can stay focused. Shutdowns as signs of overwhelm, not bad behaviour. BEST MOMENTS "In my old school, the teachers didn't really recognise us that they just saw as she's not listening so but in my new school, they see as she is listening, just in her own way." "Allow the student time to process." "The problem with the cards, from a teacher's perspective, is I don't want to single that child out." “Let them fidget with (the toy) underneath the table, so it doesn't distract other kids. It just helps them, like, do something with the hands.” “I see kids drawing on their hands all the time. I didn't actually think that is helping them regulate.” EPISODE RESOURCES You can listen to the full episode here - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/supporting-neurodiverse-children-autism-adhd-insights/id1681843058?i=1000738444038 RESOURCES Cliff´s book “What To Do When Your Child Shuts Down” - ⁠⁠https://amzn.eu/d/3trk6pw CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. When he's not helping his child thrive, he’s dodging the evil stares of his three cats, who are plotting to take over the world (fortunately, they still haven’t figured out how to use the tin opener). Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change!
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    29 mins
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