Episodes

  • How to Parent Without Breaking Your Child’s Spirit with Dr Naomi Fisher

    How to Parent Without Breaking Your Child’s Spirit with Dr Naomi Fisher
    Jun 29 2025
    What if your child’s refusal to get dressed… meant they finally felt safe? In this episode Izzy Judd chats to clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr Naomi Fisher about low demand parenting, why traditional discipline often backfires, how to parent when your child is in survival mode, and the critical importance of listening to a child’s “no.” 🔗 More on Dr Naomi Fisher: naomifisher.co.uk Chapters 01:47 – Naomi’s story: from psychologist to parenting trailblazer03:54 – Why parents feel so guilty—and why they shouldn’t06:48 – What is low demand parenting?08:31 – Pressure-sensitive children and why punishments fail10:46 – Trust, boundaries, and non-negotiables13:34 – How to handle getting dressed, shoes, and transitions15:37 – Why pressure-sensitive kids become powerful adults17:22 – “Kids weren’t like this in my day…” — Naomi’s take19:43 – Why school might actually be causing the anxiety26:56 – School anxiety vs general anxiety: understanding the difference31:49 – Why kids can't always explain what’s wrong33:46 – Emotional regulation and why teachers can’t do it alone35:32 – The post-school “regression” panic—and what it really means38:09 – Is there any kind of school that works? Naomi’s answer40:36 – The image mantra that helps parents stay grounded Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • Stop the Meltdown Before It Starts: The Toolkit Every Parent Needs! With Kate Steer

    Stop the Meltdown Before It Starts: The Toolkit Every Parent Needs! With Kate Steer
    Jun 23 2025
    How do you really support a neurodivergent child through the chaos of everyday life? In this episode, Izzy Judd chats to neurodivergent family coach and education consultant Kate Steer about her essential toolkit for parents, from meltdown mantras to school advocacy and sensory survival tips. 👉 Follow Kate on Instagram: @nurturedneurokids 👉 More resources: www.nurturedneurokids.com Chapters 00:00 Understanding Neurodivergent Families 02:45 The Meltdown Mantra: Navigating Emotional Overwhelm 05:52 The Importance of Environment in Meltdowns 08:33 Managing Meltdowns: Strategies for Parents 11:56 Proactive Parenting: Preparing for Challenges 14:45 Self-Regulation: Tools for Parents 17:48 Advocating for Your Child in School 24:29 Understanding Transitions: Supporting Change 38:19 Final Thoughts: Empowering Parents and Understanding Kids 👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkndkids 👉 Email: hello@letstalkndkids.com Lets Talk Neurodivergent Kids is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production Executive Producer: James Carpenter Production Coordinator: Vic Amott Video Editor & Social Media: Oliver Francis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    51 mins
  • School Anxiety is Rising — This Might Be Why? With Sophie David

    School Anxiety is Rising — This Might Be Why? With Sophie David
    Jun 15 2025
    Play expert, author and educator Sophie David joins Izzy Judd to explore the rising tide of childhood anxiety, how the classroom is failing neurodivergent kids, and why play is essential for learning. With insights from her own parenting journey, Sophie shares simple, powerful ways to support children through anxiety, dysregulation, and rigid school systems. Follow Sophie on Instagram Chapters 00:00 Understanding Anxiety in Children 03:05 The Importance of Play in Learning 05:47 Navigating Neurodiversity and Parenting 08:57 The Role of Advocacy in Education 11:55 Innovative Teaching Methods 15:13 Creating Engaging Learning Environments 17:54 Flexibility in Education Systems 21:09 Addressing Masking in Neurodivergent Children 26:22 Understanding Masking in Children 30:11 The Importance of Open Communication with Teachers 33:36 Navigating Homework and Stress 37:17 The Impact of Anxiety on Children 41:43 Labeling Emotions and Open Conversations 46:18 Promoting Playful Learning 48:25 Deciding on Education Paths for Children 50:33 Future Aspirations for Neurodivergent Kids Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkndkids Email: hello@letstalkndkids.com Lets Talk Neurodivergent Kids is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production Executive Producer: James Carpenter Production Coordinator: Vic Amott Video Editor & Social Media: Oliver Francis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    54 mins
  • Helping Your Neurodivergent Child Thrive – Advice from Top ADHD Coach Leanne Maskell

    Helping Your Neurodivergent Child Thrive – Advice from Top ADHD Coach Leanne Maskell
    Jun 9 2025
    Why are so many neurodivergent girls slipping through the cracks, and what can we do to change that? In this episode, Izzy Judd is joined by best-selling author, ADHD coach and advocate, Leanne Maskell. They explore the emotional cost of late diagnoses, the difference in how boys and girls mask, how to support your child through hormonal changes, and why parenting neurodivergent kids requires rethinking everything we thought we knew. Content warning: This episode contains open discussions of childhood trauma, mental health struggles, suicidal thoughts, and sexual vulnerability. Please take care while listening, and pause or step away if anything feels too difficult. If you’ve been affected by any of the topics discussed, support is available. You can contact: Samaritans (UK): 116 123 or samaritans.org YoungMinds Parent Helpline: 0808 802 5544 NSPCC Childline (for under 19s): 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk Follow Leanne, here: https://www.instagram.com/leannemaskell/?hl=en Chapters: 1:10 Meet Leanne Maskell: Diagnoses That Changed Everything 4:25 What Childhood Felt Like When You’re ‘Too Much’ 9:44 Girls vs Boys: Masking, Makeup & Being ‘Good’ 14:50 Anger, Alcohol & Vulnerability 20:18 Periods, Hygiene & Sensory Struggles 25:31 Opening Presents ‘Wrong’ – And the Weight of Misunderstanding 29:12 How Acceptance Can Save Lives 32:07 Hormones, PMDD & the ADHD Cycle 40:23 When and How to Talk About Suicide 41:41 School Trauma & Primary to Secondary Struggles 47:20 Grooming, Dating & Why Critical Thinking is Key 51:21 Let’s Talk Screens: Tools or Threats? 56:47 Friendship, Boundaries & Teaching Agency 1:02:52 What Parents Can Model – And Why it Matters 1:07:59 Leanne’s Hopes for Neurodivergent Kids Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkndkids Email: hello@letstalkndkids.com Lets Talk Neurodivergent Kids is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production Executive Producers: James Carpenter & Jon O’Donnell Production Coordinator: Vic Amott Video Editor: Alistair Nolan Social Media: Oliver Francis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • ARFID: The Misunderstood Eating Disorder Every Parent Should Know About! With Michelle Jacques & Teresa Foley

    ARFID: The Misunderstood Eating Disorder Every Parent Should Know About! With Michelle Jacques & Teresa Foley
    Jun 2 2025
    Feeding your child should be simple — but for some families, it’s a source of fear, judgment, and overwhelming anxiety. In this episode, Izzy Judd is joined by mum Michelle Jacques and occupational therapist Teresa Foley to discuss ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) — a misunderstood eating disorder often mistaken for picky eating. You can follow Teresa's work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_feeding_therapist_/ 01:42 – Michelle’s Story: From Weaning to Yogurt-Only Diets11:47 – What is ARFID? Expert Explains the Diagnosis16:30 – When is it More Than Picky Eating?21:15 – Why Early Intervention Matters23:08 – How to Support Without Pressure27:44 – The Power of Acceptance and Quiet Progress32:05 – Getting Help: A Broken System and a Turning Point 37:07 – Impact on Siblings & Family Life 38:59 – Schools & Safe Eating Environments 43:38 – Working With Teens: Finding Their Motivation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    49 mins
  • Parental Burnout Is Real: "You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup" with Lisa Galley

    Parental Burnout Is Real: "You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup" with Lisa Galley
    May 26 2025
    Izzy is joined by autism consultant, former speech therapist, and mum of three autistic adult children, Lisa Galley. Together, they chat about the often-overlooked emotional and physical toll of parental burnout, particularly when raising neurodivergent children. Lisa shares her personal journey through two burnout collapses, the moment she hit rock bottom, and how she rebuilt her life around micro moments of calm, the 'F-It bucket' and bedtime rituals. Find out more Lisa and her work: https://lisagalley.com/ Chapters 0:00 – Introduction to Parental Burnout2:04 – Meet Lisa Galley - Autism, Family & 30 Years of Insight6:45 – Burnout - Meltdowns, Exhaustion & Intuition15:00 – Mirroring, Trauma, and the Fight to Stay Regulated16:24 – Micro Moments: Building Capacity Through Tiny Acts21:01 – Letting Grief & Resentment Be Valid Emotions23:22 – The F** It Bucket: Letting Go of the Unimportant38:20 – Misunderstood Parenting: Judgement, Masking & Survival43:26 – Coping Tools That Help45:00 – What Burned-Out Parents Need to Hear Most46:36 – Guided Grounding: A Moment to Breathe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkndkids Email: hello@letstalkndkids.com Lets Talk Neurodivergent Kids is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production Executive Producers: James Carpenter & Jon O’Donnell Production Coordinator: Vic Amott Video Editor: Alistair Nolan Social Media: Oliver Francis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • A Name For Your Brain: Ben Branson on Masking, Misunderstanding, and Making Change

    A Name For Your Brain: Ben Branson on Masking, Misunderstanding, and Making Change
    May 19 2025
    What happens when you finally get a name for your brain after 40 years of not knowing? This week, Izzy’s joined by Ben Branson - entrepreneur, dad, and founder of The Hidden 20% who shares his powerful story of being diagnosed with autism and ADHD in adulthood. Hear how that moment changed everything, from how he sees himself to how he parents his neurodivergent daughter. Find out why so many people are still missed by the system, how masking can hide the signs, and why Ben’s on a mission to close the gap for millions of others. This podcast contains discussions of adult themes, which some listeners may find distressing. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkndkids Follow Ben on Instragram and find out more about his work: https://www.instagram.com/seedlip_ben Email: hello@letstalkndkids.com Lets Talk Neurodivergent Kids is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production Executive Producers: James Carpenter & Jon O’Donnell Producer: Connor Gani Production Coordinator: Vic Amott Video Editor: Alistair Nolan Social Media: Oliver Francis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    51 mins
  • What Does Compassionate Communication Look Like? With Dr Donia Fahim

    What Does Compassionate Communication Look Like? With Dr Donia Fahim
    May 12 2025
    Izzy is joined by Dr. Donia Fahim — a leading expert in speech and language therapy and behaviour analysis. Together, they explore the power of communication and share practical, compassionate ways to create inclusive environments at home and in schools. Topics include: when to discuss diagnosis with your child, techniques for communicating with non-speaking children, and how to empower and encourage self advocacy. Chapters: 10:11 - The Role of Speech and Language Therapy 13:36 - Compassionate Communication & Listening 22:24 - Non-Speaking Children 27:08 - Supporting Siblings 35:34 - Encouraging Self-Advocacy 41:04 - How Schools Can Improve Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letstalkndkids Email: hello@letstalkndkids.com Lets Talk Neurodivergent Kids is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production Executive Producers: James Carpenter & Jon O’Donnell Producer: Connor Gani Production Coordinator: Vic Amott Video Editor: Alistair Nolan Social Media: Oliver Francis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    44 mins