The Unfinished Idea Podcast By That Sounds Fun Network cover art

The Unfinished Idea

The Unfinished Idea

By: That Sounds Fun Network
Listen for free

Welcome to The Unfinished Idea, a space for you to expand your understanding about the neurodiverse world that is all around us. What is it like raising a child with ADHD and autism? How does a neurodivergent person see and interact with the world? This podcast will share practical help, tips, and insights into the joys, struggles, and differences of everyday experiences of this special world. I'm Greer, mom to two boys & two dogs and, together with my husband, raising a child with Special Educational Needs. Our day-to-day experience isn't being talked about in everyday life and I see a gap in those leading people who are neurodiverse. Whether you are a parent, a friend, a teacher, or a neighbor, it needs to be a joint effort. I created this podcast to build a “over a cup of coffee” kind of conversation with you and me -- helping to bring awareness and better understanding about those who are neurodivergent and families who are raising children with additional needs. Each week, I will spend 30 minutes talking and interviewing others in the neurodiverse space and giving you the opportunity to learn, grow, feel seen and heard by how we interact with each other.That Sounds Fun Network 2024 Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Understanding ARFID: When It’s More Than Picky Eating

    Understanding ARFID: When It’s More Than Picky Eating
    Jul 24 2025
    Why You Need to Know About ARFIDEver been told your child is “just a picky eater”? What if it’s something more?ARFID—Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder—is often misunderstood or completely missed, especially in neurodivergent kids. In this episode, we dive into what ARFID really is, how it shows up differently from regular picky eating, and how parents can get the right support without shame or blame. Meet Our Guest: Michelle Michelle is a feeding therapist, educator, and advocate for children with ARFID and extreme feeding challenges. She has helped countless families understand their child’s eating behaviors in a deeper, more compassionate way—especially in the context of neurodivergence. In this episode, she breaks things down in a way that’s accessible, practical, and full of hope. Michelle shares:What ARFID is (and what it’s not)How it differs from picky eating, sensory aversions, and eating disordersRed flags to look for, even in young kidsWhy “just one bite” isn’t helpful—and what to do insteadThe link between ARFID and autism, ADHD, anxiety, and traumaWhere to find support if feeding is becoming a daily struggle What We Talk About in This EpisodeThis episode covers the core signs and symptoms of ARFID, how it differs from other feeding challenges, and why many children—especially those who are neurodivergent—struggle with eating in ways that go far beyond preference. We also explore sensory overload, mealtime anxiety, and why traditional feeding advice can sometimes make things worse. Michelle gives practical strategies and resources to help families respond with curiosity instead of control, and find peace around food again. Key TakeawaysARFID isn’t “bad behavior”—it’s a legitimate feeding disorder rooted in fear, trauma, or sensory overwhelm.Children with ARFID may avoid entire textures, temperatures, or food groups—not because they’re difficult, but because it feels impossible.Neurodivergent kids (especially autistic children and those with PDA or anxiety) are more likely to develop ARFID.Using pressure, bribes, or “just try it” tactics can backfire and increase fear.Building trust, safety, and understanding at mealtimes is far more effective than control.Support is out there—and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    37 mins
  • Brain Health & Neurodivergence: Simple Nutrition That Makes a Big Impact

    Brain Health & Neurodivergence: Simple Nutrition That Makes a Big Impact
    Jul 17 2025
    What if small changes to your child's breakfast—or even their bath—could help with meltdowns, anxiety, sleep, or focus? Brain health is often overlooked in conversations about neurodivergence, but it might just be the missing piece you’ve been searching for.In this episode, we explore how everyday nutrition can powerfully support your neurodivergent child—and you too. Lucinda Miller is a naturopath, founder of NatureDoc, and author of Brain Brilliance. She has worked with over 11,000 families—many raising autistic, ADHD, PDA, or sensory-sensitive kids.She joins us today to share bite-sized, practical tools to improve brain health using food, supplements, and simple routines. In this episode, Lucinda shares:Why neurodivergent brains are both brilliant and delicateFour foundational nutrients every ND family should know aboutHow to spot signs of deficiency in everyday behaviorsSimple nutrition hacks for picky eaters, anxious kids, and sensory avoidersReal-life tips for stressed-out, sleep-deprived parentsWe talk about brain health for neurodivergent children, including how nutrition impacts emotional regulation, sensory sensitivity, and executive function. We explore the roles of Omega-3, magnesium, iron, and zinc in supporting ADHD, PDA, and autistic kids, and how to make changes even with selective eaters. Lucinda also shares why so many families benefit from gut health testing, what signs to look for when nutrients are low, and how mothers can also support their own brains in the process. TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODEA high-protein breakfast is one of the most effective ways to support a neurodivergent brain.Omega-3s are critical for executive function and emotional regulation—and most kids don’t get enough.Magnesium can help with anxiety, sleep, and constipation, and is easily absorbed through Epsom salt baths.Low iron levels are often linked to selective mutism, low energy, and sensory mouth behaviors like chewing on shirts.Zinc can reduce emotional eating, food refusal, and social withdrawal.Neurodivergent brains are incredible—but they often require more support to thrive.Parents' brain health matters too—foggy thinking, burnout, and overwhelm can be eased through nutrition. Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! Click here to subscribe. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokWebsite Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    40 mins
  • Helping Neurodivergent Kids Communicate: Speech Cards, Selective Mutism & the Find Your Voice App

    Helping Neurodivergent Kids Communicate: Speech Cards, Selective Mutism & the Find Your Voice App
    Jul 10 2025
    Did you know that some autistic and PDA children can speak—but sometimes just can’t? In these moments of shutdown, anxiety, or selective mutism, words disappear, but the need to communicate remains.In this episode, we explore a tool that’s quietly changing the game for families navigating nonverbal moments with their kids.Meet Tara and Steve Harnwell-Jones—parents, creatives, and the team behind Find Your Voice, a communication card set and app designed for children who are non-speaking or selectively mute. In this episode, they share:How their daughter’s struggle to speak during PDA-driven anxiety led to designing a new kind of communication toolWhy most tools felt too “childish” or hard to decode, and how they fixed thatThe unexpected way their app is helping not just kids—but teens, adults, and even stroke survivorsWhat makes this resource so accessible, universal, and effectiveHow design, dignity, and simplicity can unlock powerful communicationThis episode covers the power of visual communication tools for nonverbal children, the daily realities of parenting an autistic or PDA child, and the role of design in creating something children actually want to use. We explore selective mutism, emotional regulation during meltdowns, and why traditional speech cards often fall short. You’ll hear how Tara and Steve turned their family’s need into a resource that supports children, teens, and even adults through anxiety and shutdowns—whether at home, in school, or in public spaces. You don’t have to be completely nonverbal to need communication tools—many kids freeze or shut down during anxiety.The Find Your Voice app and card system acts as a bridge, helping kids break through the “stuck” moments.Simple, cool design isn’t just aesthetic—it builds dignity and increases use, especially for older children.These tools are now helping adults too, including those with stroke recovery or anxiety.Communication isn't just about speaking—it's about being understood and feeling safe.The best solutions are often born from lived experience and a little bit of DIY courage. Maybe you aren't traveling at the moment but are still looking for fun (& easy) activities to do. Check out t⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠he sensory play guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ that I have created back with 50 fun (& tested) activities all with things you have at in your house. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check it out here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! ⁠Click here to join⁠.⁠Sign up to our newsletter⁠ where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world. You can know get the episodes on YouTube! ⁠Click here to subscribe⁠. Follow the show on all the socials @theunfinishedidea - look for the brain! ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    26 mins
No reviews yet