Neuroshambles
Neuroshambles is a UK parenting podcast about raising neurodivergent children. Hosted by lapsed comedian Mark Allen, this show explores autism parenting, ADHD, PDA, SEND, school struggles, family life and parental wellbeing through honest, relatable conversations - often with a healthy dose of humour, but always grounded in lived experience.
Mark is raising three neurodivergent children and chats with parents, carers, advocates and professionals about the everyday challenges some families face. These aren’t lectures or masterclasses, but candid tales from the front line of parenting neurodivergent kids, as guests swap stories about what works for them - and just as importantly, what definitely doesn’t. Topics range from meltdowns, PDA-related demand avoidance and dealing with authorities, to holidays, mealtimes and the logistical chaos of daily life.
Neuroshambles is for UK parents and carers who want something that feels human - supportive without being preachy, practical without being clinical. The aim isn’t to provide all the answers, but to shine a light on the absurdities and difficulties of a family life shaped by neurodivergence, offering connection, reassurance and the comfort of knowing you’re not the only one struggling to make sense of things.
New episodes are released fortnightly.
Check out more information on the Neuroshambles website: www.neuroshambles.com
Listen on:
Episodes
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Shopping - whether it’s for clothes, food or shoes - can be a sensory, emotional and logistical nightmare when you’re parenting autistic or ADHD children. Helen Stuart joins Mark to discuss why “just popping to the shops” is a long-held pipedream.
They share tales from the front line of their own shopping trip traumas, and discuss how sensory overload, PDA, and unpredictable environments make supermarkets and shopping centres feel like hostile territory.
Helen explains the practical steps her family takes to get through it - and when they just opt out entirely. Mark shares how even a trip to the corner shop has to be planned like a military operation, and how public perception adds a whole extra layer of pressure.
A funny, honest episode that every neurodivergent parenting family will relate to.
STUFF WE COVER:
00:00 – Intro & Listener Feedback02:00 – Meet the Guest: Helen Stuart06:00 – Topic of the Week: Shopping13:00 – Why Supermarkets Are Sensory Torture19:00 – The Emotional Toll of Trolleys and Comments25:00 – PDA Autonomy, Meltdowns, and the Elsa Cup Incident33:00 – Supermarket Sweep, PDA-Style39:00 – Self-Checkouts vs Human Interaction45:00 – Clothing & Footwear Battles52:00 – Lush, Libraries and Return Rage59:00 – When Book Tokens Become a Poisoned Chalice1:04:00 – The Positives (Yes, Really!)1:10:00 – Neurodiversity Champions1:16:00 – Tiny Epic Wins1:20:00 – What the Flip? Moments1:23:00 – Wrap-Up & Thrive Together Info
LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
PDA Society - Support and resources for families living with a PDA profile: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk
Supermarket Sweep - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarket_Sweep_(British_game_show)
Sunflower Lanyard Scheme - For invisible disabilities: https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com
Waterstones Book Tokens - https://www.waterstones.com/help/gift-cards-and-vouchers/32
H&M - https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/kids.html
Skechers - https://www.skechers.co.uk/kids/
Lindsay's Swim School - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063580090089&sk=about
Nelson Street Church, Rochdale - https://www.nelsonstreetchurch.org/
Thrive Together Training website – https://thrivetogethertraining.co.uk
Thrive Together Training Facebook page – www.facebook.com/thrivetogethertraining
Thrive Together Training Instagram account – www.instagram.com/thrivetogethertraining
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CONTACT US
🎧 Do you have a “What the flip?” moment or a tiny epic win to share?📧 Email us: hello@neuroshambles.com
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FOLLOW US
📸 Instagram: @neuroshambles🎵 TikTok: @neuroshamblespod📘 Facebook: Neuroshambles🧵 Threads: @neuroshambles
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CREDITS
🎶 Theme tune by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Starting school is a big deal for any child – but for neurodivergent children, it can be the beginning of a long and complicated relationship with the education system. Mark is joined by Helen Daniel to explore what happens when the school system isn’t built for your child.
They discuss transitions, sensory overload, academic gaslighting and the slow-burning isolation that builds in the school playground (for kids and parents alike), as they dissect the emotional rollercoaster of watching your child struggle in a system not built for them.
Together, they share tips for advocating for your child while staying sane – and what they wish they’d known from the beginning.
If you’re looking for an autism, ADHD or PDA parenting podcast episodes about starting school, this one is essential listening.
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STUFF WE COVER:00:00 – Intro & Listener Message01:45 – Meet the Guest: Helen Daniel06:00 – Topic of the Week: Early Years & School21:00 – Sensory Profiles and Unrealistic Expectations34:00 – ND Communication Styles & Social Hierarchies47:00 – Parent Isolation and Drop-Off Struggles56:30 – School Pickup Dread & Neurodivergent Burnout1:03:00 – What Needs to Change in Education1:04:45 – Neurodiversity Champions1:09:00 – Tiny Epic Wins1:14:00 – What the Flip? Moments1:17:00 – Wrap-Up & Helen’s Book Plug
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LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:Outside the Box Sensory (Helen’s website for talks, training and resources) - https://outsidetheboxsensory.comFollow Helen on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/otbsensoryFollow Helen on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/outsidetheboxsensoryHelen’s book – Neurosensory Divergence: Autistic Languages and Inclusion (Amazon): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CV4PSMH7The Double Empathy Problem – Dr. Damian Milton: https://reframingautism.org.au/miltons-double-empathy-problem-a-summary-for-non-academicsHeidi Mavir Neuroshambles Empathy Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-avrx7-17af07cPete Wharmby Neuroshambles Masking Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-cke9u-18156f6Progressive Education – Resources for alternative provision and inclusive practice: https://www.progressiveeducation.orgGrove Neurodivergent Mentoring & Education – Interest-based communities for ND kids: https://www.gr0ve.org/Silent Disco - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_disco
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CONTACT US
🎧 Got a “What the flip?” moment or a tiny epic win to share?📧 Email us: hello@neuroshambles.com
⸻
FOLLOW US
📸 Instagram: @neuroshambles🎵 TikTok: @neuroshamblespod📘 Facebook: Neuroshambles🧵 Threads: @neuroshambles
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CREDITS
🎶 Theme tune by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Have you ever felt like the odd one out in your own family? In this episode, Mark chats with Kirsty Hockenhull, a fellow self-diagnosed neurotypical in the midst of a chaotic, neurodivergent household. They discuss how it feels to be the lone neurotypical in a family teeming with autism, ADHD, and PDA - touching on everything from helping them navigate everyday social conventions to how to cope when your emotional needs are the only ones not being accommodated for.
They discuss the challenges of bridging two worlds - interpreting “neurotypical” rules for neurodivergent loved ones, while also learning where those same social norms should be thrown out of the window altogether.
There are candid insights into parenting styles, navigating brutal honesty (“Mum, why are you so old?” or “Dad, you should iron your face!”), and the realisation that sometimes your greatest strength is simply having enough “spoons” to hold it all together.
A light-hearted but deeply affirming neurodivergent parenting podcast episode for mixed-neurotype families.
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LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:Pizza Express - https://www.pizzaexpress.com/The Great Escape - https://greatescapefestival.com/Wife Swap - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wife_Swap_(British_TV_series)Gorilla Gym - https://amzn.eu/d/bpK6C0GAngela Barnes – https://www.angelabarnescomedy.co.uk/The Stimming Pool - https://www.thestimmingpool.com/Electric Palace Cinema, Hastings - https://www.electricpalacecinema.com/Lucy Bronze – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xriJ8wZm1w4
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CONTACT US
If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics, suggestions for neurodiversity champions, or any “What the flip?” moments you’d like to share, feel free to email us:
hello@neuroshambles.com
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FOLLOW USInstagram: instagram.com/neuroshamblesTikTok: tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespodFacebook: facebook.com/NeuroshamblesThreads: threads.net/@neuroshambles
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CREDITS
The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay:https://pixabay.com/
Thank you for listening and being part of the Neuroshambles community. If you enjoyed this episode, please tell a friend, leave a review, or share it on social media. Have a nice life!
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
What happens when you hit a wall, and there’s no one around to help you up again? Liz Evans joins Mark to talk about parental burnout: what it looks like, why it’s so common, and the stigma around admitting you're not coping.
Liz discusses her own experiences of parental burnout, and shares her knowledge of how to spot the signs of impending burnout, before offering guidance on strategies we can implement to avoid it happening to us - because let's face it, many parents of autistic and ADHD children are constantly dancing around the edges of it.
This one’s a lifeline for exhausted parents of neurodivergent kids who have been in survival mode for far too long.
LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
Together For Send Conference, Bristol - https://www.bristolparentcarers.org.uk/events/togetherforsend2025/
The Untypical OT website - https://the-untypical-ot.co.uk/
The Untypical OT podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/0L6K6RwcErY5Z9tggI40F3?si=d32fc06ab7ca4c60
The Untypical OT podcast (Heidi Mavir episode) - https://open.spotify.com/episode/49CtSzTKt8WStCL6bo8d5h?si=gVjZWlSgSj23eHJoMIGxWA
Workplace Burnout - https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases
Brené Brown short film on Empathy - https://youtu.be/1Evwgu369Jw?si=nRHnjrN2pb4jZ-W7
Super Good Bikers For Autism - https://www.supergoodbikersforautism.com/
The Stimming Pool - https://www.thestimmingpool.com/
CONTACT US
If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics, suggestions for neurodiversity champions or any "What the flip?" moments you'd like to share, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.comFOLLOW US
Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles
Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshamblesCREDITS
The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Despite what some people believe, getting an autism or ADHD diagnosis for your child is far from straightforward. It's a frustrating, emotional and exhausting journey - no matter which diagnosis pathway you travel.
In this special episode, Mark speaks to Tam, who is his former partner, current co-parent and long time friend. They discuss the diagnosis process of their three neuro-exceptional kids, who each followed completely different routes in the UK - from NHS/CAMHS and private diagnosis, to the "Right to Choose" pathway.
This is a uniquely intimate and candid episode, where both parents reflect on the emotional rollercoaster of seeking diagnoses for Jay (diagnosed autistic/ADHD), Otto (diagnosed autistic/ADHD) and India (suspected autistic/ADHD... until now).
By a strange quirk of fate, the recording date of this episode fell on the same day they received the results of India's autism assessment, so you can hear their reaction to this, just moments after receiving the news, as they consider what it now means for their family unit.
It’s a raw, informative and validating conversation - particularly for parents wondering if it’s worth pushing for that piece of paper.
LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
CAMHS - https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/your-guide-to-support/guide-to-camhs/
The Effra Clinic - https://www.effraclinic.co.uk/
Right To Choose - https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/your-choices-in-the-nhs/
All Dogs Have ADHD - https://amzn.eu/d/8Tzq6dj
All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum - https://amzn.eu/d/byZg2mQ
ADHDUK - https://adhduk.co.uk/
Heba App (formerly Hibi) - https://www.heba.care/
CONTACT US
If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics, suggestions for neurodiversity champions or any "What the flip?" moments you'd like to share, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.comFOLLOW US
Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles
Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshamblesCREDITS
The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Why do so many autistic and ADHD kids put on a brave face at school - only to melt down at home? Masking is a survival strategy for so many of our neurodivergent children. Pete Wharmby joins Mark to talk about why they do it, what the long terms affects are on their sense of self, and how we can help them unmask safely.
They explore the school environment, social pressures and internalised expectations that drive masking behaviour - often at great emotional cost.
Pete shares his personal journey of unmasking as an adult, and how he’s helping his own child feel accepted without having to perform. Mark reflects on the challenge of supporting a child who seems “fine” to outsiders – and the guilt that comes when parents question their own instincts.
If you’re looking for a neurodivergent parenting podcast episode that unpacks this essential topic with warmth, honesty and wisdom, this is it.
LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
Pete Wharmby's website - https://petewharmby.com/
"Untypical" by Pete Wharmby - https://amzn.eu/d/35cWwBh
Alexis Quinn - https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/stories/stories-from-the-spectrum-alexis-quinn
University of Edinburgh study in autistic communication with other autistics - https://salvesen-research.ed.ac.uk/our-projects/autistic-autistic-communication
Autistic code switching - https://myautismmind.com/autism-masking/
Autistic Girls Network - https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/
Lego hidden disabilities sunflower - https://hdsunflower.com/uk/insights/post/the-lego-group-joins-hidden-disabilities-sunflower
"What I Want To Talk About" by Pete Wharmby - https://amzn.eu/d/3HoKSt9
CONTACT US
If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics, suggestions for neurodiversity champions or any "What the flip?" moments you'd like to share, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.comFOLLOW US
Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles
Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshamblesCREDITS
The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
What do you do when you find out that you know more than the “experts” who are supposed to be helping you? In this episode, Mark is joined by Charlotte Mountford to talk about navigating services and seeking support for neurodivergent children.
This episode deals with the familiar frustration of having to deal with the professionals who are gatekeepers to the accommodations our neurodifferent kids need. From teachers, whose evidence you have to seek in order to get a diagnosis, to CAMHS specialists, GPs, occupational therapists and paediatricians - the list of professionals we need to interact with is dizzying.
Together, they also explore the disconnect between lived experience and professional expertise - and why parents so often become the real experts through necessity.
If you’re a parent of an autistic, ADHD or PDA child and have ever come away from a meeting less supported than when you went in, this episode is for you.
LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
"Outliers: The Story of Success" by Malcolm Gladwell - https://amzn.eu/d/91hZpN4
Dean Beadle Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/deanbeadlespeaker/
Dean Beadle Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dean.beadlespeaker
Dan Beadle YouTube - https://youtube.com/@deanbeadleuk
Eliza Fricker - https://missingthemark.co.uk/
Kieran Rose - https://theautisticadvocate.com/
"Bilal's Bad Day" by Neelum Khan - https://amzn.eu/d/5amH9zO
"Neurotypicals don't juggle chainsaws" podcast - https://neurotypicalsdontjugglechainsaws.co.uk/
Liz Evans: The Untypical OT - https://the-untypical-ot.co.uk/
Badger Education Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/badger.educationBadger Education Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Badger.Education.Inclusive.SupportsBadger Education Free PDF - https://badger-education.co.uk/reasonable-adjustments-opt-in-2893
CONTACT US
If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics, suggestions for neurodiversity champions or any "What the flip?" moments you'd like to share, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.comFOLLOW US
Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles
Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshamblesCREDITS
The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
Why do simple hygiene routines, like brushing teeth or taking a bath, feel like impossible mountains to climb when you're raising ADHD, autistic or PDA kids? Rebecca Huseyin joins Mark to discuss one of the most frustrating (and least talked about) aspects of neurodivergent parenting: personal hygiene.
They explore how sensory sensitivities, executive dysfunction, and demand avoidance can turn everyday tasks into full-blown standoffs. Rebecca shares her own experiences with honesty and humour, and how she’s adapted her expectations to support her child.
They swap tales of the ludicrous lengths they go to when trying to navigate personal hygiene tasks, such as cleaning hands, wiping faces, brushing teeth, having baths, cutting fingernails and wiping bums.
There are some hilarious anecdotes about the lengths to which Mark and Rebecca go to encourage their kids to engage in hygiene tasks - from fake drowning them in the bath, cleaning their teeth like a Victorian ghost and introducing the concept of "special dry".
LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
The Lighter Side of PDA Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/LighterPDA/
Rebecca Huseyin blog (A Boy Less Ordinary) - https://aboylessordinary.com/
SENDIASS - (Google for your local county SENDIASS details)
PDA Society - https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/
Proprioception and Interoception: https://www.autismspeaks.org/sensory-issues
Oranurse unflavoured toothpaste - https://oranurse.co.uk/unflavoured-toothpaste/
Little teeth toothpaste - https://www.aquafresh.com/en-gb/our-products/kids-oral-care/little-teeth-toothpaste/
Big teeth toothpaste - https://www.aquafresh.com/en-gb/our-products/kids-oral-care/big-teeth-toothpaste/
The Prism Cat - https://linktr.ee/KyraChambers
Tesco Mobile Sensory Box - https://bettersociety.net/tesco-mobile-sensory-box.php
Insanity Arcade, Poole - https://www.insanityarcade.com/home
CONTACT US
If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics, suggestions for neurodiversity champions or any "What the flip?" moments you'd like to share, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.comFOLLOW US
Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles
Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshamblesCREDITS
The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Mark welcomes back the phenomenal Heidi Mavir, who is an author, a neurodivergent advocate, activist, public speaker and Mum of a neurodifferent son (20, diagnosed autistic with a tic disorder, as well as suspected dyslexia and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome). They pick up on a topic they very briefly touched on in the previous episode they recorded, which is whether there's any truth to the commonly-held belief that autistics don't feel empathy (spoiler alert - that view is abject nonsense).
They dissect the very concept of empathy to try and understand why it's viewed as so important to neurotypicals, what "the double empathy problem" is and why our kids' way of displaying and responding to empathy is so varied.
This is a genuinely insightful episode that gives a lot of food for thought when considering whether our own kids are able to feel empathy.
LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
Heidi Mavir EOTAS Matters website - https://www.heidimavir.com/
"Your Child Is Not Broken" by Heidi Mavir - https://amzn.eu/d/8di4y0X
"Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things?" by Pierre Novellie - https://amzn.eu/d/fd51tDR
"How To Win Friends and Influence People" - https://amzn.eu/d/fd51tDR
The Double Empathy Problem - https://reframingautism.org.au/miltons-double-empathy-problem-a-summary-for-non-academics/
"I Didn't See You There" by Charlotte Gail - https://amzn.to/3PUk4n1
Sesame Street Introduce Autistic Character - https://youtu.be/dKCdV20zLMs
Muppet Christmas Carol - https://youtu.be/JXaVI60BFJM
Heidi Mavir on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@heidimavir
CONTACT US
If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics, suggestions for neurodiversity champions or any "What the flip?" moments you'd like to share, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.comFOLLOW US
Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles
Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshamblesCREDITS
The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Should you medicate your child? And how do you cope with the guilt, fear and stigma that comes with making that decision? Danielle Jata-Hall joins Mark for a candid, compassionate and non-judgemental chat about medication.
They discuss the medication journeys they've been on with their own kids, from overcoming their initial misgivings and dealing with the judgement of others, to the administrative nightmare of trying to get medication prescribed by medical professionals.
Danielle also bravely opens up about her infuriating experience of being accused of FII (Fabricated and Induced Illness) by the very people she'd turned to for help.
A vital episode for any parent navigating medication options and craving reassurance that they’re not alone.
LINKS TO STUFF WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE:
"The Journey Into S.E.N.D Fatherhood" book - https://amzn.eu/d/0qwN0il
Danielle Jata-Hall blog - https://pdaparenting.com/
Newbold Hope - https://www.newboldhope.com/
FII (Fabricated or Induced Illness) - https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/fabricated-or-induced-illness/overview/
"The Parent's Guide to ADHD Medicines" book - https://amzn.eu/d/i2e73JM
Shared Care - https://www.england.nhs.uk/medicines-2/regional-medicines-optimisation-committees-advice/shared-care-protocols/
"I'm Not Upside Down, I'm Downside Up" book - https://amzn.eu/d/avsMxy2
"Black Rainbow" book - https://amzn.eu/d/he1Nd8K
"Steph's Two Girls" blog with tips on getting your child to take medication - https://www.stephstwogirls.co.uk/2020/01/top-tips-when-your-child-wont-take.html
"A boy less ordinary" blog - https://aboylessordinary.com/
CONTACT US
If you have any feedback about the show, ideas for topics or suggestions for neurodiversity champions you'd like us to give a shout out to, you can email: hello@neuroshambles.comFOLLOW US
Instagram: www.instagram.com/neuroshambles
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@neuroshamblespod
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Neuroshambles
Threads: www.threads.net/@neuroshamblesCREDITS
The Neuroshambles theme tune was created by Skilsel on Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/