Parenting Autism and ADHD

About Parenting Autism and ADHD

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.

Publisher

Cliff Kilmister

Category

education · health & fitness · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

25 Apr 2025

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

72 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Oct 2026

   Channel 4's The Great ADHD Myth: The Inside Story On What They Didn't Show with Sarah Warley

   Sarah Warley joins us to discuss her experience with appearing on Channel 4’s controversial documentary The Great ADHD Myth, including the last-minute title change, why so much of her contribution never made it into the programme, what was cut and the debate it sparked across the ADHD community. We talk about why diagnosis should be the start of the journey, not the end; possible links between the Moro reflex and sensory overwhelm; and how nutrition and other biological factors may influence symptoms. Sarah also shares practical ideas from her CARE framework, discusses medication alongside other approaches, and reflects on why neurodivergent strengths may matter even more in the age of AI. Sarah, founder of The Key Clinic, has spent more than a decade helping families explore evidence-based support. She knows that every person is different, and that understanding what’s behind that particular person´s difficulties is an effective way to move forward Whether you're a parent, neurodivergent yourself, or simply trying to understand ADHD better, this conversation is packed with practical ideas and hope. EPISODE REVEALS The debate around ADHD has started to become so polarised that the people actually living with neurodivergence are at risk of being lost in the middle. A diagnosis should be a starting point, not a verdict. There are many potential underlying contributors that are worth investigating, including sensory sensitivities, retained reflexes, gut health related issues and nutrient imbalances. Neurodivergent brains have strengths e.g. creativity, the ability to think laterally and big-picture thinking. We need to get better at recognising and leveraging those strengths. Just because someone has a diagnosis doesn’t mean their difficulties are set in stone. The goal isn’t to change who they are, but to remove the barriers getting in their way. BEST MOMENTS “I thought, well, this is good. You know, we can talk about all those different things. That's not what happened. I mean, oh my goodness! At the 11th hour, they changed the name of it to the Great ADHD Myth.” "We're not trying to cure someone, we're not trying to fix someone, but we're trying to remove the bits that are getting in the way of them being able to be their best selves.” "Don't try and be perfectionist. Start with where you're at." ABOUT THE GUEST https://bebright.ai https://www.thekeyclinic.co.uk/ RESOURCES Famisafe Parental control App Link: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: Real-World Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids Who Shut Down, Refuse School, or Just Stop communicating with you: https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff 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! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

2. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Is ADHD even a Disorder? — With Hypnotherapist Chris Marsh

   In this fascinating episode, I’m joined by Chris Marsh, an ADHD specialist, root cause therapist and fellow neurodivergent thinker, for a deep conversation about ADHD, trauma, anxiety, productivity, healing and what it really means to be “normal.” We explore why so many neurodiverse people spend their lives feeling like they’re getting things wrong - particularly at school and work - and how years of negative feedback can create anxiety, people-pleasing, imposter syndrome and low self-worth. We discuss procrastination, hyperfocus, creativity, meditation, hypnosis and the subconscious mind, including how Chris uses root-cause therapy to help people understand and change deeply embedded patterns. Before venturing into the spiritual side of things with past-life regression, shamanic healing, meditation experiences and cacao ceremonies. This is a conversation about finding ways to work with yourself rather than constantly fighting against yourself. EPISODE REVEALS Procrastination isn’t laziness. It’s a natural signal that your fast-switching brain needs a timeout to clear gridlock and unlock creative flow. Root causes sit in the subconscious. Talking therapy rationalises experiences - real shifts happen at a subconscious level where protective fear patterns can finally be released. World-changing innovation comes from diverse thinking. Breakthroughs require someone to look at established wisdom, refuse to accept it, and obsessively hyperfocus on a new idea until they determine whether it works. Meditation gives your brain the chance to reset. Hypnosis goes even deeper and Reiki can help your body as well as your brain to deeply reset. A neurodiverse brain isn't built for flatline productivity. Forcing a 9-to-5 output ignores how an ADHD mind works. Engaging the body with activities like running or gym work distracts the conscious mind, letting the subconscious untangle complex problems. BEST MOMENTS “It's only considered disordered because it doesn't fit in with the societal expectations” “Find your way of doing stuff, your normal” "People are either in suffering or healing...until you make that choice it won´t work." “I fixed more problems running down the canal than I did sat at my desk” ABOUT THE GUEST linkedin.com/in/chris-marsh-7678b64 www.developlink.com email: chris.marsh@developlink.com www.facebook.com/DevelopLinkwww.instagram.com/developlink_uk/ Helen Valentino episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thriving-not-surviving-rsd-burnout-and-gentle-adhd/id1810681675?i=1000751281425&l=vi RESOURCES Famisafe Parental control App Link: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: Real-World Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids Who Shut Down, Refuse School, or Just Stop communicating with you: https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff at: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff 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. 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! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

3. 

   23 Sept 2026

   The Communication Mistake That Leaves Autistic Children and Adults Feeling Misread and Unseen with Sam Loprete

   In this episode I sit down with autism coach Sam Loprete to talk about growing up undiagnosed, feeling “odd but not sure why,” and only later discovering you have ADHD. We swap stories about childhood moments that were seen as shyness or bad behaviour, but were really signs of overwhelm, unclear rules, and needs no one thought of. Sam explains how simple curiosity from others in your life at the right time can change everything, and why being truly listened to is so powerful for autistic adults. We also look at masking as a choice rather than a rule and share practical ways to catch harsh self-talk and replace it with kinder, more accurate thoughts, for yourself or for your child. EPISODE REVEALS You’re not broken; there are reasons for your behaviour. Overwhelm, unclear rules, or your social battery running low often explains shutdown or odd behaviour. Having someone who is calm, curious, and non-judgmental to listen to you help you untangle your thoughts and identify what really matters for you makes a huge difference. When your brain is being mean and attacking you, gently challenge it instead of letting it run the show. Think about when masking genuinely helps you and when it costs too much energy. Masking is exhausting so deciding whether to continue to use it and in what circumstances helps. Do your best to meet others halfway to help close the communication gap. But be honest about how much bandwidth you have and remember that it won’t always work perfectly (and that’s okay). BEST MOMENTS “I spent a lot of time needlessly hating myself or not understanding what was happening.” “Thank your brain - it may not feel like it, but your brain is trying to keep you safe.” “You can't do it when the meltdown or the shutdown is in place. You've got to strike while the iron's cold." ABOUT THE GUEST Sam Loprete helps autistic adults and chronic overthinkers sort through too many thoughts, find the issue that actually matters, and choose a next move that makes sense to them. You can bring him any decision, conflict, problem, or mental pile without organizing it first; Sam listens closely, asks direct questions, reflects patterns, and helps you separate facts from fears, assumptions, values, and expectations. He doesn’t diagnose or tell you how to live. Sam works with autistic you in a flexible, collaborative way, adjusting to fit how your mind works. samloprete10792@gmail.com https://calendly.com/samloprete10792/free-1-hour-discovery-call RESOURCES Famisafe Parental control App Link: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: Real-World Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids Who Shut Down, Refuse School, or Just Stop communicating with you: https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff 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. 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! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Who has been a guest on Parenting Autism and ADHD

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Chris Duff
• Eva Kilmister
• Colin Etches
• Wendy Murphy

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.7 / 5

3 ratings

Contact Parenting Autism and ADHD

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Shows with a similar audience

• 

  Meet My Autistic Brain

• 

  ADHD Chatter

• 

  Your Anxiety Toolkit - Anxiety & OCD Strategies for Everyday

• 

  Neurodiversity Podcast

• 

  Attuned Spectrum: Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Autism Parenting Support | Low Demand Parenting

• 

  The Rest Is History

Questions about Parenting Autism and ADHD