Episodi
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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to be the perfect parent? Take a deep breath – you're not alone, and this conversation might be exactly what you need to hear.
Speech and language therapist Ruth Jones talks with me about the concept of being a "good enough" parent, when I ask her if she is the perfect parent.
We talk about:
• The liberating concept of being a "good enough" parent instead of striving for perfection
• How COVID-19 impacted child development and created challenges in differentiating between pandemic-related delays and neurological differences
• The importance of honouring all forms of communication, not just verbal language
• Why direct autistic communication is often misinterpreted as rudeness rather than a different communication style
• Common misconceptions about speech and language therapy for neurodivergent children
• The value of curiosity when supporting neurodivergent children and understanding behaviours
• Why apologising to your children models important emotional regulation skills
• Ruth's upcoming book on neurodiversity-affirming practice for speech therapists
Whether you're parenting a neurodivergent child, questioning differences in your family, or simply trying to be a more compassionate parent, this conversation will leave you feeling validated and equipped with practical wisdom. Listen now and discover how being "good enough" might actually be the perfect approach to parenting after all.
You can find Ruth here:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuthJonesSLT
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruth_jones_slt/
Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
Part 2
Ever wondered what it's like navigating complex systems with dyslexia while trying to advocate for your children's needs? The mental gymnastics can be exhausting, yet this challenge remains largely invisible in discussions about parenting.
When a dyslexic parent faces walls of text in emails, dense reports, or complicated forms, what neurotypical brains process effortlessly becomes a cognitive marathon. As I share in this episode, my working memory operates on a "postage stamp" while others enjoy an entire A4 page—meaning information gets displaced quickly, requiring multiple readings and creative workarounds. The constant mental translation from written word to usable information creates an enormous unseen burden.
The emotional toll runs deep too. Many of us hide our dyslexia from professionals due to lifetime fears of being judged or underestimated. I candidly discuss how I went through an entire tribunal process without disclosing my dyslexia—a decision I now question. Could accommodations have made that journey less arduous? Simple changes like bullet-pointed information, clear summaries, and mixed communication formats (both written and verbal) dramatically improve accessibility, not just for dyslexic parents but for everyone navigating additional needs systems.
Despite these challenges, dyslexic thinking brings valuable skills to the table. Our natural problem-solving abilities and outside-the-box thinking become superpowers when advocating for children within rigid systems. We develop creative workarounds that often benefit the whole family.
Whether you're a dyslexic parent seeking validation, a professional wanting to improve accessibility, or simply curious about neurodivergent experiences, this episode offers practical insights into making systems work better for diverse brains. Join me in exploring how dyslexia shapes every aspect of additional needs parenting—and why those postage-stamp brains deserve more recognition and support.Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Episodi mancanti?
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Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
What happens when we throw away the parenting rulebook and embrace our authentic, imperfect selves? In this fascinating conversation with Jen Wilson (aka Irregular Jen), we explore the radical idea that perfect parenting is not only impossible—it's not even desirable.
Jen, founder of the International Day of Consent and self-described "rebel with a cause," challenges conventional parenting wisdom with refreshing honesty. "Anyone who claims they're the perfect anything can get lost," they declare early in our discussion, setting the stage for a liberating conversation about parenting beyond rigid authority.
We discuss consent. Far from the limited understanding of consent as merely sexual permission, Jen reveals how consent touches every aspect of family life, from what we eat to how we communicate boundaries.
It's a must listen for parents feeling trapped in cycles of perfectionism or overwhelmed by societal expectations; this episode offers permission to embrace your wonderfully irregular self. After all, what better gift could we give our children than modelling authentic, imperfect humanity?You can find Jenn on social media;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IrregularJennPage
Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/irregularjenn/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@irregularjenn
Jenn also has a new membership launching 'The Irregular Membership', you can find more information here: https://bemore.irregular.org.uk/membership
Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
On this episode of The Untypical Parent, I’m sharing something personal about what it’s really like to parent with dyslexia. This is Part 1 of a two-part deep dive, and it's one I’ve wanted to do for a long time.
What’s in store?
Dyslexia touches so many areas of my life, far beyond reading and writing. As a parent, it shows up in ways that are often invisible—but very real. In this episode, I open up about my own experiences and how I’ve learned to adapt, talk openly with my kids, and build systems that work for us.
I talk about:
The moment my kids’ literacy skills outpaced mine—and how I handled that shift
Why logistics, memory, and planning can feel so overwhelming
How we’ve built a family culture around teamwork, not perfection
The power of being honest with my children
Letting go of shame and finding strength in difference
If you're a dyslexic parent, think you might be, or support families like mine, this episode is for you.
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits.
If this episode made you laugh out loud or feel a little less alone, why not buy me a coffee? It's a small way to show your support and keep this podcast going.https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
🔗 To connect with me, you can find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please email at:
[email protected].I love to hear from listeners about the podcast and any ideas for the future.
Take care
Liz
Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
Ever felt like you're the only parent struggling while everyone else seems to have it all figured out? Then this raw, honest conversation with Mark is exactly what you need.
A self-described "undiagnosed neurotypical" dad raising three neurodivergent children.
Mark candidly shares when he stopped seeing his son's behaviour as defiance and started understanding it as communication. Mark talks about how he learned to meet his children where they are rather than forcing them to meet expectations.
We talk about the complicated emotions that come with diagnosis (both relief and grief), the freedom that comes from creating a home where neurodivergent kids can truly unmask, and why finding your tribe can be the key.
Listen now, and discover how letting go of "perfect parent" ideals might be exactly what your family needs.You can find Mark on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuroshambles/
And Neuroshambles podcast: https://www.neuroshambles.com
We spoke about the book The Explosive Child by Ross Greene and the support group that Mark found so helpful was mASCot: https://www.facebook.com/ascmascot
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I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please email at:
[email protected]Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
Plans can provide safety, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of control for parents in additional needs families when everything feels chaotic. They help reduce cognitive load and mental demand, giving us space to be more present with our children.
• Plans work best when they're flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances
• Written plans take pressure off our working memory, especially during stressful moments
• Types of plans include burnout recovery, community outings, safety during dysregulation, and exit strategies
• Planning ahead helps manage the constant "what if" thinking that comes with additional needs parenting
• Having plans doesn't mean being rigid - it means being prepared while remaining adaptable
• When we're in stress responses (fight/flight/freeze), our brains can't plan effectively
• Parents are the family linchpin - if we don't take care of ourselves, everyone suffers
• Start small with planning rather than trying to plan everything at once
• Sometimes we need help creating plans when we're overwhelmed, and that's not failure
If this episode had you going "that's so me" or feel a little less alone, why not buy me a coffee? Just click the link in the show notes. It's a small way to show your support and keep this podcast going.https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please email at:
[email protected]. I love to hear from listeners about the podcast and any ideas for the future.Take care
Liz
Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
In this episode I talk with Clare Baker from Restlessminds UK.
Clare and I go deep into the raw realities of parenting, neurodivergence, and the often unseen emotional toll of navigating a broken education system. Clare shares her powerful story of becoming a mum at 19, being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, and why she chose to remove her daughter from mainstream education to protect her mental health.
We unpack:
💥 Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
💥 Advocacy for SEN children and neurodivergent families
💥 Clare’s experience with ADHD, and raising neurodivergent kids
💥 The problem with current attendance policies and the push for punitive "solutions"
💥 How empowerment starts with informed parenting and challenging outdated systems
Clare also opens up about masking, burnout, and the importance of showing up authentically—as a parent, practitioner, and person. Her lived experience and fierce advocacy are a lifeline for families stuck in survival mode.
🔥 If you're a parent, educator, or practitioner walking the line between compassion and bureaucracy—this episode is essential listening.
You can find Clare here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restlessmindsuk
Website: https://restlessmindsuk.org/
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please email at:
[email protected]Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
The Untypical Parent Talks to Herself
Why we often say "no" even when we desperately need support?
In this episode, I’m talking about something so many of us struggle with—accepting help. You know that pressure to have it all together and do everything ourselves? Yep, that. I get into how thinking of help as some kind of transaction can actually make it harder to let people in, and how sometimes we push support away so much that people stop offering altogether. I share what I’ve learned about figuring out the kind of help that actually feels supportive (and not just like one more thing to manage), and why having clear expectations with the people around us makes a big difference. I also look at why we were never meant to parent or live in isolation—there’s real history behind that! I’m working on seeing help as a form of connection, not failure, and I’ll share some practical ways I’ve been trying to get more comfortable with receiving it. Plus, a reminder that support comes in many forms—not just the obvious or practical stuff.The link for this month's parenting pause moment: The Sensory Side to Parenting: Unlock the Sensory Secret to Smoother Parenting and More Peaceful Moments
https://info.the-untypical-ot.co.uk/sensory-side-of-parenting
🔗 To connect with Liz, find all the details on her Linktree:https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot☕ If you'd like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
Topics: If you have a request for a particular topic when it comes to parenting in additional needs families, please just drop the podcast an email at [email protected]
Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
What happens when your perfectly planned approach to parenting collides with the unpredictable reality and it doesn't end up fitting the job description! Helen Buzdugan knows this territory intimately. As a late-diagnosed ADHDer, careers advisor, and founder of True To You Careers, Helen shares her raw, emotional journey from parenting, discovering not only hers but her children's neurotype, from juggling work and parenting, to burnout and then recovery.
Helen's story begins with a self-confessed perfectionist approach to parenthood, to her noticing the diverging paths between her experience of parenting and those of other parents, whose challenges seemed to ease while hers intensified. Helen's experience ultimately led her to create her business helping parents in neurodivergent families find employment that accommodates their complex lives.Helen brings a unique perspective to the workforce challenges facing parents and carers in neurodivergent households, highlighting the valuable transferable skills parents develop through advocacy, from research abilities to negotiation tactics honed in countless school meetings. Her practical advice includes understanding workplace rights like emergency leave for dependents, separating immediate crisis management from long-term career planning, and building essential support systems.
Ready to transform your approach to balancing career and family? Connect with Helen's free resources and community support to discover work that truly works for your neurodivergent family life.You can find Helen on:
Facebook, LinkedIn and her links page
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits.
To connect with me you'll find all my links on Linktree:
The Untypical OT Linktree
If you would like to contact me about the podcast please email me at:
Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
Welcome to The Untypical OT Talks to Herself—the mini podcast for typically untypical parents! Bite-sized episodes packed with real talk about parenting in additional needs families. No fluff, no judgment—just honest conversations about the stuff that truly matters.
💡 This week’s episode: My top tip for managing burnout, overwhelm, and stress at work. This also works at home. It's all about the boundaries! Do you know where your boundaries are? Are they hard boundaries or flexible ones? How easy are they to put in place? Join me for a mini podcast to think about your boundaries.
🎧 Are you ready? Come join me.🔗 To connect with Liz, find all the details on her Linktree:https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you'd like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
Topics: If you have a request for a particular topic when it comes to parenting in additional needs families, please just drop the podcast an email at [email protected]
Take careSupport the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
What happens when we stop trying to fit neurodivergent children into a neurotypical world? In this eye-opening conversation, Helen Daniel—author, late-diagnosed neurodivergent, and sensory expert, —challenges everything we've been taught about "perfect parenting" and reveals how societal expectations create unnecessary struggles for neurodivergent families.
Helen shares her theory of neurosensory divergence, which sees autism not as a deficit but as sensory abundance—a richer way of experiencing the world that brings unique ways of learning and thinking, moving away from stigma and highlighting the strengths of neurodivergent minds.She dives into the everyday struggles neurodivergent kids face in schools, where traditional methods often don’t work for different sensory styles. Whether a child focuses deeply on one sense or takes in everything at once, both can feel out of place in typical classrooms.
This conversation is full of practical insights for parents, teachers, and professionals alike. By understanding sensory needs, we can create better learning environments, support self-advocacy, and build a world that embraces neurodivergence instead of trying to "fix" it.
Helen's book Neurosensory Divergence: Autistic Languages: A Roadmap To An Equitable Life For Autistic Children, is available to buy.
You can find Helen on her social media platforms:
Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits.
To connect with me you'll find all my links on Linktree:
The Untypical OT Linktree
If you would like to contact me about the podcast please email me at:
Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
Welcome to The Untypical OT Talks to Herself—the mini podcast for typically untypical parents! Bite-sized episodes packed with real talk about parenting in additional needs families. No fluff, no judgment—just honest conversations about the stuff that truly matters.
💡 This week’s episode: My top tip for managing burnout, overwhelm, and stress in the family home. If you’re feeling stretched thin, this one's for you!
🎧 Are you ready? Come join me.
🔗 To connect with Liz, find all the details on her Linktree:https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you'd like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
Topics: If you have a request for a particular topic when it comes to parenting in additional needs families please just drop the podcast an email at [email protected].ukSupport the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
The Untypical OT Talks with Carla Berlin from Carla’s Classroom
In this episode, I sit down with the insightful and passionate Carla Berlin, the founder of Carla’s Classroom. We cover so much in our conversation—cultural influences on parenting, the role of step-parents, recognising neurodivergence in children when they are older, and Carla’s own personal experiences of being parented.
Carla brings her deep understanding and lived experience to the table, sharing valuable perspectives on how cultural background shapes parenting styles and expectations. We also explore the unique challenges and joys of blended families, diving into the complexities of step-parenting.
Expect real talk, powerful insights, and plenty of relatable moments as we navigate these important topics together.
🔗 Connect with Carla on:
I’m Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health, and well-being. When we support parents, everyone benefits. Don't miss my free video and handout called "Worn Out or Burnt Out"—a guide to help spot the signs of parental burnout.
👉 Download it here🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
The Untypical OT Linktree☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
Buy Me a CoffeeAnd if you'd like to contact me about the podcast please email at:
Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
The Untypical OT Talks with Teo from SendWise HubIn this episode, I sit down with the no-nonsense, straight-talking Teo from SendWise Hub to dive into the messy, beautiful, and often chaotic reality of parenting. Teo shares candid moments—when she got it right, when she got it wrong, and why the idea of a "perfect parent" is pure fiction. We talk about the highs, the lows, and everything in between, with plenty of laughs and hard-hitting truths along the way. Expect honesty, wisdom, and a reminder that doing your best is enough.🔗 Connect with Teo on:Facebook: SendWise Hub Instagram: @sendwisehubMy is Liz and I am The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and wellbeing. When we support parents everyone benefits. Don't miss my free video and handout called "Worn Out of Burnt Out". A guide to help spot the signs of parental burnout. https://the-untypical-ot.co.uk/worn-out-or-burnt-out🔗 To connect with Liz, find all the details on her Linktree:https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot☕ If you'd like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
The Untypical OT Talks with Heidi Mavir
In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant and unfiltered Heidi Mavir to talk all things parenting, self-trust, and surviving the education system with our sanity (mostly) intact. We tackle the stigma around disability, the emotional toll of advocacy, and why setting boundaries is an act of self-care. Expect real talk, hard-won wisdom, and a reminder that youare the expert on your child.
You can connect with Heidi on:
Facebook:Education Otherwise Than At School - EOTAS Matters supporting SEN Families
Instragram:@heidimavir
Website:heidimavir.com
🔗To connect with Liz please find all the details on her linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
If you'd like to buy me a coffee to help the podcast continue please use this link:buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
Podcast Series 1: Are You The Perfect Parent?
Episode 5: Bracky from Supergood Bikers for Autism
🎙 The Untypical OT Talks with Bracky from Supergood Bikers for Autism
In this episode, Liz sits down with Paul Brackstone, affectionately known as Bracky, the passionate founder of Supergood Bikers for Autism. Together, they explore the unique challenges and rewards of parenting neurodivergent children, with a special focus on reaching dads who might not always feel included in the conversation.
Bracky opens up about his journey as a dad raising an autistic child, sharing raw and honest insights into the highs, the lows, and the moments in between. From navigating a diagnosis to finding his voice as a parent and advocate.
How motorbikes became a lifeline for processing his son's diagnosis and building a supportive community for parents like him.
From organizing charity ride-outs to designing a specially-built sidecar for individuals with mobility needs, Bracky is on a mission to make a difference.
This episode isn’t just for dads and bikers—it’s for anyone any parent looking for support. Whether you’re a dad yourself or a mum listening in, this is an episode to share with your partner or grab your partner and listen together.
You can connect with Bracky and Supergood Bikers on:
Facebook Supergood Bikers - for Autism
Instagram supergood_bikers_for_autismWebsite: https://www.supergoodbikersforautism.com/whyweride
Apologies for the delay in the connection at the end of the podcast. Two boys gaming and the time of day - my internet was struggling!
🔗To connect with Liz please find all the details on her linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
If you'd like to buy me a coffee to help the podcast continue please use this link: buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
Podcast Series 1: Are you the perfect Parent
Episode 4: Dani Wallace
While you might know Dani for her inspiring work as a public speaking coach and entrepreneur, this conversation takes a different turn. Dani talks about the realities of neurodivergence, parenting, and navigating life’s challenges with resilience and grace. Dani is raw, open and honest in this chat and is a must listen for any parent.
This episode isn’t just for parents of neurodivergent kids; it’s for anyone navigating the complexities of parenting, self-care, and growth.
You can find Dani on the socials:
Facebook: I Am The Queen Bee Hive IATQB
Instagram: The Queen Bee Dani
To connect with Liz please find all the details on her linktree
This episode is sponsored by: Something Profound
Please use capital letters for the code, it's case sensitive
Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
Podcast Series 1: Are You The Perfect Parent?
Episode 3: Nicola Reekie from the PDA Space
In this episode, we're joined by Nicola Reekie from The PDA Space, where Nicola's discusses with Liz the concept of the 'perfect parent', the importance of self-understanding and compassion and reflects on parenting of the past and the present. Nicola talks about parenting children with a PDA (pathological demand avoidance) profile and the overwhelm in the early days.
Make sure to listen to Nicola's story and hear things she has learnt over time that might make a difference to your family.
Connect with Nicola on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePDAspace
Insta:
https://www.instagram.com/the_pdaspace/
Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/nicolareekie
To connect with Liz please find all the details on her linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
The Untypical OT Talks to Herself - Where did it all begin?
Episode 1
Join Liz, a dyslexic parent and occupational therapist, as she shares her experience of parenting in a neurodiverse family, navigating personal and professional challenges, and supporting parents and carers of children with additional needs. These solo episodes are part of the The Untypical OT Podcast which include inspiring guest interviews, where Liz talks about topics like parental burnout, navigating systems, embracing neurodivergence, and rethinking behaviour.
This podcast isn’t about perfection—it’s about real conversations, and practical strategies to help parents feel less alone and more confident in doing things differently.
This episode is all about where did The Untypical start.
You can find Liz on all the socials check out her Linktree account for all the links here.
Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] -
Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text
Podcast Series 1: Are You the Perfect Parent?
Episode 2: Cheryl Warren from Aperion Training
In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Cheryl Warren from Aperion Training. Cheryl brings a wealth of personal and professional insight as she shares her experiences of parenting in a neurodivergent household. She opens up about the challenges and joys of her parenting journey and provides valuable perspectives on how early years settings can build strong partnerships with parents of neurodivergent children. This conversation is filled with heartfelt reflections and practical advice that will resonate with educators, parents, and anyone passionate about creating inclusive spaces.
Connect with Cheryl and Aperion Training on social media:
Cheryl's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/aperiontraining
Support the show
I'm Liz, The Untypical OT. I work with parents and carers in additional needs and neurodivergent families to support them with burnout, mental health and well-being. When parents are supported, everyone benefits.
🔗 To connect with me, you find all my details on Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/the_untypical_ot
☕ If you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/the.untypical.ot
And if you'd like to contact me about the podcast and join the mailing list please email me at: [email protected] - Mostra di più
